bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Shroom3 is required downstream of FGF signalling to mediate proneuromast assembly in zebrafish
Authors: Ernst Sandra , Liu Kun , Agarwala Sobhika , Moratscheck Nicola , Avci Mehmet Ender , Nogare Damian Dalle , Chitnis Ajay B. , Ronneberger Olaf , Lecaudey Virginie
Published: November 2012

During development, morphogenetic processes require a precise coordination of cell differentiation, cell shape changes and, often, cell migration. Yet, how pattern information is used to orchestrate these different processes is still unclear. During lateral line (LL) morphogenesis, a group of cells simultaneously migrate and assemble radially organized cell clusters, termed rosettes, that prefigure LL sensory organs. This process is controlled by Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signalling, which induces cell fate changes, cell migration and cell shape changes. However, the exact molecular mechanisms induced by FGF activation that mediate these changes on a cellular level are not known. Here, we focus on the mechanisms by which FGFs control apical constriction and rosette assembly. We show that apical constriction in the LL primordium requires the activity of non-muscle myosin. We demonstrate further that shroom3, a well-known regulator of non-muscle myosin activity, is expressed in the LL primordium and that its expression requires FGF signalling. Using gain- and loss-of-function experiments, we demonstrate that Shroom3 is the main organizer of cell shape changes during rosette assembly, probably by coordinating Rho kinase recruitment and non-muscle myosin activation. In order to quantify morphogenesis in the LL primordium in an unbiased manner, we developed a unique trainable ‘rosette detector’. We thus propose a model in which Shroom3 drives rosette assembly in the LL downstream of FGF in a Rho kinase- and non-muscle myosin-dependent manner. In conclusion, we uncovered the first mechanistic link between patterning and morphogenesis during LL sensory organ formation.
Tissue-specific function of Patj in regulating the Crumbs complex and epithelial polarity
Authors: Pénalva Clothilde , Mirouse Vincent
Published: November 2012

Patj is described as a core component of the Crumbs complex. Along with the other components, Crumbs and Stardust, Patj has been proposed as essential for epithelial polarity. However, no proper in vivo genetic analysis of Patj function has been performed in any organism. We have generated the first null mutants for Drosophila Patj. These mutants are lethal. However, Patj is not required in all epithelia where the Crumbs complex is essential. Patj is dispensable for ectoderm polarity and embryonic development, whereas more severe defects are observed in the adult follicular epithelium, including mislocalisation of the Crumbs complex from the apical domain, as well as morphogenetic defects. These defects are similar to those observed with crumbs and stardust mutants, although weaker and less frequent. Also, gain-of-function of Crumbs and Patj mutation genetically suppress each other in follicular cells. We also show that the first PDZ domain of Patj associated with the Stardust-binding domain are sufficient to fully rescue both Drosophila viability and Crumbs localisation. We propose that the only crucial function of Patj hinges on the ability of its first two domains to positively regulate the Crumbs complex, defining a new developmental level of regulation of its dynamics.
Gbx2 regulates thalamocortical axon guidance by modifying the LIM and Robo codes
Authors: Chatterjee Mallika , Li Kairong , Chen Li , Maisano Xu , Guo Qiuxia , Gan Lin , Li James Y. H.
Published: November 2012

Combinatorial expression of transcription factors forms transcriptional codes to confer neuronal identities and connectivity. However, how these intrinsic factors orchestrate the spatiotemporal expression of guidance molecules to dictate the responsiveness of axons to guidance cues is less understood. Thalamocortical axons (TCAs) represent the major input to the neocortex and modulate cognitive functions, consciousness and alertness. TCAs travel a long distance and make multiple target choices en route to the cortex. The homeodomain transcription factor Gbx2 is essential for TCA development, as loss of Gbx2 abolishes TCAs in mice. Using a novel TCA-specific reporter, we have discovered that thalamic axons are mostly misrouted to the ventral midbrain and dorsal midline of the diencephalon in Gbx2-deficient mice. Furthermore, conditionally deleting Gbx2 at different embryonic stages has revealed a sustained role of Gbx2 in regulating TCA navigation and targeting. Using explant culture and mosaic analyses, we demonstrate that Gbx2 controls the intrinsic responsiveness of TCAs to guidance cues. The guidance defects of Gbx2-deficient TCAs are associated with abnormal expression of guidance receptors Robo1 and Robo2. Finally, we demonstrate that Gbx2 controls Robo expression by regulating LIM-domain transcription factors through three different mechanisms: Gbx2 and Lhx2 compete for binding to the Lmo3 promoter and exert opposing effects on its transcription; repressing Lmo3 by Gbx2 is essential for Lhx2 activity to induce Robo2; and Gbx2 represses Lhx9 transcription, which in turn induces Robo1. Our findings illustrate the transcriptional control of differential expression of Robo1 and Robo2, which may play an important role in establishing the topography of TCAs.
Aggregatibacter aphrophilus endocarditis: a case report
Authors: Wright P , Keane C , Ricketts H C , Mckay A
Published: November 2012

We present a case of endocarditis with embolic stroke and digital infarction due to the recently renamed Aggregatibacter aphrophilus. The isolation and identification of this organism can be problematic but was achieved in this case using both older phenotypic and newer genotypic methods. A benign tongue lesion is suggested as the likely portal of entry for this oropharyngeal organism. The patient made a good recovery with six weeks of intravenous ceftriaxone but will need cardiac valvular surgery at some point in the future.
Childhood self-poisoning: a one-year review
Authors: Neilson Z E , Morrison W
Published: November 2012

Self-poisoning in children is a serious health concern accounting for 2% and 5% of childhood deaths in the developed and developing world, respectively. Type of poison and intent varies between age groups, with alcohol poisoning becoming increasingly common in teenagers. The aim of the study was to identify the characteristics of paediatric self-poisoning at Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, as a function of age, sex, intent and type of poison. Data from patients under the age of 17 presenting to Ninewells Hospital's Emergency Department with self-poisoning from 1 December 2008 to 30 November 2009 inclusive were identified, classified and analysed using chi-square testing. Overall there was no significant difference in gender. However, females significantly dominated in the ≥12<17 years age group, with older females also significantly more likely to deliberately self-poison. Alcohol was the sole cause of accidental self-poisoning in this age group while paracetamol was used in the majority of cases of deliberate self-poisoning. In the <6 years age group, household chemical ingestion and over-the-counter medications were the most common poisons. The findings reflect previous published data and national trends. The prevalence of alcohol abuse in the ≥12<17 years age group is a major public health issue that must be addressed.
Optimizing Boat Resources at the U.S. Coast Guard: Deterministic and Stochastic Models
Authors: Wagner Michael R. , Radovilsky Zinovy
Published: November 2012

The United States Coast Guard (USCG), a part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, is the nation's leading agency in maritime security, safety, and stewardship. One of the primary USCG resources is a fleet of boats (maritime vessels less than 65 feet in length) of various types that must be allocated to USCG stations nationwide. This paper describes the academic-industry collaboration between the authors and the USCG, which resulted in the development of an integer linear programming model that optimally matches supplies of various types of boats to station demands. The paper also introduces a model for the optimal sharing of scarce boat resources. In addition, we generalize our model, using value-at-risk and robust optimization ideas, to manage the risk of boat shortages. The paper reports on the USCG implementation process and discusses internal resistance issues and eventual adoption. We describe USCG modifications to the model recommendations due to practicalities not captured by our model. Finally, we present the significant improvements to USCG quantitative performance metrics that resulted from our model's recommendations. These include a considerable reduction of excess capacity and boat shortages at the stations, a decrease in the overall fleet size with a simultaneous increase in boat utilization, and overall reduction of the fleet operating cost. We also discuss in depth how our model effected these improvements.
First in Line Waiting Times as a Tool for Analysing Queueing Systems
Authors: Koole G. M. , Nielsen B. F. , Nielsen T. B.
Published: November 2012

We introduce a new approach to modelling queueing systems where the priority or the routing of customers depends on the time the first customer has waited in the queue. This past waiting time of the first customer in line, WFIL, is used as the primary variable for our approach. A Markov chain is used for modelling the system where the states represent both the number of free servers and a discrete approximation to WFIL. This approach allows us to obtain waiting time distributions for complex systems, such as the N-design routing scheme widely used, e.g., in call centers and systems with dynamic priorities.
Introduction to the OR Forum Article: “A POMDP Approach to Personalize Mammography Screening Decisions” by Turgay Ayer, Oguzhan Alagoz, and Natasha K. Stout
Authors: Pinker Edieal J.
Published: November 2012

Comment on “A POMDP Approach to Personalize Mammography Screening Decisions” by Turgay Ayer, Oguzhan Alagoz, and Natasha K. Stout.
Efficacy and Safety of Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 Inhibitors in Type 2 Diabetes: Meta-Analysis
Authors: Park Haesuk , Park Chanhyun , Kim Yoona , Rascati Karen L
Published: November 2012

BACKGROUND:

An up-to-date assessment of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors is needed to include newly available data.

OBJECTIVE:

To assess the efficacy and safety of DPP-4 inhibitors, including sitagliptin, saxagliptin, vildagliptin, and linagliptin, in type 2 diabetes.

METHODS:

We conducted a search of MEDLINE for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of DPP-4 inhibitors in type 2 diabetes through November 2011, using the key terms sitagliptin, saxagliptin, vildagliptin, and linagliptin. We also searched for completed, but unpublished, trials at relevant web sites. RCTs were selected for meta-analysis if they (1) compared DPP-4 inhibitors with placebo or an antihyperglycemic agent; (2) had study duration of 12 or more weeks; (3) had 1 or more baseline and posttreatment efficacy and/or safety outcome; and (4) were published in English.

RESULTS:

In 62 evaluated articles, DPP-4 inhibitors lowered hemoglobin A1c (A1C) significantly more than placebo (weighted mean difference [WMD] −0.76%; 95% CI −0.83 to −0.68); however, heterogeneity was substantial (I2 = 82%). Exclusion of Japanese trials (n = 7) resulted in a reduction of heterogeneity (I2 = 59%). In the non-Japanese RCTs (n = 55), DPP-4 inhibitors were associated with a reduction in A1C (WMD −0.65%; 95% CI −0.71 to −0.60) but higher risk of hypoglycemia (odds ratio [OR] 1.30; 95% CI 1.00 to 1.68) compared to placebo. The 7 Japanese-specific RCTs showed a greater reduction in A1C (WMD −1.67%; 95% CI −1.89 to −1.44) and a nonsignificant increase in risk of hypoglycemia (OR 1.41; 95% CI 0.51 to 3.88) with DPP-4 inhibitors versus placebo. When comparing DPP-4 inhibitors to active comparators, the I2 was still high after deleting Japanese studies. In these 17 active comparator trials, there was no significant difference in A1C reduction (WMD 0.04%; 95% CI −0.09 to 0.16) or risk of hypoglycemia (OR 0.60; 95% CI 0.22 to 1.61) for DPP-4 inhibitors compared to other antihyperglycemics. There were similar odds of any or serious adverse events with DPP-4 inhibitors compared to placebo, but a decreased risk compared to other antihyperglycemics.

CONCLUSIONS:

DPP-4 inhibitors were associated with a reduction in A1C with comparable safety profiles compared to placebo, but no significant difference in A1C compared to other hyperglycemics. Differences in efficacy and safety were observed between Japanese and non-Japanese patients.
Downregulation and Prognostic Performance of MicroRNA 224 Expression in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Mavridis Konstantinos , Stravodimos Konstantinos , Scorilas Andreas
Published: November 2012

INTRODUCTION

The extensive use of prostate-specific antigen as a general prostate cancer biomarker has introduced the hazards of overdiagnosis and overtreatment. Recent studies have revealed the immense biomarker capacity of microRNAs (miRNAs) in prostate cancer. The aim of this study was to analyze the expression pattern of miR-224, a cancer-related miRNA, in prostate tumors and investigate its clinical utility.

METHODS

Total RNA was isolated from 139 prostate tissue samples. After the polyadenylation of total RNA by poly(A) polymerase, cDNA was synthesized with a suitable poly(T) adapter. miR-224 expression was assessed by quantitative real-time PCR and analyzed with the comparative quantification cycle method, Cq(2−ΔΔCq). We performed comprehensive biostatistical analyses to explore the clinical value of miR-224 in prostate cancer.

RESULTS

miR-224 expression was significantly downregulated in malignant samples compared with benign samples (P < 0.001). Higher miR-224 expression levels were found in prostate tumors that were less aggressive (P = 0.017) and in an earlier disease stage (P = 0.018). Patients with prostate cancer who were positive for miR-224 had significantly enhanced progression-free survival intervals compared with miR-224–negative patients (P = 0.021). Univariate bootstrap Cox regression confirmed that miR-224 was associated with favorable prognosis (hazard ratio 0.314, P = 0.013); nonetheless, multivariate analysis, adjusted for conventional markers, did not identify miR-224 as an independent prognostic indicator.

CONCLUSIONS

miR-224 is aberrantly expressed in prostate cancer. Its assessment by cost-effective quantitative molecular methodologies could provide a useful biomarker for prostate cancer.
Establishing Profitable Customer Loyalty for Multinational Companies in the Emerging Economies: A Conceptual Framework
Authors: Kumar V. , Sharma Amalesh , Shah Riddhi , Rajan Bharath
Published: November 2012

It has been observed that some firms succeed in their attempts to achieve business goals in emerging economies, whereas others fail. To understand the reasons for this phenomenon, the authors conduct a qualitative study where they interview 42 managers of multinational companies from the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia, and Australia. From the insights gleaned from these interviews and the available literature, they propose a conceptual framework that identifies the possible factors that would drive the creation of both a profitable and a loyal customer base (termed “profitable customer loyalty” in this study) in the emerging economies. The influencing factors are categorized as customer-specific variables, marketing-mix variables, and firm-specific variables. From these factors, the authors advance research propositions that discuss the potential relationships with profitable customer loyalty. One of this study's key contributions is the proposal that multinational companies monitor the suggested factors and assess a degree of comfort before formulating strategies in the emerging economies. Further research can focus on the empirical validation of the proposed framework.
Personal Relevance and Mental Simulation Amplify the Duration Framing Effect
Authors: üLküMen GüLden , Thomas Manoj
Published: November 2012

Different framing of the same duration (one year, 12 months, 365 days) can influence consumers’ impressions of subjective duration, thereby affecting their judgments and decisions. The authors propose that, ironically, self-relevance amplifies this duration framing effect. Consumers for whom a particular self-improvement domain is personally relevant are less likely to adopt a one-year self-improvement plan as compared with a 12-month plan because they perceive it as longer and more difficult. This bias is more likely to manifest in consumers who report that the task is highly personally relevant to them, who are making predictions for themselves (vs. others), and who have high (vs. low) task involvement. Personal relevance amplifies this effect because it prompts process-focused simulation of the plan, consequently increasing susceptibility to spurious duration and difficulty cues embedded in frames.
Epigenetic regulation of memory: implications in human cognitive disorders
Authors: Kramer Jamie M.
Published: November 2012

Epigenetic modification of chromatin structure is an important mechanism in the regulation of gene expression. Recent studies have shown that dynamic regulation of chromatin structure occurs in response to neuronal stimulation associated with learning and memory. Learning-induced chromatin modifications include DNA methylation, histone acetylation, histone phosphorylation and histone methylation. Studies in animal models have used genetic and pharmacological methods to manipulate the epigenetic machinery in the brain during learning and memory formation. In general, these studies suggest that epigenetic regulation of chromatin structure is essential for long term memory (LTM) consolidation, which is known to require new gene transcription. Analysis of animal models has also implicated epigenetic mechanisms in impaired cognition associated with aging, neurodegenerative disease, and intellectual disability (ID). Recently, it has been shown that a subset of ID disorders and autism are caused by disruption of specific chromatin modification complexes that are involved in nuclear hormone receptor mediated transcriptional regulation. This review provides an overview of chromatin modifications that are implicated in learning and memory and discusses the role of chromatin modifying proteins in learning-induced transcriptional regulation and human cognitive disorders.
The diagnostic utility of brain natriuretic peptide in heart failure patients presenting with acute dyspnea: a meta-analysis
Authors: Mastandrea Paolo
Published: November 2012

Heart failure with normal ejection fraction (HFNEF) accounts for approximately 50% of heart failure (HF) cases. To establish the utility of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) in differentiating HF-related severe dyspnea from non-HF-related acute dyspnea, we used an estimation formula (eF) that was obtained from a series of three meta-regressions. We selected 60 out of 2721 case-control and follow-up studies that were published from 1998 to 2010. The heart failure levels (HFLs) were assessed using the New York Heart Association (NYHA) criteria. Random-effects meta-regression analyses of the natural logarithm (ln) of the BNP odds ratio (OR) were performed on the HFLs. The ln of the median BNP values (lnmBNP) was meta-regressed over the laboratory method (LM). A third meta-regression was performed on the HFLs to account for only the lnmBNP in the homogeneous LM subgroups. To determine the eF, the data from the diseased and control subjects were combined. The Bland-Altman method was used to detect eF bias. The overall BNP(OR) in the subgroup with severe HF was 35. The lnmBNP analysis showed that LM was a significant heterogeneity factor in the meta-regression (slope −0.38; CI −0.59 to −0.16). The meta-regression of lnmBNP on the HFL resulted in the following calculation for eF: estimated HFL (eHFL)=(lnmBNP–3.157)/0.886. The Bland-Altman test revealed no significant difference (0.0997; 95% CI −2.84 to 3.06) between HFL and eHFL. The severe eHFL showed a 78% accuracy. Based on the eF obtained from this meta-analysis, the BNP outcomes were shown to reliably diagnose severe dyspnea in HF and differentiate this condition from non-HF acute dyspnea.
Pro-angiogenic effect of human kallikrein-related peptidase 12 (KLK12) in lung endothelial cells does not depend on kinin-mediated activation of B2 receptor
Authors: Kryza Thomas , Lalmanach Gilles , Lavergne Marion , Lecaille Fabien , Reverdiau Pascale , Courty Yves , Heuzé-Vourc’h Nathalie
Published: November 2012

Kallikrein-12 (KLK12) may play an important role in angiogenesis modulating proangiogenic factor bioavailability and activating the kinin receptor B2 pathway. We studied whether KLK12 had an impact on angiogenesis and the activation of kinin receptor B2 results from the KLK12-dependent generation of kinins. KLK12 efficiently hydrolyzed high molecular weight kininogen, liberating a fragment containing the carboxy-terminal end of kinins. The kininogenase activity of KLK12 was poor, however, due to the cleavage resistance of the N-terminal side of the kinin sequence. A very low amount of kinins was accordingly released after in vitro incubation of high molecular weight kininogen with KLK12 and thus the proangiogenic activity of KLK12 in lung endothelial cells was not related to a kinin release.
Raman Study of Solid Nitrogen in the β Phase and Close to the Melting Line
Authors: Çetinbaş İşeri E. , Yurtseven H.
Published: November 2012

This study gives the Raman frequencies calculated as functions of temperature and pressure for the lattice modes in the solid β phase and close to the melting line (β-fluid transition). The experimental volume data from the literature is used to calculate the Raman frequencies for the molecular nitrogen system. Some observed Raman frequencies are also used as the initial data to perform our calculations given here.

It is shown that our values predict the observed Raman frequencies of the lattice modes studied in the β phase and also on the solid β-fluid melting curve. This initiates the applicability of the method given here to calculate the frequency from the volume data in various phases of molecular solids such as solid nitrogen.
Influence of Calculation Method on Value of Activation Energy in Hot Forming
Authors: Schindler I. , Kawulok P. , Kawulok R. , Hadasik E. , Kuc D.
Published: November 2012

Influence of the methodology of mathematical processing of experimental data on the calculated value of the activation energy in hot forming was evaluated for three very different alloys: iron aluminide, low-alloyed steel and magnesium alloy. Application of the mean strain rates is appropriate but calculations with use of nominal strain rates of the plastometric tests do not give significantly different results. Calculations based on the processing of the simplified power dependence between strain rate and peak stress can give the results differing very substantially from those that were gained by the solution of the complex hyperbolic relationship. This has negative impacts, particularly at prediction of the maximum flow stress in the broad range of forming conditions, represented by the Zener-Hollomon parameter.
News and views – editor’s choice
Authors: Kumar Challa
Published: November 2012

No abstract available.
Low-level laser (light) therapy (LLLT) on muscle tissue: performance, fatigue and repair benefited by the power of light
Authors: Ferraresi Cleber , Hamblin Michael R. , Parizotto Nivaldo A.
Published: November 2012

The use of low level laser (light) therapy (LLLT) has recently expanded to cover areas of medicine that were not previously thought of as the usual applications such as wound healing and inflammatory orthopedic conditions. One of these novel application areas is LLLT for muscle fatigue and muscle injury. Since it is becoming agreed that mitochondria are the principal photoacceptors present inside cells, and it is known that muscle cells are exceptionally rich in mitochondria, this suggests that LLLT should be highly beneficial in muscle injuries. The ability of LLLT to stimulate stem cells and progenitor cells means that muscle satellite cells may respond well to LLLT and help muscle repair. Furthermore the ability of LLLT to reduce inflammation and lessen oxidative stress is also beneficial in cases of muscle fatigue and injury. This review covers the literature relating to LLLT and muscles in both preclinical animal experiments and human clinical studies. Athletes, people with injured muscles, and patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy may all benefit.
Effect of processing variables on mechanical properties of montmorillonite clay/unsaturated polyester nanocomposite using Taguchi based grey relational analysis
Authors: Rajini Nagarajan , Jappes Jebas Thangaih Winowlin , Rajakarunakaran Sivaprakasam , Siva Irullappasamy
Published: November 2012

The present investigation addresses the influence of process variables on the mechanical properties of montmorillonite (MMT) nanoclay with unsaturated polyester, using the mechanical shear mixing process. The rotational speed, mixing time, rotor blade design and clay content were chosen as process variables. The influence of these process variables on mechanical properties were studied with the help of grey relational analysis. Organically modified MMT nanoclay was used as the reinforcing filler, in order to increase the swelling of the clay with the polyester resin. Nanocomposites were fabricated based on the experimental design using the L9 orthogonal array. Among the parameters studied, blade design was identified as the parameter with the most influence, due to the presence of a varying shear force, which peeled off the clay platelets from the stacked arrangement of clay tactoids. Grey relational analysis was used to obtain the optimum process parameters for multiple quality characteristics such as tensile, flexural and impact strength. It was observed that the Shore D hardness values for all nine experiments possess higher values than virgin polyester. Morphological studies have been carried out for the specimen with optimum process parameters using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Tensile, flexural and impact fractured specimens were studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for optimum conditions.
Unsaturated polyester/E-glass fiber composites made by vacuum assisted compression resin transfer molding
Authors: Chang Chih-Yuan , Lin Hung-Jie
Published: November 2012

A variant process incorporating the method of bag compression into resin transfer molding (RTM), called vacuum assisted compression RTM (VACRTM), has been developed to reduce the cycling period and improve the quality of the part. The process utilizes a flexible bag placed between the upper mold and the preform compared with RTM. By controlling the stretchable bag, the resin is easily introduced into the cavity filled with a loose preform. Then, ambient pressure is applied on the bag that compacts the preform and drives the resin through the remaining dry preform. The objective of this research is to explore the simplified VACRTM feasibility and investigate the effects of process variables, including resin temperature, resin infusion pressure, mold cavity height and cure temperature, on the mechanical strength of the part, by applying Taguchi’s method. The results show that VACRTM has advantages in terms of its being an easy and good seal among mold parts and the the lack of a need to clean the upper mold. The resin infusion pressure is a significant variable for improvement of the mechanical strength of the part. Optimal VACRTM reduces the filling time by 58% and increases the flexural strength by 10%, as compared with typical vacuum assisted RTM (VARTM).
Self-Organized Nanostructure Formation for Anti-Reflection Glass Surfaces
Authors: Achtelik Jörn , Kemper Ricarda M. , Sievers Werner , Lindner Jörg K. N.
Published: November 2012

Two methods to create biomimetic anti-reflection nanostructures in ordinary glass microscope object slides are presented. One technique is based on a nanosphere lithography process combined with physical vapour deposition of nickel and reactive ion etching (RIE). The other uses plasma induced dewetting of a smooth nickel surface. The amount of reflected light was measured and a method to simulate the reflectivity from an atomic force microscopy (AFM) topography scan of the glass surface is presented. The reflectivity for visible light at normal incidence was reduced to 20-50 % of the original value with both methods and the simulation gives results in good agreement to the measurement.
High water pressure - high temperature autoclave for in situ Raman study of fuel cell/electrolyser materials.
Authors: Slodczyk Aneta , Zaafrani Oumaya , Colomban Philippe
Published: November 2012

According to the recent hydrogen and methanol economy, the proton conducting materials appear very interesting as an electrolytic membrane and/or an electrode component of fuel cells, CO2/Syngas converters and water steam electrolysers. Prior to the long lifetime requirements their structural and mechanical behaviors as a function of operating condition: high temperature and high water vapor pressure, have to be well determined. Consequently, we designed the autoclave working till 620°C and 50 bars of H2O pressure equipped with a sapphire window allowing in situ Raman scattering measurements. It should be stressed that Raman scattering is an optical technique very efficient to detect both long and short range order structural modifications. The technical and scientific challenges/difficulties encountered during the studies performed on proton conducting zirconates are discussed.
Synergistic and antimicrobial properties of commercial turmeric (Curcuma longa) essential oil against pathogenic bacteria
Authors: Antunes Sara Albino , Robazza Weber da Silva , Schittler Liziane , Gomes Gilmar de Almeida
Published: November 2012

Several studies have shown the antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of turmeric (Curcuma longa), widely used in food industry as a colorant, among other functions. The aim of this study was to determine the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of turmeric essential oil against pathogenic bacteria and to study the influence of the addition of ascorbic acid on the prevention of polyphenols oxidation. The commercial turmeric essential oil alone did not show bactericidal activity against the microorganisms studied, Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella typhimurium, but when combined with ascorbic acid, it showed significant antibacterial activity. The highest antimicrobial activity of turmeric essential oil against Salmonella typhimurium was 15.0 ± 1.41 mm at the concentration of 2.30 mg.mL-1 of essential oil and 2.0 mg.mL-1 of ascorbic acid. With regard to Listeria monocytogenes, the largest zone of inhibition (13.7 ± 0.58 mm) was obtained at the same concentrations. The essential oil showed antioxidant activity of EC50 = 2094.172 µg.mL-1 for the DPPH radical scavenging method and 29% under the concentration of 1.667 mg.mL-1 for the β-carotene bleaching method.
Otolaryngologic Challenges in Cleft/Craniofacial Care
Authors: Drake Amelia F. , Rosenthal Laura H. Swibel
Published: November 2012

An otolaryngology evaluation is an important aspect of care for any patient with craniofacial conditions. Otolaryngologists are commonly involved in the care of these patients to treat chronic otitis media, which frequently requires placement of pressure equalization tubes; however, there are many other otorhinolaryngologic issues that are addressed. Patients with craniofacial conditions may struggle with nasal obstruction, airway compromise, obstructive sleep apnea, dysphonia, swallowing, chronic sinonasal disease, and otologic disease.
Toughness evaluation of ultra-high toughness cementitious composite specimens with different depths
Authors: Hou Li-jun , Xu Shi-lang , Zhang Xiu-fang
Published: November 2012

Ultra-high toughness cementitious composite (UHTCC), which is a kind of high-performance fibre-reinforced cementitious composite, is characterised by tensile strain hardening behaviour and remarkable toughness capacity. The current study presents a toughness estimation of UHTCC beams of different depths under four-point bending. An improved method, based on ASTM C 1609 and JCI-SF 4, is used to evaluate the toughness capacity. In this method, an equivalent deflection transformation relationship between different depths of samples is introduced to ensure that toughness comparison is conducted at similar deformation states. Two toughness evaluation indices at equivalent controlling deflection are adopted. One is the new proposed toughness index Tv, which represents the energy dissipation per unit volume in the plastic hinge region, and the other is the traditional flexural strength parameter. Theoretical analysis and experimental results both indicate that the proposed toughness index Tv is independent of depth for strain hardening cementitious composite, which can be considered as an intrinsic material property.
Strengthening of RC T-beams with perforated steel plates
Authors: Aykac Sabahattin , Aykac Bengi , Kalkan Ilker , Ozbek Eray
Published: November 2012

The study investigates the flexural behaviour and ductilities of reinforced concrete (RC) T-beams strengthened with perforated steel plates. A total of eight full-scale RC T-beams were tested. Three strengthened beams and a reference unplated beam were reinforced with closely spaced stirrups, while the remaining plated beams and reference beam did not have adequate amounts of shear reinforcement (shear deficient). Shear strengthening with post-tensioned anchors was found to shift the failure mode of a shear-deficient beam from shear to flexure. The post-tensioning forces in the anchors were established to be kept at an optimum level to provide adequate shear strength to the beam and to prevent overstraining of the soffit plate between the shear anchor locations. The perforations increased the ductilities, energy absorption capacities and permanent deformations of the specimens. The use of compression plate in addition to the tension (soffit) plate greatly contributed to the ductilities of specimens with adequate and inadequate shear strength.
Periodontal and General Health in Long‐Term Periodontal Maintenance Patients Treated in a Norwegian Private Practice: A Descriptive Report From a Compliant and Partially Compliant Survivor Population
Authors: Fardal Øystein , Fardal Patrick , Persson G. Rutger
Published: November 2012

Background: There is weak evidence to support the benefit of periodontal maintenance therapy in preventing tooth loss. In addition, the effects of long‐term periodontal treatment on general health are unclear.

Methods: Patients who were compliant and partially compliant (15 to 25 years’ follow‐up) in private practice were observed for oral and systemic health changes.

Results: A total of 219 patients who were compliant (91 males and 128 females) were observed for 19.1 (range 15 to 25; SD ± 2.8) years. Age at reassessment was 64.6 (range: 39 to 84; SD ± 9.0) years. A total of 145 patients were stable (0 to 3 teeth lost), 54 were downhill (4 to 6 teeth lost), and 21 patients extreme downhill (>6 teeth lost); 16 patients developed hypertension, 13 developed type 2 diabetes, and 15 suffered myocardial infarcts (MIs). A minority developed other systemic diseases. Risk factors for MI included overweight (odds ratio [OR]: 9.04; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.9 to 27.8; P = 0.000), family history with cardiovascular disease (OR: 3.10; 95% CI: 1.07 to 8.94; P = 0.029), type 1 diabetes at baseline (P = 0.02), and developing type 2 diabetes (OR: 7.9; 95% CI: 2.09 to 29.65; P = 0.000). A total of 25 patients who were partially compliant (17 males and eight females) were observed for 19 years. This group had a higher proportion of downhill and extreme downhill cases and MI.

Conclusions: Patients who left the maintenance program in a periodontal specialist practice in Norway had a higher rate of tooth loss than patients who were compliant. Patients who were compliant with maintenance in a specialist practice in Norway have a similar risk of developing type 2 diabetes as the general population. A rate of 0.0037 MIs per patient per year was recorded for this group. Due to the lack of external data, it is difficult to assess how this compares with patients who have periodontal disease and are untreated.
Climate change impacts on river basin and freshwater ecosystems: some observations on challenges and emerging solutions
Authors: Ostfeld Avi , Barchiesi Stefano , Bonte Matthijs , Collier Carol R. , Cross Katharine , Darch Geoff , Farrell Tracy A. , Smith Mark , Vicory Alan , Weyand Michael , Wright Julian
Published: November 2012

Despite uncertainty pertaining to methods, assumptions and input data of climate change models, most models point towards a trend of an increasing frequency of flooding and drought events. How these changes reflect water management decisions and what can be done to minimize climate change impacts remains unclear. This paper summarizes and extends the workshop outcomes on ‘Climate Change Impacts on Watershed Management: Challenges and Emerging Solutions’ held at the IWA World Water Congress and Exhibition, Montréal, 2010, hosted by the IWA Watershed and River Basin Management Specialist Group. The paper discusses climate change impacts on water management of freshwater ecosystems and river basins, and illustrates these with three case studies. It is demonstrated through the case studies that engagement of relevant stakeholders is needed early in the process of building environmental flows and climate change decision-making tools, to result in greater buy-in to decisions made, create new partnerships, and help build stronger water management institutions. New alliances are then created between water managers, policy makers, community members, and scientists. This has been highlighted by the demonstration of the Pangani integrated environmental flow assessment, through the Okavango River Basin case study, and in the more participatory governance approach proposed for the Delaware River Basin.
Electrical, mechanical and temperature characterization of commercialy available LTCC dielectric materials
Authors: Radosavljevic Goran , Maric Andrea , Unger Michael , Blaz Nelu , Smetana Walter , Zivanov Ljiljana
Published: November 2012

Presented paper deals with mechanical, electrical and thermal properties of
several commercially available materials that are widely used for fabrication
of electronic components, sensor systems etc. In the LTCC (Low Temperature
Co-fired Technology). Having complete and accurate information of material
chemical composition, its electrical and mechanical properties are essential
for successful design of various components and/or systems. In many cases,
available technical documentation provided by the manufacturers contains less
information than designers require for complete pre-design analysis of system
behavior in real time environment. Three offently exploited commercialy
available dielectric materials provided by Heraeus company (Heraeus CT700,
Heraeus CT707 and Heraeus CT800) are investigated. Electrical, mechanical and
thermal properties analyses have been conducted in order to determine some of
the important material properties. A full chemical composition analysis was
performed resulting in determination of materials' chemical composition,
followed with determination of relative permittivity value, elasticity
modulus and relative thermal coefficient value.
Morphometric analysis of treatment effects of the Balters bionator in growing Class II patients
Authors: Antunes Carina Ferlin , Bigliazzi Renato , Bertoz Francisco Antonio , Ortolani Cristina Lúcia Feijó , Franchi Lorenzo , Jr. Kurt Faltin,
Published: November 2012

Objective:

To investigate the effects of the standard (Class II) Balters bionator in growing patients with Class II malocclusion with mandibular retrusion by using morphometrics (thin-plate spline [TPS] analysis).

Materials and Methods:

Thirty-one Class II patients (17 male and 14 female) were treated with the Balters bionator (bionator group). Mean age at the start of treatment (T0) was 10.3 years, while it was 13 years at the end of treatment (T1). Mean treatment time was 2 years and 2 months. The control group consisted of 22 subjects (14 male and 8 female) with untreated Class II malocclusion. Mean age at T0 was 10.2 years, while it was 12.2 years at T1. The observation period lasted 2 years on average. TPS analysis evaluated statistical (permutation tests) differences in the craniofacial shape and size between the bionator and control groups.

Results:

Through TPS analysis (deformation grids) the bionator group showed significant shape changes in the mandible that could be described as a mandibular forward and downward displacement. The control group showed no statistically significant differences in the correction of Class II malocclusion.

Conclusions:

Bionator appliance is able to induce significant mandibular shape changes that lead to the correction of Class II dentoskeletal disharmony.
Surface elevation and velocity changes on the south-central Greenland ice sheet: 1980–2011
Authors: Jezek Kenneth C.
Published: November 2012

We extend through 2011 an ice-sheet elevation and surface velocity record across three measurement networks established in south-central Greenland by The Ohio State University in 1980/81. Surface parameters are derived from repeat GPS in situ observations, elevations measured by airborne laser altimetry and by the Ice, Cloud and land Elevation Satellite (ICESat). Elevations at the western network steadily rose early in the record by 0.10 ± 0.02 m a-1, but an eastward-progressing thinning trend began in the mid-1990s followed by a ~1m elevation drop at all stations from 2005 to 2011. Measurements weakly suggest a surface velocity increase at the western cluster from 1980 to 2005. At the central network, elevations rose by 0.08 ± 0.02 m a-1 through 2005 and surface speed increased by 0.5–0.7 m a-1. Surface elevations at the central network remained nearly constant thereafter. Thickening occurred at the southern ice divide by 0.05 ± 0.02 m a-1, while east of the divide the ice sheet thinned with increasing rate from the divide, likely because of decreasing accumulation rate trends and drawdown into rapidly retreating coastal glaciers. Our most recent data show that thinning rates are slowing at several sites just east of the divide and that the elevation at the divide continues to increase.
Coherency Identification of Generators Using a PAM Algorithm for Dynamic Reduction of Power Systems
Authors: Pyo Gi-Chan , Park Jin-Woo , Moon Seung-Il
Published: November 2012

This paper presents a new coherency identification method for dynamic reduction of a power system. To achieve dynamic reduction, coherency-based equivalence techniques divide generators into groups according to coherency, and then aggregate them. In order to minimize the changes in the dynamic response of the reduced equivalent system, coherency identification of the generators should be clearly defined. The objective of the proposed coherency identification method is to determine the optimal coherent groups of generators with respect to the dynamic response, using the Partitioning Around Medoids (PAM) algorithm. For this purpose, the coherency between generators is first evaluated from the dynamic simulation time response, and in the proposed method this result is then used to define a dissimilarity index. Based on the PAM algorithm, the coherent generator groups are then determined so that the sum of the index in each group is minimized. This approach ensures that the dynamic characteristics of the original system are preserved, by providing the optimized coherency identification. To validate the effectiveness of the technique, simulated cases with an IEEE 39-bus test system are evaluated using PSS/E. The proposed method is compared with an existing coherency identification method, which uses the K-means algorithm, and is found to provide a better estimate of the original system.
Combustion Characteristics of Chlorine-Free Solid Fuel Produced from Municipal Solid Waste by Hydrothermal Processing
Authors: Indrawan Bayu , Prawisudha Pandji , Yoshikawa Kunio
Published: November 2012

An experimental study on converting municipal solid waste (MSW) into chlorine-free solid fuel using a combination of hydrothermal processing and water-washing has been performed. After the product was extracted from the reactor, water-washing experiments were then conducted to obtain chlorine-free products with less than 3000 ppm total chlorine content. A series of combustion experiments were then performed for the products before and after the washing process to determine the chlorine content in the exhaust gas and those left in the ash after the combustion process at a certain temperature. A series of thermogravimetric analyses were also conducted to compare the combustion characteristics of the products before and after the washing process. Due to the loss of ash and some volatile matter after washing process, there were increases in the fixed carbon content and the heating value of the product. Considering the possible chlorine emission, the washing process after the hydrothermal treatment should be necessary only if the furnace temperature is more than 800 °C.
Three Steps to Heaven: Semantic Publishing in a Real World Workflow
Authors: Lord Phillip , Cockell Simon , Stevens Robert
Published: November 2012

Semantic publishing offers the promise of computable papers, enriched visualisation and a realisation of the linked data ideal. In reality, however, the publication process contrives to prevent richer semantics while culminating in a "lumpen" PDF. In thispaper, we discuss a web-first approach to publication, and describe a three-tiered approach that integrates with the existing authoring tooling. Critically, although it adds limited semantics, it does provide value to all the participants in the process: the author, the reader and the machine.
A Generic Force Field for Protein Coarse-Grained Molecular Dynamics Simulation
Authors: Gu Junfeng , Bai Fang , Li Honglin , Wang Xicheng
Published: November 2012

Coarse-grained (CG) force fields have become promising tools for studies of protein behavior, but the balance of speed and accuracy is still a challenge in the research of protein coarse graining methodology. In this work, 20 CG beads have been designed based on the structures of amino acid residues, with which an amino acid can be represented by one or two beads, and a CG solvent model with five water molecules was adopted to ensure the consistence with the protein CG beads. The internal interactions in protein were classified according to the types of the interacting CG beads, and adequate potential functions were chosen and systematically parameterized to fit the energy distributions. The proposed CG force field has been tested on eight proteins, and each protein was simulated for 1000 ns. Even without any extra structure knowledge of the simulated proteins, the Cα root mean square deviations (RMSDs) with respect to their experimental structures are close to those of relatively short time all atom molecular dynamics simulations. However, our coarse grained force field will require further refinement to improve agreement with and persistence of native-like structures. In addition, the root mean square fluctuations (RMSFs) relative to the average structures derived from the simulations show that the conformational fluctuations of the proteins can be sampled.