bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Where do the platelets go? A simulation study of fully resolved blood flow through aneurysmal vessels
Authors: Mountrakis L. , Lorenz E. , Hoekstra A. G.
Published: February 2013

Despite the importance of platelets in the formation of a thrombus, their transport in complex flows has not yet been studied in detail. In this paper we simulated red blood cells and platelets to explore their transport behaviour in aneurysmal geometries. We considered two aneurysms with different aspect ratios (AR = 1.0, 2.0) in the presence of fast and slow blood flows (Re= 10, 100), and examined the distributions of the cells. Low velocities in the parent vessel resulted in a large stagnation zone inside the cavity, leaving the initial distribution almost unchanged. In fast flows, an influx of platelets into the aneurysm was observed, leading to an elevated concentration. The connection of the platelet-rich cell-free layer (CFL) with the outer regions of the recirculation zones leads to their increased platelet concentration. These platelet-enhanced recirculation zones produced a diverse distribution of cells inside the aneurysm, for the different aspect ratios. A thin red blood CFL that was occupied by platelets was observed on the top of the wide-necked aneurysm, whereas a high-haematocrit region very close to the vessel wall was present in the narrow-necked case. The simulations revealed that non-trivial distributions of red blood cells and platelets are possible inside aneurysmal geometries, giving rise to several hypotheses on the formation of a thrombus, as well as to the wall weakening and the possible rupture of an aneurysm.
Wear behaviour of eutectic and hypoeutectic Al‐Si‐Mg‐Ce alloys
Authors: Abu Seman Anasyida , Razak Daud Abdul , Jameelah Ghazali Mariyam
Published: February 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the wear behaviour of eutectic and hypoeutectic Al‐Si‐Mg‐Ce alloys.

Design/methodology/approach

The eutectic and hypoeutectic alloys were prepared using permanent mould casting process by varied cerium (Ce) addition in the alloy from 1 to 3 wt%. Dry sliding wear tests were performed against a hardened carbon steel (Fe‐2.3%Cr‐0.9%C) using a pin‐on‐disc configuration with fixed sliding speed of 1 m/s and load 50 N at room temperature of ∼25 degree. Morphologies of both worn surfaces and collected debris were characterised by a scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with an energy dispersive X‐ray spectrometer (EDS).

Findings

It was revealed that following the addition of cerium, intermetallic Al4Ce needle‐like structure was present in eutectic alloys whereas CeMg2Si2 blocky phase was present in the hypoeutectic alloys. The increasing of Ce addition up to 3.0 wt% in hypoeutectic alloy led to formation of AlCe3 intermetallic phase. The increase in cerium content up to 2 wt% led to higher wear resistance behaviour for both as‐cast alloys. Formation of craters and localised plastic deformation were observed on the worn surface of both as‐cast alloys, resulting fine particulate and sheet‐like wear debris. The wear resistance was found to be higher for hypoeutectic alloy compared to the eutectic alloy containing Ce.

Originality/value

An attempt has been made to study the influence of intermetallic compound containing Ce in the Al‐Si‐Mg alloys on wear behaviour of both as‐cast alloys.
Patient‐specific intervertebral disc implants using rapid manufacturing technology
Authors: de Beer Neal , van der Merwe André
Published: February 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a process chain for design and manufacture of endplates of intervertebral disc implants, with specific emphasis on designing footprint profiles and matching endplate geometry.

Design/methodology/approach

Existing techniques for acquiring patient‐specific information from CT scan data was and a user‐friendly software solution was developed to facilitate pre‐surgical planning and semi‐automated design. The steps in the process chain were validated experimentally by manufacturing Ti6Al4 V endplates by means of Direct Metal Laser Sintering to match vertebrae of a cadaver and were tested for accuracy of the implant‐to‐bone fitment.

Findings

Intervertebral disc endplates were successfully designed and rapid manufactured using a biocompatible material. Accuracy within 0.37 mm was achieved. User‐friendly, semi‐automated design software offers an opportunity for surgeons to become more easily involved in the design process and speeds up the process to more accurately develop a custom‐made implant.

Research limitations/implications

This research is limited to the design and manufacture of the bone‐implant contacting interface. Other design features, such as keels which are commonly used for implant fixation as well as the functionality of the implant joint mechanics were not considered as there may be several feasible design alternatives.

Practical implications

This research may change the way that current intervertebral disc implants are designed and manufactured.

Originality/value

Apart from other areas of application (cranial, maxillofacial, hip, knee, foot) and recent research on customized disc nucleus replacement, very little work has been done to develop patient‐specific implants for the spine. This research was conducted to contribute and provide much needed progress in this area of application.
Mechanical behaviour of AA 2024 friction stir overlap welds
Authors: Papadopoulos Michael , Tavares Sergio , Pacchione Marco , Pantelakis Spiros
Published: February 2013

Purpose

To investigate the effect of different welding configurations on the mechanical properties of friction stir welding (FSW) overlap joints. The application of FSW in an overlap configuration could be an attractive replacement to the riveting process for assembly of fuselage primary structures due to the similarity in tolerance management. However, the mechanical properties of welded overlap joints are often inferior to the respective riveted lap‐joint properties.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to quantify the static and fatigue strength of FSW overlap joints, numerical and experimental investigation on overlap welds were performed in the current work. Several single shear overlap joints welding configurations were investigated, including single and multiple pass friction stir welds. The static and fatigue behaviour of these joints was assessed through tensile and fatigue tests.

Findings

Static and fatigue behaviour were found to strongly depend on the welding process parameters and configuration. With respect to the static behaviour, it was found that values close to base material can be achieved. However, depending on configuration and process parameters, static properties can be as low as about 30% of the base material properties. As for the fatigue behaviour, the fatigue limit for all configurations tested was found to be unrealistic for structural applications.

Originality/value

The distance between the outermost welds in multiple pass welds were found to influence the mechanical properties, although no direct relationship can be derived. Indications have been found but no clear conclusion has been reached with respect to the optimum configuration. In some cases, specimens with superior tensile properties exhibited reduced fatigue properties whereas the exact opposite effect was observed for other configurations.
Transition from administrative to economic model of corporate governance
Authors: Li Wei'An , Yan Da'Ying
Published: February 2013

Purpose

This paper makes the first attempt to provide a new analytical framework for research on the evolution of China's corporate governance models. The purpose of this paper is to investigate developmental corporate governance mechanisms in China the over past decades from a synthetic and dynamic analytical viewpoint.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a conceptual paper.

Findings

The evolution of corporate governance from an administrative to an economic model in China was not a smooth process and was confronted with various unavoidable institutional and ideological obstacles. Consequently, the transition of governance models has demonstrated the following four salient characteristics: gradualism, dualism, systematization and path dependency.

Originality/value

This paper makes the first attempt to provide a new analytical framework for research on the evolution of China's corporate governance models.
The signalling effect of dividends in Pakistan: executive and analyst perspectives
Authors: Khan Naimat , Burton Bruce , Power David
Published: February 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the views of company executives and investors regarding the signalling impact of dividends in Pakistan. Quantitative research in the area has been scant, but recent large sample evidence suggests a number of noteworthy idiosyncrasies exist in terms of the market reaction and these require further analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

The study involves interviews with 16 financial analysts and 23 company officials regarding the impact of dividends on share prices in Pakistan. Recent work in the nation suggests that the market reaction to dividends in Pakistan is characterised by pre‐announcement leakage and interaction with the attendant earnings signal – these issues were thus central to the discussions.

Findings

The results suggest that individual perceptions both support and contradict the earlier quantitative findings in specific ways. The interviewees, particularly the company executives, were sceptical about the scope for information leakage to occur in Pakistan. In contrast, the interaction between earnings and dividend numbers was acknowledged, with – as in the earlier quantitative studies – the former figure dominating.

Originality/value

This is the first detailed study of perspectives about the impact of dividends on share prices in Pakistan; for reasons outlined above, this represents a major gap in the literature regarding firm‐market communication. The work follows the publication of the first large‐sample study of share price movements in Pakistan; it thereby allows a pervasive conclusion to be drawn about the over‐riding importance of earnings figures in the nation's markets and in the attitudes of the firms listed on them. The study demonstrates the importance of mixed methods research in a developing market context.
Revisiting fortune at base of the pyramid (BoP)
Authors: Gupta Vipin , Khilji Shaista E.
Published: February 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to broaden the conception of the base of the pyramid (BoP) from that of a low purchasing power community, to a globally disconnected community.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper identifies two views related to fortune at the BoP using the conventional purchasing power approach: finding fortune at the BoP; and creating fortune at the BoP. As a next step, the paper offers a theoretical basis for two additional views using the broader conception: sharing fortune with the BoP using social responsibility theory; and enabling fortune at the BoP using critical social theory. The authors construct an integrated framework to aid practitioners in responding to a variety of context‐specific issues in BoP strategy.

Findings

The conventional approach might result in undermining the dignity of BoP communities, and discrediting their unique knowledge systems and potential contributions. It is argued that a context‐sensitive approach can help address these issues to a great extent. In discussing context specific approaches, the paper also introduces the exchange value view that facilitates the need to evolve an open level playing field of value exchange between MNCs (and its partners) and BoP communities.

Research limitations/implications

There is a need for comparative empirical studies examining benefits and costs associated with (and the sustainability of) the three views proposed.

Originality/value

The paper offers a broader definition of the BoP, and provides alternative views going beyond the conventional strategy approach to BoP.
Plant‐associated bacteria and their role in the success or failure of metal phytoextraction projects: first observations of a field‐related experiment
Authors: Weyens Nele , Beckers Bram , Schellingen Kerim , Ceulemans Reinhart , Croes Sarah , Janssen Jolien , Haenen Stefan , Witters Nele , Vangronsveld Jaco
Published: February 2013

Phytoextraction has been reported as an economically and ecologically sound alternative for the remediation of metal‐contaminated soils. Willow is a metal phytoextractor of interest because it allows to combine a gradual contaminant removal with production of biomass that can be valorized in different ways. In this work two willow clones growing on a metal‐contaminated site were selected: ‘Belgisch Rood’ (BR) with a moderate metal extraction capacity and ‘Tora’ (TO) with a twice as high metal accumulation. All cultivable bacteria associated with both willow clones were isolated and identified using 16SrDNA ARDRA analysis followed by 16SrDNA sequencing. Further all isolated bacteria were investigated for characteristics that might promote plant growth (production of siderophores, organic acids and indol acetic acid) and for their metal resistance. The genotypic and phenotypic characterization of the isolated bacteria showed that the TO endophytic bacterial population is more diverse and contains a higher percentage of metal‐resistant plant growth promoting bacteria than the endophytic population associated with BR. We hypothesize that the difference in the metal accumulation capacity between BR and TO clones might be at least partly related to differences in characteristics of their associated bacterial population.
A clinically invisible melanoma
Authors: Perera Eshini , Mellick Nicholas , Teng Paul , Beardmore Graeme
Published: February 2013

We report a case of an amelanotic lentigo maligna incidentally found on a shave biopsy in an 87‐year‐old woman. Amelanotic lentigo maligna is a rare variant of lentigo maligna. It is often reported as presenting as erythematous scaly macules and is usually confused as benign dermatoses. Here were present a case of amelanotic lentigo maligna with no visible or palpable features.
The impact of intensifying acid suppression on sleep disturbance related to gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease in primary care
Authors: Moayyedi P. , Hunt R. , Armstrong D. , Lei Y. , Bukoski M. , White R.
Published: February 2013

Background

Sleep disturbance is common in patients with GERD but there has been little evaluation of this problem in primary care in patients already taking therapy.

Aim

To evaluate the impact of administering a questionnaire (PASS test) to identify patients with sleep problems and evaluate the efficacy of esomeprazole to improve sleep disturbance in patients with GERD.

Methods

This was a primary care based cluster‐randomised, open‐label study where practices were assigned to intervention or control groups. PASS test failures continued current therapy (control) or were switched to 4 weeks' once‐daily esomeprazole 20 or 40 mg (intervention). Patients were evaluated at the end of 4 weeks and the outcomes that were assessed were the sleep questions from the Quality of Life in Reflux and Dyspepsia (QOLRAD) questionnaire and the presence or absence of sleep disturbance from the PASS test questionnaire.

Results

A total of 1388 patients with evaluable data at 4 weeks were included in the analysis and 825 reported GERD‐related sleep disturbance at baseline. At 4 weeks, 161 of 291 of control patients (55%) reported continued sleep disturbance compared to 120 of 534 (22.5%) of intervention patients [number needed to treat of 3: 95% confidence intervals (CI): 2.5–4]. There was a mean improvement in QOLRAD scores related to sleep in the intervention patients compared to control patients (mean improvement = 4.91; 95% CI: 3.73–6.09).

Conclusion

A PASS strategy identifies GERD patients with sleep disturbance in primary care that will benefit from a change in acid‐suppressive therapy. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00392002; study code: D9612L00096.
Government Student Loan Default: Differences between Graduates of the Liberal Arts and Applied Fields in Canadian Colleges and Universities
Authors: Wright Laura , Walters David , Zarifa David
Published: February 2013

Les programmes de prêts étudiants du gouvernement sont de plus en plus disponibles pour permettre aux étudiants de familles défavorisées un meilleur accès à l'éducation. En revanche, il est inquiétant d'observer des niveaux d'endettement élevés chez les étudiants et les difficultés qu'ont certains à rembourser ces dettes. Dans cette étude, des données de l'Enquête Nationale auprès des Diplômes 2005 (END) de Statistiques Canada sont analysées dans le but d'établir des liens entre les domaines d'étude et le non‐remboursement des dettes sur les prêts étudiants du gouvernement pour un échantillon de diplômés des collèges et universités. Les analyses prennent en compte les effets de facteurs alternatifs liés au statu socio‐économique et aux revenus. Les résultats démontrent que le niveau d'éducation (collégial versus universitaire) et les domaines d'étude sont des déterminants importants du risque de non‐remboursement des dettes sur les prêts étudiants deux ans après l'obtention du diplôme. De plus, ces résultats sont stables en tenant compte des différences de revenus.

Government student loan programs have become increasingly available to provide opportunities and upward mobility for students of disadvantaged backgrounds. Rising student debt and its impact on the repayment experiences of recent postsecondary graduates has become an important concern. This study employs data from Statistics Canada's 2005 National Graduates Survey to examine the relationship between field of study and loan default on government‐supported student loans for graduates of community college and baccalaureate‐level university programs when controlling for many factors relating to sociodemographic characteristics and earnings. Overall, both level of schooling (college versus university) and field of study are significant predictors of whether graduates report defaulting on their government student loans within two years of graduation. However, these findings are relatively unrelated to earnings.
Distinctive disease subgroups according to differentiation stages in adult patients with T‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Shimizu Hiroaki , Handa Hiroshi , Hatsumi Nahoko , Takada Satoru , Saitoh Takayuki , Sakura Toru , Miyawaki Shuichi , Nojima Yoshihisa
Published: February 2013

Objectives

The categorization of T‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T‐ALL) into four subgroups according to the degree of thymic differentiation was proposed in 1995, and this categorization scheme has been described in the World Health Organization classification 4th edition with minor changes. The aim of this study is to explore the clinical significance of leukemia cell differentiation stages in patients with T‐ALL.

Methods

We analyzed 36 adult T‐ALL patients, including six patients (17%) in pro‐T stage, 16 (44%) in pre‐T stage, three (8%) in cortical‐T stage, and 11 (31%) in medullary‐T stage. Pro‐T and pre‐T stages were arbitrarily clustered as the immature group, and cortical‐T and medullary‐T stages as the mature group.

Results

Patients in the immature group had unique presentations, including lower lactate dehydrogenase levels, lower frequency of mediastinal tumor, and higher expression of myeloid antigens than the mature group. There was no difference in the treatment strategies between both groups. Although patients in the immature group had a lower complete remission (CR) rate when compared with the mature group (45% vs. 79%, respectively; P = 0.04), the 3‐yr overall survival (OS) for both groups was comparable (27% vs. 38%, respectively; P = 0.66). Such discrepancy between the CR rates and the OS could be partially explained by survival benefit of allogeneic transplantation observed in the immature group but not in the mature group.

Conclusions

These findings indicate that T‐ALL patients can be categorized into two biologically distinctive subgroups according to the differentiation stages, and this stratification might enable prospective identification of patients with poor chemotherapy response.
Pasture growth model to assist management on dairy farms: Testing the concept with farmers
Authors: Romera Alvaro , Beukes Pierre , Clark Dave , Clark Cameron , Tait Andrew
Published: February 2013

A prototype software tool (Pasture Growth Simulation Using Smalltalk, PGSUS) was developed to estimate herbage mass at an individual paddock level so that farmers can measure herbage mass less frequently. PGSUS was tested on 10 commercial and two research dairy farms in New Zealand. Herbage mass estimations from PGSUS were accurate, with an average residual standard deviation of 252 kg dry matter ha−1 across all farms. When interviewed, all farmers gave high ratings to PGSUS, except for the amount of data collection required, and user friendliness, which were given a medium ranking. The extra time dedicated to PGSUS by farmers was 43 min per week on average, which was judged acceptable by farmers. However, in practice, the participating farmers were unable to enter all the information required for the system to work as intended. It is concluded that while it is technically possible to use a pasture model to estimate herbage mass at paddock level with sufficient accuracy to aid decision making, the recording of grazing events proved to be a major obstacle. If the issue of data entry can be overcome, it is envisaged that a full commercial version of PGSUS should appeal to objective‐data‐oriented farmers, most probably as an add‐on to existing commercial farm software.
A cross‐sectional study of hydroxychloroquine concentrations and effects in people with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Carmichael S. J. , Day R. O. , Tett S. E.
Published: February 2013

Background/Aims

To investigate the pharmacokinetics of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and relationships of HCQ concentration with disease activity variables (concentration–effect relationships) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods

HCQ concentration and disease activity were measured at a single time point in 60 patients with SLE receiving HCQ for at least 6 months. Some retrospective objective data on disease activity prior to HCQ commencement were available. Correlations were sought between HCQ blood concentrations and disease variables (Systemic Lupus Activity Measure (SLAM) scores, joint scores, morning stiffness, pain, well‐being, general improvement, other medication use (including corticosteroids), and physician and patient assessments). Blood HCQ concentrations were also dichotomised into ‘more’ and ‘less/no’ disease activity, and mean blood concentrations in the two groups for each disease activity measure were compared.

Results

The pharmacokinetics (dose–concentration relationships) of HCQ were highly variable in people with SLE. Apparent total clearance of HCQ from blood was 316 (± 319) mL/min (mean (± standard deviation). There was no correlation between SLAM score, patient global assessment or physician global assessment, and blood HCQ concentrations (r2 = 0.2, 0.04 and 0.13, respectively; P > 0.05). However, during HCQ therapy, 64% (14 of 22 patients) had a reduction in prednisolone dose of 50% or more compared with pre‐HCQ therapy.

Conclusions

No significant concentration–effect relationship for HCQ in the treatment of SLE was observed perhaps because consistently high enough blood HCQ concentrations were not achieved. Pharmacokinetic variability led to a wide range of blood HCQ concentrations. A concentration‐targeting study for HCQ in SLE would be timely.
Outcomes Associated With Treatments for Medial, Lateral, and Multidirectional Shoulder Instability in Dogs
Authors: Franklin Samuel P. , Devitt Chad M. , Ogawa Junya , Ridge Patrick , Cook James L.
Published: February 2013

Objectives

To describe demographic factors, treatments, and outcomes associated with shoulder instability in dogs.

Study Design

Multi‐center, retrospective cohort study.

Animals

Dog (n = 130) with shoulder instability.

Methods

Medical records (October 2007–2010) from 4 hospitals of dogs with shoulder instability were reviewed to document age, breed, weight, and gender, categorize them into diagnosis cohorts of medial (MSI), lateral (LSI), or multidirectional (MDI) instability, determine treatments, and document outcomes. Treatment cohorts were defined as nonsurgical management, radiofrequency‐induced thermal capsulorrhaphy (RITC), or shoulder reconstruction. Outcomes based upon clinician reevaluation and owner input >1 year after diagnosis were used to determine success, failure, and complication rates.

Results

Most dogs were diagnosed with MSI, but 23% had LSI or MDI. Dogs with MSI treated by reconstruction were more likely than dogs treated without surgery to have a successful outcome (odd's ratio = 3.0; P = .01). Similarly, treatment of MDI with reconstruction was more likely to be associated with a successful outcome than nonsurgical management (odd's ratio = 5.0; P = .007). Success with surgical and nonsurgical management was equivocal between LSI treatment cohorts, but the number of dogs with LSI was small. Complication rates for all treatment cohorts were <10%.

Conclusions

In dogs with shoulder instability, LSI and MDI are less common than MSI. Surgical reconstruction for treatment of MSI and MDI appears to produce a higher likelihood of achieving successful outcomes than nonsurgical management and surgical complication rates were low but these conclusions are tempered by the limitations of the study.
First record of the Atlantic bumper Chloroscombrus chrysurus (Teleostei: Carangidae) in the Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Peña Rivas L. , Azzurro E. , Lloris D.
Published: February 2013

In December 1997, one specimen of the Atlantic bumper, Chloroscombrus chrysurus was recorded for the first time in the Mediterranean Sea, off Almuñécar (Granada, Spain: 36° 43′ 26″ N; 3° 41′ 39″ W). This species probably entered the Mediterranean Sea via the Strait of Gibraltar.
Interleukin‐21 and tumor necrosis factor‐α are critical for the development of autoimmune gastritis in mice
Authors: Nishiura Hisayo , Iwamoto Satoru , Kido Masahiro , Aoki Nobuhiro , Maruoka Ryutaro , Ikeda Aki , Chiba Tsutomu , Watanabe Norihiko
Published: February 2013

Background and Aim

Autoimmune gastritis (AIG), an organ‐specific autoimmune disease, is accompanied by achlorhydria, pernicious anemia, gastric carcinoid tumors, and gastric cancer. Patients with AIG initially respond to corticosteroids but have a great potential to relapse after treatment is withdrawn. This study examines the roles of cytokines in order to identify potential therapeutic options for AIG patients.

Methods

Using a mouse model of AIG, we monitored disease progression and administered antibodies in vivo to block cytokines.

Results

We developed a mouse model of AIG with early onset and rapid progression in which neonatal thymectomy (NTx) was performed on programmed cell death 1‐deficient (PD‐1−/−) mice on the BALB/c background. Using NTx–PD‐1−/− mice, we found that in AIG lesions, interferon‐γ, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α together with interleukin‐21 (IL‐21) were highly expressed in the inflamed gastric mucosa. In addition, as with the injection of dexamethasone, in vivo administration of either anti‐TNF‐α or anti‐IL‐21 suppressed the development of AIG in NTx–PD‐1−/− mice.

Conclusions

These data reveal the essential role of IL‐21 in the development of AIG and suggest that in addition to corticosteroids, anti‐TNF‐α as well as anti‐IL‐21 have the potential to induce the remission of AIG, offering additional therapeutic options for AIG patients.
The Public Assistance Policies of Cities and the Justice Concerns of Elected Officials: The Centrality of the Floors Principle in Addressing Urban Poverty
Authors: Schumaker Paul , Kelly Marisa J.
Published: February 2013

City councils are significant, though seldom central, actors in local policy networks providing public assistance to disadvantaged residents. Mayors and council members in 12 American cities more often support than oppose public assistance initiatives. They claim that their own normative judgments are more important to their preferences and voting behavior on such matters than are public opinion, group demands, or economic considerations. While such elected officials hold a variety of justice principles, the most important of these affecting their positions on public assistance issues is the “floors” principle. A broad ethical commitment to providing social minimums enhances support for living‐wage ordinances, for linking subsidies for economic development to assistance to less advantaged citizens, and for exempting spending on social services from budget cuts. We discuss the implications of these findings for major theories of urban politics and policies—collective‐action theory, regime theory, and pluralism—and for advocates on behalf of the urban poor.
Emission Reduction of Fuel-Staged Aircraft Engine Combustor Using an Additional Premixed Fuel Nozzle
Authors: Yamamoto Takeshi , Shimodaira Kazuo , Yoshida Seiji , Kurosawa Yoji
Published: February 2013

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) is conducting research and development on aircraft engine technologies to reduce environmental impact for the Technology Development Project for Clean Engines (TechCLEAN). As a part of the project, combustion technologies have been developed with an aggressive target that is an 80% reduction over the NOx threshold of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Committee on Aviation Environmental Protection (CAEP)/4 standard. A staged fuel nozzle with a pilot mixer and a main mixer was developed and tested using a single-sector combustor under the target engine's landing and takeoff (LTO) cycle conditions with a rated output of 40 kN and an overall pressure ratio of 25.8. The test results showed a 77% reduction over the CAEP/4 NOx standard. However, the reduction in smoke at thrust conditions higher than the 30% MTO condition and of CO emission at thrust conditions lower than the 85% MTO condition are necessary. In the present study, an additional fuel burner was designed and tested with the staged fuel nozzle in a single-sector combustor to control emissions. The test results show that the combustor enables an 82% reduction in NOx emissions relative to the ICAO CAEP/4 standard and a drastic reduction in smoke and CO emissions.
Food as a Hormone
Authors: Ryan Karen K. , Seeley Randy J.
Published: February 2013

Nutrient substrates derived from food can activate intracellular signaling cascades to regulate metabolic health.
Ethyl lactate as an environmentally friendly HPLC mobile-phase modifier in the analysis of acetaminophen, caffeine, and ASA
Authors: Judge Michael D. , Aab Curtis
Published: February 2013

Ethyl lactate (EL) has been investigated as an environmentally friendly organic modifier for use in HPLC mobile phases. EL shows significant promise in this regard when used under optimal conditions. In conjunction with a standard C18 column at a temperature of 60 °C, a mobile phase composed of 87% water, 10% EL, and 3% acetic acid is capable of baseline resolution of three standard pharmaceutical analytes (acetaminophen, caffeine, and acetylsalicylic acid) in under three minutes. This same mobile phase was found to be capable of extraction of these same analytes from consumer pain relief tablets with essentially 100% efficiency. Using a core-shell C18 column at 40 °C, similar resolution and run times with these analytes are possible using the same mobile phase but with a reduced EL content of only 2.5%.
Keto, thione, selone, and tellone carotenoids — Changing antioxidants to antireductants
Authors: Martínez Ana
Published: February 2013

Heterocarotenoids can be considered as xenobiotic compounds as they are foreign to living organisms. Thione carotenoids are heterocarotenoids that are particularly interesting because the presence of sulfur shifted the absorption to longer wavelengths than the corresponding keto carotenoids. This may be important for further applications such as the development of new pigments. Keto carotenoids are well-known antiradical molecules, however, nothing is known about heterocarotenoids acting as free radical scavengers. Thus, the main goal of this investigation is to study the antiradical properties of some heterocarotenoids, such as thione, selone, and tellone carotenoids. For this purpose, the energy differences between singlets and triplets are used to analyze the singlet oxygen quenching mechanism, and the electron transfer mechanism is investigated, taking into account that these may constitute antiradical molecules either donating or accepting electrons (antioxidants or antireductants). To analyze these mechanisms, vertical ionization energy (I), vertical electron affinity (A), and electrodonating (χ−) and electroaccepting (χ+) electronegativities were evaluated by applying density functional theory calculations. The investigated heterocarotenoids are as effective as keto carotenoids in terms of being either electron donors or acceptors, and therefore, they have a similar capacity for scavenging free radicals. Changing the C=O group to C=S, C=Se, or C=Te converts an antioxidant to an antireductant.
Extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK1/2) signaling pathway plays a role in cortisol secretion in the long-term hypoxic ovine fetal adrenal near term
Authors: Vargas Vladimir E. , Kaushal Kanchan M. , Monau Tshepo R. , Myers Dean A. , Ducsay Charles A.
Published: February 2013

This study assessed the role of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathway on the previously observed enhanced cortisol secretion in response to adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) treatment in fetal adrenocortical cells (FACs) from long-term hypoxic (LTH) ovine fetuses. Ewes were maintained at high altitude (3,820 m) from ∼40 to 138–141 days gestation when FACs were collected and challenged with either ACTH (10 nM) or 8-bromoadenosine 3′,5′-cyclic monophosphate (8-bromo-cAMP, 10 mM) in the presence or absence of the mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (MEK)/ERK inhibitor UO126 (10 μM). FACs from age-matched normoxic fetuses served as controls. Media and FACs were collected at selected time intervals after ACTH or 8-bromo-cAMP stimulation for cortisol measurement and Western analysis of ERK1/2 and phospho-ERK1 and -2 (pERK1/2). After ACTH or 8-bromo-cAMP treatment, cortisol production was greater in the LTH group compared with control ( P < 0.05). UO126 reduced ACTH and 8-bromo-cAMP-mediated cortisol output in both groups ( P < 0.01 vs. ACTH or 8-bromo-cAMP alone). Under basal conditions, ERK1/2 and pERK1/2 were not different between LTH and normoxic fetuses. In response to ACTH or 8-bromo-cAMP treatment, ERK1/2 were not different between groups; however, pERK1/2 were elevated in the LTH FACs compared with normoxic control FACs. ERK1/2 phosphorylation declined following ACTH treatment in the control group, but UO126 had no effect on ERK1/2 compared with untreated levels. Both ACTH and 8-bromo-cAMP treatment resulted in a decline of protein levels. UO126 pretreatment virtually eliminated pERK1/2 expression. We conclude that basal ERK signaling in FACs is necessary for normal cortisol production and sustained pERK in LTH adrenals enhances cortisol production.
Influence of Oscillatory Impurity Potential and Concurrent Gasping of Impurity Spread on Excitation Profile of Doped Quantum Dots
Authors: Pal Suvajit , Ghosh Manas
Published: February 2013

Excitation in quantum dots is an important phenomenon. Realizing the importance we investigate the excitation behavior of a repulsive impurity-doped quantum dot induced by simultaneous oscillations of impurity potential and spatial stretch of impurity domain. The impurity potential has been assumed to have a Gaussian nature. The ratio of two oscillations (η) has been exploited to understand the nature of excitation rate. Indeed it has been found that the said ratio could fabricate the excitation in a remarkable way. The present study also indicates attainment of stabilization in the excitation rate as soon as η surpasses a threshold value regardless of the dopant location. However, within the stabilization zone we also observe maximization in the excitation rate at some typical location of dopant incorporation. The critical analysis of pertinent impurity parameters provides important perception about the physics behind the excitation process.
Intertextual Parallels between Gogol’ and Hoffmann: A Case Study of Vii and The Devil’s Elixirs
Authors: Krys Svitlana
Published: February 2013

Critics have noted similarities between Nikolai Gogol”s three early horror stories (Vecher nakanune Ivana Kupala [St. John’s Eve], Strashnaia mest’ [A Terrible Vengeance], and Vii) and the works of his famous German predecessor Ludwig Tieck. While some scholars have speculated on the relationship between his Ukrainian tales and the works of E.T.A. Hoffmann, detailed comparisons between the two authors have been limited only to Gogol”s “St. Petersburg” stories. By comparing and contrasting Gogol”s Vii to Hoffmann’s Die Elixiere Des Teufels [The Devil’s Elixirs], this article argues that the “Ukrainian tales” also betray some influence of Hoffmann, and that, in particular, there are intertextual connections between these two stories. This is evident on several levels: (1) in the similar depiction of the monstrous beings that appear to the protagonists in both works and influence their lives; (2) in the transformation of the protagonists into villains under the power of evil forces; (3) in the presence of a sinister double, at the “hands” of which the protagonists find their death; and (4) in the doubling of a female into an innocent and a corrupt (lustful) being. The paper contends that Gogol’ was recapitulating, consciously or unconsciously, Hoffmann’s The Devil’s Elixirs in Vii both in terms of plot detail and, as my psychoanalytical reading shows, also on the level of latent content found in both works.
On the ornithological collection of Friedrich Sellow in Brazil (1814–1831), with some considerations about the provenance of his specimens
Authors: REGO MARCO ANTONIO , MOREIRA-LIMA LUCIANO , SILVEIRA LUÍS FÁBIO , FRAHNERT SYLKE
Published: February 2013

The Prussian naturalist Friedrich Sellow (1789–1831) traveled through Brazil,UruguayandArgentinabetween 1814 and 1831 gathering numerous zoological and botanical specimens. Despite the effort spent in those countries, the ornithological collection assembled by Sellow did not receive adequate care after it had been deposited in theZoologischeMuseuminBerlin, thus compromising its integrity. In the present article we discuss the treatment given by Lichtenstein and by Sellow to this bird material, with special focus on some cases in which incorrect label information on Sellow's specimens led to faulty conclusions on the zoogeography of South American birds.
Ascidia subterranea sp. nov. (Phlebobranchia: Ascidiidae), a new tunicate belonging to the A. sydneiensis Stimpson, 1855 group, found as burrow associate of Axiopsis serratifrons A. Milne-Edwards, 1873 (Decapoda: Axiidae) on Derawan Island, Indonesia
Authors: KNEER DOMINIK , MONNIOT FRANCOISE , STACH THOMAS , CHRISTIANEN MARJOLIJN J. A.
Published: February 2013

A new tunicate, Ascidia subterranea sp. nov., was found in burrows of the axiid crustacean Axiopsis serratifrons on De-rawan Island, Indonesia. It differs from other ascidians in its habitat as well as numerous morphological peculiarities which are described in detail. The shrimp Rostronia stylirostris Holthuis, 1952 was found inside A. subterranea sp. nov., and 4 species of bivalves, 3 species of polychaetes, 1 gastropod, 1 polyplacophoran and 1 sponge species were found as burrow associates besides the ascidian.
Driving patterns in older adults with glaucoma
Authors: van Landingham Suzanne W , Hochberg Chad , Massof Robert W , Chan Emilie , Friedman David S , Ramulu Pradeep Y
Published: February 2013

Background

The ability to drive is important for ensuring quality of life for many older adults. Glaucoma is prevalent in this age group and may affect driving. The purpose of this study is to determine if glaucoma and glaucomatous visual field (VF) loss are associated with driving cessation, limitations, and deference to another driver in older adults.

Methods

Cross-sectional study. Eighty-one glaucoma subjects and 58 glaucoma suspect controls between age 60 and 80 reported if they had ceased driving, limited their driving in various ways, or preferred another to drive.

Results

Twenty-three percent of glaucoma subjects and 6.9% of suspects had ceased driving (p = 0.01). Glaucoma subjects also had more driving limitations than suspects (2.0 vs. 1.1, p = 0.007). In multivariable models, driving cessation was more likely for glaucoma subjects as compared to suspects (OR = 4.0; 95% CI = 1.1-14.7; p = 0.03). The odds of driving cessation doubled with each 5 decibel (dB) decrement in the better-eye VF mean deviation (MD) (OR = 2.0; 95% CI = 1.4-2.9; p < 0.001). Glaucoma subjects were also more likely than suspects to report a greater number of driving limitations (OR = 4.7; 95% CI = 1.3-16.8; p = 0.02). The likelihood of reporting more limitations increased with the VF loss severity (OR = 1.6 per 5 dB decrement in the better-eye VF MD; 95% CI = 1.1-2.4; p = 0.02). Neither glaucoma nor VF MD was associated with other driver preference (p > 0.1 for both).

Conclusions

Glaucoma and glaucomatous VF loss are associated with greater likelihood of driving cessation and greater limitation of driving in the elderly. Further prospective study is merited to assess when and why people with glaucoma change their driving habits, and to determine if their observed self-regulation of driving is adequate to ensure safety.
Update on the Mechanisms Facilitating Weight Loss and Resolution of Type 2 Diabetes Following Bariatric Surgery
Authors: Zetu Cornelia , Munteanu Rubin , Frunză Anca , Ionescu-Tîrgovişte Constantin
Published: February 2013

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and obesity is steadily increasingworldwide. To fight the twin pandemics of obesity and T2DM, clinicians need everytool they can get. Major, durable weight loss is uncommon with medical andbehavioral approaches; many diabetes drugs promote weight gain, while using themto obtain better blood glucose profiles increases the risk of hypoglycemia. Bariatricsurgery seems to be the most effective method for promoting major and durableweight loss in obese subjects, leading also to ameliorations of obesity-associated comorbidities,especially T2DM. Currently, indications for bariatric surgery includemorbidly obese patients or patients with a body mass index (BMI) >35 withsignificant co-morbidities. Currently, bariatric surgery (also referred to as“metabolic surgery”) is advocated for the treatment of T2DM even in overweightsubjects who do not meet the current BMI criteria. This review examines the currentevidence regarding the mechanisms of T2DM resolution following bariatric surgery.
Optimal Server Allocation and Frequency Modulation on Multi-Core Based Server Clusters
Authors: Zheng Xinying , Cai Yu
Published: February 2013

Multi-core processing has been widely used in high-performance computing systems. Power reduction and energy conservation are important in these systems to minimize operating cost. Two main strategies exist for power management: Dynamic Voltage/Frequency Scaling (DV/FS) and server number controlling: Vary-On Vary-Off (VOVF). In this paper, the authors explore the benefits of DV/FS and VOVF and apply them in a multi-core based server cluster. An optimization problem is formulated to get the optimal resource scheduling strategy given a parallel workload. The presented optimization model provides controllable and quantitative power consumption with theoretically guaranteed service performance. The authors further study the overhead of the proposed scheme and provide a Double Control Periods (DCP) method to compensate the transition overhead. The power optimization model is evaluated via extensive simulations. It is also justified by the real workload data trace. The results prove the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed model.
They Can’t Fix What They Can’t Hear
Authors: Fadde Peter
Published: February 2013

The Grammar Case touches on aspects of instructional design that go beyond scope and sequence of content, including: 1) communicating with a client, 2) representing a learning problem from the perspectives of different learning theories and human performance improvement, 3) working with institutional stake holders, and 4) considering non-instructional as well as instructional interventions. The instructional designers in the case must address a sensitive learning problem with limited financial resources and an institutional culture that may be resistant to change. The case depends, more than anything, on problem finding. A key instructional technology issue in the case is how the designers can ethically and feasibly use video recorded in public school classrooms to assess student teachers’ grammar mistakes and also as stimulus material for instruction.
Effects of Stimulus Intensity on Low-Frequency Toneburst Cochlear Microphonic Waveforms
Authors: Zhang Ming
Published: February 2013

This study investigates changes in amplitude and delays in low-frequency toneburst cochlear microphonic (CM) waveforms recorded at the ear canal in response to different stimulus intensities. Ten volunteers aged 20-30 were recruited. Low-frequency CM waveforms at 500 Hz in response to a 14-ms toneburst were recorded from an ear canal electrode using electrocochleography techniques. The data was statistically analyzed in order to confirm whether the differences were significant in the effects of stimulus intensity on the amplitudes and delays of the low-frequency CM waveforms. Electromagnetic interference artifacts can jeopardize CM measurements but such artifacts can be avoided. The CM waveforms can be recorded at the ear canal in response to a toneburst which is longer than that used in ABR measurements. The CM waveforms thus recorded are robust, and the amplitude of CM waveforms is intensity-dependent. In contrast, the delay of CM waveforms is intensity-independent, which is different from neural responses as their delay or latency is intensity-dependent. These findings may be useful for development of the application of CM measurement as a supplementary approach to otoacoustic emission (OAE) measurement in the clinic which is severely affected by background acoustic noise. The development of the application in the assessment of low-frequency cochlear function may become possible if a further series of studies can verify the feasibility, but it is not meant to be a substitute for audiometry or OAE measurements. The measurement of detection threshold of CM waveform responses using growth function approach may become possible in the clinic. The intensity-independent nature of CMs with regards to delay measurements may also become an impacting factor for differential diagnoses and for designing new research studies.