bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of CSF‐1 on in vivo expression of c‐fos in the dental follicle during tooth eruption
Authors: Wise Gary E. , Marks Sandy C. , Zhao Lihong
Published: November 2014

It has been demonstrated that both colony‐stimulating factor‐one (CSF‐1) and the transcription factor, c‐fos, are required for tooth eruption. Osteopetrotic mutant rats deficient in CSF‐1 activity have unerupted teeth which can be induced to erupt by injections of CSF‐1, and osteopetrotic mice deficient in c‐fos, have unerupted teeth. Both CSF‐1 and c‐fos are expressed and translated in the dental follicle, the tissue that is required for eruption. Recent in vitro studies indicate that CSF‐1 can enhance the expression of the c‐fos gene in cultured dental follicle cells, but the effects in vivo are not known. In the present studies, postnatal rats were injected with 106 units of CSF‐1 at different ages from birth to day 10 and sacrificed 30 min after injection. Isolation of total RNA from the follicle and reverse transcription PCR showed that CSF‐1 injection enhanced the expression of c‐fos over the non‐injected controls. Chronologically, day 3 postnatally appeared to show the greatest increase of c‐fos mRNA following CSF‐1 injection. These results suggest that one of the functions of CSF‐1 in tooth eruption is to enhance the early expression of c‐fos. In turn, c‐fos might act to promote fusion of monocytes into the osteoclasts needed for alveolar bone resorption and tooth eruption.
Characteristics of Vitamin D3 Receptor (VDR) binding to the Vitamin D Response Element (VDRE) in rat bone sialoprotein gene promoter
Authors: Li Jack J. , Kim Richard H. , Zhang Qi , Ogata Yorimasa , Sodek J.
Published: November 2014

Bone sialoprotein (BSP) is a mineralised tissue‐specific protein that is highly expressed during the initial formation of bone and cementum. Expression of BSP is suppressed by the osteotropic hormone, 1, 25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3 (vitamin D3), which regulates bone remodelling. In previous studies, we have identified a vitamin D response element (VDRE) that is integrated with a novel inverted TATA box in the rat BSP promoter which mediates the suppression of BSP transcription (1). Although the nucleotide sequences of VDREs in different genes conform to a direct (hexamer) repeat, spaced by three nucleotides, the precise sequences are unique for each VDRE. To determine whether the nucleotide differences in the VDRE influence VDR binding, we have compared interactions of VDR proteins with various VDREs using gel mobility shift analysis. Both natural and recombinant VDRs bound to rat BSP and both mouse and porcine osteopontin (OPN) VDRE oligonucleotides in a concentration‐dependent manner with a strong preference for dimer formation, whereas equal amounts of dimer and monomer were bound to the human osteocalcin VDRE. However, whereas a truncated VDR comprising the DNA binding domain alone bound the mouse osteopontin VDRE, it failed to interact with the porcine OPN and rat BSP VDREs. VDR binding to the BSP was sequence specific, as shown by mutagenesis analysis, and could be abolished by heat and VDR antibody. These studies demonstrate that subtle differences in the nucleotide sequence of VDREs affect VDR binding, which mediates the vitamin D3 response.
Microradiographic aspects of the growing mandibular body during permanent premolar eruption in the dog
Authors: Pilipili Charles M. , Goret‐Nicaise Michèle , Dhem Antoine
Published: November 2014

In order to explore the bony changes in the mandibular body during prefunctional intraosseous eruption of premolars, 18 dogs aged from 8 to 16 wk at the beginning of experimental period, were given two intraperitoneal injections of oxytetracycline (50 mg/kg and 35 mg/kg 2 wk later) and 2 wk later a final injection of Alizarin red S (70 mg/kg). Microradiographic and fluorescent light microscopy studies showed that changes of the alveolar bony crypt walls were influenced by the growing dental germs which they surrounded. The cervical volumetric reduction, which indicates the end of crown formation, induced the apposition of lamellar and then woven bone on the adjacent alveolar walls. Furthermore, with occlusal displacement of the dental crown, the space below the tooth was immediately filled with woven bone trabeculae and chondroid tissue. The same phenomenon was observed at the level of the alveolar base, when the speed of tooth eruption was greater than that of root growth. During premolar development, the changes in the dental germ produces accommodating changes in the adjacent alveolar bone walls, and mandibular transversal growth has the same characteristics as that of a growing diaphysis.
Degeneration of tooth germ in the developing dentition of the gray short‐tailed opossum (Monodelphis domestica)
Authors: Kozawa Yukishige , Iwasa Yuka , Mishima Hiroyuki
Published: November 2014

The aim of this study was to examine the developmental aspects of the dental lamina and the tooth germ of the marsupial opossum (Monodelphis domestica), and to clarify the dental formula of this animal. Specimens were 12‐, 16‐, and 18‐d‐old opossums. 3‐D reconstructions were constructed from frontal serial sections. In these animals, the tooth germs of the deciduous maxillary and mandibular canine, deciduous third premolar and first molar, and the deciduous maxillary first incisor and second molar had a successional dental lamina and a replacement tooth germ. The tooth germ of the deciduous maxillary fourth incisor and the mandibular first incisor were reduced. The dental lamina was continuous in each jaw except for the deciduous maxillary first incisor. The first dentition (deciduous dentition) remained as the permanent dentition on the deciduous maxillary first incisor, and the deciduous maxillary and mandibular canine and first molar. The maxillary fourth incisor and the mandibular first incisor were the second dentition (successional dentition). Only the deciduous third premolars were replaced. These results showed monophyodonty caused by both deciduous and replacement tooth germ degeneration.
Randomized trial within a trial of yellow ‘post‐it notes’ did not improve questionnaire response rates among participants in a trial of treatments for neck pain
Authors: Tilbrook Helen E , Becque Taeko , Buckley Hannah , MacPherson Hugh , Bailey Mathew , Torgerson David J
Published: November 2014

Rationale

Attrition is a threat to the validity of randomized trials. Few randomized studies have been conducted within randomized trials to test methods of reducing attrition.

Aim

To test whether using yellow post‐it notes on follow‐up questionnaires in the ATLAS treatment trial for neck pain reduces attrition.

Method

Nested trial within a trial. ATLAS participants were randomized to have their 6‐month follow‐up questionnaire have a 3′ yellow post‐it note with a handwritten message encouraging return of questionnaire.

Results

499 participants were independently randomized using simple allocation to receive the post‐it notes or not. Two hundred fifteen of the 256 (84.0%) participants in the intervention group returned their questionnaire compared with 205 of the 243 (84.4%) in the control group. There was no difference in time to response.

Conclusion

Yellow post‐it notes do not enhance questionnaire return rates for participants in a randomized trial of neck pain.
Anatomical evidence for low frequency sensitivity in an archaeocete whale: comparison of the inner ear of Zygorhiza kochii with that of crown Mysticeti
Authors: Ekdale Eric G. , Racicot Rachel A.
Published: November 2014

The evolution of hearing in cetaceans is a matter of current interest given that odontocetes (toothed whales) are sensitive to high frequency sounds and mysticetes (baleen whales) are sensitive to low and potentially infrasonic noises. Earlier diverging stem cetaceans (archaeocetes) were hypothesized to have had either low or high frequency sensitivity. Through CT scanning, the morphology of the bony labyrinth of the basilosaurid archaeocete Zygorhiza kochii is described and compared to novel information from the inner ears of mysticetes, which are less known than the inner ears of odontocetes. Further comparisons are made with published information for other cetaceans. The anatomy of the cochlea of Zygorhiza is in line with mysticetes and supports the hypothesis that Zygorhiza was sensitive to low frequency noises. Morphological features that support the low frequency hypothesis and are shared by Zygorhiza and mysticetes include a long cochlear canal with a high number of turns, steeply graded curvature of the cochlear spiral in which the apical turn is coiled tighter than the basal turn, thin walls separating successive turns that overlap in vestibular view, and reduction of the secondary bony lamina. Additional morphology of the vestibular system indicates that Zygorhiza was more sensitive to head rotations than extant mysticetes are, which likely indicates higher agility in the ancestral taxon.
Vertical forces assessment according to radiographic hip grade in German shepherd dogs
Authors: Souza A. N. A. , Pinto A. C. B. C. F. , Marvulle V. , Matera J. M.
Published: November 2014

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the correlation between radiographic hip grade and kinetic parameters in German shepherd dogs.

METHODS

Dogs were distributed into five groups of eight dogs each according to hip grade (A, B, C, D or E). Dogs were submitted to clinical evaluation and kinetic analysis. Five valid passages were analysed using data collected from a pressure walkway. Peak vertical force, vertical impulse and stance phase duration were evaluated at velocity (1 · 2 to 1 · 4 m/s) ±0 · 1 m/s2acceleration. Kinetic data between groups were compared.

RESULTS

In pelvic limbs, mean peak vertical force decreased progressively from grade C (mild) to grade E (severe) hip dysplasia. The vertical impulse was decreased in groups C and E compared to groups A, B and D; stance phase duration did not differ significantly between groups.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Mean peak vertical force was lower in dogs with severe hip dysplasia compared with mildly dysplastic dogs. These results suggest that hip dysplasia degree can affect lameness severity.
Oral Sensing of Food Properties
Authors: Kohyama Kaoru
Published: November 2014

Food properties are perceived through oral receptors during eating. In this review, various oral receptors involved in food oral processing of food are briefly described. Touch and taste are the most important senses in oral perception. Different tactile receptors are used to determine the mechanical properties, size, shape and their temporal/spatial changes of food materials in the oral cavity. Instrumental test results are often inconsistent with sensory‐perceived food properties. A multiple‐point pressure sensor inserted into the mouth with food can be used to mimic the human tactile systems and to relate instrumental and sensory results. Three evaluation systems of food properties with artificial tongues which were designed in different concepts are presented. Physiological research results are useful to simulate oral processing to design texture, flavor and appearance of diets for people with different eating functions.

Practical Applications

Food oral processing is a dynamic process in which a mouthful of food is reduced in heterogeneity and converted into a more homogenized swallowable bolus. Human‐mimetic sensing technologies have been recently developed to analyze the physical and chemical properties, these complex interactions and drastic changes of foodstuffs during oral processing. As practical applications, two current social topics are discussed in terms of homogenization of foods during oral processing. First, with the increase of elderly population, a need for texture‐modified foods has emerged: hard food must be converted into paste‐like, where the function of oral processing is partly done by pre‐oral processing. Second, WASHOKU, the traditional dietary cultures of the Japanese, was added to UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2013. Seasoning in the mouth, one of the features of oral processing of WASHOKU, is addressed. To improve food texture and flavor is needed for people with various ages and regions.
Antibody screening tests variably overestimate the prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection among HIV‐infected adults in Ghana
Authors: King S. , Adjei‐Asante K. , Appiah L. , Adinku D. , Beloukas A. , Atkins M. , Sarfo S. F. , Chadwick D. , Phillips R. O. , Geretti A. M.
Published: November 2014

HIV coinfection with HCV has been poorly studied in sub‐Saharan Africa, and the reliability of available seroprevalence estimates remains uncertain. The study aim was to determine HCV RNA prevalence in HIV‐infected subjects receiving care in Kumasi, Ghana, and relate the findings to HCV antibody detection. From a population of 1520 HIV‐infected adults, all HBsAg‐positive subjects (n = 236) and a random subset of HBsAg‐negative subject (n = 172) were screened for HCV RNA using pooled plasma; positive samples were genotyped by core and NS5B sequencing. HCV antibodies were detected by three commercial screening assays and confirmed by the line immunoassay. HCV RNA was detected in 4/408 subjects (1.0%, 95% confidence interval 0.0–1.9%), comprising 3/236 (1.3%; 0.0–2.8%) HBsAg‐positive and 1/172 (0.6%; 0.0–1.8%) HBsAg‐negative subjects. HCV RNA‐positive subjects showed reactivity in all three antibody screening assays. Among HCV RNA‐negative subjects, 5/67 (7.5%), 5/67 (7.5%) and 19/67 (28.4%) showed antibody reactivity by each screening assay, respectively, including two (3.0%) with reactivity by all three assays. Only one sample (1.5%) had confirmed antibody reactivity by line immunoassay indicating past HCV infection. HCV‐positive subjects (three males, two females) were aged 30–46 years, by questionnaire‐based interview reported surgical procedures and blood transfusion as risk factors for infection. HCV genotypes were 2 (subtypes 2j, 2l, 2k/unassigned) and 1 (subtype unassigned). Without further testing, HCV antibody screening assays variably overestimated HCV prevalence among HIV‐infected subjects in Ghana. These findings inform the interpretation of previous seroprevalence estimates based upon screening assays alone.
Genome‐free hepatitis B virion levels in patient sera as a potential marker to monitor response to antiviral therapy
Authors: Luckenbaugh L. , Kitrinos K. M. , Delaney W. E. , Hu J.
Published: November 2014

Complete virions of hepatitis B virus (HBV) contain a DNA genome that is enclosed in a capsid composed of the HBV core antigen (HBcAg), which is in turn surrounded by a lipid envelope studded with viral surface antigens (HBsAg). In addition, HBV‐infected cells release subviral particles composed of HBsAg only (HBsAg ‘spheres’ and ‘filaments’) or HBsAg enveloping HBcAg but devoid of viral DNA (‘empty virions’). The hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg), a soluble antigen related to HBcAg, is also secreted in some HBV‐infected patients. The goals of this study were to explore the levels of empty virions in HBV‐infected patients before and during therapy with the nucleotide analog tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) that inhibits HBV DNA synthesis and the relationships of empty virions to complete virions, HBsAg and HBeAg. HBV DNA, HBcAg and HBsAg levels were determined in serum samples from 21 patients chronically infected with HBV and enrolled in clinical TDF studies. Serum levels of empty virions were found to exceed levels of DNA‐containing virions, often by ≥100‐fold. Levels of both empty and complete virions varied and were related to the HBeAg status. When HBV DNA replication was suppressed by TDF, empty virion levels remained unchanged in most but were decreased (to the limit of detection) in some patients who also experienced significant decrease or loss of serum HBsAg. In conclusion, empty virions are present in the serum of chronic hepatitis B patients at high levels and may be useful in monitoring response to antiviral therapy.
Institutional Feminist Networks and Their “Poor”: Localizing Transnational Interventions
Authors: Schild Verónica
Published: November 2014

Empowering poor women through a rights‐based agenda of intervention in the social field has been a central goal of transnational institutional feminist politics. This essay focuses on the effects of professional and academic feminist networks in antipoverty policy. A renewed concern with the “poor” has contributed to the political regulation of increasing inequality, spatial dislocations, and marginality associated with global capitalist strategies of accumulation. I argue that how we define and act institutionally on “the poor” has been radically altered through the effects of feminist innovations, which are far reaching for projects of adapting societies to the present model of capitalist accumulation. I develop this critical argument through an analysis ofConditionalCash Transfer Programs inLatinAmerica, with special attention to the case ofChile.
Consent and Its Discontents: On the Traffic in Words and Women
Authors: Goldstein Ruth
Published: November 2014

This article examines local forms of women's solidarity and political resistance in Madre de Dios, Peru, within the context of international feminist debates about freedom and “consent” in the sex industry. Through the figures of two “madams” who played integral roles in organizing the sex workers of Puerto Maldonado, the regional capital, I address issues of voice in constructing policies aimed to protect sex workers. These women's experiences both enrich and trouble analyses of “consent” in prostitution and sex‐trafficking economies, where nongovernmental organizations and the state also stand to profit, adding to the traffic in ideas about agency, power, and responsibility. From the perspective of a “middle ground” feminist, I argue that ignoring the voices of the very women affected by antiprostitution and anti‐trafficking policies only hinders efforts to create solidarity across race and class.
Engendering Transnational Movements/Transnationalizing Women's and Feminist Movements in the Americas
Authors: Marchand Marianne H.
Published: November 2014

Globalization not only meant increasing flows of goods, services, capital, and more but also set the stage for increasing cross‐border organizing and transnational (social) movements, and changing modes of resistance. This article analyzes how women's and feminist movements in the region have “transnationalized” in response to the multiple and often contradictory processes of globalization and also looks at the gendered dimensions of transnational movements, including transnational migrant networks. The central question to be addressed is, to what extent does “gender” play a role in how people and groups organize? Are there gendered differences in agenda setting, selection of resistance, or mobilization strategies of transnational social movements, and what are the implications of such differences?
Initiating acute dialysis at earlier Acute Kidney Injury Network stage in critically ill patients without traditional indications does not improve outcome: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Lim Cynthia Ciwei , Tan Chieh Suai , Kaushik Manish , Tan Han Khim
Published: November 2014

Aim

Optimal timing for acute renal replacement therapy (ARRT) initiation in critically ill patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) is unclear. We aimed to evaluate outcomes in patients who initiated ARRT for traditional indications versus those who met Acute Kidney Injury Network (AKIN) criteria without traditional indications.

Methods

This was a single‐centre prospective cohort study of medical and surgical intensive care patients with AKI. Traditional indications for ARRT initiation included: serum potassium ≥6.0 mmol/L, serum urea ≥30 mmol/L, arterial pH < 7.25, serum bicarbonate <10 mmol/L, acute pulmonary oedema, acute uraemic encephalopathy or pericarditis. In absence of these indications, ARRT was commenced if patients had (i) AKIN Stage 3 or (ii) AKIN Stage 1 or 2 with ‘compelling’ conditions. Primary outcomes were intensive care unit (ICU) and in‐hospital mortality.

Results

ARRT was initiated in 140 patients: traditional indications in 56 (40%); AKIN Stage 3 without traditional indications in 38 (27%); and AKIN Stage 1 or 2 with ‘compelling’ conditions in 46 (33%) patients. Traditional indications at ARRT initiation was associated with increased in‐hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval), 6.48 (1.54, 27.29)). In absence of traditional indications, earlier ARRT initiation, as defined by those with AKIN Stage 1 or 2, did not decrease ICU deaths (30.0% vs 18.8%, P = 0.30) or in‐hospital mortality (50.0% vs 34.2%, P = 0.15) compared with those who were started on ARRT for AKIN Stage 3.

Conclusions

Presence of traditional indications at ARRT initiation was associated with greater mortality. Initiating dialysis at earlier AKIN stage did not improve survival in patients without traditional indications.
Primula hunanensis sp. nov. (Primulaceae) from Hunan, south–central China
Authors: Yu Xun‐Lin , Xu Yuan , Hu Chi‐Ming , Hao Gang
Published: November 2014

A new species of Primulaceae, Primula hunanensis G. Hao, C. M. Hu & X. L. Yu, from Hunan, China, is described and illustrated. Based on its general morphology it clearly belongs to P. sect. Carolinella, characterized by the calyptrate capsules, but can be distinguished by its adaxially glabrous leaves which are much longer than the petioles, blade base broadly cuneate to subrounded, umbellate inflorescence, and glabrous pedicels and calyx.
Why is Income Inequality Increasing in the Developed World?
Authors: Roser Max , Cuaresma Jesus Crespo
Published: November 2014

We address empirically the factors affecting the dynamics of income inequality among industrialized economies. Using a panel for 32 developed countries spanning the last four decades, our results indicate that the predictions of the Stolper–Samuelson theorem concerning the effects of international trade on income inequality find support in the data if we concentrate on imports from developing countries as a trade measure, as theory would imply. We find that democratization, the interaction of technology and education, and changes in the relative power of labor unions affect inequality dynamics robustly.
Uncovering the Directional Heterogeneity of an Aggregated Mobile Phone Network
Authors: Pei Tao , Sobolevsky Stanislav , Ratti Carlo , Amini Alexander , Zhou Chenghu
Published: November 2014

The aggregated mobile phone network (AMPN) (i.e. the calling time or numbers are aggregated at every vertex), which records the call volume between different places over time, has been studied extensively to reveal the mobility patterns of residents, etc. Nevertheless, most previous works were implemented based on the non‐directionality of the network model. This simplification may overlook some important characteristics of AMPN. To explore the AMPN as a directional network model, we introduce the concept of directional heterogeneity in the study of AMPN data. The heterogeneity is twofold: (1) the imbalance of vertex (difference between outgoing and incoming calls of the vertex); and (2) the reciprocity of each edge (difference between the directed weights of the same edge). Taking the data of Singapore as an example, we systematically analyze the directional heterogeneity of AMPN. Our findings include three aspects. First, the AMPN shows as more unbalanced in the night‐time than in the daytime, and its imbalance decreases as vertex granularity increases. Second, the directional heterogeneity varied with locations. Specifically, the residential area is dominated by deficits and others by surpluses. Third, the trajectories of incoming and outgoing calls follow a similar geographical pattern (i.e. southeast‐north‐south‐north‐southeast), indicating the calling behavior and routine mobility of users over time and space.
Endometrial pathology in the postmenopausal woman – an evidence based approach to management
Authors: Otify Mohamed , Fuller Joanna , Ross Jackie , Shaikh Hizbullah , Johns Jemma
Published: November 2014

Key content

This article outlines how to identify the symptoms and signs associated with endometrial pathology and how these correlate with the final diagnosis.

The evidence for and against intervention in asymptomatic women with a coincidental finding of endometrial pathology is discussed.

This article looks at how best to investigate symptomatic women on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs).

Screening for endometrial pathology is discussed.

Learning objectives

To be able to identify risk factors associated with postmenopausal endometrial pathology, as well as symptoms and signs.

To learn about the models of care for different endometrial pathology.

To understand the contentious issues and the risk‐benefit profile of different strategies for the management of asymptomatic women.

Ethical issues

Does an incidental finding of a thick endometrium in asymptomatic postmenopausal women warrant further investigation?

Should asymptomatic women receiving HRT or SERMs be routinely screened and investigated?
COMPARISON OF TWO FAT‐SUPPRESSED MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING PULSE SEQUENCES TO STANDARD T2‐WEIGHTED IMAGES FOR BRAIN PARENCHYMAL CONTRAST AND LESION DETECTION IN DOGS WITH INFLAMMATORY INTRACRANIAL DISEASE
Authors: Young Benjamin D. , Mankin Joseph M. , Griffin John F. , Fosgate Geoffrey T. , Fowler Jennifer L. , Levine Jonathan M.
Published: November 2014

T2‐weighted (T2w) sequences are commonly relied upon in magnetic resonance imaging protocols for the detection of brain lesions in dogs. Previously, the effect of fluid suppression via fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) has been compared to T2‐weighting with mixed results. Short tau inversion recovery (STIR) has been reported to increase the detection of some CNS lesions in people. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the effect of fat suppression on brain parenchymal contrast resolution and lesion detection in dogs. We compared three sequences: T2w images, STIR, and T2w FLAIR with chemical fat suppression (T2‐FLAIR‐FS) in dogs with meningoencephalitis. Dogs with meningoencephalitis and dogs with idiopathic epilepsy were retrospectively identified and anonymized. Evaluators recorded the presence or absence of lesions within 12 predetermined brain regions on randomized sequences, viewing and scoring each sequence individually. Additionally, signal‐to‐noise ratios, contrast‐to‐noise ratios, and relative contrast (RC) were measured in a reference population. Short tau inversion recovery sequences had the highest RC between gray and white matter. While descriptively more lesions were identified by evaluators on T2‐FLAIR‐FS images, there was no statistical difference in the relative sensitivity of lesion detection between the sequences. Nor was there a statistical difference in false lesion detection within our reference population. Short tau inversion recovery may be favored for enhanced anatomic contrast depiction in brain imaging. No benefit of the inclusion of a fat‐suppressed T2‐FLAIR sequence was found.
The effects of sex and neonatal stress on pituitary adenylate cyclase‐activating peptide expression
Authors: Mosca E. V. , Rousseau J. P. , Gulemetova R. , Kinkead R. , Wilson R. J. A.
Published: November 2014

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Does sex or neonatal stress affect the expression of pituitary adenylate cyclase‐activating peptide or its receptors?

What is the main finding and its importance?

Neonatal–maternal separation stress has little long‐lasting effect on the expression of pituitary adenylate cyclase‐activating peptide or its receptors, but sex differences exist in these genes between males and females at baseline.

Sex differences in classic stress hormones have been studied in depth, but pituitary adenylate cyclase‐activating peptide (PACAP), recently identified as playing a critical role in the stress axes, has not. Here we studied whether baseline levels of PACAP differ between sexes in various stress‐related tissues and whether neonatal–maternal separation stress has a sex‐dependent effect on PACAP gene expression in stress pathways. Using quantitative RT‐PCR, we found sex differences in PACAP and PACAP receptor gene expression in several respiratory and/or stress‐related tissues, while neonatal–maternal separation stress did little to affect PACAP signalling in adult animals. We propose that sex differences in PACAP expression are likely to contribute to differences between males and females in responses to stress.
Vagus nerve contributes to metabolic syndrome in high‐fat diet‐fed young and adult rats
Authors: Barella Luiz F. , Miranda Rosiane A. , Franco Claudinéia C. S. , Alves Vander S. , Malta Ananda , Ribeiro Tatiane A. S. , Gravena Clarice , Mathias Paulo C. F. , de Oliveira Júlio C.
Published: November 2014

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Differentnerve contributes periods of life are known for their differential sensitivity to interventions, and increased parasympathetic activity affects the development and maintenance of obesity. Thus, we evaluated the involvement of the vagus nerve by performing a vagotomy in young or adult rats that were offered an obesogenic high‐fat diet.

What is the main finding and its importance?

Although the accumulation of adipose tissue decreased in both younger and older groups, the younger rats showed a greater response to the effects of vagotomy in general. In addition to the important role of the parasympathetic activity, we suggest that the vagus nerve contributes to the condition of obesity.

Obesity has become a global problem, and this condition develops primarily because of an imbalance between energy intake and expenditure. The high complexity involved in the regulation of energy metabolism results from several factors besides endocrine factors. It has been suggested that obesity could be caused by an imbalance in the autonomous nervous system, which could lead to a condition of high parasympathetic activity in counterpart to low sympathetic tonus. High‐fat (HF) diets have been used to induce obesity in experimental animals, and their use in animals leads to insulin resistance, hyperinsulinaemia and high parasympathetic activity, among other disorders. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effects of a vagotomy performed at the initiation of a HF diet at two different stages of life, weaning and adulthood. The vagotomy reduced parasympathetic activity (−32 and −51% in normal fat‐fed rats and −43 and −55% in HF diet‐fed rats; P < 0.05) and fat depots (−17 and −33%, only in HF diet‐fed rats; P < 0.05). High‐fat diet‐fed rats exhibited fasting hyperinsulinaemia (fivefold higher in young rats and threefold higher in older rats; P < 0.05); however, vagotomy corrected it in younger rats only, and a similar effect was also observed during the glucose tolerance test. The insulin resistance exhibited by the HF diet‐fed groups was not altered in the vagotomized rats. We suggest that the vagus nerve, in addition to the important role of parasympathetic activity, contributes to the condition of obesity, and that non‐vagal pathways may be involved along with the imbalanced autonomic nervous system.
Effect of bilateral carotid body resection on the counterregulatory response to hypoglycaemia in humans
Authors: Wehrwein Erica A. , Limberg Jacqueline K. , Taylor Jennifer L. , Dube Simmi , Basu Ananda , Basu Rita , Rizza Robert A. , Curry Timothy B. , Joyner Michael J.
Published: November 2014

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Hyperoxia blunts hypoglycaemia counterregulation in healthy adults. We hypothesized that this effect is mediated by the carotid bodies and that: (i) hyperoxia would have no effect on hypoglycaemia counterregulation in carotid body‐resected patients; and (ii) carotid body‐resected patients would exhibit an impaired counterregulatory response to hypoglycaemia.

What is the main finding and its importance?

Our data indicate that the effect of hyperoxia on hypoglycaemic counterregulation is mediated by the carotid bodies. However, a relatively normal counterregulatory response to hypoglycaemia in carotid body‐resected patients highlights: (i) the potential for long‐term adaptations after carotid body resection; and (ii) the importance of redundant mechanisms in mediating hypoglycaemia counterregulation.

Hyperoxia reduces hypoglycaemia counterregulation in healthy adults. We hypothesized that this effect is mediated by the carotid bodies and that: (i) hyperoxia would have no effect on hypoglycaemia counterregulation in patients with bilateral carotid body resection; and (ii) carotid body‐resected patients would exhibit an impaired counterregulatory response to hypoglycaemia. Five patients (three male and two female) with bilateral carotid body resection for glomus tumours underwent two 180 min hyperinsulinaemic, hypoglycaemic (∼3.3 mmol l−1) clamps separated by a minimum of 1 week and randomized to either normoxia (21% fractional inspired O2) or hyperoxia (100% fractional inspired O2). Ten healthy adults (seven male and three female) served as control subjects. Hypoglycaemia counterregulation in carotid body‐resected patients was not significantly altered by hyperoxia (area under the curve expressed as a percentage of the normoxic response: glucose infusion rate, 111 ± 10%; cortisol, 94 ± 6%; glucagon, 107 ± 7%; growth hormone, 92 ± 10%; adrenaline, 89 ± 26%; noradrenaline, 79 ± 15%; main effect of condition, P > 0.05). This is in contrast to previously published results from healthy adults. However, the counterregulatory responses to hypoglycaemia during normoxia were not impaired in carotid body‐resected patients when compared with control subjects (main effect of group, P > 0.05). Our data provide further corroborative evidence that the effect of hyperoxia on hypoglycaemic counterregulation is mediated by the carotid bodies. However, relatively normal counterregulatory responses to hypoglycaemia in carotid body‐resected patients highlight the importance of redundant mechanisms in mediating hypoglycaemia counterregulation.
A Note on Mixture Density Using the Shannak Definition
Authors: Awad M. M.
Published: November 2014

In this study, a note on mixture density using the Shannak definition of the Froude number is presented (Shannak, B., 2009, “Dimensionless Numbers for Two-Phase and Multiphase Flow,” Proceedings of the International Conference on Applications and Design in Mechanical Engineering (ICADME), Penang, Malaysia, Oct. 11–13, 2009). From the definition of the two-phase Froude number, an expression of the two-phase density is obtained. The definition of the two-phase density can be used to compute the two-phase frictional pressure gradient using the homogeneous modeling approach in circular pipes, minichannels, and microchannels. We cannot have gas density≤two-phase density≤liquid density for 0≤mass quality≤1. Therefore, attention must be paid when using the obtained expression of the two-phase density in this note at any x value.
Numerical Simulation of Temperature Distribution in a Containment Vessel of an Operating PWR Plant
Authors: Utanohara Yoichi , Murase Michio , Masui Akihiro , Inomata Ryo , Kamiya Yuji
Published: November 2014

The structural integrity of the containment vessel (CV) for a pressurized water reactor (PWR) plant under a loss-of-coolant accident is evaluated by a safety analysis code that uses the average temperature of gas phase in the CV during reactor operation as an initial condition. Since the estimation of the average temperature by measurement is difficult, this paper addressed the numerical simulation for the temperature distribution in the CV of an operating PWR plant. The simulation considered heat generation of the equipment, the ventilation and air conditioning systems (VAC), heat transfer to the structure, and heat release to the CV exterior based on the design values of the PWR plant. The temperature increased with a rise in height within the CV and the flow field transformed from forced convection to natural convection. Compared with the measured temperature data in the actual PWR plant, predicted temperatures in the lower regions agreed well with the measured values. The temperature differences became larger above the fourth floor, and the temperature inside the steam generator (SG) loop chamber on the fourth floor was most strongly underestimated, −16.2  K due to the large temperature gradient around the heat release equipment. Nevertheless, the predicted temperature distribution represented a qualitative tendency, low at the bottom of the CV and increases with a rise in height within the CV. The total volume-averaged temperature was nearly equal to the average gas phase temperature. To improve the predictive performance, parameter studies regarding heat from the equipment and the reconsideration of the numerical model that can be applicable to large temperature gradient around the equipment are needed.
Noninvasive Measurement of Temperature Distribution in a Pipe by Using Electrical Capacitance Tomography
Authors: Hirose Yusuke , Basario Kristian , Zhao Tong , Takei Masahiro
Published: November 2014

This study has launched a concept to measure real time two-dimensional temperature distribution non-invasively by a combination of electrical capacitance tomography (ECT) technique and Debye equation. The concept has two steps which are the relative permittivity calculation from the measured capacitance among the many electrodes by ECT technique, and the temperature distribution calculation from the relative permittivity distribution by Debye equation. ECT sensor with 8 or 12-electrode is designed to measure and visualize the cross sectional temperature distribution in heating water as a basic experiment and melting polycarbonate pellets as a main experiment. Consequently, it is found that the water capacitance is changed by 1.14×10−6F as every 1.0 degree Celsius water temperature change. Moreover, the images of the temperature distribution from the relative permittivity distribution are reconstructed at every time step during the polycarbonate melting process. The non-invasive temperature values by a combination of ECT technique and Debye equation were compared with the invasive temperature values by the thermocouples. The non-invasive values have a good agreement with the invasive values by approximate 5%.
Multi-Group Two-Phase Flow Model of Drift Drop Plume
Authors: Agranat Vladimir M. , Zhubrin Sergei V. , Pioro Igor
Published: November 2014

A homogeneous two-phase multi-group model of drift drop plumes emerging from natural draft cooling towers has been developed and validated using the experimental data obtained in the 1977 Chalk Point Dye Tracer Experiment (CPDTE). The conservation equations for mass fractions of water droplets having different sizes are solved in addition to the standard conservation equations for mixture mass, momentum, energy, water vapor mass fraction and turbulent quantities (turbulent kinetic energy and its dissipation rate). Extra terms are provided to the conservation equations for mass fractions of liquid water to account for the drift of water drops due to their gravitational settling. Various formulations for drift velocity and terminal velocity have been tested and compared. The phase change effects (condensation, evaporation, solidification and melting) are assumed to be negligible due to specific conditions of the experiment. The droplet-size distribution available at the cooling tower exit and containing the 25 groups of drops is simplified to 11 groups. Also, the 3-group and 1-group options are considered for comparison. The individual drop deposition fluxes and the total deposition flux are calculated and compared with the experimental data available at the sensors located on the 35° arcs at 500 and 1000 m from the cooling tower centerline. The total deposition flux is calculated as a sum of products of individual group mass concentrations of water drops and corresponding terminal velocities. The model has been incorporated into the commercial general-purpose Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) code, PHOENICS. The study has demonstrated a good agreement between the CFD predictions and the experimental data on the water vapor plume rise and the total drift deposition fluxes. In particular, the plume rise predictions agree well with experimental values (the errors are from 4% to 34% at different distances from the tower centerline). The predicted deposition fluxes are in agreement with the experimental values within a factor of 1.5, which is well within the industry acceptable error limits (a factor of 3). The model developed is recommended for analyzing the drift drop plumes under the conditions similar to CPDTE conditions of small Stokes numbers. It is easier to use and not less accurate than the multiphase Eulerian-Lagrangian CFD models used recently by various researchers for modeling CPDTE plume. The model has a potential to supplant or complement the latter in the computational analyses of gravitational phenomena in complex two-phase flows in engineering equipment and its environment.
Flowsheet Study of a Multistage Flash Desalination System for Cogeneration With High Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactor
Authors: Kamiji Yu , Noguchi Hiroki , Terada Atsuhiko , Yan Xing
Published: November 2014

High temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR) produces not only electricity but also high temperature heat for a variety of heat applications. In the Middle East countries, large demand exists for cogeneration of pure water and electricity from desalination plant coupling with power station. Desalination with an HTGR direct cycle gas turbine system can efficiently meet this demand because such system can produce pure water from using only the waste heat of power generation via secondary pressurized water loop. The waste heat of up to 248MWt is available for desalination from the reactor system of 600 MWt thermal power. In this paper, heat and mass balance was calculated for a new concept of desalination system which is shown to increase use of waste heat by incrementing the number of thermal loading steps at the heat recovery section. Calculation is performed at steady water production condition to clarify the optimum steps of incremental loading based on engineering considerations. As the result, it was found that heat transfer area of heat recovery section in case of brine heater number 3 was 28% smaller than that of number 2.
A 1D Monoenergetic Neutron Transport Benchmark in an Infinite Medium
Authors: Ganapol Barry D.
Published: November 2014

Analytical or semi-analytical benchmarks for the neutron transport equation are relatively infrequent. Some may argue they are no longer necessary because of the enormous computing power and computational technology that is now available. While to some extent true, they can still provide valuable code verification and also serve to teach theoretical and numerical transport methods not taught by executing MATLAB, MAPLE or MATHEMATICA programs or Monte Carlo simulations. The focus of this presentation is on a new analytical solution technique for the solution of the 1D, monoenergetic Green’s function for neutron transport. In this formulation, we consider the analytical solution to a three–term recurrence for flux moments resulting in a semi–analytical benchmark. We then apply the benchmark to assess the accuracy of the PN approximation leading to a rather unexpected result.
Upward Flame Propagation Experiments on Hydrogen Combustion in a 220 cub. m Vessel
Authors: Kuznetsov Mike , Stern Gerold , Kljenak Ivo , Matkovič Marko , Mavko Borut
Published: November 2014

During a hypothetical severe accident in a pressurized water reactor (PWR) of nuclear power plant, hydrogen would be generated during the degradation of the reactor core. The ignition and ensuing combustion of hydrogen could cause a sharp pressure increase, which could threaten the integrity of the containment.

The present work describes the execution and results of the Upward Flame Propagation Experiment (UFPE) on hydrogen combustion within the EC LACOMECO project. Two experiments were performed at the HYKA A2 experimental facility (KIT), which is a cylindrical vessel of 220 m3 free volume, 9.1 m height and 6.0 m internal diameter. A homogeneous mixture of hydrogen (11–12 vol.%), steam (20–21 vol.%) and air was established in the vessel. The initial pressure was 1.5 bar, and the average initial temperature was about 90.0 °C. The mixture was ignited at the bottom of the vessel and the ensuing axial and radial flame propagation were observed. Pressure, temperature and flame velocity were measured at different axial and radial locations. The flame propagation was recorded by a high speed video combined with a Background Oriented Schlieren (BOS) method. The experimental results were finally compared to the results of the well-known THAI HD-22 experiment, which was performed at almost similar conditions.

The objective of current work was to investigate the effect of scale on flame propagation regime in order to clarify how can phenomena observed in a scaled-down experimental facility be extrapolated to an actual containment scale. Another goal was to provide detailed experimental data for numerical code validations in a large scale.
SIMMER-III Code Assessment for Material Expansion Dynamics During Core Disruptive Accidents in Sodium-Cooled Fast Reactors
Authors: Yamano Hidemasa , Tobita Yoshiharu
Published: November 2014

The sodium-cooled fast reactor (SFR) severe accident analysis computer code SIMMER-III has been developed and assessed comprehensively and systematically in a code assessment (verification and validation) program which consists of a two-step effort: Phase 1 for fundamental or separate-effect assessment of individual code models; and Phase 2 for integral assessment of key physical phenomena relevant to SFR safety. This paper describes the achievement of the code assessment on material expansion dynamics in the framework of the Phase 2 assessment program. Detailed descriptions are given for two representative experimental analyses (VECTORS and OMEGA), which are intended to validate high speed multi-phase flow dynamics in pin bundle structure and large vapor bubble expansion dynamics into a coolant pool, respectively. Through the assessment program, the SIMMER-III code has proved to be basically valid both numerically and physically, with current applicability to integral reactor safety calculations.