bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In Situ Fabrication of Superhydrophobic Zinc Sulfide Films on a Flexible Zinc Foil Substrate
Authors: Zhang Yidong , Mi Liwei
Published: August 2012

A superhydrophobic ZnS film was successfully fabricated by a simple solvothermal method using Zn foil and S powder as raw materials in an absolute ethanol solution at 160 °C for 8 h. The products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and contact angle (CA) measurements. The results show that the obtained ZnS film was hexagonal phase, composed of many dense and uniform interconnected nanoflakes of average thickness ca. 120 nm. A possible reaction mechanism was proposed and discussed. It was found that the ZnS film exhibits superhydrophobicity owing to its special nanoflake structure.
Competing Ion Exchange of Zn2+ and Fe3+ in NaY Zeolite
Authors: Ostroski Indianara C. , Dantas João H. , Silva Edson A. , Arroyo Pedro A. , Barros Maria A. S. D.
Published: August 2012

This study was aimed at investigating the equilibrium and interactive effects of binary solutions containing Zn+2 and Fe+3 ions in fixed-bed columns of NaY zeolite. To calculate the dynamic equilibrium through isotherms, experiments were carried out in a fixed-bed column. Reagent-grade ZnCl2 and FeCl3·6H2O solutions were mixed with deionized water to prepare the feed solutions with total ion concentrations in the range of 0.5–5.0 meq/ℓ. Experiments were then carried out using Fe3+ and Zn2+ ions in the following concentration ratios: 0.75:0.25, 0.50:0.50 and 0.25:0.75. The experimental equilibrium data were then described using Langmuir-type models (binary Langmuir model, Langmuir-type model, Jain and Snoeyink model, and noncompetitive Langmuir model) as well as ion exchange model. Results of our analysis revealed that NaY zeolite has a higher affinity for Zn2+ than Fe3+ ions. The equilibrium data were best fit to the Langmuir-type model. Zn2+ ions are removed through an ion-exchange process while the Fe3+ ions may be preferentially adsorbed onto the already exchanged zeolitic sites. This equilibrium model was then applied to a dynamic mathematical model. We describe the equilibrium in this model by assuming the binary Langmuir-type model and mass transfer in the zeolite based on the linear driving force model.
Adsorption by Active and Inactive Aspergillus Oryzae: Batch Studies
Authors: Erkurt Hatice Atacag , Özyurt Mustafa , Özer Ayla
Published: August 2012

In this study, the optimal conditions for decolourizing Levafix brilliant blue EB (LB) were determined for both active (actively growing or active) and inactive (inactivated or inactive) Aspergillus oryzae. The adsorption capacity of active and inactive A. oryzae was compared using adsorption isotherm models. Our equilibrium data fitted well to Langmuir model. Under optimal conditions, the maximum monolayer LB adsorption capacities of active and inactive A. oryzae were 61 and 66 mg/g, respectively. The longevity of this decolourization activity under optimal conditions was investigated in repeated mode by adding 250 mg/ℓ of dye in five dosages (50 mg/ℓ each) in the growth medium of A. oryzae. LB decolourization efficiency of the fungus remained high after 5 days operation. Desorption of LB was achieved using 0.1 M NaOH. The experimental results demonstrated that the A. oryzae pellets could effectively be used as a sorbent for removing textile dyes.
Synthesis of High Surface Area W2N and Co–W–N Nitrides by Chemical Routes
Authors: Panda Rabi N. , Dalavi Shankar B. , Theerthagiri J.
Published: August 2012

This study investigates the synthesis of high surface area W2N and Co–W–N nitrides by nitridation of various precursors obtained by chemical routes. For the synthesis of W2N nitride, WO3 precursors were obtained by acidifying Na2WO4·2H2O (acid route) and by thermal decomposition of the tungstate–citrate precursor. The solid-state reactivity, BET surface areas and pore structures of the nitride materials have been investigated in detail. Co–W–N nitride was obtained from CoWO4 synthesized by co-precipitation. W2N and Co–W–N nitrides crystallize in β-W2N structure. The single-point BET surface areas were estimated to be 58, 55 and 60 m2/g for the β-W2N nitride materials synthesized using commercial WO3 and WO3 obtained from acid and citrate precursor, respectively. The maximum surface areas (40 m2/g) are obtained for Co–W–N nitrides synthesized at 700 °C. We have investigated the change in pore volume and pore diameter when the synthesis conditions are changed. The thermogravimetric and differential thermal analysis studies corroborate the fine particle nature of the materials.
Morphologic and Surface Characterization of Different Types of Activated Carbon Fibres
Authors: Balanay Jo Anne G. , Lungu Claudiu T.
Published: August 2012

This study provides a comparison of different types of commercially available activated carbon fibres (ACFs). Thus, ACFs in cloth (ACFC) and felt forms (ACFF) with three different surface areas were each analyzed for their pore volumes, pore sizes and pore-size distributions. The fibre morphology and organization was visualized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The microporosity of the ACF materials based on nitrogen isotherms, the percentage of micropores by area and volume, the average pore size and the pore-size distribution were also determined. An increase in the surface areas of the ACFC types led to an increase in the total pore volume, micropore volume, micropore area and pore width, but led to a decrease in the percentage of micropores by area and volume. The nitrogen isotherms demonstrated that the surface area dictated the amount of adsorption onto the ACF regardless of the form of the latter. The difference in the volume of smaller micropores between the ACFC and ACFF types may be attributed to the difference in the adsorbent density and the accessibility of the fibre surface to the activating gas during the activation process. An understanding of the pore structure of ACFs by form and surface area is crucial in determining the appropriate specific applications of such adsorbents.
Experimental Investigation of Preloaded RC Columns Strengthened with Precambered Steel Plates under Eccentric Compression Loading
Authors: Wang L. , Su R.K.L.
Published: August 2012

Many existing reinforced concrete (RC) columns must be repaired or strengthened due to material deterioration, changes in usage or the implementation of new building design codes. In this paper, a new post-stressed method using precambered steel plates is proposed to strengthen existing RC columns. This approach can alleviate stress-lagging effects between the preloaded concrete core and steel jacketing and achieve higher axial strength and deformability. An experimental study was undertaken. Nine RC columns with different eccentricities, plate thicknesses and initial precamber displacements were tested under eccentric compression loads. According to the degrees of eccentricity, specimens were divided into three groups. In each group, one column without strengthening was tested to act as a control specimen, while the others were strengthened by precambered steel plates. Test results show that precambered steel plates were effective in increasing the axial strength and bending moment capacity of RC columns. Furthermore, by using precambered steel plates, the specimens had better post-yield deformation.
Assessment of Nonlinear Static Procedures for Determination of Target Displacement in Asymmetric Buildings
Authors: Daee B. , Aghakouchak A.A.
Published: August 2012

The conventional procedure for pushover or non-linear static analysis (NSA) has some drawbacks in predicting the inelastic seismic demands of buildings which are asymmetric in plan. In this research, fifteen asymmetric buildings comprising of steel moment frames have been designed and their seismic responses have been studied by pushover analysis. Using methods proposed in FEMA-356, ATC-40, and FEMA-440, the target displacements for these structures have been obtained. Subsequently pushover analyses have been repeated using lateral forces corresponding to 100% of target displacement in principal direction and 30% of target displacement in perpendicular direction. Results of this study indicate that target displacements results from FEMA-440 methods for the roof center of mass ( CM) are closest to the NTHA results but displacements obtained for the stiff side of structure in all NSA methods are underestimated. Therefore a correction factor has been derived using the Least Squares Method to modify the demand displacements obtained from pushover analysis for the stiff side of asymmetric buildings.
A Constitutive Model for Circular Steel Pipe by Spatial Hysteretic Test
Authors: Nie Gui-Bo , Fan Feng , Zhi Xu-Dong
Published: August 2012

As a rapid developing structure form in late thirty years, space structures are widely used in all kinds of large-scale public building. However, this structure form usually appears an obvious deformation and serious material plastic under severe earthquakes event. Under this circumstance, the material will be experienced cyclic and accumulated damage which have an important effect on the structural behavior and should be considered in the constitutive model. Tests of thirty circular steel tubes were thus conducted under constant axial and cyclic horizontal loads to derive the rational constitutive model with consideration of material damage accumulation. Further, finite-element model were developed using ABAQUS to simulate tube behavior under load. And then the material damage accumulation was dealt with by a user-defined subroutine encoded with ABAQUS. The parameters in the constitutive model are evaluated by experimental results using the least square method fitting between experimental curve and numerical curve. The comparison between the theory and the experiment with the interface program shows that theoretical curves are in good agreement with experimental curves, which proves not only the constitutive equation is accurate but also the finite element program is applicable for theoretical analysis.
Effects of the Transverse Reinforcement on the Shear Behaviour of High Strength Concrete Beams
Authors: Hamrat M , Boulekbache B , Chemrouk M , Amziane S
Published: August 2012

This paper presents the results of an experimental investigation dealing with the effects of transverse reinforcement on the crack patterns, the ultimate carrying capacity and the ductility of beams made of high strength concrete and normal strength concrete for comparison purposes. The test results are analyzed and compared with the shear provisions in the four major universal codes (ACI-318; BS-8110; Eurocode 2; BAEL 99). Twenty six reinforced concrete beams with and without transverse reinforcement were constructed using different shear-span to depth ratios (a/d = 1.5, 2.0 and 3.0) and different compressive strengths of concrete (44 MPa, 65 MPa and 86 MPa).

The test results indicate that the presence of transverse reinforcement had controlled efficiently the crack width by enhancing the aggregate interlocking on the crack surface, increased moderately the shear strengths of the beams by factors ranging from 1.14 to 1.86, and increased appreciably the ductility of beams at the ultimate state. It should be noted, however, that the beams failed at shear strength contributions of transverse reinforcement ( Vs) considerably lower than the values predicted by the models used in the four major universal codes. This translates that the existing universal design codes may not be rationally safe against shear design of high strength concrete beams containing transverse reinforcement.
Experimental Study of Concrete-Filled Rectangular HSS Columns Subjected to Biaxial Bending
Authors: Guo L.H. , Wang Y.Y. , Zhang S.M.
Published: August 2012

This paper describes the experimental work on the tests of nine concrete-filled square and rectangular hollow structural section (HSS) columns subjected to axial load, uniaxial bending or biaxial bending. The experimental results suggest that the overall buckling appears accompanying with local buckling near the mid-height of column. Good agreement was found between the semi-sine wave shape and the experimental deflection shape. It is found that the cross-section remains plane before the specimen reached its load-carrying capacity. Also, the experimental results are compared with the values calculated from the AISC-LRFD, EC4 and CECS design codes, which shows that all codes provide safe bearing capacities. Compared with columns subjected to an axial load or uniaxial bending, the calculated capacities of column subjected to biaxial bending are more conservative. Among these three design codes, the capacities based on the EC4 design code yield results which are the closest to the experimental ones. The results calculated from the AISC-LRFD design code are the most conservative.
Behavior of Axially Loaded Concrete Wall Panels with Openings: An Experimental Study
Authors: Fragomeni S. , Doh J.H. , Lee D.J.
Published: August 2012

Forty seven reinforced concrete walls with various opening configurations are tested in both one-way and two-way action. The test panels, with a slenderness ratio of 30, 35 or 40, were subjected to a uniformly distributed axial load at an eccentricity of one sixth of the wall thickness ( tw/6). Apart from highlighting the experimental set-up; typical crack patterns, failure modes, and load-deflection behaviour of test panels are also reported. Actual test failure loads are compared to ultimate load predictions using the Australian standard wall design equation and also a recently derived formula specifically for walls with openings. The code equation is found to be inadequate for the many cases investigated whereas the derived formula was verified as being adequate in predicting failure load of walls with openings.
Attenuation of Building Vibration Using Periodic Foundations
Authors: Xiong Chen , Shi Zhifei , Xiang Hongjun
Published: August 2012

Periodic structures exhibit a unique dynamic characteristic called band of frequency gap, which lends a new insight into the isolation of engineering vibration. Based on the theory of elasto-dynamics, the band of frequency gaps of one-dimensional (1D) layered periodic structure and two-dimensional (2D) periodic structure is studied by using the differential quadrature method and finite element method. The periodicity is taken into account by introducing Bloch-Floquet theorem. To investigate the vibration isolation effects of periodic structures, three different periodic foundations are then designed. Simulations demonstrate that periodic foundations can greatly reduce the dynamic response of upper structures under both vertical and longitudinal ground motion. Therefore, this work offers a new view in application of periodic foundations in civil engineering.
Load Capacities of Single-Layer Shoring Systems: An Experimental Study
Authors: Peng Jui-Lin , Wang Pao-Li , Chan Siu Lai , Huang Chung-Ho
Published: August 2012

This investigation elucidates the load capacities of wooden shores and adjustable steel tube shores that are commonly used in construction. A series of loading tests was performed based on actual setups used on construction sites. Research results reveal that the load capacity of an isolated wooden or an adjustable steel tube shore declines as its length increases, and the load capacity of adjustable steel tube shores greatly exceeds that of wooden shores of the same length in isolated and multi-post shoring systems. A wooden shore fails by buckling under compression load. The failure of an adjustable steel tube shore in tests is due to buckling when the shore length exceeds 3.96 m, and the failure will be resulted from damage of connecting tube lock if the shore length is less than 3.96 m. When the top block of the adjustable steel tube shore is a wooden stringer, the load capacity is remarkably less than when it is a steel block. Adjustable steel tube shores will be reduced in load capacity after reuses. The load capacity of an isolated shore is reduced when the shore is placed on an inclined base. Reinforcing an isolated wooden shore with horizontal wooden bars and iron wires increases its load capacity. However, when an isolated wooden shore is reinforced with lateral cable bracings, the load capacity is not affected. Inserting the woodblock under an isolated wooden shore on an inclined plane can increase the load capacity of the shore. The multi-post shoring system that is reinforced with horizontal bracings only slightly affects the total load capacity of the system studied in this paper.
Fuzzy Probability Study on Wind-Induced Annoyance of Tall Buildings
Authors: Wang Dayang , Zhou Yun , Deng Xuesong , Zhu Yong
Published: August 2012

Wind-induced annoyance of high-rise buildings was studied using fuzzy probability method. Fuzzy annoyance modes with different membership functions (MFs) were proposed to predict structural annoyance ratio in wind-induced vibration. The predictions of the annoyance ratio were compared firstly with the existing results by other researchers to verify the reliability of the method proposed in this paper. Parameters of influencing the annoyance ratio, such as membership functions and population distributions along structural height, were then investigated and assessed separately in detail by a high-rise case mode. The results show that the annoyance ratio of wind-induced vibration can be predicted rationally using the fuzzy annoyance modes. Relationship between the annoyance ratio and structural vibration acceleration can well be presented by the proposed modes, especially for the modes with MF1 and MF4. The annoyance ratio of a tall building is influenced greatly by accelerations of the upper stories, but not the lower stories. The proposed fuzzy modes provide a new and reliable way to investigate the total annoyance ratio of a building and do shine some lights on how to quantify vibration annoyance and guide structural comfort design.
An Improved Stability Matrix for Co-Rotational Formulation
Authors: Zhou Yi , Li Yuan-Qi , Shen Zu-Yan
Published: August 2012

Geometrically nonlinear analysis of 3D framed structures has focused on the treatment of the difficulties associated with finite nodal rotations. The Co-rotational formulation excludes the rigid body rotation of the element, and to account for this aspect the addition of a stability matrix is required to the natural tangent stiffness matrix. This spatial beam element stability matrix needs to fully account for the behaviour of the nodal forces and moments on the rigid body rotation. In the context of the Co-rotational formulation, the correct stability matrix is used in conjunction with the natural tangent stiffness matrix. The natural finite element concept used for the numerical analysis of nonlinear structural problems is extended to the Co-rotational formulation. It is shown through numerical examples that fully account for the rotational behaviour of nodal moments, that the Co-rotational formulation can accurately predict the flexural-torsional buckling loads for spatial structures in which the members are not connected collinearly.
Demand on Stiffeners in Stiffened Extended End-Plate Connections
Authors: Zhao W. , Tong G.S.
Published: August 2012

The paper reports a study on the effect of stiffeners on stiffness and strength of T-stubs to find out the strength and stiffness demand on stiffeners. The tensile capacity of triangular stiffeners is first analyzed and is compared with that of a long rectangular one, an efficiency factor formula is proposed. A triangular stiffener with length-to-width ratio of 2:1 is suggested be used in practice. By requiring stiffened T-stubs have a similar strength and rigidity to the unstiffened T-stub having 41% percent thicker endplate, it is found that the stiffener must be able to transmit 85% of the total tension force, based on this requirement, the stiffener thickness is determined. Three unstiffened T-stub connections and six stiffened T-stub connections with 1:1 and 2:1 triangular stiffeners were tested monotonically. The load carrying capacity, relative deformations of endplates and strains on stiffeners and endplates were measured. The load-deformation curves of the connections and load-strain curves were presented. The influences of different shapes of stiffeners on loading resistance and rotational stiffness characteristic of stiffened T-stub connections were evaluated. The test results showed that the short stiffeners in current Chinese practice yield or/and buckle prematurely, and the stiffeners designed by the proposed method in this paper are able to change the extended portion of endplates from one side clamped to 2 panels fixed on two adjacent sides.
International Environmental Cooperation under Fairness and Reciprocity
Authors: Hadjiyiannis Costas , İriş Doruk , Tabakis Chrysostomos
Published: August 2012

This paper explores the implications of fairness and reciprocity for self-enforcing international environmental agreements on pollution abatement. Reciprocal countries reward fair behavior (positive reciprocity), but retaliate against countries behaving unfairly (negative reciprocity). We demonstrate that reciprocal countries that have moderate expectations from each other with respect to their national abatement strategies can support a greater degree of environmental cooperation than self-interested ones. However, when only very high abatement standards are deemed fair, then reciprocity could have a detrimental effect on international environmental cooperation. Our model therefore provides a novel perspective on the role of expectations in environmental negotiations.
Determinants of Corruption: Government Effectiveness vs. Cultural Norms
Authors: Kapoor Mudit , Ravi Shamika
Published: August 2012

This paper analyzes the parking behavior of United Nations diplomats in New York City and highlights the key limitation of an earlier work which claims cultural norms to be the significant determinant of corruption. We show that after controlling for Government Effectiveness index, which measures the quality of civil services and quality and quantity of public infrastructure in a country, the effect of culture on corruption becomes insignificant. However, the Country Corruption index and the Government Effectiveness index are strongly correlated which makes it difficult to identify the causal determinant of corruption. It is important to keep this correlation in mind before arriving at conclusions from empirical studies, because Country Corruption index could be proxying for other influences such as Government Effectiveness index, and ignoring this might lead us to falsely attribute the observed behavior to cultural or social norms alone. Understanding the relative importance of these potential causes of corruption is fundamental to policy recommendations.
Serum kallikrein-8 correlates with skin activity, but not psoriatic arthritis, in patients with psoriatic disease
Authors: Eissa Azza , Cretu Daniela , Soosaipillai Antoninus , Thavaneswaran Arane , Pellett Fawnda , Diamandis Anastasia , Cevikbas Ferda , Steinhoff Martin , Diamandis Eleftherios P. , Gladman Dafna , Chandran Vinod
Published: August 2012

Background:About 30% of cutaneous psoriasis (PsC) patients develop psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in the joint, which is under-recognized by dermatologists. Biomarkers for PsA are needed so that early referral to a rheumatologist is made. Kallikreins (KLKs) are secreted serine proteases implicated in skin desquamation and inflammation. This study examined KLK potential as serum biomarkers of PsA in cutaneous psoriasis patients.

Methods:KLKs were measured by ELISAs in synovial fluids of three PsA patients and three control early osteoarthritis (OA) patients, as well as in a cohort of 152 serum samples collected from age- and sex-matched PsC patients, with (n=76) or without PsA (n=76). KLK expression in psoriatic plaques was examined by immunohistochemistry. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to analyze the association between serum KLK levels and disease class (PsC, PsA). Serum KLKs that associated with PsA were correlated with clinical parameters of skin and joint activity.

Results:Among the seven KLKs tested, KLK6 and KLK8 were elevated in both PsA synovial fluids and psoriatic plaques, but only serum KLK8 levels were associated with psoriatic disease (odds ratio=2.56, p=0.03). Although significantly elevated in PsC and PsA sera compared to healthy controls, KLK8 did not discriminate PsA from PsC patients. KLK8 correlated positively with the psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) (r=0.43, p=0.001) independent of age, sex and psoriasis duration (β=1.153, p=0.0003) and exhibited no correlations with tender or swollen joint counts.

Conclusions:Increased KLK8 serum level in PsA patients reflects disease activity in the skin but not in the joints. Serum KLK levels are not useful for screening psoriasis patients for PsA.
Circulating levels of gonadotropins before and after prostate ablation in cancer patients
Authors: Yu George , Mylander Charles , Traish Abdulmaged , Jarrett Thomas
Published: August 2012

Background: The prostate gland synthesizes a host of hormones, prostaglandins and growth factors. It is not clear if such biochemical factors modulate the hypothalamic/pituitary (H-P) gonadal axis.

Aim: To determine the influence of the prostate gland on the hypothalamic-pituitary axis feedback system and changes in circulating hormone levels before and after cryoablation of the entire prostate.

Methods: In 37 consecutive patients with localized prostate cancer who underwent total cryoablation we investigated the circulating levels of testosterone, estradiol, progesterone, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), prolactin, insulin-like growth factor-1(IGF-1) and prostatic specific antigen (PSA) from 3 years prior to diagnosis to 3 years after initiating treatment.

Results: The levels of LH and FSH were significantly elevated in most patients up to 3 years after surgery. No significant changes were observed for the other hormones, with a decrease in PSA as expected.

Conclusion: LH and FSH levels rise after ablation of the prostate gland and the levels remain high for up to 3 years after surgery, which suggests that the prostate gland may influence the H-P feedback axis.
Mortality and socioeconomic status in adults with childhood onset GH deficiency (GHD) is highly dependent on the primary cause of GHD
Authors: Stochholm Kirstine , Juul Svend , Christiansen Jens Sandahl , Gravholt Claus Højbjerg
Published: August 2012

Objective

Childhood onset GH deficiency (CO-GHD) is associated with increased morbidity and mortality; however, the patients' socioeconomic profile as adults is not fully known.

Design

Register study using Danish nationwide registries. Two hundred and sixty GHD males and 156 GHD females and 25 358 male and 15 110 female controls were included.

Methods

Information was obtained concerning cohabitation, parenthood, education, income, retirement, convictions, and death. Income was analyzed using conditional logistic regression, and other outcomes were analyzed using Cox regression. Subgroups of GHD patients with malignant tumors, craniopharyngioma, idiopathic GHD, and others were investigated separately.

Results

Both male and female GHD patients had a significantly worse outcome on all studied socioeconomic parameters. Fewer GHD patients lived in partnerships and entered them later (male hazard ratio (HR): 0.31; female HR: 0.33), had fewer parenthoods (male HR: 0.26; female HR: 0.26), lower educational level (male HR: 0.58; female HR: 0.48), lower income, higher risk of retirement (male HR: 13.4; female HR: 24.2), and fewer convictions (male HR: 0.67; female HR: 0.49). Mortality was increased (male HR: 10.7; female HR: 21.4). Adjusted for marital and educational status, male HR of death was 5.2 and female HR 10.5. Patients with idiopathic GHD had a socioeconomic profile similar to controls.

Conclusion

The primary causes of CO-GHD and concomitant diseases severely impair socioeconomic conditions and impact mortality; only the subgroup of patients with idiopathic GHD conditions was similar to the background population.
Puerarin, a selective oestrogen receptor modulator, disrupts pregnancy in rats at pre-implantation stage
Authors: Saha Piyali , Saraswat Ghungroo , Chakraborty Pratip , Banerjee Sayani , Pal Bikas C , Kabir Syed N
Published: August 2012

The tubers ofPueraria tuberosahave folkloric repute as emmenagogue. The n-BuOH fraction of the ethanolic extract of tubers exhibits significant antifertility activity in laboratory animals. The present investigation explored the active principle(s) of the tuber extract with reference to contragestive effects in rats and probed the possible mechanism of action. Bioactivity-guided fractionation identified puerarin as the major constituent that exerted pregnancy-terminating effects. Oral administration of puerarin at ≥300 mg/kg per day for days (D) 1–2 post-coitus resulted in complete implantation failure. Serum oestradiol levels during D2–D5 and progesterone (P4) level on D5 remained unaffected, but the endometrial expression of oestrogen receptor α (ERα) and ERβ was adversely modulated that disrupted the implantation-specific characteristic endometrial oestrogenic milieu. The eventual consequence was loss of endometrial receptivity characterised by down-regulation of the uterine expression of P4receptor (PR) and attenuation of endometrial expression of leukaemia inhibitory factor, vascular endothelial growth factor and cyclo-oxygenase-2, the three important signalling molecules involved in the process of implantation. Light microscopic examination of the embryos demonstrated no untoward effect of puerarin on the development of embryos until D4, but D5 blastocysts underwent gross morphological distortion. The findings taken together are interpreted to suggest that puerarin adversely impacts the uterine expression of ER and PR that disrupts the implantation-conducive uterine milieu and prevents implantation. In conclusion, puerarin may be envisaged as a prospective molecule that merits further exploration for the development of non-steroidal post-coital contraceptive for women.
Embryos generated from oocytes lacking complex N- and O-glycans have compromised development and implantation
Authors: Grasa Patricia , Kaune Heidy , Williams Suzannah A
Published: August 2012

Female mice generating oocytes lacking complexN- andO-glycans (double mutants (DM)) produce only one small litter before undergoing premature ovarian failure (POF) by 3 months. Here we investigate the basis of the small litter by evaluating ovulation rate and embryo development in DM (Mgat1F/FC1galt1F/F:ZP3Cre) and Control (Mgat1F/FC1galt1F/F) females. Surprisingly, DM ovulation rate was normal at 6 weeks, but declined dramatically by 9 weeks.In vitrodevelopment of zygotes to blastocysts was equivalent to Controls although all embryos from DM females lacked a normal zona pellucida (ZP) and ∼30% lacked a ZP entirely. In contrast,in vivopreimplantation development resulted in less embryos recovered from DM females compared with Controls at 3.5 days post coitum (dpc) (3.2±1.3 vs 7.0±0.6). Furthermore, only 45% of mated DM females contained embryos at 3.5 dpc. Of the preimplantation embryos collected from DM females, approximately half were morulae unlike Controls where the majority were blastocysts, indicating delayed embryo development in DM females. Post-implantation development in DM females was analysed to determine whether delayed preimplantation development affected subsequent development. In DM females at 5.5 dpc, only ∼40% of embryos found at 3.5 dpc had implanted. However, at 6.5 dpc, implantation sites in DM females corresponded to embryo numbers at 3.5 dpc indicating delayed implantation. At 9.5 dpc, the number of decidua corresponded to embryo numbers 6 days earlier indicating that all implanted embryos progress to midgestation. Therefore, a lack of complexN- andO-glycans in oocytes during development impairs early embryo development and viabilityin vivoleading to delayed implantation and a small litter.
One Hundred Ten Days of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in a Young Woman with Postpartum Cerebral Venous Thrombosis and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Authors: Strecker Thomas , M�nch Frank , Weyand Michael
Published: August 2012

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is often the last resort for serious acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) when all non-invasive treatment options have failed to improve the patient's pulmonary condition. We present a successful long-term therapy with ECMO over 110 days in a 28-year-old woman. She developed postpartum cerebral venous thrombosis with severe respiratory insufficiency. Veno-venous ECMO rescued this young patient, allowing for full recovery.
The Ross-Konno Procedure as Reoperative Treatment in a Young Adult with Congenital Aortic Stenosis
Authors: Mitropoulos Fotios A. , Kanakis Meletios A. , Apostolopoulou Sotiria C. , Rammos Spyridon , Anagnostopoulos Constantine E.
Published: August 2012

Mechanical and biological prostheses are valid options when aortic valve replacement is necessary. The Ross procedure is also an alternative solution, especially for young patients.

We describe the case of a young patient with congenital aortic stenosis and bicuspid aortic valve who presented with dyspnea on exertion. An open commissurotomy was performed, and within 8 months the patient developed recurrent symptoms of severe aortic stenosis. He underwent redo sternotomy and a Ross-Konno procedure with an uneventful recovery.
Right Ventricular Dysfunction after Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Is a Reality of Unknown Cause and Significance
Authors: Siddiqui Muhammad-Mujtaba Ali , Jalal Anjum , Sherwani Mubashir , Ahmad Muhammad Zubair
Published: August 2012

Objective: To evaluate the impact of coronary bypass surgery on the function of the right ventricle (RV) in patients with a pre-operative ejection fraction ? 35% who did not have any perioperative myocardial infarction.

Method: We performed a prospective study of 30 patients who underwent uneventful isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). All patients had echocardiography prior to surgery and 3 months postoperatively. Myocardial tissue Doppler velocities were used to measure left and right ventricular function. The right ventricular myocardial performance index (Tei) and the ratio between the velocities of the RV and left ventricle (LV) were also calculated.

Results: There was a significant improvement in left ventricular ejection fraction before and after CABG (P = .046). The tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) velocities from the LV remained unchanged, but highly significant reductions in right ventricular TDI velocities were observed (P <.001). The TDI peak systolic (S), early diastolic (E), and late diastolic (A) velocities had a reduction of 30%, 34.5%, and 20%, respectively. Similarly, a fall in RV to LV ratios of various TDI velocities was also observed. This was also accompanied by a significant rise in the RV Tei index. All of these findings are suggestive of significant RV dysfunction.

Conclusion: There is a marked impairment of RV function after CABG.
Can We Identify Risk Factors for Postoperative Delirium in Cardiac Coronary Patients? Our Experience
Authors: Nikolić Bojan D. , Putnik Svetozar M. , Lazovic Dejan M. , Vranes Mile D.
Published: August 2012

Introduction: Delirium is a temporary mental disorder that frequently occurs among elderly hospitalized patients. Patients who undergo cardiac operations have an increased risk of postoperative delirium, which is associated with higher mortality and morbidity rates, a prolonged hospital stay, and reduced cognitive and functional recovery.

Patients and Methods: In our prospective study, we included 370 consecutive adult patients who underwent on-pump coronary artery surgery between January 1, 2011, and July 1, 2011. We selected 21 potential risk factors and divided them into preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative groups. Delirium was diagnosed with the Confusion Assessment Method.

Results: Postoperative delirium was diagnosed in 74 patients (20%). Four predictive factors were associated with postoperative delirium: diabetes mellitus, cerebrovascular disease, peripheral vascular disease, and prolonged intubation (P < .05).

Conclusion: Three of the four predictive factors significantly associated with delirium are preoperative. They are relatively easy to measure and can be used to identify patients at higher risk. Fast extubation of these patients and preventive interventions can be taken to prevent negative consequences of this postoperative complication.
The Unligated Left Internal Mammary Artery Side Branch as the Cause of Angina after Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting
Authors: Peruga Jan Z. , Bielecka-Dabrowa Agata , Kasprzak Jarosław D.
Published: August 2012

The left internal mammary artery (LIMA) is a widely used conduit during coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery because of its excellent long-term patency. Although large LIMA side branches are typically ligated during the surgery, the occurrence of a coronary steal phenomenon related to these side branches following surgery remains controversial. Advocates for occlusion of LIMA side branches in the setting of left anterior descending artery (LAD) ischemia indicate that anginal symptoms often improve and that objective measures of LAD ischemia frequently resolve. We present a patient with ischemia in the LAD distribution secondary to coronary steal from a large LIMA side branch that was successfully treated using the Embolization Coil-IMWCE-3-PDA5 (Cook Medical, Bjaeverskov, Denmark).
Application of Lower Sternal Incision with On-Pump, Beating Heart Intracardiac Procedures in Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: Cheng Wei , Xiao Yingbin , Chen Lin , Liu Hong , Zhu Yun
Published: August 2012

Background: The purpose of this study was to explore the application of lower sternal incision with on-pump, beating heart intracardiac procedures for the treatment of congenital heart disease.

Methods: A total of 106 cases with congenital heart disease were performed with lower sternal incision under the beating heart condition. The sternum was sawed open to the third sternocostal joint through a small incision in the lower sternum. Cardiopulmonary bypass was developed without aortic cross-clamping. The simultaneous left atrium and ventricle suction and integrating sequential deairing procedure was established to improve the exposure of the surgical field and intraoperative de-airing. We also randomly selected 100 patients with similar disease and age as controls. These control patients underwent middle sternal incision surgery with arresting heart.

Results: The results showed that all the patients were successfully completed with the surgery without death and serious complications, eg, air embolism, residual shunt, and complete atrioventricular block. The operative and cardiopulmonary bypass time in the experimental group was not significantly different from that in the control group. The length of the skin incision in the experimental group was shortened by 4.8 cm compared to that in the control group. The incidence of sternal deformity in patients under 3 years old in the experimental group was significantly lower than that in the control group.

Conclusions: Lower sternal incision with beating heart can reduce the surgical injury, simplify the operation procedure, and improve the therapeutic efficacy. It is a safe and effective approach for the treatment of congenital heart disease.
Calciphylaxis Following Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery: An Underappreciated Cause of Wound Complications?
Authors: Firstenberg Michael S. , Tripathi Ravi S. , Grose Noah A. , Abel Erik , Peters Sara B. , Papadimos Thomas J.
Published: August 2012

Wound complications following cardiac surgery are typically infectious and associated with a high morbidity and mortality. Calciphylaxis, vascular calcification of small and medium sized vessels, often associated with end-stage renal disease, can result in extensive tissue necrosis. We hypothesize that calciphylaxis is an under-recognized and under-reported precipitating wound and breast complication following coronary artery bypass surgery and thereby necessitates further study.
Near-Infrared Spectroscopy-Detected Cerebral Ischemia Resolved by Cannulation of an Axillo-Femoral Graft during Surgical Repair of Type A Aortic Dissection
Authors: Agostini Marco , Di Gregorio Vincenzo , Bertora Marco , Avallato Carla , Locatelli Alessandro
Published: August 2012

We report the case of a patient who experienced near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS)-detected transient regional cerebral desaturation during cardiopulmonary bypass for an operation to replace the aortic arch. Prompt institution of additional flow through an axillo-femoral graft was associated with restoration of regional cerebral saturation. The aortic surgery had no neurologic complications. Promptness in detecting and restoring cerebral perfusion appeared crucial in avoiding prolonged cerebral ischemia and reducing the likelihood of adverse neurologic events.
Deep Pericardial Traction Suture versus Vacuum-Assisted Apical Suction to Expose the Posterior Wall of the Heart in Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass: A Prospective, Randomized Study
Authors: Abicht Jan-Michael , Beiras-Fernandez Andres , Bengel Dominik , Vicol Calin
Published: August 2012

Background: Displacement of the heart to expose the posterior vessels during off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB) may cause hemodynamic instability. Deep pericardial traction suture (DPTS) and vacuum-assisted apical suction (VAS) with the Starfish positioning device help to provide good exposure without relevant hemodynamic changes. Our aim was to compare these two methods in patients undergoing multivessel OPCAB.

Methods: We prospectively randomized 20 patients undergoing multivessel OPCAB to the use of VAS or DPTS. The Octopus device was used in both groups to stabilize the target vessel. Hemodynamic parameters, including venous oxygen content (SvO2), cardiac index (CI), central venous pressure (CVP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), pulmonary artery pressure (PAP), and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP), were measured before grafting (baseline), after heart positioning, and during performance of peripheral anastomoses.

Results: Perioperative data for the two groups were similar. During exposure of the lateral wall, there were fewer hemodynamic changes in the DPTS group (increase in CVP) than in the VAS group (increases in CVP, PAP, and PCWP); the CVP was significantly higher in the DPTS group (P < .05). During exposure of the posterior wall, significant hemodynamic changes occurred only in the DPTS group (increase in PCWP). Values for all other parameters were similar, including anastomosis time, graft flow, postoperative myocardial enzymes, and inotropic support.

Conclusions: Heart positioning during OPCAB with either VAS or DPTS is a safe and effective maneuver for exposure of coronary arteries. In our study, the use of the VAS device produced less hemodynamic impairment during exposure of the lateral and posterior walls.
Formation of Hyperspectral Near-Infrared Images from Artworks
Authors: Torres Juan , Vega Carmen , Antelo Tomás , Menéndez José Manuel , del Egido Marian , Bueso Miriam , Posse Alberto
Published: August 2012

In this paper, a novel hyperspectral image acquisition system able to obtain a set of narrowband images (~2,25 nm of bandwidth) and the related composition of monochrome images in the near-infrared is described. The aim of this system is to discriminate the materials by their optical spectral response in the range of 900-1700 nm. This system has been developed in the framework of a collaborative project that includes the improvement of the automatic composition of reflectographic mosaics in order to study the underdrawing of large formats big artworks in real-time. The main features of this project are detailed in this paper. Furthermore, a few enlightening results of the hyperspectral system and new lines of research are shown.
Untangling what makes cities liveable: happiness in five cities
Authors: Goldberg Abraham , Leyden Kevin M. , Scotto Thomas J.
Published: August 2012

Why is living in the city more attractive in some places than in others? How can policymakers, urban planners and engineers work together to make cities better places to live for urban residents? One way to understand what makes a city liveable is to examine a key measure of quality of life: individual level happiness. Recent research suggests that happiness is not simply a function of individual factors such as health, wealth and social relations. Happiness is also influenced by where people live. City residents are happier if they feel connected to their cities and neighbourhoods and feel positively about the state of city services. Using a sample of over 5000 urban residents in five major cities, this paper builds on recent findings that indicate the happiness of city residents is affected by citizen perceptions of their city as a place to live and their evaluations of the essential services provided by government and non-profit organisations. Using structural equation modelling, the authors demonstrate that latent variables tapping these perceptions have both direct and indirect influences on self-perceptions of happiness in five major cities.
Uncertainty Analysis and Parameter Estimation for the CSM‐CROPGRO‐Cotton Model
Authors: Pathak Tapan B. , Jones James W. , Fraisse Clyde W. , Wright David , Hoogenboom Gerit
Published: August 2012

The Cropping System Model (CSM)‐CROPGRO‐Cotton model simulates growth, development, and yield for cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) and requires a large number of parameters and inputs. It is practically impossible to estimate all the parameters with a high level of accuracy. The objectives of this study were to estimate values and uncertainties of the CSM‐CROPGRO‐Cotton model genotype parameters and resulting uncertainties in the cotton growth and development model and to evaluate the model performance by comparing model predictions based on the estimated parameters using generalized likelihood uncertainty estimation (GLUE) with those based on a prior distribution and the default model parameters. Observations for this study were collected from four experiments at Quincy, FL, Citra, FL, and Griffin, GA, for Delta Pine 555 cotton. The results show that the estimated parameters improved model performance compared with default parameters. There was a noticeable reduction in parameter uncertainties and resulting model output uncertainties. Resulting uncertainty in model predictions of leaf area index, leaf weight, stem weight, and boll weight were reduced to 4 to 13% with posterior and 29 to 56% prior parameters, partially due to improved estimates and a considerable reduction in the uncertainty of the important model parameters such as the light extinction coefficient and specific leaf area. The GLUE technique improved the model performance by improving estimated values of model parameters, reducing model parameter uncertainties, and reducing model output uncertainties.