bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical Analysis of Pontoon Effect on Flow-Induced Forces of the Deep Draft Semisubmersible in a Cross-Flow
Authors: Liu Mingyue , Xiao Longfei , Lyu Haining , Tao Longbin
Published: October 2015

Deep draft semisubmersible (DDS) concepts have been developed recently in order to improve the vertical motion characteristics of the platform, due to the smaller wave exciting forces on the pontoons than a conventional semisubmersible. However, the DDS may experience critical vortex-induced motions (VIM) stemming from the fluctuating forces in a strong current environment. Aiming to investigate the excitation loads and the mechanism of VIM, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analyses are performed to study the flow around the DDS in a cross-flow. Special attentions are paid to the effect of the pontoon and the heading angle. Good agreement between CFD simulations and model test results for the current loads of a DDS is observed. Detailed computational results including hydrodynamic loads and flow patterns are presented.
Wave Impact Loads on Offshore Gravity Based Structure
Authors: de Sonneville Ben , Hofland Bas , Mowinckel Amund , Paulsen Bo Terp
Published: October 2015

Aibel is developing an offshore power converter platform concept. Its foundation is gravity-based and consists of four columns interconnected by a ring-shaped pontoon at the seabed. The platform is intended for water depths in the order of 20 to 40m. In these waters, breaking waves typically cause large wave loads on the foundation that need to be accounted for in the design. The slamming loads, pressures and air gap at the platform were investigated with a combined approach of physical and numerical modeling. This paper summarizes the set-up, test program, measurement techniques, results and analysis of the physical model tests.

The tests showed that reflection and diffraction patterns caused a significant steepening of the waves between the columns, reducing the air gap and increasing the slamming frequency and magnitude on the downstream columns and underside of the deck. Excitation of resonant wave modes was identified for certain wave frequencies. Although the global wave loads were primarily governed by inertia, largest loads occurred under slamming impacts on the upstream columns, in phase with the inertial force.
Adaptive Grid Refinement for Free-Surface Flow Simulations in Offshore Applications
Authors: van der Plas Peter , Veldman Arthur E. P. , van der Heiden Henri J. L. , Luppes Roel
Published: October 2015

In many (wave) impact problems the area of interest does not change in time and is readily pointed out by hand, allowing for a one-time design of an efficient computational grid. However, for a large number of other applications, e.g. involving violent free-surface motion or moving objects, a reasonable efficiency gain can only be obtained by means of time-adaptive refinement of the grid. In previous studies a fixed, block-based Cartesian local grid refinement method was developed and implemented in the CFD simulation tool ComFLOW [1], a VOF-based Navier-Stokes solver on Cartesian grids with cut-cell discretization of the geometry. Special attention was paid to the interface discretization in cut-cells as well as the fluid displacement algorithm across refinement boundaries. The method was successfully applied to a range of offshore applications, including for example wave-impact on a semi-submersible (figure 1)and sloshing in a moonpool. In the present paper we present the first results of our attempts to extend the method to support adaptive refinement.
Analysis of the Draft Influence on the Numerical Resonant Effects in Side-by-Side Offloading Operation
Authors: Dinoi Pasquale , Watai Rafael A. , Ruggeri Felipe , Gómez-Goñi Jesus , Simos Alexandre N.
Published: October 2015

In the last years hydrodynamic interaction between two vessels in side-by-side configuration is one of the hot issues in offshore floating body dynamics. The paper investigates the hydrodynamical aspects of a floating two body system. The topic is geared towards analysing the influence of the vessel’s draft in side-by-side configuration and in head sea condition. The need to solve this problem arises when one wants to study the hydrodynamic variation for the various stages of a offloading process with a defined operational gap. The system is composed of a barge and a prismatic geosim with a fixed gap value and with two barge’s draft values. Regular wave tests have been performed in the model basin of CEHINAV-Technical University of Madrid (UPM). The motion for the geosim was restricted to the surge, heave and pitch motions (just motions on the vertical plane), whereas the barge was kept fixed. The costant gap value is guaranteed during the tests. A numerical model has been created with WAMIT and with an in-house time-domain Rankine Panel Method (TDRPM). In each case the numerical and experimental response amplitude operators (RAOs) are obtained and compared, researching the limitation of the numerical codes for the gap flow modeling. In the past the gap effects on the numerical results have been studied varying the gap value finding resonant behavior in terms of motion and wave amplitude RAOs. Now the draft value contribution on the hydrodynamic effects is investigated. Also in this case the numerical results indicate a resonant behavior in determined frequencies in motion as well as in wave in the gap, that is not found in the tests. In order to overcome this problem, a procedure for introducing an external damping factor that attenuates the wave amplitude along the gap in the time-domain RPM is evaluated based on the experimental data.
Investigation of Ventilation and Current Effect of Tunnel Thruster for DP Applications
Authors: Lu Ping , Wang Sue
Published: October 2015

This paper presents a CFD simulation to study the ventilation phenomenon of tunnel thrusters in dynamic positioning (DP) mode of a typical North Sea shuttle tanker consisting of two main propellers, two rudders, and two bow tunnel thrusters. Measurements of blade thrust and moment for the propeller shaft (corresponding to propeller torque) with ventilated propellers at different submersion positions are presented and discussed. Additionally, in order to obtain insight into the effect of waves on ventilation which further affects propeller loading and dynamic fluctuations, simulations of a tunnel thruster are performed at different immersion ratios.

This paper also presents and discusses the factors in the evaluation of thruster performance, such as, the extent of present knowledge for tunnel thrusters as related to ahead ship speed, and interaction between thruster jet flow and the mainstream with various drift angles. Moreover, thrust degradation of tunnel thrusters is considered in the thrust allocation algorithms for the DP capability calculation.

The objective of this study is to understand the dynamics of thruster forces. In addition, results of the study provide knowledge for a robust thrust allocation algorithm for dynamic positioning capability assessment.
A Higher Order Time Domain Rankine Panel Method for Linear and Weakly Non-Linear Computation
Authors: Ruggeri Felipe , Watai Rafael A. , Simos Alexandre N.
Published: October 2015

This paper presents a higher order time domain boundary elements method based on the Rankine sources for the computation of both linear and weakly non-linear effects for both fixed and free floating bodies. The geometry is described based on surfaces in a standard iges file, considering a NURBS (Non Uniform Rational Basis-Spline) description. The potential function, velocity, free-surface elevation and other quantities are defined using b-splines of arbitrary degree and the floating body interaction is solved using the potential acceleration approach on a Runge-Kutta scheme for time evolution. The integral equation is obtained and solved considering several possibilities for the collocation points, leading to an over-determined system. The integration over the panels is performed using a mixed desingularized-numerical method over Gaussian points. The results comparison are performed with WAMIT solution for a floating sphere concerning wave runup, body motions, velocity field, mean drift components in time domain.
Numerical Simulation of a Submersible Buoy Using a Wake Oscillator Model Calibrated for VIM
Authors: Fontoura Diener V. R. , Tsukada Raphael I. , Shiguemoto Denis A.
Published: October 2015

New discoveries of petroleum reservoirs in ultra deep-water depths, like Pre-salt fields in Santos Basin, are demanding new riser systems concepts. In this scenario, the Free-Standing Hybrid Riser (FSHR) system is a viable choice. A submersible buoy connected by rigid and flexible risers constitutes this riser system. The sea current can cause the Vortex-Induced Motion (VIM) of the buoy, which can increase significantly the riser fatigue damage. Although the VIM phenomenon is similar to Vortex-Induced Vibration (VIV), it generally occurs in rigid bodies with low aspect ratio, where end effects causes tridimensional flow behavior. Therefore, the vortex wake characteristics and the hydrodynamics coefficients found for VIV is no longer valid for VIM. In this context, wake oscillator models used for VIV prediction in actual form is not adequate for the VIM prediction of the buoys. In this paper, a VIV wake oscillator model is calibrated for VIM, through hydrodynamic coefficients found in the technical literature. In order to verify accuracy, the VIM calibrated wake oscillator model is used to reproduce some FSHR reduced model tests. The results of amplitude and frequency of oscillation against the reduced velocity obtained from the numerical simulation are compared with the experimental results. The numerical results presented the same trend with some differences in amplitude. The amplitude deviation could be related to the hydrodynamics coefficients used in the calibration of the wake oscillator model.
An Experimental Investigation of the Noise Sources Associated With Submerged High Flow Acoustic Measurements
Authors: Hall Joseph W. , Poole Barrett
Published: October 2015

A study of the noise sources on an submerged housing designed to facilitate acoustic measurements in high flow situations was investigated experimentally. A scale-mode of the housing was mounted in a low speed wind-tunnel and mean and unsteady surface pressure measurements were taken all over the surface of the housing. The measurements indicate that flow-separation occurs on several of the model edges and that a protruding instrument housing produces a strong turbulent wake. The associated pressure fluctuations produce large, low frequencies fluctuations that are broadband along with discrete tones that occur at higher frequencies.
Comparison of organ‐at‐risk sparing and plan robustness for spot‐scanning proton therapy and volumetric modulated arc photon therapy in head‐and‐neck cancer
Authors: Barten Danique L. J. , Tol Jim P. , Dahele Max , Slotman Ben J. , Verbakel Wilko F. A. R.
Published: October 2015

Purpose:

Proton radiotherapy for head‐and‐neck cancer (HNC) aims to improve organ‐at‐risk (OAR) sparing over photon radiotherapy. However, it may be less robust for setup and range uncertainties. The authors investigated OAR sparing and plan robustness for spot‐scanning proton planning techniques and compared these with volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) photon plans.

Methods:

Ten HNC patients were replanned using two arc VMAT (RapidArc) and spot‐scanning proton techniques. OARs to be spared included the contra‐ and ipsilateral parotid and submandibular glands and individual swallowing muscles. Proton plans were made using Multifield Optimization (MFO, using three, five, and seven fields) and Single‐field Optimization (SFO, using three fields). OAR sparing was evaluated using mean dose to composite salivary glands (CompSal) and composite swallowing muscles (CompSwal). Plan robustness was determined for setup and range uncertainties (±3 mm for setup, ±3% HU) evaluating V95% and V107% for clinical target volumes.

Results:

Averaged over all patients CompSal/CompSwal mean doses were lower for the three‐field MFO plans (14.6/16.4 Gy) compared to the three‐field SFO plans (20.0/23.7 Gy) and VMAT plans (23.0/25.3 Gy). Using more than three fields resulted in differences in OAR sparing of less than 1.5 Gy between plans. SFO plans were significantly more robust than MFO plans. VMAT plans were the most robust.

Conclusions:

MFO plans had improved OAR sparing but were less robust than SFO and VMAT plans, while SFO plans were more robust than MFO plans but resulted in less OAR sparing. Robustness of the MFO plans did not increase with more fields.
Out of the darkness
Authors: Chatterjee Rhitu
Published: October 2015

Defying expectations, cataract surgery in Indian children is endowing them with vision—and shedding light on how the brain learns to see.
Systems biology (un)certainties
Authors: Kirk P. D. W. , Babtie A. C. , Stumpf M. P. H.
Published: October 2015

How can modelers restore confidence in systems and computational biology?
MicroRNA-encoded behavior in
Drosophila
Authors: Picao-Osorio Joao , Johnston Jamie , Landgraf Matthias , Berni Jimena , Alonso Claudio R.
Published: October 2015

The relationship between microRNA (miRNA) regulation and the specification of behavior is only beginning to be explored. We found that mutation of a single miRNA locus (
miR-iab4/iab8
) in
Drosophila
larvae affects the animal’s capacity to correct its orientation if turned upside down (self-righting). One of the miRNA targets involved in this behavior is the
Hox
gene
Ultrabithorax
, whose derepression in two metameric neurons leads to self-righting defects. In vivo neural activity analysis reveals that these neurons, the self-righting node (SRN), have different activity patterns in wild type and miRNA mutants, whereas thermogenetic manipulation of SRN activity results in changes in self-righting behavior. Our work thus reveals a miRNA-encoded behavior and suggests that other miRNAs might also be involved in behavioral control in
Drosophila
and other species.
Genome Sequence of
Flavobacterium akiainvivens
IK-1
T
, Isolated from Decaying
Wikstroemia oahuensis
, an Endemic Hawaiian Shrub
Authors: Wan Xuehua , Hou Shaobin , Saito Jennifer A. , Kaneshiro Kenneth Y. , Donachie Stuart P.
Published: October 2015

Flavobacterium
spp. have been cultivated from diverse aquatic and terrestrial habitats.
F. akiainvivens
IK-1
T
was cultivated from decaying wood of
Wikstroemia oahuensis
, an endemic Hawaiian shrub. The strain's genome sequence may provide insights into niche adaptation and evolution of the genus in a mid-ocean archipelago.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Enteropathogenic Bacterium Campylobacter jejuni Strain cj255
Authors: Siddiqui Fariha Masood , Ibrahim Muhammad , Noureen Nighat , Noreen Zobia , Titball Richard W. , Champion Olivia L. , Wren Brendan W. , Studholme David , Bokhari Habib
Published: October 2015

The enteropathogen
Campylobacter jejuni
is a global health disaster, being one of the leading causes of bacterial gastroenteritis. Here, we present the draft genome sequence of
C. jejuni
strain cj255, isolated from a chicken source in Islamabad, Pakistan. The draft genome sequence will aid in epidemiological studies and quarantine of this broad-host-range pathogen.
Genome Sequence of Bacillus butanolivorans K9
T
(DSM 18926), an
n
-Butanol-Consuming Bacterium Isolated from Soil
Authors: Wang Jie-ping , Liu Bo , Liu Guo-hong , Chen De-ju , Xiao Rong-feng , Zheng Xue-fang , Shi Huai , Ge Ci-bin
Published: October 2015

Bacillus butanolivorans
K9
T
(DSM 18926) is a Gram-positive, spore-forming, strictly aerobic, and
n
-butanol-consuming bacterium. Here, we report the 5.68-Mb genome sequence of
B. butanolivorans
K9
T
, which is the first genomic information of this species that will provide useful information for the genomic taxonomy and phylogenomics of
Bacillus
-like bacteria.
Recurrent episodes of unexplained hypoelectrolytaemia of a rare cause in a young Saudi girl
Authors: Al-Atawi Mohsen Suliaman , Al-Queflie Sulaiman Abdullah , Al-Sadoon Hamad Abdullah
Published: October 2015

We report a case of a 36-month-old Saudi girl who presented with recurrent episodes of unexplained hypoelectrolytaemia. Her cystic fibrosis CFTR (Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane conductance Regulator) full gene sequence confirmed that she was homozygous for D579G mutation.
Group C streptococcal septic arthritis of a prosthetic hip joint following dental treatment
Authors: Al-Himdani Sarah , Woodnutt David
Published: October 2015

We report a case of a prosthetic joint infection occurring secondary to group CStreptococcusfollowing dental treatment in a 66-year-old woman. This patient presented 11 years following a right hip resurfacing procedure with increasing pain and difficulty mobilising the right hip. An ultrasound and MRI scan identified a collection in the right hip joint, which was subsequently aspirated. Cultures revealed a group CStreptococcus. Extensive washout and surgical debridement of the hip joint was undertaken and the patient was treated with a protracted course of antibiotics. At 1 year follow-up, the patient demonstrated no evidence of recurrent infection. We discuss the evidence underlying prophylactic antibiotic usage regarding dental procedures in the prevention of septic arthritis in patients with prosthetic joints. We also review the spectrum of diseases caused by this organism.
Self-reported quality care for knee osteoarthritis: comparisons across Denmark, Norway, Portugal and the UK
Authors: Østerås N , Jordan K P , Clausen B , Cordeiro C , Dziedzic K , Edwards J , Grønhaug G , Higginbottom A , Lund H , Pacheco G , Pais S , Hagen K B
Published: October 2015

Objectives

To assess and compare patient perceived quality of osteoarthritis (OA) management in primary healthcare in Denmark, Norway, Portugal and the UK.

Methods

Participants consulting with clinical signs and symptoms of knee OA were identified in 30 general practices and invited to complete a cross-sectional survey including quality indicators (QI) for OA care. A QI was considered as eligible if the participant had checked ‘Yes’ or ‘No’, and as achieved if the participant had checked ‘Yes’ to the indicator. The median percentage (with IQR and range) of eligible QIs achieved by country was determined and compared in negative binominal regression analysis. Achievement of individual QIs by country was determined and compared using logistic regression analyses.

Results

A total of 354 participants self-reported QI achievement. The median percentage of eligible QIs achieved (checked ‘Yes’) was 48% (IQR 28%, 64%; range 0–100%) for the total sample with relatively similar medians across three of four countries. Achievement rates on individual QIs showed a large variation ranging from 11% (referral to services for losing weight) to 67% (information about the importance of exercise) with significant differences in achievement rates between the countries.

Conclusions

The results indicated a potential for improvement in OA care in all four countries, but for somewhat different aspects of OA care. By exploring these differences and comparing healthcare services, ideas may be generated on how the quality might be improved across nations. Larger studies are needed to confirm and further explore the findings.
Effects of exercise and dietary epigallocatechin gallate and β-alanine on skeletal muscle in aged mice
Authors: Pence Brandt D. , Gibbons Trisha E. , Bhattacharya Tushar K. , Mach Houston , Ossyra Jessica M. , Petr Geraldine , Martin Stephen A. , Wang Lin , Rubakhin Stanislav S. , Sweedler Jonathan V. , McCusker Robert H. , Kelley Keith W. , Rhodes Justin S. , Johnson Rodney W. , Woods Jeffrey A.
Published: October 2015

Aging leads to sarcopenia and loss of physical function. We examined whether voluntary wheel running, when combined with dietary supplementation with (−)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) and β-alanine (β-ALA), could improve muscle function and alter gene expression in the gastrocnemius of aged mice. Seventeen-month-old BALB/cByJ mice were given access to a running wheel or remained sedentary for 41 days while receiving either AIN-93M (standard feed) or AIN-93M containing 1.5 mg·kg−1EGCG and 3.43 mg·kg−1β-ALA. Mice underwent tests over 11 days from day 29 to day 39 of the study period, including muscle function testing (grip strength, treadmill exhaustive fatigue, rotarod). Following a rest day, mice were euthanized and gastrocnemii were collected for analysis of gene expression by quantitative PCR. Voluntary wheel running (VWR) improved rotarod and treadmill exhaustive fatigue performance and maintained grip strength in aged mice, while dietary intervention had no effect. VWR increased gastrocnemius expression of several genes, including those encoding interleukin-6 (Il6, p = 0.001), superoxide dismutase 1 (Sod1, p = 0.046), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-α (Ppargc1a, p = 0.013), forkhead box protein O3 (Foxo3, p = 0.005), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (Bdnf, p = 0.008), while reducing gastrocnemius levels of the lipid peroxidation marker 4-hydroxynonenal (p = 0.019). Dietary intervention alone increased gastrocnemius expression of Ppargc1a (p = 0.033) and genes encoding NAD-dependent protein deacetylase sirtuin-1 (Sirt1, p = 0.039), insulin-like growth factor I (Igf1, p = 0.003), and macrophage marker CD11b (Itgam, p = 0.016). Exercise and a diet containing β-ALA and EGCG differentially regulated gene expression in the gastrocnemius of aged mice, while VWR but not dietary intervention improved muscle function. We found no synergistic effects between dietary intervention and VWR.
Phonon residual resistance of pure crystals
Authors: Agafonov A. I.
Published: October 2015

In this paper, using the Boltzmann transport equation, we study the zero temperature resistance of perfect metallic crystals of a finite thickness d along which a weak constant electric field E is applied. This resistance, hereinafter referred to as the phonon residual resistance, is caused by the inelastic scattering of electrons heated by the electric field, with emission of long-wave acoustic phonons and is proportional to [Formula: see text]. Consideration is carried out for Cu, Ag and Au perfect crystals with the thickness of about 1 cm, in the fields of the order of 1 mV/cm. Following the Matthiessen rule, the resistance of the pure crystals, the thicknesses of which are much larger than the electron mean free path is represented as the sum of both the impurity and phonon residual resistances. The condition on the thickness and field is found at which the low-temperature resistance of pure crystals does not depend on their purity and is determined by the phonon residual resistivity of the ideal crystals. The calculations are performed for Cu with a purity of at least 99.9999%.
Post-measurement state and entropy in finite quantum systems
Authors: Hadhrami Hilal Al
Published: October 2015

We studied in this paper the bipartite quantum systems in finite Hilbert space. We applied the measurement on the first subsystem only and studied how this measurement is affecting the entropy of the second subsystem. The analytic work carried out in this paper shows that the post measurement state is factorizable when measurement is applied on the first subsystem. This result shows that the disorder of the system is reduced and hence the entropy of the whole system is reduced as expected. However, it is also shown in this work that the entropy of the second subsystem of the post-measurement state could be greater than that of the original state. Increasing entropy after measurement means that the disorder in the second subsystem is increased. The information we gain from measuring the first subsystem reduces our information about the second subsystem rather than increasing it or at least keeping it the same as expected. This means that more factors may be required in order to calculate the probability of finding the second subsystem in a certain state.
Nonlinear Physics Down Under
Authors: Kivshar Yuri
Published: October 2015

Nonlinear Physics Center was established in 2002, as a small group working on various problems of nonlinear dynamics and solitons. Then it became a separate department of the Research School of Physics and Engineering which was continuously expanding with the support from the Australian Research Council (ARC) through a variety of different funding schemes — individual fellowships and the ARC Center of Excellence program. In August 2014, the Center's research was conducted by 17 researchers and 19 PhD students (see Fig 1). Currently, the Nonlinear Physics Center is engaged in theoretical and experimental research in several areas unified by the general concepts of nonlinear physics and photonics. The Center is composed of several major research groups with not sharply defined boundaries.
My Memory of Ken Wilson
Authors: Zee Anthony
Published: October 2015

In this article, I will talk about the impact Kenneth Geddes Wilson (1936-2013) had on my career.
My Life with Quarks
Authors: Glashow Sheldon Lee
Published: October 2015

This is a personal, anecdotal and autobiographical account of my early endeavors in particle physics, emphasizing how they interwove with the conception and eventual acceptance of the quark hypothesis. I focus on the years from 1958, when my doctoral work at Harvard was completed, to 1970, when John Iliopoulos, Luciano Maiani and I introduced the GIM mechanism, thereby extending the electroweak model to include all known particles, and some that were not then known. I have not described the profound advances in quantum field theory and the many difficult and ingenious experimental efforts that undergird my story which is not intended to be an inclusive record of this exciting decade of my discipline. My tale begins almost two years before I met Murray and over five years before the invention of quarks.
Arthur Smith Woodward and his involvement in the study of human evolution
Authors: Dean Christopher , De Groote Isabelle , Stringer Chris
Published: October 2015

In 1884, Arthur Smith Woodward first met Charles Dawson, a solicitor and industrious amateur collector, antiquarian, geologist, archaeologist and palaeontologist. This began a long association and friendship centred on their mutual interest in palaeontology and human evolution. Dawson devised a complicated plot focused around the ancient river gravel deposits at Barkham Manor near the village of Piltdown, Sussex. In these gravels he planted stone tools and fossil mammal remains together with the lower jaw of an ape and numerous modern human cranial bones to deceive the scientific establishment into believing an early human ancestor had been found in his own back yard. Cleverly devised to provide anatomists and archaeologists with evidence for concepts that they wanted to believe were true, Dawson fuelled numerous contentious debates among scientists that quickly attracted international attention. Nothing could be more unfortunate than such a respectable scientist as Arthur Smith Woodward being taken in by the events of 1912, and then subsequently swept along by them well into his retirement right up to the time of his death in 1944.
Genetic identity of thermosensory relay neurons in the lateral parabrachial nucleus
Authors: Geerling Joel C. , Kim Minjee , Mahoney Carrie E. , Abbott Stephen B. G. , Agostinelli Lindsay J. , Garfield Alastair S. , Krashes Michael J. , Lowell Bradford B. , Scammell Thomas E.
Published: October 2015

The parabrachial nucleus is important for thermoregulation because it relays skin temperature information from the spinal cord to the hypothalamus. Prior work in rats localized thermosensory relay neurons to its lateral subdivision (LPB), but the genetic and neurochemical identity of these neurons remains unknown. To determine the identity of LPB thermosensory neurons, we exposed mice to a warm (36°C) or cool (4°C) ambient temperature. Each condition activated neurons in distinct LPB subregions that receive input from the spinal cord. Most c-Fos+ neurons in these LPB subregions expressed the transcription factor marker FoxP2. Consistent with prior evidence that LPB thermosensory relay neurons are glutamatergic, all FoxP2+ neurons in these subregions colocalized with green fluorescent protein (GFP) in reporter mice for Vglut2, but not for Vgat. Prodynorphin ( Pdyn)-expressing neurons were identified using a GFP reporter mouse and formed a caudal subset of LPB FoxP2+ neurons, primarily in the dorsal lateral subnucleus (PBdL). Warm exposure activated many FoxP2+ neurons within PBdL. Half of the c-Fos+ neurons in PBdL were Pdyn+, and most of these project into the preoptic area. Cool exposure activated a separate FoxP2+ cluster of neurons in the far-rostral LPB, which we named the rostral-to-external lateral subnucleus (PBreL). These findings improve our understanding of LPB organization and reveal that Pdyn- IRES- Cre mice provide genetic access to warm-activated, FoxP2+ glutamatergic neurons in PBdL, many of which project to the hypothalamus.
ANG II-induced hypertension in the VCD mouse model of menopause is prevented by estrogen replacement during perimenopause
Authors: Pollow Dennis P. , Romero-Aleshire Melissa J. , Sanchez Jessica N. , Konhilas John P. , Brooks Heddwen L.
Published: October 2015

Premenopausal females are resistant to the development of hypertension, and this protection is lost after the onset of menopause, resulting in a sharp increase in disease onset and severity. However, it is unknown how a fluctuating ovarian hormone environment during the transition from perimenopause to menopause impacts the onset of hypertension, and whether interventions during perimenopause prevent disease onset after menopause. A gradual transition to menopause was induced by repeated daily injections of 4-vinylcyclohexene diepoxide (VCD). ANG II (800 ng·kg−1·min−1) was infused into perimenopausal and menopausal female mice for 14 days. A separate cohort of mice received 17β-estradiol replacement during perimenopause. ANG II infusion produced significantly higher mean arterial pressure (MAP) in menopausal vs. cycling females, and 17β-estradiol replacement prevented this increase. In contrast, MAP was not significantly different when ANG II was infused into perimenopausal and cycling females, suggesting that female resistance to ANG II-induced hypertension is intact during perimenopause. ANG II infusion caused a significant glomerular hypertrophy, and hypertrophy was not impacted by hormonal status. Expression levels of aquaporin-2 (AQP2), a collecting duct protein, have been suggested to reflect blood pressure. AQP2 protein expression was significantly downregulated in the renal cortex of the ANG II-infused menopause group, where blood pressure was increased. AQP2 expression levels were restored to control levels with 17β-estradiol replacement. This study indicates that the changing hormonal environment in the VCD model of menopause impacts the severity of ANG II-induced hypertension. These data highlight the utility of the ovary-intact VCD model of menopause as a clinically relevant model to investigate the physiological mechanisms of hypertension that occur in women during the transition into menopause.
The utility of Valsalva maneuver in the diagnoses of orthostatic disorders
Authors: Palamarchuk Iryna S. , Baker Jacquie , Kimpinski Kurt
Published: October 2015

The objective of this study was to assess hemodynamic responses and baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) indexes during Valsalva maneuver (VM) and head-up tilt (HUT) testing in orthostatic intolerance (OI). Patients with neurogenic orthostatic hypotension (NOH, n = 26), postural tachycardia syndrome ( n = 26) and symptomatic OI ( n = 14) were compared with healthy population (control, n = 107) and inappropriate sinus tachycardia ( n = 7). Hemodynamic assessment included patterning and quantification with vagal and adrenergic BRS (BRSa/BRSa1). In NOH, cardiovagal systolic blood pressure (SBP) decrements in VM and HUT were correlated ( r = 0.660, P < 0.001); a “V” pattern of VM indicated α-BRSa failure. Yet BRSa1 did not reveal changes vs. control ( P > 0.05) or was not applicable in 60% of NOH. In symptomatic OI, compared with control, cardiovagal SBP decrements were larger ( P < 0.05); higher BRSa1 contradicted higher adrenergic index (Composite Autonomic Severity Score). Overshoot in phase IV dipped below baseline or dropped ≥ 10 mmHg over 8 s in postural tachycardia syndrome (“N” pattern), but by 3 s in inappropriate sinus tachycardia (“M” pattern). Visualization of distinct VM patterns allows primary evaluation of autonomic dysfunction and differentiation of the various forms of OI. BRSa1 evaluation is compromised by pathological SBP patterns. VM patterning is a valuable nonpostural supplement to HUT capable of detecting and differentiating OI.
Fluoxetine stimulates anti-inflammatory IL-10 cytokine production and attenuates sensory deficits in a rat model of decompression sickness
Authors: Blatteau Jean-Eric , de Maistre Sébastien , Lambrechts Kate , Abraini Jacques , Risso Jean-Jacques , Vallée Nicolas
Published: October 2015

Despite “gold standard” hyperbaric oxygen treatment, 30% of patients suffering from neurological decompression sickness still exhibit incomplete recovery, including sensory impairments. Fluoxetine, a well-known antidepressant, is recognized as having anti-inflammatory effects in the setting of cerebral ischemia. In this study, we focused on the assessment of sensory neurological deficits and measurement of circulating cytokines after decompression in rats treated or not with fluoxetine. Seventy-eight rats were divided into a clinical ( n = 38) and a cytokine ( n = 40) group. In both groups, the rats were treated with fluoxetine (30 mg/kg po, 6 h beforehand) or with a saccharine solution. All of the rats were exposed to 90 m seawater for 45 min before staged decompression. In the clinical group, paw withdrawal force after mechanical stimulation and paw withdrawal latency after thermal stimulation were evaluated before and 1 and 48 h after surfacing. At 48 h, a dynamic weight-bearing device was used to assess postural stability, depending on the time spent on three or four paws. For cytokine analysis, blood samples were collected from the vena cava 1 h after surfacing. Paw withdrawal force and latency were increased after surfacing in the controls, but not in the fluoxetine group. Dynamic weight-bearing assessment highlighted a better stability on three paws for the fluoxetine group. IL-10 levels were significantly decreased after decompression in the controls, but maintained at baseline level with fluoxetine. This study suggests that fluoxetine has a beneficial effect on sensory neurological recovery. We hypothesize that the observed effect is mediated through maintained anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 production.
Impairments in central cardiovascular function contribute to attenuated reflex vasodilation in aged skin
Authors: Greaney Jody L. , Stanhewicz Anna E. , Proctor David N. , Alexander Lacy M. , Kenney W. Larry
Published: October 2015

During supine passive heating, increases in skin blood flow (SkBF) and cardiac output (Qc) are both blunted in older adults. The aim here was to determine the effect of acutely correcting the peripheral vasodilatory capacity of aged skin on the integrated cardiovascular responses to passive heating. A secondary aim was to examine the SkBF-Qc relation during hyperthermia in the presence (upright posture) and absence (dynamic exercise) of challenges to central venous pressure. We hypothesized that greater increases in SkBF would be accompanied by greater increases in Qc. Eleven healthy older adults (69 ± 3 yr) underwent supine passive heating (0.8°C rise in core temperature; water-perfused suit) after ingesting sapropterin (BH4, a nitric oxide synthase cofactor; 10 mg/kg) or placebo (randomized double-blind crossover design). Twelve young (24 ± 1 yr) subjects served as a comparison group. SkBF (laser-Doppler flowmetry) and Qc (open-circuit acetylene wash-in) were measured during supine heating, heating + upright posture, and heating + dynamic exercise. Throughout supine and upright heating, sapropterin fully restored the SkBF response of older adults to that of young adults but Qc remained blunted. During heat + upright posture, SkBF failed to decrease in untreated older subjects. There were no age- or treatment-related differences in SkBF-Qc during dynamic exercise. The principal finding of this study was that the blunted Qc response to passive heat stress is directly related to age as opposed to the blunted peripheral vasodilatory capacity of aged skin. Furthermore, peripheral impairments to SkBF in the aged may contribute to inapposite responses during challenges to central venous pressure during hyperthermia.
Whakawhiti Kōrero, a Method for the Development of a Cultural Assessment Tool, Te Waka Kuaka, in Māori Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Elder Hinemoa , Kersten Paula
Published: October 2015

The importance of tools for the measurement of outcomes and needs in traumatic brain injury is well recognised. The development of tools for these injuries in indigenous communities has been limited despite the well-documented disparity of brain injury. The wairua theory of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in Māori proposes that a culturally defined injury occurs in tandem with the physical injury. A cultural response is therefore indicated. This research investigates a Māori method used in the development of cultural needs assessment tool designed to further examine needs associated with the culturally determined injury and in preparation for formal validation. Whakawhiti kōrero is a method used to develop better statements in the development of the assessment tool. Four wānanga (traditional fora) were held including one with whānau (extended family) with experience of traumatic brain injury. The approach was well received. A final version, Te Waka Kuaka, is now ready for validation. Whakawhiti kōrero is an indigenous method used in the development of cultural needs assessment tool in Māori traumatic brain injury. This method is likely to have wider applicability, such as Mental Health and Addictions Services, to ensure robust process of outcome measure and needs assessment development.
Danger Signs of Childhood Pneumonia: Caregiver Awareness and Care Seeking Behavior in a Developing Country
Authors: Ndu Ikenna K. , Ekwochi Uchenna , Osuorah Chidiebere D. I. , Onah Kenechi S. , Obuoha Ejike , Odetunde Odutola I. , Nwokoye Ikenna , Obumneme-Anyim Nnenne I. , Okeke Ifeyinwa B. , Amadi Ogechukwu F.
Published: October 2015

Background.Efforts to reduce child mortality especially in Africa must as a necessity aim to decrease mortality due to pneumonia. To achieve this, preventive strategies such as expanding vaccination coverage are key. However once a child develops pneumonia prompt treatment which is essential to survival is dependent on mothers and caregiver recognition of the symptoms and danger signs of pneumonia.Methods.This community based cross-sectional study enrolled four hundred and sixty-six caregivers in Enugu state. It aimed to determine knowledge of caregivers about danger signs of pneumonia and the sociodemographic factors that influence knowledge and care seeking behaviour of caregivers.Results.There is poor knowledge of the aetiology and danger signs of pneumonia among caregivers. Higher maternal educational attainment and residence in semiurban area were significantly associated with knowledge of aetiology, danger signs, and vaccination of their children against pneumonia. Fast breathing and difficulty in breathing were the commonest known and experienced WHO recognized danger signs while fever was the commonest perceived danger sign among caregivers.Conclusion.Knowledge of danger signs and health seeking behaviour among caregivers is inadequate. There is need for intensified public and hospital based interventions targeted at mothers to improve their knowledge about pneumonia.
Mechanism of Action of Bortezomib and the New Proteasome Inhibitors on Myeloma Cells and the Bone Microenvironment: Impact on Myeloma-Induced Alterations of Bone Remodeling
Authors: Accardi Fabrizio , Toscani Denise , Bolzoni Marina , Dalla Palma Benedetta , Aversa Franco , Giuliani Nicola
Published: October 2015

Multiple myeloma (MM) is characterized by a high capacity to induce alterations in the bone remodeling process. The increase in osteoclastogenesis and the suppression of osteoblast formation are both involved in the pathophysiology of the bone lesions in MM. The proteasome inhibitor (PI) bortezomib is the first drug designed and approved for the treatment of MM patients by targeting the proteasome. However, recently novel PIs have been developed to overcome bortezomib resistance. Interestingly, several preclinical data indicate that the proteasome complex is involved in both osteoclast and osteoblast formation. It is also evident that bortezomib either inhibits osteoclast differentiation induced by the receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) ligand (RANKL) or stimulates the osteoblast differentiation. Similarly, the new PIs including carfilzomib and ixazomib can inhibit bone resorption and stimulate the osteoblast differentiation. In a clinical setting, PIs restore the abnormal bone remodeling by normalizing the levels of bone turnover markers. In addition, a bone anabolic effect was described in responding MM patients treated with PIs, as demonstrated by the increase in the osteoblast number. This review summarizes the preclinical and clinical evidence on the effects of bortezomib and other new PIs on myeloma bone disease.
Comparison of Conventional Methods and Laser-Assisted Rapid Prototyping for Manufacturing Fixed Dental Prostheses: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Pompa Giorgio , Di Carlo Stefano , De Angelis Francesca , Cristalli Maria Paola , Annibali Susanna
Published: October 2015

This study assessed whether there are differences in marginal fit between laser-fusion and conventional techniques to produce fixed dental prostheses (FDPs). A master steel die with 2 abutments was produced to receive a posterior 4-unit FDPs and single copings. These experimental models were divided into three groups (n=20/group) manufactured: group 1, Ni-Cr alloy, with a lost-wax casting technique; group 2, Co-Cr alloy, with selective laser melting (SLM); and group 3, yttria-tetragonal zirconia polycrystal (Y-TZP), with a milling system. All specimens were cut along the longitudinal axis and their adaptation was measured at the marginal and shoulder areas on the right and left sides of each abutment. Measurements were made using a stereomicroscope (×60 magnification) and a scanning electron microscope (×800 magnification). The data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance and the Bonferroni post hoc test, with a significance cutoff of 5%. Significant differences (P<0.05) were observed between group 3 and the other groups. The marginal opening was smallest with Co-Cr alloy substructures, while the shoulder opening was smallest with Ni-Cr alloy substructures. Within the limitations of this study, the marginal fit of an FDP is better with rapid prototyping (RP) via SLM than conventional manufacturing systems.
Photocatalysis of Yttrium Doped BaTiO3 Nanofibres Synthesized by Electrospinning
Authors: Shen Zhenjiang , Wang Yu , Chen Wanping , Chan Helen Lai Wah , Bing Lina
Published: October 2015

Yttrium doped barium titanate (BT) nanofibres (NFs) with significant photocatalytic effect were successfully synthesized by electrospinning. Considering the necessary factors for semiconductor photocatalysts, a well‐designed procedure was carried out to produce yttrium doped BT (BYT) NFs. In contrast to BYT ceramics powders and BT NFs, BYT NFs with pure perovskite phase showed much enhanced performance of photocatalysis. The surface modification in electrospinning and subsequent annealing, the surface spreading of transition metal yttrium, and the narrowed band gap energy in yttrium doping were all contributed to the final novel photocatalytic effect. This work provides a direct and efficient route to obtain doped NFs, which has a wide range of potential applications in areas based on complex compounds with specific surface and special doping effect.
Comparison of Propofol, Propofol-Remifentanil, and Propofol-Fentanyl Administrations with Each Other Used for the Sedation of Patients to Undergo ERCP
Authors: Haytural Candan , Aydınlı Bahar , Demir Berna , Bozkurt Elif , Parlak Erkan , Dişibeyaz Selçuk , Saraç Ahmet , Özgök Ayşegül , Kazancı Dilek
Published: October 2015

Introduction. Using single anesthetic agent in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) may lead to inadequate analgesia and sedation. To achieve the adequate analgesia and sedation the single anesthetic agent doses must be increased which causes undesirable side effects. For avoiding high doses of single anesthetic agent nowadays combination with sedative agents is mostly a choice for analgesia and sedation for ERCP.Aim. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of propofol alone, propofol + remifentanil, and propofol + fentanyl combinations on the total dose of propofol to be administered during ERCP and on the pain scores after the process.Materials and Method. This randomized study was performed with 90 patients (ASA I-II-III) ranging between 18 and 70 years of age who underwent sedation/analgesia for elective ERCP. The patients were administered only propofol (1.5 mg/kg) in Group Ι, remifentanil (0.05 μg/kg) + propofol (1.5 mg/kg) combination in Group II, and fentanyl (1 μg/kg) + propofol (1.5 mg/kg) combination in Group III. All the patients’ sedation levels were assessed with the Ramsey Sedation Scale (RSS). Their recovery was assessed with the Aldrete and Numerical Rating Scale Score (NRS) at 10 min intervals.Results. The total doses of propofol administered to the patients in the three groups in this study were as follows: 375 mg in Group I, 150 mg in Group II, and 245 mg in Group III.Conclusion. It was observed that, in the patients undergoing ERCP, administration of propofol in combination with an opioid provided effective and reliable sedation, reduced the total dose of propofol, increased the practitioner satisfaction, decreased the pain level, and provided hemodynamic stability compared to the administration of propofol alone.
Impact Resistance of Concrete Structures
Authors: Drathi R.
Published: October 2015

We present simulations on the resistance of concrete structures due to impact loading. Therefore, a mesh-free method is exploited in combination with a viscous damage model that accounts for strain rate effects and high pressures that commonly occur in those events. In contrast to many other studies in the literature, we account for uncertainties in the material parameters by subjecting them to a probability distribution function. Furthermore, we also consider the geometric correlation inside the concrete and show that this geometric correlation has a minor influence on the predicted results. All numerical results are compared to the impact experiments performed by Hanchak and coworkers as well as our own impact experiments.