bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microwave Torrefaction of Corn Stover and Tech-Economic Analysis
Authors: Lei Hanwu , Ren Shoujie , Julson James , Wang Lu , Bu Quan , Ruan Roger
Published: September 2011

Microwave torrefaction of corn stover with particle size of 4 mm was investigated and the effects of reaction temperature and time on the yields of volatile, bio-oil and torrefied biomass were determined. The response surface analysis of the central composite design (CCD) showed that the yields of volatile, bio-oil and torrefied biomass were significantly affected by the reaction temperature and time. Three linear models were developed to predict the yields of conversion products as a function of temperature and time. A first order reaction kinetics was also developed to model the corn stover torrefaction. Ph values of torrefaction bio-oils ranged from 2.3 to 2.76 which were similar to those of bio-oils from biomass pyrolysis. GC/MS analysis for torrefaction bio-oils showed that the organic acid was about 2.16% to 12.00%. The torrefaction bio-oils also contain valuable chemical compounds such as phenols, furan derivatives and aliphatic hydrocarbons determined by a GC/MS. There are no aromatic compounds and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) detected in the torrefaction bio-oils. The torrefaction biogas was mainly consisted of ch4, c2h6, c3h8, which was about 56 wt% of the total bio-gas. The biogas can be used for chemical synthesis or electricity generation. The heating values of torrefied biomass were from 18.64–22.22 MJ/kg depending on the process conditions. The heating values of torrefied biomass were significantly greater than those of raw biomass and similar to those of coals. The energy yields of torrefied biomass from 87.03–97.87% implied that most energy was retained in the torrefied biomass. Economic analysis indicated that the biomass microwave torrefaction plant located in a farm is profitable.
Experimental and Modeling Analysis of Micro-Milling of Hardened H13 Tool Steel
Authors: Ding Hongtao , Shen Ninggang , Shin Yung C.
Published: September 2011

This study is focused on experimental evaluation and numerical modeling of micro-milling of hardened H13 tool steels. Multiple tool wear tests are performed in a micro side cutting condition with 100 μm diameter endmills. The machined surface integrity, part dimension control, size effect and tool wear progression in micromachining of hardened tool steels are experimentally investigated. A strain gradient plasticity model is developed for micromachining of hardened H13 tool steel. Novel 2D FE models are developed in software ABAQUS to simulate the continuous chip formation with varying chip thickness in complete micro-milling cycles under two configurations: micro slotting and micro side cutting. The steady-state cutting temperature is investigated by a heat transfer analysis of multi micro-milling cycles. The FE model with the material strain gradient plasticity is validated by comparing the model predictions of the specific cutting forces with the measured data. The FE model results are discussed in chip formation, stress, temperature, and velocity fields to great details. It is shown that the developed FE model is capable of modeling a continuous chip formation in a complete micro-milling cycle, including the size effect. It is also shown that built-up edge in micromachining can be predicted with the FE model.
An Investigation Into Machinability of Sintered Nanocrystalline Hydroxyapatite
Authors: Kulkarni Sanket S. , Haynes Mark , Reimers Lorraine , Achanta Kaushik R. , Lei Shuting
Published: September 2011

Close physical properties with human bone make sintered hydroxyapatite (HAP) a suitable bioceramic material for hard tissue replacement. When being used as implant devices in the human body, the HAP bioceramic needs to be machined to the closest possible configuration with minimal surface roughness. This study investigates the machinability of a newly developed, fully dense nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite (nHAP) bioceramic in turning operations. Efforts are focused on the effects of various machining conditions on surface integrity. Surface roughness is measured using a surface profilometer and the machined surface is observed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Chip morphology and tool wear are examined using an optical microscope. Cutting forces are measured using a three-component dynamometer. Based on the experimental results, it is found that the nHAP bioceramic is not very difficult to machine because the tool wear and cutting forces are small. However, the big challenge is how to obtain a smooth and strong surface without chipping or fracturing the material. Two machining strategies are proposed for improving the surface integrity of the sintered nHAP bioceramic in the future.
Orthogonal Cutting Study of the Micro-Cutting Thin Workpiece
Authors: Saptaji Kushendarsyah , Subbiah Sathyan
Published: September 2011

With a broader intention of producing thin sheet embossing molds, results from investigations in orthogonal cutting of thin workpieces are presented here. Challenges in machining thin workpieces are many: residual stress effects, fixturing challenges, and substrate effects. Aluminum alloy Al6061-T6 workpiece fixture using an adhesive is orthogonally cut with a single crystal diamond tool. We study trends in cutting forces, understand to what level of thickness we can machine the workpiece down to and in what the form the adhesive fails. Two types of workpiese-adhesive anomalies were noticed. One is the detachment of the thin workpiece by peel-off and the other one is where the workpiece did not get detached but the final width of the workpiece was non-uniform. We then use a validated finite element machining model to understand the stresses in the workpiece when it is thick and when machined to thin condition, effect of the adhesive itself and also the effect of adhesive thickness. Simulations show that the stress induced by the cutting process at the bottom of the workpiece is higher for the thinner workpiece (40 μm) compare to a thicker workpiece (400 μm) especially at the tool entrance region for adhesive thicknesses of 30 μm and 100 μm. Hence a thinner workpiece is more susceptible to failure by adhesive peeling.
Sustainability in Nanomanufacturing: Status and Vision for the Future
Authors: Puttagounder Dhanasekaran S. , Kalla Devi K. , Zhang Bangwei , Asmatulu Ramazan
Published: September 2011

Nanomaterials and nanomanufacturing is one of the fast growing and interesting fields in recent research and industries, and gaining huge interest around the world. As the nanomaterials has a higher physical and mechanical properties compared to their metal counterparts, it is expected that significant amount (15–20%) of nanomaterials will be put into use in less than five years periods almost in all fields of manufacturing. As the nanomaterial manufacturing is new, it is essential to establish an optimal method so as to reduce wastages and to increase the ratio of output to input materials used. It’s important to use the minimal energy, water and other raw materials. Thus, this review will more concentrate on the sustainability of inputs, need to improve or optimize the production methods or sustainable manufacturing and green gas production and its global effects. Suitability of both top-down and bottom-up processing for nanoparticles will be addressed. Need of life cycle analysis to understand feasibility of recyclable at the end of the life with least possible wastage and reduced energy. Current research on environmental benefits and risk of potential toxicity and health effects of nanoproducts will be discussed.
Measurement of Transient Tool Internal Temperature Fields During Hard Turning by Embedded Thin Film Sensors
Authors: Werschmoeller Dirk , Li Xiaochun , Ehmann Kornel
Published: September 2011

This paper presents a novel approach for obtaining thermomechanical data from the close vicinity (i.e., 10s of micrometers) of the tool-workpiece interface while machining hardened steel. Arrays of micro thin film C-type thermocouples with a junction size of 5 μm × 5 μm were fabricated by standard microfabrication methods and have been successfully embedded into polycrystalline cubic boron nitride (PCBN) using a diffusion bonding technique. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) were performed to examine material interactions at the bonding interface and to determine optimal bonding parameters. Static and dynamic sensor performances have been characterized. The sensors exhibit excellent linearity up to 1300 °C, fast rise time of 150 ns, and good sensitivity. The PCBN inserts instrumented with embedded thin film C-type thermocouples were successfully applied to measure internal tool temperatures as close as 70 μm to the cutting edge while machining hardened steel workpieces at industrially relevant cutting parameters. Acquired temperature data followed theoretical trends very well. Correlations between temperature and cutting parameters have been established. The embedded micro thin film sensor array provided unprecedented temporal and spatial resolution as well as high accuracy for micro-scale transient tool-internal temperature field measurements. Tool internal temperature maps were generated from acquired data. In the frequency domain, obtained thermal data indicated the onset of regenerative machining chatter earlier and more effective than conventional force measurement by dynamometer.
Laser Shock Based Controlled Forming of Silver Nanowires
Authors: Li Ji , Liao Yiliang , Cheng Gary J.
Published: September 2011

One-dimensional nanomaterials have attracted a great deal of research interest in the past few decades due to their unique mechanical, electrical and optical properties. Changing the shape of nanowires is a big challenge, but remains key for realistic applications of nanowires. Here we report a general technique to flexibly form nanowires into different shapes by making use of laser shock pressure. Controllable deformation is induced into nanowires in a similar manner as traditional metal forming. Shaping of silver nanowires is demonstrated, during which the Ag nanowires exhibit very good ductility (strain to failure is larger than 1). The microstructure observation indicates that the main deformation mechanism in Ag nanowires under dynamic loading is controlled by twinning and stacking fault formation. Dislocation motion and pile-up is still operative but less important. Our method provides a simple, unique, and one-step approach in massive forming and machining nanowires.
Intrinsic Signal to Stop
Authors: Gough Nancy R.
Published: September 2011

Mitochondrial calcium signals regulate mitochondrial motility.
Increasing Imatinib Efficacy with Immunotherapy
Authors: Thompson Heather M.
Published: September 2011

Imatinib’s efficacy is mediated by directly inhibiting Kit and by indirectly relieving immunosuppression.
Cell Sorting Through E-Cadherin Cleavage
Authors: Thompson Heather M.
Published: September 2011

Activation of metalloproteinases by EphB–ephrin-B interactions alters cell affinity by inducing localized cleavage of E-cadherin.
Predictors of
agr
Dysfunction in Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) Isolates among Patients with MRSA Bloodstream Infections
Authors: Butterfield Jill M. , Tsuji Brian T. , Brown Jack , Ashley Elizabeth Dodds , Hardy Dwight , Brown Kristen , Forrest Alan , Lodise Thomas P.
Published: September 2011

Despite emerging evidence that dysfunction in the accessory gene regulator (
agr
) locus is associated with deleterious outcomes among patients treated with vancomycin for methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) infections, factors predictive of
agr
dysfunction have not been evaluated. This study describes the epidemiology of
agr
dysfunction, identifies predictors of
agr
dysfunction in MRSA isolates among those with MRSA bloodstream infections, and describes the relationship between
agr
dysfunction and other microbiologic phenotypes. A cross-sectional study of patients with MRSA bloodstream infections at two institutions in upstate New York was performed. Clinical data on demographics, comorbidities, disease severity, hospitalization history, and antibiotic history were collected. Microbiologic phenotypes, including
agr
dysfunction, MIC values by broth microdilution (BMD) and Etest, and vancomycin heteroresistance (hVISA) were tested. Multivariable analyses were performed to identify factors predictive of
agr
dysfunction. Among 200 patients with an MRSA bloodstream infection, the proportion of strains with
agr
dysfunction was 31.5%. The distribution of MICs determined by both BMD and Etest were equivalent across
agr
groups, and there was no association between
agr
dysfunction and the presence of hVISA. Severity of illness, comorbidities, and hospitalization history were comparable between
agr
groups. In the multivariate analysis, prior antibiotic exposure was the only factor of variables studied found to be predictive of
agr
dysfunction. This relationship was predominantly driven by prior beta-lactam and fluoroquinolone administration in the bivariate analysis. Identifying these institution-specific risk factors can be used to develop a process to assess the risk of
agr
dysfunction and guide empirical antibiotic therapy decisions.
Oseltamivir and Oseltamivir Carboxylate Pharmacokinetics in Obese Adults: Dose Modification for Weight Is Not Necessary
Authors: Pai Manjunath P. , Lodise Thomas P.
Published: September 2011

Obesity is an independent risk factor for mortality in patients infected with pandemic influenza A virus (H1N1). Given the poor outcomes observed among adult obese patients with H1N1, the dosing of antiviral agents in this population has been questioned, and use of twice the standard oseltamivir dose has been suggested. However, studies evaluating the disposition of oseltamivir and oseltamivir carboxylate (the active metabolite) in the obese population are scant. We evaluated the single-dose and steady-state pharmacokinetics of oseltamivir (75 mg by mouth twice daily) in a cohort of 21 healthy adult volunteers with class III obesity (body mass index [BMI], ≥40 kg/m
2
). The median (minimum, maximum) age, weight, and BMI were 36 (19, 50) years, 122 (106, 159) kg, and 43.7 (40.0, 54.4) kg/m
2
, respectively. The population pharmacokinetic exposure profiles of oseltamivir carboxylate (the active metabolite) were comparable between class III obese subjects and nonobese adults (healthy and infected). Similar to previous pharmacokinetic analyses in nonobese subjects, the mean (percent covariance [CV]) area under the concentration-time curve for the dosing interval (AUC
0–τ
) was 2,621 ng·h/ml (17) for oseltamivir carboxylate. Body size was significantly (
P
< 0.05) associated with oseltamivir and oseltamivir carboxylate apparent clearance, but the correlation coefficient was poor (
R
2
≤ 0.3). Creatinine clearance estimated by the Cockcroft-Gault method and lean body weight were also significantly (
P
< 0.05) but poorly (
R
2
= 0.17) correlated with oseltamivir carboxylate apparent clearance. Since the systemic exposure of oseltamivir carboxylate is not reduced in class III obese adults with standard doses, a dose increment of oseltamivir is likely to be unnecessary.
Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors That Block Replication of Influenza A and Other Viruses
Authors: Kumar Naveen , Sharma Nishi R. , Ly Hinh , Parslow Tristram G. , Liang Yuying
Published: September 2011

We have previously reported that two receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (RTKIs), called AG879 and tyrphostin A9 (A9), can each block the replication of influenza A virus in cultured cells. In this study, we further characterized the
in vitro
antiviral efficacies and specificities of these agents. The 50% effective concentration (EC
50
) of each against influenza A was found to be in the high nanomolar range, and the selectivity index (SI = 50% cytotoxic concentration [CC
50
]/EC
50
) was determined to be >324 for AG879 and 50 for A9, indicating that therapeutically useful concentrations of each drug produce only low levels of cytotoxicity. Each compound showed efficacy against representative laboratory strains of both human influenza A (H1N1 or H3N2) and influenza B viruses. Importantly, no drug-resistant influenza virus strains emerged even after 25 viral passages in the presence of AG879, whereas viruses resistant to amantadine appeared after only 3 passages. AG879 and A9 each also exhibited potent inhibitory activity against a variety of other RNA and DNA viruses, including Sendai virus (
Paramyxoviridae
), herpes simplex virus (
Herpesviridae
), mouse hepatitis virus (
Coronaviridae
), and rhesus rotavirus (
Reoviridae
), but not against Pichinde virus (
Arenaviridae
). These results together suggest that RTKIs may be useful as therapeutics against viral pathogens, including but not limited to influenza, due to their high selectivity indices, low frequency of drug resistance, and broad-spectrum antiviral activities.
Comparative Performances of Flubendazole and Albendazole in Cystic Echinococcosis:
Ex Vivo
Activity, Plasma/Cyst Disposition, and Efficacy in Infected Mice
Authors: Ceballos Laura , Elissondo Celina , Sánchez Bruni Sergio , Denegri Guillermo , Lanusse Carlos , Alvarez Luis
Published: September 2011

The need to identify improved therapy against cystic echinococcosis (CE) has motivated pharmacology-based research. The comparative pharmacological performances of the benzimidazole compounds flubendazole (FLBZ) and albendazole (ABZ) were addressed here. The goals of the work were as follows: (i) to evaluate the
ex vivo
activities of FLBZ, ABZ, and their respective metabolites against
Echinococcus granulosus
protoscoleces, (ii) to compare the plasma and cyst disposition kinetics for the two drugs in infected mice, and (iii) to compare the clinical efficacies of FLBZ and ABZ against CE in mice. For the
ex vivo
study,
E. granulosus
protoscoleces were incubated with FLBZ, reduced FLBZ (R-FLBZ), ABZ, and ABZ-sulfoxide (ABZSO) (10 nmol/ml). Protoscolex viability was monitored by the methylene blue exclusion test and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). For the pharmacokinetic study, BALB/c mice with CE were allocated to two different groups and orally treated with either FLBZ or ABZ (5 mg/kg of body weight), both formulated as a cyclodextrin-based solution. Blood and cyst samples were taken up to 12 h posttreatment and analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). For the efficacy study, CE-infected BALB/c mice were divided into three groups: the unmedicated control group and the FLBZ- and ABZ-treated groups. Oral treatments were performed twice a day during 25 days. After treatment, all animals were killed and the weight of the cysts was recorded. Loss of protoscolex viability was observed after drug incubation. FLBZ was detected in plasma (area under the concentration-versus-time curve [AUC] = 1.8 μg·h/ml) and cysts (AUC = 0.3 μg·h/g) collected from treated infected animals. Conversely, ABZSO was the only active molecule measured in plasma (AUC = 4.4 μg·h/ml) and cysts (AUC = 1.5 μg·h/g) after ABZ treatment. FLBZ induced a 90% reduction in cyst weight in comparison to those collected from untreated control mice (
P
< 0.05). However, no differences in cyst weight were observed between the ABZ-treated (8.2 g) and unmedicated control (10.5 g) groups. Due to these results, we consider flubendazole to have great potential to become a drug of choice in the treatment of cystic echinococcosis.
Sterilizing Activity of Novel TMC207- and PA-824-Containing Regimens in a Murine Model of Tuberculosis
Authors: Tasneen Rokeya , Li Si-Yang , Peloquin Charles A. , Taylor Dinesh , Williams Kathy N. , Andries Koen , Mdluli Khisimuzi E. , Nuermberger Eric L.
Published: September 2011

To truly transform the landscape of tuberculosis treatment, novel regimens containing at least 2 new drugs are needed to simplify the treatment of both drug-susceptible and drug-resistant forms of tuberculosis. As part of an ongoing effort to evaluate novel drug combinations for treatment-shortening potential in a murine model, we performed two long-term, relapse-based experiments. In the first experiment, TMC207 plus pyrazinamide, alone or in combination with any third drug, proved superior to the first-line regimen including rifampin, pyrazinamide, and isoniazid. On the basis of CFU counts at 1 month, clofazimine proved to be the best third drug combined with TMC207 and pyrazinamide, whereas the addition of PA-824 was modestly antagonistic. Relapse results were inconclusive due to the low rate of relapse in all test groups. In the second experiment evaluating 3-drug combinations composed of TMC207, pyrazinamide, PA-824, moxifloxacin, and rifapentine, TMC207 plus pyrazinamide plus either rifapentine or moxifloxacin was the most effective, curing 100% and 67% of the mice treated, respectively, in 2 months of treatment. Four months of the first-line regimen did not cure any mice, whereas the combination of TMC207, PA-824, and moxifloxacin cured 50% of the mice treated. The results reveal new building blocks for novel regimens with the potential to shorten the duration of treatment for both drug-susceptible and drug-resistant tuberculosis, including the combination of TMC207, pyrazinamide, PA-824, and a potent fluoroquinolone.
Contribution of Siderophore Systems to Growth and Urinary Tract Colonization of Asymptomatic Bacteriuria Escherichia coli
Authors: Watts Rebecca E. , Totsika Makrina , Challinor Victoria L. , Mabbett Amanda N. , Ulett Glen C. , De Voss James J. , Schembri Mark A.
Published: September 2011

The molecular mechanisms that define asymptomatic bacteriuria (ABU)
Escherichia coli
colonization of the human urinary tract remain to be properly elucidated. Here, we utilize ABU
E. coli
strain 83972 as a model to dissect the contribution of siderophores to iron acquisition, growth, fitness, and colonization of the urinary tract. We show that
E. coli
83972 produces enterobactin, salmochelin, aerobactin, and yersiniabactin and examine the role of these systems using mutants defective in siderophore biosynthesis and uptake. Enterobactin and aerobactin contributed most to total siderophore activity and growth in defined iron-deficient medium. No siderophores were detected in an 83972 quadruple mutant deficient in all four siderophore biosynthesis pathways; this mutant did not grow in defined iron-deficient medium but grew in iron-limited pooled human urine due to iron uptake via the FecA ferric citrate receptor. In a mixed 1:1 growth assay with strain 83972, there was no fitness disadvantage of the 83972 quadruple biosynthetic mutant, demonstrating its capacity to act as a “cheater” and utilize siderophores produced by the wild-type strain for iron uptake. An 83972 enterobactin/salmochelin double receptor mutant was outcompeted by 83972 in human urine and the mouse urinary tract, indicating a role for catecholate receptors in urinary tract colonization.
In VitroProperties of a Listeria monocytogenes Bacteriophage-Resistant Mutant Predict Its Efficacy as a Live Oral Vaccine Strain
Authors: Spears Patricia A. , Suyemoto M. Mitsu , Hamrick Terri S. , Wolf Rebecca L. , Havell Edward A. , Orndorff Paul E.
Published: September 2011

AListeria monocytogenesglcVmutation precludes the binding of certain listerial phages and produces a profound attenuation characterized by the absence of detectable mutants in the livers and spleens of orally inoculated mice.Invitro, we found that the mutant formed plaques on mouse enterocyte monolayers as efficiently as the parent but the plaques formed were smaller. Intracellular growth rate determinations and examination of infected enterocytes by light and fluorescence microscopy established that the mutant was impaired not in intracellular growth rate but in cell-to-cell spreading. Because this property is shared by other immunogenic mutants (e.g.,actAmutants), ourglcVmutant was tested for vaccine efficacy. Oral immunization with the mutant and subsequent oral challenge (22 days postvaccination) with the parent revealed a ca. 10,000-fold increase in protection afforded by the mutant compared to sham-vaccinated controls. TheglcVmutant did not stimulate innate immunity under the dose and route employed for vaccination, and an infectivity index time course experiment revealed pronounced mutant persistence in Peyer's patches. The immunogenicity of theglcVmutant compared to an isogenicactAmutant reference strain was next tested in an experiment with a challenge given 52 days postvaccination. Both mutant strains showed scant vital organ infectivity and high levels of protection similar to those seen using theglcVmutant in the 22-day postvaccination challenge. Our results indicate that oral administration of a profoundly attenuated listerial mutant can safely elicit solid protective immunity.
A NUMERICAL STUDY ON THE PERFORMANCE OF A SUDDEN EXPANSION WITH MULTISTEPS AS A DIFFUSER
Authors: MANDAL D. K. , MANNA N. K. , BANDYOPADHYAY S. , BISWAS B. P. , CHAKRABARTI S.
Published: September 2011

In this paper, the numerical analysis and performance simulation of a sudden expansion with multisteps viewed as a diffuser have been carried out. The two-dimensional steady differential equations for conservation of mass and momentum have been solved using the SIMPLE algorithm. The Reynolds number is in the range of 20 to 100. In this study, the configurations of plain sudden expansion and sudden expansion with two, three, four and five steps have been considered. An aspect ratio of 2 is fixed for all the computations. The effect of Reynolds number and number of steps on average static pressure, diffuser effectiveness, distance of maximum static pressure rise from throat and average stagnation pressure have been studied in detail. From the study, it is revealed that sudden expansion with multisteps always offers benefits in any Reynolds number (20–100) at aspect ratio of 2 with respect to a plain sudden expansion as far as its effectiveness and stagnation pressure drop are concerned. At lower Reynolds number, effectiveness of the sudden expansion with multisteps offers substantial benefit without much benefit in its performance at higher flow Reynolds number. The effective length of diffuser increases with Reynolds number, while, increase in number of steps does not have much impact on effective length at a particular value of flow Reynolds number.
DYNAMIC RESPONSE OF BRAIN SUBJECTED TO BLAST LOADINGS: INFLUENCE OF FREQUENCY RANGES
Authors: CHAFI MEHDI S. , GANPULE SHAILESH , GU LINXIA , CHANDRA NAMAS
Published: September 2011

Blast wave induced a frequency spectrum and large deformation of the brain tissue. In this study, new material parameters for the brain material are determined from the experimental data pertaining to these large strain amplitudes and wide frequencies ranging (from 0.01 Hz to 10 MHz) using genetic algorithms. Both hyperelastic and viscoelastic behavior of the brain are implemented into 2D finite element models and the dynamic responses of brain are evaluated. The head, composed of triple layers of the skull, including two cortical layers and a middle dipole sponge-like layer, the dura, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), the pia mater and the brain, is utilized to assess the effects of material model. The results elucidated that frequency ranges of the material play an important role in the dynamic response of the brain under blast loading conditions. An appropriate material model of the brain is essential to predict the blast-induced brain injury.
THERMO-MECHANICAL BUCKLING ANALYSIS OF FINITE ELEMENT MODELED FUNCTIONALLY GRADED CERAMIC-METAL PLATES
Authors: TALHA MOHAMMAD , SINGH B. N.
Published: September 2011

In the present investigation, buckling analysis of functionally graded ceramic-metal (FGM) plates subjected to thermo-mechanical load is presented. The effective material properties of FGM plates are assumed to be temperature-dependent and vary in the thickness direction according to the power-law distribution of the volume fractions of the constituents. An improved higher-order shear deformation plate theory is employed to account for the transverse shear strains by maintaining stress-free top and bottom faces of the plate. An efficient C0 finite element is proposed for the model, and the variational approach is utilized to derive the fundamental equations for the FGM plates. Convergence and comparison studies have been performed to describe the efficiency of the present model. The numerical results are highlighted with different system parameters and boundary conditions.
Swimming upstream in sustainable design
Authors: Khan Azam
Published: September 2011

Sustainability in (Inter)Action provides a forum for innovative thought, design, and research in the area of interaction design and environmental sustainability. The column explores how HCI can contribute to the complex and interdisciplinary efforts to address sustainability challenges.

Elaine M. Huang, Editor
Hypertext 2011 in Eindhoven
Authors: Rubart Jessica
Published: September 2011

The ACM Conference on Hypertext and Hypermedia 2011 was held in Eindhoven, the Netherlands, from June 6--9 hosted at the TU/e. The General Chair was Professor Paul De Bra complemented by the program chair Professor Kaj Grønbæk. Hypertext 2011 attracted a fascinating mix of people from technology, arts, and social sciences. The conference provided one workshops and tutorials day and three main conference days. In this report I'm presenting a conference review, in parts from a personal perspective.
"Beyond the social web: the geo-social revolution" by Salvatore Scellato with Ching-man Au Yeung as Coordinator
Authors: Scellato Salvatore
Published: September 2011

While in the last years massive online social networks such as Facebook and Twitter have become extremely popular, gathering and engaging millions of users, only recently the widespread adoption of mobile devices has led to a large portion of users continuously using these social services during their daily lives. These devices offer geolocation capabilities: the ability to share your location, to generate location-tagged information and to search for it adds a crucial spatial dimension to online social networking. As a result, online social services are increasingly becoming location-aware, allowing users to create and access information about their geographic whereabouts: the trend is progressively going from specialized providers offering
location-as-a-service
to a widespread new concept of
location-as-a-feature
, where every online social platform integrates geographic information into their services. This provides broad and plentiful data to investigate how spatial and social structure blend together, opening exciting research directions with promising scientific and practical applications.

In this article I will present how the socio-spatial properties of online social networks can be studied and how novel
geo-social
network measures can be defined to blend together social and spatial properties. The availability of geographic data, together with the rising importance of mobile devices, is likely to transform the Web and how it is used by billions of people every day.
Just do it
Authors: Gibbons Jeremy , Hinze Ralf
Published: September 2011

One of the appeals of pure functional programming is that it is so amenable to equational reasoning. One of the problems of pure functional programming is that it rules out computational effects. Moggi and Wadler showed how to get round this problem by using monads to encapsulate the effects, leading in essence to a phase distinction - a pure functional evaluation yielding an impure imperative computation. Still, it has not been clear how to reconcile that phase distinction with the continuing appeal of functional programming; does the impure imperative part become inaccessible to equational reasoning? We think not; and to back that up, we present a simple axiomatic approach to reasoning about programs with computational effects.
TMJ Ankylosis: Multidisciplinary Approach of Treatment for Dentofacial Enhancement—A Case Report
Authors: Vibhute Pavankumar Janardan , Bhola Nitin , Borle Rajiv M.
Published: September 2011

This report describes the multidisciplinary phasewise treatment of a 20-year-old female patient having unilateral right TMJ bony (true) ankylosis whose mouth opening was restricted to 2 mm and mandibular retrognathism; additionally, she was also suffering from speech problems, snoring, difficulty in breathing, and low level of self-esteem and self-confidence. Bilateral gap arthroplasty and temporalis myofascial graft interpositioning through preauricular approach were done in surgical phase followed by the aggressive jaw physiotherapy in postsurgical period. Oral prophylaxis and restorations were followed by the fixed orthodontic therapy to resolve bimaxillary protrusion. Advancement sliding genioplasty was performed to enhance the chin button. Speech therapy and psychological counseling were also performed from time to time to boost up the self-esteem and self-confidence. At the end of treatment, facial esthetics was improved considerably and patient got over the impact of disfigurement, impaired functions, and psychosocial stigma. Rationale to use the multidisciplinary team approach in treatment of such cases is discussed.
Widespread Disulfide Bonding in Proteins from Thermophilic Archaea
Authors: Jorda Julien , Yeates Todd O.
Published: September 2011

Disulfide bonds are generally not used to stabilize proteins in the cytosolic compartments of bacteria or eukaryotic cells, owing to the chemically reducing nature of those environments. In contrast, certain thermophilic archaea use disulfide bonding as a major mechanism for protein stabilization. Here, we provide a current survey of completely sequenced genomes, applying computational methods to estimate the use of disulfide bonding across the Archaea. Microbes belonging to the Crenarchaeal branch, which are essentially all hyperthermophilic, are universally rich in disulfide bonding while lesser degrees of disulfide bonding are found among the thermophilic Euryarchaea, excluding those that are methanogenic. The results help clarify which parts of the archaeal lineage are likely to yield more examples and additional specific data on protein disulfide bonding, as increasing genomic sequencing efforts are brought to bear.
Preparation, Physical-Chemical Characterization, and Cytocompatibility of Polymeric Calcium Phosphate Cements
Authors: Khashaba Rania M. , Moussa Mervet , Koch Christopher , Jurgensen Arthur R. , Missimer David M. , Rutherford Ronny L. , Chutkan Norman B. , Borke James L.
Published: September 2011

Aim. Physicochemical mechanical andin vitrobiological properties of novel formulations of polymeric calcium phosphate cements (CPCs) were investigated.Methods. Monocalcium phosphate, calcium oxide, and synthetic hydroxyapatite were combined with either modified polyacrylic acid, light activated polyalkenoic acid, or polymethyl vinyl ether maleic acid to obtain Types I, II, and III CPCs. Setting time, compressive and diametral strength of CPCs was compared with zinc polycarboxylate cement (control). Specimens were characterized using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and infrared spectroscopy.In vitrocytotoxicity of CPCs and control was assessed.Results. X-ray diffraction analysis showed hydroxyapatite, monetite, and brushite. Acid-base reaction was confirmed by the appearance of stretching peaks in IR spectra of set cements. SEM revealed rod-like crystals and platy crystals. Setting time of cements was 5–12 min. Type III showed significantly higher strength values compared to control. Type III yielded high biocompatibility.Conclusions. Type III CPCs show promise for dental applications.
Hip Anatomy and Ontogeny of Lower Limb Musculature in Three Species of Nonhuman Primates
Authors: Baker Jeremy J. , Searight Katherine J. , Stump Madeliene Atzeva , Kehrer Matthew B. , Shanafelt Colleen , Graham Eric , Smith Timothy D.
Published: September 2011

The hip region is examined to determine what aspects of musculoskeletal anatomy are precociously developed in primate species with highly specialized modes of locomotion. Muscles of the hind limb were removed and weighed in each specimen, and the hip joint of selected specimens was studied in stained serial sections. No perinatal differences among species are evident, but in adults, the hip joint of Galago moholi (a leaping specialist) appears to have proportionally thick articular cartilage (relative to the subchondral plate) compared to two species of cheirogaleids. Muscle mass distribution in the hind limbs confirms previous observations that the quadriceps femoris muscle is especially large in Galago (in percent mass of the entire hind limb), while the hip region is smaller compared to the more quadrupedal cheirogaleids. Across age groups, the species with the least specialized locomotion as adults, Cheirogaleus medius, shows little or no change in proximal to distal percentage distribution of muscle mass. Galago has a larger percentage mass gain in the thigh. We suggest that muscle mass gain to specific limb segments may be a critical milestone for primates with extremely specialized modes of locomotion.
Biochemical Factors Modulating Cellular Neurotoxicity of Methylmercury
Authors: Kaur Parvinder , Aschner Michael , Syversen Tore
Published: September 2011

Methylmercury (MeHg), an environmental toxicant primarily found in fish and seafood, poses a dilemma to both consumers and regulatory authorities, given the nutritional benefits of fish consumption versus the possible adverse neurological damage. Several studies have shown that MeHg toxicity is influenced by a number of biochemical factors, such as glutathione (GSH), fatty acids, vitamins, and essential elements, but the cellular mechanisms underlying these complex interactions have not yet been fully elucidated. The objective of this paper is to outline the cellular response to dietary nutrients, as well as to describe the neurotoxic exposures to MeHg. In order to determine the cellular mechanism(s) of toxicity, the effect of pretreatment with biochemical factors (e.g., N-acetyl cysteine, (NAC); diethyl maleate, (DEM); docosahexaenoic acid, (DHA); selenomethionine, SeM; Trolox) and MeHg treatment on intercellular antioxidant status, MeHg content, and other endpoints was evaluated. This paper emphasizes that the protection against oxidative stress offered by these biochemical factors is among one of the major mechanisms responsible for conferring neuroprotection. It is therefore critical to ascertain the cellular mechanisms associated with various dietary nutrients as well as to determine the potential effects of neurotoxic exposures for accurately assessing the risks and benefits associated with fish consumption.
Resin-Bonded Fiber-Reinforced Composite for Direct Replacement of Missing Anterior Teeth: A Clinical Report
Authors: Garoushi Sufyan , Lassila Lippo , Vallittu Pekka K.
Published: September 2011

Missing anterior teeth is of serious concern in the social life of a patient in most of societies. While conventional fixed partial dentures and implant-supported restorations may often be the treatment of choice, fiber-reinforced composite (FRC) resins offer a conservative, fast, and cost-effective alternative for single and multiple teeth replacement. This paper presents two cases where FRC technology was successfully used to restore anterior edentulous areas in terms of esthetic values and functionality.
Extravascular Lung Water and Acute Lung Injury
Authors: Maharaj Ritesh
Published: September 2011

Acute lung injury carries a high burden of morbidity and mortality and is characterised by nonhydrostatic pulmonary oedema. The aim of this paper is to highlight the role of accurate quantification of extravascular lung water in diagnosis, management, and prognosis in “acute lung injury” and “acute respiratory distress syndrome”. Several studies have verified the accuracy of both the single and the double transpulmonary thermal indicator techniques. Both experimental and clinical studies were searched in PUBMED using the term “extravascular lung water” and “acute lung injury”. Extravascular lung water measurement offers information not otherwise available by other methods such as chest radiography, arterial blood gas, and chest auscultation at the bedside. Recent data have highlighted the role of extravascular lung water in response to treatment to guide fluid therapy and ventilator strategies. The quantification of extravascular lung water may predict mortality and multiorgan dysfunction. The limitations of the dilution method are also discussed.
Comparison of Measured Rain Attenuation in the 12.25 GHz Band with Predictions by the ITU-R Model
Authors: Choi Dong You , Pyun Jae Young , Noh Sun Kuh , Lee Sang Woong
Published: September 2011

Quantitative analysis and prediction of radio attenuation is necessary in order to improve the reliability of satellite-earth communication links and for economically efficient design. For this reason, many countries have made efforts to develop their own rain attenuation prediction models that are suited to their rain environment. In this paper, we present the results of measurements of rain-induced attenuation in vertically polarized signals propagating at 12.25 GHz during certain rain events, which occurred in the rainy wet season of 2001 and 2007 at Yong-in, Korea. The rain attenuation over the link path was measured experimentally and compared with the attenuation obtained using the ITU-R model.
IgG4 Cholangiopathy
Authors: Zen Yoh , Nakanuma Yasuni
Published: September 2011

IgG4 cholangiopathy can involve any level of the biliary tree which exhibits sclerosing cholangitis or pseudotumorous hilar lesions. Most cases are associated with autoimmune pancreatitis, an important diagnostic clue. Without autoimmune pancreatitis, however, the diagnosis of IgG4-cholangiopathy is challenging. Indeed such cases have been treated surgically. IgG4-cholangiopathy should be diagnosed based on serological examinations including serum IgG4 concentrations, radiological features, and histological evidence of IgG4+plasma cell infiltration. Steroid therapy is very effective even at disease relapse. A Th2-dominant immune response or the activation of regulatory T cells seems to be involved in the underlying immune reaction. It is still unknown why IgG4 levels are specifically elevated in patients with this disease. IgG4 might be secondarily overexpressed by Th2 or regulatory cytokines given the lack of evidence that IgG4 is an autoantibody.
Cholangiopathy with Respect to Biliary Innate Immunity
Authors: Harada Kenichi , Nakanuma Yasuni
Published: September 2011

Biliary innate immunity is involved in the pathogenesis of cholangiopathies in cases of biliary disease. Cholangiocytes possess Toll-like receptors (TLRs) which recognize pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and play a pivotal role in the innate immune response. Tolerance to bacterial PAMPs such as lipopolysaccharides is also important to maintain homeostasis in the biliary tree, but tolerance to double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) is not found. Moreover, in primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) and biliary atresia, biliary innate immunity is closely associated with the dysregulation of the periductal cytokine milieu and the induction of biliary apoptosis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), forming in disease-specific cholangiopathy. Biliary innate immunity is associated with the pathogenesis of various cholangiopathies in biliary diseases as well as biliary defense systems.
Adipose Tissue ATP Binding Cassette Transporter A1 Contributes to High-Density Lipoprotein Biogenesis In Vivo
Authors: Chung Soonkyu , Sawyer Janet K. , Gebre Abraham K. , Maeda Nobuyo , Parks John S.
Published: September 2011

Background—

Adipose tissue (AT) is the body's largest free cholesterol reservoir and abundantly expresses ATP binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1), a key cholesterol transporter for high-density lipoprotein (HDL) biogenesis. However, the extent to which AT ABCA1 expression contributes to HDL biogenesis in vivo is unknown.

Methods and Results—

Adipocyte-specific ABCA1 knockout mice (ABCA1
−A/−A
) were generated by crossing ABCA1
floxed
mice with
aP2Cre
transgenic mice. AT from ABCA1
−A/−A
mice had <10% of wild-type ABCA1 protein expression but normal hepatic and intestinal expression. Deletion of adipocyte ABCA1 resulted in a significant decrease in plasma HDL cholesterol (≈15%) and apolipoprotein A-I (≈13%) concentrations. AT from ABCA1
−A/−A
mice had a 2-fold increase in free cholesterol content compared with wild-type mice and failed to efflux cholesterol to apolipoprotein A-I. However, cholesterol efflux from AT to plasma HDL was similar for both genotypes of mice. Incubation of wild-type AT explants with apolipoprotein A-I resulted in the formation of multiple discrete-sized nascent HDL particles ranging in diameter from 7.1 to 12 nm; similar incubations with ABCA1
−A/−A
AT explants resulted in nascent HDL <8 nm. Plasma decay and tissue uptake of wild-type
125
I-HDL tracer were similar in both genotypes of recipient mice, suggesting that adipocyte ABCA1 deficiency reduces plasma HDL concentrations solely by reducing nascent HDL particle formation.

Conclusions—

We provide in vivo evidence that AT ABCA1-dependent cholesterol efflux and nascent HDL particle formation contribute to systemic HDL biogenesis and that AT ABCA1 expression plays an important role in adipocyte cholesterol homeostasis.
Evaluation of High-Resolution Satellite Rainfall Products through Streamflow Simulation in a Hydrological Modeling of a Small Mountainous Watershed in Ethiopia
Authors: Bitew Menberu M. , Gebremichael Mekonnen , Ghebremichael Lula T. , Bayissa Yared A.
Published: September 2011

This study focuses on evaluating four widely used global high-resolution satellite rainfall products [the Climate Prediction Center’s morphing technique (CMORPH) product, the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) Multisatellite Precipitation Analysis (TMPA) near-real-time product (3B42RT), the TMPA method post-real-time research version product (3B42), and the Precipitation Estimation from Remotely Sensed Information using Artificial Neural Networks (PERSIANN) product] with a spatial resolution of 0.25° and temporal resolution of 3 h through their streamflow simulations in the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) hydrologic model of a 299-km2 mountainous watershed in Ethiopia. Results show significant biases in the satellite rainfall estimates. The 3B42RT and CMORPH products perform better than the 3B42 and PERSIANN. The predictive ability of each of the satellite rainfall was examined using a SWAT model calibrated in two different approaches: with rain gauge rainfall as input, and with each of the satellite rainfall products as input. Significant improvements in model streamflow simulations are obtained when the model is calibrated with input-specific rainfall data than with rain gauge data. Calibrating SWAT with satellite rainfall estimates results in curve number values that are by far higher than the standard tabulated values, and therefore caution must be exercised when using standard tabulated parameter values with satellite rainfall inputs. The study also reveals that bias correction of satellite rainfall estimates significantly improves the model simulations. The best-performing model simulations based on satellite rainfall inputs are obtained after bias correction and model recalibration.