bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cycling to work in London and inhaled dose of black carbon
Authors: Nwokoro Chinedu , Ewin Clare , Harrison Clare , Ibrahim Mubin , Dundas Isobel , Dickson Iain , Mushtaq Naseem , Grigg Jonathan
Published: February 2012

Modelling studies suggest that urban cycling is associated with an increased inhaled dose of fossil fuel-derived black carbon (BC). Using the amount of black material in airway macrophages as a marker of long-term inhaled BC, we sought to compare inhaled BC dose in London (UK) cyclists and non-cyclists.

Airway macrophage carbon was assessed in 28 (58%) out of 48 healthy adults (14 cyclists and 14 non-cyclists) who attended for induced sputum. Short-term (24 h) exposure to BC was assessed on a representative working day in 27 out of 28 subjects. Serum interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α were assessed in 26 out of the 28 subjects.

Cyclists were found to have increased airway macrophage carbon when compared with non-cyclists (mean±se1.81±0.21versus1.11±0.07 μm2; p<0.01). Short-term monitoring showed no difference in 24 h BC exposure between the two groups. However, cyclists were exposed to higher concentrations of BC during commuting (p<0.01). Airway macrophage carbon was associated with monitored commute BC (n=28; r=0.47, p<0.05). TNF-α was found to be increased in cyclists (p<0.05), but no other cytokines were increased.

Commuting to work by bicycle in London is associated with increased long-term inhaled dose of BC. Whether cyclingper seincreases inhaled BC dose remains unclear.
N-acetylcysteine supplementation for the prevention of atrial fibrillation after cardiac surgery: a meta-analysis of eight randomized controlled trials
Authors: Gu Wan-Jie , Wu Zhen-Jie , Wang Peng-Fei , Htet Aung Lynn Htet , Yin Rui-Xing
Published: February 2012

Background

Atrial fibrillation is the most common type of arrhythmia after cardiac surgery. An increasing body of evidence demonstrates that oxidative stress plays a pivotal role in the pathophysiology of atrial fibrillation. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a free radical scavenger, and may attenuate this pathophysiologic response and reduce the incidence of postoperative AF (POAF). However, it is unclear whether NAC could effectively prevent POAF. Therefore, this meta-analysis aims to assess the efficacy of NAC supplementation on the prevention of POAF.

Methods

Medline and Embase were systematically reviewed for studies published up to November 2011, in which NAC was compared with controls for adult patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Outcome measures comprised the incidence of POAF and hospital length of stay (LOS). The meta-analysis was performed with the fixed-effect model or random-effect model according to the heterogeneity.

Results

Eight randomized trials incorporating 578 patients provided the best evidence and were included in this meta-analysis. NAC supplementation significantly reduced the incidence of POAF (OR 0.62, 95% CI 0.41 to 0.93; P = 0.021) compared with controls, but had no effect on LOS (WMD -0.07, 95% CI -0.42 to 0.28; P = 0.703).

Conclusions

The prophylactic NAC supplementation may effectively reduce the incidence of POAF. However, the overall quality of current studies is poor and further research should focus on adequately powered randomized controlled trials with POAF incidence as a primary outcome measure.
Impact of metabolic comorbidity on the association between body mass index and health-related quality of life: a Scotland-wide cross-sectional study of 5,608 participants
Authors: Ul-Haq Zia , Mackay Daniel F , Fenwick Elisabeth , Pell Jill P
Published: February 2012

Background

The prevalence of obesity is rising in Scotland and globally. Overall, obesity is associated with increased morbidity, mortality and reduced health-related quality of life. Studies suggest that "healthy obesity" (obesity without metabolic comorbidity) may not be associated with morbidity or mortality. Its impact on health-related quality of life is unknown.

Methods

We extracted data from the Scottish Health Survey on self-reported health-related quality of life, body mass index (BMI), demographic information and comorbidity. SF-12 responses were converted into an overall health utility score. Linear regression analyses were used to explore the association between BMI and health utility, stratified by the presence or absence of metabolic comorbidity (diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia or cardiovascular disease), and adjusted for potential confounders (age, sex and deprivation quintile).

Results

Of the 5,608 individuals, 3,744 (66.8%) were either overweight or obese and 921 (16.4%) had metabolic comorbidity. There was an inverted U-shaped relationship whereby health utility was highest among overweight individuals and fell with increasing BMI. There was a significant interaction with metabolic comorbidity (p = 0.007). Individuals with metabolic comorbidty had lower utility scores and a steeper decline in utility with increasing BMI (morbidly obese, adjusted coefficient: -0.064, 95% CI -0.115, -0.012, p = 0.015 for metabolic comorbidity versus -0.042, 95% CI -0.067, -0.018, p = 0.001 for no metabolic comorbidity).

Conclusions

The adverse impact of obesity on health-related quality of life is greater among individuals with metabolic comorbidity. However, increased BMI is associated with reduced health-related quality of life even in the absence of metabolic comorbidity, casting doubt on the notion of "healthy obesity".
Absolute lymphocyte count is associated with survival in ovarian cancer independent of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes
Authors: Milne Katy , Alexander Cheryl , Webb John R , Sun Winnie , Dillon Kristy , Kalloger Steve E , Gilks C Blake , Clarke Blaise , Köbel Martin , Nelson Brad H
Published: February 2012

Background

The immune system strongly influences outcome in patients with ovarian cancer. In particular, the absolute lymphocyte count in peripheral blood (ALC) and the presence of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) have each been associated with favourable prognosis. However, the mechanistic relationships between ALC, TIL and prognosis are poorly understood. We hypothesized that high ALC values might be associated with stronger tumor immunity as manifested by increased TIL, decreased tumor burden and longer survival.

Methods

ALC values were collected from patient records ≥ 2 years before, during or after primary treatment for high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSC). Lymphocyte subsets were assessed in peripheral blood by flow cytometry. CD8+ and CD20+ TIL were assessed by immunohistochemistry.

Results

Overall, patients had normal ALC values two or more years prior to diagnosis of HGSC. These values were not predictive of disease severity or survival upon subsequent development of HGSC. Rather, ALC declined upon development of HGSC in proportion to disease burden. This decline involved all lymphocyte subsets. ALC increased following surgery, remained stable during chemotherapy, but rarely recovered to pre-diagnostic levels. ALC values recorded at diagnosis did not correlate with CD8+ or CD20+ TIL but were associated with progression-free survival.

Conclusions

Patients with high intrinsic ALC values show no clinical or survival advantage upon subsequent development of HGSC. ALC values at diagnosis are prognostic due to an association with disease burden rather than TIL. Therapeutic enhancement of ALC may be necessary but not sufficient to improve survival in HGSC.
Development of an ELISA-array for simultaneous detection of five encephalitis viruses
Authors: Kang Xiaoping , Li Yuchang , Fan Li , Lin Fang , Wei Jingjing , Zhu Xiaolei , Hu Yi , Li Jing , Chang Guohui , Zhu Qingyu , Liu Hong , Yang Yinhui
Published: February 2012

Japanese encephalitis virus(JEV), tick-borne encephalitis virus(TBEV), and eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV) can cause symptoms of encephalitis. Establishment of accurate and easy methods by which to detect these viruses is essential for the prevention and treatment of associated infectious diseases. Currently, there are still no multiple antigen detection methods available clinically. An ELISA-array, which detects multiple antigens, is easy to handle, and inexpensive, has enormous potential in pathogen detection. An ELISA-array method for the simultaneous detection of five encephalitis viruses was developed in this study. Seven monoclonal antibodies against five encephalitis-associated viruses were prepared and used for development of the ELISA-array. The ELISA-array assay is based on a "sandwich" ELISA format and consists of viral antibodies printed directly on 96-well microtiter plates, allowing for direct detection of 5 viruses. The developed ELISA-array proved to have similar specificity and higher sensitivity compared with the conventional ELISAs. This method was validated by different viral cultures and three chicken eggs inoculated with infected patient serum. The results demonstrated that the developed ELISA-array is sensitive and easy to use, which would have potential for clinical use.
Minocycline Markedly Reduces Acute Visceral Nociception via Inhibiting Neuronal ERK Phosphorylation
Authors: Cho Ik-Hyun , Lee Min Jung , Jang Minhee , Gwak Nam Gil , Lee Ka Yeon , Jung Hyuk-Sang
Published: February 2012

Background:

Minocycline prevents the development of neuropathic and inflammatory pain by inhibiting microglial activation and postsynaptic currents. But, how minocycline obviates acute visceral pain is unclear. The present study investigated whether minocycline had an any antinociceptive effect on acetic acid-induced acute abdominal pain after intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of saline or minocycline 1 hour before acetic acid injection (1.0%, 250 μl, i.p.).

Results:

Minocycline (4, 10, or 40 mg/kg) significantly decreased acetic acid-induced nociception (0–60 minutes post-injection) and the enhancement in the number of c-Fos positive cells in the T5-L2 spinal cord induced by acetic acid injection. Also, the expression of spinal phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (p-ERK) induced by acetic acid was reduced by minocycline pre-administration. Interestingly, intrathecal introduction of PD98059, an ERK upstream kinase inhibitor, markedly blocked the acetic acid-stimulated pain responses.

Conclusions:

These results demonstrate that minocycline effectively inhibits acetic acid-induced acute abdominal nociception via the inhibition of neuronal p-ERK expression in the spinal cord, and that minocycline may have therapeutic potential in suppressing acute abdominal pain.
The Expression of Spinal Methyl-CpG-Binding Protein 2, DNA Methyltransferases and Histone Deacetylases is Modulated in Persistent Pain States
Authors: Tochiki Keri K , Cunningham Joel , Hunt Stephen P , Géranton Sandrine M
Published: February 2012

Background:

DNA CpG methylation is carried out by DNA methyltransferases and induces chromatin remodeling and gene silencing through a transcription repressor complex comprising the methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MeCP2) and a subset of histone deacetylases. Recently, we have found that MeCP2 activity had a crucial role in the pattern of gene expression seen in the superficial dorsal horn rapidly after injection of Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA) in the rat ankle joint. The aim of the present study was to analyse the changes in expression of MeCP2, DNA methyltransferases and a subset of histone deacetylases in the superficial dorsal horn during the maintenance phase of persistent pain states. In this process, the cell specific expression of MeCP2 was also investigated.

Results:

Using immunohistochemistry, we found that neurones, oligodendrocytes and astrocytes expressed MeCP2. Microglia, oligodendrocyte precursor cells and Schwann cells never showed any positive stain for MeCP2. Quantitative analyses showed that MeCP2 expression was increased in the superficial dorsal horn 7 days following CFA injection in the ankle joint but decreased 7 days following spared nerve injury. Overall, the expression of DNA methyltransferases and a subset of histone deacetylases followed the same pattern of expression. However, there were no significant changes in the expression of the MeCP2 targets that we had previously shown are regulated in the early time points following CFA injection in the ankle joint. Finally, the expression of MeCP2 was also down regulated in damaged dorsal root ganglion neurones following spared nerve injury.

Conclusion:

Our results strongly suggest that changes in chromatin compaction, regulated by the binding of MeCP2 complexes to methylated DNA, are involved in the modulation of gene expression in the superficial dorsal horn and dorsal root ganglia during the maintenance of persistent pain states.
The human side of influenza
Authors: Oshansky Christine M , Thomas Paul G
Published: February 2012

Review of immunity to influenza virus infection in humans, noting evidence from murine studies and suggesting directions in which future research is most needed.

A clear understanding of immunity in individuals infected with influenza virus is critical for the design of effective vaccination and treatment strategies. Whereas myriad studies have teased apart innate and adaptive immune responses to influenza infection in murine models, much less is known about human immunity as a result of the ethical and technical constraints of human research. Still, these murine studies have provided important insights into the critical correlates of protection and pathogenicity in human infection and helped direct the human studies that have been conducted. Here, we examine and review the current literature on immunity in humans infected with influenza virus, noting evidence offered by select murine studies and suggesting directions in which future research is most warranted.
Analytical computation of the full gravity tensor of a homogeneous arbitrarily shaped polyhedral source using line integrals
Authors: Tsoulis Dimitrios
Published: February 2012

The analytical computation of the full gravity tensor from a polyhedral source of homogeneous density is presented, with emphasis on its algorithmic implementation. The theoretical development is based on the subsequent transition of the general expressions from volume to surface and from surface to line integrals, defined along the closed polygons building each polyhedral face. However, the accurate numerical computation of the obtained transcendental expressions is linked with the relative position of the computation point and its corresponding projections on the plane of each face and on the line of each segment with respect to the polygons defining each face. Depending on this geometric setup, the application of the divergence theorem of Gauss leads to the appearance of additional correction terms, valid only for these boundary conditions and crucial for the correct numerical evaluation of the polyhedral-related gravity quantities at those locations of the computation point. A program in Fortran is supplied and thoroughly documented; it computes the gravitational potential, its first-order derivatives, and the full gradiometric tensor at arbitrary space points due to a general polyhedral source of constant density.
Higher-order schemes for 3D first-arrival traveltimes and amplitudes
Authors: Luo Songting , Qian Jianliang , Zhao Hongkai
Published: February 2012

In the geometrical-optics approximation for the Helmholtz equation with a point source, traveltimes and amplitudes have upwind singularities at the point source. Hence, both first-order and higher-order finite-difference solvers exhibit formally at most first-order convergence and relatively large errors. Such singularities can be factored out by factorizing traveltimes and amplitudes, where one factor is specified to capture the corresponding source singularity and the other factor is an unknown function smooth near the source. The resulting underlying unknown functions satisfy factored eikonal and transport equations, respectively. A third-order Lax-Friedrichs scheme is designed to compute the underlying functions. Thus, highly accurate first-arrival traveltimes and reliable amplitudes can be computed. Furthermore, asymptotic wavefields are constructed using computed traveltimes and amplitudes in the WKBJ form. Two-dimensional and 3D examples demonstrate the performance of the proposed algorithms, and the constructed WKBJ Green’s functions are in good agreement with direct solutions of the Helmholtz equation before caustics occur.
Flow noise reduction from superhydrophobic surfaces
Authors: Elboth Thomas , Pettersson Reif Bjørn Anders , Andreassen Øyvind , Martell Michael B.
Published: February 2012

This work investigates how a highly (super)hydrophobic surface can be used to reduce turbulence-generated drag and noise on a towed streamer cable. The work is done by analyzing full-scale drag and flow noise measurements taken on a commercial seismic streamer in combination with direct numerical simulations of turbulence-generated flow noise. The main findings are that viscous drag and flow noise can be significantly reduced on a seismic streamer that is coated to make the surface highly hydrophobic. In an ocean towing test, a 4% reduction of drag on a streamer section was measured. In a separate test on a commercial seismic vessel, a reduction in the flow noise level of nearly 50% (6 dB) for frequencies below 10 Hz was found. Based upon an analysis of numerical simulation data, it is suggested that the reduction in drag and noise can be attributed to a reduced level of shear stress and change in the kinematic structure of the turbulence, both of which occur in the immediate vicinity of the highly hydrophobic surface.
Msx1 is expressed in retina endothelial cells at artery branching sites
Authors: Lopes Miguel , Goupille Olivier , Saint Cloment Cécile , Robert Benoît
Published: February 2012

Msx1 and Msx2 encode homeodomain transcription factors that play a role in several embryonic developmental processes. Previously, we have shown that in the adult mouse, Msx1lacZ is expressed in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and pericytes, and that Msx2lacZ is also expressed in VSMCs as well as in a few endothelial cells (ECs). The mouse retina and choroid are two highly vascularized tissues. Vessel alterations in the retina are associated with several human diseases and the retina has been intensely used for angiogenesis studies, whereas the choroid has been much less investigated. Using the Msx1lacZ and Msx2lacZ reporter alleles, we observed that Msx2 is not expressed in the eye vascular tree in contrast to Msx1, for which we establish the spatial and temporal expression pattern in these tissues. In the retina, expression of Msx1 takes place from P3, and by P10, it becomes confined to a subpopulation of ECs at branching points of superficial arterioles. These branching sites are characterized by a subpopulation of mural cells that also show specific expression programs. Specific Msx gene inactivation in the endothelium, using Msx1 and Msx2 conditional mutant alleles together with a Tie2-Cre transgene, did not lead to conspicuous structural defects in the retinal vascular network. Expression of Msx1 at branching sites might therefore be linked to vessel physiology. The retinal blood flow is autonomously regulated and perfusion of capillaries has been proposed to depend on arteriolar precapillary structures that might be the sites for Msx1 expression. On the other hand, branching sites are subject to shear stress that might induce Msx1 expression. In the choroid vascular layer Msx1lacZ is expressed more broadly and dynamically. At birth Msx1lacZ expression takes place in the endothelium but at P21 its expression has shifted towards the mural layer. We discuss the possible functions of Msx1 in the eye vasculature.
A comprehensive analysis of reassortment in influenza A virus
Authors: de Silva U. Chandimal , Tanaka Hokuto , Nakamura Shota , Goto Naohisa , Yasunaga Teruo
Published: February 2012

Genetic reassortment plays a vital role in the evolution of the influenza virus and has historically been linked with the emergence of pandemic strains. Reassortment is believed to occur when a single host - typically swine - is simultaneously infected with multiple influenza strains. The reassorted viral strains with novel gene combinations tend to easily evade the immune system in other host species, satisfying the basic requirements of a virus with pandemic potential. Therefore, it is vital to continuously monitor the genetic content of circulating influenza strains and keep an eye out for new reassortants. We present a new approach to identify reassortants from large data sets of influenza whole genome nucleotide sequences and report the results of the first ever comprehensive search for reassortants of all published influenza A genomic data. 35 of the 52 well supported candidate reassortants we found are reported here for the first time while our analysis method offers new insight that enables us to draw a more detailed picture of the origin of some of the previously reported reassortants. A disproportionately high number (13/52) of the candidate reassortants found were the result of the introduction of novel hemagglutinin and/or neuraminidase genes into a previously circulating virus. The method described in this paper may contribute towards automating the task of routinely searching for reassortants among newly sequenced strains.
Interactions between the amnioserosa and the epidermis revealed by the function of the u-shaped gene
Authors: Lada Karolina , Gorfinkiel Nicole , Martinez Arias Alfonso
Published: February 2012

Dorsal closure (DC) is an essential step during Drosophila development whereby a hole is sealed in the dorsal epidermis and serves as a model for cell sheet morphogenesis and wound healing. It involves the orchestrated interplay of transcriptional networks and dynamic regulation of cell machinery to bring about shape changes, mechanical forces, and emergent properties. Here we provide insight into the regulation of dorsal closure by describing novel autonomous and non-autonomous roles for U-shaped (Ush) in the amnioserosa, the epidermis, and in mediation of communication between the tissues. We identified Ush by gene expression microarray analysis of Dpp signaling targets and show that Ush mediates some DC functions of Dpp. By selectively restoring Ush function in either the AS or the epidermis in ush mutants, we show that the AS makes a greater (Ush-dependent) contribution to closure than the epidermis. A signal from the AS induces epidermal cell elongation and JNK activation in the DME, while cable formation requires Ush on both sides of the leading edge, i.e. in both the AS and epidermis. Our study demonstrates that the amnioserosa and epidermis communicate at several steps during the process: sometimes the epidermis instructs the amnioserosa, other times the AS instructs the epidermis, and still other times they appear to collaborate.
NuRD-dependent DNA methylation prevents ES cells from accessing a trophectoderm fate
Authors: Latos Paulina A. , Helliwell Christine , Mosaku Olukunbi , Dudzinska Dominika A. , Stubbs Bryony , Berdasco Maria , Esteller Manel , Hendrich Brian
Published: February 2012

Embryonic Stem (ES) cells are able to give rise to the three germ layers of the embryo but are prevented from contributing to the trophoblast. The molecular nature of this barrier between embryonic and trophectodermal cell fates is not clear, but is known to involve DNA methylation. Here we demonstrate that the Nucleosome Remodeling and Deacetylation (NuRD) co-repressor complex maintains the developmental barrier between embryonic and trophectodermal cell fates by maintaining transcriptional silencing of trophectoderm determinant genes in ES cells. We further show that NuRD activity facilitates DNA methylation of several of its target promoters, where it acts non-redundantly with DNA methylation to enforce transcriptional silencing. NuRD-deficient ES cells fail to completely silence expression of the trophectoderm determinant genes Elf5 and Eomes, but this alone is not sufficient to induce transdifferentiation towards the trophectoderm fate. Rather this leaves ES cells capable of activating expression of trophectoderm-specific genes in response to appropriate extracellular signals, enabling them to commit to a trophectodermal cell fate. Our findings clarify the molecular nature of the developmental barrier between the embryonic and trophoblast cell fates, and establish a role for NuRD activity in specifying sites for de novo DNA methylation.
Modeling and Optimization of Power Coefficient using Statistical Design of Experiment Method
Authors: Arifujjaman Md
Published: February 2012

The main objective of this paper is to model the power coefficient in order to optimize the design of a horizontal axis wind turbine rotor to ensure the optimum aerodynamic power production, based on statistical Design of Experiment (DOE). Sophisticated aerodynamics of the wind turbine and blade geometry is discussed and used to generate the optimum chord and twist distribution of the rotating blades. The dependent variables for the power coefficient are found to be as the pitch angle, number of blades, and chord and twist distribution. A nonlinear model of the power coefficient based on the dependent variable and their interactions is investigated with the adoption in a 2K factorial design. The significance of the variables as well as the power coefficient model is ensured by the analysis of variance table and scree plots. Interaction plots revealed that the high value of pitch angle and low value of number of blades has the dominant contribution on the power coefficient, while chord and twist distribution is less significant. The results obtained can be used for feasibility study, optimization, and control of the wind turbine system.
Sliding Mode Control for Wind Energy Grid-Connected Converter with LCL Filter
Authors: Wang Peng , Iiu Leipo , Han Zhengzhi , Cai Xu
Published: February 2012

In the wind energy system, high power grid-connected converter is commonly used, and a LCL filter is widely used to eliminate the harmonics of switching frequency. However, the LCL filter may cause the instability and the loss of unity power factor. The later cannot be compensated by controlling the converter side currents. In this paper, a new control scheme of sliding mode technique is presented to increase the power factor and to stabilize the system from the low frequency resonance. It is shown that the stability is quite robust. Simulation is carried out by Matlab/Simulink/Powersystem for static and dynamic characteristics. The results show the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Equivalent RHS Approach for the Design of EHS in Axial Compression or Bending
Authors: Haque Tarana , Packer Jeffrey A. , Zhao Xiao-Ling
Published: February 2012

The use of steel elliptical hollow sections (EHS) has grown steadily, but the implementation of EHS has been done without appropriate design guidelines or procedures. A pragmatic objective has been to develop a section conversion method to transform the EHS into an equivalent shape for which design equations and guidelines already exist. This paper further explores the equivalent RHS (rectangular hollow section) approach for member design. By using the equivalent RHS approach to convert the EHS into an equivalent RHS, the validity of existing RHS cross-section classification limits and member design equations are demonstrated for EHS columns subjected to axial compression that buckle about the major axis and the minor axis, and EHS beams subjected to bending about the major axis and the minor axis. The equivalent RHS approach is a single consistent and rational procedure, and it is shown to be a viable method for designing EHS compression members and flexural members.
Mechanical characteristics of doped soda-lime silica glass
Authors: Suszynska M. , Szmida M. , Cizman A.
Published: February 2012

The aim of the work described was to investigate the effect of the glass microstructure, changed during chemical and thermal treatments, upon the micro-hardness and microcracking of the exchanged specimens. Commercially available soda-lime silicate glass samples have been doped with copper. After ion-exchange, some of the specimens were annealed in the hydrogen atmosphere. Transmission electron microscopy, the XRD and electron diffraction techniques were used to characterize the microstructure of the glass-composites. Additionally, the linear thermal expansion coefficient was measured. The detected strengthening effects have been explained by supposing the formation of copper oxide and some mixed sodium-copper silicates. The induced decrease of the thermal expansion coefficient of this layer results in the formation of strong compressive stresses.
Application of cohesive-zone models to delamination behaviour of composite material
Authors: Peng L. , Gong X. , Wong K. , Guillaumat L.
Published: February 2012

The parameters of cohesive elements have to be chosen correctly in the simulation of composite delamination by finite element method: such as interface strength, interface stiffness and shape of cohesive law. The purpose of this work is to investigate their influence on the accuracy of the results obtained. A three-dimensional cohesive-zone model has been established using Ls-dyna to simulate Double-Cantilever-Beam mode I (DCB) and Edge-Notched-Flexure mode II (ENF) tests. The influence of these parameters of cohesive element on the maximum load and the slope of load-displacement curve have been discussed by comparing experimental and numerical results. Four traction-separation laws: bilinear, linear-parabolic, exponential and trapezoidal were considered associated with a large variation of the interface strength and of the initial interface stiffness.
Magnetism and half-metallicity of some Cr-based alloys and their potential for application in spintronic devices
Authors: Liu Yong , Bose S. , Kudrnovský J.
Published: February 2012

We present results of the exchange interactions and Curie temperatures in some Cr-based chalcogenides and pnictides. The calculations are performed mostly for Zinc Blende (ZB) structure with the lattice parameter varying between 5.45 and 6.6 Å, appropriate for some typical II-VI and III-V semiconducting substrates. Electronic structure is calculated via the linear muffintin-orbitals method and disorder effects, when appropriate, are taken into account via the coherent potential approximation. Calculated exchange interactions are used to estimate the Curie temperature by employing the mean-field and the random phase approximations. For CrTe we compare the results of the ZB and Rock-Salt (RS) structures.
The natural structure of woven 2D fabrics to reinforce textile composites
Authors: Choogin V. , Chepelyuk E. , Bandara P. , Hui D.
Published: February 2012

Development of the theory of natural structure of woven fabric for warp and weft threads in woven fabric upon release from external loadings in the woven machine on the basis of the principle of minimization of potential energy is presented. The method of calculation of the forces interaction between the warp and weft threads in the woven fabric structure is shown. Spontaneous change of the disposition of threads in the fabric structure after the removal of external loadings takes place by minimization of the total potential energy level of the deformed threads. The method of calculation of the key parameters of threads in the structure of a woven 2 dimensional fabric is achieved on the basis of the theory of mechanics. The work can be extended to cover industrial types of fabrics to reinforce textile composites.
Numerical modelling of castellated beams with hexagonal openings
Authors: Mimoune Mostefa , Soltani Mohammed , Bouchair Abdelhamid
Published: February 2012

In this paper, a numerical model is developed to predict the behaviour of castellated beams with hexagonal. The numerical model takes into account both material and geometric non-linearity. To initiate buckling, an initial small out-of-plane geometric imperfection, obtained from an eigenvalues buckling analysis, was imposed to the model. Calibration with experimental data obtained from previous work shows that the model is able to predict, with relatively good accuracy, the ultimate load. A parametric study is then followed to determine the effect of web thickness, yielding stress and opening height on the ultimate load of the beams. Based on the parametric studies results, the accuracy of the cross-section classification for castellated beams proposed in the Annex N of Eurocode 3 is assessed.
Shape memory effect and thermomechanical properties of shape memory polymer fabric composite in tension mode
Authors: Ahmad Manzoor , Luo J. , Singh Dheraj , Miraftab Mohsen
Published: February 2012

Fibers and fabrics are often used to reinforce shape memory polymers (SMPs) to improve their mechanical strength and properties, and the composites have been widely used in engineering. However incorporation of fibers and fabrics in SMPs are often accompanied with the degradation of thermal mechanical properties and shape memory effect. The thermomechanical properties and degradation mechanisms of a shape-memory polymer composite (SMPC) were investigated. Up to 100% extension, the SMPCs showed good shape memory effect with excellent recovery ratio, recovery stress and mechanical properties; while beyond that the recovery ratio and stress of the composites deteriorate rapidly due to the significant delamination and debonding of fibers and fabrics from the SMP resin and accumulation of broken fibers.
Long-term results of conventional varus half-wedge proximal femoral osteotomy for the treatment of osteonecrosis of the femoral head
Authors: Ito H. , Tanino H. , Yamanaka Y. , Nakamura T. , Takahashi D. , Minami A. , Matsuno T.
Published: February 2012

We have previously described the mid- to long-term results of conventional simple varus intertrochanteric osteotomy for osteonecrosis of the femoral head, showing that 19 of the 26 hips had good or excellent results. We extended the follow-up to a mean of 18.1 years (10.5 to 26) including a total of 34 hips in 28 patients, with a mean age at surgery of 33 years (19 to 53). There were 18 men and ten women and 25 hips (74%) had a satisfactory result with a Harris hip score ≥ 80. In all, six hips needed total hip replacement (THR) or hemiarthroplasty. The collapse of the femoral head or narrowing of the joint space was found to have progressed in nine hips (26%). Leg shortening after osteotomy was a mean of 19 mm (8 to 36). With conversion to THR or hemiarthroplasty as the endpoint, the ten-year survival rate was 88.2% (95% confidence interval (CI) 82.7 to 93.7) and the 20-year survival rate was 79.7% (95% CI 72.1 to 87.3); four hips were converted at ten years and other two hips were converted at 20 years.

Shortening of the leg after osteotomy remains a concern; however, the conventional varus half-wedge osteotomy provides favourable long-term results in hips with less than two-thirds of the medial part of the femoral head affected by necrotic bone and with normal bone superolaterally.
Application of Raman Multivariate Curve Resolution to Solvation-Shell Spectroscopy
Authors: Fega Kathryn Rebecca , Wilcox Avid Scott , Ben-Amotz Dor
Published: February 2012

Raman spectroscopy and multivariate curve resolution (Raman-MCR) are combined to yield a powerful spectroscopic method for identifying solute-induced perturbations of solvent molecules. The principles and applications of the resulting solvation-shell spectroscopy are described and illustrated using both numerical model spectra and experimental Raman spectra, including water in acetone and aqueous OH−, as well as of both neutral and ionic acetic acid solutions. The results illustrate the quantitative capabilities of Raman-MCR as a solvation-shell spectroscopy, including fundamental limitations arising from “intensity” and “rotational” ambiguities.
An Optical Fiber Sensor for Remote pH Sensing and Imaging
Authors: Wang Jian , Wang Lili
Published: February 2012

A fiber-optical probe for pH sensing and real-time imaging is successfully fabricated by connecting a polymer imaging fiber and a gradient index (GRIN) lens rod which was modified with a sensing film. By employing an improved metallographic microscope, an optical system is designed to cooperate with the probe. This novel technique has high-quality imaging capabilities for observing remote samples while measuring pH. The linear range of the probe is pH 1.2–3.5. This technique overcomes the difficulty that high-quality images cannot be obtained when directly using conventional imaging bundles for pH sensing and imaging. As preliminary applications, the corrosion behavior of an iron screw and the reaction process of rust were investigated in buffer solutions of pH 2.0 and 2.9, respectively. The experiment demonstrated that the pH values of the analytes' surface were higher than that of buffer solutions due to the chemical reaction. It provides great potential for applications in optical multifunctional detection, especially in chemical sensing and biosensing.
Comparison of two sequential separation methods for U and Th determination in environmental samples by alpha-particle spectrometry
Authors: Lehritani M. , Mantero J. , Casacuberta N. , Masqué P. , García-Tenorio R.
Published: February 2012

This paper deals with radiochemical procedures for U and Th determination (238U, 234U, 232Th and 230Th) via alpha spectrometry in water and sediment samples. After checking a separation process based on chromatographic extraction (using UTEVA resins), a detailed comparison with another separation process (liquid–liquid solvent extraction using tri-n-butyl phosphate-TBP) has been performed. Both separation processes were applied in environmental liquid and solid samples and the two separation methods were compared in order to find the more suitable separation process attending on parameters such as chemical yields, interference elimination, time-consuming, reagents used and generated wastes, among others. As major result, we can indicate the UTEVA separation process as a better option than TBP in U and Th isotopes determination by alpha-particle spectrometry.
Permission to Dissent: Civil Religion and the Radio Western, 1933–1960
Authors: Wedel Kip Anthony
Published: February 2012

Radio drama gave Americans a new form of commercial entertainment in the 1930s, but the stories themselves contained time-honored elements. One of these was the rhetorical tradition scholars have identified as American civil religion. Radio Westerns were particularly well suited to promulgate familiar civil religion themes. They described the United States as an instrument of divine will in history, celebrated Americans as pious people, and associated national expansion with the implementation of God's will.

The Lone Rangerwas the most famous Western to articulate these themes. The show's writers consciously sought to create in their hero a “composite of all men who uphold the laws of God and man.” During its long broadcast history from 1933 to 1954, the show attracted a large audience and inspired publishing, film, and television ventures. By the late 1940s, however, owing in part to World War II and in part to the Cold War, some Americans on both sides of the microphone found the old formula unsatisfactory.

Gunsmoke, which premiered in 1951, exemplified a second generation of radio Westerns. Though still civil religious, these Westerns located the United States' religious significance less in national triumph than in personal triumphs of its citizens. In doing so, they critiqued the earlier Westerns and shifted from what Martin E. Marty has called the “priestly” to the “prophetic” form of civil religion. Their impatience with the older Westerns' use of civil religion also paralleled theological critiques of the popular Christianity of the 1950s.
“Outside the Shul”: The American Soviet Jewry Movement and the Rise of Solidarity Orthodoxy, 1964–1986
Authors: Ferziger Adam S.
Published: February 2012

Concern for the plight of Soviet Jewry grew steadily from the early 1950s. The rise of this issue to the forefront of American Jewish consciousness, however, was driven by the broader protest movement that emerged in the mid-1960s. Its central goal was to ensure civic and religious rights for Jewish residents of the Soviet Union, with a particular emphasis on the ability to emigrate. The movement's peak impact was in the 1970s. This decade witnessed the proliferation of grassroots organizations throughout the United States, along with the adoption of a more activist orientation by large segments of the American Jewish establishment.

To date, minimal attention has been paid to the place of the Soviet Jewry movement in the religious history of American Judaism. The article's investigation of American Orthodoxy's role is intended to confront this lacuna and describes the central role played by Orthodox Jews in the rise and development of the Soviet Jewry movement. Through their actions, the members of this segment of American Jewry experienced a role reversal in which they helped to redefine the nature of the Jewish relationship to the public sphere. Simultaneously, such activism sharpened the internal divide between Modern Orthodoxy and its traditionalist counterparts who opposed demonstrations, encouraged quiet diplomacy, and were loathe to work in unison with the broader Jewish community. Through their involvement in a core Jewish activity that entailed partnership with non-Orthodox Jews in efforts for their common brethren, a generation of Modern Orthodox leaders arose that made Jewish solidarity a central expression of their Orthodox religious identities.
The Shadow Theater of Prostitution in French Colonial Tonkin
Authors: Tracol-Huynh Isabelle
Published: February 2012

Prostitution in French colonial Tonkin was highly regulated and closely monitored by vice-squad police, physicians, administrators, and even by journalists. As a result, reports from these sources have preserved a wealth of information on the subject. Yet the records present prostitutes as faceless, nameless figures. They lived in the shadows of colonial cities, were forced to work in brothels or in their homes, not in the streets, and forced to hide from the police for fear of being locked up. Their stories now live on in the shadows of the colonial archives where the historian sifts through the fragmentary and often distorted traces of their existence.
Episodic Circulatory Collapse Caused by Intermittent Prosthetic Aortic Valve Dysfunction
Authors: Rajathurai Thirumaran , Shivu Ganesh Nallur , Wheeler Richard
Published: February 2012

An 80-year-old woman with a 20-mm Medtronic Hall (tilting-disc) aortic prosthesis presented with episodes of chest pain associated with circulatory collapse and subsequent rapid spontaneous recovery. A computed tomography angiogram demonstrated no evidence of aortic dissection, pulmonary embolus, or coronary artery disease. A transthoracic echocardiogram demonstrated a well-functioning prosthetic aortic valve. After another inpatient episode, auscultation demonstrated an intermittent absence of the prosthetic second heart sound. A transesophageal echocardiography examination revealed that the aortic valve was intermittently sticking in the open position. During the emergency replacement, the existing valve was noted to have pannus and overlying thrombus, which are rare in this type of valve but can lead to dramatic circulatory collapse when present. This case demonstrates how a diagnosis of intermittent valve dysfunction can prove elusive. It is important, as part of the assessment of mechanical valves, to perform regular, careful auscultation and echocardiographic examination, with emphasis on recording in Doppler or M-mode through the valve at slow sweep speeds for a prolonged period in order to maximize the chance of diagnosing episodic valve dysfunction.
Efficacy of Cut-and-Sew Box Isolation of the Posterior Left Atrium for Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation�Long-term Follow-up after a Modified Maze Procedure
Authors: Laszlo Roman , Graze Hanna , Haas Christian , Kettering Klaus , Aebert Hermann , Ziemer Gerhard , Gawaz Meinrad , Schreieck J�rgen
Published: February 2012

Background: Box isolation of the posterior left atrium is one surgical or catheter ablative approach for treating atrial fibrillation (AF). In such cases, incomplete transmurality or recovery of pulmonary vein conduction after the application of various ablative techniques is considered the main reason for the recurrence of postprocedural arrhythmia. The use of solely cut-and-sew box isolation does not have these disadvantages and therefore demonstrates maximum efficacy for this therapeutic approach.

Methods: We treated 15 patients with both an indication for open heart surgery and AF (2 paroxysmal, 6 short persistent [<12 months], and 7 long persistent [>12 months] cases) with a solely cut-and-sew box lesion. These patients were then retrospectively followed up over the long term with respect to the end point of freedom of atrial tachyarrhythmias >30 seconds.

Results: The median follow-up duration was 42 months (range, 32-84 months). Five (63%) of 8 patients with preoperative paroxysmal or short persistent AF had no arrhythmia recurrence, whereas arrhythmia recurrence was documented in all 7 patients with preoperative long persistent AF.

Conclusions: Despite reliable transmural isolation with cut-and-sew lesions, we observed long-term arrhythmia recurrence in patients who had preoperative paroxysmal or short persistent AF, suggesting that therapy approaches that are more complex than box isolation might be needed for selected patients to achieve long-term stable sinus rhythm, despite the initially paroxysmal or short persistent character of the arrhythmia. A high rate of recurrence in patients with severe structural heart disease and preoperative long persistent AF might indicate that, in general, isolation of the left posterior atrium alone is not an adequate therapeutic approach for these patients.
Shortness of Breath: Pulmonary Embolism, Ischemic Heart Failure, or Both? The Role of Concomitant Surgery
Authors: Firstenberg Michael S. , Abel Erik , Higgins Robert S. D. , Sirak John H. , Sai-Sudhakar Chittoor B. , Kilic Ahmet , Crestanello Juan
Published: February 2012

We present a case of a patient who underwent successful concomitant surgical management of his massive pulmonary embolism and severe multivessel coronary disease. His presentation with shortness of breath prompted a comprehensive evaluation, which revealed both problems. This experience emphasizes the importance of considering both problems, because treating one but not the other could be catastrophic.
Temperature-Sensitive and Circadian Oscillators ofNeurospora crassaShare Components
Authors: Hunt Suzanne , Elvin Mark , Heintzen Christian
Published: February 2012

In Neurospora crassa, the interactions between products of the frequency (frq), frequency-interacting RNA helicase (frh), white collar-1 (wc-1), and white collar-2 (wc-2) genes establish a molecular circadian clockwork, called the FRQ-WC-Oscillator (FWO), which is required for the generation of molecular and overt circadian rhythmicity. In strains carrying nonfunctional frq alleles, circadian rhythms in asexual spore development (conidiation) are abolished in constant conditions, yet conidiation remains rhythmic in temperature cycles. Certain characteristics of these temperature-synchronized rhythms have been attributed to the activity of a FRQ-less oscillator (FLO). The molecular components of this FLO are as yet unknown. To test whether the FLO depends on other circadian clock components, we created a strain that carries deletions in the frq, wc-1, wc-2, and vivid (vvd) genes. Conidiation in this ΔFWO strain was still synchronized to cyclic temperature programs, but temperature-induced rhythmicity was distinct from that seen in single frq knockout strains. These results and other evidence presented indicate that components of the FWO are part of the temperature-induced FLO.