bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Heat transfer enhancement in annular fins using functionally graded material
Authors: Hassanzadeh Rahim , Pekel Hakan
Published: April 2013

This study presents a new approach on the heat transfer enhancement of annular fins with constant thickness using functionally graded materials. The thermal conductivity of the annular fin is assumed to be graded along the fin radius as a power‐law function. The resulting fin equation is solved by an approximate analytical method using the mean value theorem. The variable coefficients of second and third terms in the second‐order differential equation of the fin are replaced with their mean values along the fin radius. Several different graphs regarding the computed temperature profile, fin tip temperature, and fin efficiency are plotted with respect to the radii ratio thermo‐geometric parameter, and inhomogeneity parameter. It is demonstrated that the inhomogeneity parameter plays an important role on the heat transfer enhancement of the annular fin. However, for large radii ratios the effect of the inhomogeneity parameter decreases. Finally, it is stated that application of the functionally graded material in the annular fins, enhances the heat transfer rate between the fin and surrounding fluid resulting from the higher fin efficiency in comparison to the homogeneous annular fin. It is hoped that the results obtained from this study arouse interest among thermal designers and heat exchanger industries. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res, 42(7): 603–617, 2013; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/htj). DOI 10.1002/htj.21053
College Student Utilization of a Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program
Authors: Mitchell Sharon L. , Kader Mahrin , Haggerty Melinda Z. , Bakhai Yogesh D. , Warren Calvert G.
Published: April 2013

The authors sought to identify college students at risk for experiencing a mental health crisis that warranted a psychiatric evaluation at a hospital and/or a psychiatric hospitalization. A retrospective chart review of college students evaluated at a comprehensive psychiatric emergency program during a 1‐year period was conducted. Demographic variables, mental health treatment history, diagnosis, and hospital discharge plans were found to predict those students likely to be hospitalized and those likely to have positive discharge outcomes.
Finding Purpose in Pain: Using Logotherapy as a Method for Addressing Survivor Guilt in First‐Generation College Students
Authors: Tate Kevin A. , Williams Cyrus , Harden Dia
Published: April 2013

First‐generation college students face a variety of academic and personal challenges, including survivor guilt (Piorkowski, 1983). Survivor guilt for these students involves negative emotions related to leaving family and friends “behind” in difficult contexts and lived experiences. This article provides (a) an overview of first‐generation college students’ participation in higher education, (b) a review of survivor guilt as experienced by these students, (c) a description of how logotherapy (Frankl, 2006) can be implemented by college counselors, and (d) the implications of this approach for college counselors.
Raman investigation of polymorphism in 1,1,4,4‐tetraphenyl‐butadiene
Authors: Bacchi Alessia , Bilotti Ivano , Brillante Aldo , Crocco Domenico , Della Valle Raffaele G. , Girlando Alberto , Masino Matteo , Pelagatti Paolo , Venuti Elisabetta
Published: April 2013

We present a Raman investigation of polymorphism in 1,1,4,4‐tetraphenyl‐butadiene (TPB), a well‐known blue luminescent molecule, which retains its emissive properties in the solid state. The use of low‐wavenumber (10–150 cm−1) Raman microscopy, very sensitive to the crystal packing, allows us to single and pick up four different polymorphs. X‐ray analysis shows that the TPB molecules assume different conformations in the various polymorphs, a fact revealed also by the Raman spectra in the region of intra‐molecular vibrations. Lattice dynamics calculations yield a preliminary assignment of the low‐wavenumber Raman spectra and provide information of the relative stability of the phases. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of postharvest salicylic acid dipping on Alternaria rot and disease resistance of jujube fruit during storage
Authors: Cao Jiankang , Yan Jiaqi , Zhao Yumei , Jiang Weibo
Published: April 2013

Background

Considerable postharvest losses caused by Alternaria alternata often occur in Chinese jujube fruit, and synthetic fungicides have been widely used to protect the fruit from Alternaria rot. However, the potential harmfulness of fungicide residues to human health and the environment cannot be ignored. This study was conducted to develop an alternative approach for controlling postharvest disease by inducing fruit resistance with salicylic acid (SA) dipping.

Results

Disease incidence and lesion area in the jujube fruit inoculated with A. alternata were significantly inhibited by 2 and 2.5 mmol L−1 SA dipping. Naturally infected decay rate and index in jujubes were also significantly reduced by SA dipping during long‐term storage at 0°C. SA enhanced activities of the main defense‐related enzymes including phenylalanine ammonia‐lyase, peroxidase, chitinase and β‐1,3‐glucanase in the fruit during storage. SA strongly decreased catalase activity but increased superoxide dismutase activity and ascorbic acid content in jujubes.

Conclusion

The beneficial effects of SA on fruit protection may be due to its ability to activate several highly coordinated defence‐related systems in jujubes, instead of its fungicidal activity. The findings indicated that application of SA would offer an alternative approach that helps to control postharvest disease and maintain storage quality in fruits. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Dependence of the Morphological Location of the Brittle/Tough Transition on the Modulus of the Dispersed Phase
Authors: Zabaleta Asier , González Imanol , Eguiazábal José Ignacio
Published: April 2013

The dispersed phase of the polypropylene/maleinized poly(ethylene‐octene) (PP/mPEO) blend was modified by means of nanoclay addition, in an attempt to find out the effect of its modulus of elasticity on the location of the brittle/tough (B/T) transition. The nanoclay stayed only in the dispersed rubbery phase upon blending. Upon nanoclay addition, the B/T transition slipped to larger rubber contents; this slip is proposed to be due to the higher modulus of elasticity of the rubbery phase. Looking at the microstructure, the critical interparticle distance (τc) for the B/T transition to occur is less when the dispersed phase is stiffer; i.e., the rubber particles have to be closer to each other for the transition to occur.
The PIM Family of Serine/Threonine Kinases in Cancer
Authors: Narlik‐Grassow Maja , Blanco‐Aparicio Carmen , Carnero Amancio
Published: April 2013

The proviral insertion site in Moloney murine leukemia virus, or PIM proteins, are a family of serine/threonine kinases composed of three different isoforms (PIM1, PIM2, and PIM3) that are highly evolutionarily conserved. These proteins are regulated primarily by transcription and stability through pathways that are controlled by Janus kinase/Signal transducer and activator of transcription, JAK/STAT, transcription factors. The PIM family proteins have been found to be overexpressed in hematological malignancies and solid tumors, and their roles in these tumors were confirmed in mouse tumor models. Furthermore, the PIM family proteins have been implicated in the regulation of apoptosis, metabolism, cell cycle, and homing and migration, which has led to the postulation of these proteins as interesting targets for anticancer drug discovery. In the present work, we review the importance of PIM kinases in tumor growth and as drug targets.
Controlling Polyolefin Properties by In‐Reactor Blending: 3. Mechanical Properties
Authors: Ruff Martin , Lang Reinhold W. , Paulik Christian
Published: April 2013

In‐reactor blends of ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW‐PE) and medium molecular weight polyethylene (mMW‐PE) were prepared by precise multi‐stage slurry polymerizations (MSP). Correlations between polymerization conditions and mechanical properties of in situ mixed polyolefins were investigated. Reactor powders were brought to shape through compression molding. Izod impact strength, dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), and tensile properties, as well as physical properties (density, crystalline properties) were measured and evaluated in comparison with physical blends and commercial PE grades. In‐reactor blends show a higher material stiffness and impact properties increased by a factor of 2 compared to unimodal materials and physical blends. Thus the MSP‐method offers an efficient way to improve mechanical behavior of linear high‐molecular weight PE.

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Anionic polymerization of biomass‐derived furfuryl methacrylate: Controlling polymer tacticity and thermoreversibility
Authors: He Jianghua , Zhang Yuetao , Chen Eugene Y. X.
Published: April 2013

Biomass‐derived furfuryl methacrylate (FMA) has been successfully polymerized for the first time by anionic polymerization to produce atactic (at‐), isotactic (it‐), or syndiotactic (st‐) poly(furfuryl methacrylate) (PFMA), depending on initiator structure and reaction conditions. Thermal properties of the PFMA materials are strongly affected by the polymer tacticity. Most notably, while both isotactic and syndiotactic polymers can undergo inter‐ or intrachain crosslinking reactions when heated to 290 °C, there is no evidence for the atactic polymer to perform the same reaction. Furthermore, the PFMA tacticity also greatly affects the amount of stable carbonaceous materials it produces when heated to 650 °C, with st‐PFMA forming the largest amount of such materials (26.9%), as compared to only 5.6% by at‐PFMA. Using the Diels–Alder (DA) “click reaction” between the reactive furfuryl group within the PFMA polymers as the diene equivalent and a bismaleimide as the dienophile, thermoreversible smart polymers have been successfully prepared. Thermoreversibility of the preformed crosslinked polymers has been demonstrated, thanks to the facile retro‐DA reaction upon heating and the DA reaction upon cooling of such self‐healing materials. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2013, 51, 2793–2803
Effect of trans‐ and cis‐isomeric defects on the localization of the charged excitations in π‐conjugated organic polymers
Authors: Nayyar Iffat H. , Batista Enrique R. , Tretiak Sergei , Saxena Avadh , Smith Darryl L. , Martin Richard L.
Published: April 2013

We use the long‐range‐corrected hybrid density functional theory models to study the effect of various conformational distortions of weak‐trans and strong‐cis nature on the spatial localization of charged states in poly(p‐phenylene vinylene) (PPV) and its derivative poly[2‐methoxy‐5‐(2′‐ethylhexyloxy)‐p‐phenylene vinylene] (MEH‐PPV). The extent of self‐trapping of positive (P+) and negative (P−) polarons is observed to be highly sensitive to molecular conformation that, in turn, controls the distribution of atomic charges within the polymers. It is shown that, to reach good agreement with recent experimental data on lattice distortion for P+ and P− excitations, the polarization of the medium plays a critical role. The introduction of weak‐trans defects along the MEH‐PPV chain breaks the observed symmetry for P+ and P− excitations. The P− states exhibit more spatial localization owing to lattice relaxation than their vacuum counterparts in contrast to P+. These observations suggest higher mobilities of holes than that of electrons in MEH‐PPV, in agreement with the experimental observations. The predicted binding, reorganization, and solvation energies for PPV and MEH‐PPV are analyzed for this difference in the response behavior of holes and electrons for trans and cis distortions. This study allows for a better understanding of charge‐transport and photophysical properties in π‐conjugated organic materials by analyzing their underlying structure–property correlations. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2013, 51, 935–942
Carbon nanotube in a threading magnetic field: Conductance oscillations persistent current and magnetization
Authors: Onorato P.
Published: April 2013

The magnetic response of electrons in a zigzag carbon nanotube (CN) threaded by an Aharonov Bohm fluxφis carefully analyzed by using a Hartree Fock approximation. The ground state energy as a function of the magnetic field,B, and the electron–electron repulsion strength,U, are obtained forNeinteracting electrons confined inshort(∼100 nm) andlong(∼1 μm) CNs. The spin and orbital magnetization responses to the magnetic field variations are discussed. The CN transport properties are investigated and periodic field dependent oscillations are predicted for both longitudinal ballistic and persistent currents. The behavior of persistent current is investigated as a function ofUand a significant suppression in current amplitude is observed when the strength of the electron–electron repulsion increases.
Memory‐Type Control Charts for Monitoring the Process Dispersion
Authors: Abbas Nasir , Riaz Muhammad , Does Ronald J. M. M.
Published: April 2013

Control charts have been broadly used for monitoring the process mean and dispersion. Cumulative sum (CUSUM) and exponentially weighted moving average (EWMA) control charts are memory control charts as they utilize the past information in setting up the control structure. This makes CUSUM and EWMA‐type charts good at detecting small disturbances in the process. This article proposes two new memory control charts for monitoring process dispersion, named as floating T − S2 and floating U − S2 control charts, respectively. The average run length (ARL) performance of the proposed charts is evaluated through a simulation study and is also compared with the CUSUM and EWMA charts for process dispersion. It is found that the proposed charts are better in detecting both positive as well as negative shifts. An additional comparison shows that the floating U − S2 chart has slightly smaller ARLs for larger shifts, while for smaller shifts, the floating T − S2 chart has better performance. An example is also provided which shows the application of the proposed charts on simulated datasets. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Microwave embedment for light and electron microscopy using epoxy resins, LR white, and other polymers
Authors: Giammara Beverly L.
Published: April 2013

Microwave energy can be used to polymerize embedding polymers used for light and electron microscopy, providing novel and ultrarapid processing methods to accomplish cell and tissue embedments. These quick methods steadily show promise for diagnosis of disease where rapid methods can be crucial. This review is intended to answer some of the questions microscopists may have in attempting to utilize such microwave embedding procedures and to provide a comparison of results using divergent Medcast and LR White.
Contribution estimation of participants for human interaction recognition
Authors: Ji Yanli , Shimada Atsushi , Nagahara Hajime , Taniguchi Rin‐ichiro
Published: April 2013

In this paper, we propose an efficient algorithm to recognize actions of human interaction. Unlike previous algorithms using two participants' actions, the proposed algorithm estimates the action contribution of participants to determine which participant's action is the major action for correct interaction recognition. To estimate this contribution, we construct a contribution interaction model for each interaction category in which both participants carry out major actions. Using the contribution models, we design a method that automatically estimates the contribution of participants and classifies interaction samples into “co‐contribution” and “single‐contribution” interactions. At the same time, the major actions in the “single‐contribution” interactions are determined. We evaluate our method on the UT‐interaction dataset and our original interaction dataset (LIMU). Recognition results indicate the robustness of the proposed method and the high estimation accuracy obtained: estimation accuracies of 96 and 98% in set 1 and set 2 of the UT dataset, respectively, and 97.8% in the LIMU dataset. Based on the estimation results, we extract the major action information for interaction recognition. Average recognition accuracies of 93.3% in set 1 and 91.7% in set 2 of the UT dataset were obtained. Our result is at least 5% better than those obtained with previous algorithms. For the LIMU dataset, recognition accuracy reached 91.1%. It was 8.9% higher than the recognition result without contribution estimation. © 2013 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Prevalence of anal sphincter injury in primiparous women
Authors: Guzmán Rojas R. A. , Shek K. L. , Langer S. M. , Dietz H. P.
Published: April 2013

Objective

To determine the prevalence of obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASIS) in a cohort of primiparous women and to evaluate their association with demographic, obstetric and ultrasound parameters.

Methods

This was a retrospective analysis of the ultrasound volume datasets of 320 primiparous women, acquired at 5 months postpartum. Tomographic ultrasound imaging (TUI) was used to evaluate the external anal sphincter (EAS). A significant EAS defect was diagnosed if a defect of > 30° was seen in four or more of six TUI slices bracketing the EAS.

Results

Significant EAS defects were found in 69 women (27.9% of those delivered vaginally). In nine of those a third‐degree tear was diagnosed intrapartum and was sutured. In 60 women with significant defects there was no documentation of sphincter damage at birth, implying unidentified or occult defects (60/69, 87.0%). Among them, 29 had had a second‐degree tear, two a first‐degree tear and three an intact perineum. In 31 cases an episiotomy had been performed, with five extensions to a third‐degree tear. On multivariate analysis only forceps delivery was significantly associated with OASIS.

Conclusions

In this cohort of primiparous women we found OASIS in 27.9% of vaginally parous women, most of which had not been diagnosed in the delivery suite. There seems to be a need for better education of labor‐ward staff in the recognition of OASIS. On the other hand, it is conceivable that some defects may be masked by intact tissue. The significance of such defects remains doubtful. Forceps delivery was the only identifiable risk factor. Copyright © 2013 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Comparative analysis of biodiesel versus green diesel
Authors: Vonortas Andreas , Papayannakos Nikolaos
Published: April 2013

The use of biofuels is becoming more and more common because of both environmental and economical concerns. Several attempts have been made for the substitution of fossil fuels with other alternative fuels. An important feedstock for the production of biofuels fully adapted to modern engine technology is ester molecules derived from refined or crude vegetable oils and animal fats. Two distinct techniques have been applied for the transformation of the vegetable oil's esters into molecules compatible with petroleum diesel that is transesterification of ester molecules for the production of lighter esters by using an alcohol and hydrogenation of ester bonds for the production of linear hydrocarbons. The way both biofuels are produced is discussed in this work. Raw materials tested, production methods and systems investigated, feasibility of production of these fuels in plant and industrial scale and the main characteristics of the two fuels are included. WIREs Energy Environ 2014, 3:3–23. doi: 10.1002/wene.78

This article is categorized under:

Bioenergy > Science and Materials

Energy and Development > Science and Materials
A Speeded Item Response Model: Leave the Harder till Later
Authors: Chang Yu-Wei , Tsai Rung-Ching , Hsu Nan-Jung
Published: April 2013

A speeded item response model is proposed. We consider the situation where examinees may retain the harder items to a later test period in a time limit test. With such a strategy, examinees may not finish answering some of the harder items within the allocated time. In the proposed model, we try to describe such a mechanism by incorporating a speeded-effect term into the two-parameter logistic item response model. A Bayesian estimation procedure of the current model using Markov chain Monte Carlo is presented, and its performance over the two-parameter logistic item response model in a speeded test is demonstrated through simulations. The methodology is applied to physics examination data of the Department Required Test for college entrance in Taiwan for illustration.
Brief report: Piloting the Positive Life Changes (PLC) program for at‐risk adolescents
Authors: Williamson Ariel A. , Dierkhising Carly B. , Guerra Nancy G.
Published: April 2013

The purpose of this study was to pilot the Positive Life Changes (PLC) program, a comprehensive cognitive‐behavioral intervention for at‐risk adolescents that aims to promote social competencies and to prevent aggression. The program was piloted in 4 intervention groups with a sample of 31 self‐referred adolescents (M age 15.64) attending an alternative high school. Questionnaires at pretest and 6‐week posttest included five social competencies that represent an expansion of social information‐processing (SIP) skills, a measure of aggressive behavior, and a new measure of aggression propensity. Three‐level hierarchical linear models showed increases in three social competencies and reductions in physical and verbal aggression propensity from pretest to posttest. Number of program sessions attended did not moderate pretest–posttest change. Findings are discussed in the context of program implementation and future research in school and community settings.
Neurofibromin interacts with the cytoplasmic Dynein Heavy Chain 1 in melanosomes of human melanocytes
Authors: Arun Vedant , Worrell Lionel , Wiley Joseph C. , Kaplan David R. , Guha Abhijit
Published: April 2013

Neurofibromin (NF1) is encoded by the NF1 tumour suppressor gene. Mutations result in a disorder known as Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF‐1), and patients are often diagnosed due to the presence of unusual pigmentary patterns that include Café au lait macules (CALMs). Little is known about how loss of NF1 results in pigmentary defects in melanocytes. We sought to identify novel NF1 interacting proteins and elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the pigmentary defects. The cytoplasmic Dynein Heavy Chain 1 (DHC) was found to interact with NF1 along microtubules in vesicular structures identified to be melanosomes. Our studies suggest that NF1 is involved in melanosomal localization, and that disruptions in NF1–DHC interactions may contribute to the abnormal pigmentary features commonly associated with this debilitating syndrome.
Relating clinical measures of pain with experimentally assessed pain mechanisms in patients with knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Skou Soren T. , Graven-Nielsen Thomas , Lengsoe Lasse , Simonsen Ole , Laursen Mogens B. , Arendt-Nielsen Lars
Published: April 2013

Background

Peripheral and central sensitisation is prominent in knee osteoarthritis (KOA) and could be important for the reduced efficacy in some cases after as well surgery as pharmacological interventions. Although sensitisation is important in KOA it is not known to what degree it contributes to the overall clinical pain problem. The aim was therefore to investigate how much a combination of quantitative pain measures assessing various pain mechanisms (local and spreading hyperalgesia, temporal and spatial summation, descending inhibition) could predict peak pain intensity in patients with KOA.

Methods

While resting in a comfortable recumbent position the pressure pain thresholds (PPT) in the peripatellar region (eight locations) and at the tibialis anterior muscle (TA) were assessed by handheld pressure algometry, computer-controlled pressure algometry and cuff-algometry in the affected leg of 17 KOA patients without pain or sensory dysfunctions in other regions than the knee. Cuff-algometry was used to detect spatial pain summation of the lower leg. Temporal pain summation was assessed by repeated pressure stimulation on the TA muscle. The conditioning pain modulation (CPM) was evaluated by conditioning tonic arm pain and by PPT from the peripatellar region. The participants rated their peak pain intensity in the previous 24 h using on a 10 cm visual analogue scale.

Results

A multiple-regression model based on TA pressure pain sensitivity (spreading sensitisation) and temporal pain summation on the lower leg accounted for 55% of the variance in peak pain intensity experienced by the patients (P=0.001). Significant correlations (P< 0.05) were found between PPTs assessed by handheld pressure algometry in the peripatellar region and at TA (R = 0.94), PPTs assessed by computer-controlled pressure algometry and handheld pressure algometry in the peripatellar region (R = 0.71), PPTs assessed by computer-controlled pressure algometry in the peripatellar region and handheld pressure algometry at TA (R = 0.71) and temporal summation at the knee and at TA (R = 0.73).

Conclusion

Based on the multiple regression model 55% variance of the perceived maximal pain intensity in painful KOA could be explained by the quantitative experimental pain measures reflecting central pain mechanisms (spreading sensitisation, temporal summation). The lack of other correlations between the methods used in assessing pain mechanisms in this study highlights the importance of applying different tests and different pain modalities when assessing the sensitised pain system as different methods add complementary information.

Implications

Clinical pain intensity can be explained by influences of different central pain mechanisms in KOA. This has implications for pain management in KOA where treatment addressing central pain components may be more important than previously acknowledged.
Evaluation of a novel chemokine receptor 2 (CCR2)-antagonist in painful diabetic polyneuropathy
Authors: Kalliomäki Jarkko , Jonzon Bror , Huizar Karin , O’Malley Michael , Andersson Anita , Simpson David M.
Published: April 2013

Background and aims

Preclinical data suggest that the chemokine receptor 2 (CCR2) is involved in the pathophysiology of neuropathic pain through modulation of neuronal excitability, synaptic transmission and activation of spinal cord microglia. CCR2-antagonists have shown to be effective in preclinical models of neuropathic pain. The aim of this study was to evaluate the analgesic efficacy, safety and tolerability of a novel CCR2-antagonist, AZD2423, in patients with painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN).

Methods

This was a double-blind, randomized, parallel-group, multi-center study in patients with symmetric distal sensory polyneuropathy due to type 1 or 2 diabetes and duration of neuropathic pain between 3 months and 5 years. Concomitant treatment with neuropathic pain medications (e.g. anticonvulsants, tricyclic antidepressants, serotonin-noradrenaline uptake inhibitors, opioids, topical lidocaine or capsaicin) was not allowed. 134 patients with PDN were equally randomized to 28 days oral administration of 20 mg AZD2423,150 mg AZD2423, or placebo. The primary efficacy variable was the change of average pain score from 5-days baseline to the last 5 days of treatment, measured with numerical rating scale (NRS, 0–10). The secondary efficacy measures included NRS worst pain scores, patient global impression of change, pain interference on sleep and activity, and neuropathic pain symptom inventory (NPSI).

Results

The change of NRS average pain score was not significantly different between treatment groups (AZD2423 20mg: –1.50; AZD2423 150 mg: –1.35; placebo: –1.61). The NPSI total score and three out of five subscores (evoked pain, pressing/deep pain and paresthesia/dysesthesia) tended to be reduced more by AZD2423 150 mg than by placebo. No other secondary efficacy variables differed between treatment groups. The frequency and type of adverse events for AZD2423 were similar to placebo. The achieved plasma levels of AZD2423 in the two dose groups were in line with predictions from pharmacokinetic data previously obtained in healthy volunteers. Dose-dependent increase of plasma levels of the ligand of CCR2 (CCL2; chemokine ligand 2) and decrease of the mean levels of monocytes (–27% by AZD2423 150 mg) suggested that the administrated doses of AZD2423 interacted with the CCR2 target.

Conclusion

The CCR2-antagonist AZD2423 showed no analgesic efficacy in PDN based on NRS average pain scores and global and functional pain outcome measures. The NPSI data suggested possible effects on certain sensory components of pain. There were no major safety or tolerability concerns.

Implications

Treatment with a CCR2-antagonist does not have a clinically important analgesic effect in an overall PDN population.
A raised OIS 3 sea level recorded in coastal sediments, southern Changjiang delta plain, China
Authors: Wang Zhanghua , Jones Brian G. , Chen Ting , Zhao Baocheng , Zhan Qing
Published: April 2013

The distribution of marine-influenced oxygen isotope stage (OIS) 5 to OIS 1 sediments was examined in several late Quaternary boreholes from the southern Changjiang (Yangtze) delta plain, China, using different dating methods including OSL, U-series, AMS 14C and paleomagnetism. Results demonstrate that coastal and estuarine deposition during OIS 5 and OIS 3 occurred throughout the study area. However, Holocene transgressive sediments were absent on the Taihu block. The burial depth of intertidal to subtidal sediment deposited during OIS 5e records 30–80 m subsidence caused by sediment compaction and tectonic movement since that time. However, coastal sediments formed during the late phase of OIS 3 were buried to a depth of ca. 6–15 m in the Taihu Lake area, while the burial depth increased eastward to ca. 45–60 m on the coastal plain. This phenomenon, combined with the distribution of Holocene marine strata, indicates at least 25–30 m uplift of the Taihu block since the end of OIS 3. We suggest that this uplift was mainly caused by the differential subsidence due to substantial amount of post-glacial deposition by the Changjiang and Huanghe Rivers on the continental shelf of east China marginal sea.
Systematic review of Swedish snus for smoking cessation based on primary subject data from randomised clinical trials
Authors: Rutqvist L. E. , Fry J. S. , Lee P. N.
Published: April 2013

Introduction: The ability of Swedish snus to serve as a smoking cessation aid has been documented in several observational, population surveys from Scandinavia, but randomised clinical trials provide more reliable information on efficacy. Aims: To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised clinical trials of Swedish snus as an aid to smoking cessation. Methods: Literature searches were conducted in MedLine, Cochrane Library, and Embase to identify relevant clinical trials. The primary outcome was defined as biologically confirmed smoking cessation during around six months. Meta-analyses based on primary subject data tested for effect of allocated treatment as well as selected baseline characteristics. Results: There were two relevant clinical trials, one conducted at five sites in the US (n = 250), the other at two sites in Serbia (n = 319). Based on the primary outcome, success was higher in the treated group in both Serbia (5.7% vs 1.9%) and the US (4.0% vs 1.6%). Meta-analysis estimated the relative success rate at 2.83 (95% CI 1.03–7.75), which was of borderline significance (exact p = 0.06, chi-squared p = 0.03). For smoking cessation in the last 4 weeks of each study, rates were 12.4% for snus and 6.6% for placebo (RR 1.86, 95% CI 1.09-3.18). Efficacy of snus was not clearly related to any baseline characteristic. Conclusions: Swedish snus increased quit rates similarly in US and Serbia. These results confirm and extend previous information based on observational population surveys.
Extinction Burst after Varenicline Titration: A Case Report
Authors: Steinberg Marc L. , Williams Jill M.
Published: April 2013

Background: The mechanism of action of varenicline as a partial agonist may make it useful for cigarette reduction as smokers experience reduced craving and withdrawal at the same time their cigarettes provide reduced reinforcement value.

Case Description: The current case report describes a 51-year-old African American woman using varenicline to reduce her cigarette use. After making a substantial reduction in cigarettes per day (from 25 to 8), the patient unexpectedly began smoking considerably more (from 8 to 20) after 11 days treatment with varenicline.

Conclusions: The temporary increase in smoking while taking varenicline was likely the result of an ‘extinction burst’ where the extinction of a reward (e.g., nicotine's rewarding effects after smoking a cigarette) was temporarily associated with an increase in the behaviour usually associated with the reward (e.g., smoking a cigarette). Once explaining to her that no amount of cigarettes would overcome the feeling of reduced reward she likely felt while taking varenicline, she was able to reduce her smoking again.
Oral supplementation of medium-chain fatty acids during the dry period supports the neutrophil viability of peripartum dairy cows
Authors: Piepers Sofie , De Vliegher Sarne
Published: April 2013

A randomised clinical trial was conducted to explore the effect of orally supplemented medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA) to heifers and cows starting 6–8 weeks prior to expected calving date on blood and milk polymorphonuclear neutrophilic leucocyte (PMNL) apoptosis between 1 and 3 d in milk (DIM). The effects of MCFA-supplementation on the likelihood of intramammary infections (IMI) in early lactation, and test-day somatic cell count (SCC) and average daily milk yield (MY) during the first 4 months of lactation were evaluated as well. Twenty-two animals were included of which half were orally supplemented with MCFA starting 6–8 weeks prior to calving and half served as non-supplemented controls. The PMNL viability in both blood and milk was quantified using dual-colour flow cytometry with fluorescein-labelled annexin and propidium iodide. In non-supplemented animals, % blood PMNL apoptosis significantly increased between start of supplementation and early lactation, reflecting a potential reduction in innate immune capacity, whereas this was not true in the MCFA-supplemented animals. Similar results were seen in milk PMNL apoptosis. Overall, the % apoptotic milk PMNL between 1 and 3 DIM was significantly lower in the MCFA-supplemented group compared with the non-supplemented group. There was no substantial effect of oral MCFA-supplementation on the likelihood of quarter IMI nor on the composite test-day milk SCC or average daily MY. In conclusion, oral MCFA-supplementation starting 6–8 weeks before expected calving date supported the blood and milk neutrophil viability in early lactating dairy cows. Still, this was not reflected in an improvement of udder health nor MY in early and later lactation. The results should trigger research to further unravel the mechanisms behind the observed immunomodulating effect, and the potential relevance for the cows' performances throughout lactation.
Covert systematicity in a distributionally complex system
Authors: BAERMAN MATTHEW
Published: April 2013

Current thinking on inflection classes views them as organized networks rather than random assemblages of allomorphs (a view that reaches back to the 1980s, with such notions as Wurzel's paradigm structure conditions and Carstairs's paradigm economy). But we still find systems which appear to lack any visible implicative structure. A particularly striking example comes from Võro (a variety of South Estonian). Its system of verbal inflectional suffixes is formally simple but distributionally complex: although there are never more than three allomorphs in competition, nearly two dozen inflectional patterns emerge through rampant cross-classification of the allomorphs. Allomorph choice in one part of the paradigm thus fails to constrain allomorph choice in the rest, so it looks as if the paradigms would have to be memorized en masse. The key to these patterns lies outside the system of suffixation itself, in the more conventional formal complexity of stem alternations and their paradigmatic patterning. The computationally implemented analysis presented here provides a model of inflection in which the implicational network of phonological, morphophonological and morphological conditions on formal realization are unified in a single representation.
Reproductive biology of pollack (Pollachius pollachius) from the Galician shelf (north-west Spain)
Authors: Alonso-Fernández Alexandre , Villegas-Ríos David , Valdés-López Marta , Olveira-Domínguez Beatriz , Saborido-Rey Fran
Published: April 2013

The pollack, Pollachius pollachius, is an important commercial species for the Spanish artisanal fleet in Atlantic Iberian waters. This study provides information on the reproductive biology of the species, including length at maturity, reproductive cycle and gamete development pattern based on histological methods. A collection of 622 individuals were sampled from fish markets along the western coast of Galicia (NW Spain), between November 2009 and October 2010. Histological examination of the gonads revealed an asynchronous development of secondary growth follicles. Testicular tissue was of lobular type. The reproductive season extended from January to April for females and from January to May for males, with a peak of reproductive activity in February for both sexes. The hepatosomatic index was related to the reproductive cycle, with a mean maximum value during the developing reproductive phase. Length at 50% maturity was significantly different between females (47.1 cm) and males (36.1 cm).
Small-scale distribution patterns of two cirratulid species with a description of a peculiar early juvenile stage
Authors: Cosentino Andrea
Published: April 2013

An assemblage of cirratulids in a confined marine basin (Mediterranean Sea) was investigated at small spatio-temporal scales in an experiment in which artificial granules of expanded fire-clay were used as a bare substratum for colonization. Analysis of core samples of 3.5 l undisturbed natural sediments (source area) and equal volumes of artificial substratum (new settlement area), plunged into the sea bottom were carried out from May to July 2008 after 0, 15, 30 and 60 days.Caulleriella bioculatashowed the highest total mean density of 10.1 ± 5.8 N l−1in the natural sediment, and the lowest at 0.13 ± 0.08 N l−1in the artificial substratum, with a marked temporal decrease. Individuals were not strongly aggregated and were found in a deeper sediment layer. The density of largeCirriformia tentaculatawas 0.5 ± 0.3 N l−1, with individuals more aggregated and confined to shallower sediments, versus 0.10 ± 0.06 N l−1but found deeper in the artificial substratum; temporal trends were not straightforward for this species. The adult stage of sedentary cirratulids appeared to actively move into the new available substratum from the neighbouring sediments. An early cirratulid juvenile stage was observed in both microhabitats at a comparable density of 1.8 ± 2.8 N l−1with highly aggregated individuals (cohorts). The peculiar morphology of branchiae, the threadlike body shape and the multivariate morphological differences between two sub-populations settled in the different substrata are reported for these problematic specimens.
Incidence and predictors of suicide attempts among primary-care patients with depressive disorders: a 5-year prospective study
Authors: Riihimäki K. , Vuorilehto M. , Melartin T. , Haukka J. , Isometsä E.
Published: April 2013

Background

No previous study has prospectively investigated incidence and risk factors for suicide attempts among primary care patients with depression.

Method

In the Vantaa Primary Care Depression Study, a stratified random sample of 1119 patients was screened for depression, and Structured Clinical Interviews for DSM-IV used to diagnose Axis I and II disorders. A total of 137 patients were diagnosed with a DSM-IV depressive disorder. Altogether, 82% of patients completed the 5-year follow-up. Information on timing of suicide attempts, plus major depressive episodes (MDEs) and partial or full remission, or periods of substance abuse were examined with life charts. Incidence of suicide attempts and their stable and time-varying risk factors (phases of depression/substance abuse) were investigated using Cox proportional hazard and Poisson regression models.

Results

During the follow-up there were 22 discrete suicide attempts by 14/134 (10.4%) patients. The incidence rates were 0, 5.8 and 107 during full or partial remission or MDEs, or 22.2 and 142 per 1000 patient-years during no or active substance abuse, respectively. In Cox models, current MDE (hazard ratio 33.5, 95% confidence interval 3.6–309.7) was the only significant independent risk factor. Primary care doctors were rarely aware of the suicide attempts.

Conclusions

Of the primary care patients with depressive disorders, one-tenth attempted suicide in 5 years. However, risk of suicidal acts was almost exclusively confined to MDEs, with or without concurrent active substance abuse. Suicide prevention among primary care patients with depression should focus on active treatment of major depressive disorder and co-morbid substance use, and awareness of suicide risk.
Is God Necessarily Who God Is? Alternatives for the Trinity and Election Debate
Authors: Diller Kevin
Published: April 2013

As a contribution to discussions of the relationship between trinity and election, in this article I explore the helpfulness of a return to ancient modal and metaphysical theological distinctions. At the forefront of trinity/election debates has been Bruce McCormack's controversial claim that election could be conceived as logically prior to, and the motivation for, God's being triune. Steering clear of questions about the right interpretation or trajectory of Karl Barth's theology, I attempt to identify the motivating theological convictions of this debate's interlocutors and find constructive options which maintain or address those convictions. One option I defend is the possibility that triunity is not logically prior to election.

I begin with an analysis of three central theological convictions which seem to be at the heart of the trinity/election debates. They are: (1) a revelation axiom – that knowledge of God's nature is governed by the particular historical revelation of God in Christ; (2) a nuanced commitment to divine immutability; and (3) divine libertas a coactione – God's being free in nature and action from external constraint. I then contend that if more attention is paid to modal and metaphysical options with respect to the existence and essence of God, one will see that there are a number of viable positions which respect these convictions.

I argue that at least some of the conceptual difficulties of McCormack's position can be eliminated if we properly distinguish kinds of necessity in reference to God's being and if we dispense with any notion of priority between God's essence and God's willing God's essence. With respect to kinds of necessity, I recall the ancient distinction between properties that are (a) necessary consequents of God's essence, (b) contingent and (c) a necessary consequence of God's essence given certain contingent states of affairs. Those distinctions, along with clarifications about the nature of divine freedom vis-à-vis his essence and actions, allow us to see the range of theological positions which remain faithful to the relevant concerns of the revelation axiom, divine immutability and divine freedom.

I conclude that, while it is problematic to defend the logical priority of election over triunity, McCormack is justified in his claim that granting election as part of God's essence does no violence to divine freedom and he is perfectly entitled to the view that God's essential properties, including both God's fit-for-election-hypostatic-configuration and God's being the electing God are mutual aspects of God's single self-caused being.
Law, Lies and Letter Writing: An Analysis of Jerome and Augustine on the Antioch Incident (Galatians 2:11–14)
Authors: Myers Jason A.
Published: April 2013

Various critics of the New Perspective on Paul (NPP) often highlight the lack of church tradition as one deficiency of the various interpretations of Paul. To some, the lack of church history automatically renders such newer interpretations suspect. In turn critics of the NPP often turn to the reformers such as Calvin and Luther to defend the traditional reading of Paul and trace this traditional reading back to Augustine. For the critics, church tradition stands on the side of the traditional reading.

This article seeks to highlight an often neglected early church view on one aspect of the NPP, that of Paul and the Law. This article highlights one of the fiercest exchanges between two church fathers. Through a series of letters, Jerome and Augustine corresponded on Jerome's interpretation of Galatians 2 and the Antioch incident. For Augustine the pastor, nothing less than the veracity of scripture was at stake and Augustine mounts a defence of Paul's actions in Galatians 2 in response to Jerome's insistence of an agreed-upon lie between Peter and Paul. In the process of Augustine's rebuttal of Jerome, he notes that Paul followed the law without ‘pretence’ and that there was a period in early Christianity where Jewish Christians practised law observance. Augustine highlights the divine origin of the Mosaic law, which renders a positive role for the law in early Christianity, and notes that the negative critique of the law comes within the context of a Gentile audience, but did not have implications for Jewish Christians. Augustine rightly notices and raises the important context of Paul's negative statements on the law and offers a nuanced discussion of Paul's treatment of the law.

Augustine notes some of the important conclusions drawn by the NPP, namely a positive view of the law and its practice by Paul and other Jewish Christians. He also notes the various ways the law functions in Jewish and Gentile contexts. Such a positive view of Paul and the law may appear striking to many, but must be considered by those who are otherwise critical of the NPP. This article shows that there was at least one voice, among others, within the early church which advocated for a positive reading of Paul and the law. The history of interpretation of Galatians 2 offers many insights for contemporary Pauline scholars which ought to be heeded in future discussions. This article, by highlighting the exchange between Jerome and Augustine, seeks to give the NPP a historical ‘rootedness’ and placement within the history of interpretation.