bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intracavernous Transplantation of Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Restores Erectile Function of Streptozocin-Induced Diabetic Rats
Authors: Qiu Xuefeng , Lin Haocheng , Wang Yajing , Yu Wen , Chen Yun , Wang Run , Dai Yutian
Published: November 2010

Introduction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a frequent complication of diabetes mellitus. The efficacy of common ED therapies is low for diabetes-associated ED.

Aim

To explore the effects of transplantation of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) on improving erectile function of streptozocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats.

Methods

Male Sprague Dawley rats were injected either with STZ to induce diabetes or with citrate buffer as controls. Rat BM-MSCs were harvested and labeled with CM-DiI (Chloromethylbenzamido derivatives of 1,1′-dioctadecyl-3,3,3′,3′-tetramethylindocarbocyanine perchlorate), and then transplanted into corporal cavernosum of STZ-induced diabetic rats. Four weeks after transplantation, all rats were analyzed for erectile function and penile histology.

Main Outcome Measures

Erectile function was evaluated by the ratio between intracavernous pressure (ICP) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) during electrostimulation of cavernous nerve. Fate of transplanted BM-MSCs was identified using immunofluorescence staining. Smooth muscle and endothelium in corpora cavernosum were assessed using immunohistochemistry.

Results

After BM-MSCs transplantation, the ICP/MAP ratio was increased significantly compared with diabetic controls. Content of smooth muscle and endothelium in corporal cavernosa of BM-MSCs transplanted rats was significantly increased compared to diabetic controls. Immunofluorescence analysis demonstrated that CM-DiI-labeled BM-MSCs could stay in corporal cavernosa for at least 4 weeks and some of them expressed von Willebrand Factor, CD31, calponin, or α-smooth muscle actin, cells markers for endothelial cells or smooth muscle cells, respectively.

Conclusion

Intracavernous transplantation of BM-MSCs had beneficial effects on erectile function of diabetic rats and increased the content of endothelium and smooth muscle in corporal cavernosum.
Removal of a Long PVC Pipe Strangulated in the Penis by Hot-Melt Method
Authors: Jiatao Ji , Bin Xu , Huamao Ye , Jianguo Hou , Bing Liu , Yinghao Sun
Published: November 2010

Introduction

Penile incarceration for erotic or autoerotic purposes has been reported in a wide range of age groups, and often presents a significant challenge to urologic surgeons. No ready method has been reported for removing a polyvinylchloride (PVC) pipe entrapped on the penis.

Aim

To present our experience in using hot-melt method to remove a constricted PVC pipe on the penis.

Methods

A long melting split was made on the PVC pipe entrapped on the penis by using the long narrow branch of forceps heated on a gas stove.

Results

The heated forceps was able to make a melt split on the PVC pipe. Consequently, the PVC pipe was removed by pulling the edges of the pipe apart without much difficulty. The total operation time was 20 minutes.

Conclusion

Penile incarceration is a urologic emergency, for which resourcefulness is required in some unexpected cases. Hot-melting has proved to be an easy and effective method for removing penile strangulation by a PVC pipe. To our knowledge, it is the first report about the removal of PVC pipe entrapped on a penis.
Are All Metabolic Syndrome Components Responsible for Penile Hemodynamics Impairment in Patients with Erectile Dysfunction? The Role of Body Fat Mass Assessment
Authors: Tomada Nuno , Tomada Inês , Botelho Francisco , Cruz Francisco , Vendeira Pedro
Published: November 2010

Introduction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common disease that is mostly vasculogenic in nature. ED correlates with cardiovascular risk factors, with endothelial dysfunction being the common link. Hypertension (HTA) and insulin resistance are the most important determinants of arteriogenic ED, and are also components of the metabolic syndrome (MetS), which supports a strong association between MetS and ED. However, MetS and, specifically, obesity interference on penile hemodynamics is still controversial.

Aim

To evaluate the impact of independent MetS criteria and obesity on penile duplex Doppler ultrasound (PDDU) parameters in men with ED.

Methods

Consecutive patients (n = 212) referred to a unit of PDDU were evaluated for cardiovascular risk factors and MetS (ATP III criteria). Body mass index and body fat percentage (BF%) were calculated. Each patient underwent a PDDU by the same investigator. Data are expressed as mean ± standard deviation, and statistical significance was considered at P level < 0.05. Statistical analysis of clinical, laboratory, and PDDU parameters was performed with SPSS® software.

Main Outcome Measures

To evaluate the individual power of MetS clusters and obesity as predictive factors for penile hemodynamic changes namely mean peak systolic velocity (mPSV).

Results

MetS was present in 24.8% of men, and 80.8% of them presented penile hemodynamics alterations, with mPSV significantly lower comparatively to no MetS patients (29.0 vs. 35.4 cm/s, P = 0.004). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that, considering all MetS parameters, only HTA was significantly associated with diminished mPSV. However, after further adjustment for all cardiovascular risk factors, BF% remained the sole independent clinical factor for penile hemodynamics impairment.

Conclusions

There is a strong association between MetS and ED, but within MetS criteria, only HTA was independently associated with the deterioration of penile hemodynamics parameters. Although the classical methods of evaluating obesity in MetS were not individually associated with PDDU impairment, BF% represented by itself an excellent predictor of vascular ED.
AN INVESTIGATION USING THREE APPROACHES TO UNDERSTAND THE INFLUENCE OF EXTRINSIC PRODUCT CUES ON CONSUMER BEHAVIOR: AN EXAMPLE OF AUSTRALIAN WINES
Authors: CHREA C. , MELO L. , EVANS G. , FORDE C. , DELAHUNTY C. , COX D.N.
Published: November 2010

The aim of this study was to demonstrate the value of and differences between three approaches to measuring extrinsic product attribute influences on consumer acceptance of Australian wines. The approaches included three complimentary tasks: conjoint assessment of wine product concepts (derived from a free sorting task), liking ratings for commercial wine labels and a real‐choice study where the same wine bottles were presented to the consumer to choose their preferred wine based on the label. Results from the conjoint assessment indicated that price and wine region were of greatest utility. Findings from the real choice task mirrored the rating of wine labels, indicating that respondents were consistent in their liking and choice behavior across the two tasks. The choice study facilitated the validation of the experimental findings and suggested that label liking is a strong predictor of choice behavior.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The study provides methodological guidelines for studying consumer responses to extrinsic product attributes. The labeling study provides important information for wine marketers and label designers that could be used to optimize the presentation of product information to meet consumers' acceptance.
COMPARISON OF SALTY TASTE AND TIME INTENSITY OF SEA AND LAND SALTS FROM AROUND THE WORLD
Authors: DRAKE S.L. , DRAKE M.A.
Published: November 2010

U.S. dietary guidelines suggest a maximum intake of 2,300 mg of sodium per day (5.8 g of salt), while the average consumer intake is 9 g of salt (3,600 mg Na) per day. Sea salts can have lower sodium content and distinct mineral profiles that may also influence salty taste intensity and/or time intensity. The objective of this study was to evaluate the sensory profiles of sea salts and to determine if other mineral content impacted the basic taste profile. Sea salts (n = 38) were collected and sodium, calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron and zinc concentration of each salt was determined. A trained descriptive sensory panel (n = 9 panelists) evaluated each salt in triplicate. Salt solutions were evaluated on an equivalent weight and on an equivalent sodium content basis. Time‐intensity profiling of salty taste was also conducted. Salts differed (P < 0.05) in specific minerals. Some sea salts had volatile flavors (green/herbal, smoky, earthy) while three sea salts had 30% less sodium compared to a reference table salt. Salty taste intensity on an equivalent sodium basis was not different (P < 0.05), but time‐intensity profiles for salty taste were distinct (P < 0.05). These results suggest that other minerals may play a role in salty taste perception.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS

Food processors are very interested in reducing amounts of sodium present in food products. Some food products have been advertising the use of sea salt. There has been some controversy that sea salt may be healthier than table salts due to the presence of other minerals. This research demonstrates that sea salts harvested from different parts of the world have different mineral content and time‐intensity profiles of salty taste. Due to the different time intensity profiles, it may be possible to use less of some sea salts to obtain the same salty taste as a food containing traditional salt but having a lower sodium content.
SENSORY AND INSTRUMENTAL ANALYSIS OF THE JUICINESS OF STRAWBERRIES
Authors: VANDENBERGHE ELS , CLAES JOHAN
Published: November 2010

Juiciness is an important quality characteristic of strawberries. However, at present there is no easy instrumental method to analyze the juiciness, that is independent of the operator. Furthermore, the correlation of the existing methods with sensorial analyses is not always completely established. In this study, a new instrumental method is developed and compared with existing instrumental methods and with sensory evaluation by a trained sensory panel. Fifteen types of strawberries (different varieties and ripeness) are used for the evaluation. The best instrumental method starts with freezing the strawberries. After chopping the frozen strawberries in a blixer, the strawberry pieces are thawed in a known volume of water. The total amount of liquid, filtrated through a Buchner funnel, is weighed and the instrumental juiciness is calculated from the weight difference. This method has the lowest variation coefficient and the best correlation with the juiciness determined by the sensory panel.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Juiciness is an important parameter for most fruit types and it certainly is for strawberries. A reliable, instrumental method to determine the juiciness is therefore highly wanted by all stakeholders (growers, traders, industry). The instrumental method developed in this research shows a good correlation with sensory analyses and a high reproducibility. In addition, the method requires only standard lab equipment. This method can, therefore, be easily implemented in all labs, which allows a widespread application.
Physicians Should Treat Mentally Ill Death Row Inmates, Even if Treatment is Refused
Authors: McDonnell Melissa , Phillips Robert T. M.
Published: November 2010

The history of physician involvement in capital proceedings is longstanding and ripe with controversy and conflicts of ethical concerns. Previously one of us (Phillips) has written that the controversy is more appropriately characterized as a conflict of moral position rather than one of ethical dilemma.

In hindsight, we believe that analysis, while true, does not capture the depth or complexity of the issue.

Forensic psychiatric evaluations, including competency to be executed evaluations, are done with a clear understanding that no physician-patient relationship exists. Treatment, however, is not so neatly re-categorized in large measure because it involves the physician’s active provision of the healing arts.
Health Benefits of Legal Services for Criminalized Populations: The Case of People Who Use Drugs, Sex Workers and Sexual and Gender Minorities
Authors: Csete Joanne , Cohen Jonathan
Published: November 2010

Criminalization is a form of social marginalization that is little appreciated as a determinant of poor health. Criminalization can be understood in at least two ways — in the narrow sense as the imposition of criminal penalties for a certain behavior, and more broadly as the conferral of a criminalized status on all individuals in the population, whether proven guilty of a specific offense or not. Both criminal penalties and criminalized status threaten the mental and physical health of these populations in many ways. Incarceration, abandonment by families and communities, social disdain, physical abuse, discrimination, and relentless fear undermine their ability to enjoy their right to the highest attainable standard of health goods and services. Understanding the social determinants of health in these populations and formulating programs to address them have rarely been high priorities in national or international policy.
How Bioethics Can Enrich Medical-Legal Collaborations
Authors: Campbell Amy T. , Sicklick Jay , Galowitz Paula , Retkin Randye , Fleishman Stewart B.
Published: November 2010

Medical-legal partnerships (MLPs) — collaborative endeavors between health care clinicians and lawyers to more effectively address issues impacting health care — have proliferated over the past decade. The goal of this interdisciplinary approach is to improve the health outcomes and quality of life of patients and families, recognizing the many non-medical influences on health care and thus the value of an interdisciplinary team to enhance health. There are currently over 180 MLPs at over 200 hospitals and health centers in the United States, with increasing federal interest and potential legislative support of this model.

This article examines the unique, interrelated, and often similar (although at times conflicting) ethical issues that confront the clinical and legal partners involved in MLPs. We contend that the ethical precepts of the clinical and legal professions should be seen as opportunities, not barriers, to further the interdisciplinary nature of MLPs.
Neurokinin‐1 receptor: functional significance in the immune system in reference to selected infections and inflammation
Authors: Douglas Steven D. , Leeman Susan E.
Published: November 2010

The G protein–coupled receptor (GPCR), neurokinin‐1 receptor (NK1R), and its preferred ligand, substance P (SP), are reviewed in relationship to the immune system and selected infections. NK1R and SP are ubiquitous throughout the animal kingdom. This important pathway has unique functions in numerous cells and tissues. The interaction of SP with its preferred receptor, NK1R, leads to the activation of nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB) and proinflammatory cytokines. NK1R has two isoforms, both a full‐length and a truncated form. These isoforms have different functional significances and differ in cell signaling capability. The proinflammatory signals modulated by SP are important in bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic diseases, as well as in immune system function. The SP–NK1R system is a major class 1, rhodopsin‐like GPCR ligand–receptor interaction.
Loss of the Protein‐Tyrosine Phosphatase DEP‐1/PTPRJ Drives Meningioma Cell Motility
Authors: Petermann Astrid , Haase Daniela , Wetzel Andrea , Balavenkatraman Kamal K. , Tenev Tencho , Gührs Karl‐Heinz , Friedrich Sabrina , Nakamura Makoto , Mawrin Christian , Böhmer Frank‐D.
Published: November 2010

DEP‐1/PTPRJ is a transmembrane protein‐tyrosine phosphatase which has been proposed as a suppressor of epithelial tumors. We have found loss of heterozygosity (LOH) of the PTPRJ gene and loss of DEP‐1 protein expression in a subset of human meningiomas. RNAi‐mediated suppression of DEP‐1 in DEP‐1 positive meningioma cell lines caused enhanced motility and colony formation in semi‐solid media. Cells devoid of DEP‐1 exhibited enhanced signaling of endogenous platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF) receptors, and reduced paxillin phosphorylation upon seeding. Moreover, DEP‐1 loss caused diminished adhesion to different matrices, and impaired cell spreading. DEP‐1‐deficient meningioma cells exhibited invasive growth in an orthotopic xenotransplantation model in nude mice, indicating that elevated motility translates into a biological phenotype in vivo. We propose that negative regulation of PDGF receptor signaling and positive regulation of adhesion signaling by DEP‐1 cooperate in inhibition of meningioma cell motility, and possibly tumor invasiveness. These phenotypes of DEP‐1 loss reveal functions of DEP‐1 in adherent cells, and may be more generally relevant for tumorigenesis.
In this issue – December 2010
Authors: Jackson AE
Published: November 2010

Aged horses in Queensland · Pressor therapy in neonatal foals · Fluoroscopic stents for feline urethral obstruction · Intradermal sodium lauryl sulfate as an alternative to mulesing in lambs · Monepantel faecal residues and dung fauna · Surgical spaying in yearling Brahman heifers · Anthelmintic resistance in cattle nematodes
Morbidity, mortality and body weight gain of surgically spayed, yearling Brahman heifers
Authors: McCosker K , Letchford P , Petherick JC , Meyer D , McGowan M
Published: November 2010

Objective  To determine morbidity and mortality rates in yearling heifers spayed by two methods under commercial conditions in northern Australia.

Design  In study 1,600 Brahman heifers were allocated to one of three treatments: physical restraint and ear‐tagging (Control); physical restraint, ovariectomy by the Willis dropped ovary technique, ear‐tagging and ear‐marking (WDOT); or electroimmobilisation, ovariectomy via flank incision, ear‐tagging and ear‐marking (Flank). Heifers were monitored post spaying. Mortalities occurred at unanticipated times, so study 2 investigated their timing and cause in similar WDOT‐spayed heifers (n = 574).

Results  In study 1, morbidity on the day of spaying was 6.0% in the Flank and 2.7% in the WDOT group (not statistically different). Spayed heifers showed behaviours indicative of acute pain/discomfort in the 6 h post spaying. Body weights and gains were significantly lower in the spayed compared with control heifers at days 21 and 42, and 5% of flank wounds were not healed at day 42. Mortalities were 0%, 1.5% and 2.5%, respectively, for Control, WDOT (3 estimated to have occurred on day 11) and Flank (2 on the day after spaying and 1 on each of days 5, 11 and 22). In study 2, the mortality was 0.5%, all within 4 days of spaying.

Conclusions  In yearling heifers, WDOT spaying resulted in lower morbidity and short‐term mortality compared with flank spaying. Both methods compromised the health and welfare of some animals for up to 4 days and body weight gains were reduced during the 6 weeks post spaying.
Physiological and behavioural effects of intradermal injection of sodium lauryl sulfate as an alternative to mulesing in lambs
Authors: Colditz IG , Paull DR , Lee C , Fisher AD
Published: November 2010

Objective  To assess the effects on physiology and behaviour of intradermal injection of sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) as an alternative to mulesing.

Procedures  Three groups of Merino lambs were studied: Control (n = 10), SLS (n = 11) and Mulesed (n = 11). The SLS group received SLS (7% w/v) and benzyl alcohol (20 mg/mL) in phosphate buffer, and the Mulesed group received 6 mL topical local anaesthetic as a wound dressing. Haematology, cortisol, beta‐endorphin and haptoglobin concentrations, rectal temperatures, body weight and behaviours were monitored for up to 42 days post treatments.

Results  SLS treatment induced mild swelling followed by thin scab formation. Fever (>40°C) was observed at 12 and 24 h, cortisol concentration was elevated on days 1 and 2, haptoglobin concentration was highly elevated on days 2–7, white blood cell count was elevated on days 2 and 4 post treatment, but average daily gain was not affected. Fever at 12 h was significantly higher in the SLS than in the Mulesed group, whereas maximum temperature, temperature area under the curve (AUC), occurrence of fever, cortisol profile, cortisol AUC, white blood cell counts and haptoglobin concentrations until day 7 were comparable. The behaviours of normal standing, total standing and total lying were modified for 2 days by SLS treatment, but changes were less marked and of shorter duration than in the Mulesed group. On day 1, the SLS group spent <5% of time in total abnormal behaviours compared with 18% in the Mulesed group. The SLS group tended to spend more time in abnormal behaviours on day 1 than the Controls.

Conclusions  The behaviour of the SLS group was similar to that of the unmulesed Controls and their physiological responses were intermediate between the Mulesed lambs receiving post‐surgical analgesia and the Controls.
Influence of Sex on the Accuracy of Oscillometric‐Derived Blood Pressures
Authors: Bhatt Skand D. , Hinderliter Alan L. , Stouffer George A.
Published: November 2010

The effect of sex on the correlation between oscillometric and central aortic blood pressures (BP) is largely unknown. BP was simultaneously measured in the brachial artery using an oscillometric device and in the aorta using a fluid‐filled catheter in 98 patients undergoing coronary angiography. Mean age (±standard deviation) was 58±12 years, with 55% of the patients being male. Mean BP (MBP) measured by the oscillometric device and in the aorta were similar when the group was examined as a whole, but the oscillometric device overestimated MBP in men and underestimated MBP in women. Oscillometric pressures accurately estimated diastolic BP in women but overestimated diastolic BP in men and underestimated systolic BP in both sexes. The oscillometric device underestimated aortic pulse pressure in both sexes but less in men than in women. The accuracy of oscillometric MBP and diastolic BP varied as a function of aortic MBP, but sex‐related differences in the accuracy of oscillometric pressures remained significant after adjusting for MBP, body mass index, height, age, race, heart rate, diabetes, smoking status, and BP‐lowering therapies using a multivariate logistic regression model. Sex is an important determinant of the accuracy of oscillometric BP. J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich). 2011;13:112–119. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
MC‐ICP‐MS Isotope Measurements with Direct Injection Nebulisation (d‐DIHEN): Optimisation and Application to Boron in Seawater and Carbonate Samples
Authors: Louvat Pascale , Bouchez Julien , Paris Guillaume
Published: November 2010

We report here an optimisation of the demountable direct injection high efficiency nebuliser (d‐DIHEN) for isotopic measurements with a Neptune (ThermoFisher Scientific, Bremen, Germany) multi‐collector inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometer (MC‐ICP‐MS) and describe a method for boron isotopic ratio determination. With direct injection nebulisation 100% of the analyte was introduced into the ICP‐MS plasma and wash times were drastically reduced for elements such as boron and thorium. Compared to the classical stable introduction system (SIS: double Scott/cyclonic spray chamber), sensitivity for boron was 2–5 times higher with d‐DIHEN and wash times up to ten times shorter. Repeatability of 11B/10B sample‐calibrator bracketing measurements reached 0.25‰ (2s) for seawater and coral samples. Method accuracy and reproducibility were tested on mixed reference solutions having δ11B values in the ranges −90 to +40‰ and −2 to +2.5‰, demonstrating our ability to distinguish δ11B values with differences of only 0.25‰. The international seawater reference material NRCC NASS‐5 (National Research Council, Ottawa, Canada), analysed in different sessions over a 10‐month period, yielded an average δ11B value of +39.89 ± 0.25‰, in the upper range of previously published seawater values. A comparison between δ11B determined by d‐DIHEN MC‐ICP‐MS and positive‐TIMS (P‐TIMS) for four modern corals showed an excellent agreement (with bias of less than 0.4‰).
Die Russische Föderation im Zeichen der demografischen Krise: Alterung und Maßnahmen zur sozialen Sicherheit
Authors: Eberstadt Nicholas , Groth Hans
Published: November 2010

Auszug

Dieser Beitrag beschäftigt sich mit der demografischen Krise in der Russischen Föderation und ihren Auswirkungen auf die Kapazitäten der russischen Regierung (bzw. der russischen Bevölkerung und deren Eigenanstrengungen in dieser Beziehung), ausreichende Mittel für eine angemessene wirtschaftliche Absicherung im Alter bereitzustellen. Obwohl die Gesamtstruktur der russischen Bevölkerung heute und in den kommenden Jahrzehnten jener anderer relativ weit entwickelter Gesellschaften entspricht, sind die Probleme der Versorgung einer alternden Bevölkerung in Russland erheblich schärfer, als dies in den Mitgliedsstaaten der Organisation für wirtschaftliche Zusammenarbeit und Entwicklung (OECD) typischerweise der Fall ist. Ein Faktor, der diese Probleme erheblich vergrößert, ist der Umstand, dass Russen im erwerbsfähigen Alter heute einen deutlich schlechteren Gesundheitszustand und höhere Mortalitätsraten aufweisen als die Einwohner von Ländern mit einem ähnlichen — und sogar solchen mit einem erheblich niedrigeren — Einkommensniveau. Obwohl unsere Ausführungen sich auf die Renten konzentrieren, werden die gleichen Faktoren, die eine angemessene Rentenversorgung erschweren, auch andere Zweige des Sozialschutzes beeinträchtigen. Eine erfolgreiche Politik im Bereich der sozialen Sicherheit in Russland hängt daher nicht allein von den Sozialsystemen ab: Sie erfordert eine Senkung der Mortalitätsraten bei Menschen im arbeitsfähigen Alter, eine Revitalisierung des höheren Erziehungssystems sowie grundlegende Reformen der Institutionen des Landes und der Wirtschaftspolitik.
Sozialschutz für Migranten: Herausforderungen im Zuge sich verändernder Migrationsströme
Authors: Sabates‐Wheeler Rachel , Koettl Johannes
Published: November 2010

Auszug

Beim Zugang zum Sozialschutz gibt es erhebliche Unterschiede zwischen internationalen Migranten. Dieser Beitrag konzentriert sich auf die Frage der einkommensabhängigen Beiträge zu Systemen der sozialen Sicherheit und ihre (häufig) fehlende Übertragbarkeit über Ländergrenzen hinweg — ein Problem, das vor allem Migranten zwischen den Ländern des Südens betrifft. Aufmerksamkeit verdient in diesem Zusammenhang der Umstand, dass in vielen Ländern mit niedrigen Einkommen die fehlenden Verwaltungskapazitäten für den Betrieb von Systemen der sozialen Sicherheit häufig das größere Problem sind als die Übertragbarkeit potenziell erworbener Ansprüche auf Geldleistungen, die diese Systeme gewähren. Gewöhnlich beeinträchtigt die Gegebenheit, dass es für Migranten nicht möglich ist, von den im Heimatland bestehenden Systemen der sozialen Sicherheit und von jenen des Gastlandes zu profitieren, die Wohlfahrt und Sicherheit der Auswanderer und ihrer Familien erheblich. Der vorliegende Beitrag kommt zu dem Schluss, dass die Migration zwischen südlichen Ländern sich deutlich von jener zwischen nördlichen Ländern unterscheidet, wo Sozialschutzfragen viel leichter geregelt werden.
The state of Ontario's municipal performance reports: A critical analysis
Authors: Schatteman Alicia
Published: November 2010

Abstract: Focus on results and accountability in public performance management is now firmly entrenched. Governments around the world, at all levels, have invested significant time and resources into measuring and reporting performance, with very mixed results. In 2000, Ontario became the first state or province in North America to mandate a municipal performance measurement program for all municipalities. One measure of the system's effectiveness is the documentation produced to show citizens how their government is doing – in this case, an annual performance report. Although the legislation is clear in terms of measurements and some reporting standards, there are clear differences in the overall quality of the annual reports produced by each of the 445 municipalities. This article will focus on the reports as the primary communication tool between the municipalities and citizens. The primary question that frames this research is the current quality of municipal performance reports in Ontario.
Histamine Pharmacology and New CNS Drug Targets
Authors: Tiligada Ekaterini , Kyriakidis Konstantinos , Chazot Paul L. , Passani M. Beatrice
Published: November 2010

During the last decade, the identification of a number of novel drug targets led to the development of promising new compounds which are currently under evaluation for their therapeutic prospective in CNS related disorders. Besides the established pleiotropic regulatory functions in the periphery, the interest in the potential homeostatic role of histamine in the brain was revived following the identification of H3 and H4 receptors some years ago. Complementing classical CNS pharmacology, the development of selective histamine receptor agonists, antagonists, and inverse agonists provides the lead for the potential exploitation of the histaminergic system in the treatment of brain pathologies. Although no CNS disease entity has been associated directly to brain histamine dysfunction until now, the H3 receptor is recognized as a drug target for neuropathic pain, sleep‐wake disorders, including narcolepsy, and cognitive impairment associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s, or Parkinson's disease, while the first H3 receptor ligands have already entered phase I–III clinical trials. Interestingly, the localization of the immunomodulatory H4 receptor in the nervous system exposes attractive perspectives for the therapeutic exploitation of this new drug target in neuroimmunopharmacology. This review focuses on a concise presentation of the current “translational research” approach that exploits the latest advances in histamine pharmacology for the development of beneficial drug targets for the treatment of neuronal disorders, such as neuropathic pain, cognitive, and sleep‐wake pathologies. Furthermore, the role of the brain histaminergic system(s) in neuroprotection and neuroimmunology/inflammation remains a challenging research area that is currently under consideration.
Sclerosing epithelioid fibrosarcoma of the chest wall
Authors: Chang Sunhee , Joo Mee , Hanseong Kim , Ryoo Ji Yun , Kim Yeon Soo , Lee Sung‐Soon , Ro Jae Yun
Published: November 2010

Sclerosing epithelioid fibrosarcoma is an unusual variant of fibrosarcoma composed of epithelioid cells arranged in strands and nests in the background of a highly sclerotic collagenous stroma. Despite the relatively bland appearance and low mitotic activity, the tumor is capable of local recurrence and distant metastasis. We report a case of sclerosing epithelioid fibrosarcoma arising from the chest wall in a 26‐year‐old man. Microscopically, the tumor showed proliferation of round, oval, or angulated tumor cells in the sclerotic collagenous stroma. The tumor cells were small to medium in size, had pale eosinophilic cytoplasm and were arranged in cords, strands, and clusters. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells were diffusely positive for vimentin, but negative for pan‐cytokeratin, S100 protein, human melanoma black 45, CD34, smooth muscle actin, and desmin. The tumor cells showed paranuclear dot‐like staining for beta‐catenin on immunostaining, but no nuclear staining was observed. The patient is alive 13 months after surgery.
Beyond the Document: Living Institutions of US National Design Policy
Authors: Tunstall Elizabeth (Dori) , Jones Casey
Published: November 2010

The US Design Policy Initiative: “a governmental plan of action for design in the service of the country's economic competitiveness and democratic governance.” What it isn't… is a formal document.
Design Industries and Policies in the UK and China: A Comparison
Authors: Sun Qian
Published: November 2010

The UK and China are two very different nations, but an examination of their national policies on design might reveal commonalities that go beyond cultural differences. The author concludes that effective policy‐making has to start with considerations of the balance between supply and demand—that is, design supply and demand.
Shape Memory Alloy Based Morphing Aerostructures
Authors: Calkins Frederick T. , Mabe James H.
Published: November 2010

In order to continue the current rate of improvements in aircraft performance, aircraft and components which are continuously optimized for all flight conditions, will be needed. Toward this goal morphing-capable, adaptive structures based on shape memory alloy (SMA) technology that enable component and system-level optimization at multiple flight conditions are being developed. This paper reviews five large-scale SMA based technology programs initiated by The Boeing Company. The SAMPSON smart inlet program showed that fully integrated SMA wire bundles could provide a fighter aircraft with a variable engine inlet capability. The reconfigurable rotor blade program demonstrated the ability of highly robust, controlled 55-Nitinol tube actuators to twist a rotor blade in a spin stand test to optimize rotor aerodynamic characteristics. The variable geometry chevron (VGC) program, which was the first use of 60-Nitinol for a major aerospace application, included a flight test and static engine test of the GE90-115B engine fitted with controlled morphing chevrons that reduced noise and increased engine efficiency. The deployable rotor tab employed tube actuators to deploy and retract small fences capable of significantly reducing blade-vortex interaction generated noise on a rotorcraft. Most recently, the variable geometry fan nozzle program has built on the VGC technology to demonstrate improved jet engine performance. Continued maturation of SMA technology is needed in order to develop innovative applications and support their commercialization.
A Hybrid Sensitivity Analysis for Use in Early Design
Authors: Hutcheson Ryan S. , McAdams Daniel A.
Published: November 2010

Sensitivity analyses are frequently used during the design of engineering systems to qualify and quantify the effect of parametric variation in the performance of a system. Two primary types of sensitivity analyses are generally used: local and global. Local analyses, generally involving derivative-based measures, have a significantly lower computational burden than global analyses but only provide measures of sensitivity around a nominal point. Global analyses, generally performed with a Monte Carlo sampling approach, and variation-based measures provide a complete description of sensitivity but incur a large computational burden and require information regarding the distributions of the design parameters in a concept. Local analyses are generally suited to the early stages of design when parametric information is limited, and a large number of concepts must be evaluated (necessitating a light computational burden). Global analyses are more suited to the later stages of design when more information about parametric distributions is available and fewer concepts are under consideration. Current derivative-based local approaches provide a different and incompatible set of measures than a global variation-based analysis. This makes a direct comparison of local to global measures ill posed. To reconcile local and global sensitivity analyses, a hybrid local variation-based sensitivity (HyVar) approach is presented. This approach has a similar computational burden to a local approach but produces measures or percentage contributions. The HyVar approach is directly comparable to global variation-based approaches. In this paper, the HyVar sensitivity analysis method is developed in the context of a functional based behavioral modeling framework. An example application of the method is presented along with a summary of results produced from a more comprehensive example.
Novel High-Performing Single-Pressure Combined Cycle With CO2 Capture
Authors: Sipöcz Nikolett , Jonshagen Klas , Assadi Mohsen , Genrup Magnus
Published: November 2010

The European electric power industry has undergone considerable changes over the past two decades as a result of more stringent laws concerning environmental protection along with the deregulation and liberalization of the electric power market. However, the pressure to deliver solutions in regard to the issue of climate change has increased dramatically in the last few years and has given rise to the possibility that future natural gas-fired combined cycle (NGCC) plants will also be subject to CO2 capture requirements. At the same time, the interest in combined cycles with their high efficiency, low capital costs, and complexity has grown as a consequence of addressing new challenges posed by the need to operate according to market demand in order to be economically viable. Considering that these challenges will also be imposed on new natural gas-fired power plants in the foreseeable future, this study presents a new process concept for natural gas combined cycle power plants with CO2 capture. The simulation tool IPSEpro is used to model a 400 MW single-pressure NGCC with post-combustion CO2 capture using an amine-based absorption process with monoethanolamine. To improve the costs of capture, the gas turbine GE 109FB is utilizing exhaust gas recirculation, thereby, increasing the CO2 content in the gas turbine working fluid to almost double that of conventional operating gas turbines. In addition, the concept advantageously uses approximately 20% less steam for solvent regeneration by utilizing preheated water extracted from heat recovery steam generator. The further recovery of heat from exhaust gases for water preheating by use of an increased economizer flow results in an outlet stack temperature comparable to those achieved in combined cycle plants with multiple-pressure levels. As a result, overall power plant efficiency as high as that achieved for a triple-pressure reheated NGCC with corresponding CO2 removal facility is attained. The concept, thus, provides a more cost-efficient option to triple-pressure combined cycles since the number of heat exchangers, boilers, etc., is reduced considerably.
Development of a 3 kW Microturbine for CHP Applications
Authors: Visser W. P. J. , Shakariyants S. A. , Oostveen M.
Published: November 2010

Combined heat and power (CHP) concepts for small-scale distributed power generation offer significant potential for saving energy and reducing CO2 emissions. Microturbines are an interesting candidate for small CHP systems with advantages in terms of performance, size, noise, and costs. MTT is developing a 3 kW recuperated microturbine for micro CHP applications for large households and for truck combined APU-heating systems. To minimize costs, off-the-shelf automotive turbocharger technology has been used for the turbomachinery. During recent years, turbocharger turbomachinery performance and efficiencies have significantly increased, even for very small sizes. At the same time, efficient high-speed motor-generators have become available at relatively low prices. The development of a concept demonstrator started in May 2008. This program phase included a cycle analysis and component selection study around off-the-shelf turbomachinery, design of a custom combustor, recuperator and generator, and a test program. In this paper, results of the cycle definition, conceptual design and component matching study are presented. Next, the development of a detailed performance model is described and performance prediction results are given. Also, results of the test program and test analysis work are presented. Finally, from the conclusion of the demonstrator phase an outlook is given on the prototype design and performance, which will be the next phase of the development program.
Computational Evaluation of Adhesion and Mechanical Properties of Nanolayered Erosion-Resistant Coatings for Gas Turbines
Authors: Bielawski Mariusz , Chen Kuiying
Published: November 2010

A computational method to evaluate fracture toughness of prospective erosion-resistant coatings using a combination of first-principles density functional theory (DFT) calculations and fracture mechanics is proposed. Elastic coefficients C11, C12, and C44, the ideal work of adhesion Wad, bulk modulus B, shear modulus G, and Young’s modulus E of transition metal nitrides with a cubic structure such as TiN, CrN, ZrN, VN, and HfN are calculated. Both the G/B ratio and Cauchy pressure C12−C44 indicate brittle behavior for TiN, ZrN, and HfN and more metallic behavior for CrN and VN. The fracture toughness KIC and interfacial fracture toughness KICInt for bilayer combinations of these five nitrides is calculated along the [100] and [110] directions. The largest KIC value is obtained for HfN (2.14 MPa m1/2) in (100) orientation and for TiN (2.16 MPa m1/2) in (110) orientation. The lowest fracture toughness, in both orientations, is found for CrN. Among ten coherent interfaces of the five investigated nitrides the largest value of interfacial fracture toughness KICInt=3.24 MPa m1/2 is recorded for the HfN/TiN interface in the (110) orientation.
Case Study Research Using Senior Design Projects: An Example Application
Authors: Maier Jonathan R. A. , Troy Timothy , Johnston P. Jud , Bobba Vedik , Summers Joshua D.
Published: November 2010

Case study research in engineering design, while not as formalized and accepted as in the social sciences, is growing in popularity because of its ability to yield significant insights into how designers interact with design problems, processes, artifacts, and each other. A wealth of evidence for use in case studies exists in the form of undergraduate senior design courses, which produce documentation related to the design of new artifacts every academic semester. The resulting documentation can be effectively mined to test hypotheses about design processes and designer behaviors. In this paper, we offer an example application of how to apply case study research to a completed senior design project in order to test a theory for how designers, users, and artifacts behave as a complex adaptive system. The evidence from the case study supports the descriptive power of the theoretical framework and supports the practical conclusion that effective communication between designers and users is particularly important and should be strengthened to foster overall project success, especially during the problem definition stage of design.
Ripple Current Effects on PEMFC Aging Test by Experimental and Modeling
Authors: Gerard Mathias , Poirot-Crouvezier Jean-Philippe , Hissel Daniel , Péra Marie-Cecile
Published: November 2010

Polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells’ (PEMFCs) systems usually require power conditioning by a dc-dc boost converter to increase the output fuel cell voltage, especially for automotive applications and stationary applications. The output fuel cell current is then submitted to the high frequency switching leading to a current ripple. The ripple current effects on fuel cell are studied by experimental ripple current aging test on a five cell stack (membrane electrode assembly (MEA) surface of 220 cm2) and compared with a reference aging test. The stack is run in nominal conditions but an ac component is added to the dc load. The ac component is a 5 kHz triangle, amplitude of which is ±20% of the dc component, in order to simulate a boost waveform. Fuel cell characterizations (polarization curves, impedance spectra, and voltammetry) provide information on the PEMFC aging and the performance evolution. Local conditions are computed through a dynamic stack model. The model takes into account transport phenomena, heat transfer, and semi-empirical electrochemical reactions and includes a meshing to calculate local conditions on the MEA surface (gas reactant pressures, local temperature, gas molar fractions, water activity, and local electronic current density). The consequences about performance and aging during high frequency ripple current are explained.
Design and Performance Test of the Direct Methanol Fuel Cell System
Authors: Wu Shinn-Dar , Chou Chang-Pin , Su Ay , Hwang Jenn-Jiang
Published: November 2010

This paper aims to analyze the membrane electrode assembly (MEA) of the direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) in order to provide a reference for the design of DMFC. The slow kinetics of methanol oxidation and whether the anode should be hydrophobic or hydrophilic were seldom discussed in previous research. Therefore, this paper focuses on the electrode of the anode. The anodic gas diffusion layer (GDL) is treated with different hydrophilic degrees. Then, the microstructure of GDL is examined using SEM. The water content and water droplet contact angle of GDL were measured. The results are then compared with each other to determine the optimal treatment procedure of the anode. The second part of this paper proposed a new design of the DMFC system. After choosing the appropriate MEAs for the DMFC stack, the stack was combined with the water circulatory system, air circulatory system, and electricity controller to complete the DMFC system. The efficiency of the whole system is discussed.
Topology Optimization of Compliant Mechanisms Using Hybrid Discretization Model
Authors: Zhou Hong
Published: November 2010

The hybrid discretization model for topology optimization of compliant mechanisms is introduced in this paper. The design domain is discretized into quadrilateral design cells. Each design cell is further subdivided into triangular analysis cells. This hybrid discretization model allows any two contiguous design cells to be connected by four triangular analysis cells whether they are in the horizontal, vertical, or diagonal direction. Topological anomalies such as checkerboard patterns, diagonal element chains, and de facto hinges are completely eliminated. In the proposed topology optimization method, design variables are all binary, and every analysis cell is either solid or void to prevent the gray cell problem that is usually caused by intermediate material states. Stress constraint is directly imposed on each analysis cell to make the synthesized compliant mechanism safe. Genetic algorithm is used to search the optimum and to avoid the need to choose the initial guess solution and conduct sensitivity analysis. The obtained topology solutions have no point connection, unsmooth boundary, and zigzag member. No post-processing is needed for topology uncertainty caused by point connection or a gray cell. The introduced hybrid discretization model and the proposed topology optimization procedure are illustrated by two classical synthesis examples of compliant mechanisms.
Receding Horizon Control for Constrained Markovian Jump Linear Systems With Bounded Disturbance
Authors: Wen Jiwei , Liu Fei
Published: November 2010

This paper addresses the constrained receding horizon control scheme for a class of discrete-time Markovian jump linear systems with partly unknown transition probabilities and persistent bounded disturbances. The proposed method adopts paradigm that utilizes nominal closed-loop feedback controller plus an additional online optimized variable. Both the state feedback approach and the observer based approach are given. The obtained predictive controller guarantees constraint fulfillment and asymptotic state regulation in the mean square sense for all admissible disturbances. The system state and estimated state converge into a stochastic disturbance invariant set provided that the initial state and initial estimation error are feasible. A numerical example is given to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.