bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deferasirox treatment of iron‐overloaded chelation‐naïve and prechelated patients with myelodysplastic syndromes in medical practice: results from the observational studies eXtend and eXjange
Authors: Gattermann Norbert , Jarisch Andrea , Schlag Rudolf , Blumenstengel Klaus , Goebeler Mariele , Groschek Matthias , Losem Christoph , Procaccianti Maria , Junkes Alexia , Leismann Oliver , Germing Ulrich
Published: October 2011

EXtend and eXjange were prospective, 1‐yr, non‐interventional, observational, multicentre studies that investigated deferasirox, a once‐daily oral iron chelator, in iron‐overloaded chelation‐naïve and prechelated patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), respectively, treated in the daily‐routine setting of office‐based physicians. No inclusion or exclusion criteria or additional monitoring procedures were applied. Deferasirox was administered as recommended in the European Summary of Product Characteristics. Haematological parameters and adverse events (AEs) were collected at two‐monthly intervals. Data from 123 chelation‐naïve patients with MDS (mean age 70.4 yrs) with median baseline serum ferritin level of 2679 (range 184–16 500) ng/mL, and 44 prechelated patients with MDS (mean age 69.6 yrs) with median baseline serum ferritin level of 2442 (range 521–8565) ng/mL, were assessed. The mean prescribed daily dose of deferasirox at the first visit was 15.7 and 18.7 mg/kg/d, respectively. Treatment with deferasirox produced a significant reduction in median serum ferritin levels in chelation‐naïve patients with MDS from 2679 to 2000 ng/mL (P = 0.0002) and a pronounced decrease in prechelated patients with MDS from 2442 to 2077 ng/mL (P = 0.06). The most common drug‐related AEs were gastrointestinal, increased serum creatinine levels and rash. These studies demonstrate that deferasirox used in physicians’ medical practices is effective in managing iron burden in transfusion‐dependent patients with MDS.
Bioactive reagents used in mesotherapy for skin rejuvenation in vivo induce diverse physiological processes in human skin fibroblasts in vitro– a pilot study
Authors: Jäger Claudia , Brenner Christiane , Habicht Jüri , Wallich Reinhard
Published: October 2011

Abstract:  The promise of mesotherapy is maintenance and/or recovery of a youthful skin with a firm, bright and moisturized texture. Currently applied medications employ microinjections of hyaluronic acid, vitamins, minerals and amino acids into the superficial layer of the skin. However, the molecular and cellular processes underlying mesotherapy are still elusive. Here we analysed the effect of five distinct medication formulas on pivotal parameters involved in skin ageing, that is collagen expression, cell proliferation and morphological changes using normal human skin fibroblast cultures in vitro. Whereas in the presence of hyaluronic acid, NCTF135® and NCTF135HA®, cell proliferation was comparable to control cultures; however, with higher expression of collagen type‐1, matrix metalloproteinase‐1 and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase‐1, addition of Soluvit® N and Meso‐BK led to apoptosis and/or necrosis of human fibroblasts. The data indicate that bioactive reagents currently applied for skin rejuvenation elicit strikingly divergent physiological processes in human skin fibroblast in vitro.
Complete coding sequence and molecular analysis of hepatitis A virus from a chimpanzee with fulminant hepatitis
Authors: Theamboonlers Apiradee , Abe Kenji , Thongmee Chittima , Poovorawan Yong
Published: October 2011

Background  Hepatitis A virus (HAV) infects both humans and non‐human primates, in experimentally infected chimpanzees is typically milder than in humans. In 1982, Abe and Shikata reported a first case of a chimpanzee with fulminant hepatitis caused by spontaneous HAV infection, and the underlying mechanisms of the disease remain unknown.

Methods  To characterize denoted CFH‐HAV, we conducted cloning and near full‐length sequence analysis.

Results  Phylogenetic analyses of VP1‐2A and complete sequence comparison between various genotypes and the sample sequence showed clustering in genotype IB. Based on BLAST analysis, the sequence was most closely related to the wild‐type (HM175/WT) isolate. Amino acid and nucleic acid similarities were 99.8% and 94.41%, respectively.

Conclusions  The chimpanzee may have been infected with human HAV genotype IB. The substitutions in VP2, VP4, 2B, 2C, and 3D, which may enhance virus proliferation, contributed to disease severity culminating in fulminant hepatic failure.
Elucidation of the time course of adenosine deaminase APOBEC3G and viral infectivity factor vif in HIV‐2287‐infected infant macaques
Authors: Endsley Aaron N. , Ho Rodney J.Y.
Published: October 2011

Background  Although the interactions of cellular cytidine deaminase A3G and viral infection factor (vif) of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) were reported, regulation of A3G after in vivo HIV infection and disease progression is not known.

Methods  Time courses of plasma virus, CD4+ T lymphocyte Macaca levels, and concentrations of A3G and vif transcripts were determined in infant macaques infected with HIV‐2287. These in vivo results were compared with those collected in vitro in HIV‐2‐infected T cells.

Results  Human immunodeficiency virus‐infected macaques exhibited plasma viremia (≥108 copies/ml) followed by a precipitous CD4+ T‐cell (from 40–70 to ≤5%) decline. An initial increase in A3G transcripts coincides with early increases in virus and vif RNA. As virus load continues to increase, A3G RNA decreases but recovers at a later phase as virus level stabilizes. Pearson correlation analysis revealed strong interactions of A3G–CD4, vif–CD4, and A3G–vif.

Conclusions  There is a time‐dependent A3G and vif RNA interaction throughout the course of HIV infection.
The decomposition of Shannon's entropy and a confidence interval for beta diversity
Authors: Marcon Eric , Hérault Bruno , Baraloto Christopher , Lang Gabriel
Published: October 2011

Beta diversity is among the most employed theoretical concepts in ecology and biodiversity conservation. Up to date, a self‐contained definition of it, with no reference to alpha and gamma diversity, has never been proposed. Using Kullback‐Leibler divergence, we present the explicit formula of Shannon's β entropy, a bias correction for its estimator and a confidence interval. We also provide the mathematical framework to decompose Shannon diversity into several hierarchical nested levels. From botanical inventories of tropical forest plots in French Guiana, we estimate Shannon diversity at the plot, forest and regional level. We believe this is a complete and usefulness toolbox for ecologists interested in partitioning biodiversity.
On the use of weather data in ecological studies along altitudinal and latitudinal gradients
Authors: Graae Bente J. , De Frenne Pieter , Kolb Annette , Brunet Jörg , Chabrerie Olivier , Verheyen Kris , Pepin Nick , Heinken Thilo , Zobel Martin , Shevtsova Anna , Nijs Ivan , Milbau Ann
Published: October 2011

Global warming has created a need for studies along climatic gradients to assess the effects of temperature on ecological processes. Altitudinal and latitudinal gradients are often used as such, usually in combination with air temperature data from the closest weather station recorded at 1.5–2 m above the ground. However, many ecological processes occur in, at, or right above the soil surface. To evaluate how representative the commonly used weather station data are for the microclimate relevant for soil surface biota, we compared weather station temperatures for an altitudinal (500–900 m a.s.l.) and a latitudinal gradient (49–68°N) with data obtained by temperature sensors placed right below the soil surface at five sites along these gradients. The mean annual temperatures obtained from weather stations and adjusted using a lapse rate of −5.5°C km−1 were between 3.8°C lower and 1.6°C higher than those recorded by the temperature sensors at the soil surface, depending on the position along the gradients. The monthly mean temperatures were up to 10°C warmer or 5°C colder at the soil surface. The within‐site variation in accumulated temperature was as high as would be expected from a 300 m change in altitude or from a 4° change in latitude or a climate change scenario corresponding to warming of 1.6–3.8°C. Thus, these differences introduced by the decoupling are significant from a climate change perspective, and the results demonstrate the need for incorporating microclimatic variation when conducting studies along altitudinal or latitudinal gradients. We emphasize the need for using relevant temperature data in climate impact studies and further call for more studies describing the soil surface microclimate, which is crucial for much of the biota.
Black bears Ursus americanus are effective seed dispersers, with a little help from their friends
Authors: Enders Mark S. , Vander Wall Stephen B.
Published: October 2011

Black bearsUrsus americanusare generally considered effective seed dispersal agents for fleshy‐fruited plants because they can consume hundreds of fruits at once and have large home ranges. Although seedlings can emerge from faecal piles, establishment of such seedlings seems to be infrequent. Removal of seeds from faeces by rodents is often considered seed predation. We show that removal of seeds from bear faeces by seed‐caching rodents in the Sierra Nevada, USA, represents a second phase of seed dispersal that benefits some fleshy‐fruited plants. Using Trail Master infrared cameras to photograph animals and scandium‐46, a gamma‐emitting radionuclide, to track seeds, we determined that deer micePeromyscus maniculatusremoved seeds from bear faeces and cached them in soil. Caches typically contained 1–3 seeds buried 5–10 mm deep. These seeds escaped several sources of mortality by being moved to relatively safe locations, but deer mice also eventually eat many of the cached seeds. A field germination study confirmed that seed burial increased seedling emergence. Rodents removed seeds in bear faeces more quickly than those in bird faeces in one year, but seeds in bird faeces were removed faster in another year. Results varied across two years, probably because of availability of alternative food sources or changes in deer mice population sizes. The two‐phase seed dispersal syndrome described here may be important in understanding seed dispersal by carnivores and large ungulates that produce large faecal deposits containing many relatively large seeds.
Identifying and evaluating causes of alternative community states in wetland plant communities
Authors: Smith Sigrid D. P.
Published: October 2011

Ecological communities can vary greatly in species composition. Often this variation is discontinuous, in that abrupt changes in composition occur over small distances in space or short periods of time. A wide range of hypotheses from different subfields of ecology have been proposed to explain these patterns. I suggest a framework to quantitatively evaluate these hypotheses with observational data by characterizing 1) how community composition varies across sites in space, 2) how community composition varies through time, and 3) the possible drivers of this variation. I applied this approach to understand the community composition of producers in temporary and semipermanent wetlands in Michigan, USA. I identified several distinct community states which were variously dominated by particular plant functional groups (submerged, floating or emergent plants) or had no plants throughout a season. Evaluating possible hypotheses to explain this variation, I found that similar communities were not necessarily clustered near each other, suggesting that dispersal was not limited for these plants. Some sites exhibited a great deal of change in plant composition among years, shifting between two community states, but there was relatively little change at sites within a year. Moreover, these shifts did not occur in a particular order to suggest directional change or repeating cycles. Community composition was associated with several environmental variables such as pH, light and depth, and multivariate analyses suggested that species had complex, nonlinear responses to these possible drivers. Alternative stable states and interactions among multiple nonlinear drivers best explained the patterns observed in these wetlands. By formalizing initial data collection in other systems with the framework suggested here, we may gain insight into the causes of alternative community states beyond wetlands and the role of climate change and other anthropogenic forces in precipitating transitions between states.
Molecular and spatial analyses reveal links between colony‐specific foraging distance and landscape‐level resource availability in two bumblebee species
Authors: Carvell Claire , Jordan William C. , Bourke Andrew F. G. , Pickles Robert , Redhead John W. , Heard Matthew S.
Published: October 2011

Foraging distance is a key determinant of colony survival and pollination potential in bumblebeesBombusspp. However this aspect of bumblebee ecology is poorly understood because of the difficulty in locating colonies of these central place foragers. Here, we used a combination of molecular microsatellite analyses, remote sensing and spatial analyses using kernel density estimates to estimate nest location and foraging distances for a large number of wild colonies of two species, and related these to the distribution of foraging habitats across an experimentally manipulated landscape. Mean foraging distances were 755 m forBombus lapidariusand 775 m forB. pascuorum(using our most conservative estimation method). Colony‐specific foraging distances of both species varied with landscape structure, decreasing as the proportion of foraging habitats increased. This is the first time that foraging distance in wild bumblebees has been shown to vary with resource availability. Our method offers a means of estimating foraging distances in social insects, and informs the scale of management required to conserve bumblebee populations and enhance their pollination services across different landscapes.
Feeding by omnivores increases food available to consumers
Authors: Iwai Noriko , Kagaya Takashi , Alford Ross A.
Published: October 2011

Consumers are usually thought of as negatively affecting producers, but they can affect them positively by releasing nutrients (nutrient regeneration). The net effects of consumers on producers should depend on the balance between the effects of consumption and nutrient regeneration. In aquatic habitats, nutrient regeneration by consumers may increase microbial activity on leaf detritus as well as algal production, which in turn may stimulate further nutrient release and benefit herbivores or detritivores by increasing food quantity or quality. Omnivores can regenerate nutrients from animals, algae and detritus, creating diverse nutrient pathways. Many tadpoles are omnivores, and their nutrient regeneration may be important in aquatic food webs. To reveal the nutrient pathways created by tadpoles and examine whether omnivorous tadpoles can have positive effects on producers and consumers, we experimentally examined the effects of nutrient regeneration by three densities of tadpoles on primary producers, leaf litter, and other consumers in tank mesocosms. Tadpole exclosures were placed inside each mesocosm, allowing us to separate direct consumption effects from indirect nutrient regeneration effects. Nutrient regeneration caused by the herbivorous and carnivorous feeding activities of tadpoles positively affected rates of production of benthic algae, phytoplankton, and herbivorous benthic chironomid larvae, and rates of mineralization of leaf litter. The increased production of benthic algae and chironomid larvae was consumed by the tadpoles themselves, leaving no net change in the standing biomass of these resources. Our experiment thus demonstrated that omnivores created complicated nutrient pathways and accelerated rates of primary production and growth rates of other consumers, leading to increased rates of food availability to the omnivores themselves. Interactions of this nature may be common in many systems and could strongly moderate the effects of consumers on their resources and each other.
Sexual Behaviors Among Older Adults in Spain: Results from a Population-Based National Sexual Health Survey
Authors: Palacios-Ceña Domingo , Carrasco-Garrido Pilar , Hernández-Barrera Valentín , Alonso-Blanco Cristina , Jiménez-García Rodrigo , Fernández-de-las-Peñas César
Published: October 2011

Introduction

The Spanish National Sexual Health Survey (SNSHS) is designed to examine sexual activity, sexual behaviors, and sexual health among the Spanish population.

Aim

To describe sexual activity and behaviors of Spaniards aged ≥65 years old focusing on gender differences.

Methods

A population-based descriptive study was conducted using individual data from the SNSHS. The number of subjects aged ≥65 years included was 1,939 (1,118 women, 821 men).

Main Outcome Measures

Sexual activity, frequency, sexual behaviors, sexual practices, and reasons for lack of sexual activity were assessed from questions included in the survey. Subjects who reported having any sexual practice including giving or receiving kissing and hugging, vaginal intercourse, oral sex, or masturbation, with at least one partner in the previous 12 months were considered as sexually active. We analyzed sociodemographic characteristics, self-rated physical and sexual health, comorbid conditions, and medications using multivariate logistic regression models.

Results

Overall, 62.3% of men and 37.4% of elderly women were sexually active (P < 0.01). The prevalence of sexual inactivity significantly increased with age (P < 0.01, odds ratio [OR] 5.8, 95% confidence interval 3.8–9.05 men; 6.37, 3.9–10.4 women). Not having a partner was a predictor of sexual inactivity (OR 5.79, 3.98–8.42 men; OR 12.0, 8.4–17.2 women). Worse self-rated sexual health, suffering ≥2 comorbid conditions, and taking ≥2 medications were associated with higher probability of reporting no sexual activity in both men and women. The most common sexual practices were kissing, hugging, and vaginal intercourse. The most common reasons for sexual inactivity were: partner was physically ill (23%), lack of interest (21%), and the man was a widower (23%).

Conclusions

This study provided data on sexual activity in older Spanish adults and has identified potential factors that appear to influence sexuality in the elderly with some gender differences. Current results can have implications for healthcare providers for addressing these concerns in an effective manner.
Is the Sexual Satisfaction of Postmenopausal Women Enhanced by Physical Exercise and Pelvic Floor Muscle Training?
Authors: Lara Lúcia Alves da Silva , Montenegro Mary Lourdes , Franco Maíra Menezes , Abreu Daniela Cristina Carvalho , Rosa e Silva Ana Carolina Japur de Sá , Ferreira Cristine Homsi Jorge
Published: October 2011

Introduction

Physical exercise including pelvic floor muscle (PFM) training seems to improve the sexual function of women with urinary incontinence. This effect in postmenopausal women who are continent has not yet been determined.

Aim

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of a 3-month physical exercise protocol (PEP) on the sexual function and mood of postmenopausal women.

Methods

Thirty-two sedentary, continent, sexually active women who had undergone menopause no more than 5 years earlier and who had follicle stimulating hormone levels of at least 40 mIU/mL were enrolled into this longitudinal study. All women had the ability to contract their PFMs, as assessed by vaginal bimanual palpation. Muscle strength was graded according to the Oxford Modified Grading Scale (OMGS). A PEP was performed under the guidance of a physiotherapist (M.M.F.) twice weekly for 3 months and at home three times per week. All women completed the Sexual Quotient-Female Version (SQ-F) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) before and after the PEP.

Main Outcome Measures

SQ-F to assess sexual function, HASDS to assess mood, and OMGS to grade pelvic floor muscle strength.

Results

Thirty-two women (24 married women, eight women in consensual unions) completed the PEP. Following the PEP, there was a significant increase in OMGS score (2.59 ± 1.24 vs. 3.40 ± 1.32, P < 0.0001) and a significant decrease in the number of women suffering from anxiety (P < 0.01), but there was no effect on sexual function.

Conclusion

Implementation of our PEP seemed to reduce anxiety and improve pelvic floor muscular strength in sedentary and continent postmenopausal women. However, our PEP did not improve sexual function. Uncontrolled variables, such as participation in a long-term relationship and menopause status, may have affected our results. We suggest that a randomized controlled trial be performed to confirm our results.
Prevalence of Sexual Dysfunction Among Postmenopausal Women with and Without Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Martelli Valentina , Valisella Sara , Moscatiello Simona , Matteucci Carlotta , Lantadilla Claudia , Costantino Antonietta , Pelusi Giuseppe , Marchesini Giulio , Meriggiola Maria Cristina
Published: October 2011

Introduction

The metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a multifactorial disease characterized by the co-occurrence of impaired glucose tolerance/diabetes, central obesity, high levels of triglycerides, low levels of high-density lipoprotein, and hypertension. Its prevalence is higher in menopausal women. We, and others, have recently shown that female sexual dysfunction (FSD) affects menopausal women. Whether the presence of MetS may be linked to a higher risk of FSD in menopausal women is unknown.

Aims

The aims of our study were: (i) to evaluate the prevalence of FSD in women with MetS (based on National Cholesterol Education program-Adult Treatment Panel III 2009 criteria) in comparison with healthy controls and (ii) to evaluate the influence of singular components of MetS on female sexual function.

Methods

The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire, the Female Sexual Distress Scale (FSDS), and The Middlesex Hospital Questionnaire were administered to 103 postmenopausal women with MetS and 105 healthy postmenopausal controls (HC). Female sexuality was defined as dysfunctional when FSFI score was <23 and FSDS was >15.

Main Outcome Measures

FSFI and FSDS were completed by women with and without MetS.

Results

The prevalence of women with sexual dysfunction was higher in MetS women than HC (39/103 [37.9%] vs. 20/105 [19%], P = 0.003). The prevalence of both pathological scores in every FSFI domain and FSDS score was higher in MetS women than HC. The logistic regression, considering age and the length of relationship as a common starting point, shows that higher levels of triglycerides are linked to a higher risk of presenting FSD (odds ratio = 2.007 95% confidence interval [1.033–3.901]) in the whole population.

Conclusions

Our preliminary results suggest that prevalence of FSD is higher in women with MetS in comparison with healthy controls. Higher levels of triglycerides are linked to a higher risk of presenting FSD.
Impact of Plasmakinetic Enucleation of the Prostate (PKEP) on Sexual Function: Results of a Prospective Trial
Authors: Zhao Zhigang , Ma Wenjing , Xuan Xujun , Ou Lili , Liang Yeping , Zeng Guohua
Published: October 2011

Introduction

Recent data have shown that plasmakinetic enucleation of the prostate (PKEP) is a novel and effective procedure for symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH); however, data on patient sexual function after PKEP remain scarce.

Aims

This study aims to evaluate the impact of PKEP on sexual function in men with lower urinary tract symptoms because of BPH.

Methods

One hundred eighty-six consecutive patients who underwent the PKEP procedure were prospectively enrolled in this study. The International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-15) and the International Prostate Symptom Score with quality of life scores were completed and compared preoperatively and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. At each follow-up visit, maximum urinary flow rates, transrectal ultrasound-assessed prostate volume, postvoid residual urine volume, and serum prostate-specific antigen level were also measured and compared with the baseline.

Main Outcome Measures

The IIEF global score and its five domains scores were evaluated for each patient, and the Friedman test or chi-square test was used to identify changes from the baseline.

Results

There was a slight and nonsignificant increase in the IIEF global score and four of its five domains scores (i.e., erectile function, intercourse satisfaction, sexual desire, and overall satisfaction) at each postoperative assessment (P > 0.05 for all). However, a statistically significant reduction was observed in the orgasmic function domain score of IIEF at 3 months (P = 0.016), 6 months (P < 0.001), and 12 months (P < 0.001), respectively, along with the corresponding retrograde ejaculation rates of 48.7%, 49.4%, and 48.8%.

Conclusions

PKEP has no negative influence on the quality of erections measured by the self-administered IIEF questionnaire, but it significantly lowers the orgasmic function domain score, reflecting probably postoperative retrograde ejaculation. These findings are important in preoperative counseling of the patients undergoing PKEP for symptomatic BPH.
Design and Fabrication of a Nitrogen Monoxide Measurement Device Based on Low Temperature Co‐Fired Ceramics
Authors: Geiling Thomas , Welker Tilo , Bartsch Heike , Müller Jens
Published: October 2011

The measurement of nitrogen monoxide (NO) concentration levels is an integral part of the elemental analysis. The chemiluminescent reaction with ozone in the gas phase is a well established method for the measurement of atmospheric concentration levels in the range from 4 ppb up to 100 ppm. In this contribution we present the design of a so called micro total analytical system for NO measurements designed in ceramic. Low temperature co‐fired ceramics have proven to be the ideal technology, since they offer high chemical and thermal stability as well as a high degree of freedom of design. The microfluidic system consists of three components: a dielectric barrier discharge device creating ozone, a reaction chamber with a glass window for collecting the emitted radiation, and an exhaust gas treatment consisting of a heated Pt catalyst structure. The contribution focuses on a dielectric barrier for the ozone generator capable of withstanding 600 h of continuous operation, a manufacturing method for gas tight and vacuum proof sealing of cavities, and experimental results utilizing a Pt conductor paste as a catalyst.
Introgression of domesticated alleles into a wild trout genotype and the impact on seasonal survival in natural lakes
Authors: Vandersteen Wendy , Biro Pete , Harris Les , Devlin Robert
Published: October 2011

We tested the fitness consequences of introgression of fast‐growing domesticated fish into a wild population. Fry from wild and domesticated rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) crosses, F1 hybrids, and first‐ and second‐generation backcrosses were released into two natural lakes. Parentage analysis using microsatellite loci facilitated the identification of survivors, so fitness was estimated in nature from the first‐feeding stage. Results indicated that under certain conditions, domesticated fish survived at least as well as wild fish within the same environment. Relative growth and survival of the crosses, however, were highly dependent on environment. During the first summer, fastest‐growing crosses had the highest survival, but this trend was reversed after one winter and another summer. Although the F1 hybrids showed evidence of outbreeding depression because of the disruption of local adaptation, there was little evidence of outbreeding depression in the backcrosses, and the second‐generation backcrosses exhibited a wild‐type phenotype. This information is relevant for assessing the multigenerational risk of escaped or released domesticated fish should they successfully interbreed with wild populations and provides information on how to minimize detrimental impacts of a conservation breeding and/or management programme. These data also further understanding of the selection pressures in nature that maintain submaximal rates of growth.
Is Cognitive Science Usefully Cast as Complexity Science?
Authors: Van Orden Guy , Stephen Damian G.
Published: October 2011

Readers of TopiCS are invited to join a debate about the utility of ideas and methods of complexity science. The topics of debate include empirical instances of qualitative change in cognitive activity and whether this empirical work demonstrates sufficiently the empirical flags of complexity. In addition, new phenomena discovered by complexity scientists, and motivated by complexity theory, call into question some basic assumptions of conventional cognitive science such as stable equilibria and homogeneous variance. The articles and commentaries that appear in this issue also illustrate a new debate style format for topiCS.
Haptoglobin and fibrinogen concentrations and leukocyte counts in the clinical investigation of caseous lymphadenitis in sheep
Authors: Bastos Bruno L. , Meyer Roberto , Guimarães José E. , Ayres Maria C. , Guedes Maria T. , Moura‐Costa Lilia F. , de Burghgrave Uiara S. , Sena Ludmilla , Azevedo Vasco , Portela Ricardo W.
Published: October 2011

Background

Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosisis the etiologic agent of caseous lymphadenitis (CLA), a disease that affects small ruminants and is responsible for economic losses, including condemnation of carcasses and damaged hides.

Objective

The goal of this study was to determine if serum haptoglobin and plasma fibrinogen concentrations and peripheral blood leukocyte counts are biologic markers ofCLAin sheep.

Methods

Blood from 38 clinically healthySanta‐Inês ewes selected and segregated from a commercial flock of 2500 sheep in an area endemic forC. pseudotuberculosiswas collected every 30 days for 6 months. An indirectELISAwas used to detectIgMandIgGantibodies againstC. pseudotuberculosis. Serum haptoglobin concentration was measured using a hemoglobin‐binding assay and plasma fibrinogen concentration by refractometry following heat precipitation. Total leukocyte counts were determined using a hemocytometer, and differential leukocyte counts were performed on smears of peripheral blood.

Results

Twenty‐one sheep were seropositive at the start of the study; 15 became seropositive during the study. Only 2 sheep were seronegative at the conclusion of the study. Haptoglobin and fibrinogen concentrations andWBCcounts were not significantly different for seropositive and seronegative animals. Nine sheep, 5 that were seropositive positive at the start and 4 that became seropositive during the study period, developed abscesses in peripheral lymph nodes. There were 15 animals that became seropositive during the study, and their values did not differ significantly among the 3 phases – seronegative, acute (IgM+/IgG±), and chronic (IgM−/IgG+) – of infection. However, 11 of these sheep did not develop peripheral abscesses and had significantly higher haptoglobin concentrations and lower monocyte counts during the acute phase of the disease than did the 4 sheep that later developed abscesses.

Conclusion

Serum haptoglobin concentration and monocyte counts may be potential markers for progression ofCLAin sheep.
Optimal Synthesis of a Planar Reactionless Three-Degree-of-Freedom Parallel Mechanism
Authors: Collard Jean-François , Gosselin Clément
Published: October 2011

A reactionless mechanism is one in which no reaction forces nor moments are transmitted to the base for any arbitrary motion. This interesting property often requires to increase the total mass and the moments of inertia, leading to reduced dynamical performances. Therefore, this paper presents an optimization approach to synthesize and improve the dynamical performance of a reactionless three-degree-of-freedom planar mechanism. The three legs of this original mechanism are composed of reactionless four-bar mechanisms dynamically balanced with only one counter-rotation at the base. The optimization variables are the geometric and inertial parameters, whereas the goal is to minimize the global moment of inertia of each leg. This will reduce the power consumption of the three actuators and increase the agility. To meet physical and realistic requirements, the optimization problem is also constrained with bounds on the parameters, with the reachability of a given workspace and with a given range on a kinematic sensitivity index. Since different initial guesses of the optimization process lead to similar objective results, it is proposed to search for several local solutions (morphologies). A methodology is therefore developed to explore the design space and group the results after refinement. The final choice among the obtained solutions is made using additional design criteria based on the sensitivity in terms of dynamic balancing and power consumption with respect to the design parameters.
Mobility Analysis of Flexure Mechanisms via Screw Algebra
Authors: Su Hai-Jun
Published: October 2011

This paper presents a general framework for studying the mobility of flexure mechanisms with a serial, parallel or hybrid topology using the screw algebra. The current approach for mobility analysis of flexures is ad hoc and mostly done by intuition. In this methodology, we first build a library of commonly used flexure elements, flexure joints, and simple chains. We then apply the screw algebra to find their motion and constraint spaces in the form of twist and wrench matrices. To analyze a general flexure mechanism, we first apply a top-down approach to hierarchically subdivide it into multiple modules or building blocks down to the level of flexure structures that are already provided in the library. We then use a bottom-up routine to study the mobility of each module up to the level of the overall mechanism. Examples and case studies from simple flexure joints, chains to spatial compliant platforms are used to demonstrate the methodology. This systematic methodology is an important tool for guiding the qualitative design of flexure mechanisms.
Laser Based Calibration Technique of Thin Film Gauges for Short Duration Transient Measurements
Authors: Kumar Rakesh , Sahoo Niranjan , Kulkarni Vinayak , Singh Anugrah
Published: October 2011

Surface temperature history and determination of convective heating rate are the important activity in many research programs for devising an effective cooling system in internal combustion engines or for typical high speed aerodynamic reentry vehicles. Thin film sensors have high response time (∼ few microseconds) and are invariantly used for these applications due to their precision measurement. Moreover, they can be fabricated in-house and thus cost effective. Present investigations are focused on the fabrication of such sensors and establishment of an experimental setup for calibration. Thin film sensors are prepared in-house by platinum ink mounted on an insulated substrate (Pyrex). Experiments are carried out by applying step heat load on the thin film sensor using laser light of known wattage. Recorded transient temperature data are processed for estimation of laser wattage using numerical and analytical models. For the known heating load, temperature signal is also predicted using one-dimensional transient heat conduction solver using ansys. Encouraging agreement of these predictions has demonstrated the success of the designed calibration set up and cost-effective means of in-house fabrication of thin film sensors.
Heat Conduction in a Rectangular Tube With Eccentric Hot Spots
Authors: Dan Bo , Geer James F. , Sammakia Bahgat G.
Published: October 2011

The current paper presents the results of an analytical study of steady state heat conduction in a rectangular tube with eccentric hot spots on both the top and the bottom surfaces. The rectangular domain is assumed to be adiabatic on the lateral surfaces and a single or multiple eccentric hot spots can be applied on the top and bottom surfaces. Isothermal, heat flux, or convection boundary conditions can be applied on the hot spots. Because the hot spots are eccentric, the spreading resistance becomes a dominant factor in heat conduction in the tube. The multiple hot spots, multiple layers and combination problems are also studied in the current paper. The solutions can be applied to the thermal management of three-dimensional stacks of electronic devices, the interconnect layers and the thermoelectric devices.
On the Structural Capacity of Grouted Connections in Offshore Structures
Authors: Lotsberg Inge , Serednicki Andrzej , Cramer Espen , Bertnes Ha˚kon , Haahr Per Enggaard
Published: November 2011

During the last year, the offshore wind tower structure industry experienced that the design of the grouted connections between the top tower and monopile structure did not necessarily result in an acceptable safety level. A number of wind towers were reported to settle on the monopile structure and the resulting force flow in the structures was different to that intended at the design stage. A joint industry project was therefore carried out to investigate the structural capacity of these connections. It was found that the axial capacity of the grouted connections is a larger function of the diameter and surface tolerances than that accounted for in existing design standards. This paper reviews the industry practice relating to the design of grouted connections in monopile structures. The physical behaviour of the connections is explained and some of the most critical issues related to the design of large diameter grouted connections are assessed. This knowledge is also considered to be of significance for the design of grouted connections in skirt piles in jacket structures subjected to alternating loading.
Influence of Hysteresis on the Dynamics of Cryogenic LNG Composite Hoses
Authors: Mallon Niels , van der Weijde Gerard
Published: November 2011

In order to assess the influence of hysteretic bending behaviour of hoses used for LNG transfer in dynamic environments, a modelling strategy is set up. The modelling allows to include arbitrary internal frictional effects in the hose. After identifying the parameters for various friction models based on measurement results performed on the cryogenic hose, the model is exploited further to study other cases. For hose release events, inclusion of hysteresis accurately seems less important while for more slowly varying steady-state responses, the way how internal friction in the hose is included may have significant effects.
Burst Capacity of Reinforced Thermoplastic Pipe (RTP) Under Internal Pressure
Authors: Bai Yong , Xu Fan , Cheng Peng , Badaruddin Mohd Fauzi , Ashri Mohd
Published: November 2011

Being corrosion resistant, light weight, and easy to install at relatively low cost, Reinforced Thermoplastic Pipe (RTP) is now increasingly being used for offshore operations. RTP pipe in this study is mainly composed of three layers: a wound high strength fiber reinforced layer to improve the resistance of the pipe to internal pressure; a plastic inner layer to transport fluid; a plastic outer layer to protect the pipe. A precise calculation of the burst strength of RTP pipe will be useful for the safe use of RTP pipe’s internal pressure resistance. The Finite Element Analysis (FEA) method and mathematical analysis are employed to study the properties of pipe under internal pressure. The Finite Element Analysis method is used to simulating the pipe under increasing internal pressure using ABAQUS. The model is established with the conventional shell element, and the anisotropic property of plastic is also considered in the model. In the mathematical analysis, the reinforcement layer of the pipe is assumed to be anisotropic and other layers are assumed to be isotropic. Based on the three-dimensional (3D) anisotropic elasticity theory, an exact elastic solution for burst strength of the pipe under internal pressure has been studied. This paper focus on the calculation of RTP pipe’s burst strength, using mathematical approach and FEA approach, on the basis of elaborated study of RTP pipe’s failure process. Our results from mathematical and FE simulation agree each other for burst pressure of the RTP pipe. Our FEA models are also compared with the experimental research in order to validate our FEA models.
Test Set-Up for Irregular Vertical Hydraulic Transport in Deep Ocean Mining
Authors: Talmon Arno M. , van Rhee Cees
Published: November 2011

The mining of scarce minerals from the sea-floor at the depths of several kilometers and bringing them to a processing plant at the ocean surface requires new techniques. Seafloor Massive Sulphide (SMS) deposits are known to have an extremely rich mineral content, and are considered technically-economically-environmentally feasible to explore. Vertical hydraulic transport is the link between the sea-floor mining and the maritime vessel where the first processing stage will take place. Clogging of any part of the vertical transport system is an absolute disaster. Fine particles are conveyed faster than coarse particles. High concentrations of fines cannot bypass high concentrations of coarse particles, hence these particle fractions accumulate, potentially blocking the pipe. Fundamental research into yet unexplored physics is necessary. Besides numerical flow simulations, it is necessary to conducted experiments on the transport over large vertical distances. Such tests aim to investigate the dynamic development of density waves consisting of different particle diameters and clogging phenomenon thereof. Different particle size fractions have to be followed in real time as they overtake each other, and change their shape, merge and segregate. It is however impossible to back-scale the prototype riser to a one-pass laboratory test set-up, but the process can be simulated by repeated flow through an asymmetric vertical pipe loop, where slurry flow in the upward leg represent vertical hoist conditions and the slurry is returned quickly via the downward leg. The particle accumulation process is allowed to take place in the upward leg whereas in the downward leg the restoring process is nearly neutralized. The development of accumulations in time (= distance traveled to the ocean surface) can be followed upon multiple passes of the solids batches through the upward leg. The novelty of the described testing method is that the essentials of fundamental processes occurring in long vertical stretches are quantified in a specially designed laboratory setup. Via subsequent implementation of the results in a numerical flow simulation, reliable transport scenarios can be delineated.
Phase Averaged Flow Analysis in an Oscillating Water Column Wave Energy Converter
Authors: Fleming Alan , Penesis Irene , Goldsworthy Laurie , Macfarlane Gregor , Bose Neil , Denniss Tom
Published: November 2011

This paper presents the application of phase averaging to experimental data obtained during scale model testing of a forward facing bent duct oscillating water column (OWC). Phase averaging is applied to both wave probe data and a two dimensional velocity field at the centreline plane of the OWC model obtained using PIV. Results are presented for one monochromatic wave condition. The influence of varied wave frequency is briefly discussed.
Analysis of Ice Loads on Offshore Structures for Okhotsk Sea Oil and Gas Fields
Authors: Bekker Alexander T. , Sabodash Olga A. , Kochev Aleksey Yu.
Published: November 2011

In the study, the results of a statistical modeling of ice loads from drifting ice features on the ice-resistant platforms in Piltun-Astohsky and Lunsky oil&gas fields of “Sakhalin-I” and “Sakhalin-II” Projects are investigated. The authors made a comparative analysis of ice loads on various types of gravity-based concrete structures in ice conditions of the Sea of Okhotsk according to the standards, procedures and guidelines from different Codes of design. And also the probabilistic model of ice loads, developed by the authors in the previous studies, was considered for comparative analysis.
Analysis and Dynamic Scaling of Tethered Wave Energy Converters in Irregular Waves
Authors: Bachynski Erin E. , Young Yin L. , Yeung Ronald W.
Published: November 2011

Wave energy converters (WECs) are a technically and economically promising option for renewable electricity generation. This paper investigates the hydrodynamic characteristics of a tethered cylindrical wave energy absorber using analytical methods and derives the scaling relations for laboratory testing. The effects of the cylinder geometry, mooring system, and mass distribution on the idealized power takeoff and the pitch motions of a tethered point wave energy absorber in irregular seas are summarized. Analytical solutions for the hydrodynamic coefficients and wave forcing are based on potential flow formulations and eigenfunction expansions. The results show that a relatively light mooring system has little effect on the power takeoff, but introduces a low-frequency coupled pitch-surge resonance that can cause system failure in long period swells. While analytical solutions provide first-order estimates of the system response, laboratory experiments are required to evaluate the nonlinear, coupled system response. In order to design and interpret such experiments, appropriate scaling relationships are determined and validated using numerical simulations. The added mass, radiation damping, wave radiation and diffraction excitation forces, and mooring system mass and stiffness are found to be self-consistent using geometric and Froude number similarity. The effects of incomplete geometric similarity with a shallow wave tank and viscous forces are also discussed.
Irregular Wave Forces on Monopile Foundations: Effect of Full Nonlinearity and Bed Slope
Authors: Schlo̸er Signe , Bredmose Henrik , Bingham Harry B.
Published: November 2011

Forces on a monopile from a nonlinear irregular unidirectional wave model are investigated. Two seabed profiles of different slopes are considered. Morison’s equation is used to investigate the forcing from fully nonlinear irregular waves and to compare the results with those obtained from linear wave theory and with stream function wave theory. The latter of these theories is only valid on a flat bed. The three predictions of wave forces are compared and the influence of the bed slope is investigated. Force-profiles of two selected waves from the irregular wave train are further compared with the corresponding force-profiles from stream function theory. The results suggest that the nonlinear irregular waves give rise to larger extreme wave forces than those predicted by linear theory and that a steeper bed slope increases the wave forces both for linear and nonlinear waves. It is further found that stream function theory in some cases underestimate the wave forces acting on the monopile.
A Bayesian-Hierarchical Space-Time Model for Significant Wave Height Data
Authors: Vanem Erik , Huseby Arne Bang , Natvig Bent
Published: November 2011

Bad weather and rough seas contribute significantly to the risk to maritime transportation. This stresses the importance of taking severe sea state conditions adequately into account, with due treatment of the uncertainties involved, in ship design and operation. Hence, there is a need for appropriate stochastic models describing the variability of sea states. This paper presents a Bayesian hierarchical space-time stochastic model for significant wave height. The model has been fitted by data for an area in the North Atlantic ocean and aims at describing the temporal and spatial variability of significant wave height in this area. It could also serve as foundation for further extensions used for long-term prediction of significant wave height and future return periods of extreme significant wave heights. The model will be outlined in this paper, and the results will be discussed. Furthermore, a discussion of possible model extensions will be presented.