bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Monitoring the press-fit insertion of an acetabular cup by impact measurements: Influence of bone abrasion
Authors: Michel Adrien , Bosc Romain , Mathieu Vincent , Hernigou Philippe , Haiat Guillaume
Published: September 2014

Press-fit procedures used for the insertion of cementless hip prostheses aim at obtaining optimal implant primary stability. We have previously used the measurement of impact duration to follow the insertion of the acetabular cup implant within bone tissue. The aim of this study was to investigate the variation of the value of the impact momentum due to successive insertions of the acetabular cup into bone tissue. The results obtained with impact momentum and contact duration measurements were compared. A total of 10 bovine bone samples were subjected to three successive procedures consisting of 10 reproducible impacts (3.5 kg falling 40 mm). Each procedure aimed at inserting the acetabular cup implant into the same bone cavity. The time variation of force during each impact was recorded by a force sensor, allowing the measurement of the impact duration ( I1) and momentum ( I2). The value of I2 increased as a function of the impact number and reached a constant value after N2 = 5.07 ± 1.31 impacts. Moreover, statistical analyses show that N2 decreased significantly as a function of the number of experiments, which may be due to abrasion phenomena at the bone–implant interface. Abrasion phenomena led to a faster insertion of the acetabular cup when the implant had been previously inserted into the same bone cavity. An empirical analytical model considering a flat punch configuration to model the bone–implant contact conditions was used to understand the trend of the variation of I2 during the insertion of the acetabular cup. The measurement of the force during impacts is useful to assess the bone–implant interface properties, but needs to be validated in the clinic to be useful for orthopaedic surgeons intra-operatively.
Modelling fibers in growing disks of soft tissues
Authors: Wu Min , Ben Amar Martine
Published: September 2014

Despite its simple geometry and pertinence to biological systems, the growth of soft tissue disks has not been studied systematically in finite elasticity. Here with this simple geometry, we perform theoretical studies of constitutive laws concerning fibrous samples in growth or atrophy. Considering the radial growth of an incompressible neo-Hookean disk of matter, reinforced by fibers, we focus on the possible shape bifurcation from the circular to the wavy geometry. By analytical means based on a variational formulation of the theory of elasticity with growth we show that the radial geometry is lost for a critical growth anisotropy coefficient which plays the role of a control bifurcation parameter. Above a threshold which depends on the fiber invariants, the border of the disk becomes undulated with selection of a low wavenumber for low anisotropic coefficient. Radially or circumferentially oriented fibers favor undulations, but not intermediate cross-linked fibers, which inhibit undulations. Our systematic analysis shows the key role of the anisotropic growth coefficient as well as the fiber orientation for the observation of undulated patterns. Such models can explain experimental observations for skin tumors, biofilms and yeast colonies.
Neuromuscular adaptations to long-term progressive resistance training translates to improved functional capacity for people with multiple sclerosis and is maintained at follow-up
Authors: Kjølhede Tue , Vissing Kristian , de Place Line , Pedersen Bodil G , Ringgaard Steffen , Stenager Egon , Petersen Thor , Dalgas Ulrik
Published: September 2014

Background:

Progressive resistance training (PRT) is acknowledged to effectively improve muscle strength for people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS), but diverging results exist regarding whether such improvements translates to improved functional capacity, possibly relating to insufficient duration and/or intensity in some previous studies.

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate potential changes in functional capacity and neuromuscular function after 24 weeks of supervised PRT, and whether improvements are maintained after an additional 24 weeks of self-guided exercise.

Methods:

This study was a randomised controlled trial, with a training group and a waitlist group undergoing supervised PRT for 24 weeks initially or after 24 weeks of habitual lifestyle, respectively. Functional capacity, isometric muscle strength of knee extensors and flexors, neural drive and thigh muscle cross-sectional area was measured at baseline, after 24 and 48 weeks.

Results:

The training group significantly improved neuromuscular function of the knee extensors and flexors, which translated to improvements in functional capacity. Furthermore, the improved functional capacity was maintained after 24 weeks of self-guided physical activity. The waitlist group produced similar patterns of changes after PRT.

Conclusion:

Compelling evidence is provided, that PRT performed over sufficiently long periods, improves functional capacity, likely due to neuromuscular adaptations.
The supplementation of Korean mistletoe water extracts reduces hot flushes, dyslipidemia, hepatic steatosis, and muscle loss in ovariectomized rats
Authors: Kim Min Jung , Park Jong-Heum , Kwon Dae Young , Yang Hye Jeong , Kim Da Sol , Kang Suna , Shin Bae Keun , Moon Na Rang , Song Beom-Seok , Kim Jae-Hun , Park Sunmin
Published: September 2014

Since Korean mistletoe ( Viscum album) has been used for alleviating metabolic diseases, it may also prevent the impairment of energy, glucose, lipid, and bone metabolisms in an estrogen-deficient animal model. We determined that long-term consumption of Korean mistletoe water extract (KME) can alleviate menopausal symptoms such as hot flush, increased abdominal fat mass, dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia, and decreased bone mineral density in ovariectomized (OVX) rats fed a high-fat diet, and explored the mechanisms of the effects. OVX rats were divided into four groups and fed high-fat diets supplemented with either 0.6% dextrin (control), 0.2% lyophilized KME + 0.4% dextrin (KME-L), or 0.6% lyophilized KME (KME-H). Sham rats were fed with the high-fat diets with 0.6% dextrin as a normal-control without estrogen deficiency. After eight weeks, OVX rats exhibited impaired energy, glucose and lipid metabolism, and decreased uterine and bone masses. KME-L did not alleviate energy dysfunction. However, KME-H lowered serum levels of total-, LDL-cholesterol, and triglycerides and elevated serum HDL-cholesterol levels in OVX rats with dyslipidemia, to similar levels as normal-control rats. Furthermore, KME-H improved HOMA-IR, an indicator of insulin resistance, in OVX rats. Surprisingly, KME-H fed rats had greater lean mass in the abdomen and leg without differences in fat mass but neither dosage of KME altered bone mineral density in the lumbar spine and femur. The increased lean mass was related to greater phosphorylation of mTOR and eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E-binding protein 1 (4E-BP1) in the quadriceps muscles. Hepatic triglyceride contents were lowered with KME-H in OVX rats by increasing carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1 (CPT-1) expression and decreasing fatty acid synthase (FAS) and sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c) expression. In conclusion, KME may be useful for preventing some menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes, dyslipidemia, hepatic steatosis, and loss of muscle mass in post-menopausal women.
Endovascular Treatment of Acute Portal Vein Thrombosis Using Ultrasound-Accelerated Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis
Authors: Abdel-Aal Ahmed Kamel , Ezzeldin Islam B. , Hamed Maysoon Farouk , Ibrahim Rafik Mohamed , Berry Max , Underwood Edgar S. , Saddekni Souheil
Published: September 2014

We report a case of extensive acute portal vein thrombosis (PVT) presenting with severe diffuse abdominal pain and impending small bowel infarction. The patient was successfully treated with ultrasound-accelerated catheter-directed thrombolysis (EKOS endowave system; Covidien, Mansfield, Massachusetts), which resulted in prompt recanalization of his portal vein (PV) and its tributaries. The patient eventually had ischemic stricture that necessitated bowel resection. However, we believe that our technique was successful in rapidly restoring the patency of the PV and its tributaries, and therefore, avoiding a life-threatening complication of more extensive bowel infarction. To our knowledge, the use of ultrasound-accelerated thrombolysis in treatment of PVT has not been previously described in the literature.
Role of iron, zinc and reduced glutathione in oxidative stress induction by low pH in rat brain synaptosomes
Authors: Pekun Tatyana G. , Hrynevich Sviatlana V. , Waseem Tatyana V. , Fedorovich Sergei V.
Published: September 2014

Brain ischemia leads to a decrease in pHo. We have shown previously in synaptosomes that the extracellular acidification induces depolarization of mitochondria followed by synthesis of superoxide anions and oxidative stress. Here, we investigated the effects of lowered pHoon oxidative stress and membrane potentials in synaptosomes treated by the iron chelator deferoxamine and zinc chelator TPEN. We demonstrated that chelating of metals has no impact on superoxide anion synthesis and intrasynaptosomal mitochondria depolarization. Meanwhile, deferoxamine was able to inhibit oxidative stress induced by low pHoand hydrogen peroxide application. Compared to deferoxamine, TPEN was less effective but it decreased the DCF fluorescence induced by pHo6.0 which had no effects in other oxidative stress models. We found that the chelators were able to inhibit slightly plasma membrane depolarization. Synaptosomes preincubation at low pHocaused no effects on the reduced glutathione level. Depletion of glutathione by CDNB produced no additional increase in the DCF fluorescence induced by pHo7.0. Our results suggest that free iron is crucial for the development of oxidative stress elicited by acidification in synaptosomes. Chelating of this metal seems to be a promising strategy for protecting the neuronal presynaptic terminals against oxidative stress developed at stroke.
Determinants of completed railway suicides by psychiatric in-patients: case–control study
Authors: Lukaschek Karoline , Baumert Jens , Krawitz Marion , Erazo Natalia , Förstl Hans , Ladwig Karl-Heinz
Published: September 2014

Background

Suicide prediction during psychiatric in-patient treatment remains an unresolved challenge.

Aims

To identify determinants of railway suicides in individuals receiving in-patient psychiatric treatment.

Method

The study population was drawn from patients admitted to six psychiatric hospitals in Germany during a 10-year period (1997–2006). Data from 101 railway suicide cases were compared with a control group of 101 discharged patients matched for age, gender and diagnosis.

Results

Predictors of suicide were change of therapist (OR = 22.86,P= 0.004), suicidal ideation (OR = 7.92,P<0.001), negative or unchanged therapeutic course (OR = 7.73,P<0.001), need of polypharmaceutical treatment (OR = 2.81,P= 0.04) and unemployment (OR = 2.72,P= 0.04). Neither restlessness nor impulsivity predicted in-patient suicide.

Conclusions

Suicidal ideation, unfavourable clinical course and the use of multiple psychotropic substances (reflecting the severity of illness) were strong determinants of railway suicides. The most salient finding was the vital impact of a change of therapist. These findings deserve integration into the clinical management of patients with serious mental disease.
Improvement Reserves of Modern Engeneer’s Geometrical and Graphics Training
Authors: Ярошевич  , Yaroshevich O.
Published: September 2014

The paper is devoted to peculiarities and status of

students’ geometrical and graphic training (GGT) in the context

of educational process’s globalization and informatization. Analysis

is performed from the position of consecutive transition from an

academic subject (engineering graphics) to educational process’s

interactive participants, such as student – teacher – chair. Problems,

positive and negative sides are revealed; their possible solutions are

denoted. The emphasis is on consolidating of high educational

institutions’ graphic disciplines chairs as a determining link of GGT.

The conclusion is made that, under current circumstances, the type

of modern professor is formed, which must possess the knowledge

in informational and communicational technologies’ area, as well as be able to apply it at his professional activity. The need of educational

process providing with a quality study materials, as means

for students’ individual work organization and cognitive abilities

formation is emphasizeds.
Building and Strengthening Infrastructure for Data Exchange: Lessons from the
Beacon Communities
Authors: Torres Gretchen , Swietek Karen , Ubri Petry S. , Singer Rachel , Lowell Kristina , Miller Wilhelmine
Published: September 2014

Introduction: The Beacon Community Cooperative Agreement Program supports
interventions, including care-delivery innovations, provider performance measurement and
feedback initiatives, and tools for providers and consumers to enhance care. Using a
learning health system framework, we examine the Beacon Communities’ processes in
building and strengthening health IT (HIT) infrastructures, specifically successes and
challenges in sharing patient information to improve clinical care.Background: In 2010,
the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) launched
the three-year program, which provided $250 million to 17 Beacon Communities to invest
in HIT and health information exchange (HIE) infrastructure. Beacon Communities used
this funding to develop and disseminate HIT-enabled quality improvement practices found
effective in particular community and practice environments.Methods: NORC conducted 7
site visits, November 2012– March 2013, selecting Communities to represent diverse
program features. From August–October 2013, NORC held discussions with the remaining 10
Communities. Following each visit or discussion, NORC summarized the information
gathered, including transcripts, team observations, and other documents the Community
provided, to facilitate a within-Community analysis of context and stakeholders,
intervention strategies, enabling factors, and challenges.Results: Although each
Community designed and implemented data-sharing strategies in a unique environment,
similar challenges and enabling factors emerged across the Beacons. From a learning
health system perspective, their strategies to build and strengthen data-sharing
infrastructures address the following crosscutting priorities: promoting technical
advances and innovations by helping providers adapt EHRs for data exchange and
performance measurement with customizable IT and offering technical support to smaller,
independent providers; engaging key stakeholders; and fostering transparent governance
and stewardship of the infrastructure with neutral conveners.Conclusion: While all the
Communities developed or strengthened data-exchange infrastructure, each did this in a
unique environment of existing health care market and legal factors. The Communities,
however, encountered similar challenges and enabling factors. Organizations undertaking
collaborative data sharing, performance measurement and clinical transformation can
learn from the Beacon Communities’ experience.
Calibrating predicted tree diameter distributions in Catalonia, Spain
Authors: Palahí Marc , Pukkala Timo , Trasobares Antoni
Published: September 2014

Several probability density functions have been used in describing the diameter distributions of forest stands. In a case where both the stand basal area and number of stems per hectare are assessed, the fitted or predicted distribution is scaled using only one of these variables, with the result that the distribution often gives incorrect values for the other variable. Using a distribution that provides incorrect values for known characteristics means wasting information. Calibrating the distribution so that it is compatible with the additional information on stand characteristics is a way to avoid such wasting. This study examined the effect of calibration on the accuracy of the predicted diameter distributions of the main tree species of Catalonia. The distributions were calibrated with and without considering the prediction errors of the frequencies of diameter classes. When prediction errors were assumed, the calibration was done with and without making allowance for estimation errors in the stand level calibration variables. Calibrated distributions were more accurate than non-calibrated in terms of sums of different powers of diameters. The set of calibration variables that gave the most accurate results included six stand variables: number of trees per hectare, stand basal area, basal-area-weighted mean diameter, non-weighted mean diameter, median diameter, and basal area median diameter. Of the tested three-variable combinations the best was: number of trees per hectare, stand basal area, and basal-area-weighted mean diameter. Means were more useful calibration variables than medians.
The use of quantile trees in the prediction of the diameter distribution of a stand
Authors: Mehtätalo Lauri , Maltamo Matti , Kangas Annika
Published: September 2014

This study deals with the prediction of the basal area diameter distribution of a stand without using a complete sample of diameters from the target stand. Traditionally, this problem has been solved by either the parameter recovery method or the parameter prediction method. This study uses the parameter prediction method and the percentile based diameter distribution with a recent development that makes it possible to improve these predictions by using sample order statistics. A sample order statistic is a tree whose diameter and rank at the plot are known, and is referred to in this paper as a quantile tree. This study tested 13 different strategies for selection of the quantile trees from among the trees of horizontal point sample plots, and compared them with respect to RMSE and the bias of four criterion variables in a dataset of 512 stands. The sample minimum was found to be the most promising alternative with respect to RMSE, even though it introduced a rather large amount of bias in the criterion variables. Other good and less biased alternatives are the second and third smallest trees and the tree closest to the plot centre. The use of minimum is recommended for practical inventories because its rank is probably easiest to determine correctly in the field.
Scheduling forest road maintenance using the analytic hierarchy process and heuristics
Authors: Coulter Elizabeth , Sessions John , Wing Michael
Published: September 2014

The management of low-volume roads has transitioned from focusing on maintenance designed to protect a capital investment in road infrastructure to also include environmental effects. In this study, two models using mathematical programming are applied to schedule forest road maintenance and upgrade activities involving non-monetary benefits. Model I uses a linear objective function formulation that maximizes benefit subject to budgetary constraints. Model II uses a non-linear objective function to maximize the sum of benefits divided by the sum of all costs in a period. Because of the non-linearity of the constraints and the requirements that the decision variables be binary, the solutions to both problem formulations are found using two heuristics, simulated annealing and threshold accepting. Simulated annealing was found to produce superior solutions as compared to threshold accepting. The potential benefit for completing a given road maintenance or upgrade project is determined using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), a multi-criterion decision analysis technique. This measure of benefit is combined with the economic cost of completing a given project to schedule maintenance and upgrade activities for 225 km (140 miles) of road in forested road systems within western Oregon. This combination of heuristics, cost-benefit analysis, environmental impacts, and expert judgment produces a road management schedule that better fits the current road management paradigm.
Effect of compression wood on surface roughness and surface absorption of medium density fiberboard
Authors: Akbulut Turgay , Ayrilmis Nadir
Published: September 2014

Compression wood is undoubtedly one of the most important raw material variables in wood based panel manufacturing. This study evaluated effect of compression wood on surface roughness and surface absorption (flow distance) of medium density fiberboards (MDF) manufactured from furnishes of pine (Pinus nigra Arnold var. pallasiana) containing compression wood. Panels were manufactured from two different portions of the furnish, one of the portions having a compression wood/normal wood ratio of 75/25, and the other having a ratio of 10/90. Surface absorption and surface roughness were determined according to (EN 382-1) and (ISO 4287), respectively. It was found that panels made from furnish with a 75/25 ratio had a significantly lower surface absorption value (255.78 mm) than panels made from furnish with a 10/90 ratio (317.95 mm). Surface roughness measurements based on three roughness parameters, average roughness (Ra), mean peak-to-valley height (Rz), and maximum peak-to-valley height (Ry) were considered to evaluate the surface characteristics of the panels and supported the above findings as the panels made from furnish with a 75/25 ratio had slightly rougher surface with average values of 4.15 Âµm (Ra). From the tests performed, we conclude that increasing of the compression wood portion increased the surface roughness and decreased the surface absorption value.
Forest owners’ acceptance of incentive based policy instruments in forest biodiversity conservation – a choice experiment based approach
Authors: Horne Paula
Published: September 2014

Finland has launched a new policy programme (METSO) to enhance conservation of forest biodiversity. In non-industrial private forests, the policy is based on economic incentives and voluntarism on the part of forest owners. While biodiversity conservation is the main target of the policy, social acceptability is considered to be of great importance. This study examined the factors that affect the acceptability of biodiversity conservation contracts among private forest owners, and the amount of compensation needed to keep the forest owners at least as well off as before the contract. Choice experiment method was used to analyse the data that were collected by surveying 3000 Finnish private forest owners. Analysing separately those respondents who were willing to enter into a conservation contract allowed an assessment of the impact of forest ownersâ heterogeneity on compensation amount. The results show how the welfare of forest owners shifts when the contract terms are changed. In a base scenario the forest owner was assumed to be the initiator of the contract that would require only small patches of forest to be protected, and would also bind new forest owners over its duration of ten years. For all respondents, the average demand for compensation would be around 224 euros annually. When those always choosing the âno additional conservationâ alternative were excluded, the average welfare impact of the base scenario was positive.
Effect of thinning on stem form and wood characteristics of teak (Tectona grandis) in a humid tropical site in Costa Rica
Authors: Pérez Diego , Kanninen Markku
Published: September 2014

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of thinning intensity on wood properties, such as heartwood proportion, wood basic density, and stem form of teak (Tectona grandis L.f.). The thinning trial was established on a teak plantation in a humid tropical site in northern Costa Rica. The moderate and heavy thinnings yielded the highest percentage of heartwood volume (25 to 30% of total stem volume). The differences between stem form factors under different treatments were not statistically significant after separating thinning effects from timing effects. Both the highest (> 0.65 g cm) and the lowest (< 0.50 g cm) wood density values were observed under light thinnings, making it difficult to establish a relationship. Large variations in wood properties found under different thinning regimes suggest that at early stages teak stands can be managed under different thinning programs without negatively affecting the quality of wood under humid tropical conditions.â3â3
A relation between historical forest use and current dead woody material in a boreal protected old-growth forest in Finland
Authors: Rouvinen Seppo , Rautiainen Anne , Kouki Jari
Published: September 2014

Assessing the human impact on the naturalness and vegetation characteristics of protected areas is one of the key issues when designing forest conservation networks in Fennoscandia. We studied the small-scale, detailed relationship between forest utilization history and the current availability of dead woody material in a protected old-growth forest area in North Karelia, eastern Finland. From the study area of 32.4 ha, all the stumps (diameter â¥ 5 cm and height < 1.3 m, classified as natural, man-made and of undetermined origin) were measured using 25 x 25 m sub-plots. Standing and fallen dead trees (dbh â¥ 5 cm) were measured on 50 x 50 m plots in an area of 7.8 ha. The average number of stumps was 130 per ha, and over half of the stumps were classified as man-made. However, the historical documents since the 1910s showed no logging in the area: some of the largest man-made stumps probably originated from an earlier time, but most of those stumps were made considerably later. The variation in the total number of stumps (per ha) was great (range 0â560/ha, 0â16 m2/ha), with no clear clustering in space. However, clustering of man-made stumps was detected. The average volume of pooled standing and fallen trees was 84 m3/ha, with a range of 37â146 m3/ha. The other noticeable man-made disturbance besides logging was notching of aspens, which has a scatteredly significant influence on the amount of dead trees. In conclusion, the protected old-growth forest was not as a whole in a natural state but showed different degrees of human impact from virtually untouched patches to quite heavily managed patches. The results suggest that the number of man-made stumps may be a relatively quick and easy method of assessing the naturalness of woody biomass structure in the Fennoscandian boreal forests.
Historical logging, productivity, and structural characteristics of boreal coniferous forests in Norway
Authors: Storaunet Ken , Rolstad Jørund , Gjerde Ivar , Gundersen Vegard
Published: September 2014

Conservation of forest biodiversity has brought about an interest in evaluating the naturalness of forests, and to locate and protect semi-natural and old-growth forests in the Fennoscandian countries. However, it is not always clear how natural these forests really are, and how the past management history has affected their present structural composition. We studied the relationships between cut stumps from historical logging activity (50â100 years ago) and forest structural characteristics of today in a total of 385 0.25 ha plots in three boreal coniferous forests which are parts of National Nature Reserves in Norway. We also studied how forest productivity influenced these relationships. In plots with negligible logging impact we found the amount of living trees, dead wood, and size of the oldest trees mainly to increase with increasing productivity, whereas the age of the oldest trees decreased. The amount of deciduous trees was generally low irrespective of productivity. The intensity of logging did not consistently influence most of these forest structural variables, neither at low- nor at high-productive sites. The only consistent relationship in all study areas was a decreasing amount of dead wood with increasing logging intensity at high-productive sites. Also, the decay class distribution of dead wood was more right-skewed (indicating on-going accumulation of dead wood) the more logging had occurred at high-productive sites. Except from the effects on dead wood, previous logging does not show up as a major determinant of other stand structures of today.
Detection of HLA-B*58:01 with TaqMan assay and its association with allopurinol-induced sCADR
Authors: Zhang Xinju , Ma Huili , Hu Chunying , Yu Bo , Ma Weizhe , Wu Zhiyuan , Luo Xiaoqun , Zou Hejian , Guan Ming
Published: September 2014

The

A new method combining sequence-specific primers (SSP) and TaqMan probe amplification was developed in this study and was used to detect the

The new method successfully identified HLA-B*58:01 in thousands of
Dry ice exposure of plasma samples influences pH and lupus anticoagulant analysis
Authors: Odsæter Ingrid Hov , Lian Ingrid Alsos , Bratberg Kari , Mikkelsen Gustav
Published: September 2014

Tests for lupus anticoagulant (LA), including silica clotting time (SCT) and diluted Russel’s viper venom time (dRVVT) are used to diagnose antiphospholipid syndrome. Due to sample instability, it is recommended that samples are frozen if analysis is postponed >4 h. Shipping on dry ice is common practice to keep samples frozen during transport. Recent data suggest that exposure to dry ice may affect sample pH and results in subsequent analyses. We aimed to determine the effect of dry ice on pH and LA analysis.

Citrated plasma from eight healthy volunteers was allocated to three preanalytical regimes: 1) storage at –20 °C; 2) dry ice exposure followed by storage at –20 °C; or 3) dry ice exposure followed by storage at –80 °C.

Samples stored at –20 °C after dry ice exposure had significantly lower median pH (1.2 units, p=0.01) and prolonged clotting time ratios (up to 55% for dRVVT tests, p<0.02) in LA analysis, compared to samples not exposed to dry ice. This resulted in poor test specificity (25%). Similar changes were not observed in samples placed at –80 °C after dry ice exposure.

Dry ice may affect sample pH and increase the fraction of false positive LA results. This preanalytical factor should be taken into account by laboratories receiving frozen samples for these tests.
How Science 2.0 will impact on scientific libraries
Authors: Tochtermann Klaus
Published: September 2014

With the event of Social Media, well established principles of
scholarly communication have changed dramatically. For centuries
libraries served as single point of access to scientific
literature. Social Media however brings up new publication forms,
e. g. scientific wikis, new communication channels,
e. g. micro-blogs, or community driven research and publication
envirnoments, e. g. Mendeley or ResearchGate. Based upon our own
experiences within ZBW – Leibniz Information Centre for Economics, we
present how research and development in computer science will help
scientific libraries to manage the necessary change within the next
decade.
Objektklassifikation anhand von RGBD-Daten mithilfe konsonanter kontinuierlicher Belief-Funktionen
Authors: Lietz Mario , Puente León Fernando
Published: September 2014

Momentane Technologien haben die Aufnahme von 3D-Punktdaten stark
vereinfacht, wodurch es zu einem Entwicklungssprung in der
Objekterkennung gekommen ist. Zur Mustererkennung und bei
Klassifikationsaufgaben wird die Belief-Theorie bereits verwendet;
dabei werden jedoch weitestgehend nur diskrete Räume betrachtet. Die
Erweiterung der Belief-Theorie für den kontinuierlichen Raum eröffnet
neue Möglichkeiten in der Datenfusion. Dazu werden in dieser Arbeit
konsonante mehrdimensionale Belief-Funktionen konstruiert und dazu
passende modellbasierte Merkmalsverfahren entwickelt. Eine Evaluierung
geschieht am Beispiel der Klassifikation von Haushaltsgegenständen.
Effect of Confinement on Creep Behavior of EPS Geofoam
Authors: Birhan Amsalu G. , Negussey Dawit
Published: September 2014

Time-dependent deformation under sustained loading or creep is an important consideration in the long-term performance of expanded polystyrene (EPS) geofoam. The design of EPS geofoam fills is mainly based on limiting working stresses to produce tolerable deformations. Results from unconfined uniaxial creep tests have provided justification for such design criteria. With different types of applications involving submergence and higher surcharge loads, creep deformations under confining pressures have been occurring. A series of creep tests were performed on different densities of EPS geofoam with and without confining pressures. The results showed confining pressures can significantly affect the creep responses of EPS geofoam. Effects of confining pressures on creep deformations were more pronounced at lower densities.
Cooling Characteristics of Water Based Nanofluids With Agitation
Authors: Župan Josip , Landek Darko , Filetin Tomislav
Published: September 2014

A series of quenching experiments was performed according to the ISO 9950, ASTM 6200-01, and ASTM D6482-06 standards. Water based nanofluids with 0.01, 0.1, and 0.2 g/L TiO2 were prepared using a two-step method and ultrasonic homogenization. The nanofluids were tested to see the possibility of their application as high temperature heat transfer fluids. Nanoparticles used in this series of experiments were 50 nm in diameter. All of the cooling curves were recorded and analyzed using the ivf SmartQuench system. The first set of experiments was conducted under still conditions according to the ISO 9950 standard. Pure water and nanofluids were investigated. The addition of nanoparticles showed an effect on the full film phase duration, an increase in the maximum cooling rate, and a change in transition temperature. A second series of quenching experiments was conducted according to ASTM D 6482-06. For this purpose, a quenching bath with agitation was built at the QRC. Three levels of agitation were tested: one according to the standard, 1000 rpm, one below, and one above the specified speed. Experiments with pure water and all three nanofluids were conducted and cooling curves recorded. The cooling curves were analyzed using software ivf SQintegra ver4.0. The effects of agitation and nanoparticles contents on cooling characteristics were compared.
Enhanced Fatigue Performance of a Polymer Nanocomposite under Spectrum Loads
Authors: Manjunatha C. M. , Bojja Ramesh , Jagannathan N.
Published: September 2014

A thermosetting epoxy polymer was modified by incorporating 10 wt. % of silica nanoparticles, which were well dispersed in the polymer. Two different glass-fiber-reinforced plastic (GFRP) composite laminates were prepared to give: (1) a GFRP composite with an unmodified epoxy matrix (GFRP neat), and (2) a GFRP composite with a silica-nanoparticle-modified epoxy matrix (GFRP nano). Fatigue tests were undertaken employing a standard wind-turbine spectrum-load sequence, WISPERX. The fatigue life of the GFRP nanocomposite was about four times longer than that of the GFRP neat composite. This was reflected in (1) the development of matrix cracking, and (2) the rate of degradation of the stiffness of the composite, both being more severe in the GFRP neat composite, compared to the GFRP nanocomposite. The underlying mechanisms for the observed improvement in the spectrum fatigue life of the GFRP nanocomposite are discussed. Further, constant amplitude fatigue tests were conducted at various stress ratios. Using the static and fatigue data, constant life diagrams (CLD) were constructed. The spectrum fatigue life was then predicted following a standard procedure using the CLD. Very good correlation was observed between the predicted and experimental fatigue life for both GFRP neat and GFRP nanocomposites.
Combining Visual and Numeric Data to Enhance Understanding of Fatigue and Fracture Properties and Mechanisms
Authors: Schwarzkopf E. A.
Published: September 2014

Often, it is desirable to combine both visual data with more traditional numeric data during a mechanical test. By definition, numeric values such as force, displacement, and cycle count are quantitative, while visual data is often difficult to use quantitatively. Visual data, however, is extremely useful in a qualitative sense. It can be used to verify deformation mechanisms and to validate test correctness in long-term, unattended automated tests. This paper presents two different methods for embedding visual data (static pictures and dynamic video) in standard mechanical tests. The paper discusses mechanical tests (tensile and fatigue) run using MTS' TestSuite mechanical testing software with commercially available cameras, and screen capture software. In a typical Fatigue Crack Growth test on a metallic alloy, static photos of the crack on one surface of a compact tension specimen are periodically acquired and stored to disk. In a fatigue crack growth test, the visual data can be used to verify other crack length measurement techniques such as compliance or direct current potential drop (DCPD). In a typical tensile test, video of the entire test is stored along with an embedded Picture in Picture of the stress-strain curve. This technique can be used to correlate interesting features on the stress strain curve with necking behavior during the test.
Darwin’s Sleepwalkers
Authors: Dear Peter
Published: September 2014

Darwin used taxonomic arguments widely in his work on transformism and natural selection, especially in attempts to persuade other (typically non-transformist) naturalists of the correctness of his ideas in Origin of Species. But, as has long been noticed, classificatory practices in natural history were by no means turned on their head in the wake of his work. Darwin succeeded in coopting, or else leaving untouched, the taxonomic conclusions of his colleagues, because he needed to use their conclusions as evidence for his transformist views: time and again, he made points by referring to what a typical naturalists would make of things. By telling them that the kind of knowledge that their taxonomy produced was really about genealogical relationships, Darwin tried to tell naturalist that their judgments were correct even though they had not previously known why this was so: they were sleepwalkers, finding their way in the dark, and Darwin would illuminate them. His argumentative style continually attempted to draw existing practices of classification to his assistance, and made the judgments of his colleagues into surrogate phenomena that would provide evidence for his views. Those colleagues thus constituted a society that established nature by its own practices.
SNW1 enables sister chromatid cohesion by mediating the splicing of sororin and APC2 pre‐mRNAs
Authors: van der Lelij Petra , Stocsits Roman R , Ladurner Rene , Petzold Georg , Kreidl Emanuel , Koch Birgit , Schmitz Julia , Neumann Beate , Ellenberg Jan , Peters Jan‐Michael
Published: September 2014

Although splicing is essential for the expression of most eukaryotic genes, inactivation of splicing factors causes specific defects in mitosis. The molecular cause of this defect is unknown. Here, we show that the spliceosome subunits SNW1 and PRPF8 are essential for sister chromatid cohesion in human cells. A transcriptome‐wide analysis revealed that SNW1 or PRPF8 depletion affects the splicing of specific introns in a subset of pre‐mRNAs, including pre‐mRNAs encoding the cohesion protein sororin and the APC/C subunit APC2. SNW1 depletion causes cohesion defects predominantly by reducing sororin levels, which causes destabilisation of cohesin on DNA. SNW1 depletion also reduces APC/C activity and contributes to cohesion defects indirectly by delaying mitosis and causing “cohesion fatigue”. Simultaneous expression of sororin and APC2 from intron‐less cDNAs restores cohesion in SNW1‐depleted cells. These results indicate that the spliceosome is required for mitosis because it enables expression of genes essential for cohesion. Our transcriptome‐wide identification of retained introns in SNW1‐ and PRPF8‐depleted cells may help to understand the aetiology of diseases associated with splicing defects, such as retinosa pigmentosum and cancer.
Functional genomics identifies a requirement of pre‐mRNA splicing factors for sister chromatid cohesion
Authors: Sundaramoorthy Sriramkumar , Vázquez‐Novelle María Dolores , Lekomtsev Sergey , Howell Michael , Petronczki Mark
Published: September 2014

Sister chromatid cohesion mediated by the cohesin complex is essential for chromosome segregation during cell division. Using functional genomic screening, we identify a set of 26 pre‐mRNA splicing factors that are required for sister chromatid cohesion in human cells. Loss of spliceosome subunits increases the dissociation rate of cohesin from chromatin and abrogates cohesion after DNA replication, ultimately causing mitotic catastrophe. Depletion of splicing factors causes defective processing of the pre‐mRNA encoding sororin, a factor required for the stable association of cohesin with chromatin, and an associated reduction of sororin protein level. Expression of an intronless version of sororin and depletion of the cohesin release protein WAPL suppress the cohesion defect in cells lacking splicing factors. We propose that spliceosome components contribute to sister chromatid cohesion and mitotic chromosome segregation through splicing of sororin pre‐mRNA. Our results highlight the loss of cohesion as an early cellular consequence of compromised splicing. This may have clinical implications because SF3B1, a splicing factor that we identify to be essential for cohesion, is recurrently mutated in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia.
Evaluation of in vitro human gingival fibroblast seeding on acellular dermal matrix
Authors: Rodrigues Annelissa Zorzeto , Oliveira Paulo Tambasco de , Novaes Jr. Arthur Belém , Maia Luciana Prado , Souza Sérgio Luís Scombatti de , Palioto Daniela Bazan
Published: September 2014

The acellular dermal matrix (ADM) was introduced in periodontology as a substitute for the autogenous grafts, which became restricted because of the limited source of donor's tissue. The aim of this study was to investigate, in vitro, the distribution, proliferation and viability of human gingival fibroblasts seeded onto ADM. ADM was seeded with human gingival fibroblasts for up to 21 days. The following parameters were evaluated: cell distribution, proliferation and viability. Results revealed that, at day 7, fibroblasts were adherent and spread on ADM surface, and were unevenly distributed, forming a discontinuous single cell layer; at day 14, a confluent fibroblastic monolayer lining ADM surface was noticed. At day 21, the cell monolayer exhibited a reduction in cell density. At 7 days, about to 90% of adherent cells on ADM surface were cycling while at 14 and 21 days this proportion was significantly reduced. A high proportion of viable cell was detected on AMD surface both on 14 and 21 days. The results suggest that fibroblast seeding onto ADM for 14 days can allow good conditions for cell adhesion and spreading on the matrix; however, migration inside the matrix was limited.
Social characteristics of migrants in suburban Beijing, China
Authors: Jiang Gu , Hino Masateru
Published: September 2014

Since Chinese economic reforms began to take effect in the 1990s, Beijing's metropolitan region has experienced a rapid expansion as migrants have flowed in from rural areas. However, large-scale suburban development means that migrants' living patterns have changed remarkably in recent years. This study presents the social-economic characteristics of the migrants who live in the Beijing suburban area. A questionnaire survey was carried out for migrant households in Changping and Yizhuang, home to Beijing technological business district and Beijing economic-technological development area, respectively. These two areas have attracted many foreign companies due to their good location and infrastructure, and provide significant employment opportunities to migrants. However, it appears many migrants in these areas are still on low incomes, meaning they are unable to buy or rent their own properties and need to share rooms instead. Compared to the migrants of the 1990s, more recent arrivals tend to have higher educational backgrounds and more technical training. As such they generally secure better jobs and aspire to purchasing newly built properties.
New Low Temperature Process of CO2 Recovery from Natural Gases
Authors: Imaev Salavat Z. , Bagirov Lev A. , Borisov Vasily E. , Voytenkov Evgeny V.
Published: September 2014

Low-temperature processes seem to be the most promising for the extraction of CO2 from gases with high acid components content. The present paper contains the research results of using supersonic separation technology (3S-separation) for the extraction of CO2 from natural gases. 3S-separation technology is based on separation of selected components of natural gas, effected by gas expansion in a supersonic Laval nozzle, in which a strong gas cooling is achieved due to the conversion of potential energy into kinetic energy. Condensation and separation of the target components are implemented in a cooled flow inside the nozzle.

This paper analyzes the various technological schemes of CO2 extraction. The results of tests of model 3S-separator, confirmed the high efficiency of CO2 separation, are represented. It is proven, that units for CO2 recovery from natural gas, based on low-temperature separation processes in supersonic separators, allow CO2 concentration in processed gas below 2%.
Utility Hydraulic Calculation Model of Herschel-Bulkley Rheological Model for MPD Hydraulics
Authors: Fan H. , Zhou H. , Wang G. , Peng Q. , Wang Y.
Published: September 2014

Hydraulics play an important function in many oil field operations, in the case of drilling, with the implementation and promotion of management pressure drilling technology, the role of accurate hydraulic parameter predictions becomes vital for drilling. This paper describes a utility hydraulic calculation model for Herschel-Bulkley (H-B) rheological model.

Firstly, the explicit equation between the wall shear stress and volumetric flow rate of H-B fluid flow in pipe and annuli were obtained. Then, the accurate numerical solutions of wall shear rate and shear stress both in pipe and annuli were obtained. Secondly, we defined a new generalized flow behavior index and effective diameter for H-B fluid annular flow. The generalized effective diameter accounts for the effects both of annuli geometry and fluid rheology but which is different from that was proposed by Reed & Pilehvari. Moreover, through the effective diameter we link the H-B fluid flow both in pipe and annuli to Newtonian pipe flow. At last, a general expression of generalized Reynolds number was derived from this model in view of generalized flow index is non-constant. Then, a theoretical calculation method was proposed for the generalized flow index of both pipe and annular flow and a uniform pressure drop calculation model was obtained. The predictions of the improved hydraulic model have been compared with an extensive set of experimental data. The comparison of different fluids both in pipe and annulus show very good agreement over the entire range of flow types.

Finally, the utility model has been applied in several wells in Sichuan basin and Tarim basin for monitoring real-time hydraulics while MPD, and there is an excellent match between the model and measured data. Therefore, it can be seen that this utility method can be applied to provide more accurate estimations of hydraulic parameters in drilling engineering.