bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic downregulation of receptor‐interacting protein 140 uncovers the central role of Akt signalling in the regulation of fatty acid oxidation in skeletal muscle cells
Authors: Constantinescu Silvana , Turcotte Lorraine P.
Published: August 2012

New findings

What is the central question of this study?

Receptor‐interacting protein 140 (RIP140) is a known negative regulator of oxidative capacity. However, the effects of its downregulation on insulin‐mediated fatty acid metabolism and of gene expression and Akt–atypical protein kinase C‐ζ signalling in skeletal muscle remain incomplete.

What is the main finding and its importance?

Our data indicate that downregulation of RIP140 significantly impacts both basal and insulin‐mediated activation of Akt and atypical protein kinase C‐ζ. This extends the assigned regulatory role of these signalling intermediates during insulin stimulation and suggests that Akt may also be an important regulator of fatty acid oxidation in basal conditions.

The role of the nuclear co‐repressor receptor‐interacting protein 140 (RIP140) in metabolic regulation, gene and protein expression and insulin signalling in skeletal muscle cells remains to be delineated. To study this question, L6 myotubes were treated with or without an RNA interference oligonucleotide sequence to downregulate RIP140 expression and incubated with or without insulin (1 μm). Downregulation of RIP140 increased (P < 0.05) basal palmitate uptake (by 20%) and decreased (P < 0.05) basal palmitate oxidation (by 38%). In control small interfering RNA‐treated cells, insulin increased (P < 0.05) glucose (by 31%) and palmitate uptake (by 20%) and decreased (P < 0.05) palmitate oxidation (by 35%). However, in RIP140 small interfering RNA‐treated cells, insulin did not affect (P > 0.05) palmitate uptake and increased (P < 0.05) palmitate oxidation (by 79%). In insulin‐mediated conditions, downregulation of RIP140 decreased (P < 0.05) AktSer473 and atypical protein kinase C‐ζThr403/410 phosphorylation. As expected, downregulation of RIP140 was accompanied by an increase (P < 0.05) in cytochrome c oxidase subunit 4 isoform 1 and peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor receptor γ coactivator‐1α mRNA content. Downregulation of RIP140 increased (P < 0.05) fatty acid transport protein 1 mRNA content and carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1b protein content and decreased (P < 0.05) medium chain acyl‐CoA dehydrogenase mRNA content in basal conditions. In insulin‐mediated conditions, downregulation of RIP140 increased (P < 0.05) carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1b, fatty acid transport protein 1 and fibroblast growth factor 21 mRNA content and decreased (P < 0.05) medium chain acyl‐CoA dehydrogenase mRNA content and plasma membrane fatty acid translocase/cluster of differentiation 36 protein content. Our data show that, in skeletal muscle cells, RIP140 expression significantly impacts palmitate uptake and oxidation and that alterations in gene expression and Akt–atypical protein kinaseC‐ζ signalling can partly explain these changes.
Unsteady Effects on Transonic Turbine Blade-Tip Heat Transfer
Authors: Atkins Nicholas R. , Thorpe Steven J. , Ainsworth Roger W.
Published: August 2012

In a gas turbine engine the blade tips of the high-pressure turbine are exposed to high levels of convective heat transfer, because of the so-called tip-leakage phenomenon. The blade-lift distribution is known to control the flow distribution in the blade–tip gap. However, the interaction between upstream nozzle guide vanes and the rotor blades produces a time-varying flow field that induces varying flow conditions around the blade and within the tip gap. Extensive measurements of the unsteady blade-tip heat transfer have been made in an engine representative transonic turbine. These include measurements along the mean camber line of the blade tip, which have revealed significant variation in both time-mean and time-varying heat flux. The influences of potential interaction and the vane trailing edge have been observed. Numerical calculations of the turbine stage using a Reynolds-averaged-Navier-Stokes-based computational fluid dynamics code have also been conducted. In combination with the experimental results, these have enabled the time-varying flow field to be probed in the blade-relative frame of reference. This has allowed a deeper analysis of the unsteady heat-transfer data, and the quantification of the impact of vane potential field and vane trailing edge interaction on the tip-region flow and heat transfer. In particular, the separate effects of time-varying flow temperature and heat-transfer coefficient have been established.
Turbine Aerodynamic Performance Measurement Under Nonadiabatic Conditions
Authors: Atkins Nicholas R. , Ainsworth Roger W.
Published: August 2012

The practical performance, both the efficiency and durability, of a high-pressure (HP) turbine depends on many interrelated factors, including both the steady and unsteady aerodynamics and the heat transfer characteristics. The aerodynamic performance of new turbine designs has traditionally been tested in large scale steady flow rigs, but the testing is adiabatic, and the measurement of heat transfer is very difficult. Transient facilities allow fully scaled testing with simultaneous heat transfer and aerodynamic performance measurements. The engine matched gas-to-wall temperature ratio simulates more closely the boundary layer and secondary flow development of the engine case. The short duration of the testing means that the blades are effectively isothermal with a rise of only a few degrees during a test. To isolate the aerodynamic losses, and thus the entropy generation due to the viscous losses, the entropy reduction due to heat transfer during the expansion needs to be determined. This entropy reduction is path dependent and requires knowledge of the full temperature and heat flux fields. This paper demonstrates a simple methodology for estimation of this entropy reduction, which allows the calculation of the adiabatic efficiency from the results of engine representative nonadiabatic testing. The methodology is demonstrated using a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) prediction which is validated against experimental heat flux data. Details of the other corrections required for transient test techniques such as unsteady leakage flows are also discussed.
Experimental Measurements and Computational Predictions for an Internally Cooled Simulated Turbine Vane
Authors: Dees Jason E. , Bogard David G. , Ledezma Gustavo A. , Laskowski Gregory M. , Tolpadi Anil K.
Published: August 2012

In this study the conjugate heat transfer effects for an internally cooled vane were studied experimentally and computationally. Experimentally, a large scale model vane was used with an internal cooling configuration characteristic of real gas turbine airfoils. The cooling configuration employed consisted of a U-bend channel for cooling the leading edge region of the airfoil and a radial channel for cooling the middle third of the vane. The thermal conductivity of the solid was specially selected so that the Biot number for the model matched typical engine conditions. This ensured that scaled nondimensional surface temperatures for the model were representative of those in the first stage of a high pressure turbine. The performance of the internal cooling circuit was quantified experimentally for internal flow Reynolds numbers ranging from 10,000 to 40,000. The external surface temperature distribution was mapped over the entire vane surface. Additional measurements, including internal surface temperature measurements as well as coolant inlet and exit temperatures, were conducted. Comparisons between the experimental measurements and computational predictions of external heat transfer coefficient are presented.
Effect of Geometry Variations on the Cooling Performance of Fan-Shaped Cooling Holes
Authors: Saumweber Christian , Schulz Achmed
Published: August 2012

The flow conditions at both the cooling hole exit as well as the cooling hole entrance affect the cooling performance downstream of cylindrical and fan-shaped holes in a very different way. The conseqences of a change in a flow parameter very obviously depend on the respective hole geometry. To gain an as complete as possible view of the specific effects of varying operating conditions and hence an enhanced understanding of the dominating mechanisms, a variation of the hole geometry is imperative. The expansion angle of the diffuser, the inclination angle of the hole, and the length of the cylindrical part at the hole entrance are considered to be the most important geometric parameters of diffuser holes. The effect of a change of exactly these parameters on the film cooling performance will be analyzed. For a better assessment of the characteristic effects associated with contouring of the hole, every diffuser hole is compared to an adequate cylindrical hole. The comparison will be performed by means of discharge coefficients and local and laterally averaged adiabatic film cooling effectiveness and heat transfer coefficients derived from experiments.
Paris Fatigue Life Modeling of Pressure Vessel Service Simulation Tests
Authors: Underwood John H. , Keating John J. , Troiano Edward , Vigilante Gregory N.
Published: August 2012

Results from four groups of full-scale pressure vessel service simulation tests are described and analyzed using Paris fatigue life modeling. The objective is to determine how the vessel and initial crack configurations and applied and residual stresses control the as-tested fatigue life of the vessel. The tube inner radii are in the 40–80 mm range; wall thickness varies from 6 to 80 mm; materials are ASTM A723 pressure vessel steel and IN718 nickel-base alloy; applied internal pressure varies from 90 to 700 MPa. The Paris constant, C, and exponent, m, that describe the fatigue crack propagation rate versus stress intensity factor range for the various vessel materials, were measured as part of the investigation. Extensive, previously published fatigue life results from baseline A723 pressure vessels with well characterized autofrettage residual stresses and C and m values are used to demonstrate that a Paris fatigue life model gives a good description of the measured life. The same model is then used to determine the variables with predominant control over life in three types of pressure vessel for which less information and tests results are available. A design life for pressure vessels is calculated for a specified very low probability of fatigue failure using the log(N)-normal distribution statistics often used for fatigue of structures. The results of the work showed: (i) X-ray diffraction measurements of through-wall autofrettage residual stresses are in excellent agreement with prior neutron diffraction measurements from a baseline autofrettaged A723 pressure vessel; these verified autofrettage residual stresses then provide critical input to the baseline Paris life modeling; (ii) comparison of the various full-scale fatigue test results with results from the Paris fatigue life model shows close agreement when autofrettage residual stresses are incorporated into models; (iii) model results for A723 steel vessels with yield strength reduced from the initial 1400 MPa value and degree of autofrettage increased from the initial 40% value indicates a significantly improved resistance to brittle failure with no loss of fatigue life; (iv] comparison of model fatigue life results for IN718 nickel-base alloy vessels with their full-scale test results is improved when near-bore residual stresses measured by X-ray diffraction are included in the model calculations.
Three-Dimensional Vibration Analysis of Twisted Cylinder With Sectorial Cross Section
Authors: Zhou D. , Lo S. H.
Published: August 2012

The three-dimensional (3D) free vibration of twisted cylinders with sectorial cross section or a radial crack through the height of the cylinder is studied by means of the Chebyshev–Ritz method. The analysis is based on the three-dimensional small strain linear elasticity theory. A simple coordinate transformation is applied to map the twisted cylindrical domain into a normal cylindrical domain. The product of a triplicate Chebyshev polynomial series along with properly defined boundary functions is selected as the admissible functions. An eigenvalue matrix equation can be conveniently derived through a minimization process by the Rayleigh–Ritz method. The boundary functions are devised in such a way that the geometric boundary conditions of the cylinder are automatically satisfied. The excellent property of Chebyshev polynomial series ensures robustness and rapid convergence of the numerical computations. The present study provides a full vibration spectrum for thick twisted cylinders with sectorial cross section, which could not be determined by 1D or 2D models. Highly accurate results presented for the first time are systematically produced, which can serve as a benchmark to calibrate other numerical solutions for twisted cylinders with sectorial cross section. The effects of height-to-radius ratio and twist angle on frequency parameters of cylinders with different subtended angles in the sectorial cross section are discussed in detail.
Rapid Contact on a Prestressed Highly Elastic Half-Space: The Sliding Ellipsoid and Rolling Sphere
Authors: Brock L. M.
Published: August 2012

A neo-Hookean half-space, in equilibrium under uniform Cauchy stress, undergoes contact by a sliding rigid ellipsoid or a rolling rigid sphere. Sliding is resisted by friction, and sliding or rolling speed is subcritical. It is assumed that a dynamic steady state is achieved and that deformation induced by contact is infinitesimal. Transform methods, modified by introduction of quasi-polar coordinates, are used to obtain classical singular integral equations for this deformation. Assumptions of specific contact zone shape are not required. Signorini conditions and the requirement that resultant compressive load is stationary with respect to contact zone stress give an equation for any contact zone span in terms of a reference value and an algebraic formula for the latter. Calculations show that prestress can significantly alter the ratio of spans parallel and normal to the direction of die travel, an effect enhanced by increasing die speed.
Electrochemically Grown Silver Oxide (Ag2O) by XPS
Authors: Lützenkirchen-Hecht Dirk
Published: August 2012

XPS data have been obtained from silver oxide (Ag2O) thin films which were prepared by the anodic oxidation of sputter cleaned silver metal in alkaline solution (1M NaOH). The electrochemical oxidation was performed under a protecting noble gas atmosphere in a separate chamber flanged to the UHV spectrometer, so that any contact with laboratory air was avoided. Ex-situ x-ray diffraction revealed the polycrystalline structure of the oxides without any preferred orientation. The following spectra will be presented in the present contribution, revealing the high phase purity and quality of the electrochemically grown oxide layers: survey spectrum, spectra of major elements silver and oxygen (Ag 3d and O 1s), and spectrum of minor element carbon (C 1s). In contrast to previously published data of ex-situ prepared powder samples which revealed a huge amount of contaminations by e.g. carbonates, hydroxides, etc., the detailed XPS data evaluation shows that only minor contaminations are present on the electrochemically grown oxides. Therefore, these spectra are extremely useful in XPS-studies of Ag/O-systems such as silver epoxidation catalysts.
Anodic Silver Oxide (AgO) Layers by XPS
Authors: Lützenkirchen-Hecht Dirk
Published: August 2012

XPS data have been obtained from silver oxide (AgO) thin films which were prepared by the anodic oxidation of high purity silver metal in alkaline solution (1M NaOH). The sample preparation included a pre-oxidation at lower potentials to form an Ag2O film on top of the metallic silver electrode, and a second oxidation step to give an AgO film finally. All the electrochemical oxidation was performed under a protecting noble gas atmosphere in a separate chamber flanged to the UHV spectrometer, so that any contact with laboratory air or moisture was avoided. The following spectra will be presented in the present contribution, revealing the high phase purity and quality of the electrochemically grown oxide layers: survey spectrum, spectra of major elements silver and oxygen (Ag 3d and O 1s), spectra of minor element carbon (C 1s). Traces of other elements such as sodium from the electrolyte cannot be detected. In contrast to previously published data of ex-situ prepared powder samples which revealed a huge amount of contaminations, the detailed XPS data evaluation shows that only minor contaminations are present on the electrochemically grown oxides. Therefore, these spectra are extremely useful in XPS-studies of Ag/O-systems such as silver epoxidation catalysts.
Rare sarcoma presented as sinusitis
Authors: Taghi Ali S , Ali Ahmed , Kuchai Romana , Saleh Hesham
Published: August 2012

Myxofibrosarcoma (MFS) also known as myxoid variant of malignant fibrous histocytoma is one of the most common soft tissue sarcomas of the extremities in adult and elderly patients with rare occurrences in head and neck region. Low-grade MFS is unusual among low-grade sarcomas because it often recurs relentlessly and multiplies despite wide local resection with gross negative margins. We report a case of extreme rarity and a tumour of aggressive nature in the maxillary sinus, which presented with non-specific sinonasal symptoms and we present a review of the radiological and histopathological characteristics of this rare tumour and recent evidence of management.
A young man presenting with paralysis after vigorous exercise
Authors: Gubran Christopher , Narain Rajay , Malik Luqmaan , Saeed Saad Aldeen
Published: August 2012

Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis (TPP) is a rare metabolic disorder characterised by muscular weakness and paralysis in predisposed thyrotoxic patients. Although patients with TPP are almost uniformly men of Asian descent, cases have been reported in Caucasian and other ethnic populations. The rapid increase in ethnic diversity in Western and European nations has led to increase in TPP reports, where it was once considered exceedingly rare. Correcting the hypokalaemic and hyperthyroid state tends to reverse the paralysis. However, failure to recognise the condition may lead to delay in diagnosis and serious consequences including respiratory failure and death. We describe a young man who was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism who presented with acute paralysis. The clinical characteristics, pathophysiology and management of TTP are reviewed.
Arteriovenous fistula complication following MRI: Figure 1
Authors: Kirkman Danielle , Junglee Naushad , Mullins Paul , Macdonald Jamie Hugo
Published: August 2012

Health professionals should be aware of medical procedures that cause vascular access complications. This case describes a haemodialysis patient who experienced pain, swelling and bruising over a radiocephalic fistula following MRI. Exactly the same signs and symptoms were evident following a second scan performed 3 months later. Plausible explanations include a radio frequency-induced electrical current being formed at the arteriovenous fistula, or varying gradients of the MRI sequence stimulating peripheral nerves, leading to a site of increased tissue stimulation. Of note, a juxta-anastomotic venous stenosis was confirmed by fistulogram 4 days after the second scan, although whether this access failure was due to the MRI scan per se could not be ascertained. Nevertheless, these previously undocumented observations suggest that careful patient and fistula monitoring is required when completing MRI scans in those with an arteriovenous fistula.
Recurrent femoral hernia and associated ovarian pathology
Authors: Gately Ryan Patrick , Concannon Elizabeth Sarah , Hogan A , Ryan R S , Leary M O’ , Barry K
Published: August 2012

The following case describes an ovarian tumour presenting in a highly unusual manner—in the form of a recurrent femoral hernia. Recurrent femoral herniae are unusual and should prompt awareness of underlying pathology causing increased intra-abdominal pressure.
Choroidal rupture and optic nerve injury with equipment designated as ‘child-safe’
Authors: Petrarca Robert , Saldana Manuel
Published: August 2012

Blunt ocular trauma from a child's plastic foam-covered toy baseball bat caused traumatic optic neuropathy and choroidal rupture in a 9-year-old child. The examination revealed a visual acuity of 6/60, a relative afferent pupillary defect, optic nerve swelling, commotio retinae and retinal haemorrhages. There was no orbital fracture or intraorbital haematoma on CT scanning. Optical coherence tomography showed macular oedema and disruption of the retinal pigment epithelium and Bruch's membrane. The child was admitted for intravenous methylprednisolone and discharged on topical steroid treatment. At 1 month follow-up, visual acuity had improved to 6/12. Optic nerve swelling had resolved and the fundus had two crescent-shaped choroidal rupture scars. Choroidal rupture and optic neuropathy can be secondary to indirect trauma, and even when the mechanism of injury is with a piece of equipment designated as suitable for children, serious ocular injury can occur.
Is live problem better than dead cert?
Authors: Keens Keta L , Date Ravindra S
Published: August 2012

Cholecystoduodenal fistula is a type of biliary enteric fistula that can occur as a result of chronic cholecystitis. The majority of cases are diagnosed and their subsequent management planned intraoperatively. Previous reports have focused on successful laparoscopic management. We report three cases of elective cholecystectomy that were diagnosed intraoperatively with a cholecystoduodenal fistula (CDF). The first two cases were managed laparoscopically. In case 3 further continuation of surgery would have subjected the patient to significant risk of further harm. Instead the patient underwent cholecyststomy with insertion of Foley's catheter and venting gastrostomy. All three patients made a full recovery postoperatively. CDF can be of varying severity. Our third case highlights the use of damage limitation surgery when carrying on is at risk of harm. Treatment therefore needs to be tailor made for each fistula identified.
False-positive pH aspirates after nasogastric tube insertion in head and neck tumour: Figure 1
Authors: Sellers Claudia Kate
Published: August 2012

Nasogastric (NG) feeding tubes are commonly inserted to supplement enteral nutrition in certain patient groups, including those with head and neck cancers where swallowing may be compromised. An NHS National Patient Safety Alert was released in 2011 detailing ongoing cases of significant morbidity and mortality attached to the incorrect placement of NG feeding tubes in hospital inpatients. Since 2005, there were 21 deaths and 79 cases of harm nationally due to feeding into the lung through misplaced tubes. pH testing remains the first-line method of placement confirmation, with chest x-ray used when no aspirate is gained or where pH testing fails to confirm suitable acidity. We present a case report describing false-positive NG tube placement confirmation tests in a patient with head and neck cancer, who was administered feed into lung parenchyma with significant morbidity. We discuss the case for specific NG tube placement protocols in head and neck cancer patients.
Gastrointestinal stromal tumour presenting as gastroduodenal intussusception
Authors: Wilson Mark H , Ayoub Firas , McGreal Paul , Collins Chris
Published: August 2012

Gastroduodenal intussusception secondary to gastrointestinal stromal tumour is a very rare cause for intestinal obstruction. The diagnosis of this condition can be challenging, as symptoms are often non-specific and intermittent. This article reports a case where the diagnosis was made preoperatively with abdominal imaging and was treated by a combination of endoscopic reduction and laparoscopic resection.
Analysis of risk of medical errors using structural-equation modelling: a 6-month prospective cohort study
Authors: Tanaka Mika , Tanaka Katsutoshi , Takano Tomoki , Kato Noritada , Watanabe Mayumi , Miyaoka Hitoshi
Published: August 2012

Background

Medical-error analyses have been conducted to determine the root cause of adverse events and near misses. More precise determination of the cause-and-effect relationship likely will require a prospective design path analysis including both direct and indirect effects.

Methods

The authors performed a 6-month prospective cohort study using structural-equation modelling (SEM). Of the 879 nurses approached, 789 (89.8%) were included in the final analysis. Potential predictors provided for analysis included age, years of nursing experience, mean frequency of night shifts per month, nursing-specific job stressors, degree of depression, frequency of feeling unskilled, feeling time pressure, feeling a lack of communication between self and other hospital staff members, frequency of suffering from sleep disturbance and frequency of feeling a decrease in attention. The authors regarded a latent variable composed of frequencies for near misses and adverse events as an outcome.

Results and conclusion

The SEM model constructed in this study suggested that potential root causes (exogenous variables directly or indirectly connected to the outcome which are not affected by other variables) were years of nursing experience, feeling unskilled, job stressors and sleep disturbance, with estimated standardised total (direct and indirect) effects of −0.22, 0.21, 0.008 and 0.005, respectively. A prospective design path analysis using the SEM model for both direct and indirect effects enabled a statistical exploration of root causes and estimation of their impact on the outcome. Our findings suggested such an analysis to be useful in devising countermeasures against medical errors.
A nationwide Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture in Belgian hospitals: setting priorities at the launch of a 5-year patient safety plan
Authors: Vlayen Annemie , Hellings Johan , Claes Neree , Peleman Hilde , Schrooten Ward
Published: August 2012

Objective

To measure patient safety culture in Belgian hospitals and to examine the homogeneous grouping of underlying safety culture dimensions.

Methods

The Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture was distributed organisation-wide in 180 Belgian hospitals participating in the federal program on quality and safety between 2007 and 2009. Participating hospitals were invited to submit their data to a comparative database. Homogeneous groups of underlying safety culture dimensions were sought by hierarchical cluster analysis.

Results

90 acute, 42 psychiatric and 11 long-term care hospitals submitted their data for comparison to other hospitals. The benchmark database included 55 225 completed questionnaires (53.7% response rate). Overall dimensional scores were low, although scores were found to be higher for psychiatric and long-term care hospitals than for acute hospitals. The overall perception of patient safety was lower in French-speaking hospitals. Hierarchical clustering of dimensions resulted in two distinct clusters. Cluster I grouped supervisor/manager expectations and actions promoting safety, organisational learning–continuous improvement, teamwork within units and communication openness, while Cluster II included feedback and communication about error, overall perceptions of patient safety, non-punitive response to error, frequency of events reported, teamwork across units, handoffs and transitions, staffing and management support for patient safety.

Conclusion

The nationwide safety culture assessment confirms the need for a long-term national initiative to improve patient safety culture and provides each hospital with a baseline patient safety culture profile to direct an intervention plan. The identification of clusters of safety culture dimensions indicates the need for a different approach and context towards the implementation of interventions aimed at improving the safety culture. Certain clusters require unit level improvements, whereas others demand a hospital-wide policy.
Bioflotation of sulfide minerals with Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans in relation to copper activation and surface oxidation
Authors: Pecina-Treviño E.T. , Ramos-Escobedo G.T. , Gallegos-Acevedo P.M. , López-Saucedo F.J. , Orrantia-Borunda E.
Published: August 2012

Surface oxidation of sulfides and copper (Cu) activation are 2 of the main processes that determine the efficiency of flotation. The present study was developed with the intention to ascertain the role of the phenomena in the biomodification of sulfides by Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans culture (cells and growth media) and their impact in bioflotation. Surface characteristics of chalcopyrite, sphalerite, and pyrrhotite, alone and in mixtures, after interaction with A. ferrooxidans were evaluated. Chalcopyrite floatability was increased substantially by biomodification, while bacteria depressed pyrrhotite floatability, favoring separation. The results showed that elemental sulfur concentration increased because of the oxidation generated by bacterial cells, the effect is intensified by the Fe(III) left in the culture and by galvanic contact. Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans culture affects the Cu activation of sphalerite. The implications of elemental sulfur concentration and Cu activation of sphalerite are key factors that must be considered for the future development of sulfide bioflotation processes, since the depressive effect of cells could be counteracted by elemental sulfur generation.
MULTICHANNEL DECODING FOR PHASE-CODED SSVEP BRAIN–COMPUTER INTERFACE
Authors: MANYAKOV NIKOLAY V. , CHUMERIN NIKOLAY , VAN HULLE MARC M.
Published: August 2012

We propose a complex-valued multilayer feedforward neural network classifier for decoding of phase-coded information from steady-state visual evoked potentials. To optimize the performance of the classifier we supply it with two filter-based feature selection strategies. The proposed approaches could be used for a phase-coded brain–computer interface, enabling to encode several targets using only one stimulation frequency. The proposed classifier is a multichannel one, which distinguishes our approach from the existing single-channel ones. We show that the proposed approach outperforms others in terms of accuracy and length of the data segments used for decoding. We show that the decoding based on one optimally selected channel yields an inferior performance compared to the one based on several features, which supports our argument for a multichannel approach.
EXOTIC HEAVY QUARKONIUM SPECTROSCOPY: A MINI-REVIEW
Authors: FACCINI RICCARDO , PILLONI ALESSANDRO , POLOSA ANTONIO D.
Published: August 2012

Since nine years, experiments have been observing a host of exotic states decaying into heavy quarkonia. The interpretation of most of them still remains uncertain and, in some cases, controversial, notwithstanding a considerable progress has been made on the quality of the experimental information available and a number of ideas and models have been put forward to explain the observations.

In this mini-review we will summarize the measurements, with the most recent updates and list the useful ones yet to be done. We will discuss the problem of the spin of the X, which could hide some major surprise on its interpretation, and review some more phenomenological issues debated in the field.
STUDY OF TWO-PROTON RADIOACTIVITY WITHIN THE RELATIVISTIC MEAN-FIELD PLUS BCS APPROACH
Authors: SINGH D. , SAXENA G.
Published: August 2012

Inspired by recent experimental studies of two-proton radioactivity in the light-medium mass region, we have employed relativistic mean-field plus state-dependent BCS approach (RMF+BCS) to study the ground state properties of selected even-Z nuclei in the region 20 ≤ Z ≤ 40. It is found that the effective potential barrier provided by the Coulomb interaction and that due to centrifugal force may cause a long delay in the decay of some of the nuclei even with small negative proton separation energy. This may cause the existence of proton-rich nuclei beyond the proton drip-line. Nuclei 38 Ti , 42 Cr , 45 Fe , 48 Ni , 55 Zn , 60 Ge , 63, 64 Se , 68 Kr , 72 Sr and 76 Zr are found to be the potential candidates for exhibiting two-proton radioactivity in the region 20 ≤ Z ≤ 40. The reliability of these predictions is further strengthened by the agreement of the calculated results for the ground state properties such as binding energy, one- and two-proton separation energy, proton and neutron radii, and deformation with the available experimental data for the entire chain of the isotopes of the nuclei in the region 20 ≤ Z ≤ 40.
SOME DEFORMATION PROPERTIES OF THE EVEN–EVEN YTTERBIUM, HAFNIUM AND TUNGSTEN NUCLEI
Authors: DOMA S. B. , EL-GENDY H. S.
Published: August 2012

The deformation structure of the even–even ytterbium, hafnium and tungsten nuclei is investigated in framework of the collective model, the single-particle Schrödinger fluid model and the cranked Nilsson model. Accordingly, we have calculated the rotational and vibrational energies, the nuclear moments of inertia, the total ground-state energy, the quadrupole moment, the liquid drop (LD) energy, the Strutinsky inertia, the LD inertia, the volume conservation factor [Formula: see text], the smoothed energy, the Bardeen, Cooper and Schrieffer (BCS) energy and the G-value of the ytterbium: 170 Yb , 172 Yb and 174 Yb , hafnium: 176 Hf , 178 Hf and 180 Hf and tungsten: 182 W , 184 W and 186 W nuclei as functions of the deformation parameters β, γ, which are assumed to vary in the ranges (-0.50 ≤ β ≤ 0.50) and (0° ≤ γ ≤ 60°). Also, two polynomials in β are obtained to produce results in good agreement with the corresponding results for the total ground-state energy and the quadrupole moment of the mentioned nine nuclei.
Assessing the Association between Leptin and Bone Mineral Density in HIV-Infected Men
Authors: Rao Madhu N. , Schambelan Morris , Tai Viva W. , Abrams Donald I. , Khatami Hootan , Havel Peter J. , Sakkas Giorgos , Mulligan Kathleen
Published: August 2012

HIV-infected individuals are at risk for decreased bone mineral density (BMD). The known risk factors for bone loss do not fully explain the increased risk in this population. There is emerging evidence that leptin, a hormone secreted by adipocytes, plays an important role in bone metabolism. Several studies have assessed the relationship between leptin and bone density in healthy adults, but there are few such studies in HIV-infected individuals. Furthermore, HIV infected individuals on antiretroviral therapy are at increased risk for altered fat distribution, which may impact the relationship between leptin and BMD. In a cross-sectional analysis of data in 107 HIV-infected men, we determined whether serum leptin levels were associated with whole-body BMD and bone mineral content measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), after adjusting for confounders including body fat distribution. We found an inverse association between leptin and bone density in those with peripheral lipoatrophy, defined objectively as <3 kg appendicular fat by DEXA, but no such relationship was seen in those with >3 kg appendicular fat. This result suggests that fat distribution may modify the relationship between leptin and bone density.
Antidiabetic Effect ofMorinda citrifolia(Noni) Fermented byCheonggukjangin KK-AyDiabetic Mice
Authors: Lee So-Young , Park So-Lim , Hwang Jin-Taek , Yi Sung-Hun , Nam Young-Do , Lim Seong-Il
Published: August 2012

Antidiabetic effects ofMorinda citrifolia(aka Noni) fermented byCheonggukjang(fast-fermented soybean paste) were evaluated using a T2DM (type 2 diabetes mellitus) murine model. Six-week-old KK-Ay/TaJcl mice were randomly divided into four groups: (1) the diabetic control (DC) group, provided with a normal mouse diet; (2) the positive control (PC) group, provided with a functional health food diet; (3) theM. citrifolia(MC) group, provided with an MC-based diet; (4) the fermentedM. citrifolia(FMC) group, provided with an FMC-based diet. Over a testing period of 90 days, food and water intake decreased significantly in the FMC and PC groups compared with the DC group. Blood glucose levels in the FMC group were 211.60–252.20 mg/dL after 90 days, while those in the control group were over 400 mg/dL after 20 days. In addition, FMC supplementation reduced glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, enhanced insulin sensitivity, and significantly decreased serum triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. Furthermore, a fermentedM. citrifolia70% ethanolic extract (FMCE) activated peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-(PPAR-)γand stimulated glucose uptake via stimulation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in cultured C2C12 cells. These results suggest that FMC can be employed as a functional health food for T2DM management.
Dynamic Properties of the Fractional‐Order Logistic Equation of Complex Variables
Authors: El-Sayed A. M. A. , Ahmed E. , El-Saka H. A. A.
Published: August 2012

We study the dynamic properties (equilibrium points, local and global
stability, chaos and bifurcation) of the continuous dynamical system of the logistic
equation of complex variables. The existence and uniqueness of uniformly Lyapunov
stable solution will be proved.
Two- and Three-Component Visible Light Photoinitiating Systems for Radical Polymerization Based on Onium Salts: An Overview of Mechanistic and Laser Flash Photolysis Studies
Authors: Gómez María L. , Previtali Carlos M. , Montejano Hernán A.
Published: August 2012

A review of our work on two- and-three component photoinitiator systems is presented. The emphasis is in on visible light polymerization in aqueous media. The systems discussed comprise a synthetic dye as sensitizer and an onium salt as coinitiator, or a dye-amine-onium salt with the amine as coinitiator and the onium salt as an enhancer of the polymerization efficiency. The effect of the composition of the system on the photopolymerization kinetics was analyzed. To this end, the photophysics and photochemistry of the dye under polymerization conditions was explored by means of stationary and time-resolved spectroscopic methods. Different dyes and onium salts were investigated. The action mechanism of the different photoinitiators systems is discussed.
Case Report: Delayed Perforation after Definitive Treatment of Focal Intestinal Perforation with a Peritoneal Drain
Authors: Dalton Brian G. A. , Walters Kenneth C. , Dassinger Melvin S.
Published: August 2012

Focal intestinal perforation (FIP) has long been described in the pediatric literature. Peritoneal drainage (PD) is widely used as treatment for focal intestinal perforation. Here we report a premature infant that underwent PD on day of life 9 for a FIP. The infant recovered well from this episode and was discharged home without known sequelae. Subsequently, the same patient presented 16 months later with peritonitis. A perforation was discovered at laparotomy without evidence of surrounding necrosis. Given this finding, we believe this second episode of perforation was at the same site as the initial episode of FIP. The finding of FIP has been described without findings of surrounding necrosis. However, we believe this to be the first report of delayed perforation greater than 1 year from initial presentation after FIP treated definitively with peritoneal drain.
Biocontrol ofPhytophthora infestans, Fungal Pathogen of Seedling Damping Off Disease in Economic Plant Nursery
Authors: Loliam B. , Morinaga T. , Chaiyanan S.
Published: August 2012

This research aims to control Seedling damping off disease in plants by using antagonistic actinomycetes against the causative fungi.Phytophthora infestanswas isolated from the infected tomato plant seedling obtained from an economic plant nursery in Amphoe Pak Chong, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Thailand. The chitinolyticStreptomyces rubrolavendulaeS4, isolated from termite mounds at the grove of Amphoe Si-Sawat, Kanchanaburi Province, Thailand, was proven to be the most effective growth inhibition of fungal pathogens tested on potato dextrose agar. Tomato and chili seedlings that colonized with antagonisticS. rubrolavendulaeS4 were grown inP. infestansartificial inoculated peat moss. Percents of noninfested seedling in fungal contaminated peat moss were compared to the controls with uninoculated peat moss. InP. infestanscontaminated peat moss, the percents of survival of tomato and chili seedling were significantly increased () from 51.42 to 88.57 and 34.10 to 76.71 for theS. rubrolavendulaeS4 treatment, respectively. TheS. rubrolavendulaeS4 also showed high efficiency equivalent to fungicide, metalaxyl with no significant difference (). It was clearly demonstrated thatS. rubrolavendulaeS4 can prevent the tomato and chili seedling damping off disease in economic plant nurseries.
Peristaltic Flow of Carreau Fluid in a Rectangular Duct through a Porous Medium
Authors: Ellahi R. , Riaz Arshad , Nadeem S. , Ali M.
Published: August 2012

We have examined the peristaltic flow of Carreau fluid in a rectangular channel through a porous medium. The governing equations of motion are simplified by applying the long wavelength and low Reynolds number approximations. The reduced highly nonlinear partial differential equations are solved jointly by homotopy perturbation and Eigen function expansion methods. The expression for pressure rise is computed numerically by evaluating the numerical integration. The physical features of pertinent parameters have been discussed by plotting graphs of velocity, pressure rise, pressure gradient, and stream functions.
Inhibitory Effects of Daiokanzoto (Da-Huang-Gan-Cao-Tang) on P-Glycoprotein
Authors: Watanabe Yuka , Ikarashi Nobutomo , Satoh Toshiyuki , Ito Kiyomi , Ochiai Wataru , Sugiyama Kiyoshi
Published: August 2012

We have studied the effects of various Kampo medicines on P-glycoprotein (P-gp), a drug transporter,in vitro. The present study focused on Daiokanzoto (Da-Huang-Gan-Cao-Tang), which shows the most potent inhibitory effects on P-gp among the 50 Kampo medicines studied, and investigated the P-gp inhibitory effects of Daiokanzoto herbal ingredients (rhubarb and licorice root) and their components by an ATPase assay using human P-gp membrane. Both rhubarb and licorice root significantly inhibited ATPase activity, and the effects of rhubarb were more potent than those of licorice root. The content of rhubarb in Daiokanzoto is double that in licorice root, and the inhibition patterns of Daiokanzoto and rhubarb involve both competitive and noncompetitive inhibition, suggesting that the inhibitory effects of Daiokanzoto are mainly due to rhubarb. Concerning the components of rhubarb, concentration-dependent inhibitory effects were observed for (−)-catechin gallate, (−)-epicatechin gallate, and (−)-epigallocatechin gallate. In conclusion, rhubarb may cause changes in the drug dispositions of P-gp substrates through the inhibition of P-gp. It appears that attention should be given to the interactions between these drugs and Kampo medicines containing rhubarb as an herbal ingredient.
Conundrums in Conservation: Complexity in Control
Authors: Rush Danielle , Macintyre Sean , Mc Kay Jane , Mc Kay Stephen
Published: August 2012

The departure point for this investigation is to highlight the centrality of regulation theory as a praxis in planning enforcement. The value of the conceptual framework is demonstrated by application in the problematic arena of conservation regulatory compliance, where there is currently a dearth of investigation. It is evidenced that this thematic approach provides a lens to scrutinise problematic areas of control and provides a deeper understanding of the difficulties faced by planning enforcement operational practice generally and heritage regimes specifically. The utility of the proposed mechanism is that it remedies the current, well documented, pitfalls of disjointed, piecemeal strategies by providing a framework for robust, coherent decision making not only in planning but in the wider regulatory arena.
An Automatic Framework Using Space-Time Processing and TR-MUSIC for Subsurface and Through-Wall Multitarget Imaging
Authors: Tan Si-hao , Zhou Hui-lin , Xiang Lei , Shu Zhen
Published: August 2012

We present an automatic framework combined space-time signal processing with Time Reversal electromagnetic (EM) inversion for subsurface and through-wall multitarget imaging using electromagnetic waves. This framework is composed of a frequency-wavenumber (FK) filter to suppress direct wave and medium bounce, a FK migration algorithm to automatically estimate the number of targets and identify target regions, which can be used to reduce the computational complexity of the following imaging algorithm, and a EM inversion algorithm using Time Reversal Multiple Signal Classification (TR-MUSIC) to reconstruct hidden objects. The feasibility of the framework is demonstrated with simulated data generated by GPRMAX.
Monitoring in the Intensive Care
Authors: Kipnis Eric , Ramsingh Davinder , Bhargava Maneesh , Dincer Erhan , Cannesson Maxime , Broccard Alain , Vallet Benoit , Bendjelid Karim , Thibault Ronan
Published: August 2012

In critical care, the monitoring is essential to the daily care of ICU patients, as the optimization of patient’s hemodynamic, ventilation, temperature, nutrition, and metabolism is the key to improve patients' survival. Indeed, the decisive endpoint is the supply of oxygen to tissues according to their metabolic needs in order to fuel mitochondrial respiration and, therefore, life. In this sense, both oxygenation and perfusion must be monitored in the implementation of any resuscitation strategy. The emerging concept has been the enhancement of macrocirculation through sequential optimization of heart function and then judging the adequacy of perfusion/oxygenation on specific parameters in a strategy which was aptly coined “goal directed therapy.” On the other hand, the maintenance of normal temperature is critical and should be regularly monitored. Regarding respiratory monitoring of ventilated ICU patients, it includes serial assessment of gas exchange, of respiratory system mechanics, and of patients' readiness for liberation from invasive positive pressure ventilation. Also, the monitoring of nutritional and metabolic care should allow controlling nutrients delivery, adequation between energy needs and delivery, and blood glucose. The present paper will describe the physiological basis, interpretation of, and clinical use of the major endpoints of perfusion/oxygenation adequacy and of temperature, respiratory, nutritional, and metabolic monitorings.
Classification of Exact Solutions for Some Nonlinear Partial Differential Equations with Generalized Evolution
Authors: Pandir Yusuf , Gurefe Yusuf , Kadak Ugur , Misirli Emine
Published: August 2012

We obtain the classification of exact solutions, including soliton, rational, and elliptic solutions, to the one‐dimensional general improved Camassa Holm KP equation and KdV equation by the complete discrimination system for polynomial method. In discussion, we propose a more general trial equation method for nonlinear partial differential equations with generalized evolution.
A High-Order Compact 2D FDFD Method for Waveguides
Authors: Zheng Gang , Wang Bing-Zhong
Published: August 2012

A high-order compact two-dimensional finite-difference frequency-domain (2D FDFD) method is proposed for the analysis of the dispersion characteristics of waveguides. A surface impedance boundary condition (SIBC) for the high-order compact 2D FDFD method is also given to model lossy metal waveguides. Four transverse field components are involved in the final eigenequation. Numerical examples are given, which show that this high-order compact 2D FDFD method is more efficient than the low-order compact 2D FDFD method and has a less storage cost.