bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cold Metal Transfer Spot Joining of AA6061-T6 to Galvanized DP590 Under Different Modes
Authors: Lei HaiYang , Li YongBing , Carlson Blair E. , Lin ZhongQin
Published: November 2014

In order to meet the upcoming regulations on greenhouse gas emissions, aluminum use in the automotive industry is increasing. However, this increase is now seen as part of a multimaterial strategy. Consequently, dissimilar material joints are a reality, which poses significant challenges to conventional fusion joining processes. To address this issue, cold metal transfer (CMT) spot welding process was developed in the current study to join aluminum alloy AA6061-T6 as the top sheet to hot dip galvanized (HDG) advanced high strength steel (AHSS) DP590 as the bottom sheet. Three different welding modes, i.e., direct welding (DW) mode, plug welding (PW) mode, and edge plug welding (EPW) mode were proposed and investigated. The DW mode, having no predrilled hole in the aluminum top sheet, required concentrated heat input to melt through the Al top sheet and resulted in a severe tearing fracture, shrinkage voids, and uneven intermetallic compounds (IMC) layer along the faying surface, leading to poor joint properties. Welding with the predrilled hole, PW mode, required significantly less heat input and led to greatly reduced, albeit uneven, IMC layer thickness. However, it was found that the EPW mode could homogenize the welding heat input into the hole and thus produce the most stable welding process and best joint quality. This led to joints having an excellent joint morphology characterized by the thinnest IMC layer and consequently, best mechanical performance among the three modes.
Numerical Simulations of a Turbulent High-Pressure Premixed Cooled Jet Flame With the Flamelet Generated Manifolds Technique
Authors: Donini Andrea , Bastiaans Robert J. M. , van Oijen Jeroen A. , de Goey L. Philip H.
Published: November 2014

In the present paper, a computational analysis of a high pressure confined premixed turbulent methane/air jet flames with heat loss to the walls is presented. In this scope, chemistry is reduced by the use of the flamelet generated manifold (FGM) method and the fluid flow is modeled in an large eddy simulation (LES) and Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) context. The reaction evolution is described by the reaction progress variable, the heat loss is described by the enthalpy and the turbulence effect on the reaction is represented by the progress variable variance. A generic lab scale burner for methane high-pressure (5 bar) high-velocity (40 m/s at the inlet) preheated jet is adopted for the simulations, because of its gas-turbine relevant conditions. The use of FGM as a combustion model shows that combustion features at gas turbine conditions can be satisfactorily reproduced with a reasonable computational effort. Furthermore, the present analysis indicates that the physical and chemical processes controlling carbon monoxide (CO) emissions can be captured only by means of unsteady simulations.
A Quasi-dimensional Model of the Ignition Delay for Combustion Modeling in Spark-Ignition Engines
Authors: Grasreiner Sebastian , Neumann Jens , Wensing Michael , Hasse Christian
Published: November 2014

Quasi-dimensional (QD) modeling of combustion in spark-ignition (SI) engines allows to describe the most relevant processes of heat release. Here, a submodel for the ignition delay is introduced and applied. The start of combustion is considered from ignition to the crank angle of 5% burned gas fraction. The introduced physical approach identifies the turbulent propagation velocity of the initiated kernel by taking into account early flame expansion and geometric restrictions of the flame propagation. The model is applied to stationary operation within an entire engine map of a turbocharged direct injection SI engine with fully variable valvetrain. Based on provided cycle-averaged input data, the model delivers good results within the margins of measured cycle-to-cycle fluctuations. Thus, it contributes to the assessment of the interplay between engine, engine control unit, drivetrain, and vehicle dynamics, hence making a step toward optimization and virtual engine calibration.
Multi-objective Optimization of Conceptual Rotorcraft Powerplants: Trade-off Between Rotorcraft Fuel Efficiency and Environmental Impact
Authors: Ali Fakhre , Tzanidakis Konstantinos , Goulos Ioannis , Pachidis Vassilios , d'Ippolito Roberto
Published: November 2014

This paper aims to present an integrated rotorcraft conceptual design and analysis framework, deployed for the multidisciplinary design and optimization of regenerative powerplant configurations in terms of rotorcraft operational and environmental performance. The proposed framework comprises a wide-range of individual modeling theories applicable to rotorcraft flight dynamics, gas turbine engine performance, and weight estimation as well as a novel physics-based, stirred reactor model for the rapid estimation of gas turbine gaseous emissions. A multi-objective particle swarm optimizer (mPSO) is coupled with the aforementioned integrated rotorcraft multidisciplinary design framework. The combined approach is applied to conduct multidisciplinary design and optimization of a reference twin engine light civil rotorcraft modeled after the Airbus-Helicopters Bo105 helicopter, operating on representative mission scenario. Through the implementation of a multi-objective optimization study, Pareto front models have been acquired, quantifying the optimum interrelationship between the mission fuel consumption and gaseous emissions for the representative rotorcraft and a variety of engine configurations. The acquired optimum engine configurations are subsequently deployed for the design of conceptual rotorcraft regenerative engines, targeting improved mission fuel economy, enhanced payload range capability, as well as improvements in the rotorcraft overall environmental impact. The proposed methodology essentially constitutes an enabler in terms of focusing the multidisciplinary design and optimization of rotorcraft powerplants within realistic, three-dimensional operations and toward the realization of their associated design trade-offs at mission level.
Seismic Design of a Double Deck Floating Roof Type Used for Liquid Storage Tanks
Authors: Goudarzi Mohammad Ali
Published: November 2014

Sloshing response of a cylindrical liquid storage tank with the double deck type floating roof (DDFR) subjected to seismic excitation is considered in this paper. The aim of the paper is to clarify the significant parameters that should be considered in the seismic design of a DDFR and proposing a practical seismic design procedure for evaluating the dynamic stresses inside a DDFR. A numerical method including fluid–structure interaction and the geometry details of a DDFR tank are established. The geometric nonlinear effects on the seismic behavior of the DDFR as well as the accuracy of common analytical solution suggested in the literature are examined by the numerical model. The numerical results show that the geometric nonlinear effects can considerably reduce the seismic stress in DDFR, but have no significant effect on the liquid hydrodynamic pressure exerted on the DDFR and the roof's vertical displacement. It is also revealed that not only the general displacement of DDFR but also the local effects of liquid hydrodynamic pressure on the bottom plate should be considered for seismic design of a DDFR. Finally, a design procedure for the evaluation of dynamic stress in the DDFR due to the seismic loads is proposed and discussed.
Characterization of Nanoscaled TiO2 Produced by Simplified Sol–Gel Method Using Organometallic Precursor
Authors: Paunović Perica , Grozdanov Anita , Češnovar Andrej , Makreski Petre , Gentile Gennaro , Ranguelov Bogdan , Fidančevska Emilija
Published: November 2014

This work is concerned with development of sol–gel method for preparation of nanoscaled TiO2 using organometallic precursor—titanium tetraisopropoxide (TTIP) and determination of the present crystalline phases depending on the temperature of further thermal treatment. The characteristic processes and transformations during the thermal treatment were determined by means of thermal gravimetric analysis and/or differential thermal analysis (TGA/DTA) method. The crystalline structure and size of the TiO2 crystallites were analyzed by means of Raman spectroscopy and X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) method. At 250 °C, cryptocrystalline structure was detected, where amorphous TiO2 is accompanied with crystalline anatase. The anatase crystallite phase is stable up to 650 °C, whereas at higher temperature rutile transformation begins. It was observed that at 800 °C, almost the whole TiO2 is transformed to rutile phase. According to XRPD analysis, the increase of the temperature influences on the increase of the size of the crystalline particles ranging from 6 nm at 250 °C to less than 100 nm at 800 °C. The size and shape of the TiO2 crystalline particles were observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The shape of the studied samples changes from nanospheres (250, 380, and 550 °C) to nanorods (650 and 800 °C). Morphology of the formed TiO2 aggregates was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
Pseudoaneurysm of anomalous cystic artery due to calculous cholecystitis
Authors: Kulkarni Varsha , Deshmukh Hemant , Gupta Rahul
Published: November 2014

Pseudoaneurysm of the cystic artery is a rare cause of haemobilia resulting from either an inflammatory process in the abdomen or abdominal trauma. We report a case of a patient with chronic calculous cholecystitis associated with a pseudoaneurysm arising from an anomalous cystic artery who presented with haemobilia. The patient was managed successfully with multimodality treatment that included angioembolisation of the pseudoaneurysm and stenting of the common bile duct to relieve jaundice followed by elective open cholecystectomy.
Numerical Evaluation of Arbitrary Singular Domain Integrals Using Third‐Degree B‐Spline Basis Functions
Authors: Hu Jin-Xiu , Peng Hai-Feng , Gao Xiao-Wei
Published: November 2014

A new approach is presented for the numerical evaluation of arbitrary singular domain integrals. In this method, singular domain integrals are transformed into a boundary integral and a radial integral which contains singularities by using the radial integration method. The analytical elimination of singularities condensed in the radial integral formulas can be accomplished by expressing the nonsingular part of the integration kernels as a series of cubic B‐spline basis functions of the distance r and using the intrinsic features of the radial integral. In the proposed method, singularities involved in the domain integrals are explicitly transformed to the boundary integrals, so no singularities exist at internal points. A few numerical examples are provided to verify the correctness and robustness of the presented method.
Acute Exposure to a Precursor of Advanced Glycation End Products Induces a Dual Effect on the Rat Pancreatic Islet Function
Authors: Elmhiri Ghada , Barella Luiz Felipe , Vieau Didier , Camous Sylvaine , Mathias Paulo C. F. , Abdennebi-Najar Latifa
Published: November 2014

Aim.Chronic diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide. Advanced glycation end products, known as AGEs, are a major risk factor for diabetes onset and maintenance. Methylglyoxal (MG), a highly reactive metabolite of glucose, is a precursor for the generation of endogenous AGEs.Methods.In this current study we incubatedin vitropancreatic islets from adult rats in absence or presence of MG (10 μmol/l) with different concentrations of glucose and different metabolic components (acetylcholine, epinephrine, potassium, forskolin, and leucine).Results.Different effects of MG on insulin secretion were evidenced. In basal glucose stimulation (5.6 mM), MG induced a significant (P<0.05) increase of insulin secretion. By contrast, in higher glucose concentrations (8.3 mM and 16.7 mM), MG significantly inhibited insulin secretion (P<0.05). In the presence of potassium, forskolin, and epinephrine, MG enhanced insulin secretion (P<0.05), while when it was incubated with acetylcholine and leucine, MG resulted in a decrease of insulin secretion (P<0.05).Conclusion.We suggest that MG modulates the secretion activity of beta-cell depending on its level of stimulation by other metabolic factors. These results provide insights on a dual acute effect of MG on the pancreatic cells.
Multidisciplinary Approach for the Treatment of Horizontal Root-Fractured Maxillary Anterior Teeth
Authors: Celikten Berkan , Uzuntas Ceren Feriha , Safaralizadeh Reza , Demirel Gulbike , Sevimay Semra
Published: November 2014

Dental trauma can lead to a wide range of injuries of which crown and root fractures are examples. Crown-root fractures often need complex treatment planning. This case report describes the use of MTA in the multidisciplinary management of a patient with a horizontally fractured central incisor and luxation in a different central incisor. A 42-year-old female patient presented within 1 h of receiving direct trauma to her maxillary area. Clinical examination revealed that the right and left maxillary central incisors presented mobility and sensitivity to percussion and palpation but no sensitivity to thermal stimulations. Occlusal displacement with extrusion in the left maxillary central incisor and luxation in the right maxillary central incisor was observed. Radiographic examination revealed horizontal root fracture at the apical third of the left maxillary central incisor. Root fracture in the right maxillary incisor was not observed. Endodontic and aesthetic restorative treatments were completed. MTA showed a good long-term outcome when used in root-fractured and luxated teeth. In addition, composite resin restoration provided satisfactory aesthetic results even after 15 months.
The Effect of Nuclear Elastic Scattering on Temperature Equilibration Rate of Ions in Fusion Plasma
Authors: Mahdavi M. , Azadifar R. , Koohrokhi T.
Published: November 2014

A plasma with two different particle types and at different temperatures has been considered, so that each type of ion with Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution function is in temperature equilibrium with itself. Using the extracted nuclear elastic scattering differential cross-section from experimental data, solving the Boltzmann equation, and also taking into account the mobility of the background particles, temperature equilibration rate between two different ions in a fusion plasma is calculated. The results show that, at higher temperature differences, effect of nuclear elastic scattering is more important in calculating the temperature equilibration rate. The obtained expressions have general form so that they are applicable to each type of particle for background (b) and each type for projectile (p). In this paper, for example, an equimolar Deuterium-Hydrogen plasma with densityn=5×1025 cm−3is chosen in which the deuteron is the background particle with temperature (also electron temperature)Tb=1 keV (usual conditions for a fusion plasma at the ignition instant) and the proton is the projectile with temperatureTp>Tb. These calculations, particularly, are very important for ion fast ignition in inertial confinement fusion concept.
Synthesis and Spectroscopic and Antimicrobial Studies of Schiff Base Metal Complexes Derived from 2-Hydroxy-3-methoxy-5-nitrobenzaldehyde
Authors: Joshi K. R. , Rojivadiya A. J. , Pandya J. H.
Published: November 2014

Two new series of copper(II) and nickel(II) complexes with two new Schiff base ligands 2-((2,4-dimethylphenylimino)methyl)-6-methoxy-4-nitrophenol and 2-((3,4-difluorophenylimino)methyl)-6-methoxy-4-nitrophenol have been prepared. The Schiff base ligands were synthesized by the condensation of 2-hydroxy-3-methoxy-5-nitrobenzaldehyde with 2,4-dimethylaniline or 3,4-difluoroaniline. The ligands and their metal complexes have been characterized by IR, 1H NMR, mass and electronic spectra and TG analysis. The Schiff base ligands and their metal complexes were tested for antimicrobial activity against Gram positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus pyogenes and Gram negative bacteria Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa and fungus Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger, and Aspergillus clavatus using Broth Dilution Method.
An Unusual Case of Pulmonary Nocardiosis in Immunocompetent Patient
Authors: Yaşar Zehra , Acat Murat , Onaran Hilal , Özgül Mehmet Akif , Fener Neslihan , Talay Fahrettin , Çetinkaya Erdoğan
Published: November 2014

Pulmonary nocardiosis is a subacute or chronic necrotizing pneumonia caused by aerobic actinomycetes of the genusNocardiaand rare in immune-competent patients. A 35-year-old male, who had treated with antituberculosis drugs, presented with cough, dyspnea, and expectoration with episodes of hemoptysis with purulent sputum. The diagnosis of nocardiosis was made by microscopic examination of the surgically resected portion of the lung and revealed filamentous Gram-positive bacteria.
Influence of the rs1080985 Single Nucleotide Polymorphism of the CYP2D6 Gene and APOE Polymorphism on the Response to Donepezil Treatment in Patients with Alzheimer's Disease in China
Authors: Liu Mengyuan , Zhang Ying , Huo Ya Ruth , Liu Shuling , Liu Shuai , Wang Junwei , Wang Change , Wang Jinhuan , Ji Yong
Published: November 2014

Background/Aim: Recent data have indicated that the rs1080985 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of the cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2D6 and the common apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene may affect the response to donepezil in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). We investigated this association in Chinese patients with mild-to-moderate AD. Methods: In this prospective cohort study, analyses of CYP2D6 and APOE were conducted in 208 native Chinese patients with mild-to-moderate AD. All patients were treated with donepezil 5 mg/day for 6 months, and the response to treatment was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination. Results: No significant differences between responders (68.9%) and nonresponders (31.1%) to donepezil treatment (6 months' duration) were observed in the distribution of the CYP2D6 rs1080985 SNP, common APOE polymorphism or a combination of the two. Conclusions: Our results suggest that neither the CYP2D6 nor the APOE polymorphism influences the 6-month response to donepezil treatment in a Chinese population with AD.
Wnt-RhoA Signaling Pathways in Fluoride-Treated Ameloblast-Lineage Cells
Authors: Shusterman Kate , Gibson Carolyn W. , Li Yong , Healey Melissa , Peng Li
Published: November 2014

This study examined the effect of sodium fluoride (NaF) on the Wnt and RhoA signaling pathways in murine ameloblast-lineage cells (ALCs) to better understand the developmental mechanisms of dental fluorosis. Wnt and Rho pathway activities were investigated when ALCs were treated with 1.5 mM NaF, dickkopf-related protein-1 (Dkk-1), secreted frizzled related-protein-2 (sFRP-2), β-catenin siRNA dominant negative RhoA (RhoADN) plasmid and Y-27632. Wnt pathway activity was investigated via RT-PCR, Western blot and Topflash luciferase assay. The activity of the RhoA pathway was analyzed via Rho pull-down assay and immunoprecipitation. The differentiation of ALCs was analyzed by alkaline phosphatase assay. Western blot and Topflash luciferase assay results verified that both the Wnt and Rho pathways were upregulated by 1.5 mM NaF. Wnt was discovered to be located upstream from the Rho pathway, as confirmed by treatment with Wnt pathway cell receptor inhibitors Dkk-1 and sFRP-2, leading to a decrease in RhoA and ROCK activity. Inhibition of the Rho pathway with RhoADN plasmid and Y-27632 caused upregulation of Wnt pathway activity which could be further increased by 1.5 mM NaF. The increased Wnt pathway activity was found to negatively regulate ALC differentiation. These data suggest that fluoride could induce the cross-talk between Wnt and RhoA signaling pathways, and these responses are predicted to contribute to the development of enamel fluorosis.
Management and Characteristics of Patients with Metastatic Prostate Cancer in a Cohort of New Zealand Men
Authors: Lawrenson Ross , Lao Chunhuan , Obertová Zuzana , Brown Charis , Holmes Michael , Tyrie Leanne , Scott Nina , Fong Peter , Laking George
Published: November 2014

Objective: This study aims to (1) characterise men diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer, (2) describe their management and (3) look at their survival. Methods: We identified patients registered with prostate cancer in the New Zealand Cancer Registry in the Midland Cancer Network region in 2009-2012 and examined these patients' clinical records to identify the metastatic cases. We investigated the patients' characteristics and the treatment pattern. All-cause survival was estimated by the Cox proportional hazards model. Results: Of the 2,127 men diagnosed with prostate cancer, 234 (26 Maori/Pacific and 208 non-Maori/non-Pacific) were diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer. After the diagnosis, 194 (82.9%) patients received androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), 5 had chemotherapy and 104 (44.4%) had radiotherapy. Of the patients treated with ADT, 46 (23.7%) had no monitoring prostate-specific antigen tests. Fifty-nine percent of the patients were alive after 12 months and 35% after 24 months. The hazard ratio for the Maori/Pacific men was 1.49. Conclusion: Overall, the survival of patients with metastatic prostate cancer was poor. There seems to be a strong case for the development of New Zealand guidelines on the management of metastatic disease including the use of first-line treatments, the ongoing monitoring for the development of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) and the treatment of CRPC. © 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel
Diagnosis and Treatment of Bradykinin-Mediated Angioedema: Outcomes from an Angioedema Expert Consensus Meeting
Authors: Craig Timothy J. , Bernstein Jonathan A. , Farkas Henriette , Bouillet Laurence , Boccon-Gibod Isabelle
Published: November 2014

Several types of angioedema exist beyond hereditary angioedema (HAE) types I/II; however, the diagnostic and treatment needs of these conditions are not well understood. Noticeably, there are no licensed treatments available for other forms of angioedema beyond HAE types I/II, and similarly they are unresponsive to conventional antihistamine/glucocorticoid treatment. A group of angioedema experts met in Budapest in May 2013 to discuss such issues, presenting their experience, reviewing available literature and identifying unmet diagnostic and treatment needs in three different angioedema types: HAE with normal C1-inhibitor (C1-INH; previously referred to as type III HAE); nonallergic angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI)-induced angioedema (ACEI-AAE), and acquired angioedema due to C1-INH deficiency (C1-INH-AAE). The group identified unmet diagnostic and treatment needs in HAE-nC1-INH, C1-INH-AAE and ACEI-AAE, explored remedies and made recommendations on how to diagnose and treat these forms of angioedema. The group discussed the difficulties associated with using diagnostic markers, such as the level and function of C1-INH, C1q and C4 to reliably diagnose the angioedema type, and considered the use of genetic testing to identify mutations in FXII or XPNPEP2 that have been associated with HAE-nC1-INH and ACEI-AAE, respectively. Due to the lack of approved treatments for HAE-nC1-INH, ACEI-AAE and C1-INH-AAE, the group presented several case studies in which therapies approved for treatment of HAE types I/II, such as icatibant, ecallantide and pasteurized, nanofiltered C1-INH, were successful. It was uniformly agreed that further studies are needed to improve the diagnosis and treatment of angioedema other than HAE types I/II. i 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel
The Relationship between Alu I Polymorphisms in the Calcitonin Receptor Gene and Fluorosis Endemic to Chongqing, China
Authors: Jiang Miao , Mu Lihong , Wang Yingxiong , Yan Wei , Jiao Yongzhuo
Published: November 2014

Objective: This study explored the association between an Alu I polymorphism at position 1,377 of the calcitonin receptor (CTR) gene and endemic fluorosis. Subjects and Methods: A case-control study of 321 participants was conducted in regions with high fluorosis rates (Wushan and Fengjie counties) and those without high fluorosis rates (Yubei Qu county; termed nonfluorosis areas) in Chongqing, China. The participants were divided into three groups: the fluorosis group (FG) from areas with high fluoride exposure (121), the nonfluorosis group (NFG) from areas with high fluoride exposure (130), and a control group (CG) from areas with no excessive fluoride exposure (70). An Alu I polymorphism in the CTR gene was genotyped using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. Results: The genotype distributions within each group were as follows: CC 60.33% (73/121), CT 30.58% (37/121) and TT 9.09% (11/121) for the FG; CC 74.62% (97/130), CT 21.54% (28/130) and TT 3.85% (5/130) for the NFG, and CC 68.57% (48/70), CT 31.43% (22/70) and TT 0% (0/70) for the CG. Significant differences in Alu I genotypes were observed among the groups (χ2 = 12.317, υ = 4, p = 0.015). Allele frequencies of CTR genotypes differed significantly among the groups (χ2 = 8.859, υ = 2, p = 0.012): C 75.62% (183/242) and T 24.38% (59/242) for the FG, C 85.38% (222/260) and T 14.62% (38/260) for the NFG, and C 84.29% (118/140) and T 15.71% (22/140) for the CG. Conclusion: An association between fluorosis and the Alu I polymorphism in the CTR gene was observed in fluoride-exposed populations.
Stereotactic Radiotherapy for Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy: A Pilot Study
Authors: Introini Ugo , Casalino Giuseppe , Triolo Giacinto , O''Shaughnessy Denis , Shusterman E. Mark , Chakravarthy Usha , Slakter Jason S. , Bandello Francesco
Published: November 2014

Purpose: To evaluate low-voltage X-ray stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) delivered in conjunction with intravitreal ranibizumab for the treatment of active macular polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV). Methods: At baseline, all eyes received an intravitreal injection of ranibizumab, followed by 16-Gy X-ray SRT to the macula. Further ranibizumab injections were given pro re nata. The primary outcome measure was regression of the polyps assessed by indocyanine green angiography. Secondary outcome measures were best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central foveal thickness (CFT) changes on optical coherence tomography. Local or systemic adverse events were evaluated as well. Results: We examined 12 eyes of 12 patients with PCV. At month 12, an angiographic regression of the polyps was observed in 10 of the 12 eyes. The mean BCVA improved by 7.6 letters: from 65.08 ± 11.4 to 72.7 ± 14.75 letters on the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) chart. The mean CFT decreased from 372.3 ± 79.6 to 215.9 ± 57.9 µm (p < 0.01). No local or systemic adverse events were reported. Conclusions: The preliminary data support the safety of low-voltage X-ray SRT for the treatment of macular PCV and show polyp closure, reduction in CFT and improvement in the mean BCVA. Additional research is warranted to confirm the efficacy and longer-term safety of this therapy in this population.
Relation of Indirect Vasodilator Use to Prognosis in Patients with Chronic Severe Mitral Regurgitation
Authors: Supino Phyllis G. , Khan Nasimullah , Hai Ofek , Herrold Edmund M. , Hochreiter Clare , Borer Jeffrey S.
Published: November 2014

Objectives: The relation of indirect vasodilator use to cardiac events (CE) is undefined for chronic severe nonischemic mitral regurgitation (MR). The aim of this study was to resolve this knowledge deficiency. Methods: Data from 52 consecutive patients in our prospective natural history study with isolated chronic severe nonischemic MR were assessed post hoc over 19 years to examine the relation of indirect vasodilator use to subsequent CE (death or indications for valve surgery). At entry, no patient had surgical indications, 14% had hypertension (HTN) and 7 chronically received vasodilators (5 angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, 1 receptor blocker and 1 α-adrenergic blocker). CE differences were assessed by log-rank comparison of Kaplan-Meier curves. Results: During follow-up, CE included sudden death (1 patient), heart failure (7 patients), atrial fibrillation (6 patients), left ventricular (LV) systolic dimension >4.5 cm (12 patients), LV ejection fraction (EF) <60% (7 patients), right ventricular EF <35% (2 patients) and combination CE (7 patients). Overall, vasodilator use did not predict CE (not significant). However, patients without HTN had higher CE rates with vasodilators than without (p = 0.007), while those with HTN and vasodilators had lower CE rates than those without vasodilators (p = 0.04). Conclusion: Vasodilator use appears to confer no survival benefit in patients with chronic severe MR. The small number of patients with HTN precludes conclusions about modulation of vasodilator effect by HTN. Randomized trials are needed to conclusively evaluate this association.
Factors Influencing RBC Alloimmunization: Lessons Learned from Murine Models
Authors: Ryder Alex B. , Zimring James C. , Hendrickson Jeanne E.
Published: November 2014

Red blood cell (RBC) alloimmunization may occur following transfusion or pregnancy/delivery. Although observational human studies have described the immunogenicity of RBC antigens and the clinical significance of RBC alloantibodies, studies of factors influencing RBC alloimmunization in humans are inherently limited by the large number of independent variables involved. This manuscript reviews data generated in murine models that utilize transgenic donor mice, which express RBC-specific model or authentic human blood group antigens. Transfusion of RBCs from such donors into nontransgenic but otherwise genetically identical recipient mice allows for the investigation of individual donor or recipient-specific variables that may impact RBC alloimmunization. Potential donor-related variables include methods of blood product collection, processing and storage, donor-specific characteristics, RBC antigen-specific factors, and others. Potential recipient-related variables include genetic factors (MHC/HLA type and polymorphisms of immunoregulatory genes), immune activation status, phenotype of regulatory immune cell subsets, immune cell functional characteristics, prior antigen exposures, and others. Although murine models are not perfect surrogates for human biology, these models generate phenomenological and mechanistic hypotheses of RBC alloimmunization and lay the groundwork for follow-up human studies. Long-term goals include improving transfusion safety and minimizing the morbidity/mortality associated with RBC alloimmunization.
Lohnt sich die Exploration von pränatalem Stress für die Therapieindikation?
Authors: Ehlert Ulrike , La Marca-Ghaemmaghami Pearl
Published: November 2014

Die Entstehung psychischer Störungen und somatischer Erkrankungen wird durch individuelle Belastungen aufgrund von Stressoren und/oder Traumata ausgelöst oder begünstigt. Demzufolge wird in der kognitiv-verhaltenstherapeutischen Diagnostik besonderer Wert auf die Exploration dieser Belastungen gelegt. Neuere Erkenntnisse aus der psychobiologischen Pränatalforschung verweisen jedoch darauf, dass eine bereits pränatal erworbene Empfindlichkeit (Suszeptibilität) die Anfälligkeit (Vulnerabilität) für psychische und somatische Fehlanpassungen an Belastungen vergrößert. Um die Therapieindikation zu differenzieren und das subjektive Krankheitsmodell pränatal bereits belasteter Patienten zu präzisieren, wird für eine Miterfassung gegebenenfalls bestehender pränataler Belastungen plädiert.
Domestic(-ated) Desires, Tanked City
Authors: Hamera Judith
Published: November 2014

Osman Khan’s performative sculpture Come Hell or High Water both evokes and disrupts images of Detroit’s crumbling residential infrastructure. In so doing, the piece focuses attention on the home as a site of Fordist desire for a secure middle-class life, and the Fordist bargain itself as an object of attachment.
Queer Aging Bareback: A Ride with the Parthenon Sculptures
Authors: Marra Kim
Published: November 2014

Lesbian, equestrian, and scholarly desires merge through riding, literally and figuratively, with the mounted Athenian soldiers portrayed in the Parthenon frieze. The aging embodied, affective experience of barebacking on a retired cavalry-trained horse offers a key to understanding the queerness of these naked white men’s riding performance.
Substance-resonance: Mårten Spångberg’s La Substance, but in English
Authors: Lepecki André
Published: November 2014

Swedish choreographer, curator, writer, and performer Mårten Spångberg’s four-hour-plus piece raises issues around the intricate relationships between choreography, dance, affect, objects, critical theory, pop culture, and visual arts.
Evaluating the Diurnal Cycle of Upper-Tropospheric Ice Clouds in Climate Models Using SMILES Observations
Authors: Jiang Jonathan H. , Su Hui , Zhai Chengxing , Janice Shen T. , Wu Tongwen , Zhang Jie , Cole Jason N. S. , von Salzen Knut , Donner Leo J. , Seman Charles , Del Genio Anthony , Nazarenko Larissa S. , Dufresne Jean-Louis , Watanabe Masahiro , Morcrette Cyril , Koshiro Tsuyoshi , Kawai Hideaki , Gettelman Andrew , Millán Luis , Read William G. , Livesey Nathaniel J. , Kasai Yasko , Shiotani Masato
Published: November 2014

Upper-tropospheric ice cloud measurements from the Superconducting Submillimeter Limb Emission Sounder (SMILES) on the International Space Station (ISS) are used to study the diurnal cycle of upper-tropospheric ice cloud in the tropics and midlatitudes (40°S–40°N) and to quantitatively evaluate ice cloud diurnal variability simulated by 10 climate models. Over land, the SMILES-observed diurnal cycle has a maximum around 1800 local solar time (LST), while the model-simulated diurnal cycles have phases differing from the observed cycle by −4 to 12 h. Over ocean, the observations show much smaller diurnal cycle amplitudes than over land with a peak at 1200 LST, while the modeled diurnal cycle phases are widely distributed throughout the 24-h period. Most models show smaller diurnal cycle amplitudes over ocean than over land, which is in agreement with the observations. However, there is a large spread of modeled diurnal cycle amplitudes ranging from 20% to more than 300% of the observed over both land and ocean. Empirical orthogonal function (EOF) analysis on the observed and model-simulated variations of ice clouds finds that the first EOF modes over land from both observation and model simulations explain more than 70% of the ice cloud diurnal variations and they have similar spatial and temporal patterns. Over ocean, the first EOF from observation explains 26.4% of the variance, while the first EOF from most models explains more than 70%. The modeled spatial and temporal patterns of the leading EOFs over ocean show large differences from observations, indicating that the physical mechanisms governing the diurnal cycle of oceanic ice clouds are more complicated and not well simulated by the current climate models.
Wind- versus Eddy-Forced Regional Sea Level Trends and Variability in the North Pacific Ocean
Authors: Qiu Bo , Chen Shuiming , Wu Lixin , Kida Shinichiro
Published: November 2014

Regional sea level trend and variability in the Pacific Ocean have often been considered to be induced by low-frequency surface wind changes. This study demonstrates that significant sea level trend and variability can also be generated by eddy momentum flux forcing due to time-varying instability of the background oceanic circulation. Compared to the broad gyre-scale wind-forced variability, the eddy-forced sea level changes tend to have subgyre scales and, in the North Pacific Ocean, they are largely confined to the Kuroshio Extension region (30°–40°N, 140°–175°E) and the Subtropical Countercurrent (STCC) region (18°–28°N, 130°–175°E). Using a two-layer primitive equation model driven by the ECMWF wind stress data and the eddy momentum fluxes specified by the AVISO sea surface height anomaly data, the relative importance of the wind- and eddy-forced regional sea level trends in the past two decades is quantified. It is found that the increasing (decreasing) trend south (north) of the Kuroshio Extension is due to strengthening of the regional eddy forcing over the past two decades. On the other hand, the decreasing (increasing) sea level trend south (north) of the STCC is caused by the decadal weakening of the regional eddy momentum flux forcing. These decadal eddy momentum flux changes are caused by the background Kuroshio Extension and STCC changes in connection with the Pacific decadal oscillation (PDO) wind pattern shifting from a positive to a negative phase over the past two decades.
A novel mechanism of regulation of the anti-metastatic miR-31 by EMSY in breast cancer
Authors: Mulrane Laoighse , Gallagher William M , O’Connor Darran P
Published: November 2014

miR-31 is well known as an anti-metastatic microRNA (miRNA) in the context of breast cancer. However, to date the mechanism of regulation of this miRNA has yet to be elucidated. The recent publication by Viré et al. in Molecular Cell [1] demonstrates for the first time that one mechanism of regulation of miR-31 is through the putative oncogene EMSY, whose amplification in breast cancer patients correlates with reduced expression of the miRNA. This regulation is dependent on the DNA-binding transcription factor ETS-1 which recruits EMSY and the histone demethylase KDM5B to the miR-31 promoter, thus repressing its transcription.
Unique expression features of cancer‐type organic anion transporting polypeptide 1B3 mRNA expression in human colon and lung cancers
Authors: Sun Yuchen , Furihata Tomomi , Ishii Seiya , Nagai Miki , Harada Manami , Shimozato Osamu , Kamijo Takehiko , Motohashi Shinichiro , Yoshino Ichiro , Kamiichi Atsuko , Kobayashi Kaoru , Chiba Kan
Published: November 2014

Background

We have previously identified the cancer‐type organic anion transporting polypeptide 1B3 (Ct‐OATP1B3) mRNA in several human colon and lung cancer tissues. Ct‐OATP1B3 is a variant of the liver‐type OATP1B3 (Lt‐OATP1B3) mRNA, which is a hepatocyte plasma membrane transporter with broad substrate specificity. However, in cancer tissues, both the detailed characteristics of Ct‐OATP1B3 mRNA expression and its biological functions remain unclear. With this point in mind, we sought to characterize Ct‐OATP1B3 mRNA expression in colon and lung cancer tissues. In addition, we attempted to obtain functional implication of Ct‐OATP1B3 in cancer cells.

Methods

Matched pairs of cancer and normal tissues were collected from 39 colon cancer and 28 lung cancer patients. The OATP1B3 mRNA expression levels in each of these tissues were separately determined by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Mann‐Whitney U test and Fisher's exact test were used in statistical analysis. The Ct‐OATP1B3 functional expression in colon cancer cells was then examined by Western blotting and transport analyses.

Results

Ct‐OATP1B3 mRNA, but not Lt‐OATP1B3 mRNA, was abundantly expressed in colon cancer tissues at a higher detection frequency (87.2%) than that of the adjacent normal tissues (2.6%). Furthermore, it was found that Ct‐OATP1B3 mRNA expression was often detected in early colon cancer stages (88.9%, n = 18), and that its expression was associated with well‐differentiated colon cancer statuses. On the other hand, Ct‐OATP1B3 mRNA also showed a predominant and cancer‐associated expression profile in lung tissues, although at frequencies and expression levels that were lower than those obtained from colon cancer. As for attempts to clarify the Ct‐OATP1B3 functions, neither protein expression nor transport activity could be observed in any of the cell lines examined.

Conclusions

Based on the unique characteristics of the Ct‐OATP1B3 mRNA expression profile identified in this study, Ct‐OATP1B3 mRNA can be expected to become a biomarker candidate for use in colon (and lung) cancer diagnosis. Simultaneously, our results advance the possibility that Ct‐OATP1B3 might play yet unidentified roles, in addition to transporter function, in cancer cell biology.
An Efficient Method for the Preparation of Sulfonyl Chlorides: Reaction of Disulfides or Thiols with Sodium Hypochlorite Pentahydrate (NaOCl·5H2O) Crystals
Authors: Okada Tomohide , Matsumuro Hiroaki , Iwai Toshiaki , Kitagawa Saori , Yamazaki Kento , Akiyama Tomomi , Asawa Tomotake , Sugiyama Yukihiro , Kimura Yoshikazu , Kirihara Masayuki
Published: November 2014

The reaction of disulfides or thiols with sodium hypochlorite pentahydrate in acetic acid efficiently provided the corresponding sulfonyl chlorides in high yields.
Core–Shell Approach to Control Acid–Base Properties of Surface of Dielectric and Permittivity of Its Composite
Authors: Sychov Maxim , Nakanishi Yoichiro , Vasina Ekaterina , Eruzin Alexander , Mjakin Sergey , Khamova Tamara , Shilova Olga , Mimura Hidenori
Published: November 2014

Hybrid organic–inorganic composites comprising cyanoethyl ester of poly(vinyl alcohol) (CEPVA) and submicron-sized barium titanate with a core–shell structure are studied. For the first time, the permittivity of obtained composites was studied in correlation with the acid–base properties of the filler and controlled via the filler surface modification by the formation of core–shell structures using sol–gel and plasma processes. The permittivity is found to grow with the increase in the content of Brønsted basic centers on the filler surface due to enhanced interactions with acid groups of polymer. This effect is especially prominent in the case of silica nanocoating deposited onto BaTiO3 surface. The permittivity of the studied composites is approximated by a modified Lichtenecker equation based on permittivity values of individual components, their concentrations, and a specific parameter characterizing their acid–base interaction.
Azametallametallocene Formation via Double sp3 C–H Activation of 6-Substituted ortho-Toluidines by a Half-sandwich Acetatoiridium Complex
Authors: Sato Yasuhiro , Kayaki Yoshihito , Ikariya Takao
Published: November 2014

A half-sandwich acetatoiridium(III) complex can activate two geminal C(sp3)–H bonds of 2-methylaniline derivatives to produce a new dinuclear azametallacycle, (η5-1,2,3,4,5-pentamethylcyclopentadienyl)[η5-2-(η5-1,2,3,4,5-pentamethylcyclopentadienyl)iridaindolyl]iridium. The C–N chelate iridium displaying an amido-carbene structure favors formation of the saturated 34 electron complex via π-coordination to the other [Cp*Ir] fragment.
The magic of animals
Authors: Jones Julia
Published: November 2014

Children benefit enormously from having contact with animals, whether keeping them as pets, in your setting or during farm visits, as long as basic safety measures are in place.
Difficult conversations in bereavement
Authors: Dosser Isabel , Nicol Jacqueline Sian
Published: November 2014

Education in bereavement theory and communication skills are essential to ensure effective responses when participating in difficult conversations. Support for staff caring for those in nursing and residential care is paramount
Paclitaxel, Carboplatin, and Trastuzumab
Authors: Lee Jennifer , Solimando Dominic A. , Waddell J. Aubrey
Published: November 2014

The complexity of cancer chemotherapy requires pharmacists be familiar with the complicated regimens and highly toxic agents used. This column reviews various issues related to preparation, dispensing, and administration of antineoplastic therapy, and the agents, both commercially available and investigational, used to treat malignant diseases.
Amoxicillin/Clavulanic Acid-Induced Thrombocytopenia
Authors: Mansour Hanine , Saad Aline , Azar Marina , Khoueiry Paul
Published: November 2014

Introduction and Objective

Drug-induced thrombocytopenia is a common adverse effect reported in the literature. Typically patients present with a low platelet count with signs and symptoms ranging from bruising to bleeding, and major organ damage. Penicillin-induced thrombocytopenia previously reported in the literature is explained primarily through the hapten-dependent antibody process. The goal of this report is to present a case of an amoxicillin/clavulanic acid-induced thrombocytopenia.

Case Presentation

A 23-year-old male presented to the emergency department with bruises on his arms and legs after completing a full course of amoxicillin/clavulanic acid of 625 mg twice a day for 5 days for tonsillitis. After several tests, the patient was diagnosed with thrombocytopenia induced by amoxicillin/clavulanic acid. The patient was treated with a corticosteroids taper regimen for 3 weeks. He was discharged after 3 days of inpatient treatment with instructions to avoid physical activity for 2 weeks. Two weeks post discharge, the follow-up showed that the platelet count had increased.

Discussion

Penicillin-induced thrombocytopenia has been previously reported in the inpatient setting where bleeding was observed. However, the patient in this case report presented with bruises on his arms and legs. The diagnosis was made by the process of elimination; not all possible tests were conducted. The patient was prescribed corticosteroids that are not indicated for drug-induced thrombocytopenia. The Naranjo scale showed that this is a probable adverse event of amoxicillin/clavulanic acid.

Conclusion

This is a unique case where amoxicillin/clavulanic acid was reported to be a probable cause of thrombocytopenia in an outpatient setting without signs of bleeding and without concomitant medications.
Effect of Raman Amplifier and Cyclic Prefix on O-OFDM System Using Phase Modulation
Authors: Kaur Harmandeep , Bhatia Kamajit Singh
Published: November 2014

The system performance of single channel OFDM at 10-Gbps data rate using phase modulation under the effect of Raman amplifier and varying cyclic prefix of OFDM signal is evaluated. Pump power of single pumping type co-propagating Raman amplifier is varied and the results are analyzed for different fiber length through simulation. Raman gain variation is observed with increasing Raman pump power and it shows that increasing the pump power will improve the system performance. Also it reveals the fact that with an application of Raman amplifier the transmission distance will increase. Further received electrical power is observed with variation in cyclic prefix. Electrical output power is detected in each case. Moreover optical spectrums are examined with and without amplifier.
An aberrant record of Hoatzin Opisthocomus hoazin (Statius Muller, 1976) (Aves: Opisthocomidae) in Venezuela
Authors: Buitrón-Jurado Galo
Published: November 2014

I report an aberrant record of Hoatzin Opisthocomus hoazin in the Andes of Lara, Venezuela. During field work in July 2011 in the Yacambú National Park, in an area of premontane cloud forest, I observed and photographed an individual of O. hoazin in El Blanquito reservoir. This is the first record of the species in Lara State, and apparently the highest record of the species in northern South America.
Dipsas sazimai Fernandes, Marques & Argolo, 2010 (Squamata: Dipsadidae): Distribution extension and new state record
Authors: Roberto Igor Joventino , Oliveira Cícero Ricardo de , Filho João Antonio de Araujo , Ávila Robson Waldemar
Published: November 2014

We provide the first record of Dipsas sazimai for the state of Pernambuco, at RPPN Pedra D’Antas, municipality of Jaqueira, extending the known distribution in 73 km north from the closest locality, municipality of Murici, state of Alagoas. The discovery of a new population of this rare snake reinforces the need of conservation of the reminiscent Atlantic forest of the Pernambuco Endemism Center.