bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimization of Maximum Lift to Drag Ratio on Airfoil Design Based on Artificial Neural Network Utilizing Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Haryanto Ismoyo , Utomo Tony Suryo , Sinaga Nazaruddin , Rosalia Citra Asti , Putra Aditya Pratama
Published: January 2014

. This paper deals with an alternative design method of airfoil for wind turbine blade for low wind speed based on combination of smart computing and numerical optimization. In this work, a simulation of Artificial Neural Network (ANN) for determining the relation between airfoil geometry and its aerodynamic characteristics was conducted. First, several airfoil geometries were generated through transformation of complex variables (Joukowski transformation), and then lift and drag coefficients of each airfoil were determined using CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics). In present study, the ANN training was conducted using airfoil geometry and its aerodynamic characteristics as input and output, respectively. Therefore, lift and drag coefficients can be directly determined only by giving the airfoil geometry without having to perform wind tunnel experiment or numerical computation. Moreover, the optimization was conducted to obtain an airfoil geometry which gives maximum lift to drag ratio (CL/CD) for specific Reynolds number. For this purpose Genetic Algorithm (GA) was applied as optimizer. The results were validated using commercial CFD and it can be shown that the result are satisfactory with error approximately of 6%.
Modeling, Prototyping and Testing of Regenerative Electromagnetic Shock Absorber
Authors: Sultoni Arif Indro , Sutantra I Nyoman , Pramono Agus Sigit
Published: January 2014

It is well fact known that automobiles are inefficient, wasting over 74% of energy stored in fuel as a heat. One important loss is the dissipation of vibration energy by shock absorbers in the vehicle suspension under the excitation of road irregularity and vehicle acceleration or deceleration. In this paper we design, characterize and test a regenerative electromagnetic shock absorber which can effectively recover the vibration from the road irregularity. Regeneration energy is main purpose of the design without omit vehicle comfort and handling. The dynamic model of the entire system of the electromagnetic shock absorber was proposed and described. The performance of the electric shock absorber obtained from simulations was compared toward the experiment results. Refers to the simulation, a quarter car will be able to harvest 45 Watt average power while passing C class roads with 50 km/h vehicle speed. A peak power of 45 Watt and average power of 11.43 Watt are attained from the prototype when oscillating speed of bench test at 0.1 m/s, the RMS value of suspension velocity when vehicle pass C class road with speed 50 km/h.
Numerical Study of Salat Movements for Total Hip Replacement Patient
Authors: Ismail Rifky , Saputra Eko , Tauviqirrahman Mohammad , Legowo A.B. , Anwar Iwan Budiwan , Jamari J.
Published: January 2014

Salat as a daily Muslim activitiy in praying contains several movements which are not suggested by orthopaedic doctor to be conducted by patient with total hip replacement (THR). Sujud and sitting are two movements in Salat which is recommended to be done above the chair for THR patients. There are lacks of scientific discussions about the consequences of the normal salat movement for Muslim THR patients. This paper observes the effect of these movements to the artificial hip joint in THR patient body. A three-dimensional finite element simulation is used to investigate the resisting moment, the contact pressure and the von Mises stress. An artificial hip joint model proposed by previous researcher is used in the simulations. The results show that sujud induces the impingement and plastic deformation whereas sitting is relatively safe to be conducted by THR patients. Some suggestions are also discussed with respect to the design of new artificial hip joint model which allows THR patients to conduct Salat in a normal way. The reduction of inset at the liner, the new profile at circumferential edge inner liner and the increase in the femoral head diameter can be considered as a guideline for new design of the artificial hip joint for Muslim.
Synthesis and Characterization of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles via Self-Combustion Technique
Authors: Puspitasari Poppy , Andoko Andoko , Sutadji Eddy
Published: January 2014

Zinc oxide (ZnO) is a unique material which has been used in many researches. However synthesizing nanosize ZnO remains a challenge. This deal with the preparation of ZnO nanoparticles was synthesized by a self-combustion technique. In the self-combustion technique, nanoparticles was obtained by heating the materials until the mixture combusts at 110°C. ZnO nanoparticles were synthesized from Zn (NO3)2.6H2O precursor observed in two different solvent. The first set of experiment involved dissolving Zn (NO3)2.6H2O in nitric acid (HNO3) and adding ZnO, whereas for the second Ethylene Glycol (C2H6O2) was used as the solvent. The material was stirred at 250 r.p.m continuously for 1 month and 3 days. The mixture was then heated up until it combusted at 110°C. Samples were then annealed at 400°C for 1 hour . The ZnO samples were characterized using X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Raman Spectroscopy, and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM). The XRD analysis showed major peak at 20-30 of 2 theta scale with [10, [00, and [10 plane of the wurtzite hexagonal structure for both sets of ZnO samples. Samples were observed at raman shift for 138 and 439 cm-1 and 141 and 443 cm-1 before and after annealing. Synthesized ZnO 1 resulted the morphology of single crystal nanorods with average dimensions of 18 nm wide and 154 nm long. ZnO 2 has obtained the morphology of single crystal nanosphere with average diameter of 30 nm.Keywords: Zinc Oxide, Ethylene Glycol, Self-Combustion Technique
The Material Properties of Different Zones of Joints Welded Using a Laser
Authors: Dzioba Ihor , Pala Tadeusz , Pała Robert
Published: January 2014

In the article the tests results of material properties of different zones of joints welded using a laser were presented. Measurements of hardness distributions and microstructure tests were performed, and the characteristics of fracture toughness and material strength were determined as well. On the basis of the obtained results, it was stated that the welded material and heat-affected zone have a generally higher level of material properties than the base material.
Effect of Stress Ratio on the Cumulative Value of Energy Dissipation
Authors: Ligaj Bogdan
Published: January 2014

Aim of this work is to analyze the stress-strain loops recorded during the study c45 steel under programmable stress for constant amplitude loads of the stress ratio: R = -2.0, R = -1.0 and R = -0.5. The results presented in the paper of cumulative plastic strain energy show that the nature of the relationship ΣΔWpl-N for loads of different values of stress ratio R is similar. Course of changes of relationship ΣΔWpl-N for loads with R = -0.5 and R = -2.0 shows a similar nature and range of changes in the value ΣΔWpl, despite significantly different parameters of load.
Verification of the Fatigue Test Method Applied with the Use of Mini Specimen
Authors: Tomaszewski Tomasz , Sempruch Janusz
Published: January 2014

In special situations the fatigue properties of the construction material can be determined using non-standard specimens, for example smaller than the normative ones (the so-called mini specimens). The research presented was made for the aluminum alloy based on the high-cycle fatigue testing methodology. The verification was made by breaking down the results with own tests which involved the use of standard specimens and stands as well as with the literature reports.
High Power Actuator Based on Magnetostrictive Composite Core with Temperature Drift Compensation
Authors: Kaleta Jerzy , Kot Krzysztof , Mech Rafał , Wiewiorski Przemyslaw
Published: January 2014

The paper presents an actuator based on a coil placed in the casing, with specially prepared connection rods. The construction allows installation of the fiber Bragg grating sensors inside the coil. It allows to measure deformation of the composite that is located in the core of the coil. Thanks to the signal generation with use of DASYLab software, it is possible to precisely control the frequency, value of amplitude excitation and to send the signal to the system with use of the measurement card. The main goal of the experiment is to keep constant value of deformation, by means of a feedback loop with use of PID control, and to change the initial conditions of the test by change of the external force. The system is designed to return to the initial settings by appropriate control of the intensity of magnetic field, and thus the deformation of the sample.
Central Role of the PPARγ Gene Network in Coordinating Beef Cattle Intramuscular Adipogenesis in Response to Weaning Age and Nutrition
Authors: Moisá Sonia J. , Shike Daniel W. , Faulkner Dan B. , Meteer William T. , Keisler Duane , Loor Juan J.
Published: January 2014

Adipogenic/lipogenic transcriptional networks regulating intramuscular fat deposition (IMF) in response to weaning age and dietary starch level were studied. The longissimus muscle (LM) of beef steers on an early weaning (141 days age) plus high-starch diet (EWS) or a normal weaning (NW, 222 days age) plus starch creep-feed diet (CFS) was biopsied at 0 (EW), 25, 50, 96 (NW), 167, and 222 (pre-slaughter) days. Expression patterns of 35 target genes were studied. From NW through slaughter, all steers received the same high-starch diet. In EWS steers the expression of PPARG, other adipogenic ( CEBPA, ZFP423) and lipogenic ( THRSP, SREBF1, INSIG1) activators, and several enzymes ( FASN, SCD, ELOVL6, PCK1, DGAT2) that participate in the process of IMF increased gradually to a peak between 96 and 167 days on treatment. Steers in NW did not achieve similar expression levels even by 222 days on treatment, suggesting a blunted response even when fed a high-starch diet after weaning. High-starch feeding at an early age (EWS) triggers precocious and sustained adipogenesis, resulting in greater marbling.
Social Construction of Poverty in Ghana: A Structural Sociological Analysis
Authors: Boateng William
Published: January 2014

Poverty is a social construct largely based on the culture of poverty paradigm where the poor are blamed for their plight. Poverty constructed this way diverts attention from the social forces responsible for it. In order to thoroughly understand poverty in Ghana, therefore, we need to engage in the sociological imagination to see if poverty is a personal problem or a public issue. This paper aims to disprove the culture of poverty paradigm, which defines poverty as a personal problem, and redirect the attention to the macro social structure as the premise upon which poverty resides, thus making it an important public issue.The general objective of the paper is to use the macro sociological perspectives - functionalist, conflict, feminist, and postmodernist - to make a cogent case against the culture of poverty paradigm as basis for the social construction of poverty. Specifically, the paper identifies the social groups more susceptible to experience poverty in Ghana, the macro social forces responsible for their susceptibility, and propose feasible specific policy strategies to address poverty and the social pathologies tied to it.
Reaction of Copper(I) Nitrotetrazolate (DBX-1) with Sodium m-Periodate
Authors: Klapötke Thomas M. , Piercey Davin G. , Mehta Neha , Oyler Karl D. , Sabatini Jesse J.
Published: January 2014

The reaction of the lead-free primary explosive copper(I) 5-nitrotetrazolate (DBX-1) with sodium m-periodate yields a green precipitate of copper(II) iodate. The energetic properties of the copper(I) nitrotetrazolate starting material are lost since the nitrotetrazolate is removed into the aqueous phase during rinsing, leaving only non-explosive copper(II) iodate and copper(II) periodate. Based on the results of this investigation, the use of oxidizing components in DBX-1 formulations may be limited due to the readiness of copper(I) to be oxidized to copper(II).
Continental scale body wave tomography of India: Evidence for attrition and preservation of lithospheric roots
Authors: Singh Arun , Mercier J.‐P. , Ravi Kumar M. , Srinagesh D. , Chadha R. K.
Published: January 2014

We assemble P and S waveforms of 2301 teleseismic earthquakes registered at 413 broadband seismic stations spanning the Indian plate from the southern tip of India to the Himalayan collision belt and generate an accurate data set of 52,050 P and 30,423 S arrival times through the multichannel cross‐correlation approach. These traveltimes are then inverted to obtain 3‐D P and S velocity structures of the subcontinent at a 2° × 2° lateral resolution. The heterogeneous nature of the Indian lithospheric mantle revealed in this study suggests that the lithospheric roots are not uniformly thick on a regional scale. The key cratonic segments of the Indian shield are characterized by pockets of high velocity anomalies (∼3%) at shallow depths (<300 km), with the diamondiferous regions like Wajrakarur revealing high shear wave anomalies down to ∼300 km. In contrast to the southern Deccan volcanic province (DVP), the northwestern DVP is underlain by low velocity anomalies at similar depths suggesting that the upper mantle retains imprints of Deccan volcanism which was facilitated by the reactivation of the rift systems.
Understanding rate‐limiting processes for the sublimation of small molecule organic semiconductors
Authors: Morgan Nathan T. , Zhang Yi , Molitor Erich J. , Bell Bruce M. , Holmes Russell J. , Cussler E. L.
Published: January 2014

Organic small molecules continue to gain attention for application in light‐emitting devices in displays and solid‐state lighting. The purification of these materials by sublimation represents a critical obstacle for their high throughput processing. In this work, we find that the purification of the archetypical hole‐transporting material N,N′‐bis(naphthalen‐1‐yl)‐N,N′‐bis(phenyl)‐benzidine (α‐NPD) is controlled by a combination of viscous flow, Knudsen diffusion, and physical vapor deposition. In contrast with other commercially practiced sublimations, steps like diffusion within the solid feed, desorption from the feed particle surface, and mass transfer within the bed of feed particles, do not significantly affect the sublimation rate. This work provides guidelines for the large‐scale purification of organic semiconductor materials, and possibly for a broader range of high value small molecule specialty materials. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 60: 1347–1354, 2014
Malva sylvestris L. extract suppresses desferrioxamine‐induced PGE2 and PGD2 release in differentiated U937 cells: the development and validation of an LC‐MS/MS method for prostaglandin quantification
Authors: Martins Cleverson Antonio Ferreira , Weffort‐Santos Almeriane Maria , Gasparetto João Cleverson , Trindade Angela Cristina Leal Badaró , Otuki Michel Fleith , Pontarolo Roberto
Published: January 2014

Malva sylvestris is a species used worldwide as an alternative to anti‐inflammatory therapies; however, its mechanism of action remains unknown. In this paper, the anti‐inflammatory effects of M. sylvestris alcoholic extracts were evaluated by measuring the pro‐inflammatory mediators PGE2 and PGD2 in desferrioxamine‐stimulated phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate‐differentiated U937 cells. An HPLC‐DAD fingerprint of the M. sylvestris extract was performed and caffeic acid, ferulic acid and scopoletin were identified and quantified. An HPLC‐MS/MS method was developed and validated to separate and measure the prostaglandins. The lower limits of detection (~0.5 ng/mL for PGE2 and PGD2) and quantification (1.0 ng/mL for PGE2 and PGD2) indicated that the method is highly sensitive. The calibration curves showed excellent coefficients of correlation (r > 0.99) over the range of 1.0–500.0 ng/mL, and at different levels, the accuracy ranged from 96.4 to 106.4% with an RSD < 10.0% for the precision study. This method was successfully applied using U937‐d cells. A significant dose‐dependent reduction of PGE2 and PGD2 levels occurred using 10 µg/mL (10.74 ± 2.86 and 9.60 ± 6.89%) and 50 µg/mL of extract (48.37 ± 3.24 and 53.06 ± 6.15%), suggesting that the anti‐inflammatory mechanisms evoked by M. sylvestris may be related to modulation of these mediators. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
(Re)creating community: Experiences of Older Women Forcibly Relocated During Apartheid
Authors: Roos Vera , Kolobe Patricia Stockie , Keating Norah
Published: January 2014

This article explores sense of community with a group of older African women, who were forcibly relocated during apartheid. The situation of a marginalised group, with a history of disconnection from younger generations and from place, provides an opportunity to consider the relevance of community in later life. The research was conducted at a day centre for older people in the North West Province of South Africa, more than 50 years after forced relocations took place. Eleven older women (70 years and older) participated. Qualitative data were obtained through visual research methods and group discussions and were thematically analysed. Findings were that place and sense of belonging as well as elements of community were relevant. Participants reported limited connections to place in either childhood or current communities. Post relocation, a sense of belonging was expressed only in relation to a shared‐interest community of peers that addressed their needs for safety, emotional support and instrumental care. Also, generational relations were strained, giving rise to a sense of loss of a community where both young and old were responsible for each other. Constrained resource communities have a profound impact on opportunities to create a sense of belonging. © 2013 The Authors. Journal of Community & Applied Social Psychology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Hydrophilic polymer embolism induced acute transcatheter aortic valve thrombosis: A novel complication
Authors: Sanon Saurabh , Maleszewski Joseph J. , Rihal Charanjit S.
Published: January 2014

Hydrophilic polymer coated introducer sheaths and medical devices are widely used in interventional cardiology. Despite the potential procedural advantages that these provide, a risk of polymer embolization has been recently reported. We describe the first reported case of hydrophilic polymer induced acute transcatheter aortic valve thrombosis. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Temporal trends of fluoroscopy time and contrast utilization in coronary chronic total occlusion revascularization: Insights from a multicenter united states registry
Authors: Michael Tesfaldet T. , Karmpaliotis Dimitri , Brilakis Emmanouil S. , Alomar Mohammed , Abdullah Shuaib M. , Kirkland Ben L. , Mishoe Katrina L. , Lembo Nicholas , Kalynych Anna , Carlson Harold , Banerjee Subhash , Luna Michael , Lombardi William , Kandzari David E.
Published: January 2014

Background

The impact of operator experience on fluoroscopy time and contrast utilization during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of coronary chronic total occlusions (CTOs) has received limited study.

Methods

We evaluated temporal trends in fluoroscopy time and contrast utilization among 1,363 consecutive CTO PCIs performed at three US institutions between January 2006 and November 2011.

Results

Mean age was 65 ± 11 years, 85% of patients were men, 40% had diabetes, 37% had prior coronary artery bypass graft surgery, and 42% had prior PCI. The CTO target vessel was the right coronary artery (55%), circumflex (23%), left anterior descending artery (21%), and left main or bypass graft (1%). The retrograde approach was used in 34% of all procedures. The technical and procedural success rates were 85.5 and 84.2%, respectively. The mean procedural time, fluoroscopy time, and contrast utilization were 113 ± 61 min, 42 ± 29 min, and 294 ± 158 mL, respectively. Years since initiation of CTO PCI were independently associated with higher technical success rate (odds ratio [OR] = 1.52, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.52–1.70, P < 0.001), lower fluoroscopy time (OR = 0.84, 95% CI = 0.75–0.95, P = 0.005), and contrast utilization (OR = 0.84, 95% CI = 0.62–0.79, P < 0.001) during the study period.

Conclusions

Among selected US‐based institutions performing CTO PCI, we observed a significant reduction in total fluoroscopy time and contrast utilization paralleled with an improved technical success rate over time. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Expandable sheath for transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve replacement: Procedural outcomes and complications
Authors: Borz Bogdan , Durand Eric , Tron Christophe , Godin Matthieu , Canville Alexandre , Hauville Camille , Cribier Alain , Eltchaninoff Hélène
Published: January 2014

Aims

It is currently unknown whether the expandable sheath (e‐sheath) for transfemoral Edwards transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has a lower rate of access complications than the 18/19F fixed size sheath (f‐sheath). Our aim was to compare the incidence of procedural complications when using f‐sheath vs. e‐sheath during TAVR.

Methods

We included 162 consecutive patients, implanted with the Edwards SAPIEN XT valve in our center. Access closure was obtained with the Prostar system in all cases. E‐sheath was used in 80 patients (49%).

Results

Minimal ilio‐femoral diameter was comparable in e‐sheath and f‐sheath groups: 6.7 (6.1–7.7) vs. 7 (6.2–8) mm, P = 0.25, as was the frequency of peripheral artery disease: 12.5% vs. 13.4%, P = 1.0. VARC major vascular complications rate was similar in the 2 groups: e‐sheath 7 (8.8%) vs. f‐sheath 6 (7.3%), P = 0.74, as was the incidence of minor vascular complications: 8 (10%) vs. 14 (17.1%), P = 0.19, life‐threatening bleeding: 6 (7.5%) vs. 6 (7.3%), P = 0.96, major and minor bleeding and use of covered vascular stents: 9 (11%) vs. 6 (7.5%), P = 0.59.

Conclusions

The e‐sheath for TAVR with the Edwards valve did not show an advantage over the f‐sheath in reducing vascular and bleeding complications. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
SYNTAX score and the risk of stent thrombosis after percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with non‐ST‐segment elevation acute coronary syndromes: An ACUITY trial substudy
Authors: Yadav Mayank , Généreux Philippe , Palmerini Tullio , Caixeta Adriano , Madhavan Mahesh V. , Xu Ke , Brener Sorin J. , Mehran Roxana , Stone Gregg W.
Published: January 2014

Objective

We sought to investigate the relationship between the SYNTAX score (SS) and stent thrombosis (ST) in patients with non‐ST‐segment elevation acute coronary syndromes (NSTE‐ACS) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Background

The relationship between the SS and ST is undetermined.

Methods

We stratified 2,627 patients undergoing PCI in the ACUITY trial by SS tertile according to the current population (true tertiles, SS <7, SS = 7–12, and SS >12) and by the SYNTAX trial (original SYNTAX tertiles, SS <23, SS = 23–32, and SS >32). Thirty‐day and 1‐year rates of definite/probable ST were determined for each tertile.

Results

A total 30 (1.1%) and 41 (1.6%) definite/probable ST events occurred by 30 days and 1 year, respectively. When stratified by true tertiles, 30‐day and 1‐year rates of definite/probable ST were significantly greater in the highest tertile (SS >12; 2.0% and 2.8%) compared with the intermediate (SS = 7–12; 0.7% and 1.1%) and lowest tertiles (SS <7; 0.6% and 0.7%), P = 0.007 and P = 0.0009, respectively. When stratified by original SYNTAX tertiles, 30‐day and 1‐year rates of definite/probable ST were significantly greater in the highest (SS >32; 6.3% and 8.8%) and intermediate tertiles (SS = 23–32; 2.8% and 3.7%) compared with the lowest tertile (SS < 22; 0.8% and 1.2%), P <0.0001 for both. By multivariable analysis, the SS was an independent predictor for both 30‐day and 1‐year definite/probable ST.

Conclusions

In patients with NSTE‐ACS undergoing PCI, the extent and severity of CAD, as assessed by the SS before revascularization, was strongly associated with the occurrence of ST both at 30 days and 1 year. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Controlled Formation of Free‐Flowing Carvedilol Particles in the Presence of Polyvinylpyrrolidone
Authors: Pataki Hajnalka , Soti Peter , Vigh Tamas , Nagy Zsombor K. , Vajna Balazs , Csontos Istvan , Marosi Gyorgy
Published: January 2014

Carvedilol precipitation by combined antisolvent‐cooling crystallization was performed in the presence of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) of different molecular weight. Drug emulsion was formed as a result of water addition and crystal growth occurred after cooling. In the absence of the additive, the kinetically preferred Form II polymorph crystallized while PVP facilitated the formation of the thermodynamically stable Form III (hemihydrate) polymorph. Crystallization was monitored by real‐time Raman spectrometry to indicate the polymorphic form and the endpoint of the process. The thermodynamic relationship between these polymorphs was established also by real‐time Raman spectrometry using ethanol and water as solvent mixture. In all cases, just a small amount of PVP, adsorbed on the crystal surface, was sufficient to affect the crystal form advantageously and induce excellent flowability of the products. The modification of crystal morphology assisted by the applied additives is ascribed to the altered way of crystal growth.
Reversible Dual‐Stimulus‐Responsive Luminescence and Color Switch of a Platinum Complex with 4‐[(2‐Trimethylsilyl)ethynyl]‐2,2′‐bipyridine
Authors: Ni Jun , Wang You‐Gui , Wang Hui‐Hui , Pan Yu‐Zhen , Xu Liang , Zhao Yan‐Qiu , Liu Xiao‐Yu , Zhang Jian‐Jun
Published: January 2014

The square‐planar diimine platinum(II) complex Pt(BpyC≡CSiMe3)(C≡CC6H5)2 (1, BpyC≡CSiMe3 = 4‐[(2‐trimethylsilyl)ethynyl]‐2,2′‐bipyridine) was prepared and characterized. In the solid state, 1 shows unusual reversible thermochromic and mechanochromic properties. When crystalline 1·2(CHCl3) is heated or ground, the bright yellow emission centered at ca. 544 (576, sh) nm changes to 722 nm, which corresponds to a thermo‐ and mechanochromic response redshift of ca. 146–178 nm. Once the heated or ground samples were exposed to organic vapors, they reverted to the original crystalline state, and the luminescence changed from red to yellow. The conversion between a triplet metal‐to‐ligand charge transfer/ligand‐to‐ligand charge transfer (3MLCT/3LLCT) emission state and a triplet metal–metal‐to‐ligand charge transfer (3MMLCT) state is the reason for the luminescence change.
Functional reorganization of brain networks in patients with painful chronic pancreatitis
Authors: Lelic D. , Olesen S.S. , Hansen T.M. , Valeriani M. , Drewes A.M.
Published: January 2014

Background

The underlying pain mechanisms of chronic pancreatitis (CP) are incompletely understood, but recent research points to involvement of pathological central nervous system processing involving pain‐relevant brain areas. We investigated the organization and connectivity of brain networks involved in nociceptive processing in patients with painful CP.

Methods

Contact heat‐evoked potentials (CHEPs) were recorded in 15 patients with CP and in 15 healthy volunteers. The upper abdominal area (sharing spinal innervation with the pancreatic gland) was used as a proxy of ‘pancreatic stimulation’, while stimulation of a heterologous region remote to the pancreas (right forearm) was used as a control. Subjective pain scores were assessed by visual analogue scale. The brain source organization and connectivity of CHEPs components were analysed.

Results

After pancreatic area stimulation, brain source analysis revealed abnormalities in the cingulate/operculo‐insular network. A posterior shift of the operculo‐insular source (p = 0.004) and an anterior shift of the cingulate source (p < 0.001) were seen in CP patients, along with a decreased strength of the cingulate source (p = 0.01). The operculo‐insular shift was positively correlated with the severity of patient clinical pain score (r = 0.61; p = 0.03). No differences in CHEPs characteristics or source localizations were seen following stimulation of the right forearm.

Conclusions

CP patients showed abnormal cerebral processing after stimulation of the upper abdominal area. These changes correlated to the severity of pain the patient was experiencing. Since the upper abdominal area shares spinal innervation with the pancreatic gland, these findings likely reflect maladaptive neuroplastic changes, which are characteristic of CP.
Definition of Novel Electrochemotherapy Parameters and Validation of their in Vitro and in Vivo Effectiveness
Authors: Spugnini Enrico P. , Melillo Alessandro , Quagliuolo Lucio , Boccellino Mariarosaria , Vincenzi Bruno , Pasquali Paola , Baldi Alfonso
Published: January 2014

Electrochemotherapy (ECT) is a cancer therapy that conjugates the administration of a chemotherapy agent to the delivery of permeabilizing pulses released singularly or as bursts. This approach results in higher number of anticancer molecules delivered to their biological targets, but is also associated to undesirable side effects such as pain and muscular contractions. A new electroporator delivering train of eight biphasic pulses at the voltage of 1,300 V/cm lasting 50 + 50 µsec each, with a frequency of 1 Hz, and with 10‐µsec interpulse intervals (total treatment time: 870 µsec/cm2 of treated area) was tested in vitro on the human lung cancer cell line A549 and in vivo, both in mice xenografts and privately owned rabbits with spontaneous tumors. The tumor cell line was treated with electroporation using the new parameters, that showed improved drug efficacy in causing cell death. Mice with chemoresistant xenografts were treated as well with either the new parameters and with a previous protocol, confirming the higher tolerability and efficacy of the novel parameters. Finally, a cohort of six pet rabbits with advanced skin neoplasms were enrolled in a compassionate trial using the new parameters in adjuvant fashion. In terms of efficacy, none of the rabbits experienced tumor recurrence, showing minimal discomfort during the ECT sessions. The data described, demonstrate that the new permeabilizing protocol adopting biphasic electric pulses displays a significant higher efficacy compared to previous ECT treatments and substantial reduction of the associated morbidity. J. Cell. Physiol. 229: 1177–1181, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
C2–C4 hydrocarbons synthesis from syngas over CuO–ZnO–Al2O3/SAPO‐34 bifunctional catalyst
Authors: Chen Yanping , Xu Yiming , Cheng Dang‐guo , Chen Yingcai , Chen Fengqiu , Lu Xiaoyong , Huang Yiping , Ni Songbo
Published: January 2014

BACKGROUND

The synthesis of C2–C4 hydrocarbons from coal or biomass‐derived syngas has received increasing attention because of the resource constraints of petroleum. The present study explores direct production of hydrocarbons from syngas over bifunctional catalyst containing methanol synthesis catalyst CuO–ZnO–Al2O3 (CZA) and SAPO‐34 zeolite.

RESULTS

The synthesis of C2–C4 hydrocarbons from syngas was investigated over CZA/SAPO‐34 bifunctional catalyst at temperatures ranging from 240 to 440°C. The results indicate that higher temperatures aggregate Cu metal and lead to the deactivation of CZA. The predominant products are dimethyl ether (DME) and methanol at temperatures from 280 to 360°C and a small amount of hydrocarbons are found due to the deactivation of SAPO‐34 caused by a type of coke named ‘inert coke’. While 96.5% selectivity of C2–C4 hydrocarbons in products of all hydrocarbons can be obtained at 400°C with less coke named ‘active coke’.

CONCLUSION

Reaction temperatures have significant effect on the selectivity of C2–C4 hydrocarbons and coke species of SAPO‐34. The ‘active coke’ of poly methyl‐substituted benzene/naphthalene (MB/MN) acts both as an intermediate and as coke deposition. The ‘inert coke’ of poly methyl‐substituted adamantine (MA) and other groups‐substituted benzene/naphthalene acts only as coke depositions. Comprehensive consideration of the characteristics of this bifunctional catalyst, shows that a moderate temperature for C2–C4 hydrocarbons synthesis from syngas might be approximately 400°C. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Production, characterization, and identification using proteomic tools of a polygalacturonase from Fusarium graminearum
Authors: Ortega Leonel M. , Kikot Gisele E. , Rojas Natalia L. , López Laura M. I. , Astoreca Andrea L. , Alconada Teresa M.
Published: January 2014

Since enzymatic degradation is a mechanism or component of the aggressiveness of a pathogen, enzymatic activities from a Fusarium graminearum isolate obtained from infected wheat spikes of Argentina Pampa region were studied in order to understand the disease progression, tending to help disease control. In particular, the significance of the study of polygalacturonase activity is based on that such activity is produced in the early stages of infection on the host, suggesting a crucial role in the establishment of disease. In this sense, polygalacturonase activity produced by this microorganism has been purified 375 times from 2‐day‐old culture filtrates by gel filtration and ion‐exchange chromatography successively. The purified sample showed two protein bands in sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gels, with a molecular mass of 40 and 55 kDa. The protein bands were identified as an endopolygalacturonase and as a serine carboxypeptidase of F. graminearum, respectively, by peptide mass fingerprinting (matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight (MALDI TOF/TOF) fragment ion analysis). The pattern of substrate degradation analyzed by thin layer chromatography confirmed the mode of action of the enzyme as an endopolygalacturonase. High activity of the polygalacturonase against polygalacturonic acid was observed between 4 and 6 of pH, and between 30 and 50 °C, being 5 and 50 °C the optimum pH and temperature, respectively. The enzyme was fully stable at pH 5 for 120 min and 30 °C and sensible to the presence of some metal ions. This information would contribute to understand the most favorable environmental conditions for establishment of the disease.
Climatology of lightning over Indian region and its relationship with convective available potential energy
Authors: Murugavel P. , Pawar S. D. , Gopalakrishan V.
Published: January 2014

The spatial distribution of convective available potential energy (CAPE) and lightning activity in different seasons over the Indian region have been studied to find out the dependence of lightning activity on CAPE. It is observed that the lightning activity over the Indian region is not controlled by CAPE alone during pre‐monsoon season. The prevailing meteorological conditions and orography over northern India, central India, northeast Pakistan and Bangladesh provide favourable conditions for formation of thunderstorms, and hence, lightning activity is higher in spite of lower value of CAPE over these regions compared to other parts of Indian region. During the monsoon season, lightning activity and CAPE are found to be better correlated with each other compared to other seasons over central and north India. It has been found that the high mountains of Himalayas generate strong updrafts necessary for the deep convective events by interacting with prevailing winds and the diabatic heating and radiative cooling of mountaintops create conditions favourable for convections. The diurnal variation of lightning activity at stations over the foothills of Himalayas showing a strong peak in lighting activity after midnight supports the idea that radiative cooling at mountaintops can create a moisture convergence at foothills and trigger the convections.
Understanding Family Migration in Rural South Africa: Exploring Children's Inclusion in the Destination Households of Migrant Parents
Authors: Bennett Rachel , Hosegood Victoria , Newell Marie‐Louise , McGrath Nuala
Published: January 2014

Despite the removal of restrictions on movement and increasing female participation in migration, only a minority of migrant parents in South Africa include their children in their destination household. Quantitative analyses of the circumstances in which children accompany a migrant parent have been limited by the lack of available data that document family arrangements from the perspective of more than one household. This paper uses data about members of rural households in a demographic surveillance population in KwaZulu‐Natal and a linked sample survey of adult migrants to examine factors associated with children's inclusion in the destination household of migrant parents, analyse the timing and sequence of children's moves to parental destination households, and describe the composition of parental origin and destination households. The findings confirm that in contemporary South Africa, only a small percentage (14%) of migrants' children who are members of the parental origin household are also members of the parental destination household. Membership of the parental destination household is associated with parental characteristics and the child's age, but not measures of socio‐economic status, and children most commonly migrate several years after their migrant parent. Children included in the destination household of migrant fathers frequently live in small households, which also include their mother, whereas children included in the destination household of migrant mothers live in larger households. This study contributes to understanding the contexts of children's inclusion in parental destination households in South Africa and demonstrates the potential of data collected in migrants' origin and destination households. © 2014 The Authors. Population, Space and Place published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd
Three‐dimensional transperineal ultrasound for imaging mesh implants following sacrocolpopexy
Authors: Eisenberg V. H. , Steinberg M. , Weiner Z. , Alcalay M. , Itskovitz‐Eldor J. , Schiff E. , Lowenstein L.
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACT

Objective

To characterize, using three‐dimensional (3D) transperineal ultrasound, the appearance, position and dimensions of mesh implants following minimally invasive abdominal sacrocolpopexy.

Methods

In women who underwent sacrocolpopexy, mesh was evaluated at rest and on maximal Valsalva, on all 3D orthogonal planes and rendered views. Mesh dimensions were obtained by 3D processing in the midsagittal and coronal planes (anterior, posterior and sacral arm) and were analyzed offline, the operator blinded to clinical data.

Results

Overall, 62 women, mean age 58.4 (range, 42–79) years were evaluated at a median of 9 (range, 1–26) months following surgery. The anterior arm of the mesh was caudal to the lowermost point of descent of the anterior compartment in 56 (90.3%) women, was equally positioned in five (8.1%) and was cranial in one. The posterior arm was caudal in 44 (71%) women, was equally positioned in 16 (25.8%) and was cranial in two (3.2%). The Y connection and the sacral arm of the mesh could not be adequately seen because of physical limitations of ultrasound (lower resolution at greater depth), large recurrent rectoceles, echogenic stools or folding of mesh remnants. Folding of the mesh was seen in 46 (74.2%) women, folding of the anterior arm in five (8.1%) and folding of the posterior arm in 23 (37.1%). Folding occurred caudally in 26 (41.9%) women, proximally in 11 (17.7%) and in both areas in nine (14.5%). There were no erosions.

Conclusion

Mesh visualization following minimally invasive abdominal sacrocolpopexy procedures using transperineal 3D/four‐dimensional (4D) ultrasound is feasible. Studies are needed to evaluate the correlation between ultrasound measures and prolapse recurrence or mesh erosion. Copyright © 2014 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Seasonal variations in PCR‐DGGE fingerprinted viruses infecting phytoplankton in large and deep peri‐alpine lakes
Authors: Zhong X. , Rimet F. , Jacquet S.
Published: January 2014

Double‐stranded DNA viruses infecting eukaryotic algae (e.g., phycodnaviruses) and cyanobacteria (e.g., cyanophages) are now recognized as widespread and ubiquitous in aquatic environments. However, both the diversity and functional roles of these viruses in fresh waters are still poorly understood. We conducted a year‐long study in 2011 of the community structure of planktonic virus groups in the upper lit layer of two important freshwater natural ecosystems in France, Lake Annecy (oligotrophic) and Lake Bourget (oligo‐mesotrophic). Using PCR‐DGGE to target a number of different structural and functional signature genes, i.e., g20, g23, psbA, polB, and mcp, the phytoplankton viruses were shown to display temporal and spatial variability. There were marked seasonal changes in community structure for all viral groups in Lake Bourget, but only for T4‐like myoviruses and psbA‐containing cyanophages in Lake Annecy. The multivariate statistical analyses revealed that (1) various environmental factors can directly or indirectly explain the community structure observed for each phytoplankton viral group, and (2) temporal patterns of T4‐like myovirus community structure were similar between the two lakes. In general, our results (1) suggest that the observed algal virus patterns were associated with significant shifts in phytoplankton biomass and/or structure, which in turn were shaped by the abiotic environment, and (2) support the Bank model proposed by Breitbart and Rohwer (Trends Microbiol 13:278–284, 2005). This study provides new evidence that freshwater lakes contain a significant diversity of algal viruses, and that the distribution of these viruses strongly mirrors that of their hosts.
Retrofitting social housing: reflections by tenants on adopting and living with retrofit technology
Authors: Brown Philip , Swan Will , Chahal Sharon
Published: January 2014

Retrofit has been described as one of the major engineering challenges of the twenty-first century (Kelly 2009). However, the industry needs to look beyond regarding the problem as restricted to the physical upgrade of properties. Asset managers, engineers and installers work on and in people’s homes and, in many cases, are subsequently changing the way householders use their homes to meet their comfort and wider energy needs. Here we consider how the twin issues of adopting and living with retrofit technologies have affected groups of residents in social housing. We discuss issues of trust, social norms, engagement and concern that have shaped the adoption process, as well as investigating the everyday experience of living with new configurations of energy consumption. The findings have relevance not only for the social housing sector but also raise questions as to how to effectively deliver programmes such as the Green Deal and the Energy Company Obligation within the UK.
Cryptic diversity in host-associated populations ofTetra pinnatifidae(Acari: Eriophyoidea): What do morphometric, mitochondrial and nuclear data reveal and conceal?
Authors: Li Hao-Sen , Xue Xiao-Feng , Hong Xiao-Yue
Published: January 2014

Traditional morphology-based taxonomy of eriophyoid mites (Acari: Eriophyoidea) has been challenged by molecular-based technologies in the detection of cryptic species. However, the implications of such cryptic diversity appear to differ when methods based on different types of data are used. Here, samples of a host-associated eriophyoid mite species,Tetra pinnatifidae, collected from different host plants and localities are evaluated. The congruence of results based on morphometric (32 characters), mitochondrial (16S), and nuclear (28S) data were evaluated and showed a host-associated cryptic diversity dividing this morphospecies into several groups/clades that were morphometrically indistinguishable. In comparison, the 16S data confirmed cryptic speciation and intra-clade host-associated diversity, while 28S did not. In contrast, 28S data revealed potential gene flow between host-associated populations. High mitochondrial divergence, as well as low nuclear and morphological divergence indicated very recent stage of cryptic diversity of this eriophyoid mite.
The effects of circulating testosterone and pubertal maturation on risk for disordered eating symptoms in adolescent males
Authors: Culbert K. M. , Burt S. A. , Sisk C. L. , Nigg J. T. , Klump K. L.
Published: January 2014

Background

Testosterone may be a biological factor that protects males against eating disorders. Elevated prenatal testosterone exposure is linked to lower levels of disordered eating symptoms, but effects emerge only after mid-puberty. Whether circulating levels of testosterone account for decreased risk for disordered eating in boys after mid-puberty is currently unknown; however, animal data support this possibility. In rodents, prenatal testosterone's masculinizing effects on sex-differentiated behaviors emerge during puberty when circulating levels of testosterone increase and ‘activate’ the expression of masculinized phenotypes. This study investigated whether higher levels of circulating testosterone predict lower levels of disordered eating symptoms in adolescent boys, and in particular whether effects are associated with advancing pubertal maturation.

Method

Participants were 213 male twins from the Michigan State University Twin Registry. The Minnesota Eating Behavior Survey and Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire assessed several disordered eating symptoms. The Pubertal Development Scale assessed pubertal status. Afternoon saliva samples were assayed for testosterone using enzyme immunoassays.

Results

Consistent with animal data, higher levels of circulating testosterone predicted lower levels of disordered eating symptoms in adolescent boys and effects emerged with advancing puberty. Results were not accounted for by several important covariates, including age, adiposity, or mood/anxiety symptoms.

Conclusions

Findings suggest that elevated circulating testosterone may be protective and underlie decreased risk for eating pathology in males during/after puberty, whereas lower levels of testosterone may increase risk and explain why some, albeit relatively few, males develop eating disorders.
Hearing punk as blues
Authors: Rapport Evan
Published: January 2014

Punk is an extreme manifestation of the rock project, meaning that it depends on an association of raw and authentic expression with blackness, musically represented by particular approaches to the blues, combined with processes of white appropriation, transformation and obfuscation of those blues resources. Punk's powerful affect largely derives from the tension between punk's blues foundations and strategies that obscure its roots. Punk treatments and transformations of the blues include: (1) moving from multi-part, three-chord harmonic schemes to riffs and one- and two-chord vamps; (2) taking a new approach to vocal performance styles; and (3) retaining certain melodic approaches, such as the use of pentatonic scales and monophonic textures. Punk's complex relationship to the blues, including the history of negation and erasure, continues to be a central part of the punk aesthetic.