bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Baccharin Prevents Genotoxic Effects Induced by Methyl Methanesulfonate and Hydrogen Peroxide in V79 Cells
Authors: Oliveira Pollyanna Francielli de , Leandro Luis Fernando , Montanheiro Giovana , Bastos Jairo Kenupp , Filho Ademar Alves da Silva , Tavares Denise Crispim
Published: August 2012

Abstract:  Baccharin is one of the major chemical compounds isolated from the aerial parts of Baccharis dracunculifolia DC (Asteraceae), a native plant of South America and the most important botanical source of the Brazilian green propolis that has been used in alternative medicine to treat inflammation, liver disorders, and stomach ulcers. The present study was carried out in V79 cells to determine the possible genotoxic and antigenotoxic activities of baccharin utilizing comet and micronucleus assays, where 2 known mutagenic agents with different mechanisms of DNA damage were used as positive controls. The V79 cells were treated with concentrations of baccharin (0.25, 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 μg/mL) and for to investigate the antigenotoxicity these concentrations were associated with methyl methanesulfonate (MMS; 200 μM‐comet assay and 400 μM‐micronucleus assay) or hydrogen peroxide (H2O2; 50 μM‐comet assay and 100 μM‐micronucleus assay). Statistically significant differences in the rate of DNA damage were observed in cultures treated with the highest concentration of baccharin when compared to the control group, but this difference was not found in the micronucleus assay. The results also showed that the frequencies of DNA damage and micronuclei induced by MMS and H2O2 were significantly reduced after treatment with baccharin. The baccharin showed a chemoprevention effect and can be the chemical compound responsible for the antigenotoxicity also demonstrated by the B. dracunculifolia. The antioxidant potential of baccharin may be related to its chemoprevention activity induced against both genomic and chromosomal damages.
Fermentation by Amylolytic Lactic Acid Bacteria and Consequences for Starch Digestibility of Plantain, Breadfruit, and Sweet Potato Flours
Authors: Haydersah Julien , Chevallier Isabelle , Rochette Isabelle , Mouquet‐Rivier Claire , Picq Christian , Marianne‐Pépin Thérèse , Icard‐Vernière Christèle , Guyot Jean‐Pierre
Published: August 2012

Abstract:  The potential of tropical starchy plants such as plantain (Musa paradisiaca), breadfruit (Artocarpus communis), and sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) for the development of new fermented foods was investigated by exploiting the capacity of some lactic acid bacteria to hydrolyze starch. The amylolytic lactic acid bacteria (ALAB) Lactobacillus plantarum A6 and Lactobacillus fermentum Ogi E1 were able to change the consistency of thick sticky gelatinized slurries of these starchy fruits and tubers into semiliquid to liquid products. Consequently, a decrease in apparent viscosity and an increase in Bostwick flow were observed. These changes and the production of maltooligosaccharides confirmed starch hydrolysis. Sucrose in sweet potato was not fermented by strain A6 and poorly fermented by strain Ogi E1, suggesting possible inhibition of sucrose fermentation. In all 3 starchy plants, rapidly digestible starch (RDS) was higher than slowly digestible starch (SDS) and resistant starch (RS) represented between 17% and 30% dry matter (DM). The digestibility of plantain was not affected by fermentation, whereas the RDS content of breadfruit and sweet potato decreased and the RS content increased after fermentation.

Practical Application:  The characteristics resulting from different combinations of gluten free starchy plants (plantain, breadfruit, sweet potato) and amylolytic lactic acid bacteria (ALAB) offer opportunities to develop new functional fermented beverages, mainly for breadfruit and sweet potato, after further investigation of their formulation, sensory attributes, nutritional, and prebiotic characteristics.
Influence of Yeast Mannoproteins in the Aroma Improvement of White Wines
Authors: Juega M. , Nunez Y.P. , Carrascosa A.V. , Martinez‐Rodriguez A.J.
Published: August 2012

Abstract:  In the present work, 3 different yeast strains (1, 2, and 3) were used to elaborate white wines using Albariño must. The concentration of polymeric mannose was determined using a method based on the mannoprotein precipitation, hydrolysis and analysis of sylylated mannose derivatives by gas chromatography. Wines elaborated with the strain 1 (W1) presented a higher mannoprotein concentration than the other wines. The analysis of the volatile composition of wines showed significant differences (P < 0.05) among them, being W1 which presented the highest concentration of aroma compounds, mainly terpens and norisoprenoids. The sensorial analysis of wines also showed that W1 had the best quality. The results obtained from this work demonstrate that mannoproteins could be involved in the behavior observed. Some evidences were obtained using a model wine, where 2 major terpens in W1 were preferentially retained by the colloids rich in mannoproteins released by strain 1.

Practical Application:  White wines elaborated with yeast strains overproducing mannoproteins could have better quality than others. Mannoproteins could contribute to aroma enhancement of Albariño white wines
The Influences of Natural Zeolite (cliptinolite) on Ammonia and Biogenic Amine Formation by Foodborne Pathogen
Authors: Gokdogan Saadet , Özogul Yesim , Kuley Esmeray , Özogul Fatih , Kacar Cigdem , Ucar Yılmaz
Published: August 2012

Abstract:  The influence of natural zeolite on biogenic amines (BAs) and ammonia (AMN) production by eight common gram negative and positive foodborne pathogens (FBP) were investigated in histidine decarboxylase broth (HDB). Presence of 1% zeolite in the HDB resulted in significantly higher AMN production. Histamine (HIS) production by gram positive bacteria was as low as 0.5 mg/L, whereas Escherichia coli produced 18.96 mg/L of HIS. The use of zeolite also significantly suppressed HIS accumulation by E. coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, S. paratyphi A (P < 0.05), although zeolite addition stimulated HIS production by K. pneumonia and Aeromonas hydrophila. The range of tyramine (TYR) production by gram positive bacteria was 1.19 and 4.06 mg/L for Enteroccus faecalis and Listeria monocytogenes respectively. The results of study showed that the effect of zeolite on BAs and AMN production was dependent on bacterial strains, as well as zeolite concentrations used.

Practical Application:  Natural zeolites are the main absorptive, low‐cost material used in agriculture and industry. Although the effect of zeolite on ammonia formation in some industrial systems is well known, there is limited information regarding the impact of zeolite on biogenic amine (BA) production by foodborne pathogens. The data presented in this article will help us to understand the impact of natural zeolite on BA and ammonia production by eight common foodborne pathogens.
Fungal Decay and Shelf Life of Oranges Coated With Chitosan and Bergamot, Thyme, and Tea Tree Essential Oils
Authors: Cháfer M. , Sánchez‐González L. , González‐Martínez Ch. , Chiralt A.
Published: August 2012

Abstract:  Chitosan coatings, containing or not essential oils (bergamot, thyme and tea tree oil), were applied to oranges (cv. Navel Powell). Antifungal effect was evaluated by applying coatings before and after inoculating the fruit with Penicillium italicum CECT 2294 (105 spores/mL), preventive and curative treatments, respectively. The effect of coatings on the quality parameters (acidity, pH, soluble solids, juice percentage, weight loss, firmness, color parameters, and respiration rate) was controlled for the different oranges samples throughout the cold storage time. Preventive antimicrobial treatments with coatings containing tea tree oil were the most effective with a reduction of the microbial growth (expressed as the percentage of infected samples) of 50%, as compared to the uncoated samples. The coatings did not lead to any relevant changes in the development of the sample quality parameters throughout the cold storage, except for a slightly reduced loss of both weight and firmness when the coatings contained bergamot oil.

Practical Applications:  Results of this study are a useful tool for the development of new environmental friendly and healthier commercial applications in the control of the main postharvest fungal decay of citrus fruits.
Evaluation of Antioxidant, Radical Scavenging Activity and Polyphenolics Profile in Solanum torvum L. Fruits
Authors: Ramamurthy CH. , Kumar M. Suresh , Suyavaran V. Sujatha A. , Mareeswaran R. , Thirunavukkarasu C.
Published: August 2012

Abstract:  Solanum torvum fruit widely used in traditional medicine of India and also in food preparation. Three different extracts such as water (WE), methanol (ME), and ethanol (EE) were used to evaluate their antioxidant and radical scavenging activity by different methods. All the assays results were compared with well‐known standard antioxidants. The IC50 values of assays were determined. The total phenolic and flavonoids content were found to be maximum in water and ethanol extracts, respectively. The electron quenching ability of fruit extract was assayed by DPPH and reducing power assays succeeding order were ME > EE > WE, respectively. Inhibition of membrane damage, was assayed interns of oxidative hemolysis and lipid peroxidation assays, among all WE extract shows 58.00% and 68.55 5% percentage of inhibition with 0.9 and 0.8 correlations (r2), respectively. Antioxidant and radical quenching efficiency were assayed by β‐carotene bleaching and hydroxyl radical scavenging method and results were compared with vitamin C and catechin. The in vitro free radical quenching and antioxidant results were well correlated with in vitro DNA protection assay. As analyzed by HPTLC gallic acid content is high in WE (1394 ± 25.0) and ME (598 ± 54.0) whereas ferulic acid is high in EE (32 ± 5.94) μg/g, respectively. This study indicate that S. torvum fruit is an excellent source of natural antioxidant and could be an effective nutritional food supplement, which interns will have therapeutic applications.

Practical Application:  In siddha medicine on the traditional systems of India the, ripened fruits are used in the preparation of tonic named as a “sundaivattaral choornam” is used to improve the health and prevent several diseases. This study has given an experimental evidence that S. torvum fruit is an excellent source of natural antioxidants.
Characterization of a Smartphone Camera's Response to Ultraviolet A Radiation
Authors: Igoe Damien , Parisi Alfio , Carter Brad
Published: August 2012

As part of a wider study into the use of smartphones as solar ultraviolet radiation monitors, this article characterizes the ultraviolet A (UVA; 320–400 nm) response of a consumer complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS)‐based smartphone image sensor in a controlled laboratory environment. The CMOS image sensor in the camera possesses inherent sensitivity to UVA, and despite the attenuation due to the lens and neutral density and wavelength‐specific bandpass filters, the measured relative UVA irradiances relative to the incident irradiances range from 0.0065% at 380 nm to 0.0051% at 340 nm. In addition, the sensor demonstrates a predictable response to low‐intensity discrete UVA stimuli that can be modelled using the ratio of recorded digital values to the incident UVA irradiance for a given automatic exposure time, and resulting in measurement errors that are typically less than 5%. Our results support the idea that smartphones can be used for scientific monitoring of UVA radiation.
Numerical Magnitude Representations and Individual Differences in Children's Arithmetic Strategy Use
Authors: Vanbinst Kiran , Ghesquière Pol , De Smedt Bert
Published: August 2012

Against the background of neuroimaging studies on how the brain processes numbers, there is now converging evidence that numerical magnitude representations are crucial for successful mathematics achievement. One major drawback of this research is that it mainly investigated mathematics performance as measured through general standardized achievement tests. We extended this research by investigating the association between numerical magnitude representations and children's strategy use during single‐digit arithmetic. Our findings reveal that children's symbolic but not nonsymbolic numerical magnitude processing skills are associated with individual differences in arithmetic. Children with better access to magnitude representations from symbolic digits retrieve more facts from their memory and are faster in executing fact retrieval as well as procedural strategies. These associations remain even when intellectual ability, digit naming, and general mathematics achievement are additionally controlled for. All this indicates that particularly the access to numerical meaning from Arabic symbols is key for children's arithmetic strategy development, which suggests that educators and remedial teachers should focus on connecting Arabic symbols to the quantities they represent.
Prevalence and Correlates of Low Medication Adherence in Apparent Treatment‐Resistant Hypertension
Authors: Irvin Marguerite R. , Shimbo Daichi , Mann Devin M. , Reynolds Kristi , Krousel‐Wood Marie , Limdi Nita A. , Lackland Daniel T. , Calhoun David A. , Oparil Suzanne , Muntner Paul
Published: August 2012

J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich). 2012;14:694–700 ©2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Low medication adherence may explain part of the high prevalence of apparent treatment‐resistant hypertension (aTRH). The authors assessed medication adherence and aTRH among 4026 participants taking ≥3 classes of antihypertensive medication in the population‐based Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) trial using the 4‐item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS). Low adherence was defined as an MMAS score ≥2. Overall, 66% of participants taking ≥3 classes of antihypertensive medication had aTRH. Perfect adherence on the MMAS was reported by 67.8% and 70.9% of participants with and without aTRH, respectively. Low adherence was present among 8.1% of participants with aTRH and 5.0% of those without aTRH (P<.001). Among those with aTRH, female sex, residence outside the US stroke belt or stroke buckle, physical inactivity, elevated depressive symptoms, and a history of coronary heart disease were associated with low adherence. In the current study, a small percentage of participants with aTRH had low adherence.
Streamflow Changes in the South Atlantic, United States During the Mid‐ and Late 20th Century1
Authors: Patterson Lauren A. , Lutz Brian , Doyle Martin W.
Published: August 2012

Abstract:  Repeated severe droughts over the last decade in the South Atlantic have raised concern that streamflow may be systematically decreasing, possibly due to climate variability. We examined the monthly and annual trends of streamflow, precipitation, and temperature in the South Atlantic for the time periods: 1934‐2005, 1934‐1969, and 1970‐2005. Streamflow and climate (temperature and precipitation) trends transitioned ca. 1970. From 1934 to 1969, streamflow and precipitation increased in southern regions and decreased in northern regions; temperature decreased throughout the South Atlantic. From 1970 to 2005, streamflow decreased, precipitation decreased, and temperature increased throughout the South Atlantic. It is unclear whether these will be continuing trends or simply part of a long‐term climatic oscillation. Whether these streamflow trends have been driven by climatic or anthropogenic changes, water resources management faces challenging prospects to adapt to decadal‐scale persistently wet and dry hydrologic conditions.
Adaptation Bridges and Barriers in Water Planning and Management: Insight from Recent Extreme Droughts in Arizona and Georgia1
Authors: Engle Nathan L.
Published: August 2012

Abstract:  It is critical to understand the ability of water management to prepare for and respond to the likely increasing duration, frequency, and intensity of droughts brought about by climate variability and change. This article evaluates this ability, or adaptive capacity, within large urban community water systems (CWSs) in Arizona and Georgia. It analyzes interview data on the bridges and barriers to adapting water management approaches in relation to extreme droughts over the past decade. This study not only finds levers for building adaptive capacity that are unique to each state but also identifies several unifying themes that cut across both cases. The interviews also show that a particular bridge or barrier, such as state regulation, is not universally beneficial or detrimental for building adaptive capacity within each state. Such knowledge is useful for improving water and drought management and for understanding how CWSs might prepare for future climate variability and change by removing the barriers and bolstering the bridges in efforts to build adaptive capacity.
Learning Agility: In Search of Conceptual Clarity and Theoretical Grounding
Authors: DeRue D. Scott , Ashford Susan J. , Myers Christopher G.
Published: August 2012

As organizations become more complex and dynamic, individuals' ability to learn from experience becomes more important. Recently, the concept of learning agility has attracted considerable attention from human resource professionals and consultants interested in selecting on and developing employees' ability to learn from experience. However, the academic community has been largely absent from this discussion of learning agility, and the concept remains ill defined and poorly measured. This article presents a constructive critique of the existing literature on learning agility, seeks to clarify the definition and conceptualization of the construct, and situates learning agility within a broader nomological network of related constructs. We conclude by discussing several important directions for future research on learning agility.
Permanent Genetic Resources added to Molecular Ecology Resources Database 1 April 2012 – 31 May 2012
Authors:   Molecular Ecology Resources Primer Development Consortium, ABELLÓ P. , AI WEIMING , ALTMANN CAROLIN , BERNARDI GIACOMO , BONATO OLIVIER , BURCHHARDT KATHLEEN M. , CHEN XIAO , CHEN ZHIJIAN , ČÍŽKOVÁ DAGMAR , CLOUET CÉCILE , CUBETA MARC A. , GARCIA‐MERCHAN VH. , GAUTHIER NATHALIE , GIBSON SHANE , HALAČKA KAREL , HAMDI FATEN , HANKELN THOMAS , HOCHKIRCH AXEL , HRBEK TOMAS , JACKSON ALEXIS M. , LIN CHONGWEN , LIN SI‐MIN , MACPHERSON E. , MACRANDER JASON , MAREŠOVÁ EVA , MENDEL JAN , NOWAK MICHAŁ , ORTI GUILLERMO , PALERO F. , PAPOUŠEK IVO , PASCUAL M. , SCHMITT THOMAS , SEMMENS BRICE X. , STREITO JEAN‐CLAUDE , TIAN EN‐WEI , TSENG SHU‐PING , VEITH MICHAEL , VETEŠNÍK LUKÁŠ , WANG HURNG‐YI , WEYER JESSICA , WILLIS STUART , YU HUI , ZHOU ZHIMING
Published: August 2012

This article documents the addition of 123 microsatellite marker loci to the Molecular Ecology Resources Database. Loci were developed for the following species: Brenthis ino, Cichla orinocensis, Cichla temensis, Epinephelus striatus, Gobio gobio, Liocarcinus depurator, Macrolophus pygmaeus, Monilinia vaccinii‐corymbosi, Pelochelys cantorii, Philotrypesis josephi, Romanogobio vladykovi, Takydromus luyeanus and Takydromus viridipunctatus. These loci were cross‐tested on the following species: Cichla intermedia, Cichla ocellaris, Cichla pinima, Epinephelus acanthistius, Gobio carpathicus, Gobio obtusirostris, Gobio sp. 1, Gobio volgensis, Macrolophus costalis, Macrolophus melanotoma, Macrolophus pygmaeus, Romanogobio albipinnatus, Romanogobio banaticus, Romanogobio belingi, Romanogobio kesslerii, Romanogobio parvus, Romanogobio pentatrichus, Romanogobio uranoscopus, Takydromus formosanus, Takydromus hsuehshanesis and Takydromus stejnegeri.
Assessing the human lid margin epithelium using impression cytology
Authors: Jalbert Isabelle , Madigan Michele C. , Shao Mei , Ng Jennifer , Cheng Jenny , Wong Daniel , McMonnies Charles
Published: August 2012

Purpose:  To establish if impression cytology combined with histochemical and immunocytochemical staining can be used to assess epithelium of the human upper lid margin.

Methods:  Following an initial eye examination of 40 healthy subjects (19 soft contact lens wearers and 21 non‐contact lens wearers, aged 18–57 years), lid margin staining was assessed with lissamine green using slit lamp biomicroscopy and graded (grade 0–3). Impression cytology of the upper lid margin of both eyes was collected, fixed and stained with periodic acid Schiff (PAS) and haematoxylin for cell morphology analysis (Nelson grade) or for immunocytochemistry (keratinization‐related proteins: filaggrin, transglutaminase1 (TGase1) and cytokeratin 1/10).

Results:  In 57% of all subjects, grade 0 lissamine green staining showed a thin line (the Marx line), just posterior to the meibomian gland ducts. Grade 2 or 3 lissamine green staining was observed in 17% of all subjects. There was no difference between contact lens and non‐contact lens wearers for lid margin staining or Nelson grade (p = 0.4, Fisher’s exact test). PAS/haematoxylin staining and immunocytochemistry showed transition in epithelial cell morphology, with marginal conjunctival epithelium, mucocutaneous junction and squamous epithelium, adjacent to meibomian gland ducts. This transition in epithelium was associated with differential expression of keratinization‐related proteins (filaggrin, cytokeratin 1/10 and TGase1).

Conclusion:  Lid margin epithelium can be successfully sampled using impression cytology and further characterized using histochemistry and immunocytochemistry staining techniques. This approach can be applied to assess lid margin changes in conditions such as dry eye and meibomian gland dysfunction.
The effect of caffeine on retinal vessel diameter in young healthy subjects
Authors: Terai Naim , Spoerl Eberhard , Pillunat Lutz E. , Stodtmeister Richard
Published: August 2012

Purpose:  To investigate the effect of caffeine on retinal vessel diameter before and during flicker light stimulation in young healthy subjects.

Methods:  Seventeen healthy subjects (mean age: 29.6 ± 3.73 years, range: 22–35 years) were included in this study. The diameter of retinal vessels was measured continuously with the retinal vessel analyzer (RVA) before and 1 hr after 200 mg oral caffeine intake. After baseline assessment, a green luminance flicker of 20‐second duration was applied to stimulate retinal activity. The diameter of a segment of an arteriole and of a venule were measured during stimulation and 80 second after cessation of the stimulus. Flicker stimulation and 80‐second measurement interval were carried out three times. Blood pressure parameters, systemic mean arterial pressure (MAP), ocular perfusion pressure (OPP) and intraocular pressure (IOP) were obtained before and after oral caffeine intake.

Results:  The mean diameter of the arterioles at baseline before caffeine intake was 123.30 ± 14.0 μm (arithmetic mean ± standard deviation) and after caffeine 117.30 ± 13.0 μm which was significantly different (p = 0.004). The mean diameter of the venules at baseline before caffeine intake was 147.60 ± 19.5 μm and after caffeine 137.73 ± 19.9 μm which was significantly different (p = 0.005). The mean diameter of the arterioles during flicker light stimulation before caffeine intake was 126.65 ± 13.24 μm and after caffeine intake 121.59 ± 12.12 μm (p = 0.012). The mean diameter of the venules during flicker light stimulation before caffeine intake was 151.87 ± 18.63 μm and after caffeine intake was 145.14 ± 19.82 μm (p = 0.027). The flicker response of the arterioles increased from 2.8% before caffeine to 3.8% after caffeine intake (p = 0.010). The flicker response of the venules increased from 3.4% before caffeine to 5.5% after caffeine intake (p = 0.0001). Baseline diameters and diameters during flicker light stimulation after caffeine intake showed a significant negative correlation to the MAP for the arterioles (baseline: r = −0.338, p = 0.049 and flicker: r = −0.345, p = 0.046) and the venules (baseline: r = −0.496, p = 0.003 and flicker: r = −0.479, p = 0.004).

Conclusions:  The present study showed a significant vasoconstrictory response of the retinal vessels 1 hr after caffeine intake in young healthy subjects. Retinal vessel diameter changes were negatively correlated with MAP after caffeine consumption. These effects seem to be elicited by an autoregulatory response of the retinal vessels to the increased blood pressure changes after caffeine.
Effects of Doxazosin on Alpha 1‐Adrenergic Receptors in Prostates with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Authors: LEE Ha Na , LEE Kyu‐Sung , LEE Seo Yeon , SHIM Bong Suk , LEE Young‐Suk , HONG Jeong Hee , LIM Bong Hee , LEE Hyun Moo
Published: August 2012

Objectives: The present study aimed to evaluate changes in mRNA and protein expression levels of α1‐AR before and after doxazosin treatment.

Methods: This 12‐month, prospective study included males aged 50 or older who had lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) (International Prostate Symptom Score [IPSS] ≥ 8) with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). All patients underwent transrectal ultrasound‐guided prostate biopsy before and after doxazosin 4 mg medication for 12 months. The mRNA and protein expression of prostate α1‐AR were analyzed using real‐time quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain and Western blotting, respectively, before and after treatment. The clinical efficacy of doxazosin was evaluated according to changes in prostate volume, serum prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) level, IPSS, quality of life (QoL) index, maximum flow rate, parameters in a voiding diary, and a Patient's Perception of Bladder Condition (PPBC) questionnaire.

Results: Twenty patients aged 50–72 (median age 66) with LUTS secondary to BPH completed this study. Administering doxazosin for 12 months significantly increased α1‐AR protein expression in the prostate. α1‐AR mRNA expression did not change significantly after doxazosin administration. IPSS, QoL index, and PPBC scores significantly improved after 12 months of doxazosin treatment. Maximal flow rate, postvoid residual urine volume (PVR), prostate volume and the parameters from the voiding diary did not change significantly after 12 months. The change of IPSS total score and LUTS were maintained until 12 months after starting treatment with doxazosin.

Conclusion: Doxazosin treatment was able to increase α1‐AR protein expression in the prostate. Despite increased α1‐AR expression, doxazosin provides sustained, significant relief of LUTS for up to one year without a decrease in efficacy.
Lipedema: an overview of its clinical manifestations, diagnosis and treatment of the disproportional fatty deposition syndrome – systematic review
Authors: Forner‐Cordero I. , Szolnoky G. , Forner‐Cordero A. , Kemény L.
Published: August 2012

Lipedema is a disproportionate, symmetrical fatty swelling characterized by pain and bruising existing almost exclusively among women. We undertook a systematic review of the available literature about lipedema, given the lack of knowledge and little evidence about this disorder especially among obesity experts. Diagnosis of lipedema is usually based on clinical features. Symmetrical edema in the lower limbs with fatty deposits located to hips and thighs usually appears at puberty and often affects several members of the same family. Main disorders considered for differential diagnosis are lymphedema, obesity, lipohypertrophy and phlebedema. Treatment protocols comprise conservative (decongestive lymphatic therapy) and surgical (liposuction) approaches. Early diagnosis and treatment are mandatory for this disorder otherwise gradual enlargement of fatty deposition causes impaired mobility and further comorbidities like arthrosis and lymphatic insufficiency.
A new method of meteor trajectory determination applied to multiple unsynchronized video cameras
Authors: GURAL Peter S.
Published: August 2012

Abstract– A new approach has been formulated to solve for the straight line trajectory of a meteor through the atmosphere when given multiple camera views of the meteor’s luminous track. Using a motion propagation model in 3‐D space plus time, and iteratively solving for all free model parameters simultaneously, one can obtain a fully coupled solution to the apparent radiant direction, 3‐D begin position, atmospheric entry speed, deceleration terms, and timing offsets when using data from unsynchronized video cameras. A Monte Carlo component adds empirical error estimation for each of the key model parameters computed. This multiparameter fitting method extends the allowable collection geometries for meteor trajectory estimation to lower convergence angles between camera‐meteor‐camera lines of sight and smaller site separation distances.
Doxorubicin: an update on anticancer molecular action, toxicity and novel drug delivery systems
Authors: Tacar Oktay , Sriamornsak Pornsak , Dass Crispin R
Published: August 2012

Objectives

The frontline drug doxorubicin has been used for treating cancer for over 30 years. While providing a cure in select cases, doxorubicin causes toxicity to most major organs, especially life-threatening cardiotoxicity, which forces the treatment to become dose-limiting.

Key findings

Doxorubicin is known to bind to DNA-associated enzymes, intercalate with DNA base pairs, and target multiple molecular targets to produce a range of cytotoxic effects. For instance, it causes the activation of various molecular signals from AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase inducing apoptosis) to influence the Bcl-2/Bax apoptosis pathway. By altering the Bcl-2/Bax ratio, downstream activation of different caspases can occur resulting in apoptosis. Doxorubicin also induces apoptosis and necrosis in healthy tissue causing toxicity in the brain, liver, kidney and heart. Over the years, many studies have been conducted to devise a drug delivery system that would eliminate these adverse affects including liposomes, hydrogel and nanoparticulate systems, and we highlight the pros and cons of these drug delivery systems.

Overall the future for the continued use of doxorubicin clinically against cancer looks set to be prolonged, provided certain enhancements as listed above are made to its chemistry, delivery and toxicity. Increased efficacy depends on these three aims being met satisfactorily as discussed in turn in this review.
Coordination of Intercellular Ca2+ Signaling in Endothelial Cell Tubes of Mouse Resistance Arteries
Authors: Socha Matthew J. , Domeier Timothy L. , Behringer Erik J. , Segal Steven S.
Published: August 2012

Objective

To test the hypothesis that Ca2+ responses to GPCR activation are coordinated between neighboring ECs of resistance arteries.

Methods

EC tubes were freshly isolated from superior epigastric arteries of C57BL/6 mice. Intercellular coupling was tested using microinjection of propidium iodide. Following loading with fluo‐4 dye, intracellular Ca2+ responses to ACh were imaged with confocal microscopy.

Results

Cell‐to‐cell transfer of propidium iodide confirmed functional GJCs. A 1 μm ACh stimulus evoked Ca2+ responses (9.8 ± 0.8/min, F/F0 = 3.11 ± 0.2) which pseudo‐line‐scan analysis revealed as composed of Ca2+ waves and spatially restricted Ca2+ release events. A 100 nm ACh stimulus induced Ca2+ responses of lower frequency (4.5 ± 0.7/min) and amplitude (F/F0 = 1.95 ± 0.11) composed primarily of spatially restricted events. The time interval between Ca2+ waves in adjacent cells (0.79 ± 0.12 s) was shorter (p < 0.05) than that between nonadjacent cells (1.56 ± 0.25 s). Spatially restricted Ca2+ release events had similar frequencies and latencies between adjacent and nonadjacent cells. Inhibiting intracellular Ca2+ release with 2‐APB, Xestospongin C or thapsigargin eliminated Ca2+ responses.

Conclusions

With moderate GPCR stimulation, localized Ca2+ release events predominate among cells. Greater GPCR stimulation evokes coordinated intercellular Ca2+ waves via the ER. Calcium signaling during GPCR activation is complex among cells, varying with stimulus intensity and proximity to actively signaling cells.
FINLESS Heat Sinks, High Performance and Low Cost for Low Profile Cooling Applications
Authors: Walsh Ed , Grimes Ronan , Walsh Patrick , Stafford Jason
Published: August 2012

The need for low profile, sustainable thermal management solutions is becoming a critical need in electronics from consumer products to server cabinets. This work presents a FINLESS thermal management solution that utilises fluidic structures generated within it to enhance the heat transfer performance. The FINLESS thermal management solution can be manufactured to have a height of ∼5mm or even less when using low profile motors. Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) combined with Infra-Red (IR) imaging techniques are used to explain the underlying flow physics that results in increased heat transfer rates compared to typical laminar flows. It is found that the local heat transfer coefficients in the finless design are up to 300% greater than those achieved at the same Reynolds number using conventional boundary layer theory. The additional benefits in terms of sustainability of the approach are also highlighted.
An Unsteady Numerical Investigation on the Hysteresis Stall Loop of a Counter-Rotating Compressor
Authors: Wang Zhuoqi , Yuan Wei , Li Qiushi , Lu Yajun
Published: August 2012

For investigating the flow phenomena in the stall process, a full annular unsteady numerical simulation has been carried out on a low speed counter-rotating compressor. The numerical results are in good agreement with experimental results. According to the CFD results, the stall inception was found in the tip region of the front rotor. The rotating speed of stall cells in the front rotor are about 41% of the rotor speed and the direction is the same with the rotor rotating direction. The stall cells occupies about 20% of the blade span away from the casing wall when the compressor is in deep stall. The flow phenomena is well captured which explained why the compressor characteristic line appears as a hysteresis loop in the stall inception-recovery process.
A New Approach to Measure Strain During Friction Stir Welding Using Visioplasticity
Authors: Nourani Mohamadreza , Milani Abbas S. , Yannacopoulos Spiro
Published: August 2012

During modeling of the friction stir welding (FSW) process, the prediction of strain range experienced by the material is important as it affects the microstructure and mechanical properties of the final weld [1–7]. For aluminum alloys, this range has been reported very scarcely and/or scattered widely in the literature (the range of the maximum equivalent plastic strain has been reported to be from 2.4 to 184 [8–24]). A new approach is proposed in this article for measuring strain during friction stir welding using visioplasticity. In this approach, strains are calculated from changes in the boundaries of a small cylindrical Al-30% SiC composite marker mounted in the advancing side of mid-plane of adjacent plates during welding. The marker shape change is observed by a “stop action” (freeze-in) technique midway the process. COMSOL numerical modeling is then used to compute the strain distribution using the observed boundary changes compared to the initial marker boundaries. As an illustrative example, the method is applied to the results reported by London et al. [25] for the friction stir welding of 6.35 mm thick 7050 aluminum plates, welded with tool RPM of 350, welding speed of 1.69 mm/sec, tool pin diameter of 8 mm, tool shoulder diameter of 24 mm, and tool tilt angle of 3 degrees. A lower and upper bound of cumulative equivalent plastic strain of 14.1 and 20.3, respectively, were found to be in the neighborhood where the marker enters the severe deformation zone at mid-plane of plates in front of the leading edge of the pin.
Microchannel Two-Phase Flow Oscillation Control With an Adjustable Inlet Orifice
Authors: Odom Brent A. , Miner Mark J. , Ortiz Carlos A. , Sherbeck Jonathan A. , Prasher Ravi S. , Phelan Patrick E.
Published: August 2012

This work describes the experimental setup, method, and results of utilizing a micrometer to move an adjustable orifice immediately in front of an array of microchannels. Research by others indicates potential for significant improvement in delaying critical heat flux and increasing heat transfer coefficients when placing an orifice in front of each individual channel of a microchannel array. The experimental setup in this work allows incremental orifice size changes. This ability allows the experimentalist to find which orifice size provides enough pressure drop immediately in front of the channels to reduce oscillations. The design also allows for rapid change of orifice size without having to remove and replace any components of the test setup. Signal analysis methods were used to identify frequency and amplitude of pressure and temperature oscillations. Low mass flux experiments (300 kg m−2 s−1 and 600 kg m−2 s−1 of R134a in a pumped loop) showed reduced channel wall temperatures with smaller orifice sizes. The orifice concept was found to be more effective at reducing oscillations for the higher 600 kg m−2 s−1 flow rate.
Heterogeneous Modeling as a Basis for Improving the Reliability of Product Concepts
Authors: Sadek Tim , Wendland Michael , Meuris Daniel
Published: August 2012

The importance of the early design stages in a new product development for a successful outcome is well known. Reliability is a key property that can be identified as a major success factor for customer satisfaction. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure a reliability-oriented design process. Regarding the early design phases, several problems are identified in this paper. Insufficient methodical support, as well as a lack of knowledge and high uncertainty due to the use of new technologies, form major barriers for designers to create reliable products. This paper describes a combined modeling approach for reducing uncertainty and identifying potential failure modes in early design phases. Based upon “heterogeneous concept modeling” (HCM), a new method called “inverse functional modeling” (IFM) for identifying non-intended functions and non-intended physical effects is introduced. This novel approach is then evaluated by analyzing the reliability of an actuator based upon shape memory alloy, which represents a new technology inducing uncertainty. In addition, a computer-based tool is developed to allow the practical application of the described modeling approach and further aid the designer in creating reliable products.
Scale Modeling Studies on Flame Stretching and Swirling in a Room With Natural Vents
Authors: Chow W. K. , Han S. S.
Published: August 2012

Flame stretching and swirling in a room fire with natural vents will be studied with scale models in this paper. Experiments were carried out in two models of same size 18 cm by 15 cm by 15 cm with or without a movable wall. A total of 16 tests were carried out with different ceiling vent sizes and ventilation arrangement. Different propanol pool fires of diameters 0.11 m to 0.2 m were set up. Volume of propanol varied from 30 ml to 500 ml to give different burning durations. Two pool fires of same volume of fuel and diameter were used in each test, one put in the model and the other burnt outside. The flame lengths of the two fires inside and outside the room model were measured and compared. Two fire regimes under limited ventilation were observed in this scale modeling studies. Firstly, the pool fire inside the model burnt for a longer time with a taller flame when there is no ventilation provided to the model. At the later stage of the fire, the flame height inside the model stretched by over 20% taller than that for the pool fire outside the model. This fire scenario of having tall flame for a long time is very hazardous and should be considered in designing natural vents. Secondly, providing ventilation at the side wall of the model might induce swirling motion inside. Air will be supplied into the model to burn the pool fire faster with short duration. The flame swirled up to a tall height fast but not stretching up slowly as in the case with limited ventilation. The additional air intake flow can be taken as air pumping action.
Heat and Mass Transfer in Tubes With Various Twisted Tape Inserts
Authors: Tarasevich S. E. , Yakovlev A. B. , Giniyatullin A. A. , Shishkin A. V.
Published: August 2012

Results of an experimental research of structure of an adiabatic two-phase (air-to-water) flow in tubes with the twisted tape insert are presented. The basic feature of structure in such channels is that a liquid phase part (and all liquid at the high range of gas qualities) moves in the form of a stream (a cord) on the tape and doesn’t contact to an active heat transfer surface. The device for an intensification of a heat and mass transfer (especially at boiling) in the form of the twisted tape with ribs discretely installed on an angle to a tape axis is offered. Ribs on a tape promote displacement of a liquid from a tape to a tube heat transfer surface. Results of an experimental research of a heat transfer and a hydraulic resistance in tubes with various tape twisting inserts also are presented. Possibility of an effective utilization of the twisted tapes with ribs for an intensification of a heat and mass transfer in tubes is shown.
Blending Time and Velocity Variations During Blending in a Tank Using Dual Opposing Jets
Authors: Leishear Robert A. , Fowley Mark D. , Poirier Michael R. , Lee Si Y. , Steeper Timothy J.
Published: August 2012

Blending times are required for many process industries, and statistical analysis of the measured blending times was used to determine a relationship between CFD (computational fluid dynamics) predictions and experiments. A 95% blending time occurs when tank contents are sufficiently blended to ensure that concentration throughout the tank is within ±5% of the total change in concentration. To determine 95% blending times, acid and base tracers were added to an eight foot diameter tank, and the pH data were recorded to monitor blending. The data for six pH probes located throughout the tank were normalized to a range of 0 to 1. Then the blending time was established when the pH converged between 0.95 and 1.05 on the normalized graphs. Evaluation of results from 79 different tests concluded that the maximum blending time occurred randomly at any one of the six pH probes. The research then considered the calculated 95% blending times, which had uncertainties up to more than 100% at a 95% confidence level. However, this uncertainty is considered to be an actual variation in blending time, rather than an experimental error. Not only were there significant variations in the blending times, but there were significant variations in the velocities measured at different points in the blending tank.
System Level Design and Simulation of PV/Diesel/Battery Hybrid Power Systems for Portable Classrooms
Authors: Aliuddin Atif M. , Alhamoud AbdulAziz S. , Mekid Samir
Published: August 2012

This paper discusses a system level design and simulation of a portable solar powered classroom for rural areas that are not connected to the national grid. This constitutes a serious handicap to support general public utilities such as lack of proper schools and usual daily utilities. The lack of schools in such areas has lead to a lower level of educational standard as compared to urban schools. These regions are often isolated and far away from any major cities and thus have limited educational resources. Often these areas lack proper teaching facilities, which in turn discourage students from seriously pursuing education. Coincidentally these areas are exposed to a large amount of solar energy over the course of a year. This paper focuses on the utilization of this captured solar energy transformed into electricity to serve all electrical devices that equip a portable solar classroom. The load profile for this classroom was selected based on the power requirements of an average classroom and basic educational technologies. A parametric study was done using software that specializes in simulating renewable energy solutions (HOMER). Various alternatives for the same load profile are compared and a cost analysis and comparison between alternatives is presented. The practicality of the project is evaluated and a suitable Hybrid power system is presented.
Two-Component Coarse-Grain Model for Erythrocyte Membrane
Authors: Lykotrafitis George , Li He
Published: August 2012

Biological membranes are vital components of living cells as they function to maintain the structural integrity of the cells. Red blood cell (RBC) membrane comprises the lipid bilayer and the cytoskeleton network. The lipid bilayer consists of phospholipids, integral membrane proteins, peripheral proteins and cholesterol. It behaves as a 2D fluid. The cytoskeleton is a network of spectrin tetramers linked at the actin junctions. It is connected to the lipid bilayer primarily via Band-3 and ankyrin proteins. In this paper, we introduce a coarse-grained model with high computational efficiency for simulating a variety of dynamic and topological problems involving erythrocyte membranes. Coarse-grained agents are used to represent a cluster of lipid molecules and proteins with a diameter on the order of lipid bilayer thickness and carry both translational and rotational freedom. The membrane cytoskeleton is modeled as a canonical exagonal network of entropic springs that behave as Worm-Like-Chains (WLC). By simultaneously invoking these characteristics, the proposed model facilitates simulations that span large length-scales (∼ μm) and time-scales (∼ ms). The behavior of the model under shearing at different rates is studied. At low strain rates, the resulted shear stress is mainly due to the spectrin network and it shows the characteristic non-linear behavior of entropic networks, while the viscosity of the fluid-like lipid bilayer contributes to the resulting shear stress at higher strain rates. The apparent ease of this model in combining the spectrin network with the lipid bilayer presents a major advantage over conventional continuum methods such as finite element or finite difference methods for cell membranes.
Quantifying Confidence Envelopes for Efficiency Values in the SR-30 Turbojet Engine
Authors: Buchan Greg , Rossmann Jenn
Published: August 2012

Turbojet engines power most of the large military and commercial aircraft in production today. These types of engines are chosen over conventional piston-driven engines because of the turbojet’s superior fuel economy and thrust. To understand how turbojet engines can be compared and optimized, it is necessary to fully characterize their performance. This is generally achieved by calculating thermodynamic efficiency values for each component in the engine, and for the engine as a whole. For this research project, the Turbine Technologies SR-30 centrifugal flow turbojet engine was investigated. An adjustable coupling was designed to permit a single-point thermocouple to be moved and secured within the engine. From the data taken at multiple locations and throttle settings, temperature profiles of the compression and combustion chambers were created. A thermal/fluid dynamic equation routine was developed using Engineering Equation Solver (EES), in order to propagate these temperature profiles through efficiency and thrust calculations. The temperature profiles did not significantly affect theoretical thrust values. However, the dependence of component efficiency values on spatial temperature variation within the engine was significant. In the compression chamber, it was found that a 30°C variation in the temperature across the chamber resulted in a 15% variation in the calculated compressor efficiency. In the inner region of the combustion chamber, a variation in 20°C yielded a 20% variation in calculated turbine efficiency. In the outer region of the combustion chamber, where the temperature varied by almost 400 degrees Celsius, the turbine efficiency varied by about 600%. This work suggests optimal placement of the compression and combustion stage thermocouples when the SR-30 turbojet is to be used for undergraduate laboratories. It also highlights the risks posed by relying on single-point measurements to characterize complex flows.