bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Eulerian Framework for Inelasticity Based on the Jaumann Rate and a Hyperelastic Constitutive Relation—Part I: Rate-Form Hyperelasticity
Authors: Eshraghi Amin , Papoulia Katerina D. , Jahed Hamid
Published: October 2012

An integrable Eulerian rate formulation of finite deformation elasticity is developed, which relates the Jaumann or other objective corotational rate of the Kirchhoff stress with material spin to the same rate of the left Cauchy–Green deformation measure through a deformation dependent constitutive tensor. The proposed constitutive relationship can be written in terms of the rate of deformation tensor in the form of a hypoelastic material model. Integrability conditions, under which the proposed formulation yields (a) a Cauchy elastic and (b) a Green elastic material model are derived for the isotropic case. These determine the deformation dependent instantaneous elasticity tensor of the material. In particular, when the Cauchy integrability criterion is applied to the stress-strain relationship of a hyperelastic material model, an Eulerian rate formulation of hyperelasticity is obtained. This formulation proves crucial for the Eulerian finite strain elastoplastic model developed in part II of this work. The proposed model is formulated and integrated in the fixed background and extends the notion of an integrable hypoelastic model to arbitrary corotational objective rates and coordinates. Integrability was previously shown for the grade-zero hypoelastic model with use of the logarithmic (D) rate, the spin of which is formulated in principal coordinates. Uniform deformation examples of rectilinear shear, closed path four-step loading, and cyclic elliptical loading are presented. Contrary to classical grade-zero hypoelasticity, no shear oscillation, elastic dissipation, or ratcheting under cyclic load is observed when the simple Zaremba–Jaumann rate of stress is employed.
The Influence of Transient Thermal Gradients and Substrate Constraint on Delamination of Thermal Barrier Coatings
Authors: Sundaram S. , Lipkin D. M. , Johnson C. A. , Hutchinson J. W.
Published: October 2012

A systematic study of factors affecting the delamination energy release rate and mode mix of a thermal barrier coating attached to a substrate is presented accounting for the influence of thermal gradients combined with rapid hot surface cooling. Transient thermal gradients induce stress gradients through the coating and substrate, which produce overall bending if the substrate is not very thick and if it is not constrained. Due to their influences on the coating stresses, substrate thickness and constraint are important aspects of the mechanics of delamination of coating-substrate systems, which must be considered when laboratory tests are designed and for lifetime assessment under in-service conditions. Temperature gradients in the hot state combined with rapid cooling give rise to a maximum energy release rate for delamination that occurs in the early stage of cooling and that can be considerably larger than the driving force for delamination in the cold state. The rates of cooling that give rise to a large early stage energy release rate are identified.
Verification of dosimetric accuracy on the TrueBeam STx: Rounded leaf effect of the high definition MLC
Authors: Kielar Kayla N. , Mok Ed , Hsu Annie , Wang Lei , Luxton Gary
Published: October 2012

Purpose:

The dosimetric leaf gap (DLG) in the Varian Eclipse treatment planning system is determined during commissioning and is used to model the effect of the rounded leaf‐end of the multileaf collimator (MLC). This parameter attempts to model the physical difference between the radiation and light field and account for inherent leakage between leaf tips. With the increased use of single fraction high dose treatments requiring larger monitor units comes an enhanced concern in the accuracy of leakage calculations, as it accounts for much of the patient dose. This study serves to verify the dosimetric accuracy of the algorithm used to model the rounded leaf effect for the TrueBeam STx, and describes a methodology for determining best‐practice parameter values, given the novel capabilities of the linear accelerator such as flattening filter free (FFF) treatments and a high definition MLC (HDMLC).

Methods:

During commissioning, the nominal MLC position was verified and the DLG parameter was determined using MLC‐defined field sizes and moving gap tests, as is common in clinical testing. Treatment plans were created, and the DLG was optimized to achieve less than 1% difference between measured and calculated dose. The DLG value found was tested on treatment plans for all energies (6 MV, 10 MV, 15 MV, 6 MV FFF, 10 MV FFF) and modalities (3D conventional, IMRT, conformal arc, VMAT) available on the TrueBeam STx.

Results:

The DLG parameter found during the initial MLC testing did not match the leaf gap modeling parameter that provided the most accurate dose delivery in clinical treatment plans. Using the physical leaf gap size as the DLG for the HDMLC can lead to 5% differences in measured and calculated doses.

Conclusions:

Separate optimization of the DLG parameter using end‐to‐end tests must be performed to ensure dosimetric accuracy in the modeling of the rounded leaf ends for the Eclipse treatment planning system. The difference in leaf gap modeling versus physical leaf gap dimensions is more pronounced in the more recent versions of Eclipse for both the HDMLC and the Millennium MLC. Once properly commissioned and tested using a methodology based on treatment plan verification, Eclipse is able to accurately model radiation dose delivered for SBRT treatments using the TrueBeam STx.
Multiresolution MR elastography using nonlinear inversion
Authors: McGarry M. D. J. , Van Houten E. E. W. , Johnson C. L. , Georgiadis J. G. , Sutton B. P. , Weaver J. B. , Paulsen K. D.
Published: October 2012

Purpose:

Nonlinear inversion (NLI) in MR elastography requires discretization of the displacement field for a finite element (FE) solution of the “forward problem”, and discretization of the unknown mechanical property field for the iterative solution of the “inverse problem”. The resolution requirements for these two discretizations are different: the forward problem requires sufficient resolution of the displacement FE mesh to ensure convergence, whereas lowering the mechanical property resolution in the inverse problem stabilizes the mechanical property estimates in the presence of measurement noise. Previous NLI implementations use the same FE mesh to support the displacement and property fields, requiring a trade‐off between the competing resolution requirements.

Methods:

This work implements and evaluates multiresolution FE meshes for NLI elastography, allowing independent discretizations of the displacements and each mechanical property parameter to be estimated. The displacement resolution can then be selected to ensure mesh convergence, and the resolution of the property meshes can be independently manipulated to control the stability of the inversion.

Results:

Phantom experiments indicate that eight nodes per wavelength (NPW) are sufficient for accurate mechanical property recovery, whereas mechanical property estimation from 50 Hzin vivo brain data stabilizes once the displacement resolution reaches 1.7 mm (approximately 19 NPW). Viscoelastic mechanical property estimates of in vivo brain tissue show that subsampling the loss modulus while holding the storage modulus resolution constant does not substantially alter the storage modulus images. Controlling the ratio of the number of measurements to unknown mechanical properties by subsampling the mechanical property distributions (relative to the data resolution) improves the repeatability of the property estimates, at a cost of modestly decreased spatial resolution.

Conclusions:

Multiresolution NLI elastography provides a more flexible framework for mechanical property estimation compared to previous single mesh implementations.
Intragenic Suppressor of a Plug Deletion Nonmotility Mutation in PotB, a Chimeric Stator Protein of Sodium-Driven Flagella
Authors: Zhu Shiwei , Homma Michio , Kojima Seiji
Published: October 2012

The torque of bacterial flagellar motors is generated by interactions between the rotor and the stator and is coupled to the influx of H
+
or Na
+
through the stator. A chimeric protein, PotB, in which the N-terminal region of
Vibrio alginolyticus
PomB was fused to the C-terminal region of
Escherichia coli
MotB, can function with PomA as a Na
+
-driven stator in
E. coli
. Here, we constructed a deletion variant of PotB (with a deletion of residues 41 to 91 [Δ41–91], called PotBΔL), which lacks the periplasmic linker region including the segment that works as a “plug” to inhibit premature ion influx. This variant did not confer motile ability, but we isolated a Na
+
-driven, spontaneous suppressor mutant, which has a point mutation (R109P) in the MotB/PomB-specific α-helix that connects the transmembrane and peptidoglycan binding domains of PotBΔL in the region of MotB. Overproduction of the PomA/PotBΔL(R109P) stator inhibited the growth of
E. coli
cells, suggesting that this stator has high Na
+
-conducting activity. Mutational analyses of Arg109 and nearby residues suggest that the structural alteration in this α-helix optimizes PotBΔL conformation and restores the proper arrangement of transmembrane helices to form a functional channel pore. We speculate that this α-helix plays a key role in assembly-coupled stator activation.
Two Transporters Essential for Reassimilation of Novel Cholate Metabolites by Rhodococcus jostii RHA1
Authors: Swain Kendra , Casabon Israël , Eltis Lindsay D. , Mohn William W.
Published: October 2012

The bacterial uptake of steroids and their metabolites remains poorly understood. We investigated two transporters associated with cholate catabolism in
Rhodococcus jostii
RHA1. Reverse transcriptase quantitative-PCR indicated that an ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter and a major facilitator superfamily (MFS) transporter were upregulated 16.7- and 174-fold, respectively, during the exponential phase of growth on cholate compared to growth on pyruvate. Gene knockout analysis established that these transporters are required for the reassimilation of distinct metabolites that accumulate during growth on cholate. The ABC transporter, encoded by
camABCD
, was essential for uptake of 1β(2′-propanoate)-3aα-
H
-4α(3″
(R)
-hydroxy-3″-propanoate)-7aβ-methylhexahydro-5-indanone and a desaturated analog. The MFS transporter, encoded by
camM
, was essential for uptake of 3,7
(R)
,12
(S)
-trihydroxy-9-oxo-9,10-seco-23,24-bisnorchola-1,3,5(10)-trien-22-oate. These metabolites differ from cholate metabolites reported to be excreted by proteobacteria in that they retain an isopropanoyl side chain at C-17. The uptake of these metabolites was necessary for maximal growth on cholate: a Δ
camB
mutant lacking the permease component of the ABC transporter and a Δ
camM
mutant lacking the MFS transporter grew to 74% and 77%, respectively, of the yield of the wild type. This study demonstrates for the first time the requirement for specific transporters for uptake of cholate metabolites and highlights the importance and complexity of transport processes associated with bacterial steroid catabolism.
Gene Cluster Encoding Cholate Catabolism in Rhodococcus spp
Authors: Mohn William W. , Wilbrink Maarten H. , Casabon Israël , Stewart Gordon R. , Liu Jie , van der Geize Robert , Eltis Lindsay D.
Published: October 2012

Bile acids are highly abundant steroids with important functions in vertebrate digestion. Their catabolism by bacteria is an important component of the carbon cycle, contributes to gut ecology, and has potential commercial applications. We found that
Rhodococcus jostii
RHA1 grows well on cholate, as well as on its conjugates, taurocholate and glycocholate. The transcriptome of RHA1 growing on cholate revealed 39 genes upregulated on cholate, occurring in a single gene cluster. Reverse transcriptase quantitative PCR confirmed that selected genes in the cluster were upregulated 10-fold on cholate versus on cholesterol. One of these genes,
kshA3
, encoding a putative 3-ketosteroid-9α-hydroxylase, was deleted and found essential for growth on cholate. Two coenzyme A (CoA) synthetases encoded in the cluster, CasG and CasI, were heterologously expressed. CasG was shown to transform cholate to cholyl-CoA, thus initiating side chain degradation. CasI was shown to form CoA derivatives of steroids with isopropanoyl side chains, likely occurring as degradation intermediates. Orthologous gene clusters were identified in all available
Rhodococcus
genomes, as well as that of
Thermomonospora curvata
. Moreover,
Rhodococcus equi
103S,
Rhodococcus ruber
Chol-4 and
Rhodococcus erythropolis
SQ1 each grew on cholate. In contrast, several mycolic acid bacteria lacking the gene cluster were unable to grow on cholate. Our results demonstrate that the above-mentioned gene cluster encodes cholate catabolism and is distinct from a more widely occurring gene cluster encoding cholesterol catabolism.
Anticipatory prescribing in terminal care at home: what challenges do community health professionals encounter?
Authors: Faull Christina , Windridge Kate , Ockleford Elizabeth , Hudson Michael
Published: October 2012

Background

The prompt availability of medications to manage symptoms is key to high quality end-of-life care and anticipatory prescribing of these drugs is thought good practice. This study explored the challenges encountered by primary and community health professionals in Leicestershire and Rutland related to anticipatory prescribing when caring for terminally ill patients who wish to remain at home to die.

Method

A qualitative study was conducted using eight focus groups (54 participants) and nine individual interviews with a purposively sampled range of health professionals providing care for people who wished to die at home. Themes were identified iteratively via constant comparison.

Results

Challenges fell into four categories: resourcing concerns, professional expertise/experience, professionals’ relationships with patients, and professionals’ relationships with other professionals. The latter included the most serious perceived challenges. Links between community and hospital care providers and between ‘usual’ hours and ‘out-of-hours’ care providers were seen as particularly unstable.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that building and maintaining trusting, responsive, personal links between professionals, both within and between teams, is essential when implementing good practice guidelines about anticipatory end-of-life prescribing in the community. The need for good communication and relationships between patients and professionals and maintaining expertise and confidence in end-of-life care are also key factors in the effective use of anticipatory prescribing for symptom management for dying patients.
Self-collected swabs of the urinary meatus diagnose moreChlamydia trachomatisandNeisseria gonorrhoeaeinfections than first catch urine from men
Authors: Chernesky Max A , Jang Dan , Portillo Eder , Smieja Marek , Gilchrist Jodi , Ewert Ruth , MacRitchie Cindy
Published: October 2012

Objectives

To compare first catch urine (FCU) and self-collected urinary meatal swabs for the detection ofChlamydia trachomatis(CT) andNeisseria gonorrhoeae(NG) using the APTIMA Combo 2 assay.

Methods

A total of 511 young men from a high risk street youth clinic were studied. Group A (n=293) collected a FCU and a meatal APTIMA swab followed by Group B (n=218) who collected a FCU and two meatal samples using an APTIMA swab and a flocked swab. Order of sample collection was alternated. Individuals in Group B rated collection as easy, difficult or neither, then expressed a preference for sampling and swab type. All subjects performed meatal self-collection in the presence of a study monitor.

Results

The combined CT prevalence was 7.8% and 2.7% for NG where 80% of the men were without symptoms. Meatal swabbing identified 35 cases of CT and 14 cases of NG compared to 33 and 11 for FCU. Flocked and APTIMA swabs were equally effective in detecting more cases. The majority of men found self-collection of meatal swabs and urine to be easy. Although 63% preferred urine sampling, 60% of those who preferred swabbing selected the flocked swab.

Conclusions

Collection of meatal swabs could serve as an alternative to urethral swabbing and FCU for the detection of CT and NG.
SILVER NANOPARTICLES FILMS DEPOSITED ON AAO TEMPLATES BY THERMAL EVAPORATION FOR SURFACE-ENHANCED RAMAN SCATTERING OF R6G
Authors: LIN JIANPING , LAN HUIQING , ZHENG WEIFENG , QU YAN , LAI FACHUN
Published: October 2012

Silver nanoparticles (NPs) films with different nominal thicknesses were deposited on the anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) templates with pore diameter about 200 nm by thermal evaporation. These NPs films were used as the surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) active substrates. The microstructure and surface morphology of the films were studied by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. The SERS activity of the films was investigated by Raman scattering of adsorbed rhodamine 6G (R6G) at different concentrations. The results revealed that the average diameter of Ag NPs in different samples is 58 nm, 75 nm, 93 nm and 108 nm, respectively. Ag NPs film on AAO template is very suitable as a SERS active substrate and can detect R6G molecules with a concentration of 10-8 M. The intensity of the SERS spectra is related to both the Ag NPs size and interparticle distance. The sample with an average particle diameter of 93 nm has the highest SERS enhancement factor (1.3 × 106).
SUCTION PIPE DESIGN CRITERION FOR R-134a REFRIGERATORS TO SECURE OIL RETURN TO COMPRESSOR
Authors: GUO TIANDONG , LEE WONJONG , DO SANGCHUL , JEONG JI HWAN
Published: October 2012

Polyol Ester oil–air two-phase counter current flow experiments were performed with small diameter tubes to measure gas velocities for the counter current flow limitation point and the flow reversal point. The test section was made of a Pyrex glass tube to allow visual observation. The geometry of the test section was designed to simulate various shapes of suction lines of refrigerators. The inner diameter of the test tube was 7 mm and the height was 1 m. The inclination of the test tubes varied from vertical to crank type with various horizontal lengths. An empirical oil return criterion was suggested based on the flow reversal points. This criterion was also verified using a refrigerator test apparatus and refrigerant.
Altered hemodynamics, endothelial function, and protein expression occur with aortic coarctation and persist after repair
Authors: Menon Arjun , Eddinger Thomas J. , Wang Hongfeng , Wendell David C. , Toth Jeffrey M. , LaDisa John F.
Published: October 2012

Coarctation of the aorta (CoA) is associated with substantial morbidity despite treatment. Mechanically induced structural and functional vascular changes are implicated; however, their relationship with smooth muscle (SM) phenotypic expression is not fully understood. Using a clinically representative rabbit model of CoA and correction, we quantified mechanical alterations from a 20-mmHg blood pressure (BP) gradient in the thoracic aorta and related the expression of key SM contractile and focal adhesion proteins with remodeling, relaxation, and stiffness. Systolic and mean BP were elevated for CoA rabbits compared with controls leading to remodeling, stiffening, an altered force response, and endothelial dysfunction both proximally and distally. The proximal changes persisted for corrected rabbits despite >12 wk of normal BP (∼4 human years). Computational fluid dynamic simulations revealed reduced wall shear stress (WSS) proximally in CoA compared with control and corrected rabbits. Distally, WSS was markedly increased in CoA rabbits due to a stenotic velocity jet, which has persistent effects as WSS was significantly reduced in corrected rabbits. Immunohistochemistry revealed significantly increased nonmuscle myosin and reduced SM myosin heavy chain expression in the proximal arteries of CoA and corrected rabbits but no differences in SM α-actin, talin, or fibronectin. These findings indicate that CoA can cause alterations in the SM phenotype contributing to structural and functional changes in the proximal arteries that accompany the mechanical stimuli of elevated BP and altered WSS. Importantly, these changes are not reversed upon BP correction and may serve as markers of disease severity, which explains the persistent morbidity observed in CoA patients.
Sildenafil improves microvascular O2 delivery-to-utilization matching and accelerates exercise O2 uptake kinetics in chronic heart failure
Authors: Sperandio Priscila A. , Oliveira Mayron F. , Rodrigues Miguel K. , Berton Danilo C. , Treptow Erika , Nery Luiz E. , Almeida Dirceu R. , Neder J. Alberto
Published: October 2012

Nitric oxide (NO) can temporally and spatially match microvascular oxygen (O2) delivery (Q̇o2mv) to O2 uptake (V̇o2) in the skeletal muscle, a crucial adjustment-to-exercise tolerance that is impaired in chronic heart failure (CHF). To investigate the effects of NO bioavailability induced by sildenafil intake on muscle Q̇o2mv-to-O2 utilization matching and V̇o2 kinetics, 10 males with CHF (ejection fraction = 27 ± 6%) undertook constant work-rate exercise (70–80% peak). Breath-by-breath V̇o2, fractional O2 extraction in the vastus lateralis {∼deoxygenated hemoglobin + myoglobin ([deoxy-Hb + Mb]) by near-infrared spectroscopy}, and cardiac output (CO) were evaluated after sildenafil (50 mg) or placebo. Sildenafil increased exercise tolerance compared with placebo by ∼20%, an effect that was related to faster on- and off-exercise V̇o2 kinetics ( P < 0.05). Active treatment, however, failed to accelerate CO dynamics ( P > 0.05). On-exercise [deoxy-Hb + Mb] kinetics were slowed by sildenafil (∼25%), and a subsequent response “overshoot” ( n = 8) was significantly lessened or even abolished. In contrast, [deoxy-Hb + Mb] recovery was faster with sildenafil (∼15%). Improvements in muscle oxygenation with sildenafil were related to faster on-exercise V̇o2 kinetics, blunted oscillations in ventilation ( n = 9), and greater exercise capacity ( P < 0.05). Sildenafil intake enhanced intramuscular Q̇o2mv-to-V̇o2 matching with beneficial effects on V̇o2 kinetics and exercise tolerance in CHF. The lack of effect on CO suggests that improvement in blood flow to and within skeletal muscles underlies these effects.
Stem cell conditioned medium improves acute lung injury in mice: in vivo evidence for stem cell paracrine action
Authors: Ionescu Lavinia , Byrne Roisin N. , van Haaften Tim , Vadivel Arul , Alphonse Rajesh S. , Rey-Parra Gloria J. , Weissmann Gaia , Hall Adam , Eaton Farah , Thébaud Bernard
Published: October 2012

Mortality and morbidity of acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome remain high because of the lack of pharmacological therapies to prevent injury or promote repair. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) prevent lung injury in various experimental models, despite a low proportion of donor-derived cell engraftment, suggesting that MSCs exert their beneficial effects via paracrine mechanisms. We hypothesized that soluble factors secreted by MSCs promote the resolution of lung injury in part by modulating alveolar macrophage (AM) function. We tested the therapeutic effect of MSC-derived conditioned medium (CdM) compared with whole MSCs, lung fibroblasts, and fibroblast-CdM. Intratracheal MSCs and MSC-CdM significantly attenuated lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced lung neutrophil influx, lung edema, and lung injury as assessed by an established lung injury score. MSC-CdM increased arginase-1 activity and Ym1 expression in LPS-exposed AMs. In vivo, AMs from LPS-MSC and LPS-MSC CdM lungs had enhanced expression of Ym1 and decreased expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase compared with untreated LPS mice. This suggests that MSC-CdM promotes alternative macrophage activation to an M2 “healer” phenotype. Comparative multiplex analysis of MSC- and fibroblast-CdM demonstrated that MSC-CdM contained several factors that may confer therapeutic benefit, including insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I). Recombinant IGF-I partially reproduced the lung protective effect of MSC-CdM. In summary, MSCs act through a paracrine activity. MSC-CdM promotes the resolution of LPS-induced lung injury by attenuating lung inflammation and promoting a wound healing/anti-inflammatory M2 macrophage phenotype in part via IGF-I.
No Rest for the Weary: Diastolic Calcium Homeostasis in the Normal and Failing Myocardium
Authors: Louch William E. , Stokke Mathis K. , Sjaastad Ivar , Christensen Geir , Sejersted Ole M.
Published: October 2012

Following contraction of the heart, efficient relaxation (diastole) is essential for refilling the ventricles with blood. This review describes how ventricular relaxation is controlled by Ca2+ homeostasis in cardiac muscle cells and how alterations in Ca2+ cycling affect diastolic function in the normal and failing heart. These discussions illustrate that the diastolic phase is not simply a period of rest but rather involves highly regulated and dynamic Ca2+ fluxes.
Integrin and GPCR Crosstalk in the Regulation of ASM Contraction Signaling in Asthma
Authors: Teoh Chun Ming , Tam John Kit Chung , Tran Thai
Published: October 2012

Airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) is one of the cardinal features of asthma. Contraction of airway smooth muscle (ASM) cells that line the airway wall is thought to influence aspects of AHR, resulting in excessive narrowing or occlusion of the airway. ASM contraction is primarily controlled by agonists that bind G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), which are expressed on ASM. Integrins also play a role in regulating ASM contraction signaling. As therapies for asthma are based on symptom relief, better understanding of the crosstalk between GPCRs and integrins holds good promise for the design of more effective therapies that target the underlying cellular and molecular mechanism that governs AHR. In this paper, we will review current knowledge about integrins and GPCRs in their regulation of ASM contraction signaling and discuss the emerging concept of crosstalk between the two and the implication of this crosstalk on the development of agents that target AHR.
Prevalence of Periodontal Bone Loss in Brazilian Adolescents through Interproximal Radiography
Authors: Toledo Benedicto Egbert Corrêa de , Barroso Eliane Marçon , Martins Alex Tadeu , Zuza Elizangela Partata
Published: October 2012

Purpose.The aim of this study was to verify the prevalence of alveolar bone loss in Brazilian adolescents through the interproximal X-rays analysis.Methods.Bilateral and standardized interproximal (bitewing) X-rays were performed in 15-year-old adolescents (), and the processing of films and measurements of alveolar bone levels were accomplished by a single examiner. A distance between the cementoenamel junction (CEJ) and the alveolar bone crest more than 2 mm was considered as periodontal bone loss.Results.The results showed percentage of bone loss of 10.4% with predominance of horizontal defects (8.9%) over the vertical types (1.5%). It was verified higher individual distribution of one lesion (67.6%) than two (26.5%) or three lesions (5.6%), and higher occurrence was detected in men (14.95) than in women (8.21).Conclusion.It can be concluded that the interproximal radiography was an efficient method for the detection of alveolar bone loss, revealing low prevalence in adolescents and predominance of horizontal bone defects.
A Comparison of Medical and Psychobehavioral Emergency Department Visits Made by Adults with Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Lunsky Yona , Balogh Rob , Khodaverdian Alin , Elliott Deborah , Jaskulski Christine , Morris Susan
Published: October 2012

Study Objective. We describe and contrast medical to psychobehavioral emergency visits made by a cohort of adults with intellectual disabilities.Methods. This was a study of 221 patients with intellectual disabilities who visited the emergency department because of a psychobehavioral or medical emergency. Patient profiles are described and logistic regression was used to assess predictors of psychobehavioral emergencies in this group, including age, residence, psychiatric diagnosis, cognitive level, and life events.Results. Ninety-eight individuals had medical emergencies and 123 individuals presented with psychobehavioral emergencies. The most common medical issue was injury and the most common psychobehavioral issue was aggression. In the multivariate analysis, life events (odds ratio (OR) 0.28; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.10 to 0.75), psychiatric diagnosis (OR 2.35; 95% CI 1.12 to 4.95), and age group (OR 4.97; 95% CI 1.28 to 19.38) were associated with psychobehavioral emergencies. Psychobehavioral emergencies were more likely to result in admission and caregivers reported lower rates of satisfaction with these visits.Conclusion. Emergency departments would benefit from greater understanding of the different types of presentations made by adults with intellectual disabilities, given the unique presentations and outcomes associated with them.
Field Experiments for Wind Loads on a Low-Rise Building with Adjustable Pitch
Authors: Huang Peng , Wang Xu , Gu Ming
Published: October 2012

A wind engineering research field laboratory, which consists of a full-scale low-rise building and two towers, has been constructed by Tongji University near Shanghai Pudong International Airport to study the characteristics of near-ground wind field and wind pressure on low-rise buildings. The full-scale building, whose roof pitch could be adjusted ranging from 0° to 30°, is 10 m in length, 6 m in width and 8 m in eave's height. It is employed to study the wind pressure on the gable roof of low-rise building with different roof pitches. This paper explicitly and concretely discusses the filed facility, data measurement system, data acquisition system, and tap location to provide references for related researchers. Besides, two pieces of time-histories of ten-minute-length wind pressures are analyzed at 0° and 20° roof pitches respectively to compare with those of a wind tunnel test on a rigid model of 1 : 30 scale. The results show that the tendency for the mean and fluctuating wind pressure distributions between the two kinds of tests is nearly similar.
The Effect of Nitrogen‐Doped ATO Nanotubes on Radical Multiplication of Buffer Media by Visible Light Photocatalysis Rather UV
Authors: Hu Kan-Hung , Wang Shing-Hoa , Hsu Todd , Chen Chien-Chon , Lin Tai-Yuan , Tsai Huei-Ting , Chiang Hsiang-Ho
Published: October 2012

The use of TiO2 in photodynamic therapy for the treatment of cancer has generally been studied in cultured cancer cells in serum‐containing RPMI 1640 medium under visible light application rather than ultraviolet (UV) light. An ordered channel array of N‐doped anodic titanium dioxide (ATO) has been successfully made for visible light application. ATO nanotubes in the anatase form with a length of 10 μm are more effective than nanotubes of 1.8 μm in length as a photocatalyst for radical multiplication in buffer solution by generating hydroxyl radicals and superoxide radical anions under UV‐A exposure. Only the N‐doped ATO is applicable to visible light photocatalysis for radical multiplication in RPMI 1640 + 1% FBS and acrylamide, a free radical carrier.
A Second Harmonic Self-Oscillating Mixer Incorporating Resonant Cell Structure
Authors: Chiu Leung , Xue Quan
Published: October 2012

A downconverting second harmonic self-oscillating mixer (SOM) is developed for low-cost wireless communications applications. Incorporating resonant cell in the SOM, we can provide suitable oscillation for generating LO and terminations to all major unwanted mixing products, leading to high conversion gain design. The proposed SOM was measured with 8.5 dB downconversion gain at the RF frequency of 8.2 GHz RF, LO frequency of 4.0 GHz, and IF frequency of 0.2 GHz. The proposed design achieves higher conversion gain than that of the SOM without resonant cell.
Cytotoxic Activity of Dendritic Cells as a Possible Mechanism of Negative Regulation of T Lymphocytes in Pulmonary Tuberculosis
Authors: Sakhno Ludmila V. , Tikhonova Marina A. , Tyrinova Tamara V. , Leplina Olga Yu. , Shevela Ekaterina Ya. , Nikonov Sergey D. , Zhdanov Oleg A. , Ostanin Alexander A. , Chernykh Elena R.
Published: October 2012

The PD-1/B7-H1-mediated induction of T cell apoptosis/anergy as a possible mechanism of immune response failure was studied in 76 patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) with normal and low-proliferative response to antigens ofM. tuberculosis(purified protein derivative (PPD)). It was revealed that dendritic cells (DCs), generatedin vitrofrom patient blood monocytes with GM-CSF + IFN-α, were characterized by increased B7-H1 expression, upproduction of IL-10, and reducing of allostimulatory activity in mixed lymphocyte culture (MLC). Moreover, DCs of patients with TB were able to enhance T cell apoptosis and to block T-cell division in MLC. It was shown that neutralizing anti-PD1 antibodies significantly decreased the proapoptogenic/tolerogenic effect of DCs. Correlation analysis revealed a direct relationship between IL-10 production and level of B7-H1 expression in the general group of investigated patients. It was demonstrated that generation of healthy donor DCs in the presence of IL-10 led to an increase in the number of DCs-expressed B7-H1 molecule, DC proapoptogenic activity, and a decrease in their allostimulatory activity. Obviously, the revealed phenomenon of the PD-1/B7-H1-mediated pro-apoptogenic activity of DCs is clinically significant since the cytotoxic/tolerogenic potential of DCs is more pronounced in patients with PPD anergy.
Tension Pneumatocele due toEnterobacter gergoviaePneumonia: A Case Report
Authors: Kesieme Emeka B. , Kesieme Chinenye N. , Akpede George O. , Okonta Kelechi E. , Dongo Andrew E. , Gbolagade Adewuyi M. , Eluehike Sylvester U.
Published: October 2012

Pneumatocele formation is a known complication of pneumonia. Very rarely, they may increase markedly in size, causing cardiorespiratory compromise. Many organisms have been implicated in the pathogenesis of this disease; however, this is the first report of tension pneumatocele resulting fromEnterobacter gergoviaepneumonia. We report a case of a 3-month-old Nigerian male child who developed two massive tension pneumatoceles while on treatment for postpneumonic empyema due toEnterobacter gergoviaepneumonia. Tube thoracostomy directed into both pneumatocele resulted in complete resolution and recovery.Enterobacter gergoviaeis a relevant human pathogen, capable of causing complicated pneumonia with fatal outcome if not properly managed. In developing countries where state-of the-art radiological facilities and expertise for prompt thoracic intervention are lacking, there is still room for nonoperative management of tension pneumatocele especially in very ill children.
Application of a “Staggered Walk” Algorithm for Generating Large-Scale Morphological Neuronal Networks
Authors: Zito Jack , Memelli Heraldo , Horn Kyle G. , Solomon Irene C. , Wittie Larry D.
Published: October 2012

Large-scale models of neuronal structures are needed to explore emergent properties of mammalian brains. Because these models have trillions of synapses, a major problem in their creation is synapse placement. Here we present a novel method for exploiting consistent fiber orientation in a neural tissue to perform a highly efficient modified plane-sweep algorithm, which identifies all regions of 3D overlaps between dendritic and axonal projection fields. The first step in placing synapses in physiological models is neurite-overlap detection, at large scales a computationally intensive task. We have developed an efficient “Staggered Walk” algorithm that can find all 3D overlaps of neurites where trillions of synapses connect billions of neurons.
Comparison of Cone-Beam Computed Tomography and Periapical Radiography in Predicting Treatment Decision for Periapical Lesions: A Clinical Study
Authors: Balasundaram Ashok , Shah Punit , Hoen Michael M. , Wheater Michelle A. , Bringas Josef S. , Gartner Arnold , Geist James R.
Published: October 2012

Objectives. To compare the ability of endodontists to determine the size of apical pathological lesions and select the most appropriate choice of treatment based on lesions’ projected image characteristics using 2 D and 3 D images.Study Design. Twenty-four subjects were selected. Radiographic examination of symptomatic study teeth with an intraoral periapical radiograph revealed periapical lesions equal to or greater than 3 mm in the greatest diameter. Cone-beam Computed tomography (CBCT) images were made of the involved teeth after the intraoral periapical radiograph confirmed the size of lesion to be equal to greater than 3 mm. Six observers (endodontists) viewed both the periapical and CBCT images. Upon viewing each of the images from the two imaging modalities, observers (1) measured lesion size and (2) made decisions on treatment based on each radiograph. Chi-square test was used to look for differences in the choice of treatment among observers.Results. No significant difference was noted in the treatment plan selected by observers using the two modalities (χ2(3)=.036,P>0.05).Conclusion. Lesion size and choice of treatment of periapical lesions based on CBCT radiographs do not change significantly from those made on the basis of 2 D radiographs.
Series Resistance Analysis of Passivated Emitter Rear Contact Cells Patterned Using Inkjet Printing
Authors: Lenio Martha A. T. , Howard James , Lu Doris (Pei Hsuan) , Jentschke Fabian , Augarten Yael , Lennon Alison , Wenham Stuart R.
Published: October 2012

For higher-efficiency solar cell structures, such as the Passivated Emitter Rear Contact (PERC) cells, to be fabricated in a manufacturing environment, potentially low-cost techniques such as inkjet printing and metal plating are desirable. A common problem that is experienced when fabricating PERC cells is low fill factors due to high series resistance. This paper identifies and attempts to quantify sources of series resistance in inkjet-patterned PERC cells that employ electroless or light-induced nickel-plating techniques followed by copper light-induced plating. Photoluminescence imaging is used to determine locations of series resistance losses in these inkjet-patterned and plated PERC cells.
Loss of Retinal Function and Pigment Epithelium Changes in a Patient with Common Variable Immunodeficiency
Authors: Halborg Jakob , Sørensen Torben L.
Published: October 2012

Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) has only scarcely been associated with ocular symptoms and rarely with retinal disease. In this case we describe a patient with distinct morphological and functional alterations in the retina. The patient presents with characteristic changes in retinal pigment epithelium, autofluorescence, and electrophysiology.
Non‐Isothermal Degradation Kinetics of CaCO3 from Different Origin
Authors: Georgieva Velyana , Vlaev Lyubomir , Gyurova Kalinka
Published: October 2012

Thermogravimetric studies on two varieties of calcium carbonate, namely, analytical reagent‐grade and in situ product from thermal degradation of calcium oxalate monohydrate, were carried out at four rates of linear increase of the temperature. The kinetics and mechanism of their solid‐state thermal decomposition reaction were evaluated from the TG data using four calculation procedures and isoconversion method, as well as 27 mechanism functions. The comparison of the results obtained with these calculation procedures showed that they strongly depend on the selection of proper mechanism function for the process. Therefore, it is very important to determine the most probable mechanism function. In this respect the isoconversion calculation procedure turned out to be more appropriate. In the present work, the values of apparent activation energy E, preexponential factor A in Arrhenius equation, as well as the changes of entropy ΔS≠, enthalpy ΔH≠, and free Gibbs energy ΔG≠ for the formation of the activated complex from the reagent are calculated. All calculations were performed using programs compiled by ourselves.
Strategies for Engineered Negligible Senescence
Authors: Zealley Ben , de Grey Aubrey D.N.J.
Published: October 2012

In this viewpoint, we describe the strategies for engineered negligible senescence (SENS) concept - a simple and appealing model for the design of therapeutic interventions able to meaningfully and persistently reverse the deleterious effects of aging. We go on to outline how current or foreseeable biotechnologies could feasibly be employed to repair every currently identified category of pathogenic damage that accumulates over a human lifespan. Then, briefly, we explain why this goal is not only ethically sound, but can in fact be considered to verge on an ethical obligation. Finally, we review recent progress in some key areas of the SENS platform, including proof-of-concept research sponsored by the SENS Foundation, a charity based in California.
Abahlali’s Vocal Politics of Proximity: Speaking, Suffering and Political Subjectivization
Authors: Selmeczi Anna
Published: October 2012

Using as its point of departure the claim that today the urban is the main site for the abandonment of superfluous people, this article explores the emancipatory politics of the South African shack-dwellers’ movement, Abahlali baseMjondolo. Based on a notion of political subjectivization as the appropriation of excess freedom, I argue that Abahlali disrupt the order of the ‘world-class city’ when they expose the contradiction between the democratic inscriptions of equality and the lethal segmentation of the urban order. In articulating their living conditions as the unjustified breach of the promise of ‘a better life’, the shack-dwellers prove their equality and thus emerge as political subjects. As the article argues, at the centre of this process is a political practice of speaking and listening that is driven by the imperative to reverse the distancing and delaying practices of an order that abandons them by remaining physically, experientially and cognitively proximate to the experiences of life in the shantytown.
The new right and the welfare state: The electoral relevance of welfare chauvinism and welfare populism in the Netherlands
Authors: de Koster Willem , Achterberg Peter , van der Waal Jeroen
Published: October 2012

Next to their well-documented authoritarian cultural agenda, new-rightist populist parties have developed specific views on the welfare state: welfare chauvinism and welfare populism. This article studies the electoral relevance of these views for Dutch new-rightist populist parties by means of survey data representative of the Dutch population ( N = 1972). The electorate of those parties shows high levels of both welfare chauvinism and welfare populism. However, only welfare populism underlies support for new-rightist populist parties in addition to well-known cultural motives. Based on these findings, ideological and electoral competition between political parties is discussed, and suggestions for further research are provided.
Selling scandal or ideology? The politics of business crime coverage
Authors: Allen Henry , Savigny Heather
Published: October 2012

Financial scandals and controversies have recently attracted much attention in the British press. The excesses of the bankers’ bonuses, MPs’ expenses scandals and those deemed ‘benefit cheats’ and welfare scroungers have been given prominence by the print news media, and the present Coalition government. The politicization of the current financial crisis has resulted in ‘the privatization of loss and the socialization of costs’. Yet how do we make sense of this? Or how are those responsible for financial wrongdoings able to ‘get away with it’? This article suggests that the interests of business as a class remain largely uncontested in contemporary political discourse. Just one way in which this is evident is through the coverage of financial crime, and this article offers as illustration a case study of the political construction of business crime (price fixing) in the pages of the British press. It is suggested that the way in which this crime is framed is reflective of a broader ideological discursive commitment which privileges business interests over the public interest.
Ten-Year Follow-up of a Prospective, Randomized Clinical Study of Mosaic Osteochondral Autologous Transplantation Versus Microfracture for the Treatment of Osteochondral Defects in the Knee Joint of Athletes
Authors: Gudas Rimtautas , Gudaitė Agnė , Pocius Arnoldas , Gudienė Asta , Čekanauskas Emilis , Monastyreckienė Eglė , Basevičius Algidas
Published: October 2012

Background:

Various techniques have proven to be effective for treating articular cartilage defect (ACD) and osteochondral defect (OCD) of the knee joint, but knowledge regarding which method is best still remains uncertain.

Purpose:

To evaluate and compare the outcomes of mosaic-type osteochondral autologous transplantation (OAT) and microfracture (MF) procedures for the treatment of articular cartilage defects of the knee joint in young active athletes. This article represents an update of the clinical results at 10 years.

Study Design:

Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1.

Methods:

Between 1998 and 2002, a total of 60 athletes with a mean age of 24.3 years (range, 15-40 years) and with a symptomatic ACD or OCD in the knee were randomized to undergo either OAT or MF. Patients were then evaluated postoperatively using the International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) score, Tegner activity score, radiographs, and magnetic resonance imaging. The mean follow-up time was 10.4 years (range, 9-11 years).

Results:

Three to 10 years after the OAT and MF procedures, patients had lower ICRS and Tegner scores ( P < .05), but both groups still had significant clinical improvement over presurgery scores according to ICRS scores at 10-year follow-up. Statistically significantly better results were detected in patients in the OAT group compared with those in the MF group at 10 years ( P < .005). At 10-year follow-up, there were 15 failures (26%), including 4 failures (14%) of the OAT and 11 failures (38%) of MF treatment ( P < .05). Seven patients (25%) from the OAT group and 14 patients (48%) from the MF group had radiographic evidence of Kellgren-Lawrence grade I osteoarthritis at 10 years, but these differences were not significant ( P = .083) or related to the clinical results. The ICRS and Tegner scores of younger athletes (<25 years at the time of primary surgery) remained significantly higher after 10 years compared with older patients ( P < .05); 15 of 20 patients (75%) in the OAT group and 8 of 22 patients (37%) in the MF group maintained the same physical activity level.

Conclusion:

The OAT technique for ACD or OCD repair in the athletic population allows for a higher rate of return to and maintenance of sports at the preinjury level compared with MF.