bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cost profiles of colorectal cancer patients in Italy based on individual patterns of care
Authors: Francisci Silvia , Guzzinati Stefano , Mezzetti Maura , Crocetti Emanuele , Giusti Francesco , Miccinesi Guido , Paci Eugenio , Angiolini Catia , Gigli Anna
Published: July 2013

Background

Due to changes in cancer-related risk factors, improvements in diagnostic procedures and treatments, and the aging of the population, in most developed countries cancer accounts for an increasing proportion of health care expenditures. The analysis of cancer-related costs is a topic of several economic and epidemiological studies and represents a research area of great interest to public health planners and policy makers. In Italy studies are limited either to some specific types of expenditures or to specific groups of cancer patients. Aim of the paper is to estimate the distribution of cancer survivors and associated health care expenditures according to a disease pathway which identifies three clinically relevant phases: initial (one year following diagnosis), continuing (between initial and final) and final (one year before death).

Methods

The methodology proposed is based on the reconstruction of patterns of care at individual level by combining different data sources, surveillance data and administrative data, in areas covered by cancer registration.

Results

A total colorectal cancer-related expenditure of 77.8 million Euros for 18012 patients (corresponding to about 4300 Euros per capita) is estimated in 2006 in two Italian areas located in Tuscany and Veneto regions, respectively. Cost of care varies according to the care pathway: 11% of patients were in the initial phase, and consumed 34% of total expenditure; patients in the final (6%) and in the continuing (83%) phase consumed 23% and 43% of the budget, respectively. There is an association between patterns of care/costs and patients characteristics such as stage and age at diagnosis.

Conclusions

This paper represents the first attempt to attribute health care expenditures in Italy to specific phases of disease, according to varying treatment approaches, surveillance strategies and management of relapses, palliative care. The association between stage at diagnosis, profile of therapies and costs supports the idea that primary prevention and early detection play an important role in a public health perspective. Results from this pilot study encourage the use of such analyses in a public health perspective, to increase understanding of patient outcomes and economic consequences of differences in policies related to cancer screening, treatment, and programs of care.
Fibril-mediated oligomerization of pilin-derived protein nanotubes
Authors: Petrov Anna , Lombardo Stephanie , Audette Gerald F
Published: July 2013

Background

Self-assembling protein nanotubes (PNTs) are an intriguing alternative to carbon nanotubes for applications in bionanotechnology, in part due to greater inherent biocompatibility. The type IV pilus of the gram negative bacteriaPseudomonas aeruginosais a protein-based fibre composed of a single subunit, the type IV pilin. Engineered pilin monomers fromP. aeruginosastrain K122-4 (ΔK122) have been shown to oligomerize into PNTs both in solution and at surfaces. In order to fully exploit PNTs in bionanotechonological settings, an in-depth understanding of their assembly, physical characteristics and robustness, both in solution and when constrained to surfaces, is required.

Results

This study details the effectiveness of multiple initiators of ΔK122-derived PNT oligomerization and characterize the formation of PNTs in solution. The optimal initiator for the oligomerization of ΔK122 in solution was observed to be 2-methyl-2,4-pentanediol (MPD). Conversely, larger PEG molecules do not trigger oligomerization. Multi-angle light scattering analysis indicates that the pilin protein exists in a monomer-dimer equilibrium in solution, and that an intermediate species forms within three hours that then coalesces over time into high molecular weight PNTs. Transmission Electron Microscopic analysis was used to observe the formation of oligomerized ΔK122 fibrils prior to assembly into full-length PNTs.

Conclusions

The oligomerization of ΔK122 pilin derived PNTs is a fibril mediated process. The optimal trigger for PNT oligomerization in solution is MPD, and the observation that PEGs do not induce oligomerization may enable the oligomerization of pilin-derived PNTs on PEG-functionalized surfaces for implantable bionanodevices.
Rank-based genome-wide analysis reveals the association of Ryanodine receptor-2 gene variants with childhood asthma among human populations
Authors: Ding Lili , Abebe Tilahun , Beyene Joseph , Wilke Russell A , Goldberg Arnon , Woo Jessica G , Martin Lisa J , Rothenberg Marc E , Rao Marepalli , Hershey Gurjit K Khurana , Chakraborty Ranajit , Mersha Tesfaye B
Published: July 2013

Background

The standard approach to determine unique or shared genetic factors across populations is to identify risk alleles in one population and investigate replication in others. However, since populations differ in DNA sequence information, allele frequencies, effect sizes, and linkage disequilibrium patterns, SNP association using a uniform stringent threshold on p values may not be reproducible across populations. Here, we developed rank-based methods to investigate shared or population-specific loci and pathways for childhood asthma across individuals of diverse ancestry. We performed genome-wide association studies on 859,790 SNPs genotyped in 527 affected offspring trios of European, African, and Hispanic ancestry using publically available asthma database in the Genotypes and Phenotypes database.

Results

Rank-based analyses showed that there are shared genetic factors for asthma across populations, more at the gene and pathway levels than at the SNP level. Although the top 1,000 SNPs were not shared, 11 genes (RYR2, PDE4D, CSMD1, CDH13, ROBO2, RBFOX1, PTPRD, NPAS3, PDE1C, SEMA5A, and CTNNA2) mapped by these SNPs were shared across populations. Ryanodine receptor 2 (RYR2, a statin response-related gene) showed the strongest association in European (p value = 2.55 × 10−7) and was replicated in African (2.57 × 10−4) and Hispanic (1.18 × 10−3) Americans. Imputation analyses based on the 1000 Genomes Project uncovered additional RYR2 variants associated with asthma. Network and functional ontology analyses revealed that RYR2 is an integral part of dermatological or allergic disorder biological networks, specifically in the functional classes involving inflammatory, eosinophilic, and respiratory diseases.

Conclusion

Our rank-based genome-wide analysis revealed for the first time an association of RYR2 variants with asthma and replicated previously discovered PDE4D asthma gene across human populations. The replication of top-ranked asthma genes across populations suggests that such loci are less likely to be false positives and could indicate true associations. Variants that are associated with asthma across populations could be used to identify individuals who are at high risk for asthma regardless of genetic ancestry.
Characterization of sample preparation methods of NIH/3T3 fibroblasts for ToF-SIMS analysis
Authors: Robinson Michael A , Castner David G
Published: July 2013

The information that is obtained from single cells during time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) analysis is influenced by the method that was used to prepare the cells. The removal of extracellular media before analysis is necessary, but the rinsing technique should not damage the plasma membrane of the cell. The presence of intracellular salts reduced the secondary ion yield an average of 2.6-fold during Bi3+/C60++ depth profiles. Chemical fixation followed by rinsing removed a majority of the intracellular salts, “recovering” the positive secondary ion yields. The formaldehyde-fixation process removed a majority of the intracellular Cl-, but other key anions were not removed in significant amounts. The data presented here is consistent the anion neutralization mechanism largely responsible for the lower ion yields. All of the organic secondary ions that were detected in the freeze-dried cells were also detected in the formaldehyde-fixed cells, suggesting that the fixation process did not remove any molecular species to an extent that is detectable by ToF-SIMS. Compared to freeze dried cells, well preserved, frozen-hydrated cells showed little increase, or a decreased yield, for most low mass ions, but an increased yield for larger mass fragments. This is consistent with a reduced damage cross section at cryogenic analysis temperatures, although proton donation from water and reduction the salt effects in the presence of water likely also play roles. Numerous ions detected from the frozen-hydrated cells were not detected from the freeze dried cells, however many of these ions were attributed to chemical combinations of water, salts and the ammonium acetate rinsing solution.

Supplementary Material

Additional file 1: Figure S1: (A) Na+ peak and (B) 41 K+ peak from the depth profile of FH cells. The K+/Na+ ratio is 14.7, signifying the cells were well preserved. The 41 K+ isotope peak was used due to detector saturation of the 39 K+ isotope peak. [13758_2013_15_MOESM1_ESM.pdf (42 KB)]

Additional file 2: Figure S2: (A) Depth profile from cells that were freeze-dried. (B) Depth profile from cells that were chemically fixed with formaldehyde. (C) Depth profile from cells that were analyzed frozen-hydrated. The depth profiles were normalized by the Bi3 + ion dose. [13758_2013_15_MOESM2_ESM.pdf (311 KB)]

Additional file 3: Table S1: All positive secondary ions detected from both the FD and FF cells. Sorted by fold difference value, smallest to largest. [13758_2013_15_MOESM3_ESM.pdf (124 KB)]

Additional file 4: Table S2: Positive Ions that were detected from the frozen-hydrated cells but not the freeze-dried cells, or in new very low amounts in the FD cells. [13758_2013_15_MOESM4_ESM.pdf (29 KB)]

Additional file 5: Table S3: All positive secondary ions detected from both the FH cells and the FD cells. [13758_2013_15_MOESM5_ESM.pdf (52 KB)]
The systems biology simulation core algorithm
Authors: Keller Roland , Dörr Alexander , Tabira Akito , Funahashi Akira , Ziller Michael J , Adams Richard , Rodriguez Nicolas , Novère Nicolas Le , Hiroi Noriko , Planatscher Hannes , Zell Andreas , Dräger Andreas
Published: July 2013

Background

With the increasing availability of high dimensional time course data for metabolites, genes, and fluxes, the mathematical description of dynamical systems has become an essential aspect of research in systems biology. Models are often encoded in formats such as SBML, whose structure is very complex and difficult to evaluate due to many special cases.

Results

This article describes an efficient algorithm to solve SBML models that are interpreted in terms of ordinary differential equations. We begin our consideration with a formal representation of the mathematical form of the models and explain all parts of the algorithm in detail, including several preprocessing steps. We provide a flexible reference implementation as part of the Systems Biology Simulation Core Library, a community-driven project providing a large collection of numerical solvers and a sophisticated interface hierarchy for the definition of custom differential equation systems. To demonstrate the capabilities of the new algorithm, it has been tested with the entire SBML Test Suite and all models of BioModels Database.

Conclusions

The formal description of the mathematics behind the SBML format facilitates the implementation of the algorithm within specifically tailored programs. The reference implementation can be used as a simulation backend for Java™-based programs. Source code, binaries, and documentation can be freely obtained under the terms of the LGPL version 3 from http://simulation-core.sourceforge.net. Feature requests, bug reports, contributions, or any further discussion can be directed to the mailing list simulation-core-development@lists.sourceforge.net.
Chronic AMPK activity dysregulation produces myocardial insulin resistance in the human Arg302Gln-PRKAG2 glycogen storage disease mouse model
Authors: Thorn Stephanie L , Gollob Michael H , Harper Mary-Ellen , Beanlands Rob S , deKemp Robert A , DaSilva Jean N
Published: July 2013

Background

The cardiac PRKAG2 mutation in the γ2-subunit of adenosine monophosphate activated kinase (AMPK) is characterized by excessive glycogen deposition, hypertrophy, frequent arrhythmias, and progressive conduction system disease. We investigated whether myocardial glucose uptake (MGU) was augmented following insulin stimulation in a mouse model of the PRKAG2 cardiac syndrome.

Methods

Myocardial and skeletal muscle glucose uptake was assessed with 2-[18F]fluoro-2-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography imaging in n = 3 transgenic wildtype (TGwt) vs n = 7 PRKAG2 mutant (TGmut) mice at baseline and 1 week later, 30 min following acute insulin. Systolic function, cardiac glycogen stores, phospho-AMPK α, and insulin-receptor expression levels were analyzed to corroborate to the in vivo findings.

Results

TGmut Patlak Ki was reduced 56% at baseline compared to TGwt (0.3 ± 0.2 vs 0.7 ± 0.1, t test p = 0.01). MGU was augmented 71% in TGwt mice following acute insulin from baseline (0.7 ± 0.1 to 1.2 ± 0.2, t test p < 0.05). No change was observed in TGmut mice. As expected for this cardiac specific transgene, skeletal muscle was unaffected at baseline with a 33% to 38% increase (standard uptake values) for both genotypes following insulin stimulation. TGmut mice had a 47% reduction in systolic function with a fourfold increase in cardiac glycogen stores correlated with a 29% reduction in phospho-AMPK α levels. There was no difference in cardiac insulin receptor expression between mouse genotypes.

Conclusions

These results demonstrate a correlation between insulin resistance and AMPK activity and provide the basis for the use of this animal model for assessing metabolic therapy in the treatment of affected PRKAG2 patients.
Effective combination of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and minocycline in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis mice
Authors: Hou Yun , Ryu Chung Heon , Park Kwang Ywel , Kim Seong Muk , Jeong Chang Hyun , Jeun Sin-Soo
Published: July 2013

Introduction

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common inflammatory demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system (CNS). Minocycline ameliorates the clinical severity of MS and exhibits antiinflammatory, neuroprotective activities, and good tolerance for long-term use, whereas it is toxic to the CNS. Recently, the immunomodulation and neuroprotection capabilities of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBM-MSCs) were shown in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). In this study, we evaluated whether the combination of hBM-MSCs and a low-dose minocycline could produce beneficial effects in EAE mice.

Methods

The sensitivity of hBM-MSCs to minocycline was determined by an established cell-viability assay. Minocycline-treated hBM-MSCs were also characterized with flow cytometry by using MSC surface markers and analyzed for their multiple differentiation capacities. EAE was induced in C57BL/6 mice by using immunization with MOG35-55. Immunopathology assays were used to detect the inflammatory cells, demyelination, and neuroprotection. Interferon gamma (IFN-γ)/tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-4 (IL-4)/interleukin-10 (IL-10), the hallmark cytokines that direct Th1 and Th2 development, were detected with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). terminal dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) staining was performed to elucidate the cell apoptosis in the spinal cords of EAE mice.

Results

Minocycline did not affect the viability, surface phenotypes, or differentiation capacity of hBM-MSCs, while minocycline affected the viability of astrocytes at a high dose. In vivo efficacy experiments showed that combined treatment, compared to the use of minocycline or hBM-MSCs alone, resulted in a significant reduction in clinical scores, along with attenuation of inflammation, demyelination, and neurodegeneration. Moreover, the combined treatment with hBM-MSCs and minocycline enhanced the immunomodulatory effects, which suppressed proinflammatory cytokines (IFN-γ, TNF-α) and conversely increased anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-10). In addition, TUNEL staining also demonstrated a significant decrease of the number of apoptotic cells in the combined treatment compared with either treatment alone.

Conclusions

The combination of hBM-MSCs and minocycline provides a novel experimental protocol to enhance the therapeutic effects in MS.
Student Zone
Authors: Aguilera Pablo
Published: July 2013

The Colombian Association of Geosciences Students (ACEG), a nonprofit association founded by students, recently organized the first Latin American Geosciences Student Conference (LAGSC) which was held in April. The theme of the conference was “Emerging Region, New Trends”, chosen in recognition of the increased global investment in the region because of recently discovered reserves.
Adapting the Short Story: Fidelity and Motivation in Sarah Polley’s Away From Her
Authors: Lister Rachel
Published: July 2013

This article explores the challenges of adapting modern short stories, using as a case study Away From Her (2006), Sarah Polley’s cinematic adaptation of Alice Munro’s ‘The bear came over the mountain’. Drawing on Linda Hutcheon’s adaptation theory, the article asks whether some common assumptions concerning the constraints of film can be sustained in relation to adaptations of short stories. Focusing specifically on the issue of Weltian ‘mystery’ that has become associated with the form, the article considers Polley’s claims to textual fidelity and her handling of the many tensions inherent in Munro’s elliptical story. The article pays particular attention to Polley’s treatment of the story’s silences and absences and highly ambiguous ending. It considers Polley’s manipulation of dialogue and visual and aural cues and argues that she ultimately compromises the story’s mystery through the elaboration of narrative structures favoured by Hollywood: the love story and the discovery story.
Reviews
Authors: Poore Dr Benjamin , Raw Laurence
Published: July 2013

In/Fidelity: Essays on Film Adaptation, David L. Kranz and Nancy C. Mellerski (eds) (2008) Newcastle: Cambridge Scholars Publishing, 251 pp., ISBN: 9781847184023, h/bk, £34.99

The Radio Drama Handbook, Richard J. Hand and Mary Traynor (2011) London and New York: Continuum, 227 pp., ISBN: 978-1-4411-4743-1, p/bk, £14.95.
Can Horizontal Mergers Without Synergies Increase Consumer Welfare? Cournot and Bertrand Competition Under Uncertain Demand
Authors: Shieh Shiou , Huang Chi-Fei , Chen Hsiao-Chi
Published: July 2013

We analyze the welfare effects of horizontal mergers in a model wherein firms produce differentiated products and possess asymmetric information about uncertain market demand. Mergers do not bring about synergies or cost savings, but do allow firms to share their market demand information. We find that under Cournot competition, mergers without synergies could increase expected consumer surplus and social welfare, provided that market volatility is sufficiently large. The parameter spaces in which mergers are beneficial to consumers and society widen when products are more differentiated. In contrast, under Bertrand competition, mergers are always welfare reducing regardless of the degree of market volatility and extent of product differentiation. The driving force for the contrasting results lies in opposing welfare effects of information sharing in the contexts of quantity and price setting.
A hybrid Euler–Hadamard product and moments of ζ'(ρ)
Authors: Bui H. M. , Gonek S. M. , Milinovich M. B.
Published: July 2013

Keating and Snaith modeled the Riemann zeta-function ζ(s) by characteristic polynomials of random N×N unitary matrices, and used this to conjecture the asymptotic main term for the 2k-th moment of ζ(1/2+i
t) when
k > -1/2. However, an arithmetical factor, widely believed to be part of the leading term coefficient, had to be inserted in an ad hoc manner. Gonek, Hughes and Keating later developed a hybrid formula for ζ(s) that combines a truncation of its Euler product with a product over its zeros. Using it, they recovered the moment conjecture of Keating and Snaith in a way that naturally includes the arithmetical factor. Here we use the hybrid formula to recover a conjecture of Hughes, Keating and O'Connell concerning the discrete moments of the derivative of the Riemann zeta-function averaged over the zeros of ζ(s), incorporating the arithmetical factor in a natural way.
Purification of Crude Glycerine Obtained from Transesterification of Cottonseed Oil
Authors: Ferreira Marcionila O. , M.B.D. Sousa Elisa , Pereira Camila G.
Published: July 2013

The objective of this study was to purify glycerine obtained from the transesterification of cottonseed oil, using ion exchange resins. The batch process used strong cation, weak anion and a mixture of its resins. The purified glycerine was characterized as to metal content, colour and glycerol content. The experiments were conducted using the resins individually and in series. In the experiments in series, there was a constant decrease in conductivity. Analyses without the use of charcoal showed that conductivity behaved similarly to that of treatment with charcoal. For conductivity tests using activated charcoal and individual resins, the mixed resin produced the best result when compared to commercial glycerine.Considering the analysis made with activated carbon, when the glycerine solution was treated with individual resins, it was observed that the conditions established for treatment with 10 g of resin, 5 hours of contact with each resin and 50 mL of glycerine, its conductivity decreased to the cation exchange resin, increased to anionic resin and had a variable value with respect to the mixed resin. In serial processing, there was a steady decrease in the conductivity of the glycerine solution. The content of glycerol, after the solution had been passed through activated charcoal, 56% of the compound was recovered. It was also observed that the mixed resin retained a lower amount of glycerol. It can be concluded that ion exchange resins were efficient in treating the glycerine solution in all the tests, since there was little glycerol retention and high undesirable compound retention.
Crystal structure of catena-poly[aqua-µ-1,4-benzenedicarboxylato-κ2O:O'-3,5-dimethyl-4-phenyl-1,2,4-triazole-κN-zinc(II)] monohydrate, Zn(H2O)(C8H4O4)(C10H11N3)·H2O, C18H17N3O6Zn
Authors: Chen Ming-Ming , Chen Shui-Sheng , Sheng Liang-Quan
Published: July 2013

C18H17N3O6Zn, triclinic, P1̅ (no. 2), a = 10.0780(5) Å, b = 10.1678(5) Å, c = 10.3591(5) Å, α = 83.119(1)°, β = 81.178(2)°, γ = 64.753(1)°, V = 947.0 Å3, Z = 2, Rgt(F) = 0.0285, wRref(F2) = 0.1213, T = 296 K.
Crystal structure of bis-5-(pyridin-2-yl)pyrazine-2-carboxylic acid silver( I) triflate – acetonitrile (1:2), [Ag(C10H7N3O2)2](CF3SO3)·2CH3CN, C24H20AgF3N8O7S2
Authors: Li Jing , Zhang Zhan Min , Ma Jun , Liu Feng Juan , Zhou Lei
Published: July 2013

C24H20AgF3N8O7S2, monoclinic, C2/c (no. 15), a = 31.864(5) Å, b = 6.7191(10) Å, c = 14.052(2) Å, β = 97.006(3)°, V = 2986.0 Å3, Z = 4, Rgt(F) = 0.0606, wRref(F2) = 0.1637, T = 293 K.
MARS therapy, the bridging to liver retransplantation — Three cases from the Hungarian liver transplant program
Authors: Pőcze Balázs , Fazakas János , Zádori Gergely , Görög Dénes , Kóbori László , Dabasi Eszter , Mándli Tamás , Piros László , Smudla Anikó , Szabó Tamás , Toronyi Éva , Tóth Szabolcs , Tőzsér Gellért , Végső Gyula , Doros Attila , Nemes Balázs
Published: July 2013

Besides orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) there is no long-term and effective replacement therapy for severe liver failure. Artificial extracorporeal liver supply devices are able to reduce blood toxin levels, but do not replace any synthetic function of the liver. Molecular adsorbent recirculating system (MARS) is one of the methods that can be used to treat fulminant acute liver failure (ALF) or acute on chronic liver failure (AoCLF). The primary non-function (PNF) of the newly transplanted liver manifests in the clinical settings exactly like acute liver failure. MARS treatment can reduce the severity of complications by eliminating blood toxins, so that it can help hepatic encephalopathy (HE), hepatorenal syndrome (HRS), and the high rate mortality of cerebral herniation. This might serve as a bridging therapy before orthotopic liver retransplantation (reOLT). Three patients after a first liver transplantation became candidate for urgent MARS treatment as a bridging solution prior to reOLT in our center. Authors report these three cases, focusing on indications, MARS sessions, clinical courses, and final outcomes.
Coexisting intrarenal arteriovenous and caliceovenous fistulae after percutaneous nephrolithotomy: Case report and literature review
Authors: Rastogi Neeraj , Zawacki Walter , Alencar Herlen
Published: July 2013

A 58-year-old man was re-admitted to the Urology service with delayed gross hematuria and unstable hemodynamics, following a percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) procedure performed for an obstructive solitary left lower calyceal stone. A selective left renal angiogram demonstrated an interpolar arteriovenous fistula (AVF), which was treated with successful coil embolization of a sub-segmental feeding branch. Subsequent nephrostogram confirmed a coexisting caliceovenous fistula, which was observed and healed spontaneously. Iatrogenic coexisting intrarenal AVF and caliceovenous fistulae have never been reported and should be considered as a possible cause of delayed severe hematuria with unstable hemodynamics, and/or increase in baseline creatinine after PCNL.
Red flags in bedside ultrasonography for surgical cases
Authors: Ünlüer Erden Erol , Karagöz Arif
Published: July 2013

Bedside ultrasonography is highly accurate in evaluating hypotension, even if performed by nonradiologist. Here we report three cases presenting with hypotension to the trauma room. In the first case, limited bedside ultrasonography demonstrated dilatation of the inferior vena cava and loss of respiratory variation in diameter. In further evaluation, dilated aortic root, massive pericardial effusion, collapse of right heart chambers, and a dissection flap at the anterior wall of base of ascending aorta were detected. With these findings, the patient was sent to the operation room with a diagnosis of DeBakey type 2 aortic dissection in approximately 15 min. In the second case, bedside ultrasonography demonstrated absence of pleural movements and comet tail artifacts on the right lung region of the patient. Together with deterioration of the vital signs, the patient was diagnosed as right-sided pneumothorax and underwent the tube thoracostomy. In the third case, bedside ultrasonography revealed the presence of free fluid in Morrison's pouch and splenorenal space in a hypotensive patient with a blunt abdominal trauma. He was consulted with general surgery department and was sent to the operation room without further diagnostic evaluation. In these cases, we emphasized the key role of bedside ultrasonography in hypotensive patients.
Integration of GaAs on Ge/Si towers by MOVPE
Authors: Taboada A. G. , Kreiliger T. , Falub C. V. , Richter M. , Isa F. , Müller E. , Uccelli E. , Niedermann P. , Neels A. , Isella G. , Fompeyrine J. , Dommann A. , von Känel H.
Published: July 2013

We report on the maskless integration of micron-sized GaAs crystals on patterned Si substrates by metal organic vapor phase epitaxy. In order to adapt the mismatch between the lattice parameter and thermal expansion coefficient of GaAs and Si, 2 μm tall Ge crystals were first grown as virtual substrate by low energy plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition. We investigate the morphological evolution of the GaAs structures grown on top of the Ge crystals at the transition towards full pyramids with energetically stable {111} facets. A substantial release of strain is shown in GaAs crystals with a height of 2 μm and lateral sizes up to 15×15 μm2 by both X-ray diffraction and photoluminescence.
Study of adsorptive behaviours of polynaphthalene sulfonate superplasticiser on 3CaO·3Al2O3·CaSO4 mineral
Authors: Liu Tong , Li Yanjun , Wang Weishan , Wu Yuanchao , Ma Tengfei , Liu Xiaocun
Published: July 2013

Calcium sulfoaluminate (3CaO·3Al2O3·CaSO4, C4A3S¯) was synthesised with pure chemical reagents. The adsorption amounts of polynaphthalene sulfonate superplasticiser (NSF) on the surface of C4A3S¯ mineral and the mineral mixture (C4A3S¯+Ca(OH)2+CaSO4·2H2O) were detected by ultraviolet–visible absorption spectrometry. The adsorptive behaviours of NSF on the surface of mineral particles in the hydration system were studied. The results showed that the adsorption amount of NSF on C4A3S¯ mineral and the mineral mixture increased with higher initial concentration, the adsorption amount and the maximum adsorption amount increased with prolonged hydration time, and the adsorption amount and maximum adsorption amount of NSF on the mineral mixture were more than those on C4A3S¯ mineral in the hydration system within the same hydration time.
Fracture and tensile characteristics of engineered cementitious composites containing POFA
Authors: Johari Megat Azmi Megat , Altwair Nurdeen M. , Hashim Syed Fuad Saiyid
Published: July 2013

The fracture and tensile characteristics of engineered cementitious composites (ECCs) containing palm oil fuel ash (POFA) have been investigated. POFA obtained from a palm oil mill was treated first by grinding and then by heat treatment. The treated POFA was then utilised to produce ECCs in combination with polyvinyl alcohol fibres with proportions of POFA ranging from 0 to 1·2 from the mass of cement. The performance of the POFA–ECCs was evaluated by means of matrix fracture and direct tensile tests. The experimental results indicate that the ECC mix containing POFA exhibits lower fracture toughness and fracture energy values than a mix without POFA. Nonetheless, the addition of POFA contributes to a greater pseudo-strain hardening index, in particular at higher POFA content. This reveals that the use of POFA should be helpful for achieving strain hardening behaviour. In addition, an increase in POFA content increases the tensile strain capacity of the ECC. Furthermore, the crack width of the ECC decreases significantly with an increase of POFA content. Thus, the overall findings exhibit that the POFA used brings about promising positive effects on the fracture and tensile characteristics of ECCs.
Benefits of migration in relation to nutritional condition and predation risk in a partially migratory moose population
Authors: White Kevin S. , Barten Neil L. , Crouse Stacy , Crouse John
Published: July 2013

The costs and benefits of alternative migratory strategies are often framed in the context of top‐down and bottom‐up effects on individual fitness. This occurs because migration is considered a costly behavioral strategy that presumably confers explicit benefits to migrants in the form of either decreased predation risk (predation risk avoidance hypothesis) or increased nutrition (forage maturation hypothesis). To test these hypotheses, we studied a partially migratory moose (Alces alces) population and contrasted explicit measures of predation risk (i.e., offspring survival) and nutrition (i.e., accumulation of endogenous energy reserves) between resident and migratory subpopulations. We relied on data collected from migratory and nonmigratory radio‐marked moose (n = 67) that inhabited a novel study system located in coastal Alaska between 2004 and 2010. In this area, 30% of the population resides year‐round on a coastal foreland area, while 48% migrate to either a small island archipelago or a subalpine ridge system (the remainder exhibited one of six different low‐occurrence strategies). Overall, we determined that accumulation of body fat during the growing season did not differ between migratory or resident modalities. However, calf survival was 2.6–2.9 times higher for individuals that migrated (survival, islands = 0.49 ± 0.16 [mean ± SE], n = 35; ridge = 0.52 ± 0.16, n = 33) than those that did not (survival, resident = 0.19 ± 0.08, n = 57). Our results support the predation risk avoidance hypotheses, and suggest that migration is a behavioral strategy that principally operates to reduce the risk of calf predation and does not confer explicit nutritional benefits. We did not directly detect trade‐offs between predation risk and nutrition for migratory individuals. Yet we identify an indirect life history mechanism that may mildly dampen the apparent fitness benefits of migration. The proximate factors accounting for differences in migration‐specific neonate survival are likely linked to accessibility of refugial habitats for moose at local and landscape scales, landscape factors that affect hunting efficacy of large carnivores, and interactions with rural human communities. Conservation of ungulate populations can be aided by integrating knowledge about migratory behavior, life history strategies, and factors that alter ungulate vulnerability, particularly those induced by human activity.
High Bab Birth Weight Andof Hormone-Associated Cancer in Mothers: The Cancer–Cardiovascular Disease Dichotomy and its Possible Causes
Authors: Berstein Lev M
Published: July 2013

The idea of intrauterine or fetal factors being the cause of several prevalent noninfectious diseases in adults has recently gained the status of an axiom. One of the most thoroughly studied predictors is birth weight (BW). Although many published studies point at relations between BW and later adult morbidity or mortality, much less attention is paid to associations between baby BW and maternal morbidity. Available data suggest a sort of dichotomy in these relationships. Thus, cardiovascular risk is higher in mothers of babies with a reduced BW, while cancer risk, mainly of the breast and some other hormone-dependent cancers, is often higher among mothers of babies with a large BW (newborn macrosomia). This review addresses possible causes and endocrine mechanisms of this topic and suggests a ‘particular’ and ‘general’ solution for arising controversy. Emphasis is placed on a probable competition between chronic diseases (mainly, between female hormone-related cancer and cardiovascular pathology) within the concept of multiple causes of death. These associations should be remembered while studying the relation between offspring BW and maternal predisposition to hormone-associated cancers and other noncommunicable diseases.
Thrombosis in Three Postmenopausal Women Receiving Testosterone Therapy for Low Libido
Authors: Glueck Charles J , Bowe Dedrick , Valdez Alejandro , Wang Ping
Published: July 2013

Our hypothesis was that thrombosis occurring in postmenopausal women given testosterone (T) or testosterone–estradiol (TE) to improve libido was associated with a prothrombotic interaction between T or TE with underlying inherited procoagulants. In three previously healthy, postmenopausal, Caucasian women with no antecedent thrombosis and previously undiagnosed G20210A prothrombin gene heterozygosity, hyperhomocysteinemia and 4G4G homozygosity of the PAI-1 gene, we describe central retinal vein thrombosis and osteonecrosis that developed at 16 days, 2 months and 11 months in the three cases, respectively, after T or TE therapy was started. Exogenous T or TE in postmenopausal women may be associated with thrombosis, speculatively when it is superimposed on underlying procoagulants. This small observational case series can serve as a starting point for a larger observational study with greater detail on patient history, serum T and estradiol levels, and detailed PCR and serologic assessment of thrombophilia and hypofibrinolysis.
Immunology of Normal and Abnormal Menstruation
Authors: Berbic Marina , Fraser Ian S
Published: July 2013

Normal menstruation is an inflammatory process, where the endometrial concentrations and functions of several leukocyte types can change greatly through the menstrual cycle, especially during the premenstrual and menstrual phases. These leukocytes probably have a range of functions related to mucosal protection, decidualization, embryo implantation, and the process of menstrual tissue breakdown, repair and remodeling. Some of these leukocyte changes are apparently linked to changes in the pattern of circulating leukocytes. Many immune cells have been identified in the endometrium, and those with most relevance to the processes of menstruation include uterine natural killer cells, macrophages, mast cells, neutrophils, dendritic cells and Tregs. A range of disturbances in endometrial immune cell numbers, distributions and functions, and in a range of different inflammatory and other mediators, have been identified in women with heavy menstrual bleeding or endometriosis. Sufficient evidence exists to implicate these immune changes in some of the functional disturbances and symptoms identified in these women. This field is greatly under-researched, and ripe for the wider application of modern molecular and cellular techniques in human and animal model studies.
The Role of the Androgen Receptor in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Shah Payal D , Gucalp Ayca , Traina Tiffany A
Published: July 2013

Greater than 70% of human breast cancers express the androgen receptor (AR). Emerging preclinical and clinical data suggest that AR may play a role in breast cancer pathogenesis and may serve as a therapeutic target in certain more difficult-to-treat breast cancer subtypes, such as triple-negative breast cancer. Although this is an area of active investigation, the clinical significance of this hormone receptor as a prognostic/predictive marker and its functional role in tumorigenesis is unclear. This review provides an update on the advances made in the last several years regarding the role of AR as a prognostic/predictive biomarker in breast cancer, the underlying biology of AR signaling in breast cancer development and the available clinical data for the use of androgen inhibition in the treatment of AR+ triple-negative breast cancer.
The characteristic length on natural convection from a horizontal heated plate facing downwards
Authors: Kozanoglu Bulent , Rubio Francisco
Published: July 2013

Natural convection from a downward facing horizontal heated plate was
analyzed. An expression for the thickness of the thermal boundary layer was
obtained in terms of Rayleigh number. Assuming this thickness as the
characteristic length of the problem, the data published by other authors
were modified and an equation for Nusselt number is presented. It was
observed that this equation correlates the data more precisely than the
commonly known equations in the literature that employ the ratio of the area
to the perimeter or the shorter side of the plate as the characteristic
length. It is concluded that taking the thermal boundary layer as the
characteristic length of phenomenon is a proper approach and correlates all
the data closely.
Two new designs of parabolic solar collectors
Authors: Karimi Sadaghiyani , Sadeghi Azad , Khalilaria Sharam , Mirzaee Iraj
Published: July 2013

In this work, two new compound parabolic trough and dish solar collectors are
presented with their working principles. First, the curves of mirrors are
defined and the mathematical formulation as one analytical method is used to
trace the sun rays and recognize the focus point. As a result of the ray
tracing, the distribution of heat flux around the inner wall can be reached.
Next, the heat fluxes are calculated versus several absorption coefficients.
These heat flux distributions around absorber tube are functions of angle in
polar coordinate system. Considering, the achieved heat flux distribution are
used as a thermal boundary condition. After that, Finite Volume Methods (FVM)
are applied for simulation of absorber tube. The validation of solving method
is done by comparing with Dudley's results at Sandia National Research
Laboratory. Also, in order to have a good comparison between LS-2 and two new
designed collectors, some of their parameters are considered equal with
together. These parameters are consist of: the aperture area, the measures of
tube geometry, the thermal properties of absorber tube, the working fluid,
the solar radiation intensity and the mass flow rate of LS-2 collector are
applied for simulation of the new presented collectors. After the validation
of the used numerical models, this method is applied to simulation of the new
designed models. Finally, the outlet results of new designed collector are
compared with LS-2 classic collector. Obviously, the obtained results from
the comparison show the improving of the new designed parabolic collectors
efficiency. In the best case-study, the improving of efficiency are about 10%
and 20% for linear and convoluted models respectively.
A comprehensive numerical study of the ethanol blended fuel effect on the performance and pollutant emissions in spark-ignition engine
Authors: Zangooee Motlagh , Modarres Razavi
Published: July 2013

In the present work, the performance and pollutant emissions in a spark
ignition engine has been numerically investigated. For this purpose, the
coupled KIVA code with CHEMKIN is used to predict the thermodynamic state of
the cylinder charge during each cycle. Computations were carried out for a
four cylinder, four strokes, multi point injection system (XU7 engine).
Numerical cases have been performed up to 30% vol. of ethanol. Engine
simulations are carried out at 2000, 2500 and 3000 rpm and full load
condition. The numerical results showed that pollutant emissions reduce with
increase in ethanol content. Based on engine performance, the most suitable
fraction of ethanol in the blend was found to be nearly 15% for the XU7
engine.
Turbulence-combustion interaction in direct injection diesel engine
Authors: Bencherif Mohamed , Tazerout Mohand , Liazid Abdelkrim
Published: July 2013

The experimental measures of chemical species and turbulence intensity during
the closed part of the engine combustion cycle are today unattainable
exactly. This paper deals with numerical investigations of an experimental
direct injection Diesel engine and a commercial turbocharged heavy duty
direct injection one. Simulations are carried out with the kiva3v2 code using
the RNG (k-?) model. A reduced mechanism for n-heptane was adopted for
predicting auto-ignition and combustion processes. From the calibrated code
based on experimental in-cylinder pressures, the study focuses on the
turbulence parameters and combustion species evolution in the attempt to
improve understanding of turbulence-chemistry interaction during the engine
cycle. The turbulent kinetic energy and its dissipation rate are taken as
representative parameters of turbulence. The results indicate that chemistry
reactions of fuel oxidation during the auto-ignition delay improve the
turbulence levels. The peak position of turbulent kinetic energy coincides
systematically with the auto-ignition timing. This position seems to be
governed by the viscous effects generated by the high pressure level reached
at the auto-ignition timing. The hot regime flame decreases rapidly the
turbulence intensity successively by the viscous effects during the fast
premixed combustion and heat transfer during other periods. It is showed that
instable species such as CO are due to deficiency of local mixture
preparation during the strong decrease of turbulence energy. Also, an attempt
to build an innovative relationship between self-ignition and maximum
turbulence level is proposed. This work justifies the suggestion to determine
otherwise the self-ignition timing.
Experimental Investigation on Punching Behavior of Thick Reinforced Concrete Slabs
Authors: Urban T. , Gołdyn M. , Krakowski J. , Krawczyk Ł.
Published: July 2013

The results of experimental test of nine thickset reinforced concrete slabs in punching are presented in the this paper. The aim of the tests was verification of the Eurocode EC 2 procedure, by which the ultimate shear stresses vRd,c depend on the slenderness of the slab. Besides of the performed tests results, the analysis of the foreign investigation of the fundaments is also included. The test results, as well as other tests, show the correctness of the function assumed in Eurocode 2, which gives correlation between ultimate stresses vRd,c and shear slenderness.
Investigating the Effect of the Number of End-Panel Studs on the Seismic Properties of Cold-Formed Light-Steel Shear-Panel Braces
Authors: Tafti Mohammad Reza Javaheri , Behnamfar Farhad
Published: July 2013

Detailed investigation of the effect of the number of end-panel studs on the seismic properties of light-steel shear-panel braces in cold-formed steel frames and in particular the associated response modification coefficients (R) factor, are presented in this paper. A total of 6 full-scale 1200×2400 mm specimens are considered, and the responses investigated under a standard cyclic loading regime. Of particular interest are the specimens’ maximum lateral load capacity and deformation behavior as well as a rational estimation of the seismic response modification factor. The study also looks at the failure modes of the system and investigates the main factors contributing to the ductile response of the tested shear-panel braces in order to suggest improvements so that braces respond plastically with a significant drift and without any risk of brittle failure, such as connection failure or stud buckling.
Sedimentology of the Early Jurassic terrestrial Steierdorf Formation in Anina, Colonia Cehă Quarry, South Carpathians, Romania
Authors: Kędzior Artur , Popa Mihai E.
Published: July 2013

Kędzior, A. and Popa, E.M. 2013. Sedimentology of the Early Jurassic terrestrial Steierdorf Formation in Anina, Colonia Cehă Quarry, South Carpathians, Romania. Acta Geologica Polonica, 63 (2), 175-199. Warszawa.

The continental, coal bearing Steierdorf Formation, Hettangian - Sinemurian in age, is included in the Mesozoic cover of the Reşiţa Basin, Getic Nappe, South Carpathians, Romania. The Steierdorf Formation can be studied in Anina, a coal mining center and an exceptional locality for Early Jurassic flora and fauna, occurring in the middle of the Reşiţa Basin. This paper presents the results of sedimentological, stratigraphical and paleobotanical researches undertaken in Colonia Cehă open cast mine in Anina, where the Steierdorf Formation outcrops widely. Several sedimentary facies associations have been described, these associations permitting the reconstruction of various depositional systems such as alluvial fans, braided and meandering river systems, as well as lacustrine and coal generating marsh systems of the Steierdorf Formation. The sedimentary associations recorded within the Steierdorf Formation show a gradual fining upward trend, pointing to a rising marine water table and a decreasing relief within the source area.
Towards a standard Tithonian to Valanginian calpionellid zonation of the Tethyan Realm
Authors: Lakova Iskra , Petrova Silviya
Published: July 2013

Lakova, I. and Petrowa, S. 2013. Towards a standard Tithonian to Valanginian calpionellid zonation of the Tethyan Realm. Acta Geologica Polonica, 63 (2), 201-221. Warszawa.

A calpionellid zonal scheme is proposed for the Tithonian through Valanginian pelagic carbonates of the Western Balkan Unit, based on the vertical ranges of 57 chitinoidellid and calpionellid species recognized. This zonal scheme consists of calpionellid zones that are widely accepted in the Mediterranean Realm, such as the zones of Chitinoidella, Praetintinnopsella, Crassicollaria, Calpionella, Calpionellopsis, Calpionellites and Tintinnopsella. Subzonal divisions are comparable to those in the Carpathians. Direct correlations between ammonite and calpionellid ranges suggest that the base of the Upper Tithonian corresponds to the FO of Chitinoidella boneti; that of the Upper Berriasian to the FO of the genus Calpionellopsis; and the base and top of the Lower Valanginian to the FO and LO of the genus Calpionellites respectively. Correlations of the calpionellid zonation in the study area with zonations in other areas are discussed.