bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pulmonary hypertension in lymphangioleiomyomatosis: characteristics in 20 patients
Authors: Cottin Vincent , Harari Sergio , Humbert Marc , Mal Hervé , Dorfmüller Peter , Jaïs Xavier , Reynaud-Gaubert Martine , Prevot Grégoire , Lazor Romain , Taillé Camille , Lacronique Jacques , Zeghmar Sabrina , Simonneau Gérald , Cordier Jean-François ,   the Groupe d'Etudes et de Recherche sur les Maladies “Orphelines” Pulmonaires (GERM“O”P)
Published: February 2012

This retrospective, multicentre study evaluated patients with lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) and pre-capillary pulmonary hypertension (PH) by right heart catheterisation.

It was conducted in 20 females with a mean±sdage of 49±12 yrs and a mean±sdtime interval between LAM and PH diagnoses of 9.2±9.8 yrs. All, except for one patient, were receiving supplemental oxygen. 6-min walking distance was mean±sd340±84 m. Haemodynamic characteristics were: mean pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) 32±6 mmHg, cardiac index 3.5±1.1 L·min−1·m−2and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) 376±184 dyn·s·cm−5. Mean PAP was >35 mmHg in only 20% of cases. The forced expiratory volume in 1 s was 42±25%, carbon monoxide transfer factor was 29±13%, and arterial oxygen tension (Pa,O2) was 7.4±1.3 kPa in room air. Mean PAP and PVR did not correlate withPa,O2. In six patients who received oral pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) therapy, the PAP decreased from 33±9 mmHg to 24±10 mmHg and the PVR decreased from 481±188 dyn·s·cm−5to 280±79 dyn·s·cm−5. The overall probability of survival was 94% at 2 yrs.

Pre-capillary PH of mild haemodynamic severity may occur in patients with LAM, even with mild pulmonary function impairment. PAH therapy might improve the haemodynamics in PH associated with LAM.
Dietary patterns and respiratory symptoms in pre-school children: the Generation R Study
Authors: Tromp Ilse I.M. , Kiefte-de Jong Jessica C. , de Vries Jeanne H. , Jaddoe Vincent W.V. , Raat Hein , Hofman Albert , de Jongste Johan C. , Moll Henriette A.
Published: February 2012

Overall diet in early childhood may affect the development of respiratory symptoms. This study examined whether childhood dietary patterns are associated with respiratory symptoms in Dutch pre-school children, and whether this association could be explained by energy intake.

A prospective cohort study was performed in 2,173 children aged ≤4 yrs. Data on asthma-related symptoms were obtained by questions from the age-adapted version of the "International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood" questionnaires. Data on respiratory tract infections, defined as episodes of physician attended fever with respiratory symptoms, was obtained by questionnaire. Principal components analysis was used to develop dietary patterns at 14 months of age.

Compared with low adherence, high adherence to the “Western” dietary pattern was significantly associated with frequent wheeze at 3 yrs of age (relative risk (RR) 1.39, 95% CI 1.02–1.89) and frequent shortness of breath (RR 1.44, 95% CI 1.03–2.01) and respiratory tract infections (RR 1.54, 95% CI 1.08–2.19) at 4 yrs of age. However, this association was partially explained by energy intake.

A “Western” diet may increase the risk of frequent respiratory symptoms at 3 and 4 yrs of age. In some measure, this association was explained by energy intake.
Atorvastatin in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (APATH) study
Authors: Zeng Wei-Jie , Xiong Chang-Ming , Zhao Lan , Shan Guang-Liang , Liu Zhi-Hong , Xue Fang , Gu Qing , Ni Xin-Hai , Zhao Zhi-Hui , Cheng Xian-Sheng , Wilkins Martin R. , He Jian-Guo
Published: February 2012

Statins have been shown to both prevent and attenuate pulmonary hypertension in animal models. This study investigates the potential therapeutic benefits of atorvastatin as an affordable treatment for pulmonary hypertension patients.

220 patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) or chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) were randomised, double-blind, to receive atrovastatin 10 mg daily or matching placebo in addition to supportive care.

At 6 months, 6-min walk distance decreased by 16.6 m in the atorvastatin group and 14.1 m in the placebo group. The mean placebo-corrected treatment effect was -2.5 m (95% CI: -38–33; p=0.96), based on intention to treat. A small nonsignificant increase in pulmonary vascular resistance and fall in cardiac output was seen in both treatment groups. There was no significant difference in the proportion of patients who improved, remained stable or showed a deterioration in World Health Organization functional class between atorvastatin and placebo treatments. Nine patients died in the atorvastatin group and 11 in the placebo group. Serum cholesterol levels fell significantly on atorvastatin treatment. Discontinuation rates were 23.2% and 26.9% on atorvastatin and placebo, respectively.

Atorvastatin 10 mg daily has no beneficial effect on the natural history of PAH or CTEPH over 6 months.
Cost and cost-effectiveness of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis treatment in Estonia and Russia
Authors: Floyd Katherine , Hutubessy Raymond , Kliiman Kai , Centis Rosella , Khurieva Nina , Jakobowiak Wieslaw , Danilovits Manfred , Peremitin Genadi , Keshavjee Salmaan , Migliori Giovanni Battista
Published: February 2012

Evidence on the cost and cost-effectiveness of treatment of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is limited, and no published data are available from former Soviet Union countries, where rates of MDR-TB are highest globally.

We evaluated the cost and cost-effectiveness of MDR-TB treatment in Estonia and Russia (Tomsk Oblast), comparing cohorts enrolled on treatment according to World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines in 2001 and 2002 with cohorts treated in previous years. Costs were assessed from a health system perspective in 2003 US$; effects were measured as cures, deaths averted and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) averted.

Cure rates when WHO guidelines were followed were 61% (90 out of 149) in Estonia and 76% (76 out of 100) in Tomsk Oblast, with a cost per patient treated of US$8,974 and US$10,088, respectively. Before WHO guidelines were followed, cure rates were 52% in Estonia and 15% in Tomsk Oblast; the cost per patient treated was US$4,729 and US$2,282, respectively. Drugs and hospitalisation accounted for 69–90% of total costs. The cost per DALY averted by treatment following WHO guidelines was US$579 (range US$297–US$902) in Estonia and US$429 (range US$302–US$546) in Tomsk Oblast.

Treatment of patients with MDR-TB can be cost-effective, but requires substantial additional investment in tuberculosis control in priority countries.
Reduced larger von Willebrand factor multimers at dawn in OSA plasmas reflect severity of apnoeic episodes
Authors: Koyama Noriko , Matsumoto Masanori , Tamaki Shinji , Yoshikawa Masanori , Fujimura Yoshihiro , Kimura Hiroshi
Published: February 2012

Plasma von Willebrand factor (VWF), produced in and released from vascular endothelial cells by various stimuli including hypoxia, induces platelet aggregation under high shear stress and plays dual pivotal roles in haemostasis and thrombosis within arterioles, which are regulated by the size of vWF multimers (VWFMs).

Patients with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) have increased risk of thrombotic cardiovascular events, but the pathogenesis is unclear. We examined the relationship between VWF and OSA by measuring VWF antigen (VWF:Ag), VWFMs, VWF collagen binding activity (VWF:CB) and a disintegrin-like, metalloproteinase, and thrombospiondin type 1 motifs 13. A total of 58 OSA patients were enrolled. Blood samples were collected before sleep, after sleep, and after one night of nasal continuous positive airway pressure therapy.

Based on VWFM analysis, OSA patients were classified into three groups; consistently normal VWFMs (group 1, n=29), increased high molecular weight (HMW)-VWFMs at 06:00 h (group 2, n=18), and decreased or absent HMW-VWFMs at 06:00 h (group 3, n=11). Patients in group 3 had significantly worse apnoea/hypopnoea index; VWF:CB followed a similar pattern. We observed a significant decrease in platelet count between 21:00 h and 06:00 h in OSA patients, potentially associated with reduced larger VWFMs together with decreased VWF:Ag levels. Severe OSA may contribute to an arterial pro-thrombotic state.
Dietary moderately oxidized oil activates the Nrf2 signaling pathway in the liver of pigs
Authors: Varady Juliane , Gessner Denise K , Most Erika , Eder Klaus , Ringseis Robert
Published: February 2012

Background

Previous studies have shown that administration of oxidized oils increases gene expression and activities of various enzymes involved in xenobiotic metabolism and stress response in the liver of rats and guinea pigs. As these genes are controlled by nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-like 2 (Nrf2), we investigated the hypothesis that feeding of oxidized fats causes an activation of that transcription factor in the liver which in turn activates the expression of antioxidant, cytoprotective and detoxifying genes.

Methods

Twenty four crossbred pigs were allocated to two groups of 12 pigs each and fed nutritionally adequate diets with either fresh rapeseed oil (fresh fat group) or oxidized rapeseed oil prepared by heating at a temperature of 175°C for 72 h (oxidized fat group).

Results

After 29 days of feeding, pigs of the oxidized fat group had a markedly increased nuclear concentration of the transcription factor Nrf2 and a higher activity of cellular superoxide dismutase and T4-UDP glucuronosyltransferase in liver than the fresh fat group (P < 0.05). In addition, transcript levels of antioxidant and phase II genes in liver, like superoxide dismutase 1, heme oxygenase 1, glutathione peroxidase 1, thioredoxin reductase 1, microsomal glutathione-S-transferase 1, UDP glucuronosyltransferase 1A1 and NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 in the liver were higher in the oxidized fat group than in the fresh fat group (P < 0.05). Moreover, pigs of the oxidized fat group had an increased hepatic nuclear concentration of the transcription factor NF-κB which is also an important transcription factor mediating cellular stress response.

Conclusion

The present study shows for the first time that administration of an oxidized fat activates the Nrf2 in the liver of pigs which likely reflects an adaptive mechanism to prevent cellular oxidative damage. Activation of the NF-κB pathway might also contribute to this effect of oxidized fat.
Robust multiple-vehicle tracking via adaptive integration of multiple visual features
Authors: Sheng Hao , Wei Qi , Li Chao , Xiong Zhang
Published: February 2012

This article presents a robust approach to tracking multiple vehicles with integration of multiple visual features. The observation is modeled by democratic integration strategies according to the reliability of the information in the current multi-visual features to adjust their weights. The appearance model is also embedded in a particle filter (PF) tracking framework. Furthermore, we propose a new model updating algorithm based on the PF. In order to avoid incorrect results caused by "model drift" introduced into the observation model, model updating should only be controlled in a reliable manner, and the rate of updating is based on reliability. This article also presents the experiments using a real video sequence to verify the proposed method.
Movement of the external ear in human embryo
Authors: Kagurasho Miho , Yamada Shigehito , Uwabe Chigako , Kose Katsumi , Takakuwa Tetsuya
Published: February 2012

Introduction

External ears, one of the major face components, show an interesting movement during craniofacial morphogenesis in human embryo. The present study was performed to see if movement of the external ears in a human embryo could be explained by differential growth.

Methods

In all, 171 samples between Carnegie stage (CS) 17 and CS 23 were selected from MR image datasets of human embryos obtained from the Kyoto Collection of Human Embryos. The three-dimensional absolute position of 13 representative anatomical landmarks, including external and internal ears, from MRI data was traced to evaluate the movement between the different stages with identical magnification. Two different sets of reference axes were selected for evaluation and comparison of the movements.

Results

When the pituitary gland and the first cervical vertebra were selected as a reference axis, the 13 anatomical landmarks of the face spread out within the same region as the embryo enlarged and changed shape. The external ear did move mainly laterally, but not cranially. The distance between the external and internal ear stayed approximately constant. Three-dimensionally, the external ear located in the caudal ventral parts of the internal ear in CS 17, moved mainly laterally until CS 23. When surface landmarks eyes and mouth were selected as a reference axis, external ears moved from the caudal lateral ventral region to the position between eyes and mouth during development.

Conclusion

The results indicate that movement of all anatomical landmarks, including external and internal ears, can be explained by differential growth. Also, when the external ear is recognized as one of the facial landmarks and having a relative position to other landmarks such as the eyes and mouth, the external ears seem to move cranially.
Myocardial citrullination in rheumatoid arthritis: a correlative histopathologic study
Authors: Giles Jon T , Fert-Bober Justyna , Park Jin Kyun , Bingham Clifton O , Andrade Felipe , Fox-Talbot Karen , Pappas Dimitrios , Rosen Antony , van Eyk Jennifer , Bathon Joan M , Halushka Marc K
Published: February 2012

Introduction

The aim of this study was to explore the presence and localization of myocardial citrullination in samples from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients compared to rheumatic and non-rheumatic disease control groups.

Methods

Archived myocardial samples obtained during autopsy from 1995 to 2009 were assembled into four groups: RA; scleroderma; fatal myocarditis; and non-rheumatic disease controls. Samples were examined by immunohistochemistry (IHC) for the presence and localization of citrullination and peptidyl arginine deiminase enzymes (PADs) by a single cardiovascular pathologist blinded to disease group and clinical characteristics.

Results

Myocardial samples from seventeen RA patients were compared with those from fourteen controls, five fatal myocarditis patients, and ten scleroderma patients. Strong citrullination staining was detected exclusively in the myocardial interstitium in each of the groups. However, average and peak anti-citrulline staining was 59% and 44% higher, respectively, for the RA group compared to the combined non-RA groups (P < 0.05 for both comparisons). Myocardial fibrosis did not differ between the groups. In contrast to citrullination, PADs 1 to 3 and 6 were detected in cardiomyocytes (primarily PADs 1 and 3), resident inflammatory cells (primarily PADs 2 and 4), and, to a smaller extent, in endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells. PAD staining did not co-localize with anti-citrulline staining in the interstitium and did not vary by disease state.

Conclusions

Staining for citrullination was higher in the myocardial interstitium of RA compared to other disease states, a finding that could link autoimmunity to the known increase in myocardial dysfunction and heart failure in RA.
Bayesian survey design to optimize resolution in waveform inversion
Authors: Djikpesse Hugues A. , Khodja Mohamed R. , Prange Michael D. , Duchenne Sebastien , Menkiti Henry
Published: February 2012

We describe a Bayesian methodology for designing seismic experiments that optimally maximize model-parameter resolution for imaging purposes. The proposed optimal experiment design algorithm finds the measurements that are likely to optimally reduce the expected uncertainty on the model parameters. This Bayesian [Formula: see text]-optimality-based algorithm minimizes the volume of the expected confidence ellipsoid and leads to the maximization of the expected resolution of the model parameters. Computational efficiency is achieved by a greedy algorithm in which the design is sequentially improved. In contrast to minimizing the uncertainty volume over the entire subsurface simultaneously, a refinement of the algorithm minimizes the marginal uncertainties in a region of interest. Minimizing marginal uncertainties simultaneously accounts for quantitative prior model uncertainties while honoring a qualitative focus on particular regions of interest. The benefits of the proposed method over traditional non-Bayesian ones are demonstrated with several geophysical examples. These include reducing large seismic data volumes for real-time imaging and solving the problem of designing seismic surveys that account for source bandwidth, signal-to-noise ratio, and attenuation.
Costs and outcomes of an intervention programme for offenders with personality disorders
Authors: Barrett Barbara , Byford Sarah
Published: February 2012

Background

The dangerous severe personality disorder programme was developed in high secure prisons and hospitals at great expense to identify and treat the most dangerous offenders with personality disorders.

Aims

To evaluate whether the long-term costs of the programme are greater or less than the long-term outcomes.

Method

We used a Markov decision model with a cost-effectiveness analysis to determine the incremental cost of the programme per serious offence prevented and a cost-offset analysis to consider whether monetary benefits were greater than costs.

Results

Costs were consistently higher for the intervention programme and the cost per serious offence prevented was over £2 million, although there was some evidence that adjustments to the programme could lead to similar interventions becoming cost-effective.

Conclusions

Little evidence was found to support the cost-effectiveness of the intervention programme for offenders with personality disorders, although delivery of the programme in a lower-cost prison would probably yield greater benefits than costs. There are frequent calls for mentally disordered offenders to be detained in secure hospitals rather than prisons; however, if reoffending remains the outcome of interest for policy makers, it is likely that the costs of detention in hospital will remain greater than the benefits for dangerous offenders with a personality disorder.
Protein Arginine Methyltransferase 5 (Prmt5) Promotes Gene Expression of Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor γ2 (PPARγ2) and Its Target Genes during Adipogenesis
Authors: LeBlanc Scott E. , Konda Silvana , Wu Qiong , Hu Yu-Jie , Oslowski Christine M. , Sif Saïd , Imbalzano Anthony N.
Published: February 2012

Regulation of adipose tissue formation by adipogenic-regulatory proteins has long been a topic of interest given the ever-increasing health concerns of obesity and type 2 diabetes in the general population. Differentiation of precursor cells into adipocytes involves a complex network of cofactors that facilitate the functions of transcriptional regulators from the CCATT/enhancer binding protein, and the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) families. Many of these cofactors are enzymes that modulate the structure of chromatin by altering histone-DNA contacts in an ATP-dependent manner or by posttranslationally modifying the histone proteins. Here we report that inhibition of protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (Prmt5) expression in multiple cell culture models for adipogenesis prevented the activation of adipogenic genes. In contrast, overexpression of Prmt5 enhanced adipogenic gene expression and differentiation. Chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments indicated that Prmt5 binds to and dimethylates histones at adipogenic promoters. Furthermore, the presence of Prmt5 promoted the binding of ATP-dependent chromatin-remodeling enzymes and was required for the binding of PPARγ2 at PPARγ2-regulated promoters. The data indicate that Prmt5 acts as a coactivator for the activation of adipogenic gene expression and promotes adipogenic differentiation.
ROS constitute a convergence nexus in the development of IGF1 resistance and impaired wound healing in a rat model of type 2 diabetes
Authors: Bitar Milad S. , Al-Mulla Fahd
Published: February 2012

An indolent non-healing wound and insulin and/or insulin-like growth factor (IGF1) resistance are cardinal features of diabetes, inflammation and hypercortisolemia. Little is known about why these phenomena occur in so many contexts. Do the various triggers that induce insulin and/or IGF1 resistance and retard wound healing act through a common mechanism? Cultured dermal fibroblasts from rats and full-thickness excisional wounds were used as models to test the premise that reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a causal role in the development of IGF1 resistance and impaired wound healing under different but pathophysiologically relevant clinical settings, including diabetes, dexamethasone-induced hypercortisolemia and TNFα-induced inflammation. In normal fibroblasts, IGF1 initiated a strong degree of phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1) (Tyr612) and Akt (Ser473), concomitantly with increased PI3K activity. This phenomenon seemed to be attenuated in fibroblasts that had phenotypic features of diabetes, inflammation or hypercortisolemia. Notably, these cells also exhibited an increase in the activity of the ROS−phospho-JNK (p-JNK)−p-IRS1 (Ser307) axis. The above-mentioned defects were reflected functionally by attenuation in IGF1-dependent stimulation of key fibroblast functions, including collagen synthesis and cell proliferation, migration and contraction. The effects of IGF1 on glucose disposal and cutaneous wound healing were also impaired in diabetic or hypercortisolemic rats. The ROS suppressors EUK-134 and α-lipoic acid, or small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated silencing of JNK expression, restored IGF1 sensitivity both in vitro and in vivo, and also ameliorated the impairment in IGF1-mediated wound responses during diabetes, inflammation and hypercortisolemia. Our data advance the notion that ROS constitute a convergence nexus for the development of IGF1 resistance and impaired wound healing under different but pathophysiologically relevant clinical settings, with a proof of concept for the beneficial effect of ROS suppressors.
Effect of high-dose methotrexate chemotherapy on intestinal Bifidobacteria, Lactobacillus and Escherichia coli in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Huang Yongkun , Yang Wu , Liu Hua , Duan Jing , Zhang Ying , Liu Mei , Li Hailin , Hou Zongliu , Wu Kenneth K
Published: February 2012

High-dose methotrexate (HDMTX) chemotherapy is generally accepted as an effective method for the treatment and prevention of extramedullary leukemia in children. However, it is unknown whether HDMTX chemotherapy kills intestinal bacteria on a large scale, thus causing dysbacteriosis, which may in turn influence the progress or prognosis of leukemia. The aim of this study was to examine changes in intestinal flora in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) treated with HDMTX chemotherapy. Bacterial DNA in stool from 36 healthy children and 36 ALL children were tested at A260 with a spectrophotometer before and after HDMTX chemotherapy. The primers of Bifidobacteria, Lactobacillus and Escherichia coli were designed according to the 16SrRNA/DNA bacterial sequences. Bacteria were qualitatively and quantitatively confirmed by routine polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and fluorescent quantitative PCR, respectively. Our data showed that the total amount of flora in the stools of children with ALL was decreased by 29.6% compared with healthy children ( P < 0.01). The total amount of flora in the stools of children with ALL on the third and seventh days after chemotherapy were 1496.5 ± 577.1 and 1966.6 ± 598.3 ng/ μL, respectively, which was notably less than before chemotherapy (2436.3 ± 768.6 ng/ μL). The amount of Bifidobacteria, Lactobacillus and E. coli in the intestinal tract in the ALL group after chemotherapy had an apparent change, which decreased most clearly on the third day, and partially recovered on the seventh day after chemotherapy. HDMTX chemotherapy can cause intestinal dysbacteriosis in children with ALL. The amount of Bifidobacteria, Lactobacillus and E. coli decreased significantly compared with the control group.
Local Breeze Effects on the Wind Energy Generation in the Northern Coast of Cuba
Authors: Carrasco-Díaz Magdiel , Roque-Rodríguez Alfredo , Sánchez-Montante Orzo , Rivas David
Published: February 2012

This paper analyzes the effects of local sea-breeze circulation on power generation in a coastal wind farm in northern Cuba. This farm provided wind-generated power data during April-August 2008, which were combined with data from an exploratory meteorological tower located at a nearby coastal location. We analyze hourly data of land breeze and sea breeze separately, dividing these data sets also in first-class and second-class breezes. The breeze effects are quantified by the relation of the daily evolution of electricity generation and the breeze regimes. The results show a better coastal-wind resource usability under first-class breeze conditions, especially during meteorological synoptic conditions associated with an anticyclonic circulation and strong pressure gradient. A better maintenance planning for the wind farm by taking in consideration these breeze effects would contribute to a greater usable local-wind resource.
Numerical Investigation of Laminar to Turbulent Boundary Layer Transition on a Naca 0012 Airfoil for Vertical-Axis Wind Turbine Applications
Authors: Castelli Marco Raciti , Garbo Francesco , Benini Ernesto
Published: February 2012

Laminar to turbulent transition in vertical-axis wind turbines has a dramatic effect on overall rotor performance, especially in fast rotating machines, where reliable prediction of the total drag coefficient for high values of tip speed ratio is one of the most critical topic in CFD simulations.

This paper presents a 2D numerical investigation of the capability of the γ–θ transition model to predict the laminar to turbulent transition and consequent friction drag over a NACA 0012 airfoil for a Reynolds number of 360,000, which is typical of vertical-axis wind turbine blades during operation. The analized range of angles of attack varies from 0 deg to 10 deg. The commercial CFD solver ANSYS FLUENT® is used.

In particular, the sensitivity to grid resolution is investigated for four different architectures: a completely unstructured mesh, a hybrid structured-triangular one and two distinct hybrid structured-triangular meshes where the wake region behind the airfoil is discretized using a fully structured grid. The effect of freestream turbulence intensity on the transition onset is also analyzed.

Finally, CFD results are compared to experimental data, although affected by some uncertainty, and to the predictions of an interactive program for the design and analysis of subsonic isolated airfoils (XFOIL), showing a very good agreement provided that the value of freestream turbulence intensity is known.
Individual Pitch Control for Wind Turbine Load Reduction Including Wake Modeling
Authors: Yang Zhongzhou , Li Yaoyu , Seem John E.
Published: February 2012

This paper presents an investigation on improving individual pitch control (IPC) for wind turbine load reduction for Region 3 operation with the wake interaction included under the context of wind farm operation. The Larsen wake model is applied for composing the rotor wind profile for downstream turbines under wake interaction, and the simple Jensen model is also described for comparison. The switched controllers were then designed based on the composite wind profile. The wind profile of the turbine wake was generated by modifying the NREL's TurbSim codes. The state-space models of wind turbine were obtained via linearization of wind turbine model available in the NREL's FAST. In particular, in order to obtain more accurate state-space models for IPC design, equivalent circular wind profile was generated so as to better determine the local pitch reference. Based on such models, IPC controllers were designed following the disturbance accommodating control (DAC) and periodic control framework for load reduction when wake interaction was considered. The simulation results showed that the turbine loads can be further reduced using the switching control scheme based on wake modeling, as compared with the generic DAC without wake consideration.
High-Rise Structures with Belt Bracing Subject to Lateral Load
Authors: Hoenderkamp J.C.D. , Snijder H.H. , Hofmeyer H.
Published: February 2012

This paper presents simple methods of analysis for preliminary design of high-rise structures comprising reinforced concrete shear walls or steel trussed frames with a perimeter belt bracing structure consisting of steel trusses, subjected to horizontal loading. The methods are based on the analysis of facade rigger braced structures where horizontal steel trusses (web riggers), located in the two end facades (web frames), are positioned in a direction parallel to the lateral loading on the building. Perpendicular to the horizontal load additional horizontal steel trusses in the wind and lee sides of the building, “flange trusses”, complete the belt bracing structure. The method is focused on the contribution of the flange trusses to the lateral stiffness of the structure. The shear-lag due to differential strain in the flange frame columns along the wind and leeward facades is caused by bending and racking shear deformations in the flange trusses and is taken into account. In an approximate method the flange columns are replaced by a continuous medium of equivalent axial stiffness, i.e. a beam on an elastic foundation. The proposed methods of analysis, for use in the initial stages of the structural design of proposed tall buildings, offer simple and rapid means of establishing the influence of belt structures on horizontal deformations of the high-rise structure and internal forces.
Laser cladding of Cu0.5NiAlCoCrFeSi high entropy alloy on AZ91D magnesium substrates for improving wear and corrosion resistance
Authors: Yue T. , Huang K.
Published: February 2012

To improve the wear and corrosion properties of AZ91D magnesium alloy, a Cu0.5NiAlCoCrFeSi high entropy alloy (HEA) was fabricated on AZ91D magnesium substrate specimens by laser cladding using elemental powders. The laser-clad coating consists of a fine dendritic structure of a simple BBC phase with nano-size precipitates. The hardness of the coating was some ten times higher than that of the AZ91D substrate and was even higher than that of the same HEA produced by arc melting. The laser-clad coating exhibited good wear resistance, with a wear rate five times lower than that of the substrate material in dry friction wear conditions. The main wear mechanisms of the substrate and the HEA coating were different, the former dominated by both abrasive wear and adhesive wear and the latter by oxidative abrasive wear. With regard to corrosion properties, the laser-clad coating exhibited a more positive corrosion potential and a lower corrosion current density than those of the uncoated substrate material.
A research of the working surfaces of abrasive composites
Authors: Syromyatnikova A. , Safonova M. , Fedotov A.
Published: February 2012

In this paper, the method for the calculation of disperse fillers concentration on effective surface composite (active grains) is developed. The method is proven by research of composite materials on PTFE-bond containing diamond powders. The stability of active diamond grains in PTFE is defined by composite material density, uniformity of a powder and the relief characteristics of abrasive grains. In a tool on the polymeric bond without the adhesive interaction with filler it is preferable to use natural diamonds under condition of their qualitative classification. The developed method can be used for the estimation and prediction of the quality of tool composites containing the disperse fillers of micro-, submicro- or nanosizes with any form, a statistically regular distribution and casual spatial orientation.
Physical properties and storage stability of asphalt binder modified with nanoclay and warm asphalt additives
Authors: Abdullah M. , Zamhari K. , Nayan N. , Hainin M. , Hermadi M.
Published: February 2012

Nowadays, researchers are interested in using the material at nanoscales as one of asphalt binder modifier. In this paper, Malaysian asphalt binder was modified with nanoclay and warm asphalt additives (WAA) and tested to determine the physical properties and storage stability. The results of the investigation indicated that the modified asphalt binders were stable in term of storage and they also have potential to improve physical properties of asphalts such as increasing softening point and decreasing the penetration. In addition, there was a significant reduction of temperature for mixing and compaction of asphalt mixtures.
Derivation from the Field Equation of the Mean Consumption Velocity for Front Propagation in Homogeneous Turbulent Flow
Authors: Sabelnikov Vladimir A. , Kerstein Alan R.
Published: February 2012

Based on purely geometrical considerations of the level sets of the scalar G(x, t) satisfying the field equation ( G - equation), A. Kerstein, T. Ashurst and F. Williams [Phys. Rev. A, 37, 2728, (1988)] derived the expression for the mean flame consumption velocity in a 1D premixed turbulent flame in a homogeneous flow of uniform density in terms of the volume average of |▽ G(x, t)| for a particular choice of the initial condition G(x, t = 0). In the present study we develop further the KAW work in two directions. First, in section 2, in contrast with the KAW approach, we consider the G - equation immediately and, using ensemble averaging, obtain the expression for the mean flame consumption velocity in terms of ensemble averages equivalent to the KAW result. Then, in section 3 the developed approach is applied to the case of homogeneous turbulent flow with a uniform mean strain rate field depending only on time.
Effect of Low Frequency Burner Vibrations on the Characteristics of Jet Diffusion Flames
Authors: Kanthasamy C. , Raghavan Vasudevan , Srinivasan K.
Published: February 2012

Mechanical vibrations introduced in diffusion flame burners significantly affect the flame characteristics. In this experimental study, the effects of axial vibrations on the characteristics of laminar diffusion flames are investigated systematically. The effect of the frequency and amplitude of the vibrations on the flame height oscillations and flame stability is brought out. The amplitude of flame height oscillations is found to increase with increase in both frequency and amplitude of burner vibrations. Vibrations are shown to enhance stability of diffusion flames. Although flame lifts-off sooner with vibrations, stability of the flame increases.
Computational analysis of functional long noncoding RNAs reveals lack of peptide-coding capacity and parallels with 3′ UTRs
Authors: Niazi Farshad , Valadkhan Saba
Published: February 2012

Recent transcriptome analyses have indicated that a large part of mammalian genomes are transcribed into long non-protein-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). However, only a very small fraction of them have been individually studied, and whether the majority of lncRNAs found in large-scale studies have a cellular role is debated. To gain insight into the sequence features and genomic architecture of the subset of lncRNAs that have been proven to be functional, we created a database containing studied lncRNAs manually culled from the literature along with a parallel database containing all annotated protein-coding human RNAs. The Functional lncRNA Database, which contains 204 lncRNAs and their splicing variants, is available at valadkhanlab.org/database. Analysis of the lncRNAs and their comparison to protein-coding transcripts revealed sequence features including paucity of introns and low GC content in lncRNAs, which could explain several biological characteristics of these transcripts, such as their nuclear localization and low expression level. The predicted ORFs in lncRNAs have poor start codon and ORF contexts, which would lead to activation of the nonsense-mediated decay pathways and thus make it unlikely for most lncRNAs to code for even short peptides. Interestingly, our analyses revealed significant similarities between the lncRNAs and the 3′ untranslated regions (3′ UTRs) in protein-coding RNAs in structural features and sequence composition. The presence of these intriguing parallels between the lncRNAs and 3′ UTRs, which constitute the two main components of the RNA-mediated cellular regulatory system, indicates that highly similar evolutionary constraints govern the function of regulatory RNA sequences in the cell.
Antiaromatic ions and their value in quantifying aromaticity, as probes of delocalization, and potential as stable diradicals
Authors: Mills Nancy S.
Published: February 2012

Antiaromatic dications and dianions are available through oxidation or reduction of unsaturated precursors as well as through ionization of diols. Their experimental accessibility allows them to be used to evaluate the effectiveness of theoretical treatments of antiaromaticity such as the nucleus-independent chemical shift (NICS). Because measures of antiaromaticity are generally larger in magnitude than corresponding measures of aromaticity, they demonstrate relationships between different measures of aromaticity–antiaromaticity, such as those based on magnetic and energetic properties, more effectively than do aromatic measures. Antiaromatic species are more sensitive probes of delocalization than are aromatic species, giving the possibility of observation of subtle effects. Antiaromatic species possess a small highest occupied molecular orbital–lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (HOMO-LUMO) gap, giving rise to species with diradical character.
Information, Education, and Indoctrination: The Federation of American Scientists and Public Communication Strategies in the Atomic Age
Authors: Sethi Megan Barnhart
Published: February 2012

Immediately following World War II, atomic scientists and their colleagues in other disciplines formed the Federation of American Scientists (FAS) and dedicated themselves to increasing public knowledge about atomic energy and the need for international control. FAS scientists began their campaign with faith in the role a well-informed public could play in a democracy. Recognizing their inexperience in public relations, scientists sought the assistance of social scientists and PR experts to help them communicate their message effectively. Confronting in their advisors’ recommendations a radically different conception of how to reach the public, FAS scientists faced a choice: relinquish their cherished self-image as objective experts and embrace techniques of indoctrination, or maintain their focus on informing or educating the public. Examining the Federation’s dilemma sheds new light upon the changing motivations and public communication strategies of scientists in post-World War II America.
Endangered Science: The Regulation of Research by the U.S. Marine Mammal Protection and Endangered Species Acts
Authors: Benson Etienne
Published: February 2012

The Marine Mammal Protection Act and the Endangered Species Act have been cornerstones of federal wildlife conservation policy in the United States since their enactment in the early 1970s. These laws prohibited the taking of members of protected populations without a permit, where “taking” was defined so broadly as to include harassment or disturbance, as well as capture or killing. Because most forms of biological research on protected species involved some sort of taking, and because such research was deemed vital to the achievement of conservation goals and the advancement of human knowledge, the laws established procedures under which proposed scientific takes could be permitted after review by federal regulators, scientists, the public, and, in some cases, the courts. Although there was relatively little controversy over the need for or nature of these permit procedures during the debates leading up to the enactment of the laws, they became the source of concern on the part of many zoologists, biologists, and ecologists as soon as federal agencies began to implement them. From these scientists’ perspective, certain forms of environmental regulation undermined their professional autonomy and threatened to hamper the production of the very knowledge necessary for effective environmental protection. Their efforts to block, weaken, or work around such regulation brought them into conflict with environmental and animal rights activists, regulators, and other members of the scientific community and resonated with a broader backlash against environmental regulation.
Commodified Sexuality and Mother-Daughter Power Dynamics in the Mekong Delta
Authors: Lainez Nicolas
Published: February 2012

This essay explores how the family commodifies the sexuality and emotional labor of the daughter for the interests of the family. The case study presented above illustrates the ways in which a commodified sexual economy occurs in the context of an indebted and economically vulnerable household in An Giang Province (Mekong Delta, southern Vietnam). In this family, “transactional sex” is one of the resources employed to ameliorate the debt incurred. The study shows the ways in which the mother provides, initiates, and maintains the conditions for the sexual commodification of her daughter through the power situated within the mother-daughter relationship and the narrative of gratitude and duty.
Tricuspid Valve Papillary Fibroelastoma: A Rare Tumor with a Diagnostic Dilemma
Authors: Haron Hairulfaizi , Yusof Mohd Rizal Mohd , Maskon Oteh , Ooi Joanna , Rahman Mohd Ramzisham Abdul
Published: February 2012

Papillary fibroelastoma is a rare primary tumor of the heart valves. This lesion can occur on any of the valves or endothelial surface of the heart and has been detected by echocardiography, by cardiac catheterization, during open heart operations for other conditions, and at autopsy. Because of the potential for comorbidities, this tumor should be removed. We present the case of an elderly man with a diagnosis of severe mitral valve regurgitation and moderate tricuspid valve regurgitation who was suspected to have a tricuspid valve vegetation. Mitral valve replacement, tricuspid valve repair, and excision of the lesion were performed successfully. A histologic examination of the vegetation confirmed it to be a papillary fibroelastoma. We present this case to emphasize the rarity of this tumor and the importance of a correct diagnosis to avoid delaying its prompt and definitive management.
Midterm Outcomes of Simultaneous Hybrid Coronary Artery Revascularization for Left Main Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Hu Sheng-shou , Xiong Hui , Zheng Zhe , Gao Peixian , Zhang Changwei , Gao Runlin , Li Lihuan , Yuan Jinqing , Xu Bo
Published: February 2012

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility, safety, and midterm outcomes of a simultaneous hybrid revascularization strategy for left main coronary artery disease (LMCAD), compared with conventional off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB).

Methods: We compared the in-hospital and midterm outcomes of a simultaneous hybrid revascularization strategy (minimally invasive direct coronary bypass grafting of the left anterior descending coronary artery [LAD] and percutaneous intervention to non-LAD lesions) in 20 patients with LMCAD in an enhanced operating room. These patients were matched by propensity score to a group of 20 control patients who underwent standard OPCAB between September 2007 and December 2009.

Results: All baseline clinical characteristics of the 2 groups were similar. All of the patients in the 2 groups underwent surgery uneventfully without conversion to on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting. Compared with OPCAB, the patients in the hybrid group had shorter lengths of stay in the intensive care unit (34.8 � 37.6 hours versus 50.7 � 34.5 hours, P = .01). Transfusion requirements were reduced in the hybrid patients compared with the OPCAB patients (5% versus 40%, P = .01). The 2 groups did not differ with respect to the occurrence of other important morbidities. During the mean (�SD) follow-up of 18.5 � 9.8 months, the group of patients who underwent the simultaneous hybrid procedure experienced an incidence of major adverse cardiac or cerebrovascular events that was similar to that of the OPCAB control group (100% versus 90%, respectively; P = .31).

Conclusions: The midterm follow-up indicated that the simultaneous hybrid revascularization procedure for LMCAD is feasible, safe, and effective. These promising early findings warrant further prospective investigations.
Left Atrial Appendage Aneurysm with Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Shih Yu-Jen , Lin Yi-Chang , Tsai Yi-Ting , Lin Chih-Yuan , Lee Chung-Yi , Yang Hsiang-Yu , Tsai Cheng-Ken , Hong Gou-Jieng , Tsai Chien-Sung
Published: February 2012

Aneurysm of the left atrial appendage is extremely rare, and afflicted patients most commonly present with atrial tachyarrhythmia or thromboembolism. For these patients, resection of the aneurysm is the recommended and preferred therapy. We present the case of a 57-year-old woman who was found incidentally to have a large aneurysm of the left atrial appendage presenting as atrial fibrillation. After surgical intervention with resection of the aneurysm and a Cox maze III procedure, the patient recovered and was discharged in sinus rhythm.
Thoracic Compartment Syndrome: A Case Report
Authors: Akay Mehmet H. , Frazier O. H.
Published: February 2012

Thoracic compartment syndrome has been observed after trauma and after mediastinal and cardiac procedures; however, an adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)-like presentation has not been described as a part of thoracic compartment syndrome. We describe the case of an obese patient who underwent coronary artery bypass (his third such procedure) and hiatal hernia reduction during the same operation, followed by transmyocardial laser revascularization and full chest closure the next day. The patient was hypoxic after chest closure. Two days later, his peak airway pressure increased, and his cardiac and urine outputs decreased. Chest radiography findings suggested ARDS without hemodynamic instability. After we reopened the sternal incisions, the patient's symptoms reversed. Although our patient initially appeared to have ARDS, we believe the organ-volume displacement that occurred during the lengthy dual operation produced a thoracic and abdominal compartment syndrome that responded to decompression of the chest.
Tracing the Emergence of a Novel Sex-Determining Gene in Medaka,Oryzias luzonensis
Authors: Myosho Taijun , Otake Hiroyuki , Masuyama Haruo , Matsuda Masaru , Kuroki Yoko , Fujiyama Asao , Naruse Kiyoshi , Hamaguchi Satoshi , Sakaizumi Mitsuru
Published: February 2012

Three sex-determining (SD) genes, SRY (mammals), Dmy (medaka), and DM-W (Xenopus laevis), have been identified to date in vertebrates. However, how and why a new sex-determining gene appears remains unknown, as do the switching mechanisms of the master sex-determining gene. Here, we used positional cloning to search for the sex-determining gene in Oryzias luzonensis and found that GsdfY (gonadal soma derived growth factor on the Y chromosome) has replaced Dmy as the master sex-determining gene in this species. We found that GsdfY showed high expression specifically in males during sex differentiation. Furthermore, the presence of a genomic fragment that included GsdfY converts XX individuals into fertile XX males. Luciferase assays demonstrated that the upstream sequence of GsdfY contributes to the male-specific high expression. Gsdf is downstream of Dmy in the sex-determining cascade of O. latipes, suggesting that emergence of the Dmy-independent Gsdf allele led to the appearance of this novel sex-determining gene in O. luzonensis.