bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Novel Second-Order Reliability Method (SORM) Using Noncentral or Generalized Chi-Squared Distributions
Authors: Lee Ikjin , Noh Yoojeong , Yoo David
Published: October 2012

This paper proposes a novel second-order reliability method (SORM) using noncentral or general chi-squared distribution to improve the accuracy of reliability analysis in existing SORM. Conventional SORM contains three types of errors: (1) error due to approximating a general nonlinear limit state function by a quadratic function at most probable point in standard normal U-space, (2) error due to approximating the quadratic function in U-space by a parabolic surface, and (3) error due to calculation of the probability of failure after making the previous two approximations. The proposed method contains the first type of error only, which is essential to SORM and thus cannot be improved. However, the proposed method avoids the other two types of errors by describing the quadratic failure surface with the linear combination of noncentral chi-square variables and using the linear combination for the probability of failure estimation. Two approaches for the proposed SORM are suggested in the paper. The first approach directly calculates the probability of failure using numerical integration of the joint probability density function over the linear failure surface, and the second approach uses the cumulative distribution function of the linear failure surface for the calculation of the probability of failure. The proposed method is compared with first-order reliability method, conventional SORM, and Monte Carlo simulation results in terms of accuracy. Since it contains fewer approximations, the proposed method shows more accurate reliability analysis results than existing SORM without sacrificing efficiency.
End-of-Life Decision Making With Uncertain Product Return Quantity
Authors: Behdad Sara , Williams Aida Sefic , Thurston Deborah
Published: October 2012

The management of end-of-life electronic waste (e-waste) attracts significant attention due to environmental concerns, legislative requirements, consumer interest in green products, and the market image of manufacturers. However, managing e-waste is complicated by several factors, including the high degree of uncertainty of quantity, timing of arrival, and quality of the returned products. This variability in the stream of returned end-of-life (EOL) products makes it difficult to plan for remanufacturing facility materials, equipment, and human resource requirements. The aim of this research is to tackle the uncertainty associated with the quantity of received used products. A stochastic programming model for waste stream acquisition systems (as opposed to market-driven systems) is introduced. The model considers the quantity of returned product as an uncertain parameter and determines to what extent the product should be disassembled and what is the best EOL option for each subassembly. The stochastic model is defined in a form of chance constrained programming and is then converted to a mixed integer linear programming. An example is provided to illustrate the application of the model for an uncertain stream of PCs (minus monitor and keyboard) received in a PC refurbishing company. The remanufacturer must then decide which proportion of disassembled modules should be processed given specific remanufacturing options.
A Multidomain Engineering Change Propagation Model to Support Uncertainty Reduction and Risk Management in Design
Authors: Hamraz Bahram , Caldwell Nicholas H. M. , John Clarkson P.
Published: October 2012

Engineering change (EC) is a source of uncertainty. While the number of changes to a design can be optimized, their existence cannot be eliminated. Each change is accompanied by intended and unintended impacts both of which might propagate and cause further knock-on changes. Such change propagation causes uncertainty in design time, cost, and quality and thus needs to be predicted and controlled. Current engineering change propagation models map the product connectivity into a single-domain network and model change propagation as spread within this network. Those models miss out most dependencies from other domains and suffer from “hidden dependencies”. This paper proposes the function-behavior-structure (FBS) linkage model, a multidomain model which combines concepts of both the function-behavior-structure model from Gero and colleagues with the change prediction method (CPM) from Clarkson and colleagues. The FBS linkage model is represented in a network and a corresponding multidomain matrix of structural, behavioral, and functional elements and their links. Change propagation is described as spread in that network using principles of graph theory. The model is applied to a diesel engine. The results show that the FBS linkage model is promising and improves current methods in several ways: The model (1) accounts explicitly for all possible dependencies between product elements, (2) allows capturing and modeling of all relevant change requests, (3) improves the understanding of why and how changes propagate, (4) is scalable to different levels of decomposition, and (5) is flexible to present the results on different levels of abstraction. All these features of the FBS linkage model can help control and counteract change propagation and reduce uncertainty and risk in design.
Modeling of Geometric Variations for Line-Profiles
Authors: Davidson Joseph K. , Shah Jami J.
Published: October 2012

The geometric variations in a tolerance-zone can be modeled with hypothetical point-spaces called Tolerance-Maps (T-Maps) for purposes of automating the assignment of tolerances during design. The objective of this paper is to extend this model to represent tolerances on line-profiles. Such tolerances limit geometric manufacturing variations to a specified two-dimensional tolerance-zone, i.e., an area, the boundaries to which are curves parallel to the true profile. The single profile tolerance may be used to control position, orientation, and form of the profile. In this paper, the Tolerance-Map (Patent No. 6963824) is a hypothetical volume of points that captures all the positions for the true profile, and those curves parallel to it, which can reside in the tolerance-zone. The model is compatible with the ASME/ANSI/ISO Standards for geometric tolerances. T-Maps have been generated for other classes of geometric tolerances in which the variations of the feature are represented with a plane, line or circle, and these have been incorporated into testbed software for aiding designers when assigning tolerances for assemblies. In this paper the T-Map for line-profiles is created and, for the first time in this model, features may be either symmetrical or nonsymmetrical simple planar curves, typically closed. To economize on length of the paper, and yet to introduce a method whereby T-Maps may be used to optimize the allocation of tolerances for line-profiles, the scope of the paper has been limited to square, rectangular, and triangular shapes. An example of tolerance accumulation is presented to illustrate this method.
Galerkin Approximations for Neutral Delay Differential Equations
Authors: Vyasarayani C. P.
Published: October 2012

In this work, Galerkin approximations are developed for a system of first order nonlinear neutral delay differential equations (NDDEs). The NDDEs are converted into an equivalent system of hyperbolic partial differential equations (PDEs) along with the nonlinear boundary constraints. Lagrange multipliers are introduced to enforce the boundary constraints. The explicit expressions for the Lagrange multipliers are derived by exploiting the equivalence of partial derivatives in space and time at a given point on the domain. To illustrate the method, comparisons are made between numerical solution of NDDEs and its Galerkin approximations for different NDDEs.
Five-Axis-Grinding With Toric Tools: A Status Review
Authors: Denkena Berend , Turger Anke , Behrens Leif , Krawczyk Thomas
Published: October 2012

Free form surfaces are used in various applications, such as in the aviation industry, in the medicine, or for tool and die making. Compressor blades as well as knee prostheses and dies have complex curved surfaces. Five-axis grinding is a possibility to machine such curved surfaces in a high shape accuracy and surface quality. The use of this technology depends on a high degree of the operational background. Furthermore, the complexity of the tool path generation requires the use of computer-aided design/computer aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) systems. This technical review gives an overview about state of the art of five-axis grinding and presents results, which can close some scientific lacks. Models were developed to predict the surface roughness and material removal dependent on the process parameters. Additionally, the relationship between tool geometry, shape accuracy as well as contact conditions is discussed.
A Metallo-Thermomechanically Coupled Analysis of Orthogonal Cutting of AISI 1045 Steel
Authors: Ding Hongtao , Shin Yung C.
Published: October 2012

Materials often behave in a complicated manner involving deeply coupled effects among stress/stain, temperature, and microstructure during a machining process. This paper is concerned with prediction of the phase change effect on orthogonal cutting of American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) 1045 steel based on a true metallo-thermomechanical coupled analysis. A metallo-thermomechanical coupled material model is developed and a finite element model (FEM) is used to solve the evolution of phase constituents, cutting temperature, chip morphology, and cutting force simultaneously using abaqus. The model validity is assessed using the experimental data for orthogonal cutting of AISI 1045 steel under various conditions, with cutting speeds ranging from 198 to 879 m/min, feeds from 0.1 to 0.3 mm, and tool rake angles from −7 deg to 5 deg. A good agreement is achieved in chip formation, cutting force, and cutting temperature between the model predictions and the experimental data.
Design and Experimental Validation of a Ducted Counter-Rotating Axial-Flow Fans System
Authors: Nouri H. , Ravelet F. , Bakir F. , Sarraf C. , Rey R.
Published: October 2012

An experimental study on the design of counter-rotating axial-flow fans was carried out. The fans were designed using an inverse method. In particular, the system is designed to have a pure axial discharge flow. The counter-rotating fans operate in a ducted-flow configuration and the overall performances are measured in a normalized test bench. The rotation rate of each fan is independently controlled. The relative axial spacing between fans can vary from 17% to 310%. The results show that the efficiency is strongly increased compared to a conventional rotor or to a rotor-stator stage. The effects of varying the rotation rates ratio on the overall performances are studied and show that the system has a very flexible use, with a large patch of high efficient operating points in the parameter space. The increase of axial spacing causes only a small decrease of the efficiency.
Quantifying Cervical-Spine Curvature Using Bézier Splines
Authors: Klinich Kathleen D. , Ebert Sheila M. , Reed Matthew P.
Published: October 2012

Knowledge of the distributions of cervical-spine curvature is needed for computational studies of cervical-spine injury in motor-vehicle crashes. Many methods of specifying spinal curvature have been proposed, but they often involve qualitative assessment or a large number of parameters. The objective of this study was to develop a quantitative method of characterizing cervical-spine curvature using a small number of parameters. 180 sagittal X-rays of subjects seated in automotive posture with their necks in neutral, flexed, and extended postures were collected in the early 1970s. Subjects were selected to represent a range of statures and ages for each gender. X-rays were reanalyzed using advanced technology and statistical methods. Coordinates of the posterior margins of the vertebral bodies and dens were digitized. Bézier splines were fit through the coordinates of these points. The interior control points that define the spline curvature were parameterized as a vector angle and length. By defining the length as a function of the angle, cervical-spine curvature was defined with just two parameters: superior and inferior Bézier angles. A classification scheme was derived to sort each curvature by magnitude and type of curvature (lordosis versus S-shaped versus kyphosis; inferior or superior location). Cervical-spine curvature in an automotive seated posture varies with gender and age but not stature. Average values of superior and inferior Bézier angles for cervical spines in flexion, neutral, and extension automotive postures are presented for each gender and age group. Use of Bézier splines fit through posterior margins offers a quantitative method of characterizing cervical-spine curvature using two parameters: superior and inferior Bézier angles.
Characterization of Xylan Utilization and Discovery of a New Endoxylanase in Thermoanaerobacterium saccharolyticum through Targeted Gene Deletions
Authors: Podkaminer Kara K. , Guss Adam M. , Trajano Heather L. , Hogsett David A. , Lynd Lee R.
Published: October 2012

The economical production of fuels and commodity chemicals from lignocellulose requires the utilization of both the cellulose and hemicellulose fractions. Xylanase enzymes allow greater utilization of hemicellulose while also increasing cellulose hydrolysis. Recent metabolic engineering efforts have resulted in a strain of
Thermoanaerobacterium saccharolyticum
that can convert C
5
and C
6
sugars, as well as insoluble xylan, into ethanol at high yield. To better understand the process of xylan solubilization in this organism, a series of targeted deletions were constructed in the homoethanologenic
T. saccharolyticum
strain M0355 to characterize xylan hydrolysis and xylose utilization in this organism. While the deletion of β-xylosidase
xylD
slowed the growth of
T. saccharolyticum
on birchwood xylan and led to an accumulation of short-chain xylo-oligomers, no other single deletion, including the deletion of the previously characterized endoxylanase XynA, had a phenotype distinct from that of the wild type. This result indicates a multiplicity of xylanase enzymes which facilitate xylan degradation in
T. saccharolyticum
. Growth on xylan was prevented only when a previously uncharacterized endoxylanase encoded by
xynC
was also deleted in conjunction with
xynA
. Sequence analysis of
xynC
indicates that this enzyme, a low-molecular-weight endoxylanase with homology to glycoside hydrolase family 11 enzymes, is secreted yet untethered to the cell wall. Together, these observations expand our understanding of the enzymatic basis of xylan hydrolysis by
T. saccharolyticum
.
Nanocapsular Dispersion of Thymol for Enhanced Dispersibility and Increased Antimicrobial Effectiveness against Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Listeria monocytogenes in Model Food Systems
Authors: Shah Bhavini , Davidson P. Michael , Zhong Qixin
Published: October 2012

Essential oils are marginally soluble in water, making it challenging to evenly disperse them in foods and resulting in an increased tendency to bind with food lipids and proteins, resulting in lowered antimicrobial efficacy. In the current study, free and nano-dispersed (ND) thymol were compared in terms of their antimicrobial efficacies against
Escherichia coli
O157:H7 ATCC 43889 and 43894 and
Listeria monocytogenes
strains Scott A and 101 in apple cider and 2% reduced-fat milk. Apple cider was adjusted to pHs 5.5 and 3.5, and antimicrobial tests were performed at 0.3-, 0.5-, 0.75-, and 1.0-g/liter thymol concentrations at 35, 32, 25, and 4°C. Overall, 0.5 and 1.0 g/liter thymol in nano-dispersion and along with free thymol were inhibitory and bactericidal, respectively, against bacterial strains under all treatment conditions. At pH 5.5, 0.5 g/liter ND thymol was bacteriostatic against
L. monocytogenes
and
E. coli
for up to 48 h. At pH 3.5,
L. monocytogenes
controls did not survive beyond 12 h but
E. coli
survived and was inhibited by 0.5 g/liter ND thymol after 12 and 48 h in apple cider.
E. coli
strains were significantly sensitive to 4°C and pH 3.5 (
P
< 0.05). When bacteria were tested in 2% reduced-fat milk at 35 or 32°C, ND and free thymol demonstrated inhibition at 4.5 g/liter. Thus, the current technology seems to be promising and novel, enabling thymol-containing nano-dispersions that are not only transparent but also effective against pathogens in food applications, especially in clear beverages.
A Single-Cell Genome for Thiovulum sp
Authors: Marshall Ian P. G. , Blainey Paul C. , Spormann Alfred M. , Quake Stephen R.
Published: October 2012

We determined a significant fraction of the genome sequence of a representative ofThiovulum, the uncultivated genus of colorless sulfurEpsilonproteobacteria, by analyzing the genome sequences of four individual cells collected from phototrophic mats from Elkhorn Slough, California. These cells were isolated utilizing a microfluidic laser-tweezing system, and their genomes were amplified by multiple-displacement amplification prior to sequencing.Thiovulumis a gradient bacterium found at oxic-anoxic marine interfaces and noted for its distinctive morphology and rapid swimming motility. The genomic sequences of the four individual cells were assembled into a composite genome consisting of 221 contigs covering 2.083 Mb including 2,162 genes. This single-cell genome represents a genomic view of the physiological capabilities of isolatedThiovulumcells.Thiovulumis the second-fastest bacterium ever observed, swimming at 615 μm/s, and this genome shows that this rapid swimming motility is a result of a standard flagellar machinery that has been extensively characterized in other bacteria. This suggests that standard flagella are capable of propelling bacterial cells at speeds much faster than typically thought. Analysis of the genome suggests that naturally occurringThiovulumpopulations are more diverse than previously recognized and that studies performed in the past probably address a wide range of unrecognized genotypic and phenotypic diversities ofThiovulum. The genome presented in this article provides a basis for future isolation-independent studies ofThiovulum, where single-cell and metagenomic tools can be used to differentiate between differentThiovulumgenotypes.
Characterization of a Broad-Specificity β-Glucanase Acting on β-(1,3)-, β-(1,4)-, and β-(1,6)-Glucans That Defines a New Glycoside Hydrolase Family
Authors: Lafond Mickael , Navarro David , Haon Mireille , Couturier Marie , Berrin Jean-Guy
Published: October 2012

Here we report the cloning of thePa_3_10940gene from the coprophilic fungusPodospora anserina, which encodes a C-terminal family 1 carbohydrate binding module (CBM1) linked to a domain of unknown function. The function of the gene was investigated by expression of the full-length protein and a truncated derivative without the CBM1 domain in the yeastPichia pastoris. Using a library of polysaccharides of different origins, we demonstrated that the full-length enzyme displays activity toward a broad range of β-glucan polysaccharides, including laminarin, curdlan, pachyman, lichenan, pustulan, and cellulosic derivatives. Analysis of the products released from polysaccharides revealed that this β-glucanase is an exo-acting enzyme on β-(1,3)- and β-(1,6)-linked glucan substrates and an endo-acting enzyme on β-(1,4)-linked glucan substrates. Hydrolysis of short β-(1,3), β-(1,4), and β-(1,3)/β-(1,4) gluco-oligosaccharides confirmed this striking feature and revealed that the enzyme performs in an exo-type mode on the nonreducing end of gluco-oligosaccharides. Excision of the CBM1 domain resulted in an inactive enzyme on all substrates tested. To our knowledge, this is the first report of an enzyme that displays bifunctional exo-β-(1,3)/(1,6) and endo-β-(1,4) activities toward beta-glucans and therefore cannot readily be assigned to existing Enzyme Commission groups. The amino acid sequence has high sequence identity to hypothetical proteins within the fungal taxa and thus defines a new family of glycoside hydrolases, the GH131 family.
Crystal Structure of the Klebsiella pneumoniae NFeoB/FeoC Complex and Roles of FeoC in Regulation of Fe
2+
Transport by the Bacterial Feo System
Authors: Hung Kuo-Wei , Tsai Jia-Yin , Juan Tzu-Hsuan , Hsu Yen-Lan , Hsiao Chwan-Deng , Huang Tai-Huang
Published: October 2012

Feo is a transport system commonly used by bacteria to acquire environmental Fe
2+
. It consists of three proteins: FeoA, FeoB, and FeoC. FeoB is a large protein with a cytosolic N-terminal domain (NFeoB) that contains a regulatory G protein domain and a helical S domain. The C-terminal region of FeoB is a transmembrane domain that likely acts as the Fe
2+
permease. NFeoB has been shown to form a trimer pore that may function as an Fe
2+
gate. FeoC is a small winged-helix protein that possesses four conserved cysteine residues with a consensus sequence that likely provides binding sites for the [Fe-S] cluster. Therefore, FeoC is presumed to be an [Fe-S] cluster-dependent regulator that directly controls transcription of the
feo
operon. Despite the apparent significance of the Feo system, however, the function of FeoC has not been experimentally demonstrated. Here, we show that
Klebsiella pneumoniae
FeoC (
Kp
FeoC) forms a tight complex with the intracellular N-terminal domain of FeoB (
Kp
NFeoB). The crystal structure of the complex reveals that
Kp
FeoC binds to
Kp
NFeoB between the switch II region of the G protein domain and the effector S domain and that the long
Kp
FeoC W1 loop lies above the
Kp
NFeoB nucleotide-binding site. These interactions suggest that
Kp
FeoC modulates the guanine nucleotide-mediated signal transduction process. Moreover, we showed that binding of
Kp
FeoC disrupts pore formation by interfering with
Kp
NFeoB trimerization. These results provide strong evidence suggesting that
Kp
FeoC plays a crucial role in regulating Fe
2+
transport in
Klebsiella pneumonia
in addition to the presumed gene regulator role.
Phage Shock Protein C (PspC) of Yersinia enterocolitica Is a Polytopic Membrane Protein with Implications for Regulation of the Psp Stress Response
Authors: Flores-Kim Josué , Darwin Andrew J.
Published: October 2012

Phage shock proteins B (PspB) and C (PspC) are integral cytoplasmic membrane proteins involved in inducing the
Yersinia enterocolitica
Psp stress response. A fundamental aspect of these proteins that has not been studied in depth is their membrane topologies. Various
in silico
analyses universally predict that PspB is a bitopic membrane protein with the C terminus inside. However, similar analyses yield conflicting predictions for PspC: a bitopic membrane protein with the C terminus inside, a bitopic membrane protein with the C terminus outside, or a polytopic protein with both termini inside. Previous studies of
Escherichia coli
PspB-LacZ and PspC-PhoA fusion proteins supported bitopic topologies, with the PspB C terminus inside and the PspC C terminus outside. Here we have used a series of independent approaches to determine the membrane topologies of PspB and PspC in
Y. enterocolitica
. Our data support the predicted arrangement of PspB, with its C terminus in the cytoplasm. In contrast, data from multiple independent approaches revealed that both termini of PspC are located in the cytoplasm. Additional experiments suggested that the C terminus of PspC might be the recognition site for the FtsH protease and an interaction interface with PspA, both of which would be compatible with its newly proposed cytoplasmic location. This unexpected arrangement of PspC allows a new model for events underlying activation of the Psp response, which is an excellent fit with observations from various previous studies.
Factors that prolong the ‘postmortem interval until finding’ (PMI-f) among community-dwelling elderly individuals in Japan: analysis of registration data
Authors: Ito Tomoko , Tamiya Nanako , Takahashi Hideto , Yamazaki Kentaro , Yamamoto Hideki , Sakano Shoji , Kashiwagi Masayo , Miyaishi Satoru
Published: October 2012

Objectives

To clarify the factors affecting ‘postmortem interval until finding’ (PMI-f) among elderly unexpected death cases.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

All area of Yamagata prefecture in Japan.

Participants

Entering subjects were 5675 elderly cases with age of ≥65 years selected from all 9002 cases of unexpected death from 2002 to 2007 in Yamagata prefecture between 2002 and 2007. Our final study subjects consisted of 3387 cases sampled with several criteria to assess the factors to prolong PMI-f.

Primary outcome measures

The outcome was the postmortem interval until finding (PMI-f) as the time from death until finding the body which we defined in this study.

Results

‘Living alone’ showed the highest adjusted HR (3.73, 95% CI 3.37 to 4.13), also ‘unnatural death’ (1.50, 1.28 to 1.75), ‘found at own home’ (1.37, 1.22 to 1.55) and ‘younger subjects’ (0.99, 0.98 to 0.99). In the model including interactions with the household situation, we found ‘male subjects living alone’ and ‘female subjects living with family’ tended to be found later.

Conclusions

PMI-f is an effective outcome for quantitative analyses of risk of bodies left. To prevent the elderly dead bodies left for long time, it is necessary to keep regular home-based contact with elderly individuals living alone.
Lack of association between genetic variability and multiple pain-related outcomes in a large cohort of patients with advanced cancer: the European Pharmacogenetic Opioid Study (EPOS)
Authors: Fladvad Torill , Fayers Peter , Skorpen Frank , Kaasa Stein , Klepstad Pål
Published: October 2012

Objective

This study examined whether the choice of pain-related outcome to represent opioid efficacy influenced findings in a genetic association study. Data from the European Pharmacogenetic Opioid Study, which used opioid dose as the outcome, were analysed in respect of six alternative outcomes: average pain intensity, pain right now, worst pain intensity, pain at its least, pain relief and pain interference.

Design

Cancer pain patients using an opioid for moderate or severe pain were included. The pain outcomes were obtained using the Brief Pain Inventory. Genetic variation was analysed for 112 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 25 candidate genes relevant for opioid efficacy. The patients were randomly divided into a development and a validation sample and linear regression was used to compare the equality of means in the six outcomes. The influence of non-genetic factors was controlled for, the regression analyses were stratified by country, and the results were corrected for multiple testing.

Results

2201 cancer pain patients were included. Their mean age was 62.4 years and mean average pain was 3.5. None of the examined SNPs exceeded p values corrected for multiple testing for any of the outcomes.

Conclusions

None of the outcomes were associated with variation in the selected SNPs, as previously shown for opioid dose. Thus, we observed that findings related to associations between genetic variability and opioid efficacy were consistent for several alternative outcomes.
Pilot study of the impact of massage therapy on sources and levels of distress in brain tumour patients
Authors: Keir Stephen Thomas , Saling Julia R
Published: October 2012

Background

Patients with brain tumours report elevated levels of distress across the disease course. Massage therapy is a commonly used complementary therapy and is employed in cancer care to reduce psychological stress and to improve quality of life (QoL). The purpose of this pilot study was to obtain a preliminary assessment of the effect of massage therapy on patient-reported psychological outcomes and QoL.

Materials and methods

This study was a prospective, single-arm intervention. Participants were newly diagnosed primary brain tumour patients who reported experiencing distress and who received a total of eight massages over a period of 4 weeks. Participants completed the National Comprehensive Cancer Network's Distress Thermometer (DT) six times over a 5-week period.

Results

As a group, levels of distress dropped significantly between baseline and week 3 (mean 4.19, SD 1.481, p≤0.025), with a further significant reduction in distress between week 3 and week 4 (p≤0.001). At the end of week 4, the DT scores of all participants were below the threshold for being considered distressed. By the end of the intervention, participants reported significant improvements in one test domain focused on emotional well-being.

Conclusions

This study further documents that brain tumour patients report high levels of distress across the disease course. However, participants in this study reported improvements in distress level and total number of sources of distress while receiving massage therapy.
‘I wish I knew more ...’ the end-of-life planning and information needs for end-stage fibrotic interstitial lung disease: views of patients, carers and health professionals
Authors: Bajwah Sabrina , Koffman Jonathan , Higginson Irene J , Ross Joy R , Wells Athol U , Birring Surinder S , Riley Julia
Published: October 2012

The importance at the end of life of developing effective communication and meeting information needs is recognised as being central to enhance patient and family centred experience. This qualitative study aimed to explore understanding of the disease, preferences regarding end-of-life planning, and views on communication and coordination of care in patients with Progressive Idiopathic Fibrotic Interstitial Lung Disease (PIF-ILD). Twelve semistructured in-depth qualitative interviews were conducted among PIF-ILD patients and carers attending two London hospitals. Six Interviews were also conducted among health professionals from one London Hospital, a palliative care service and primary care. There was good understanding of the terminal nature of the disease among both patients and carers, but a poor understanding of prognosis, and how the disease would manifest at the end stages. Both patients and carers expressed a wish to receive more information from clinicians. Health professionals recognised the difficulty of balancing information needs with maintaining hope. No participants were aware of any palliative care input, and no participants had considered important end-of-life issues, such as preferred place of care and preferred place of death. Our work shows that palliative interventions need to be developed for this group of patients which should aim to improve communication and coordination of care, while facilitating discussions surrounding information needs and important end-of-life preferences.
Barriers to cervical screening in women who have experienced sexual abuse: an exploratory study: Table 1
Authors: Cadman Louise , Waller Jo , Ashdown-Barr Lesley , Szarewski Anne
Published: October 2012

Objectives

To explore self-reported cervical screening history and barriers to attendance among women who have been sexually abused and to identify measures to improve the experience of cervical screening for these women.

Methods

Women visiting the website of the National Association for People Abused in Childhood (NAPAC), who had been sexually abused, were invited to complete a survey of their views and experiences of cervical screening. This included closed questions on demographic characteristics and cervical screening attendance, open questions on barriers to screening, and the opportunity to submit suggestions to improve this experience for women who have been sexually abused. Content analysis was used to code responses to the open questions. Four women also participated in a discussion group.

Results

Overall, 135 women completed the closed questions and 124 provided open-ended responses. 77.5% of responding women who were eligible for cervical screening in England had ever attended, 48.5% at least once in the previous 5 years, but 42.1% of women aged 25–49 within 3 years. A total of nine higher order themes were identified related to barriers to screening, one related to intention to attend screening and five related to suggestions to improve screening.

Conclusions

This study supports the idea that women who have experienced sexual abuse are less likely to attend for regular cervical screening, with under half screened in the last 5 years compared to the National Health Service Cervical Screening Programme figure of 78.6%. Suggestions to improve the experience for abused women focused on communication, safety, trust and sharing control. Further research in this area is warranted to ensure that this at-risk population is appropriately served by cervical screening.
ASYMMETRIC HYDRODYNAMICS OF SUSPENSIONS SUBJECTED TO THE INFLUENCE OF STRONG EXTERNAL MAGNETIC FIELDS
Authors: BEREZHNYI MAKSYM , KHRUSLOV EUGEN
Published: October 2012

A viscous incompressible fluid with a large number of small axially symmetric solid particles is considered. It is assumed that the particles are identically oriented and under the influence of the fluid they move translationally or rotate around symmetry axis but the direction of their symmetry axes does not change. The asymptotic behavior of small oscillations of the system is studied, when the diameters of particles and distances between the nearest particles are decreased. The equations, describing the homogenized model of the system, are derived. It is shown that the homogenized equations correspond to a non-standard hydrodynamics. Namely, the homogenized stress tensor linearly depends not only on the strain tensor but also on the rotation tensor.
FORMATION OF II–VI SEMICONDUCTOR NANOCRYSTALS WITH TUNABLE VISIBLE EMISSION IN AQUEOUS SOLUTION PROMOTED BY HYDRAZINE
Authors: SHEN QI-HUI , LIU YAN , YU XI , LIU XIAO-YANG , ZOU MING-QIANG , LI JIN-FENG , ZHOU JIAN-GUANG
Published: October 2012

II–VI Semiconductor nanocrystals (NCs) with tunable visible emission, such as CdS , CdSe and CdTe , were synthesized in aqueous solution using thiols as capping molecules. Hydrazine was found to promote the growth of NCs through a special mechanism. In only a few hours, the synthesis process was completed at room temperature. Under moderate conditions, the capping molecules not only changed the growth rate of NCs simply by varying the concentration, but also altered the spectral properties of NCs. The capping molecules with amino groups were propitious to the growth of CdS NCs, whereas the kinetic growth of CdS NCs was more affected by the surface passivation efficiency of NCs than by steric hindrance in the system. The fastest growth of the CdS NCs was achieved when glutathione was used as a capping molecule, while the emission of CdS and CdSe NCs were shown to remain steady and tunable using the same capping molecule. The growth rate of 3-mercaptopropionic acid-capped CdS and CdSe NCs slowed down significantly, while CdTe NCs were obtained with excellent emission properties when capped with the same molecule. Furthermore, our approach will also be useful for the study of the kinetic growth of NCs in aqueous solution.
The WNK/SPAK and IRBIT/PP1 Pathways in Epithelial Fluid and Electrolyte Transport
Authors: Park Seonghee , Hong Jeong Hee , Ohana Ehud , Muallem Shmuel
Published: October 2012

Fluid and electrolyte homeostasis is a fundamental physiological function required for survival and is associated with a plethora of diseases when aberrant. Systemic fluid and electrolyte composition is regulated by the kidney, and all secretory epithelia generate biological fluids with defined electrolyte composition by vectorial transport of ions and the obligatory water. A major regulatory pathway that immerged in the last several years is regulation of ion transporters by the WNK/SPAK kinases and IRBIT/PP1 pathways. The IRBIT/PP1 pathway functions to reverse the effects of the WNK/SPAK kinases pathway, as was demonstrated for NBCe1-B and CFTR. Since many transporters involved in fluid and electrolyte homeostasis are affected by PP1 and/or calcineurin, it is possible that WNK/SPAK and IRBIT/PP1 form a common regulatory pathway to tune the activity of fluid and electrolyte transport in response to physiological demands.
On the Behavior of a System of Rational Difference Equations  xn+1 = xn−1/(ynxn−1 − 1), yn+1 = yn−1/(xnyn−1 − 1), zn+1 = 1/xnzn−1
Authors: Keying Liu , Zhiqiang Wei , Peng Li , Weizhou Zhong
Published: October 2012

We are concerned with a three‐dimensional system of rational difference equations with nonzero initial values. We present solutions of the system in an explicit way and obtain the asymptotical behavior of solutions.
Early Bilateral Cystoid Macular Oedema Secondary to Fingolimod in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Liu Lei , Cuthbertson Fiona
Published: October 2012

We report a case of fingolimod-associated bilateral cystoid macular oedema in a patient with multiple sclerosis (MS). A 34-year-old female, diagnosed with MS at age of 30, developed bilateral blurred vision 5 days after initiation of fingolimod. She was misdiagnosed as optic neuritis initially and fingolimod was only discontinued 3 weeks after onset of her visual symptoms when OCT showed prominent bilateral cystoid macular oedema and subretinal fluid. Although her left corrected vision returned to 6/6, she had persistently decreased right visual acuity of 6/12 after 5 months. This paper aims to raise awareness among ophthalmologists and neurologists of the importance of early recognition of macular oedema associated with fingolimod.
M. paratuberculosisHeat Shock Protein 65 and Human Diseases: Bridging Infection and Autoimmunity
Authors: Dow Coad Thomas
Published: October 2012

Mycobacterium aviumsubspeciesparatuberculosis(MAP) is the known infectious cause of Johne’s disease, an enteric inflammatory disease mostly studied in ruminant animals. MAP has also been implicated in the very similar Crohn’s disease of humans as well as sarcoidosis. Recently, MAP has been associated with juvenile sarcoidosis (Blau syndrome), autoimmune diabetes, autoimmune thyroiditis, and multiple sclerosis. While it is intuitive to implicate MAP in granulomatous diseases where the microbe participates in the granuloma, it is more difficult to assign a role for MAP in diseases where autoantibodies are a primary feature. MAP may trigger autoimmune antibodies via its heat shock proteins. Mycobacterial heat shock protein 65 (HSP65) is an immunodominant protein that shares sequential and conformational elements with several human host proteins. This molecular mimicry is the proposed etiopathology by which MAP stimulates autoantibodies associated with autoimmune (type 1) diabetes, autoimmune (Hashimoto’s) thyroiditis, and multiple sclerosis. This paper proposes that MAP is a source of mycobacterial HSP65 and acts as a trigger of autoimmune disease.
Colonic Perforation in a Child with Crohn's Disease: Successful Medical Treatment Rescues from Colectomy
Authors: Gasparetto Marco , Giorgi Benedetta , Kleon Wolfgang , Al Bunni Faise , Guariso Graziella
Published: October 2012

Background. The challenging treatment of penetrating paediatric Crohn’s disease (CD) involves pharmacological and surgical approaches. Despite a proved efficacy of anti-TNF agents for treatment of complex fistula, a large number of patients cannot achieve a complete healing and relapse during the followup.Aim. We report a paediatric case with CD and colonic perforation who was successfully treated with medical therapy only, including anti-TNFα.Case Presentation. During a colonoscopy performed on a 9-year-old girl with CD, a perforation occurred in correspondence of a fistula at the colonic splenic flexure. The formation of a collection was then detected (US, enteric-CT), as well as a fistula connecting the colon to the collection. The girl was kept fasting and treated with total parenteral nutrition and antibiotic therapy. Treatment with Infliximab was also started, and after the third dose a US control showed disappearance of the collection and healing of the enteric fistula. Parenteral nutrition was progressively substituted with enteral feeding, and no surgical treatments were needed.Discussion. In pubertal children with penetrating CD, the option of an efficacious medical treatment to avoid a major surgical approach on the bowel is to be aimed for growth improvement. This approach requires a strictly monitored long-term followup.
Gender Differences in Dementia Spousal Caregiving
Authors: Pöysti Minna Maria , Laakkonen Marja-Liisa , Strandberg Timo , Savikko Niina , Tilvis Reijo Sakari , Eloniemi-Sulkava Ulla , Pitkälä Kaisu Hannele
Published: October 2012

The proportion of male caregivers is rapidly increasing. However, there are few large scale studies exploring gender differences in the burden or coping with caregiving. We investigated this among caregivers of patients with dementia. The study cohort consisted of 335 dyads of wife-husband couples from two studies including dementia patients and their spousal caregivers. Baseline mini-mental state examination (MMSE), clinical dementia rating scale (CDR), neuropsychiatric inventory (NPI), cornell depression scale and charlson comorbidity index (CCI) were used to describe patients with dementia, Zarit burden scale and geriatric depression scale were used to measure experienced burden and depression of caregivers. Mean age of caregivers was 78 years. There were no differences in depression, satisfaction with life, or loneliness according to caregivers' gender. Male caregivers had more comorbidities than females (CCI 1.9 versus 1.1,P<0.001), and the wives of male caregivers had a more severe stage of dementia than husbands of female caregivers (CDR,P=0.048; MMSE14.0 versus 17.7,P<0.001). However, the mean Zarit burden scale was significantly lower among male than female caregivers (31.5 versus 37.5;P<0.001). Lower education of male caregivers tended to be associated with less experienced burden. In conclusion, male caregivers of dementia experienced lower burden than female caregivers despite care recipients' more severe disease.
Some Properties of Multiple Generalizedq-Genocchi Polynomials with Weight and Weak Weight
Authors: Kang J. Y.
Published: October 2012

The present paper deals with the variousq-Genocchi numbers and polynomials. We define a new type of multiple generalizedq-Genocchi numbers and polynomials with weightαand weak weightβby applying the method ofp-adicq-integral. We will find a link between their numbers and polynomials with weightαand weak weightβ. Also we will obtain the interesting properties of their numbers and polynomials with weightαand weak weightβ. Moreover, we construct a Hurwitz-type zeta function which interpolates multiple generalizedq-Genocchi polynomials with weightαand weak weightβand find some combinatorial relations.
Calculation of the Spontaneous Polarization and the Dielectric Constant as a Function of Temperature for
Authors: Yurtseven Hamit , Şen Sema
Published: October 2012

The temperature dependence of the spontaneous polarizationPis calculated in the ferroelectric phase of KH2PO4(KDP) at atmospheric pressure (TC= 122 K). Also, the dielectric constantεis calculated at various temperatures in the paraelectric phase of KDP at atmospheric pressure. For this calculation ofPandε, by fitting the observed Raman frequencies of the soft mode, the microscopic parameters of the pure tunnelling model are obtained. In this model, the proton-lattice interaction is not considered and the collective proton mode is identified with the soft-mode response of the system. Our calculations show that the spontaneous polarization decreases continuously in the ferroelectric phase as approaching the transition temperatureTC. Also, the dielectric constant decreases with increasing temperature and it diverges in the vicinity of the transition temperature (TC= 122 K) for KDP according to the Curie-Weiss law.
Functionalization of Silica Nanoparticles for Polypropylene Nanocomposite Applications
Authors: Bracho Diego , Dougnac Vivianne N. , Palza Humberto , Quijada Raúl
Published: October 2012

Synthetic silica nanospheres of 20 and 100 nm diameter were produced via the sol‐gel method to be used as filler in polypropylene (PP) composites. Modification of the silica surface was further performed by reaction with organic chlorosilanes in order to improve the particles interaction with the hydrophobic polyolefin matrix. These nanoparticles were characterized using transmission electronic microscopy (TEM), elemental analysis, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and solid‐state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. For unmodified silica, it was found that the 20 nm particles have a greater effect on both mechanical and barrier properties of the polymeric composite. In particular, at 30 wt%, Young′s modulus increases by 70%, whereas water vapor permeability (WVP) increases by a factor of 6. Surface modification of the 100 nm particles doubles the value of the composite breaking strain compared to unmodified particles without affecting Young′s modulus, while 20 nm modified particles presented a slight increase on both Young′s modulus and breaking strain. Modified 100 nm particles showed a higher WVP compared to the unmodified particles, probably due to interparticle condensation during the modification step. Our results show that the addition of nanoparticles on the composite properties depends on both particle size and surface modifications.
A Rare Complication of Tracheal Intubation: Tongue Perforation
Authors: Lollo Loreto , Meyer Tanya K. , Grabinsky Andreas
Published: October 2012

Aim. To describe the subsequent treatment of airway trauma sustained during laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation.Methods. A rare injury occurring during laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation that resulted in perforation of the tongue by an endotracheal tube and the subsequent management of this unusual complication are discussed. A 65-year-old female with intraparenchymal brain hemorrhage with rapidly progressive neurologic deterioration had the airway secured prior to arrival at the referral institution. The endotracheal tube (ETT) was noted to have pierced through the base of the tongue and entered the trachea, and the patient underwent operative laryngoscopy to inspect the injury and the ETT was replaced by tracheostomy.Results. Laryngoscopy demonstrated the ETT to perforate the base of the tongue. The airway was secured with tracheostomy and the ETT was removed.Conclusions. A wide variety of complications resulting from direct and video-assisted laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation have been reported. Direct perforation of the tongue with an ETT and ability to ventilate and oxygenate subsequently is a rare injury.
Pathogens Associated with Sugarcane Borers,Diatraeaspp. (Lepidoptera: Crambidae): A Review
Authors: Hernández-Velázquez Víctor M. , Lina-García Laura P. , Obregón-Barboza Verónica , Trejo-Loyo Adriana G. , Peña-Chora Guadalupe
Published: October 2012

The objective of this paper was to analyze information related to entomopathogenic-associatedDiatraeaspp. Gaining a better understanding of the effects of these microorganisms will help in the development of successful microbial control strategies against stem borers that attack sugarcane plants.