bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Topical application of 0.005% latanoprost increases episcleral venous pressure in normal dogs
Authors: Tsai Susan , Miller Paul E. , Struble Craig , Howard Susan , Almazan Alexandra , Burke James A. , Hughes Patrick M. , Li Huajiang , Conforti Paul , Lee Susan S. , Robinson Michael R.
Published: December 2011

Introduction  Episcleral venous pressure (EVP) has an important role in intraocular pressure (IOP) homeostasis and accounts for more than 70% of the IOP in the normal dog. A frequently used species in glaucoma research is the normotensive dog especially when evaluating the efficacy of prostaglandin analogues and prostamides; however, aqueous humor dynamic studies in normal dogs are lacking, and the effect of 0.005% latanoprost on canine EVP is not known. We sought to determine the effects to the EVP of topically applied 0.005% latanoprost in the normotensive beagle dog.

Methods  Female beagle dogs (n = 14) were used and each had a normal ophthalmic examination on study entry. EVP was determined using a standard episcleral venomanometer. Animals were dosed in one eye with 0.005% latanoprost, and the effects on EVP were compared with the averaged baseline EVP’s determined in the predosing phase and the fellow nondosed eye. The Mixed Model Repeated Measures method was used to analyze the EVP data.

Results  During the dosing phase of the study with topical 0.005% latanoprost, the mean EVPs of dosed eyes were significantly higher than that of nondosed eyes (P < 0.0001).

Conclusions  The increase in EVP in the dog with exposure to topical 0.005% latanoprost has not been observed in other species that have been studied, such as in the mouse and in humans, where the drug had no significant effect on the EVP. This response may be unique to dogs and suggests that dogs may not fully mimic human aqueous humor dynamics with topical 0.005% latanoprost. Although frequently performed in human studies, EVP should not be regarded to be a constant value in aqueous humor dynamic studies in the normal beagle dog.
Importance of metabolic changes induced by chemotherapy on prognosis of early‐stage breast cancer patients: a review of potential mechanisms
Authors: Gadéa E. , Thivat E. , Planchat E. , Morio B. , Durando X.
Published: December 2011

Weight variation has been reported as a side effect of chemotherapy treatment in early breast cancer patients and has been identified as a factor of poor prognosis. Causes of weight variation during chemotherapy and mechanisms involved in the poor prognosis have been little studied. Here is reviewed the current knowledge about the main causes and mechanisms involved in body weight change. Special emphasis is placed on factors associated with weight variation which could potentially be involved in the risk of relapse in breast cancer survivors. In recent decades, some studies have investigated the causes of weight variation by studying energy balance of breast cancer patients during chemotherapy. Weight gain or loss may be the consequence of energy imbalance through different factors linked with chemotherapy, such as poor treatment tolerance, decreased muscle mass and function, or hormonal alterations. This results in body composition modifications in favour of fat gain and/or lean body mass loss. Increased adipose tissue, especially in the abdominal region, could induce metabolic disturbances such as insulin resistance, through various pathways involving adipokines. These molecules have growth properties and could therefore play a role in cancer relapse. Understanding such mechanisms is key to developing preventive strategies for improving the prognosis of early‐stage breast cancer patients.
The differential effect of illicit drug use on cognitive function in first‐episode psychosis and healthy controls
Authors: Donoghue K. , Mazzoncini R. , Hart J. , Zanelli J. , Morgan C. , Dazzan P. , Morgan K. D. , Murray R. M. , Jones P. B. , Doody G. A.
Published: December 2011

Donoghue K, Mazzoncini R, Hart J, Zanelli J, Morgan C, Dazzan P, Morgan KD, Murray RM, Jones PB, Doody GA. The differential effect of illicit drug use on cognitive function in first‐episode psychosis and healthy controls.

Objective::  Illicit drug use can result in impairment in cognitive function in healthy individuals. Individuals with a psychotic disorder also show a deficit in cognitive function. Drug use may simply contribute to the characteristic cognitive deficit found in psychosis or alternatively result in a ‘double deficit’. This study aims to investigate the association between drug use and cognitive function at the first‐episode of psychosis and in community‐matched controls.

Method::  One hundred and seventy‐seven patients at the first episode of psychosis completed a battery of neuropsychological tests. Those that had used drugs in the previous year (n = 80) were compared with those who had not used drugs in the previous year (n = 97). A subsample of the first‐episode psychosis patients were compared with community‐matched controls (n = 110) according to drug‐use status.

Results::  Patients with a first episode of psychosis who had used drugs performed equally to those who had not used drugs on neuropsychological tests. In contrast, healthy controls who had used drugs in the previous year performed worse on tests of executive function and working memory compared with those controls that had not used drugs.

Conclusion::  There are differential associations of illicit drug misuse with cognitive function for first‐episode psychosis patients and healthy controls.
Movement upscaled – the importance of individual foraging movement for community response to habitat loss
Authors: Buchmann Carsten M. , Schurr Frank M. , Nathan Ran , Jeltsch Florian
Published: December 2011

Habitat loss poses a severe threat to biodiversity. While many studies yield valuable information on how specific species cope with such environmental modification, the mechanistic understanding of how interacting species or whole communities are affected by habitat loss is still poor. Individual movement plays a crucial role for the space use characteristics of species, since it determines how individuals perceive and use their heterogeneous environment. At the community level, it is therefore essential to include individual movement and how it is influenced by resource sharing into the investigation of consequences of habitat loss. To elucidate the effects of foraging movement on communities in face of habitat loss, we here apply a recently published spatially‐explicit and individual‐based model of home range formation. This approach allows predicting the individual size distribution (ISD) of mammal communities in simulation landscapes that vary in the amount of suitable habitat. We apply three fundamentally different foraging movement approaches (central place forager (CPF), patrolling forager (PF) and body mass dependent nomadic forager (BNF)). Results show that the efficiency of the different foraging strategies depends on body mass, which again affects community structure in face of habitat loss. CPF is only efficient for small animals, and therefore yields steep ISD exponents on which habitat loss has little effect (due to a movement limitation of body mass). PF and particularly BNF are more efficient for larger animals, resulting in less steep ISDs with higher mass maxima, both showing a threshold behaviour with regard to loss of suitable habitat. These findings represent a new way of explaining observed ‘extinction thresholds’, and therefore indicate the importance of individual space use characterized by physiology and behaviour, i.e. foraging movement, for communities and their response to habitat loss. Findings also indicate the necessity to incorporate the crucial role of movement into future conservation efforts of terrestrial communities.
Causal theory and the etiology of periodontal diseases
Authors: Heaton Brenda , Dietrich Thomas
Published: December 2011

Causal theory and causal models have proven to be helpful in understanding the multi‐factorial causation of many diseases, including periodontitis. The design and application of causal models is essential to the appropriate design, conduct and analysis of studies on periodontal disease causation. This review discusses the principles of causation and causal theory, both in general and as they pertain to studies of the etiology of periodontitis. Specifically, we present an overview of models of causation, including the potential outcomes model, the sufficient component cause model, and directed acyclic graphical models. More thorough explanations and accompanying illustrations are provided for the sufficient component cause model and the directed acyclic graphical model. Topics related to the study of periodontitis, as illustrated by such models, include the principles of confounding and effect measure modification (interaction). Existing models of periodontitis etiology are critically reviewed in this context.
Using administrative data for epidemiological research: case study to identify persons with periodontitis
Authors: Spangler Leslie , Chaudhari Monica , Barlow William E. , Newton Katherine M. , Inge Ronald , Hujoel Philippe , Genco Robert J. , Reid Robert J.
Published: December 2011

The availability of automated administrative databases in medical and dental healthcare, combined with modern computing power, allows sophisticated multi‐layered analyses of the causes and consequences of care delivered to large populations. These automated databases are now also commonly linked to data extracted from electronic medical records, and are used to measure health system performance, adjust payments, assess providers for quality improvement purposes, and inform policy decisions. Use of health insurance databases can be particularly powerful when linked through common unique identifiers to allow examination of the influences of dental care on medical outcomes and costs, and vice versa. This review describes the growing use of these databases for epidemiological and health services research, their advantages and limitations, and presents a case study in which dental claims data are used to identify persons with periodontitis in order to enable critical assessment of the relationship between periodontal interventions and systemic health outcomes/medical costs.
Association study of CARD8 (p.C10X) and NLRP3 (p.Q705K) variants with rheumatoid arthritis in French and Tunisian populations
Authors: Ben Hamad M. , Cornelis F. , Marzouk S. , Chabchoub G. , Bahloul Z. , Rebai A. , Fakhfakh F. , Ayadi H. , Petit‐Teixeira E. , Maalej A.
Published: December 2011

The objective of the study was to investigate the association of caspase activating and recruitment domain 8 (CARD8) and nucleotide‐binding oligomerization domain, leucine‐rich repeat and pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) polymorphisms with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in Tunisian and French populations. CARD8 (c.30T>A, rs2043211) and NLRP3 (c.2113C>A, rs35829419) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were genotyped in 100 French RA trio families and 141 Tunisian patients with RA and 191 unrelated healthy controls, using TaqMan® allelic discrimination assay. The genetic analyses for the association and linkage in French families were performed using the comparison of allelic frequencies (AFBAC), the genotype relative risk (GRR) and the transmission disequilibrium test (TDT). Data for case and control samples were analysed by chi‐square‐test, GRR and odds ratio (OR). No significant differences between alleles and genotypes frequencies were detected in French trio and Tunisian patients with RA and controls, either with CARD8 or with NLRP3 SNPs both in French and in Tunisian populations. Moreover, stratifying patients according to the presence of rheumatoid factor (RF), anti‐cyclic peptides antibodies (ACPA), erosion, nodules, other autoimmune disease or HLA‐DRB1*04‐positive subgroups did not show any significant association with CARD8 or NLRP3 (P ≥ 0.05). This study suggests that variations in the innate immunity genes CARD8 (p.C10X) and NLRP3 (p.Q705K) have no effect on RA susceptibility either in the Tunisian or in the French population.
ASSESSING THE SHAPES AND SPEECH SOUNDS THAT CONSUMERS ASSOCIATE WITH DIFFERENT KINDS OF CHOCOLATE
Authors: NGO MARY KIM , SPENCE CHARLES
Published: December 2011

Reliable crossmodal correspondences have been demonstrated between dark and mint chocolates with angular shapes and sharper‐sounding speech sounds on one hand, and between milk chocolate with organic shapes and rounder‐sounding speech sounds on the other. In the present study, a panel of consumers was presented with four different chocolates: two mints (solid and fondant), one dark and one milk. They either tasted (Experiment 1) or simply imagined tasting (Experiment 2) the chocolates and indicated whether the perceived flavor matched one or other of the items (nonsense words or simple outline shapes) anchoring various line scales by marking a point along each scale. Dark and solid mint chocolates were more angular‐shaped and associated with sharp meaningless speech sounds (e.g., “tuki” and “takete”). Mint fondant, by contrast, was considered less angular and more pleasant than dark or solid mints, while milk chocolate was more pleasant and strongly associated with organic shapes and rounded speech sounds (e.g., “lula” and “maluma”). These results corroborate and build upon recent findings concerning sound symbolism in the taste and flavor domain by highlighting the fact that oral‐somatosensory textural cues play an important role in determining the crossmodal correspondences that regular consumers have for foodstuffs such as chocolate.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Whether taste or texture, or some combination of the two sensory attributes, is responsible for the systematic associations between various chocolates and certain angular/sharp or organic shapes and speech sounds remains unclear. The results of the present study demonstrate that both attributes play an important role in determining consumers' crossmodal correspondences. Thus, when conducting research on various food qualities, these two factors should be carefully considered and/or systematically controlled. Additionally, the fact that these results held across different testing protocols (laboratory‐based vs. online) confirms the potential utility of internet‐based food testing for quantitatively and, importantly, qualitatively valuable/sound data collection (at least for foods that consumers are familiar with). The results of experiments such as those reported here can, in the future, be used to provide insights regarding the speech sounds and abstract imagery that should be associated with specific oral‐somatosensory and taste/flavor attributes in commercial food products. Such results may be used to develop abstract imagery for product packaging and/or brand names/logos that more effectively capture the shape/sound symbolic properties of the food concerned.
VISUAL AND INSTRUMENTAL EVALUATION OF ORANGE JUICE COLOR: A CONSUMERS' PREFERENCE STUDY
Authors: FERNÁNDEZ‐VÁZQUEZ ROCÍO , STINCO CARLA M. , MELÉNDEZ‐MARTÍNEZ ANTONIO J. , HEREDIA FRANCISCO J. , VICARIO ISABEL M.
Published: December 2011

This study was aimed at (1) finding out correlations between the instrumental and the sensory evaluation of color attributes (lightness, chroma and hue) in orange juices (OJs) and (2) evaluating consumer preferences on OJs color. Fresh hand squeezed OJs from five varieties of oranges were evaluated by image analysis (DigiEye System, VeriVide Ltd., Leicester, UK) and spectroradiometer. Eighteen trained panelists classified the OJs in increasing order of hue (yellowish–reddish), chroma (dull–vivid) and lightness (clear–dark) and scored the colorimetric parameters on a continuous scale of 10 cm, anchored at the ends. Hue and lightness were well correlated with the instrumental measurement but not chroma. One hundred eleven consumers were asked to order the five OJs according to their color liking. A significant preference (P < 0.05) was observed for the OJs with intermediate hue and lightness values (Valencia Midnight). Consumers' segmentation was also explored by cluster analyses.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

For the first time, the correlations between instrumental color parameters obtained with DigiEye and the sensory evaluation of color in orange juice (OJ) has been explored. These correlations have demonstrated that trained panelists can effectively evaluate orange juice hue and lightness. Small chroma differences (<2.96 CIELAB units) are not well appreciated by a trained panel and therefore would not be relevant for the industry.

Consumers' preference for OJ color suggests that the preferred hues are the most orangish against other more reddish or yellowish ones. However, there are different segments of the population that show preference for more reddish hues.
Environmental education and learning communities: The case of Kaikorai Stream, Dunedin, New Zealand
Authors: McMillan Simon G. , Binns Tony
Published: December 2011

This paper discusses a secondary school education initiative focussing on environment and sustainability centred on a small urban stream. This initiative has passed through an engagement stage, involving the community and other schools, and is now being embedded in curriculum learning. A cross‐curricular learning programme has been trialled and points the way toward new types of educational models within secondary schools in accord with opportunities offered by the new school curriculum. Moreover, these opportunities have wider benefits across the primary, secondary and tertiary sectors as well as within the community. These benefits include vertically structured place‐based education, win‐win partnerships, rationalising of local resources and leadership and networking. Further developments within the context of integrated catchment management are ongoing.
Ten warning signs of primary immunodeficiency: a new paradigm is needed for the 21st century
Authors: Arkwright Peter D. , Gennery Andrew R.
Published: December 2011

The 10 warning signs of primary immunodeficiency are being promoted as a screening tool for use by both the general public and physicians. A recent study, however, shows that except for family history, need for intravenous antibiotics and failure to thrive, the 10 warning signs are not a useful screen of primary immunodeficiency diseases (PIDs). Over the last few decades, there has been a revolution in our understanding of PID. The 10 warning signs do not take into account the fact that PIDs now include diseases that present with sporadic infections, autoimmunity, autoinflammation, and malignancy. This review focuses on the advances in our understanding of PID, the current limitations of the 10 warning signs, and recommendations to ensure that patients with PID are diagnosed in a timely fashion in the future.
A review of neurobiological vulnerability factors and treatment implications for comorbid tobacco dependence in schizophrenia
Authors: Wing Victoria C. , Wass Caroline E. , Soh Debra W. , George Tony P.
Published: December 2011

There is converging evidence that certain subpopulations of smokers, such as smokers with a serious mental illness like schizophrenia (SCZ), are more likely to become addicted to tobacco and are less likely to quit smoking. This review focuses on the unique risk factors that may increase vulnerability to the initiation and maintenance of nicotine addiction in persons with schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders and also reviews the latest approaches to treating nicotine addiction and schizophrenia based on our neurobiological understanding of central nicotinic receptor systems and related neurotransmitters. In addition, suggestions for future lines of research to better understand reasons for the comorbidity of nicotine addiction in schizophrenia are discussed.
Contexts of Structured Youth Activities and Positive Youth Development
Authors: Ramey Heather L. , Rose‐Krasnor Linda
Published: December 2011

Abstract—This article provides an overview of existing theory and research on the relations between structured youth activities and positive youth development (PYD). Theories of PYD suggest bidirectional associations between contexts of structured activities and features of PYD, including making contributions, engaging in purposeful action, and demonstrating characteristics such as competence, caring, and making connections. Current research provides limited evidence that specific aspects of activity contexts, such as supportive relationships, are related to greater PYD. Even more limited is research on the possible effects of PYD on activity contexts. The article ends with directions for future research and implications for youth programs and policy.
THE BABYLONIAN PRIESTHOOD IN THE LONG SIXTH CENTURY BC
Authors: WAERZEGGERS CAROLINE
Published: December 2011

Babylonia experienced a remarkable upsurge in prosperity in the long sixth century BC (c. 620–480 BC). Tens of thousands of cuneiform texts bear witness to its vibrant economy, dynamic society, and creativity in art, literature, and science. In this fast-moving world, temples were bulwarks of traditional Babylonian beliefs and values. Everywhere in Mesopotamia, priests have left archives that tell us about their cultic tasks, daily concerns, and intellectual universe. These texts are a goldmine for the study of Babylonian religion and society, and the aim of this article is to introduce some of the new insights that are emerging from this material.
Treatment of subchondral cystic lesions of the medial femoral condyle of mature horses with growth factor enhanced chondrocyte grafts: A retrospective study of 49 cases
Authors: ORTVED K. F. , NIXON A. J. , MOHAMMED H. O. , FORTIER L. A.
Published: December 2011

Reasons for performing study:To evaluate the long‐term clinical outcome after allogeneic chondrocyte and insulin‐like growth factor‐I (IGF‐I) grafting of subchondral cystic lesions (SCLs) of the femoral condyle in horses.

Objective:To test the hypothesis that chondrocyte and IGF‐I grafts will improve the long‐term clinical outcome in arthroscopically debrided SCLs.

Methods:Medical records of 49 horses with SCLs of the femoral condyle treated by debridement and implantation of chondrocytes and IGF‐I were reviewed. Preoperative radiographs were obtained, and caudocranial radiographic projections were used to establish a ratio between cyst and femoral condyle size. Arthroscopic cyst debridement followed by filling of the bone void with autologous cancellous bone (45 horses) or tricalcium phosphate granules (4 horses) was performed. A paired syringe containing a fibrinogen and chondrocyte mixture in one syringe and calcium‐activated bovine thrombin with IGF‐I in the other was used to cover the surface. A successful outcome was defined as a horse that performed to its intended use without lameness.

Results:A successful outcome was achieved in 36 of 49 horses (74%). Preoperative radiography was performed in all horses, with 33 horses having unilateral SCLs of the medial femoral condyle, 15 horses having bilateral SCLs of the medial femoral condyle, and one horse having bilateral SCLs of the lateral femoral condyle. Median age of the horses was 3.3 years. Fifteen horses had preoperative radiographic and arthroscopic evidence of osteoarthritis (OA). A successful outcome was not influenced by age of horse, presence of pre‐existing osteoarthritis or preoperative size of the subchondral cyst. Grafting resulted in success for 80% of horses >3 years old, and in 80% of horses with OA.

Conclusions:Implantation of allogeneic chondrocytes supplemented with IGF‐I is an effective treatment for horses with SCLs of the femoral condyle, and particularly for older horses and horses with pre‐existing osteoarthritis.

Potential relevance:Chondrocyte implantation may offer a greater chance of long‐term success in older horses and horses with osteoarthritis than has been previously reported with cyst debridement alone.
Relatives' responses to psychosis: An exploratory investigation of low expressed emotion relatives
Authors: Treanor Lucy , Lobban Fiona , Barrowclough Christine
Published: December 2011

Objective. Expressed emotion (EE) refers to the emotional climate within a family. High EE significantly increases the risk of relapse in people with psychosis. The focus of research to date has largely been on understanding mechanisms underlying high EE. A greater understanding of low EE would help guide family interventions to build strengths within the family. The aim of this study was to understand how low EE relatives respond to having a close family member with psychosis.

Design. A subsample of eight low EE relatives, from a larger study investigating relatives' adaptation to recent onset psychosis, was interviewed. Transcripts were analysed following the principles of interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA).

Method. Semi‐structured interviews were carried out with each relative covering broad areas of their experience, including their awareness of the development of mental health problems and relationship with their relative.

Results. Four core themes emerged: witnessing the distress; empathy through acceptance and understanding; a broad range of coping strategies to reduce distress; and realistic optimism for the future.

Conclusions. The study highlights that, although relatives described distressing experiences and feelings of frustration and anger, they showed empathy and commitment to support the person. They demonstrated psychological mindedness about the psychosis and related behaviours, had developed coping strategies, and had adjusted their expectations for the future. Further research is warranted to investigate the findings in larger samples, with a view to informing the development of more effective ways of supporting families.

Practitioner Points

When working with low EE families practitioners should recognize that, despite the low EE rating, these relatives may have witnessed distressing and frightening experiences.

Practitioners should support relatives to develop a cognitive model to understand the illness, including illness identity, cause and consequences, with particular attention paid to the illness appraisals.

Family interventions may helpfully focus on working with relatives to develop proactive coping strategies and move towards a recovery‐focused model of the illness with realistic expectations for the future.
Rotordynamic Performance of an Oil-Free Turbo Blower Focusing on Load Capacity of Gas Foil Thrust Bearings
Authors: Kim Tae Ho , Lee Yong-Bok , Kim Tae Young , Jeong Kyong Ho
Published: December 2011

Engineered design of modern efficient turbomachinery based on accurate model predictions is of importance as operating speed and rate power increase. Industrial applications use hydrodynamic fluid film bearings as rotor support elements due to their advantages over rolling element bearings in operating speed, system stability (rotordynamic and thermal), and maintenance life. Recently, microturbomachinery (< 250 kW) implement gas foil bearings (GFBs) as its rotor supports due to its compact design without lubricant supply systems and enhanced stability characteristics. To meet the needs from manufacturers, the turbomachinery development procedure includes a rotordynamic design and a gas foil journal bearing (GFJB) analysis in general. The present research focuses on the role of gas foil thrust bearings (GFJBs) supporting axial load (static and dynamic) in an oil-free turbo blower with a 75 kW (100 HP) rate power at 30,000 rpm. The turbo blower provides a compressed air with a pressure ratio of 1.6 at a mass flow rate of 0.92 kg/s, using a centrifugal impeller installed at the rotor end. Two GFJBs with a diameter of 66mm and a length of 50 mm and one pair of GFTB with an outer diameter of 144 mm and an inner diameter of 74 mm support the rotor with an axial length of 493 mm and a weight of 12.7 kg. A finite element rotordynamic model prediction using predicted linearized GFJB force coefficients designs the rotor-GFB system with stability at the rotor speed of 30,000 rpm. Model predictions of the GFTB show axial load carrying performance. Experimental tests on the designed turbo blower; however, demonstrate unexpected large amplitudes of subsynchronous rotor lateral motions. Post-inspection reveals minor rubbing signs on the GFJB top foils and significant wear on the GFTB top foil. Therefore, GFTB is redesigned to have the larger outer diameter of 166 mm for the enhanced load capacity, i.e., 145%, increase in its loading area. The modification improves the rotor-GFB system performance with dominant synchronous motions up to the rate speed of 30,000 rpm. In addition, the paper studies the effect of GFTB tilting angles on the system performance. Insertion of shims between the GFTB brackets changes the bearing tilting angles. Model predictions show the decrease in the thrust load capacity by as large as 86% by increase in the tilting angle to 0.0006 rad (0.03438 deg). Experimental test data verify the computational model predictions.
Slitting and Contour Method Residual Stress Measurements in an Edge Welded Beam
Authors: Hosseinzadeh Foroogh , Burak Toparli Muhammed , John Bouchard Peter
Published: December 2011

Welding is known to introduce complex three-dimensional residual stresses of substantial magnitude into pressure vessels and pipe-work. For safety-critical components, where welded joints are not stress-relieved, it can be of vital importance to quantify the residual stress field with high certainty in order to perform a reliable structural integrity assessment. Finite element modeling approaches are being increasingly employed by engineers to predict welding residual stresses. However, such predictions are challenging owing to the innate complexity of the welding process (Hurrell et al., Development of Weld Modelling Guidelines in the UK, Proceedings of the ASME Pressure Vessels and Piping Conference, Prague, Czech Republic, July 26–30, 2009, pp. 481–489). The idea of creating weld residual stress benchmarks against which the performance of weld modeling procedures and practitioners can be evaluated is gaining increasing acceptance. A stainless steel beam 50 mm deep by 10 mm wide, autogenously welded along the 10 mm edge, is a candidate residual stress simulation benchmark specimen that has been studied analytically and for which neutron and synchrotron diffraction residual stress measurements are available. The current research was initiated to provide additional experimental residual stress data for the edge-welded beam by applying, in tandem, the slitting and contour residual stress measurement methods. The contour and slitting results were found to be in excellent agreement with each other and correlated closely with published neutron and synchrotron residual stress measurements when differences in gauge volume and shape were accounted for.
A Duct Optimization Study for a Vertical Axis Hydro-current Turbine Model
Authors: Alidadi M. , Klaptocz V. , Rawlings G. W. , Nabavi Y. , Calisal S.
Published: December 2011

A numerical optimization study is used to design a duct for a model of vertical axis hydro-current turbine. The effects of this duct on the power output and torque fluctuations of the turbine model are then examined numerically and experimentally. Relatively good agreement was obtained between the experimental results and numerical predictions especially at higher tip speed ratios. Experimental results show an 85% increase in the maximum power output when the turbine is placed inside the duct. The numerical and experimental torque curves for the turbine also show substantial reductions in the torque fluctuations as a result of ducting.
Wave-Induced Motions of Gas Cat: A Novel Catamaran for Gas Processing and Offloading
Authors: Thomas Giles , Ford Alexandra , Kibby Landon , Binns Jonathan , Finnie Ian , Kavanagh Neil
Published: December 2011

The preliminary development of the novel concept of using a large catamaran, known as Gas Cat, as a floating natural gas processing and offloading facility is outlined. The proposed system is based on two ship-shaped hulls joined by a spanning superstructure. For off-loading purposes a carrier may dock with or be tethered to the catamaran. A concept design has been developed based on two retrofitted VLCCs allowing for the processing and storage of 1 × 106 bbls of condensate and approximately 240,000 m3 of liquefied natural gas. A key aspect of the development of this concept is the accurate estimation of the motions of the catamaran in a variety of operational scenarios. Model experiments were conducted in the Model Test Basin of the Australian Maritime College using a 1:78 scale model of two full-form hulls converted into a catamaran configuration. Tests were conducted in head, beam, and oblique seas for two hull spacings and a range of wave heights. The experimental results show that for the range of wave conditions tested good linearity of the motions can be expected with respect to wave height. An increase in demihull separation was found to significantly reduce the sway, heave, and roll motions in beam seas. However, a change in demihull separation had little influence on the motions in oblique seas. A change in heading angle from head seas to beam seas significantly increased the sway, heave, and roll motions while reducing pitch motions. Bow quartering seas were seen to be the worst heading angle for yaw. The results from the experiments allowed the expected motions of the Gas Cat to be determined in extreme weather conditions.
A Modular Differential Dielectric Sensor for Use in Multiphase Separation, Process Measurement, and Control—Part I: Analytical Modeling
Authors: Xiang Dong , Mohan Ram S. , Marrelli Jack D. , Wang Shoubo , Shoham Ovadia
Published: December 2011

Oil industry increasingly demands accurate and stable continuous measurement of the percent water in crude oil production streams (watercut) over the entire 0 to 100% range. High accuracy and stability are also required for surface measurement to support niche applications such as control of processes which remove trace amounts of oil and particulates from produced water prior to disposal. Differential dielectric sensors (DDS) have been developed by Chevron as independent tools connected with multiphase meters for process management and composition measurement. This paper is a two-part paper—the first part (current paper) deals with analytical modeling of the DDS (configured in a single ended mode) and the second part (accompanying paper) discusses the results of key experimental investigations obtained in a differential mode. The main objective of this paper is to develop appropriate mathematical models for the DDS which characterize the microwave attenuation and phase shift as functions of fluid properties, sensor geometry and operational conditions. Forward models based on the analysis of microwave propagation have been developed for sensors configured as circular waveguides. Results of this project will be useful for optimization and refinement of multiphase meters.
A High-Fidelity Harmonic Drive Model
Authors: Preissner Curt , Royston Thomas J. , Shu Deming
Published: December 2011

In this paper, a new model of the harmonic drive transmission is presented. The purpose of this work is to better understand the transmission hysteresis behavior while constructing a new type of comprehensive harmonic drive model. The four dominant aspects of harmonic drive behavior—nonlinear viscous friction, nonlinear stiffness, hysteresis, and kinematic error—are all included in the model. The harmonic drive is taken to be a black box, and a dynamometer is used to observe the input/output relations of the transmission. This phenomenological approach does not require any specific knowledge of the internal kinematics. In a novel application, the Maxwell resistive-capacitor hysteresis model is applied to the harmonic drive. In this model, sets of linear stiffness elements in series with Coulomb friction elements are arranged in parallel to capture the hysteresis behavior of the transmission. The causal hysteresis model is combined with nonlinear viscous friction and spectral kinematic error models to accurately represent the harmonic drive behavior. Empirical measurements are presented to quantify all four aspects of the transmission behavior. These measurements motivate the formulation of the complete model. Simulation results are then compared to additional measurements of the harmonic drive performance.
Oscillation Loop for a Vibratory Gyroscope and Its Experiment Study
Authors: Heng Liu , Wei Su , Fu-tang Zhang
Published: December 2011

This paper investigates the design of a self-oscillation loop for the gyroscope system. The dynamic equations describing this system are analyzed using the method of averaging, and a criterion for selecting the circuit parameters is established based on the analysis. The validity of the criterion and the effectiveness of the control scheme are verified by the experimental results obtained from the control parameters that satisfy or violate the stability criterion. The performance of the self-oscillation loop with a z-axis gyroscope is also evaluated in light of the experimental results. The self-oscillation loop based on the auto gain control scheme effectively tracks the resonance frequency of a z-axis gyroscope. This frequency corresponds to a standard Allan variance of 0.04 Hz in 8 min at natural frequency. The output signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is about 90 dB, and the vibratory velocity amplitude shows a deviation of 0.5% in 8 min.
Reaction mechanisms for atomic layer deposition of aluminum oxide on semiconductor substrates
Authors: Delabie Annelies , Sioncke Sonja , Rip Jens , Van Elshocht Sven , Pourtois Geoffrey , Mueller Matthias , Beckhoff Burkhard , Pierloot Kristine
Published: December 2011

In this work, we have studied the TMA/H2O (TMA = Al(CH3)3) atomic layer deposition (ALD) of Al2O3 on hydroxyl (OH) and thiol (SH) terminated semiconductor substrates. Total reflection x-ray fluorescence reveals a complex growth-per-cycle evolution during the early ALD reaction cycles. OH and SH terminated surfaces demonstrate growth inhibition from the second reaction cycle on. Theoretical calculations, based on density functional theory, are performed on cluster models to investigate the first TMA/H2O reaction cycle. Based on the theoretical results, we discuss possible mechanisms for the growth inhibition from the second reaction cycle on. In addition, our calculations show that AlCH3 groups are hydrolyzed by a H2O molecule adsorbed on a neighboring Al atom, independent of the type of backbonds (Si-O, Ge-O, or Ge-S) of AlCH3. The coordination of Al remains four-fold after the first TMA/H2O reaction cycle.
Entangling Macroscopic Diamonds at Room Temperature
Authors: Lee K. C. , Sprague M. R. , Sussman B. J. , Nunn J. , Langford N. K. , Jin X.-M. , Champion T. , Michelberger P. , Reim K. F. , England D. , Jaksch D. , Walmsley I. A.
Published: December 2011

Optical pulses are used to quantum mechanically entangle two diamonds several centimeters apart.
Isotopic Evidence for Massive Oxidation of Organic Matter Following the Great Oxidation Event
Authors: Kump Lee R. , Junium Christopher , Arthur Michael A. , Brasier Alex , Fallick Anthony , Melezhik Victor , Lepland Aivo , CČrne Alenka E. , Luo Genming
Published: December 2011

Analysis of two-billion-year-old rocks reveals an extreme carbon-cycle disruption after atmospheric oxygen increased.
Warburg Effect and Redox Balance
Authors: Hamanaka Robert B. , Chandel Navdeep S.
Published: December 2011

A glycolytic enzyme maintains cellular redox homeostasis during metabolic stress.
Yeast Informs Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: McGurk Leeanne , Bonini Nancy M.
Published: December 2011

Modeling Alzheimer's disease in a simple organism can partner with human genomic discovery to advance our understanding of disease pathogenesis.
Dispute Over Lab Notebooks Lands Researcher in Jail
Authors: Cohen Jon
Published: December 2011

Chronic fatigue syndrome researcher Judy Mikovits was arrested and jailed on 18 November in Ventura, California, on a felony charge of possessing stolen property from her former employer.
Mucosal and Systemic Immune Responses Induced by Recombinant Lactobacillus spp. Expressing the Hemagglutinin of the Avian Influenza Virus H5N1
Authors: Wang Zhisheng , Yu Qinghua , Gao Junkai , Yang Qian
Published: December 2011

To develop a safe, effective, and convenient vaccine for the prevention of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), we have successfully constructed two recombinant lactobacillus strains (LA4356-pH and DLD17-pH) that express the foreign HPAI virus protein hemagglutinin 1 (HA
1
). The mucosal and systemic immune responses triggered by these two recombinant lactobacilli following oral administration to BALB/c mice were evaluated. The results showed that both LA4356-pH and DLD17-pH could significantly increase the specific anti-HA
1
IgA antibody level in the mucosa and the anti-HA
1
IgG level in serum, as well as stimulating the splenic lymphocyte proliferative reaction through increased expression of interleukin-4 (IL-4). Compared with LA4356-pH, DLD17-pH was more effective at inducing systemic and mucosal immune responses, with higher anti-HA
1
-specific IgA and IgG levels. Therefore, DLD17-pH could be a promising oral vaccine candidate against HPAI.
Baseline Cellular HIV DNA Load Predicts HIV DNA Decline and Residual HIV Plasma Levels during Effective Antiretroviral Therapy
Authors: Parisi Saverio Giuseppe , Andreis Samantha , Mengoli Carlo , Scaggiante Renzo , Ferretto Roberto , Manfrin Vinicio , Cruciani Mario , Giobbia Mario , Boldrin Caterina , Basso Monica , Andreoni Massimo , Palù Giorgio , Sarmati Loredana
Published: December 2011

Cellular human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) DNA may be considered a marker of disease progression with significant predictive power, but published data on its correlation with plasma HIV RNA levels and CD4 counts in acute and chronic patients are not conclusive. We evaluated a cohort of 180 patients naïve for antiretroviral therapy before the beginning of treatment and after a virological response in order to define the indicators correlated with HIV DNA load decrease until undetectability. The following variables were evaluated as continuous variables: age, CD4 cell count and log
10
HIV DNA level at baseline and follow-up, and baseline log
10
HIV RNA level. Primary HIV infection at the start of therapy, an HIV RNA level at follow-up of <2.5 copies/ml, origin, gender, and transmission risk were evaluated as binary variables. The decline of HIV DNA values during effective therapy was directly related to baseline HIV DNA and HIV RNA values, to an increase in the number of CD4 cells, and to the achievement of an HIV RNA load of <2.5 copies/ml. An undetectable cellular HIV DNA load was achieved by 21.6% of patients at the follow-up time point and correlated significantly with lower baseline cellular HIV DNA values and with being in the primary stage of infection when therapy started. In conclusion, early treatment facilitated the achievement of undetectable levels of plasma viremia and cellular HIV DNA and a better recovery of CD4 lymphocytes. HIV DNA levels before and during highly active antiretroviral therapy may be used as a new tool for monitoring treatment efficacy.
System-related interventions to reduce diagnostic errors: a narrative review
Authors: Singh Hardeep , Graber Mark L , Kissam Stephanie M , Sorensen Asta V , Lenfestey Nancy F , Tant Elizabeth M , Henriksen Kerm , LaBresh Kenneth A
Published: December 2011

Background

Diagnostic errors (missed, delayed or wrong diagnosis) have recently gained attention and are associated with significant preventable morbidity and mortality. The authors reviewed the recent literature and identified interventions that address system-related factors that contribute directly to diagnostic errors.

Methods

The authors conducted a comprehensive search using multiple search strategies. First, they performed a PubMed search to identify articles exclusively related to diagnostic error or delay published in English between 2000 and 2009. They then sought papers from references in the initial dataset, searches of additional databases, and subject matter experts. Articles were included if they formally evaluated an intervention to prevent or reduce diagnostic error; however, papers were also included if interventions were suggested and not tested to inform the state of the science on the subject. Interventions were characterised according to the step in the diagnostic process they targeted: patient–provider encounter; performance and interpretation of diagnostic tests; follow-up and tracking of diagnostic information; subspecialty and referral-related issues; and patient-specific care-seeking and adherence processes.

Results

43 articles were identified for full review, of which six reported tested interventions and 37 contained suggestions for possible interventions. Empirical studies, although somewhat positive, were non-experimental or quasi-experimental and included a small number of clinicians or healthcare sites. Outcome measures in general were underdeveloped and varied markedly among studies, depending on the setting or step in the diagnostic process.

Conclusions

Despite a number of suggested interventions in the literature, few empirical studies in the past decade have tested interventions to reduce diagnostic errors. Advancing the science of diagnostic error prevention will require more robust study designs and rigorous definitions of diagnostic processes and outcomes to measure intervention effects.
Health professional networks as a vector for improving healthcare quality and safety: a systematic review
Authors: Cunningham Frances C , Ranmuthugala Geetha , Plumb Jennifer , Georgiou Andrew , Westbrook Johanna I , Braithwaite Jeffrey
Published: December 2011

Background

While there is a considerable corpus of theoretical and empirical literature on networks within and outside of the health sector, multiple research questions are yet to be answered.

Objective

To conduct a systematic review of studies of professionals' network structures, identifying factors associated with network effectiveness and sustainability, particularly in relation to quality of care and patient safety.

Methods

The authors searched MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, Web of Science and Business Source Premier from January 1995 to December 2009.

Results

A majority of the 26 unique studies identified used social network analysis to examine structural relationships in networks: structural relationships within and between networks, health professionals and their social context, health collaboratives and partnerships, and knowledge sharing networks. Key aspects of networks explored were administrative and clinical exchanges, network performance, integration, stability and influences on the quality of healthcare. More recent studies show that cohesive and collaborative health professional networks can facilitate the coordination of care and contribute to improving quality and safety of care. Structural network vulnerabilities include cliques, professional and gender homophily, and over-reliance on central agencies or individuals.

Conclusions

Effective professional networks employ natural structural network features (eg, bridges, brokers, density, centrality, degrees of separation, social capital, trust) in producing collaboratively oriented healthcare. This requires efficient transmission of information and social and professional interaction within and across networks. For those using networks to improve care, recurring success factors are understanding your network's characteristics, attending to its functioning and investing time in facilitating its improvement. Despite this, there is no guarantee that time spent on networks will necessarily improve patient care.
Is the new NHS outcomes framework fit for purpose?
Authors: Nagendran Myura , Maruthappu Mahiben , Raleigh Veena S
Published: December 2011

The coalition government's new NHS outcomes framework aims to refocus the NHS on improving outcomes for patients, avoiding the ‘bureaucracy’ and ‘clinical distortions’ of previous target-based approaches. The authors argue that its implementation will need a wider focus than on outcomes alone if the underlying goals of the NHS reforms—improving healthcare quality and outcomes in England—are to be achieved.