bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antixenosis and larval and adult dispersal in the Mediterranean corn borer, Sesamia nonagrioides, in relation to Bt maize
Authors: López Carmen , Hernández‐Escareño Gerardo , Eizaguirre Matilde , Albajes Ramon
Published: November 2013

Sesamia nonagrioides Lefèbvre (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a key pest of maize [Zea mays L. (Poaceae)] and a main target of Bt maize in the Mediterranean area. To choose the most suitable non‐Bt refuge strategy for preventing or delaying resistance development in this maize borer, we examined its biology and behaviour. No antixenotic effects were found on numbers of eggs and egg batches per plant in choice (Bt vs. non‐Bt plants) and no‐choice assays. However, a greater ratio of young larvae dispersed from Bt than from non‐Bt plants. In addition, larvae that hatched on Bt plants tended to disperse more than those that hatched on non‐Bt plants, particularly during young growth stages. Many adults, especially females, could fly at least up to 400 m, as was found in a dispersal study with rubidium‐marked adults. The stimulation of larval dispersal by the Bt trait and the dispersal capacity of adults might compromise the efficacy of seed mixtures as an insecticide resistance management strategy.
Intrinsic and Extrinsic Factors Influence Expression of Defensive Behavior in Plains Hog‐Nosed Snakes (Heterodon nasicus)
Authors: Durso Andrew M. , Mullin Stephen J.
Published: November 2013

Animals failing to deter predation are eaten. Among the many deterrents to predation, antipredator behaviors are perhaps the most variable, ranging from active (fight or flight) to passive (immobility). We assessed variation in the expression of a passive defensive behavior, death‐feigning, in Plains Hog‐nosed Snakes (Heterodon nasicus) and predicted that intrinsic and extrinsic factors would influence the duration of this behavior and the latency to its onset. We simulated predatory attacks on 27 snakes encountered in the field, and analyzed the behavioral responses of snakes as a function of differences among individuals (sex and size) and environmental factors (temperature and microhabitat). Larger snakes death‐feigned for longer durations than smaller ones; this relationship was stronger for female snakes than for males. Death feints were initiated sooner when snakes were encountered at higher temperatures. Extrinsic factors had a greater influence on latency to death‐feigning behavior, whereas intrinsic factors more strongly influenced its duration. Because our results involved wild snakes, they provide an improved, highly relevant understanding of individual and environmental factors that regulate the expression of immobile defensive behavior. Furthermore, additional hypotheses can now be proposed that address the evolution of defensive behaviors that leave animals prone to attack.
Detection and pharmacokinetics of three formulations of firocoxib following multiple administrations to horses
Authors: Knych H. K. , Stanley S. D. , Arthur R. M. , Mitchell M. M.
Published: November 2013

Reason for performing study

The use of firocoxib in horses and its ability to affect performance and potential to allow a horse to compete when it otherwise should not, necessitates establishing appropriate withdrawal time guidelines prior to performance.

Objectives

To describe plasma concentrations and characterise the pharmacokinetics of 3 firocoxib formulations following multiple administrations of the label dose, with respect to recommended plasma thresholds for performance horses.

Study design

Balanced 3‐way crossover prospective study.

Methods

Nine healthy mature horses were administered firocoxib injectable solution (0.09 mg/kg bwt i.v. s.i.d. for 5 days), firocoxib paste (0.1 mg/kg bwt per os s.i.d. for 14 days) and firocoxib tablets (57 mg s.i.d. for 14 days). Blood samples were collected at Time 0 and at various times post drug administration until plasma concentrations were below the limit of detection of the assay. Plasma samples were analysed using liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry and data analysed using noncompartmental analysis.

Results

The mean plasma half‐life was 1.64 ± 0.737, 1.70 ± 0.800 and 1.73 ± 0.767 days for injectable, paste and tablet formulations, respectively. Plasma concentrations fell below the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium's recommended threshold for racehorses (20 ng/ml) by 7 days post administration of the final dose for all formulations. Plasma concentrations never exceeded the threshold concentration (240 ng/ml) for horse competing in US Equestrian Federation events for any of the formulations.

Conclusions

This study extends current knowledge regarding the pharmacokinetics of firocoxib and provides information that can be used to establish appropriate withdrawal time guidelines following multiple administrations, with respect to already established plasma regulatory threshold concentrations.
Factors associated with survival to hospital discharge following endoscopic treatment for synovial sepsis in 214 horses
Authors: Milner P. I. , Bardell D. A. , Warner L. , Packer M. J. , Senior J. M. , Singer E. R. , Archer D. C.
Published: November 2013

Reasons for performing study

To determine risk factors involved in survival to hospital discharge of cases of synovial sepsis.

Objectives

Investigate pre‐, intra‐ and post operative factors involved in short‐term survival of horses undergoing endoscopic treatment for synovial sepsis.

Study design

Retrospective case series.

Methods

Clinical data were obtained for horses (>6 months old) undergoing endoscopic surgery as part of management for synovial sepsis over a 7‐year period in a single hospital population. Descriptive data were generated for pre‐, intra‐ and post operative variables. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to develop 3 models related to presurgical, surgical and post surgical stages of management with outcome defined as survival to hospital discharge.

Results

Two hundred and fourteen horses were included. In Model 1 (preoperative variables), increased preoperative synovial fluid total protein (TP) was associated with nonsurvival (OR0.88, 95%CI0.83–0.94, P<0.001) whereas the presence of a wound on admission was associated with survival (OR4.75, 95%CI1.21–18.65, P = 0.02). Model 2 (intraoperative variables) revealed that factors associated with decreased survival were anaesthetic induction outside of normal working hours (OR0.36, 95%CI0.15–0.88 P = 0.02) and presence of moderate/severe synovial inflammation at surgery (OR0.28, 95%CI0.12–0.67, P = 0.004). Model 3 (post operative variables) showed that increased post operative synovial fluid TP (OR0.94, 95%CI0.90–0.98, P = 0.013) and undertaking more than one endoscopic surgery for treatment (OR0.19, 95%CI0.05–0.70, P = 0.005) were associated with nonsurvival. Cut‐off values for predicting survival were 55–60 g/l for preoperative and 50–55 g/l for post operativeTPmeasurements.

Conclusions

This study has identified factors associated with altered likelihood of survival to hospital discharge following endoscopic surgery for synovial sepsis. Prognosis for survival to hospital discharge can be based on evidence from this study at the key stages of management of horses with synovial sepsis.
Are the criteria currently used to rate the quality of clinical studies sufficient to warrant valid results?
Authors: Aust Norbert
Published: November 2013

Background

Currently, the quality of a clinical study is rated with respect to the risk of bias alone. Criteria for the internal validity of data assessment, and data processing, are not applied.

Method

This paper describes three major requirements for data validity as applied in, for instance, engineering: precision of data assessment; evaluation of significance; and definition of main outcome measure. The impact is illustrated using three high‐quality studies claiming to prove efficacy of homeopathic remedies.

Result

The three additional engineering criteria could be shown to have a substantial impact on the validity of the three studies discussed, which are considered as model studies, showing that in fact the evidence claimed therein is not warranted at all.

Conclusion

This paper shows that, even for studies considered to be of high quality, data validity can be so problematic that the evidence claimed in the study is, in fact, useless. Much of the evidence base for homeopathy seems to suffer from that shortcoming, even if it is too early yet for generalisation. Whether evidence for other CAM therapies of even evidence‐based medicine suffers from the same problems is an open question as yet.
Interpretation of therapeutic trials
Authors: Jóhannsson Magnús
Published: November 2013

Problems with subgroup analyses in clinical trials are common and conclusions drawn from them can be misleading. Subgroups are frequently not predefined, too many or too small. Some of the problems with interpretations based on subgroup analyses are illustrated in a recent study of a herbal remedy.
Further confirmation of the association between anxiety and CTNND2: replication in humans
Authors: Nivard M. G. , Mbarek H. , Hottenga J. J. , Smit J. H. , Jansen R. , Penninx B. W. , Middeldorp C. M. , Boomsma D. I.
Published: November 2013

The rat genome sequencing and mapping consortium found evidence for an association between the catenin‐δ2 gene (CTNND2) and anxious behaviour. We replicated these results in humans by carrying out a genetic association test in patients with panic disorder, social phobia, generalized anxiety disorder and/or agoraphobia (N = 1714) and controls (N = 4125). We further explored the association between CTNND2 and other psychiatric disorders based on publicly available genome‐wide association results. A gene‐based test showed that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in CTNND2 have a significantly increased signal (P < 1e−5) and decreased P‐values. Single nucleotide polymorphism rs1012176 showed the strongest association with any anxiety disorder (odds ratio: 0.8128, SE = 0.063, P = 0.00099), but this effect was not significant after correction for multiple testing. In available genome‐wide association results from the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium we found that SNPs in CTNND2 collectively showed an increased signal for schizophrenia (P < 1e−5) and major depressive disorder (P < 1e−5), but not for bipolar disorder. These signals remained significant after correction for potential confounders. The association between CTNND2 and anxiety was not strong enough to be picked up in the current generation of human genome‐wide analyses, indicating the usefulness of and need for animal genetic studies to identify candidate genes for further study in human samples.
Looks Good, You’re Hired? Evidence from Extra-Parliamentary Activities of German Parliamentarians
Authors: Geys Benny
Published: November 2013

Politicians have been shown to benefit electorally from an attractive physical appearance. Employing data on 614 German MPs, this note explores whether it also affects their success/failure in the market for extra-parliamentary activities. An attractive physical appearance is found to mainly benefit female MPs, especially for private-sector jobs. This is particularly driven by MPs’ perceived likability. While MP’s perceived beauty is shown to have no direct effects for extra-parliamentary activities, our findings suggest important indirect effects.
A Leaky Aquifer below Champlain Sea Clay: Closed‐Form Solutions for Natural Seepage
Authors: Chapuis Robert P. , Saucier Antoine
Published: November 2013

Closed‐form solutions are proposed for natural seepage in semiconfined (leaky) aquifers such as those existing below the massive Champlain Sea clay layers in the Saint‐Lawrence River Valley. The solutions are for an ideal horizontal leaky aquifer below an ideal aquitard that may have either a constant thickness and a constant hydraulic head at its surface, or a variable thickness and a variable hydraulic head at its surface. A few simplifying assumptions were needed to obtain the closed‐form solutions. These have been verified using a finite element method, which did not make any of the assumptions but gave an excellent agreement for hydraulic heads and groundwater velocities. For example, the difference between the two solutions was smaller than 1 mm for variations in the 5 to 8 m range for the hydraulic head in the semiconfined aquifer. Note that fitting the hydraulic head data of monitoring wells to the theoretical solutions gives only the ratio of the aquifer and aquitard hydraulic conductivities, a clear case of multiple solutions for an inverse problem. Consequently, field permeability tests in the aquitard and the aquifer, and pumping tests in the aquifer, are still needed to determine the hydraulic conductivity values.
Progress in Remediation of Groundwater at Petroleum Sites in California
Authors: McHugh Thomas E. , Kulkarni Poonam R. , Newell Charles J. , Connor John A. , Garg Sanjay
Published: November 2013

Quantifying the overall progress in remediation of contaminated groundwater has been a significant challenge. We utilized the GeoTracker database to evaluate the progress in groundwater remediation from 2001 to 2011 at over 12,000 sites in California with contaminated groundwater. This paper presents an analysis of analytical results from over 2.1 million groundwater samples representing at least $100 million in laboratory analytical costs. Overall, the evaluation of monitoring data shows a large decrease in groundwater concentrations of gasoline constituents. For benzene, half of the sites showed a decrease in concentration of 85% or more. For methyl tert‐butyl ether (MTBE), this decrease was 96% and for TBE, 87%. At remediation sites in California, the median source attenuation rate was 0.18/year for benzene and 0.36/year for MTBE, corresponding to half‐lives of 3.9 and 1.9 years, respectively. Attenuation rates were positive (i.e., decreasing concentration) for benzene at 76% of sites and for MTBE at 85% of sites. An evaluation of sites with active remediation technologies suggests differences in technology effectiveness. The median attenuation rates for benzene and MTBE are higher at sites with soil vapor extraction or air sparging compared with sites without these technologies. In contrast, there was little difference in attenuation rates at sites with or without soil excavation, dual phase extraction, or in situ enhanced biodegradation. The evaluation of remediation technologies, however, did not evaluate whether specific systems were well designed or implemented and did not control for potential differences in other site factors, such as soil type.
Carbon isotope stratigraphy of Torinosu‐type limestone in the western Paleo‐Pacific and its implication to paleoceanography in the Late Jurassic and earliest Cretaceous
Authors: Kakizaki Yoshihiro , Kano Akihiro
Published: November 2013

Carbon isotope stratigraphy of the Late Jurassic and earliest Cretaceous was revealed from Torinosu‐type limestone, which was deposited in a shallow‐marine setting in the western Paleo‐Pacific, in Japan. Two sections were examined; the Nakanosawa section of the late Kimmeridgian to early Tithonian age (Fukushima Prefecture, Northeast Japan), and the Furuichi section of the late Kimmeridgian to early Berriasian age (Ehime Prefecture, Southwest Japan). The age‐model was established using Sr isotope ratio and fossil occurrence. The limestone samples have a low Mn/Sr ratio (mostly <0.5) and lack a distinct correlation between δ13C and δ18O, indicating a low degree of diagenetic alteration. Our composite δ13C profile from the two limestone sections shows three stratigraphic correlation points that can be correlated with the profiles of relevant ages from the Alpine Tethyan region: a large‐amplitude fluctuation (the lower upper Kimmeridgian, ∼152 Ma), a positive anomaly (above the Kimmeridgian/Tithonian boundary, ∼150 Ma), and a negative anomaly (the upper lower Tithonian, ∼148 Ma). In addition, we found that δ13C values of the Torinosu‐type limestone are ∼1‰ lower than the Tethyan values in the late Kimmeridgian. This inter‐regional difference in δ13C values is likely to have resulted from a higher productivity and/or an organic burial in the Tethyan region. The difference gradually reduces and disappears in the late Tithonian, where the Tethyan and our δ13C records show similar stable values of 1.5–2.0‰. This isotopic homogenization is probably due to changes in the continental distribution and the global ocean circulation, which propagated the 13C‐depleted signature from the larger Paleo‐Pacific to the smaller Tethys Ocean during this time.
The effects of a catheter clamping protocol on bladder function in neurosurgical patients: A controlled trial
Authors: Liu Yi Si , Wei Shuang , Elliott Malcolm
Published: November 2013

There is scant evidence‐based literature on the best strategies for short‐term urinary catheter removal. This clinical trial explored the effects of an early urinary catheter clamping protocol on bladder function in neurosurgical patients. Eligible patients were divided into observation and control groups. Those in the observation group had their catheter clamped postoperatively on return to the ward and unclamped at dedicated intervals. The control group received standard care; the catheter was on free drainage during the entire time in situ.

The mean catheter indwelling time was 2.6 days. Compared with the control group, the observation group experienced shorter time to first postoperative urination, less residual urine volume and better subjective perception during their first postoperative urination. For patients undergoing neurosurgery and associated short‐term indwelling urinary catheterization, an early catheter clamping protocol is effective in facilitating bladder function, reducing the rate of dysuria and making patients feel more comfortable after catheter removal.
Incorporating a service improvement project into an undergraduate nursing programme: A pilot study
Authors: Smith Julie , Pearson Lynne , Adams John
Published: November 2013

Although service improvement projects have been incorporated into some postregistration nurse education modules in the UK, they have not been generally available to pre‐registration students. This paper reports on the implementation and evaluation of a pilot project in pre‐registration nurse education at one university in eastern England. It concludes that the nursing students found the project to be a useful addition to their course. Supportive reactions were obtained from nurse managers, mentors and academics. A need to improve communication with clinical areas through the use of web‐based materials was highlighted.
A Quiet Revolution in Corporate Governance: An Examination of Voluntary Best Practice Governance Policies
Authors: Baulkaran Vishaal
Published: November 2013

This paper investigates the effects of several voluntary best practice corporate governance principles on firm performance and firm risk. Using a sample of Standard & Poor's/Toronto Stock Exchange Composite Index firms from 2003–2010, I show that firms with individual director election and detailed disclosure of voting results in director elections have a higher firm value or performance. Firms with independent chairman, majority voting, and detailed disclosure of voting results in director elections have lower idiosyncratic risk. In addition, the results from the panel regression show that detailed disclosure of voting results in director election leads to lower systematic and total risk.
Compositional Dependence of CdSe Quantum Dot Formation on Silicate Host Glass Composition
Authors: Lee Yl Kwon , Choi Yong Gyu , Heo Jong , Chung Woon Jin
Published: November 2013

Silicate glasses were synthesized with additional CdO and ZnSe of varying content. When CdO was added up to 3 mol% with the amount of ZnSe fixed at 1 mol%, absorption due to Se2− color centers significantly decreased and the color of glasses was bleached without any evidence of CdSe quantum dots (QDs). However, characteristic absorption due to CdSe QDs appeared without additional heat treatment when the ZnSe content exceeded 1.5 mol%, whereas the CdO content was fixed at 1 mol%. Raman spectra and transmission electron microscopy verified the formation of CdSe QDs. The role of CdO and ZnSe in CdSe QD formation has been discussed in relation to their structural contribution within silicate glasses.
Effects of the Susceptor Dielectric Properties on the Microwave Sintering of Alumina
Authors: Heuguet Romain , Marinel Sylvain , Thuault Anthony , Badev Alexandre
Published: November 2013

Microwave sintering of alumina has been carried out using SiC and Y‐ZrO2 based susceptors. The microstructure of the sintered samples has been rigorously compared and correlated to the heating behaviour of the susceptor used. It was found that the nature of the susceptor highly influences the sintering behaviour of alumina. The results show that at high temperatures, the electrical conductivity of the SiC susceptor tends to screen the incident electric field, thus resulting in a surface heating of the alumina sample material. When using ZrO2 susceptor, the microstructure analysis of the sintered alumina samples reveals a volumetric heating, which is a signature of the microwave dielectric loss mechanism. This could be explained by the lower ZrO2 electrical conductivity compared to the SiC one. The simulation results confirm this behaviour, particularly showing that in the presence of ZrO2, the intensity of the electric field within the sample is higher than the one when SiC susceptor is used. Basically, the results of the simulation data are in good agreement with our experimental results. Although the SiC based susceptor is usually used in the microwave heating of materials, the ZrO2 based susceptor presents numerous advantages over the SiC one, especially in term of direct microwave heating contributions.
Ion‐Beam Etching on Nanostructured La2Ti2O7 Piezoelectric Thin Films
Authors: Ferri Anthony , Saitzek Sébastien , Shao Zhenmian , Declercq Gaëtan , Costecalde Jean , Rémiens Denis , Deresmes Dominique , Troadec David , Desfeux Rachel
Published: November 2013

The impact of generated Ga+ ion beams on the functional properties of crystallized lanthanum dititanate oxide (La2Ti2O7) ferroelectric thin films has been investigated at the nanometer scale by means of the scanning probe microscopy. Both the surface and the electrical response are shown to undergo sensitive modifications for areas exposed to ion irradiation. These are revealed through dynamic force mode, Kelvin force, and piezoresponse force (PFM) microscopies. Despite the nanometer film‐dimensions, local piezoactivity is still detected, thus confirming the high resistance of the material to ion‐beam exposures. In addition, crystallized La2Ti2O7 film, with a Pt electrode on top, is successfully patterned by focused ion beam (FIB) process. This allows the achieving of localized islands with lateral sizes ranging from 500 to 300 nm. Nanoscale electromechanical response is measured inside these nanostructures with the help of the PFM technique. In this case, the local piezosignal exhibits a level similar to the one obtained for the unetched film. The measures evidence no obvious sidewall effect in spite of not using the usual postannealing treatment that leads to functional properties recovery. This study demonstrates that the use of La2Ti2O7 materials combined with the FIB technique constitute a suitable and promising test‐bench to pattern low‐dimensional nanostructures. These investigations bear significant implications in view of the development of lead‐free piezoelectric thin films for nanoelectromechanical systems applications.
Invar Like Behavior of the Cr2AlC MAX Phase at Low Temperature
Authors: Jaouen Michel , Chartier Patrick , Cabioc'h Thierry , Mauchamp Vincent , André Gilles , Viret Michel
Published: November 2013

The structure of Cr2AlC has been studied using neutron scattering experiments performed in a temperature range running from room temperature down to 1.8 K. It is shown that the unit cell volume does not vary significantly below 80 K. This anomalous behavior, correlated with the existence of a weak ferromagnetic ordering revealed from superconducting quantum interference device experiments, is similar to that characteristic of Invar alloys. Just above the Curie temperature TC ~ 73 ± 5 K, the Cr2AlC undergoes significant distortions of the octahedron and triangular prisms units. Above 100 K, Cr2AlC follows an usual thermal expansion.
Optimization of Isoamyl Acetate Production in a Solvent‐Free System
Authors: Azudin N. Yusoff , Mashitah M.D. , Abd Shukor S.R.
Published: November 2013

Enzymatic esterification of isoamyl acetate using Candida antarctica immobilized lipase was studied and optimized using response surface methodology (RSM) by Design of Experiment software. Isoamyl acetate is a colorless organic compound which is used by food industry as additives for its banana flavor. The production of isoamyl acetate is costly, hence, RSM giving advantages by minimizing the number of experiments for studying parameter effect. The model developed by RSM also simplified the relationship that can be used for practical engineering purposes. The parameters investigated in this study are mass of enzyme (1–14 wt %), reaction temperature (30–50C) and reaction time (2–6 h). As reaction temperature increased at any given mass of enzyme, a yield of ester increased up to optimum temperature 40C and thereafter decreased. The model obtained by RSM indicated the optimum conditions for maximum esterification (100% yields) at 34.8C with 1.04 g mass of enzyme after 0.5 h reaction time, which is in good agreement with the experimental value (104%).

Practical Applications

Isoamyl acetate is a compound that has a strong fruity aroma similar to banana and pear. It is commonly used as food flavor in the food industry. Apart from that, it is also popular as a solvent for varnishes, paints and nitrocellulose lacquers. The compound is also used in rayon, dyes, artificial pearls, film manufacturing and extraction of penicillin.
Metabolic syndrome association with fibrosis development in chronic hepatitis B virus inactive carriers
Authors: Mena Álvaro , Pedreira José D , Castro Ángeles , López Soledad , Vázquez Pilar , Poveda Eva
Published: November 2013

Background and Aim

There are few data of fibrosis development in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients classified as inactive carriers. The aim of this study is to determinate the prevalence of significant fibrosis and probable cirrhosis measured by FibroScan in real inactive CHB carriers and investigate the relationship with virological, epidemiological, and metabolic factors.

Methods

Cross‐sectional cohort study including CHB inactive carriers. Liver stiffness measurement was performed with transient elastography (FibroScan). Significant fibrosis (≥ F2) was defined as stiffness > 7.5 kPa, and probable cirrhosis as > 11.8 kPa. Factors associated with significant fibrosis were explored with univariate and multivariate adjusted logistic regression analyses.

Results

Ninety‐six CHB inactive carriers were analyzed. Of them, 24 (25%) had significant fibrosis and 7 (7%) probable cirrhosis; mean stiffness was 6.2 ± 2.3 kPa.

Of them, 24% had metabolic syndrome, with higher FibroScan value than those without (8.4 kPa vs 5.5 kPa, P < 0.001).

Factors associated with significant fibrosis were (odds ratio, 95% confidence interval, P value): central obesity (7.1, 1.8–27.9, 0.005), elevated fasting glucose (4.3, 1.3–27.9, 0.036), reduced high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (5.2, 1.2–23.6, 0.032) and elevated triglycerides (6.2, 1.4–28.3, 0.019). Factors as age, sex, transaminases, hepatitis B virus DNA or genotype were not related with liver fibrosis.

The presence of metabolic syndrome has a 69% of positive predictive value and 89% of negative predictive value for significant fibrosis.

Conclusion

Different components of metabolic syndrome are associated with fibrosis development in CHB inactive carriers. In the absence of metabolic syndrome, significant fibrosis is uncommon in this population.
Comparing the efficacy and clinical outcome of telbivudine and entecavir naïve patients with hepatitis B virus‐related compensated cirrhosis
Authors: Tsai Ming‐Chao , Yu Hsien‐Chung , Hung Chao‐Hung , Lee Chuan‐Mo , Chiu King‐Wah , Lin Ming‐Tzung , Tseng Po‐Lin , Chang Kuo‐Chin , Yen Yi‐Hao , Chen Chien‐Hung , Hu Tsung‐Hui
Published: November 2013

Background and Aim

There is limited data on the efficacy and outcome of telbivudine (LdT) therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis B and compensated cirrhosis. We evaluated LdT as first‐line therapy in these patients and compared with those treated with entecavir (ETV).

Methods

We consecutively enrolled 88 chronic hepatitis B patients with compensated cirrhosis primarily treated with LdT at least for 2 years or less than 2 years but developed resistance, and evaluated the efficacy and clinical outcomes. Meanwhile, we matched a control group who treated with ETV for comparison.

Results

In LdT group, alanine aminotransferase normalization (65.8%), hepatitis B e antigen seroconversion (39.8%), hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA undetectablility (71.6%), and virologic resistance (23.9%) were noted after 2 years treatment. Compared with ETV group, there were significant difference in HBV DNA undetectablility (P < 0.001) and virologic resistance (P < 0.001). In addition, the decline of serum hepatitis B surface antigen levels, hepatocellular carcinoma development, mortality, disease progression, and the change of renal function were similar. Cox regression analysis showed that pretreatment low albumin level and high model for end‐stage liver disease scores were risk factors for disease progression.

Conclusions

These results indicated that although LdT and ETV are similar in clinical outcomes for patients with HBV‐related compensated cirrhosis, LdT still had lower HBV undetectablility and higher resistant rate after 2 years treatment, which was a challenge for being as first‐line therapy in these patients who need lifelong therapy.
A Fractal Approach to Microstructural Changes during the Storage of Yoghurts Prepared with Starter Cultures Producing Exopolysaccharides
Authors: Smoczyński Michał , Baranowska Maria
Published: November 2013

Changes were evaluated in the properties of the microstructure during storage of yoghurts obtained with three commercial bacterial starter cultures differing in their ability to produce exopolysaccharides (EPS). The syneresis and rheological parameters were investigated during 28 days of storage. Changes in yoghurt microstructure were also monitored by image analysis processing to calculate the fractal dimension. Yoghurts prepared with EPS‐producing lactic acid bacteria showed higher values of viscosity and hysteresis loop area and lower amounts of whey separation. The calculated fractal dimension indicated changes in the porosity of yoghurt gels during storage. Different relationships between fractal dimension and syneresis and hysteresis loop area were observed for EPS and non‐EPS yoghurts, which may suggest alternative mechanisms of their microstructural behavior and confirm the important role of EPS for yoghurt properties. Fractal geometry provides a powerful method to investigate the properties of irregular structures which are otherwise undetectable.

Practical Applications

Yoghurt has a porous structure built of a protein network. Many physical properties of yoghurt depend on this microstructure. EPS produced by various lactic acid bacteria affect yoghurt microstructure and texture properties to a large extent. During microscopic observation, characterization of such objects is often limited to verbal description and many subtle differences between similar structures escape detection. In this case, fractal geometry can be used for precise mathematical description of such microstructure. The presented method of image analysis and calculation of the fractal dimension of pores in yoghurt microstructure can be a useful tool for yoghurt comparison and even classification of lactic acid bacteria properties.
Plasma Renin Activity and Aldosterone Concentrations in Hypertensive Cats with and without Azotemia and in Response to Treatment with Amlodipine Besylate
Authors: Jepson R.E. , Syme H.M. , Elliott J.
Published: November 2013

Background

Role of renin‐angiotensin aldosterone system (RAAS) in feline systemic hypertension is poorly understood.

Objectives

Examine plasma renin activity (PRA) and plasma aldosterone concentrations (PAC) in normotensive and hypertensive cats with variable renal function and in response to antihypertensive therapy.

Animals

One hundred and ninety‐six cats >9 years from first opinion practice.

Methods

PRA,PAC, and aldosterone‐to‐renin ratio (ARR) were evaluated in cats recruited prospectively and grouped according to systolic blood pressure (SBP) and renal function (nonazotemic normotensive [Non‐Azo‐NT], nonazotemic hypertensive [Non‐Azo‐HT], azotemic normotensive [Azo‐NT], azotemic hypertensive [Azo‐HT]). Changes inPRAandPACwere evaluated with antihypertensive therapy (amlodipine besylate).

Results

Plasma renin activity (ng/mL/h;P = .0013),PAC(pg/mL;P < .001), andARR(P = 0.0062) differed significantly among groups.PRA(ng/mL/h) was significantly lower in hypertensive (Non‐Azo‐HT; n = 25, median 0.22 [25th percentile 0.09, 75th percentile 0.39], Azo‐HT; n = 44, 0.33 [0.15, 0.48]) compared with Non‐Azo‐NTcats (n = 57, 0.52 [0.28, 1.02]). Azo‐HTcats had significantly higherPAC(n = 22, 149.8 [103.1, 228.7]) than normotensive cats (Non‐Azo‐NT; n = 26, 45.4 [19.6, 65.0], Azo‐NT; n = 18, 84.1 [38.6, 137.8]).ARRwas significantly higher in Azo‐HT(n = 20, 503.8 [298.8, 1511]) than Azo‐NTcats (n = 16, 97.8 [77.0, 496.4]). Significant increase inPRAwas documented with antihypertensive therapy (pretreatment [n = 20] 0.32 [0.15–0.46], posttreatment 0.54 [0.28, 1.51]), butPACdid not change.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Hypertensive cats demonstrate significantly increasedPACwith decreasedPRA.PRAsignificantly increases with antihypertensive therapy. Additional work is required to determine the role of plasma aldosterone concentration in the pathogenesis of hypertension and whether this relates to autonomous production or activation ofRAASwithout demonstrable increase inPRA.
On the Preprocessing of Atrial Electrograms in Atrial Fibrillation: Understanding Botteron's Approach
Authors: CASTELLS FRANCISCO , CERVIGÓN RAQUEL , MILLET JOSÉ
Published: November 2013

Background

The dominant atrial frequency is a key parameter for the analysis of atrial fibrillation (AF) from intracardiac recordings. The preprocessing approach employed by Botteron et al. in an early work is able to retrieve this frequency. The preprocessing steps are: (1) 40–250‐Hz band‐pass filtering, (2) rectification, and (3) 20 Hz low‐pass filtering.

Methods and results

The theoretical aspects of this process are addressed. Moreover, its time‐domain and frequency‐domain properties are evaluated using both simulations and real electrogram (EGM) recordings. The fundamental frequency is emphasized, due to the rectification step. As the interval between consecutive activations becomes more irregular, fundamental frequency detection becomes less robust. In the case of fractionated EGM, this approach fails. In time‐domain, the waveform of the atrial beats are dramatically modified, hence hindering any further analysis on the morphology of the activations.

Conclusions

Botteron preprocessing succeeds in estimating the dominant atrial rate in most EGMs during AF. However, this approach presents some limitations and improved methods are required.
Lipid resuscitation in pediatric patients – need for caution?
Authors: Shenoy Usha , Paul John , Antony Deepu
Published: November 2013

A 3‐year‐old child was successfully resuscitated following bupivacaine cardiotoxicity with 20% intravenous lipid emulsion (ILE). Large volume of ILE was used targeting clinically adequate perfusion. Subsequently, there were features of ventilation/perfusion (V/P) mismatch.
Multiple-Change-Point Detection for Auto-Regressive Conditional Heteroscedastic Processes
Authors: Fryzlewicz P. , Subba Rao S.
Published: November 2013

The emergence of the recent financial crisis, during which markets frequently underwent changes in their statistical structure over a short period of time, illustrates the importance of non-stationary modelling in financial time series. Motivated by this observation, we propose a fast, well performing and theoretically tractable method for detecting multiple change points in the structure of an auto-regressive conditional heteroscedastic model for financial returns with piecewise constant parameter values. Our method, termed BASTA (binary segmentation for transformed auto-regressive conditional heteroscedasticity), proceeds in two stages: process transformation and binary segmentation. The process transformation decorrelates the original process and lightens its tails; the binary segmentation consistently estimates the change points. We propose and justify two particular transformations and use simulation to fine-tune their parameters as well as the threshold parameter for the binary segmentation stage. A comparative simulation study illustrates good performance in comparison with the state of the art, and the analysis of the Financial Times Stock Exchange FTSE 100 index reveals an interesting correspondence between the estimated change points and major events of the recent financial crisis. Although the method is easy to implement, ready-made R software is provided.
Functional Implications of Regulatory B Cells in Human IgA Nephropathy
Authors: Wang Y.‐Y. , Zhang L. , Zhao P.‐W. , Ma L. , Li C. , Zou H.‐B. , Jiang Y.‐F.
Published: November 2013

IgA nephropathy (IgAN) diagnosis remains largely based upon immunohistologic detection of IgA‐ and IgG‐containing glomerular deposits in renal mesangial cells, and little is known about the underlying pathogenic mechanisms. This study examines the putative contribution of B cell types, including the Breg type, to IgAN pathogenesis. Twenty‐four patients with IgAN and proteinuria (Group A: <3.5 g/24 h, n = 13; Group B: >3.5 g/24 h, n = 11) and 10 healthy controls were enrolled. The frequencies of B cell subtypes in venous blood were measured by flow cytometry. Galactose‐deficient IgA1 was measurement by ELISA. Needle biopsies were analysed by histology and immunofluorescence microscopy. Correlation between clinical features and B cell subtypes, including the regulatory B (Breg) cells, and Breg cell‐derived immunomodulatory cytokine IL‐10 was assessed by Spearman's rank correlation test. IgAN patients had significantly higher frequencies of CD27+CD19+, CD38+CD19+, CD86+CD19+ and CD5+CD19+ B cells than the healthy controls, but significantly lower levels of Breg cells and intracellular expression of IL‐10 protein in the Breg subtype. Serum IgA concentration positively correlated with CD27+CD19+ B cell frequency and negatively correlated with IL‐10+ Breg cell frequency in IgAN patients, and the percentage of CD19+CD5+CD1d+ in CD19+ cells was negatively correlated with the level of serum Gd‐IgA1. Furthermore, the frequencies of CD19+CD38+ and CD19+CD86+ in the CD19+ subpopulation negatively correlated with the estimated glomerular filtration rate of IgAN patients. Several of the CD19+ B cell subtypes and the IL‐10+ Breg cells are differentially expressed in IgAN patients and may contribute to the disease pathogenesis.
Influence of Thermal Buoyancy on Vortex Shedding Behind a Rotating Circular Cylinder in Cross Flow at Subcritical Reynolds Numbers
Authors: Chatterjee Dipankar , Sinha Chiranjit
Published: November 2013

The vortex shedding (VS) behind stationary bluff obstacles in cross-flow can be initiated by imposing thermal instability at subcritical Reynolds numbers (Re). We demonstrate here that additional thermal instability is required to be imparted in the form of heating for destabilizing the flow around a rotating bluff obstacle. A two-dimensional numerical simulation is performed in this regard to investigate the influences of cross buoyancy on the VS process behind a heated and rotating circular cylinder at subcritical Re. The flow is considered in an unbounded medium. The range of Re is chosen to be 5–45 with a dimensionless rotational speed (Ω) ranging between 0 and 4. At this subcritical range of Reynolds number the flow and thermal fields are found to be steady without the superimposed thermal buoyancy (i.e., for pure forced flow). However, as the buoyancy parameter (Richardson number, Ri) increases flow becomes unstable and subsequently, at some critical value of Ri, periodic VS is observed to characterize the flow and thermal fields. The rotation of the cylinder is found to have a stabilizing effect and as Ω increases more heating is observed to be required to destabilize the flow.
Turbocharger Synchronous Vibration Control on High Speed Balancer: Test and Prediction
Authors: Gjika Kostandin , Costeux Antoine , Mahadevan Pradeep
Published: November 2013

Current trends for advanced automotive engines focusing on downsizing, better fuel efficiency and lower emissions have led to several changes in turbocharger bearing systems design and technology. Automotive turbochargers are running faster under high engine vibration level. Vibration control is becoming a real critical issue and turbocharger manufacturers are focusing more and more on new and improved balancing technology.

This paper deals with turbocharger synchronous vibration control on high speed balancers. In a first step the synchronous rotordynamics behavior is identified. The developed fluid bearing code predicts bearing rotational speed (in case of fully-floating design), operating inner and outer bearing film clearances and bearing force coefficients. A rotordynamics code uses this input to predict the synchronous lateral dynamic response of the rotor-bearing system by converging with bearing eccentricity ratio. The rotor-bearing system model is validated by shaft motion test data on high speed balancer (HSB). It shows that only one of the peaks seen on the synchronous G level plot collected in a high speed balancer can be explained by rotordynamics physics. A step-by-step structural dynamics model and analysis validated by experimental frequency response functions provides robust explanations for the other G level peaks. The synchronous vibration response of the system “turbocharger-HSB fixture” is predicted by integrating the predicted rotordynamics rotational bearing loads on the structural dynamics model. Numerous test data show very good correlation with the prediction, which validates the developed analytical model.

The “rotordynamics – structural dynamics model” allows deep understanding of turbocharger synchronous vibration control as well as optimization of the high speed balancer tooling.
Impact of an Optimized Power Turbine Disks Cavity on Geared Open Rotor Performance: A Multidisciplinary Approach in the Preliminary Design
Authors: Peraudo Paolo N. , Abbondanza Claudio , Pastrone Dario G. , Maggiore Paolo , De Poli Gian Paolo
Published: November 2013

A constantly growing number of studies have been oriented to Green Aircraft and Green Engine concepts during last several years in order to reduce pollutants and carbon-dioxide production by 2020. Ultra high by-pass engines are recently getting the highest interest by academia, research centers and industries. Among the most recent research activities, many studies are focused on geared architectures, the Geared Turbofan (GTF) and the Geared Open Rotor (GOR). The GOR architecture seems to be the most promising radical architecture for short-range aircraft as climbing and landing phases interest the major part of the whole mission.

Our work refers to the most recent research activities and is focused on the preliminary design of a GOR-like engine. A multidisciplinary modular simulation environment was developed to allow researchers the chance to directly relate the considered disciplines. Introductory trade-off studies were carried on to effectively show GOR capabilities amongst the most innovative engines. A reference low-bypass turbofan was used as the core of the considered GOR engine, as previously done by General Electric for its original Open Rotor engine. GOR performance were predicted on-design and off-design, by relating to a reference short-range mission. Optimization studies of the GOR high-speed power turbine disks cavity were performed to reduce disk weight and cooling flows, complying with several engineering constraints, such as aerodynamics, structural and manufacturing constraints. Finally the optimization outcomes were linked to the performance code to capture their impact on the overall engine efficiency and specific fuel consumption. Preliminary results show that it is possible to get a remarkable improvement in the specific fuel consumption by minimizing the required cooling flows of the GOR power turbine. Moreover, for a required thrust level, engine weight may be reduced.
The Development of a New Concept for Gear Teeth Wear and Damage Detection
Authors: Chana K. S. , Cardwell M. T. , Sullivan J. S.
Published: November 2013

Mechanical transmission systems require online health monitoring for several reasons. Gearboxes account for many of the maintenance costs due to repairs, replacements and downtime. Transmission systems feature in many applications including rotor aircraft and wind turbines.

The wind energy industry since its inception has experienced high levels of failure rates. Principal gearbox design defects and structural problems have been notably significant issues of wind turbines and have had to be addressed by the wind turbine manufacturers. Reliability and safety of conventional wind turbines has improved although rates of failures are still disappointingly high.

There still exists a lack of sufficient technology to enable reliable monitoring of the structural and operational conditions of wind turbines and this is currently a significant area of research.

Gearbox monitoring in particular lacks sensor technology to successfully detect tooth damage, high speed and low speed shaft faults. Typically, vibration measurement and spectrum analysis are chosen for gearbox monitoring but, these methods are not able to detect the faults until failure is imminent. More recently acoustic emissions sensors are being developed for early detection of stress and surface defects.

This paper presents a new concept that employs an eddy current sensor fitted to the teeth of an idler gear to detect early micro and macro pitting of the gear tooth surface. A rotating bench test has been carried out to validate the technique where simple eddy current sensors have been fitted to an idler gear. Seeded faults of three different types on an actual gear have been shown to be detectable using this technique. Eddy current sensors are used for their immunity to dust, dirt and oil contamination. Thus this technique is targeted for in-service operation where sensors have not previously been deployed to access the tooth face, flank and root shank.