bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the efficacy of an exercise program for pregnant women with low back and pelvic pain: a prospective randomized controlled trial
Authors: Ozdemir Serpil , Bebis Hatice , Ortabag Tulay , Acikel Cengizhan
Published: March 2015

Aim

To evaluate the effect of exercise programs on pregnant women with pregnancy‐related low back and pelvic pain.

Background

Low back and pelvic pain during pregnancy is a major health problem due to its frequent occurrence and such pain can limit pregnant women in many of their daily activities.

Design

A randomized trial with a control group (n = 48) and an intervention group (n = 48). Trial registration number NCT02189356.

Methods

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, between December 2011–May 2012, an Education and Research Hospital in Turkey. Based on the intention‐to‐treat principle, all pregnant women were analysed according to the group they were assigned to, regardless of whether they received the intervention or not. Participants in the intervention group received health counselling and exercised regarding low back and pelvic pain for four weeks. The pregnant women in the control group received usual care, comprised of routine clinical practice for pregnancy‐related low back and pelvic pain.

Results

According to Mann–Whitney U test analysis results, there was a statistically significant difference between the control and intervention groups’ Visual Analogue Scale during relaxation scores and Visual Analogue Scale during activity scores at the end of the study. According to Mann–Whitney U test analysis results, the change in the mean Oswestry Disability Index score for the intervention group and the difference in the mean scores between the two groups was statistically significant.

Conclusions

A four‐week exercise program including individualized health counselling to relieve low back and pelvic pain improved the functional status in pregnant women.
Does the Well‐Being of Individuals with Down Syndrome and Dementia Improve When Using Life Story Books and Rummage Boxes? A Randomized Single Case Series Experiment
Authors: Crook Nicola , Adams Malcolm , Shorten Nicola , Langdon Peter E.
Published: March 2015

Background

This study investigated whether a personalized life story book and rummage box enhanced well‐being and led to changes in behaviour for people with Down syndrome (DS) who have dementia.

Materials and Methods

A randomized single case series design was used with five participants who had DS and a diagnosis of dementia. Participants were invited to take part in three conditions at random (i) life story book, (ii) rummage box and (iii) no‐intervention condition.

Results

The two reminiscence conditions were significantly associated with enhanced well‐being as compared to the no‐intervention condition. However, for one participant, the life story book was associated with significantly higher well‐being, while for another participant, the rummage box was associated with significantly higher well‐being, suggesting some participants may prefer one method over another.

Conclusions

Personalized life story books and rummage boxes are associated with higher levels of well‐being for people with DS and dementia.
Absolute quantification of DcR3 and GDF15 from human serum by LC‐ESI MS
Authors: Lancrajan Ioana , Schneider‐Stock Regine , Naschberger Elisabeth , Schellerer Vera S. , Stürzl Michael , Enz Ralf
Published: March 2015

Biomarkers are widely used in clinical diagnosis, prognosis and therapy monitoring. Here, we developed a protocol for the efficient and selective enrichment of small and low concentrated biomarkers from human serum, involving a 95% effective depletion of high‐abundant serum proteins by partial denaturation and enrichment of low‐abundant biomarkers by size exclusion chromatography. The recovery of low‐abundance biomarkers was above 97%. Using this protocol, we quantified the tumour markers DcR3 and growth/differentiation factor (GDF)15 from 100 μl human serum by isotope dilution mass spectrometry, using 15N metabolically labelled and concatamerized fingerprint peptides for the both proteins. Analysis of three different fingerprint peptides for each protein by liquid chromatography electrospray ionization mass spectrometry resulted in comparable concentrations in three healthy human serum samples (DcR3: 27.23 ± 2.49 fmol/ml; GDF15: 98.11 ± 0.49 fmol/ml). In contrast, serum levels were significantly elevated in tumour patients for DcR3 (116.94 ± 57.37 fmol/ml) and GDF15 (164.44 ± 79.31 fmol/ml). Obtained data were in good agreement with ELISA and qPCR measurements, as well as with literature data. In summary, our protocol allows the reliable quantification of biomarkers, shows a higher resolution at low biomarker concentrations than antibody‐based strategies, and offers the possibility of multiplexing. Our proof‐of‐principle studies in patient sera encourage the future analysis of the prognostic value of DcR3 and GDF15 for colon cancer patients in larger patient cohorts.
Workplace Dignity: Communicating Inherent, Earned, and Remediated Dignity
Authors: Lucas Kristen
Published: March 2015

Extant research on dignity at work has revealed conditions that contribute to indignity, employees’ responses to dignity threats, and ways in which employees’ inherent dignity is undermined. But while dignity – and specifically indignity – is theorized as a phenomenon subjectively experienced and judged by individuals, little research has privileged workers’ own perspectives. In this study, working adults reveal how they personally experience and understand meanings of dignity at work. I describe three core components of workplace dignity and the communicative exchanges through which dignity desires commonly are affirmed or denied: inherent dignity as recognized by respectful interaction, earned dignity as recognized by messages of competence and contribution, and remediated dignity as recognized by social interactions and organizational practices that conceal the instrumental and unequal nature of work. Based on theoretical insights drawn from examining the relationships between these components, I argue that workplace dignity is a phenomenon theoretically distinct from human dignity.
Agonistic sounds and swim bladder morphology in a malapterurid electric catfish
Authors: Boyle K. S. , Bolen G. , Parmentier E.
Published: March 2015

Several catfish families possess an elastic spring apparatus (ESA) morphology that is assumed to function as a swim bladder drumming sound production mechanism. Although they have an ESA, drumming sounds in the electric catfish (Malapteruridae) have not been described. We have recorded several different sound types in Malapterurus beninensis and we examined the morphology of the swim bladder, the ESA and the ultrastructure of the protractor muscle. The protractor muscle contains small rounded muscle fibers with abundant mitochondria, narrow myofibrils, elaborated sarcoplasmic reticula and sometimes sarcoplasmic cores. Contractions of the protractor muscle should pull the Müllerian ramus (MR) and attached swim bladder anteriorly. Further, the MR possesses an anterior fulcrum that abuts upon the vertebral complex. Several sound types were elicited during agonistic interactions in the laboratory. We observed ratchet, click train and mouth sounds. Mouth sounds are single event, low‐frequency (mean dominant frequency 176 Hz) sounds that coincide with a bite‐like motion. Ratchet and click sounds are high‐frequency (mean dominant frequency 1568 and 3739 Hz, respectively) and occur in trains. Ratchet and click train sound characteristics are not indicative of a muscle‐driven drumming sound predicted by ESA morphology. We propose several hypotheses for these sound production mechanisms. Click sounds, in particular, could result from gas movement through the neck between the anterior and posterior swim bladder chambers.
EEG biomarkers of target engagement, therapeutic effect, and disease process
Authors: Featherstone Robert E. , McMullen Mary F. , Ward Katelyn R. , Bang Jakyung , Xiao Jane , Siegel Steven J.
Published: March 2015

Studies suggest that abnormalities in glutamate and GABA signaling contribute to deficits in schizophrenia and related conditions and that these neurochemical abnormalities produce changes in electroencephalographic (EEG) indices, including event‐related potentials and event‐related power within specific frequency ranges. Furthermore, clinical studies suggest that a subset of EEG biomarkers is associated with symptoms. This review addresses the relationship between EEG and behavior in preclinical models of N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA)‐receptor hypofunction, as well as how these models can be used to screen therapies. Data from schizophrenia patients are juxtaposed with data from animal models, and EEG and behavioral data from mice with disruption of NMDA receptors in excitatory and/or inhibitory neurons are then compared to the pattern observed in schizophrenia. Also discussed are results following exposure to potential therapeutic agents, including GABAB agonists. Furthermore, evidence demonstrates that elevated resting gamma power is associated with deficits in social interactions. Consistent with elevated baseline noise, excitatory neurons from transgenic mice show increased intrinsic excitability in in vitro–slice patch‐clamp studies across model systems. GABAB receptor agonists reduce this excitability, improve gamma‐band responses, and reverse behavioral deficits in mice. Data suggest that baseline gamma power is associated with social function and GABAB agonists may be useful for schizophrenia. Translational EEG biomarkers reflect target engagement and can contribute to the design of more efficient drug trials, likely accelerating the development of new therapeutics for central nervous system disorders.
Blood transcriptomic markers for major depression: from animal models to clinical settings
Authors: Redei Eva E. , Mehta Neha S.
Published: March 2015

Depression is a heterogeneous disorder and, similar to other spectrum disorders, its manifestation varies by age of onset, severity, comorbidity, treatment responsiveness, and other factors. A laboratory blood test based on specific biomarkers for major depressive disorder (MDD) and its subgroups could increase diagnostic accuracy and expedite the initiation of treatment. We identified candidate blood biomarkers by examining genome‐wide expression differences in the blood of animal models representing both the genetic and environmental/stress etiologies of depression. Human orthologs of the resulting transcript panel were tested in pilot studies. Transcript abundance of 11 blood markers differentiated adolescent subjects with early‐onset MDD from adolescents with no disorder (ND). A set of partly overlapping transcripts distinguished adolescent patients who had comorbid anxiety disorders from those with only MDD. In adults, blood levels of nine transcripts discerned subjects with MDD from ND controls. Even though cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) resulted in remission of some patients, the levels of three transcripts consistently signaled prior MDD status. A coexpression network of transcripts seems to predict responsiveness to CBT. Thus, our approach can be developed into clinically valid diagnostic panels of blood transcripts for different manifestations of MDD, potentially reducing diagnostic heterogeneity and advancing individualized treatment strategies.
The prognostic value of histopathological grading systems in oral squamous cell carcinomas
Authors: Sawazaki‐Calone I , Rangel ALCA , Bueno AG , Morais CF , Nagai HM , Kunz RP , Souza RL , Rutkauskis L , Salo T , Almangush A , Coletta RD
Published: March 2015

Objective

This study evaluated the association of four histopathological grading systems (WHO grading system, malignancy grading of the deep invasive margins (MG), histological risk (HR) model, and tumor budding and depth of invasion (BD) model) with clinicopathological parameters and outcome of 113 oral squamous cell carcinomas to identify their roles in prognosis.

Methods

Demographic and clinical features were obtained from patients' records. Sections from all paraffin‐embedded blocks were evaluated according to the four grading systems. Demographic and clinical associations were analyzed using chi‐square test, and correlations between the grading systems were established with the Spearman's rank correlation test. Survival curves were performed with Kaplan–Meier method, and multivariate analysis based on Cox proportional hazard model was calculated.

Results

Significant associations with survival were observed for WHO grading system and BD model in the univariate analysis, but only the BD model was significantly associated with disease outcome as an independent prognostic marker. Age, tumor size, and presence of regional metastasis were also independent markers of reduced survival.

Conclusion

A significant association between the BD model and outcome of OSCC patients was observed, indicating this new histopathological grading system as a possible prognostic tool.
Understanding carbon partitioning and its role in determining plant growth
Authors: Sharkey Thomas D.
Published: March 2015

This article comments on: Carbon partitioning in Arabidopsis thaliana is a dynamic process controlled by the plants metabolic status and its circadian clock
New insights into an RNAi approach for plant defence against piercing‐sucking and stem‐borer insect pests
Authors: Li Haichao , Guan Ruobing , Guo Huimin , Miao Xuexia
Published: March 2015

Insect double‐stranded (ds)RNA expression in transgenic crops can increase plant resistance to biotic stress; however, creating transgenic crops to defend against every insect pest is impractical. Arabidopsis Mob1A is required for organ growth and reproduction. When Arabidopsis roots were soaked in dsMob1A, the root lengths and numbers were significantly suppressed and plants could not bolt or flower. Twenty‐four hours after rice roots were immersed in fluorescent‐labelled dsEYFP (enhanced yellow fluorescent protein), fluorescence was observed in the rice sheath and stem and in planthoppers feeding on the rice. The expression levels of Ago and Dicer in rice and planthoppers were induced by dsEYFP. When rice roots were soaked in dsActin, their growth was also significantly suppressed. When planthoppers or Asian corn borers fed on rice or maize that had been irrigated with a solution containing the dsRNA of an insect target gene, the insect's mortality rate increased significantly. Our results demonstrate that dsRNAs can be absorbed by crop roots, trigger plant and insect RNAi and enhance piercing‐sucking and stem‐borer insect mortality rates. We also confirmed that dsRNA was stable under outdoor conditions. These results indicate that the root dsRNA soaking can be used as a bioinsecticide strategy during crop irrigation.
Immunostimulatory potential and proteome profiling of Leishmania donovani soluble exogenous antigens
Authors: Kumar A. , Samant M. , Misra P. , Khare P. , Sundar S. , Garg Ravendra , Dube A.
Published: March 2015

Isolation of the soluble exogenous antigens (SEAgs), its immune response study and proteome profiling is an essential prerequisite for understanding the molecular pathogenesis of Leishmania donovani. The immunostimulatory potential of L. donovani SEAgs, purified from culture of L. donovani clinical isolate, was evaluated for their ability to induce cellular responses in treated/cured hamsters. SEAgs induced significant proliferative responses in lymphocytes (SI 5·6 ± 2·3; P < 0·01) isolated from cured hamster. In addition, significant NO production in response to SEAgs was also noticed in macrophages of hamsters, mouse and human cell lines (J774A‐1 and THP1). Western blot analyses with antibodies against proteophosphoglycan (PPG; surface‐expressed and secreted molecule) of L. donovani revealed that PPG molecules are also present in L. donovani SEAgs. Mass spectrometry (MS)‐based proteome analysis of 12 protein bands of SEAgs through MALDI‐TOF/TOF endorsed the identification of some Th1‐stimulatory immunogenic proteins. These immunogenic proteins may offer increased hope for the discovery of new promising vaccine candidates against visceral leishmaniasis (VL). The overall results suggest that immunostimulatory molecules are present in the SEAgs, which may be further exploited, for developing a subunit vaccine against VL a fatal human disease.
Managing the Performance Trade‐Offs from Partner Integration: Implications of Contract Choice in R&D Projects
Authors: MacCormack Alan , Mishra Anant
Published: March 2015

Formal contracts represent an important governance instrument with which firms exercise control of and compensate partners in R&D projects. The specific type of contract used, however, can vary significantly across projects. In some, firms' govern partnering relationships through fixed‐price contracts, whereas in others, firms' use more flexible time and materials or performance‐based contracts. How do these choices affect the costs and benefits that arise from greater levels of partner integration? Furthermore, how are these relationships affected when the choice of contract is misaligned with the scope and objectives of the partnering relationship? Our study addresses these questions using data from 172 R&D projects that involve partners. We find that, (i) greater partner integration is associated with higher project costs for all contract types; (ii) greater partner integration is associated with higher product quality only in projects that adopt more flexible time and materials or performance‐based contracts; and (iii) in projects where the choice of contract is misaligned with the scope and objectives of the partnering relationship, greater partner integration is associated with higher project costs, but not with higher product quality. Our results shed light on the subtle interplay between formal and relational contracting. They have important implications for practice, with respect to designing optimal governance structures in partnered R&D projects.
New insights into radiata pine seedling root infection by Fusarium circinatum
Authors: Martín‐Rodrigues N. , Sanchez‐Zabala J. , Salcedo I. , Majada J. , González‐Murua C. , Duñabeitia M. K.
Published: March 2015

Pine root infection by Fusarium circinatum has been reported in the literature, but the underlying pathogenic interaction is poorly understood. A green fluorescent protein (GFP)‐tagged F. circinatum isolate, together with confocal microscopy, was used in order to monitor the events associated with root infection of Pinus radiata seedlings. It was found that in order to reach and successfully infect pine roots, F. circinatum employed features that are similar to those previously described for other root‐infecting pathogens, such as mycelial strands, single runner hyphae and simple hyphopodia as well as other features that are reminiscent of those that are known to be involved in biotrophic invasion, such as bulbous invasive hyphae and filamentous invasive hyphae. Abundant sporulation was observed at the root surface as well as inside tracheids both in roots and in the root collar region. The fungus can spread from the roots to the aerial parts of the plant, and once there, colonization appears to be similar to the process that occurs when the pathogen is inoculated in the stem. Wilting symptoms and plant demise may be the result of a reduction in water uptake by roots and of the blockage of the vascular system by fungal hyphae and resin.
Evolutionary dynamics of retrotransposons following autopolyploidy in the Buckler Mustard species complex
Authors: Bardil Amélie , Tayalé Alexandre , Parisod Christian
Published: March 2015

Long terminal repeat retrotransposons (LTR‐RTs) represent a major fraction of plant genomes, but processes leading to transposition bursts remain elusive. Polyploidy expectedly leads to LTR‐RT proliferation, as the merging of divergent diploids provokes a genome shock activating LTR‐RTs and/or genetic redundancy supports the accumulation of active LTR‐RTs through relaxation of selective constraints. Available evidence supports interspecific hybridization as the main trigger of genome dynamics, but few studies have addressed the consequences of intraspecific polyploidy (i.e. autopolyploidy), where the genome shock is expectedly minimized. The dynamics of LTR‐RTs was thus here evaluated through low coverage 454 sequencing of three closely related diploid progenitors and three independent autotetraploids from the young Biscutella laevigata species complex. Genomes from this early diverging Brassicaceae lineage presented a minimum of 40% repeats and a large diversity of transposable elements. Differential abundances and patterns of sequence divergence among genomes for 37 LTR‐RT families revealed contrasted dynamics during species diversification. Quiescent LTR‐RT families with limited genetic variation among genomes were distinguished from active families (37.8%) having proliferated in specific taxa. Specific families proliferated in autopolyploids only, but most transpositionally active families in polyploids were also differentiated among diploids. Low expression levels of transpositionally active LTR‐RT families in autopolyploids further supported that genome shock and redundancy are non‐mutually exclusive triggers of LTR‐RT proliferation. Although reputed stable, autopolyploid genomes show LTR‐RT fractions presenting analogies with polyploids between widely divergent genomes.
Modeling the Optical and Radiative Properties of Vertically Aligned Carbon Nanotubes in the Infrared Region
Authors: Zhang Richard Z. , Liu Xianglei , Zhang Zhuomin M.
Published: March 2015

During the past decade, research on carbon nanotubes has revealed potential advances in thermal engineering applications. The present study investigates the radiative absorption and reflection of vertically aligned carbon nanotubes (VACNTs) in the broad spectrum from the near-infrared to far-infrared regions. The optical constants of VACNT are modeled based on the dielectric function of graphite and an effective medium approach that treats the CNT film as a homogenized medium. Calculated radiative properties show characteristics of near-unity index matching and high absorptance up to around 20 μm wavelength. The packing density and degree of alignment are shown to affect the predicted radiative properties. The Brewster angle and penetration depth of VACNTs are examined in the infrared spectrum. The radiative properties for VACNT thin films are also evaluated, showing some reduction of absorptance in the near-infrared due to transmission for film thicknesses less than 50 μm. This study provides a better understanding of the infrared behavior of VACNT and may guide the design for its applications in energy harvesting, space-borne detectors, and stealth technology.
Comparing Functional Analysis Methods for Product Dissection Tasks
Authors: Booth Joran W. , Reid Tahira N. , Eckert Claudia , Ramani Karthik
Published: March 2015

The purpose of this study is to begin to explore which function identification methods work best for specific tasks. We use a three-level within-subject study (n = 78) to compare three strategies for identifying functions: energy-flow, top-down, and enumeration. These are tested in a product dissection task with student engineers who have minimal prior experience. Participants were asked to dissect a hair dryer, power drill, and toy dart gun and generate function trees to describe how these work. The function trees were evaluated with several metrics including the total number of functions generated, the number of syntactical errors, and the number of unique (relevant and nonredundant) functions. We found no statistical, practical, or qualitative difference between the trees produced by each method. This suggests that the cognitive load for this task for novices is high enough to obscure any real differences between methods. We also found some generalized findings through surveys that the most difficult aspects of using functional decomposition include identifying functions, choosing function verbs, and drawing the diagram. Together, this may also mean that for novice engineers, the method does not matter as much as core concepts such as identifying functions and structuring function diagrams. This also indicates that any function identification method may be used as a baseline for comparison between novices in future studies.
Investigation on Carbon Nanotubes as Thermal Interface Material Bonded With Liquid Metal Alloy
Authors: Ji Yulong , Li Gen , Chang Chao , Sun Yuqing , Ma Hongbin
Published: March 2015

Vertically aligned carbon nanotube (VACNT) films with high thermal conductance and mechanical compliance offer an attractive combination of properties for thermal interface applications. In current work, VACNT films synthesized by the chemical vapor deposition method were used as thermal interface material (TIM) and investigated experimentally. The liquid metal alloy (LMA) with melting point of 59 °C was used as bonding material to attach VACNT films onto copper plates. In order to enhance the contact area of LMA with the contact surface, the wettability of the contact surface was modified by plasma treatment. The thermal diffusivity, thermal conductivity, and thermal resistance of the synthesized samples were measured and calculated by the laser flash analysis (LFA) method. Results showed that: (1) VACNT films can be used as TIM to enhance the heat transfer performance of the contact surface; (2) the LMA can be used as bonding material, and its performance is dependent on the LMA wettability on the contact surface. (3) When applying VACNT film as the TIM, LMA is used as the bonding material. After plasma treatment, comparison of VACNT films with the dry contact between copper and silicon showed that thermal diffusivity can be increased by about 160%, the thermal conductivity can be increased by about 100%, and the thermal resistance can be decreased by about 31%. This study shows the advantages of using VACNT films as TIMs in microelectronic packaging.
Synthesis and Heat Transfer Performance of Phase Change Microcapsule Enhanced Thermal Fluids
Authors: Cao Fangyu , Kalinowski Paul , Lawler John , Seung Lee Hak , Yang Bao
Published: March 2015

Polyalphaolefins (PAOs) are widely implemented for electronics cooling, but suffer from a low thermal conductivity of about 0.14 W/mK. However, adding thermally conductive, phase-change-material (PCM) particles to a PAO can significantly improve the fluid thermal properties. In this paper, PCM microcapsules and silver-coated PCM microcapsules were synthesized using the emulsion polymerization method and the thermal performance of PCM fluids was studied in a microchannel heat sink and compared with that of the pure PAO. A test loop was designed and fabricated to evaluate the synthesized PCM fluids and it was found that fluid with uncoated PCM microcapsules has a 36% higher heat transfer coefficient than that of the pure PAO. Additionally, the heat transfer coefficient of PCM fluids with silver-coated PCM microcapsules was also 27% higher than that of pure PAO, but lower than that of fluids with uncoated PCM microcapsules. The thermal resistance of the uncoated PCM fluid was about 20% lower than that of the pure PAO fluid at the same pumping power, despite the PCM fluid's higher viscosity. Pumping tests were run for several hours and showed no evidence of particle accumulation or settling within the heat transfer loop.
Stability and Thermophysical Properties of Binary Propanol–Water Mixtures-Based Microencapsulated Phase Change Material Suspensions
Authors: Wang Liang , Zhang Jian , Liu Li , Wang Yifei , Chai Lei , Yang Zheng , Chen Haisheng , Tan Chunqing
Published: March 2015

In order to obtain stable latent functionally thermal fluids for heat transfer and heat storage, microencapsulated phase change material (MPCM) suspensions with binary propanol–water mixtures of different proportions as base fluid were formulated. The stability study finds the binary propanol–water mixtures, after having stood for 48 hr, with a density of 941 kg/m3 exhibit the best stability. The morphology and thermophysical properties of the 10–40 wt.% MPCM suspensions, such as diameter distribution, latent heat and heat capacity, rheology and viscosity, thermal conductivity, and thermal expansion coefficients, were studied experimentally. The influence of MPCM concentration and temperature on the thermophysical properties was analyzed as well.
Flooded Two-Phase Flow Dynamics and Heat Transfer With Engineered Wettability on Microstructured Surfaces
Authors: Chen Bo , Zhou Zhou , Shi Junxiang , Schafer Steven R. , Chen Chung-Lung (C. L.)
Published: March 2015

Due to excessive droplet feeding, a period of flooding occurs as part of a typical droplet based thermal management cycle. The conventional superhydrophilic surface, which is designed for thin film evaporation because of its highly wettable character, has a limited improvement on the thermal performance during the flooded condition. This paper investigates microstructures which combine micropillars and four engineered wettability patterns to improve the heat dissipation rate during flooding. Using the transient, 3D volume-of-fluid (VOF) model, the bubble behaviors of growth, coalescence, and departure are analyzed within different microstructures and the effects of pillar height and wettability patterns on the thermal performance are discussed. The wettability gradient patched on the pillar's side is demonstrated to promote the bubble's upward movement due to the contact angle difference between the upper and lower interfaces. However, insufficient pulling force results in large bubbles being pinned at the pillar tops, which forms a vapor blanket, and consequently decreases the heat transfer coefficient. When only a patch of hydrophobic material is present on the pillar top, effective pulling forces can be developed to help bubbles in the lower level depart from the pillar forest, since bubble merging between them generates most of the power required to pull the bubbles to the surface. The simulation results, including heat source temperatures and heat transfer coefficients, indicate that a patch of hydrophobic material on the pillar top works best out of all of the cases studied.
Numerical Solutions of Nano/Microphenomena Coupled With Macroscopic Process of Heat Transfer and Fluid Flow: A Brief Review
Authors: He Ya-Ling , Tao Wen-Quan
Published: March 2015

In this paper, numerical simulation approaches for multiscale process of heat transfer and fluid flow are briefly reviewed, and the existing coupling algorithms are summarized. These molecular dynamics simulation (MDS)–finite volume method (FVM), MD–lattice Boltzmann method (LBM), and direct simulation of Monte Carlo method (DSMC)–FVM. The available reconstruction operators for LBM–FVM coupling are introduced. Four multiscale examples for fluid flow and heat transfer are presented by using these coupled methods. It is shown that by coupled method different resolution requirements in the computational domain can be satisfied successfully while computational time can be significantly saved. Further research needs for the study of multiscale heat transfer and fluid flow problems are proposed.
Contact Stress Evaluation of Involute Gear Pairs, Including the Effects of Friction and Helix Angle
Authors: Patil Santosh S. , Karuppanan Saravanan , Atanasovska Ivana
Published: March 2015

The aim of this technical brief is to provide a new viewpoint of friction factor for contact stress calculations of gears. The idea of friction factor has been coined, for the calculation of contact stresses along the tooth contact for different helical gear pairs. Friction factors were developed by evaluating contact stresses with and without friction for different gear pairs. In this paper, three-dimensional (3D) finite element method (FEM) and Lagrange multiplier algorithm have been used to evaluate the contact stresses. Initially, a spur gear finite element (FE) model was validated with the theoretical analysis under frictionless condition, which is based on Hertz's contact theory. Then, similar FE models were constructed for 5 deg, 15 deg, 25 deg, and 35 deg helical gear pairs. The contact stresses of these models were evaluated for different coefficients of friction. These results were employed for the development of friction factor.
A Comparative Experimental Study on Radiative Properties of EB-PVD and Air Plasma Sprayed Thermal Barrier Coatings
Authors: Yang G. , Zhao C. Y.
Published: March 2015

In this paper, the radiative properties of electron beam physical vapor deposition (EB-PVD) and air plasma sprayed (APS) partially yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ) thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) have been comparatively studied for the first time by measuring the spectral diffuse reflectance and transmittance in a broad spectral band ranging from 250 nm to 15 μm. The radiation transfer mechanisms inside the coatings are explored based on the experimental data and theoretical model. The results indicate that the distinctive micronanostructures of APS and EB-PVD coatings have an important effect on the radiative heat transfer. In particular, the larger grain boundary and the total porosity strongly affect the volume scattering properties of the coatings, and the scattering coefficient is closely related to the arrangement of grain boundary as well as the pore architecture (i.e., its size, morphology, and its distribution). Compared to the laminar microstructure of APS TBCs, the columnar microstructure of EB-PVD freestanding coatings exhibits a higher transmittance, a lower reflectance, and a larger absorption in the spectral region from 400 nm to 10 μm, which leads to an increase of the total heat flux. By modifying the microstructure of TBCs properly, the radiative heat flux can be reduced and thereby providing a better thermal protection for the metallic substrate.
Second Law Analysis of Heat and Mass Transfer of Nanofluids Along a Plate With Prescribed Surface Heat Flux
Authors: Khan Waqar A. , Culham Richard , Aziz A.
Published: March 2015

A model based on the works of Buongiorno, which includes the effects of Brownian motion and thermophoresis, is used to develop the governing equations for convection in nanofluids. The analysis includes examples with water and ethylene glycol as the base fluids and nanoparticles of Cu and Al2O3. An assumption of zero nanoparticle flux is used at the surface of the plate to make the model more physically realistic. The model accounts for the effects of both Brownian motion and thermophoresis in the mass boundary condition. Using suitable transformations, the governing partial differential equations are converted into ordinary differential equations which are solved numerically. The dimensionless velocity, temperature, and concentration gradients are used in the second law analysis to determine heat and mass transfer rates. It is shown that the dimensionless entropy generation rate strongly depends upon the solid volume fraction of the nanoparticles, local Reynolds number, and group parameters.
Differential acute effects of carbohydrate- and protein-rich drinks compared with water on cardiac output during rest and exercise in healthy young men
Authors: Rontoyanni Victoria G. , Werner Kristin , Sanders Thomas A.B. , Hall Wendy L.
Published: March 2015

The acute effects of drinks rich in protein (PRO) versus carbohydrate (CHO) on cardiovascular hemodynamics and reactivity are uncertain. A randomized crossover design was used to compare 400-mL isoenergetic (1.1 MJ) drinks containing whey protein (PRO; 44 g) or carbohydrate (CHO; 57 g) versus 400 mL of water in 14 healthy men. The primary and secondary outcomes were changes in cardiac output, blood pressure, systemic vascular resistance (SVR) and digital volume pulse measured prior to and 30 min following consumption at rest, during 12 min of multi-stage bicycle ergometry, and 15 min postexercise. The mean change (95% confidence interval (CI)) in resting cardiac output at 30 min was greater for CHO than for PRO or water: 0.7 (0.4 to 1.0), 0.1 (–0.2 to 0.40), and 0.0 (–0.3 to 0.3) L/min (P < 0.001), respectively; the higher cardiac output following CHO was accompanied by an increase in stroke volume and a lower SVR. The mean increments (95% CI) in cardiac output during exercise were CHO 4.7 (4.4 to 5.0), PRO 4.9 (4.6 to 5.2), and water 4.6 (4.3 to 4.9) L/min with the difference between PRO versus water being significant (P < 0.025). There were no other statistically significant differences. In summary, a CHO-rich drink increased cardiac output and lowered SVR in the resting state compared with a PRO-rich drink or water but the effect size of changes in these variables did not differ during or after exercise between CHO and PRO. Neither protein nor carbohydrate affected blood pressure reactivity to exercise.
Ability of three different soil constitutive models to predict a tunnel’s response to basement excavation
Authors: Ng C.W.W. , Sun H.S. , Lei G.H. , Shi J.W. , Mašín David
Published: March 2015

Many constitutive models are available nowadays to predict soil–structure interaction problems. It is sometimes not very easy for engineers to select a suitable soil model to carry out their design analyses in terms of complexity versus accuracy. This paper describes the application of three constitutive models to back-analyse a well-instrumented centrifuge model test, in which the effect of basement excavation on an existing tunnel was simulated. These three models include a linear elastic – perfectly plastic model with the Mohr–Coulomb failure criterion (called MC model), a nonlinear elastic Duncan–Chang model (DC), and a hypoplastic model (HP), the last of which can capture the state-, strain-, and path-dependent soil stiffness even at small strains and path- and state-dependent soil strength. By comparing with measured data from the centrifuge model test, it is found that the HP model yielded the best predictions of tunnel heave among the three models. Not only the gradient, but also the magnitude of tunnel heave is well predicted by this HP model. This can be explained by the fact that the HP model can capture the state-, strain-, and path-dependent soil stiffness even at small strains and path- and state-dependent soil strength, but not the MC and DC models. However, all three models underestimated the change in tunnel diameter and the maximum tensile bending strain in the transverse direction.
Comparing individual-tree growth models using principles of stand growth for Norway spruce, Scots pine, and European beech
Authors: Vospernik Sonja , Monserud Robert A. , Sterba Hubert
Published: March 2015

We examined the relationship between thinning intensity and volume increment predicted by four commonly used individual-tree growth models in Central Europe (i.e., BWIN, Moses, Prognaus, and Silva). We replicated conditions of older growth and yield experiments by selecting 34 young, dense plots of Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.), Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.), and European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.). At these plots, we simulated growth, with mortality only, to obtain the maximum basal area. Maximum basal area was then decreased by 5% or 10% steps using thinning from below. Maximum density varied considerably between simulators; it was mostly in a reasonable range but partly exceeded the maximum basal area observed by the Austrian National Forest Inventory or the self-thinning line. In almost all cases, simulated volume increment was highest at maximum basal area and then decreased with decreasing basal area. Critical basal area, at which 95% of maximum volume increment can be achieved, ranged from 0.46 to 0.96. For all simulators, critical basal area was lower for the more shade-tolerant species. It increased with age, except for Norway spruce, when simulated with the BWIN model. Age, where mean annual increment culminated, compared well with yield tables.
Decaying vacuum inflationary cosmologies: Searching for a complete scenario including curvature effects
Authors: Lima J. A. S. , Perico E. L. D. , Zilioti G. J. M.
Published: March 2015

We propose a large class of nonsingular cosmologies of arbitrary spatial curvature whose cosmic history is determined by a primeval dynamical Λ(t)-term. For all values of the curvature, the models evolve between two extreme de Sitter phases driven by the relic time-varying vacuum energy density. The transition from inflation to the radiation phase is universal and points to a natural solution of the graceful exit problem regardless of the values of the curvature parameter. The flat case recovers the scenario recently discussed in the literature [Perico et al., Phys. Rev. D88 (2013) 063531]. The early de Sitter phase is characterized by an arbitrary energy scale HI associated to the primeval vacuum energy density. If HI is fixed to be nearly the Planck scale, the ratio between the relic and the present observed vacuum energy density is ρvI/ρv0 ≃ 10118.
Biological and Psychosocial Predictors of Postpartum Depression: Systematic Review and Call for Integration
Authors: Yim Ilona S. , Tanner Stapleton Lynlee R. , Guardino Christine M. , Hahn-Holbrook Jennifer , Dunkel Schetter Christine
Published: March 2015

Postpartum depression (PPD) adversely affects the health and well being of many new mothers, their infants, and their families. A comprehensive understanding of biopsychosocial precursors to PPD is needed to solidify the current evidence base for best practices in translation. We conducted a systematic review of research published from 2000 through 2013 on biological and psychosocial factors associated with PPD and postpartum depressive symptoms. Two hundred fourteen publications based on 199 investigations of 151,651 women in the first postpartum year met inclusion criteria. The biological and psychosocial literatures are largely distinct, and few studies provide integrative analyses. The strongest PPD risk predictors among biological processes are hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal dysregulation, inflammatory processes, and genetic vulnerabilities. Among psychosocial factors, the strongest predictors are severe life events, some forms of chronic strain, relationship quality, and support from partner and mother. Fully integrated biopsychosocial investigations with large samples are needed to advance our knowledge of PPD etiology.
A Knowledge-Based Service Composition Algorithm with Better QoS in Semantic Overlay
Authors: Dai Huijun , Qu Hua , Zhao Jihong
Published: March 2015

A semantic overlay network (SON) is a visual framework clustered under similar metaknowledge units such as ontologies, algorithms, and rule engines. Knowledge-based service composition (KC) has become a prominent aspect of building new and creative composed service through a combination of semantically similar information at the knowledge level. In this study, a promising approach to construct a standard knowledge model is developed to utilize the progress of KC. To evaluate and optimize the composition, we define the quantity of service (QoS) regarding user requirements in the KC instance, and a KC instance path with better QoS is found in the model using the KC algorithm. Simulation results prove that our approach has a tradeoff between efficiency and equality.
A Study of Failure Strength for Fiber-Reinforced Composite Laminates with Consideration of Interface
Authors: Ye Junjie , Qiu Yuanying , Chen Xuefeng , He Yumin , Zhai Zhi
Published: March 2015

Composite laminates can exhibit the nonlinear properties due to the fiber/matrix interface debonding and matrix plastic deformation. In this paper, by incorporating the interface stress-displacement relations between fibers and matrix, as well as the viscoplastic constitutive model for describing plastic behaviors of matrix materials, a micromechanical model is used to investigate the failure strength of the composites with imperfect interface bonding. Meanwhile, the classic laminate theory, which provides the relation between micro- and macroscale responses for composite laminates, is employed. Theory results show good consistency with the experimental data under unidirectional tensile conditions at both 23°C and 650°C. On this basis, the interface debonding influences on the failure strength of the [0/90]sand [0/±45/90]scomposite laminates are studied. The numerical results show that all of the unidirectional (UD) laminates with imperfect interface bonding provide a sharp decrease in failure strength in theσxx-σyyplane at 23°C. However, the decreasing is restricted in some specific region. In addition, for [0/90]sand [0/±45/90]scomposite laminates, the debonding interface influences on the failure envelope can be ignored when the working temperature is increased to 650°C.
False Positive Radioiodinated Metaiodobenzylguanidine (123I-MIBG) Uptake in Undifferentiated Adrenal Malignant Tumor
Authors: Jung Hee Soo , Moon Seok Jun , Kim Yun Mi , Kang Hye Rim , Lee Seok Mo , Jung Soo Jin , Choi Seok Jin , Kim Tae Kyoon , Kwon Min Jeong , Park Jeong Hyun , Lee Soon Hee
Published: March 2015

123I-Metaiodobenzylguanidine (123I-MIBG) scintigraphy is a widely used functional imaging tool with a high degree of sensitivity and specificity in diagnosis of pheochromocytoma. However, rare cases of false positive reactions have been reported. A 67-year-old male patient was admitted with epigastric pain. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) revealed a heterogeneous left adrenal mass 6 cm in diameter; following hormone testing,123I-MIBG scintigraphy was performed to determine the presence of pheochromocytoma, which confirmed eccentric uptake by a large left adrenal gland mass. Chest CT and PET-CT confirmed metastatic lymphadenopathy; therefore, endobronchial ultrasound transbronchial needle aspiration was performed. Metastatic carcinoma of unknown origin was suspected from a lymph node biopsy, and surgical resection was performed for definitive diagnosis and correction of excess hormonal secretion. A final diagnosis of undifferentiated adrenal malignant tumor was rendered, instead of histologically malignant pheochromocytoma, despite the uptake of123I-MIBG demonstrated by scintigraphy.
High-Intensity Interval Training as an Efficacious Alternative to Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training for Adults with Prediabetes
Authors: Jung Mary E. , Bourne Jessica E. , Beauchamp Mark R. , Robinson Emily , Little Jonathan P.
Published: March 2015

Aims. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) leads to improvements in various markers of cardiometabolic health but adherence to HIIT following a supervised laboratory intervention has yet to be tested. We compared self-report and objective measures of physical activity after one month of independent exercise in individuals with prediabetes who were randomized to HIIT (n=15) or traditional moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT,n=17).Method. After completing 10 sessions of supervised training participants were asked to perform HIIT or MICT three times per week for four weeks.Results. Individuals in HIIT (89 ± 11%) adhered to their prescribed protocol to a greater extent than individuals in MICT (71 ± 31%) as determined by training logs completed over one-month follow-up (P = 0.05, Cohen’sd = 0.75). Minutes spent in vigorous physical activity per week measured by accelerometer were higher in HIIT (24 ± 18) as compared to MICT (11 ± 10) at one-month follow-up (P = 0.049, Cohen’sd = 0.92). Cardiorespiratory fitness and systolic blood pressure assessed at one-month follow-up were equally improved (P’s < 0.05).Conclusions. This study provides preliminary evidence that individuals with prediabetes can adhere to HIIT over the short-term and do so at a level that is greater than MICT.