bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantitative estimate of the risks and benefits of possible alternative blood donor deferral strategies for men who have had sex with men
Authors: Anderson Steven A. , Yang Hong , Gallagher Lou M. , O'Callaghan Sharon , Forshee Richard A. , Busch Michael P. , McKenna Matthew T. , Williams Ian , Williams Alan , Kuehnert Matthew J. , Stramer Susan , Kleinman Steve , Epstein Jay , Dayton Andrew I.
Published: March 2009

BACKGROUND: Implementation of sensitive screening methods for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis viruses prompts the question of what quantitative risks may result from altered deferral strategies for donation of blood by men who have had sex with men (MSM).

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Quantitative probabilistic models were developed to assess changes in the residual risk of transfusion‐transmitted HIV and hepatitis B virus (HBV) associated with blood testing and quarantine release errors (QREs) in the initial year of two hypothetical policy scenarios that would allow donations from donors who have abstained from MSM behavior for at least 5 years (MSM5) or at least 1 year (MSM1).

RESULTS: The MSM5 and MSM1 models, respectively, predicted annual increases in units of HIV‐infected blood of 0.5% (0.03 mean additional units; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0‐1) and 3.0% (0.18 mean additional units; 95% CI, 0‐1) over current estimated HIV residual risk using recent, nationwide biologic product deviation reports to estimate QRE rates. These estimates are approximately 10‐fold lower than estimates based on New York State QRE data from the previous decade. The models predicted smaller increases in infectious HBV donations.

CONCLUSIONS: QREs remain the most significant preventable source of risk. More accurate inputs, including the percentage of MSM in the population, the percentage of MSM who have abstained from MSM activity for 1 or 5 years, the prevalence of HIV and HBV in MSM who have abstained from MSM activity for 1 or 5 years, the rate of self‐deferral, and QRE rates, are required before making more precise predictions.
A laboratory comparison of pathogen reduction technology treatment and culture of platelet products for addressing bacterial contamination concerns
Authors: Goodrich Raymond P. , Gilmour Denise , Hovenga Nick , Keil Shawn D.
Published: March 2009

BACKGROUND: Concerns over the risk of bacterial contamination of platelet products have led to implementation of bacteria culture and other screening methods. New approaches for dealing with this issue have also been proposed.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A direct comparison of treatment with riboflavin and ultraviolet (UV) light (Mirasol pathogen reduction technology [PRT] system) versus bacterial culture testing (two‐bottle system, 48‐hour quarantine) was undertaken to compare their effectiveness. Thirteen clinically relevant bacterial organisms (20 strains) were used in this evaluation. Results were compared with spiking levels at 20 to 100 colony‐forming units (CFUs) per product and at less than 20 CFUs per product.

RESULTS: At spiking levels of 20 to 100 CFUs per product, the riboflavin and UV light process demonstrated 91% effectiveness against a broad spectrum of bacteria. In comparison, the culture method demonstrated an ability to detect up to 91% of the same contaminants, when used in the two‐bottle, 48‐hour‐to‐release configuration. At lower initial titers of contaminating agents (<20 CFUs per product), the effectiveness of PRT increased to 98% whereas the culture method effectiveness decreased to 66%. Effectiveness of the culture method further decreased to 60% when a one‐bottle system was used.

CONCLUSION: The results from this work suggest that the riboflavin and UV light process may provide up to 98% protection against transfusion of bacterially contaminated units at the most clinically relevant contamination levels (<20 CFUs per product). This compares favorably to the 60% to 66% effectiveness of bacterial culture testing using a 48‐hour quarantine period before product release.
Impact of intraoperative red blood cell salvage on transfusion requirements and outcomes in radical prostatectomy
Authors: MacIvor Duncan , Nelson Joel , Triulzi Darrell
Published: March 2009

BACKGROUND: Preoperative autologous blood donation lowers preoperative hemoglobin (Hb) levels, and the collected blood is frequently wasted. Intraoperative red blood cell (RBC) salvage provides fresher autologous blood in proportion to surgical blood loss, making cell salvage (CS) in radical prostatectomy (RP) feasible for study.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: This retrospective study compared two strategies to reduce allogeneic RBC transfusion requirements in RP: preoperative autologous donation (PAD) versus CS. Patients underwent RP by one surgeon at one institution during two comparable time periods in 2005 (PAD—Group 1) and 2006 (CS—Group 2).

RESULTS: Group 1 patients (n = 40) underwent PAD, collecting 63 autologous RBC units; 36 units (57.1%) were reinfused and 27 (42.9%) were wasted. No Group 1 patient received allogeneic blood. Group 2 patients (n = 63) underwent intraoperative CS and received a mean of 287 mL of salvaged blood. In Group 2, two patients (3.2%) with preoperative Hb levels too low to permit autologous donation each received 2 units of allogeneic RBCs. Group 1 patients had significantly lower preoperative (−1.4 g/dL) and postoperative (−0.8 g/dL) Hb values compared to the CS group. There were no significant differences between groups in procedure times, length of stay, or numbers of cancer recurrences over the 24‐ to 36‐month follow‐up period.

CONCLUSION: Perioperative CS can effectively replace PAD for RP patients, offering similar avoidance of allogeneic transfusion, with greater convenience and superior postoperative Hb levels.
Time course and etiology of death in patients with severe anemia
Authors: Tobian Aaron A.R. , Ness Paul M. , Noveck Helaine , Carson Jeffrey L.
Published: March 2009

BACKGROUND: Mortality increases as hemoglobin (Hb) levels fall. Among severely anemic patients, the clinical course, cause of death, and whether there are any warning signs before death are unknown.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed of surgical patients who refused red blood cell transfusions for religious reasons and died with a Hb concentration 6 g/dL or less. Mortality was defined as death that occurred during hospitalization.

RESULTS: Among the 1958 Jehovah's Witness patients that had surgery, 117 (5.6%) had a postoperative Hb level of 6 g/dL or less and 39 (33.3%) of these individuals died in the hospital. The median number of days from surgery to the lowest Hb level was 3 days (range, 0‐22 days; interquartile range, 1‐8 days) and from the lowest postoperative Hb level to death was 2 days (range, 0‐40 days; interquartile range, 1‐12 days). Individuals with a Hb level of 2.0 g/dL or less had on median 1.0 (interquartile range, 0.5‐1.5) day from their lowest Hb to death while individuals with their lowest Hb ranging between 4.1 and 5.0 g/dL had on median 11 (interquartile range, 1‐23) days from their lowest Hb to death. Except for anemia, no single etiology of death was predominant.

CONCLUSIONS: While there does not appear to be any single etiology that can be predictive or preventative of mortality for anemic patients, individuals with very low Hb concentrations often do not die quickly. Thus, there appears to be a potential time window where transfusion medicine physicians may intervene.
Shorter AV Delays Provide Improved Echocardiographic Hemodynamics during Exercise in Patients Receiving Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy
Authors: GRIMM RICHARD A. , SUN JING PING , AGLER DEBORAH , FITZGERALD BEN , WILKOFF BRUCE , HILPISCH KATHRYN , PERLIC GEORGE , CHINCHOY EDWARD
Published: March 2009

Background:

Although atrial ventricular (AV) intervals are often optimized at rest in patients receiving cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), there are limited data on the impact of exercise on optimal AV interval.

Methods:

In 15 patients with CRT, AV intervals were serially programmed while patients were supine and at rest, and during exercise with heart rates that averaged 20 and 40 beats per minute above their resting rates. Echocardiographic Doppler images were acquired at each programmed AV interval and each rate. Three independent echocardiographic criteria were retrospectively used to determine each patient's optimal AV interval as a function of exercise‐induced increased heart rates: the duration of left ventricular filling, stroke volume, and a clinical assessment of left ventricular function.

Results:

A negative correlation between the optimal AV interval and heart rate was observed across all patients using all three independent criterion: the maximum left ventricular filling time (slope =–0.77, intercept = 151.9, r = 0.55, P < 0.001), maximum stroke volume (slope =–0.93, intercept = 183.3, r = 0.50, P = 0.002), or the subjective clinical assessment (slope =–1.06, intercept = 182.0, r = 0.72, P < 0.001). Consistent trends were observed between all three parameters for 12 out of the 15 patients.

Conclusions:

These results suggest that in patients indicated for CRT, rate‐adaptive functions may be useful to shorten AV intervals with increased rate, in order to maximize left ventricular filling, stroke volume, and clinical left ventricular function. Further studies are necessary to determine the clinical impact of these rate‐adaptive algorithms.
A Technique for the Rapid Diagnosis of Wide Complex Tachycardia with 1:1 AV Relationship in the Electrophysiology Laboratory
Authors: ABDELWAHAB AMIR , GARDNER MARTIN J. , BASTA MAGDY N. , PARKASH RATIKA , KHAN AAMIR , SAPP JOHN L.
Published: March 2009

Background:

The differential diagnosis of wide complex tachycardia (WCT) with 1:1 atrioventricular (AV) relationship is broad. Accurate identification of the tachycardia mechanism is essential for successful ablation. We suggest a simple pacing maneuver that can immediately clarify the tachycardia mechanism in the electrophysiology laboratory.

Methods:

Eight consecutive patients (four males, 32 ± 14 years) demonstrating stable sustained WCT with persistent 1:1 AV relationship during electrophysiologic testing were included in this study. During the tachycardia, atrial overdrive pacing was performed. The following responses were observed: (1) a change of the QRS morphology during atrial pacing and (2) the first return electrogram of the tachycardia, whether occurring in the atrium (AVA response) or in the ventricle (AVVA response).

Results:

Atrial overdrive pacing was successfully performed in all patients. It was associated with either a change or narrowing of the QRS in all ventricular tachycardia (VT) patients but not in supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) patients. All VT patients had an AVVA response upon cessation of atrial overdrive pacing as opposed to AVA response in SVT patients, P = 0.029.

Conclusion:

The response to atrial overdrive pacing during WCT with 1:1 AV relationship can rapidly diagnose or rule out VT as a mechanism of tachycardia.
Multiple ICD Discharges Associated with Lead Fracture Without Triggering of High Impedance Alert
Authors: DONALDSON DAVID M. , SINGH JAGMEET P. , HEIST E. KEVIN , MELA THEOFANIE , RUSKIN JEREMY N. , DAS SAUMYA
Published: March 2009

The Sprint Fidelis® lead has an increased incidence of lead fracture. The manufacturer has recommended programming alerts to preempt lead malfunction due to fracture. The current trigger for an alert is an increase in the right ventricular pacing impedance to greater than 1,000 Ω. Our patient suffered multiple inappropriate implantable cardioverter defibrillator therapies with stable impedance less than 1,000 Ω. This case of lead fracture would not have been detected with these programming alerts. Additional programming measures may detect lead fractures, including changing the lower detection for impedances, arranging for a percentage change in the impedance trend to trigger an alarm, or programming the device to warn if there is an increase in nonphysiologic short R‐R interval counts.
Fishing down and fishing hard: ecological change in the Nile perch of Lake Nabugabo, Uganda
Authors: Paterson J. A. , Chapman L. J.
Published: March 2009

Abstract –  Fishing is a potent ecological force. In Lake Victoria, East Africa, Nile perch, Lates niloticus contributes to a multi‐million dollar fishing industry but is threatened by over‐exploitation. We quantified spatial and temporal trends in the distribution, diet and size of Nile perch in Lake Nabugabo, Uganda, a satellite of Lake Victoria. From 1995 to 2007, we detected a decline in catch per unit effort of Nile perch, a shift in their distribution and diet, and a decrease in their body size. A greater proportion of Nile perch were found near wetland ecotones than in the 1990s. This may reflect intensive size‐selective fishing in open waters, and encroachment of Vossia cuspidata, an emergent macrophyte that has expanded across the lakeshore. Results highlight the strength of fishing in inducing phenotypic changes in target stocks as well as large‐scale changes to the aquatic community and are of value in understanding changes in Lake Victoria.
Behind Fluorodeoxy‐Glucose: the Role of Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography for Fluorine‐18 Labelled PET‐Tracer Imaging
Authors: Rendl G. , Rettenbacher L. , Pirich C.
Published: March 2009

F‐18 fluorodeoxy‐glucose (FDG) is the most widely used tracer in positron emission tomography (PET) imaging in Nuclear Medicine. This review deals with the clinical value of other F‐18 labelled PET tracers targeting different biological substrates.
The Incremental Value of F‐18 FDG PET and PET/CT in Malignant Lymphoma
Authors: Gallowitsch H. J. , Igerc I. , Kohlfürst S. , Lind P.
Published: March 2009

F‐18 FDG positron emission tomography (PET) is able to diagnose viable lymphoma tissue due to its elevated glucose metabolism, independent of the size of the lesions. For staging purposes, the value of FDG PET in Hodgkin’s (HL) and high‐grade non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) lies predominantly in a change of tumour stage with the consequence of a modification of therapeutic regimen and a more exact definition of radiotherapy (RTX) planning volume. In indolent lymphoma, a pre‐therapeutic scan is mandatory for further therapy monitoring due to variable FDG‐uptake. In restaging HL and NHL, discrimination between viable residual lymphoma and necrosis in case of a residual bulk is possible with FDG PET, which is limited by conventional methods. PET/CT combines the advantages of PET and CT and performs better than each method alone by further improving the accuracy of staging and response assessment over that of CT alone. There are a lower proportion of equivocal or benign findings because PET‐CT specifies the nature of uptake. Some studies have demonstrated the possibility of therapy monitoring, but further prospective studies have to be performed before therapy may be avoided or modified according to the results of the PET/CT examination.
Betulinic acid‐mediated inhibitory effect on hepatitis B virus by suppression of manganese superoxide dismutase expression
Authors: Yao Dachun , Li Huawen , Gou Yulan , Zhang Haimou , Vlessidis Athanasios G. , Zhou Haiyan , Evmiridis Nicholaos P. , Liu Zhengxiang
Published: March 2009

The betulinic acid (BetA) purified from Pulsatilla chinensis (PC) has been found to have selective inhibitory effects on hepatitis B virus (HBV). In hepatocytes from HBV‐transgenic mice, we showed that BetA substantially inhibited HBV replication by downregulation of manganese superoxide dismutase (SOD2) expression, with subsequent reactive oxygen species generation and mitochondrial dysfunction. Also, the HBV X protein (HBx) is suppressed and translocated into the mitochondria followed by cytochrome c release. Further investigation revealed that SOD2 expression was suppressed by BetA‐induced cAMP‐response element‐binding protein dephosphorylation at Ser133, which subsequently prevented SOD2 transcription through the cAMP‐response element‐binding protein‐binding motif on the SOD2 promoter. SOD2 overexpression abolished the inhibitory effect of BetA on HBV replication, whereas SOD2 knockdown mimicked this effect, indicating that BetA‐mediated HBV clearance was due to modulation of the mitochondrial redox balance. This observation was further confirmed in HBV‐transgenic mice, where both BetA and PC crude extracts suppressed SOD2 expression, with enhanced reactive oxygen species generation in liver tissues followed by substantial HBV clearance. We conclude that BetA from PC could be a good candidate for anti‐HBV drug development.
Phenolic Content and Antioxidant Activity of Primitivo Wine: Comparison among Winemaking Technologies
Authors: Baiano A. , Terracone C. , Gambacorta G. , La Notte E.
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACT:  The aim of this study was to assess the influence of 9 winemaking technologies (traditional, delestage, saignée, delayed punching‐down, addition of grape seed tannins, addition of ellagic‐skin‐seed tannins, heating of must‐wine, cryo‐maceration, and prolonged maceration) on the phenolic content and antioxidant activity of Primitivo musts and wines. Three methods for the determination of the antioxidant activity were compared: DPPH, β‐carotene bleaching assay, and ABTS. Oenological parameters and composition of the phenolic fraction of 1‐y‐aged wines was also determined. The addition of tannins allowed the increase of the phenolic content of musts and wines in a greater amount than the other technologies. The results concerning the antioxidant activity depended on the method applied. Concerning musts, the DPPH assay did not highlight great differences among technologies, whereas the addition of tannins allowed the obtainment of the highest antioxidant activity according to β‐carotene and ABTS assays. The wine aging determined an increase of the antioxidant activity, independently on the method applied. Wine obtained through traditional technology, saignée, and addition of tannins showed the highest antioxidant activities according to DPPH and β‐carotene. The highest correlation coefficients (0.961 and 0.932) were calculated between phenolic content and ABTS values of musts whereas the lowest values (0.413 and 0.517) were calculated between phenolic content and ABTS values of wines. Wines produced through traditional technology were the richest in anthocyanins. The addition of tannins allowed to obtain high content in monomeric anthocyanins, flavonoids, flavans reactive to vanillin, and coumaroylated malvidin and a low content in acetylated malvidin.

Practical Applications: It is well known that a moderate consumption (equivalent to 2 glasses per day) of red wine is actually recommended since it appears associated with a decreased incidence of cardiovascular diseases. The mechanisms involved in this protective effect are not completely understood although they appear related to the presence of phenolic compounds. To increase the intake of these compounds without increase of the wine consumption, it is necessary to improve their extraction during maceration. This study could represent a helpful tool for wineries aimed to know the way to increase the antioxidant content of their wines, thus changing them in functional beverages and prolonging their shelf life.
Extraction and Physicochemical Characterization of Greater Lizardfish (Saurida tumbil) Skin and Bone Gelatin
Authors: Taheri A. , Abedian Kenari A.M. , Gildberg A. , Behnam S.
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACT:  Type A gelatins were extracted from skins and bones of lizardfish and analyzed to determine their functional and chemical properties. Lizardfish skin gelatin had ash content of 2.2 ± 0.3% while bone gelatin had ash content of 12.2 ± 0.2%. Gel strength was 159.1 ± 14 and 135 ± 7.9 g, respectively, for skin and bone gelatins compared to 224.3 ± 7.7 g for porcine gelatin. Gelatin from skin exhibited higher viscosity and lower setting time than bone. Skin gelatin had higher imino acid content than bone gelatin. The total imino acid content was 21.71% and 19.83% for skin and bone, respectively. Both skin and bone gelatins contained more α chains than β and γ components. Both bone and skin gelatins also contained low molecular weight (< α) peptides. The differences in functional properties between the skin and bone gelatins appeared to be related to differences in amino acid composition and molecular weight distribution of the gelatins.
Inactivation of Listeria innocua on Frankfurters by Ultraviolet Light and Flash Pasteurization
Authors: Sommers C.H. , Geveke D.J. , Pulsfus S. , Lemmenes B.
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACT:  Listeria monocytogenes, a psychrotrophic foodborne pathogen, is a recurring postprocess contaminant on ready‐to‐eat meat (RTE) products including frankfurters. Flash (Steam) Pasteurization (FP) and ultraviolet light (254 nm‐UVC) has been shown to reduce levels of L. monocytogenes and L. innocua on frankfurters. In this study, the use of UVC light followed by FP to inactivate L. innocua, a nonpathogenic surrogate for L.monocytogenes, on frankfurters that contained sodium diacetate and potassium lactate (SDA/PL) in a pilot‐plant setting was investigated. Application of UVC (1.0 J/cm2), followed by FP (0.75 s steam/121 °C) resulted in inactivation of 3.19 log L. innocua, while application of UVC (4.0 J/cm2), followed by FP (3 s steam/121 °C) resulted in inactivation of 3.89 log of L. innocua. A refrigerated storage study (8 °C) of frankfurters that contained SDA/PL that were treated with UVC followed by FP revealed the growth of L. innocua was inhibited for approximately 8 wk following application of the interventions. The use of UVC in combination with FP had little effect on frankfurter color and texture. The combination of UVC, FP, and SDA/PL was found to be an effective hurdle process for decontamination of frankfurter surfaces.
Comparative Study of Washing Treatments and Alkali Extraction on Gelation Characteristics of Striped Catfish (Pangasius hypophthalmus) Muscle Protein
Authors: Tadpitchayangkoon P. , Yongsawatdigul J.
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACT:  The effect of washing treatments (water and alkali washing) and alkali extraction/acid precipitation on the physicochemical and textural properties of striped catfish (Pangasius hypophthalmus) muscle protein was compared. Alkali extraction/acid precipitation process resulted in the highest protein recovery of 98.77% (dry weight basis) and lowest fat content of 0.98% (dry weight basis). The extractable proteins of fish protein isolates (FPI) at various ionic strengths (0 to 0.6 M NaCl) exhibited majority of protein at 38 kDa with trace amount of others. Unsaturated fatty acids, namely, oleic, linoleic, and docosahexaenoic acid, were greatly reduced in FPI. Water‐washed mince (W) exhibited higher autolytic activity than mince (M), suggesting the presence of myofibril‐bound proteinase(s). Autolytic activity was lowest in the FPI. Breaking force of striped catfish gels was greatly improved when set at 40 °C for 30 min, regardless of preparation treatment. The typical water washing process was effective to improve gel‐forming ability of striped catfish. FPI gels contained the lower total sulfhydryl content, indicating the greater extent of disulfide bond formation as compared to that of washed mince. The FPI gels showed higher breaking force but lower deformation values than W and alkali‐washed (AW) gels. Addition of NaCl improved deformation, but adversely affected breaking force of FPI gel. Whiteness of FPI gel increased with NaCl addition.
Spectroscopic Investigations on the Binding of the Photosensitizer Chlorin p6 with Amine‐modified Silica Nanoparticles in Aqueous Media
Authors: Jain Beena , Uppal Abha , Gupta Pradeep K. , Das Kaustuv
Published: March 2009

Absorption and emission properties of the amphiphilic photosensitizer Chlorin p6 were investigated in aqueous medium in the presence of silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) having positively charged amino groups. The results of these studies reveal that the acid–base ionization equilibrium of Chlorin p6 in aqueous medium is significantly affected as a result of strong electrostatic binding between the negatively charged drug and SiNP. The spectroscopic signature of the drug bound to SiNPs suggests that the tri‐anionic form of the drug remains bound to the positively charged SiNPs at pH 8.0. As the pH is progressively decreased the formation of hydrophobic aggregates is disrupted significantly due to the presence of electrostatic binding force, which competes with intermolecular hydrophobic forces. The interplay of hydrophobic and electrostatic forces in the drug–nanoparticle binding process might affect the relative uptake and photodynamic efficacy of the free drug and the drug–nanoparticle complex in cancer cells.
Photochemistry of Oxazolidinone Antibacterial Drugs†
Authors: Fasani Elisa , Tilocca Fedele , Albini Angelo
Published: March 2009

The photochemistry of six N3‐(3‐fluoro‐4‐dialkylaminophenyl)‐oxazolidinones known for their antimicrobial activity has been examined. All of these compounds are defluorinated in water (Φdec ≈ 0.25) and in methanol (Φdec ≈ 0.03), reasonably via the triplet. The chemical processes observed are reductive defluorination and solvolysis, depending on the structural variation introduced (thus, tethering the dialkylamino group to the aromatic ring and introducing a highly polar group in the oxazolidinone moiety have an effect). A likely mechanism involves the fragmentation of the C–F bond yielding the corresponding triplet phenyl cation. This intermediate either is reduced or, under appropriate conditions, intersystem crosses to the singlet state that adds the solvent. These data demonstrate a sizeable photodecomposition of these drugs that causes a decrease in the therapeutic activity. Furthermore, the likely formation of phenyl cations may cause a photogenotoxic effect.
Standardization of In Vitro Macrophotography for Assessment of Cutaneous Responses
Authors: Coelho Sergio G. , Koo Eubee , Hearing Vincent J.
Published: March 2009

The increased popularity of commercially available three‐dimensional human skin equivalents in recent years has allowed for assessment of melanogenesis modulated by compounds topically applied to the skin or directly incorporated from the medium. These skin equivalents provide a suitable model for elucidating the mechanisms of action of various factors that modulate skin pigmentation or other properties of the skin. As such, researchers need to objectively quantify cutaneous responses at the macroscopic level. A simple method to standardize macrophotography images is reported that can quantify cutaneous responses in human skin equivalents of Asian, Black or African American, and Caucasian or White racial/ethnic origin. Macrophotographs are analyzed using the Commission Internationale de l’Eclairage L*a*b* color space system in combination with a personal computer and image editing software. Pigmentation changes monitored over a 9 day period showed a high correlation with melanin content evaluated in Fontana–Masson‐stained sections. These results indicate the feasibility of using a macrophotography setup in a sterile tissue culture environment to objectively assess in vitro cutaneous responses in human skin equivalents. This serves as an adjunct tool to biochemical and morphological methods to effectively quantify changes in pigmentation over time.
Characterization of microsatellite loci for the Australian sea urchin Heliocidaris erythrogramma
Authors: BINKS RACHEL M. , LUKEHURST SHERRALEE S. , GARCÍA‐GONZÁLEZ FRANCISCO , EVANS JONATHAN P.
Published: March 2009

We report 16 polymorphic microsatellite loci from Heliocidaris erythrogramma, a common sea urchin endemic to temperate Australian waters. These microsatellites were tested in a minimum of 30 individuals, which yielded between five and 14 alleles per locus. Expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.52 to 0.92 with four loci deviating from Hardy–Weinberg expectations. These markers are expected to be useful for experimental studies involving paternity analysis and for quantifying population structure in H. erythrogramma across its geographic range.
Isolation and characterization of 12 novel DNA microsatellites in the western rainbowfish, Melanotaenia australis
Authors: YOUNG MICHAEL J. , SIMMONS LEIGH W. , EVANS JONATHAN P.
Published: March 2009

Microsatellites were isolated from the western rainbowfish, Melanotaenia australis, for use as molecular markers. Twelve polymorphic loci were found. When characterized using 32 individuals, these had between two and 24 alleles each, and observed heterozygosities ranged from 0.00 to 0.97. Ten loci were in Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium, and all of them showed independent inheritance. These loci will be useful for the study of molecular subdivision in this species.
Onosma bulgarica sp. nov. (Boraginaceae–Lithospermeae) found on serpentine in Bulgaria
Authors: Pavlova Dolja
Published: March 2009

A new species, Onosma bulgarica (Boraginaceae–Lithospermeae), found in the eastern Rhodope Mountains in Bulgaria is described. It is a typical serpentinitophyte with local distribution and is thus a further addition to the remarkable serpentine flora. The new species belongs to the asterotrichos Onosma species and shows similarities with other endemics distributed on the Balkan Peninsula. Onosma bulgarica is clearly morphologically delimited by its suffruticose dense caespitose habit, very narrow basal and cauline leaves, bracts of lower flowers shorter than calyx and pedicel, corolla pale yellow and glabrous and short anthers. The differences between the new species and related taxa are discussed.
Association of Blood Lactate Concentration and Outcome in Foals
Authors: Wotman K. , Wilkins P.A. , Palmer J.E. , Boston R.C.
Published: March 2009

Background:Lactate concentration in blood or plasma ([LAC]) and change in [LAC] are associated with survival in sick foals.

Hypothesis:[LAC] and change in [LAC] over time are associated with survival at 96 hours and discharge in neonatal foals. Furthermore [LAC] and change in [LAC] over time correlate with blood culture results and blood pressure at admission.

Animals:Two hundred and twenty‐five foals consecutively admitted to a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Methods:Retrospective case review. Foals ≤30 days of age with [LAC] from arterial (190) or umbilical (35) blood gas analysis ([LAC]BG) at admission, 24, and 48 hours. [LAC]BG, blood pressure, blood culture status, and outcome (survival versus nonsurvival at 96 hours and discharge) were recorded. Change in [LAC]BGover time ([LAC]BGΔT) was calculated.

Results:[LAC]BGwas lower in survivors (96 hours and discharge) at all times. [LAC]BGΔT was larger for survivors (96 hours). Odds of survival (96 hours and discharge) decreased 18, 39, 53 and 22, 38, and 47%, respectively, at each sample time for every 1 mmol/L increment in [LAC]BGand increased 156% for each 1.0/day increment in [LAC]BGΔT from admission to 24 hours at 96 hours. Blood pressure and [LAC]BGwere not correlated (P= .196) until removal of selected foals (mean arterial pressure <60 mmHg, admission [LAC]BG<5.5 mmol/L) (P< .001). Bacteremia was not associated with [LAC]BG. Proposed admission [LAC]BGcut‐points for future studies were 6.5 mmol/L (96 hours) and 5.5 mmol/L (discharge).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance:Prospective studies evaluating [LAC], [LAC]BGΔT, and cut‐points in sick foals are warranted.
Transient Double-Diffusive Convection of Water Around 4°C in a Porous Cavity
Authors: Eswaramurthi M. , Kandaswamy P.
Published: March 2009

The buoyancy-driven transient double-diffusive convection in a square cavity filled with water-saturated porous medium is studied numerically. While the right and left side wall temperatures vary linearly from θa to θo and θo to θb, respectively, with height, the top and bottom walls of the cavity are thermally insulated. The species concentration levels at the right and left walls are c1 and c2, respectively, with c1>c2. The Brinkman–Forchheimer extended Darcy model is considered to investigate the average heat and mass transfer rates and to study the effects of maximum density, the Grashof number, the Schmidt number, porosity, and the Darcy number on buoyancy-induced flow and heat transfer. The finite volume method with power law scheme for convection and diffusion terms is used to discretize the governing equations for momentum, energy, and concentration, which are solved by Gauss–Seidel and successive over-relaxation methods. The heat and mass transfer in the steady-state are discussed for various physical conditions. For the first time in the literature, the study of transition from stationary to steady-state shows the existence of an overshooting between the two cells and in the average Nusselt number. The results obtained in the steady-state regime are presented in the form of streamlines, isotherms, and isoconcentration lines for various values of Grashof number, Schmidt number, porosity and Darcy number, and midheight velocity profiles. It is found that the effect of maximum density is to slow down the natural convection and reduce the average heat transfer and species diffusion. The strength of convection and heat transfer rate becomes weak due to more flow restriction in the porous medium for small porosity.
Investigation of Hierarchically Branched-Microchannel Coolers Fabricated by Deep Reactive Ion Etching for Electronics Cooling Applications
Authors: Calame J. P. , Park D. , Bass R. , Myers R. E. , Safier P. N.
Published: March 2009

The removal of high heat fluxes from BeO ceramic and GaN-on-SiC semiconductor dies using hierarchically branched-microchannel coolers is investigated, in order to examine the impact of the number of branching levels on performance. The microchannel coolers are made by lithography and deep reactive ion etching of single crystal silicon. The test dies contain a dc-operated resistive zone that approximates the spatially averaged heat flux that would appear in low-temperature cofired ceramic microwave circuit packages and in monolithic microwave integrated circuits. For the particular geometric constraints selected for the study (three source/exhaust channels, ∼5×5 mm2 die footprint, 200 μm deep channels in a 400 μm thick silicon wafer), the optimum performance is achieved with three hierarchical levels of branched-channel size. A heat flux of 1.5 kW/cm2 is removed from the 3.6×4.7 mm2 resistive zone of the BeO-based die, at a surface temperature of 203°C. When attached instead to a high thermal conductivity GaN-on-SiC die with a 1.2×5 mm2 resistive zone, a heat flux of 3.9 kW/cm2 is removed from the resistive zone at 198°C surface temperature. The total water flow rate is 275 ml/min in both situations. The experimental results are found to be in reasonable agreement with finite element simulations based on idealized estimates of convection coefficients within the channels. For the three-channel size configuration, an effective heat transfer coefficient in the range of 12.2–13.4 W/cm2 K (with respect to a 20°C bulk fluid temperature) is inferred to be present on the top of the microchannel cooler, based on simulations and derived values obtained from the experimental data.
Study on Contact Melting Inside an Elliptical Tube With Nonisothermal Wall
Authors: Zhao Yuansong , Chen Wenzhen , Sun Fengrui
Published: March 2009

The problem of contact melting inside an elliptical tube with nonisothermal wall is investigated. A theoretical model, which the inner wall temperature of source varied with angle ϕ, is established by applying film theory. The basic equations of the melting process are solved theoretically, and a closed-form solution is obtained. Under certain cases, comparisons of results for the melting velocity with those of contact melting inside a horizontal cylindrical tube with nonisothermal wall and an elliptical tube with constant temperature are reported for the validity of the solution in this paper. Effects of aspect ratio J and inner wall temperature distribution are critically assessed. It is found that the smaller the elliptical aspect ratio J is, the greater the effect of wall temperature distribution on melting velocity, and the time to complete melting increases with the augment of coefficient c in temperature distribution.
Effect of Absorptive
Coating of the Hot Fluid Passage of a Heat Exchanger Employing Exergy-Optimized Pin Fins in High
Temperature Applications
Authors: Nwachukwu Nwosu
P. , Onyegegbu Samuel
O.
Published: March 2009

Abstracts

An expression for the optimum pin fin dimension is derived on exergy basis for a high temperature exchanger employing pin fins. The present result differs from that obtained by Poulikakos and Bejan (1982, “Fin Geometry for Minimum Entropy Generation in Forced Convection,” ASME J. Heat Transfer, 104, pp. 616–623) for a low temperature heat recovery application. Also, a simple relation is established between the amounts the base temperature of the optimized pin fin is raised for a range of absorptive coating values. Employing this relation, if the absorptivity of the coating, the plate emissivity, the number of protruding fins, and some area and fluid parameters are known, the corresponding value for the base temperature of the fin is immediately obtained. The analysis shows that the thermal performance of the exchanger improves substantially with a high absorptivity coating hence can be seen as a heat transfer enhancement feature of the exchanger operating with radiation dominance.
Performance
of Gas-to-Gas Micro-Heat Exchangers
Authors: Miwa J. , Asako Y. , Hong C. , Faghri M.
Published: March 2009

Heat transfer performance of two-stream parallel and counter-flow gas-to-gas micro-heat exchangers are investigated numerically. Flow passages are plane channels with heights in the range of 10–100μm and selected lengths of 12.7mm and 25.4mm. Numerical methodology is based on the arbitrary-Lagrangian-Eulerian method. Computations were performed to find the effects of capacity ratio, channel height, and length on the heat transfer characteristics of micro-heat exchangers. To results are presented in the form of temperature contours, bulk temperatures, total temperatures, and heat flux variation along the channel. It was found that the temperature inversion occurs under certain conditions. Also, the effectiveness and the number of transfer units approach and the estimation of the heat exchange rate were discussed. The range of parameters where the predicted effectiveness agrees with the numerical result were investigated.
Convective Performance of Nanofluids in a Laminar Thermally Developing Tube Flow
Authors: Kolade Babajide , Goodson Kenneth E. , Eaton John K.
Published: March 2009

While many of the published papers on nanofluids focus on measuring the increased thermal conductivity of the suspension under static conditions, the convective performance of these fluids has received relatively little attention. The present work measures the effective thermal conductivity of nanofluids under developing convective boundary layer conditions in tubes of diameter 5 mm. The experiments use a hydrodynamically fully developed laminar tube flow in the range 500≤Re≤1600 with constant wall heat flux. The experiments were validated through measurements on pure de-ionized (DI) water, which results in a thermal conductivity value that agrees within 0.4% of handbook value. The increase in effective thermal conductivity for DI-water/Al2O3 nanofluids is 6% for 2% volume concentration of Al2O3, which is consistent with the previously reported conductivity values for this sample. For a suspension of multiwall carbon nanotubes in silicone oil, the thermal conductivity is increased by 10% over that of the base fluid for a concentration of 0.2% by volume. Scanning electron microscopy was utilized to examine the structure of the dry state of the nanotubes and elucidate the performance differences of carbon nanomaterials.
The Role of Boundary Control in Enhancing Damage Identification Using Eddy Current Sensors
Authors: Ray Laura E. , Fisher Reginald P.
Published: March 2009

Eddy current sensors provide an inexpensive means of detecting surface and embedded flaws in metallic structures due to fatigue, corrosion, and manufacturing defects. However, use of eddy current sensors for imaging flaws to determine their geometry is limited by sensitivity and mathematical uniqueness issues, as the magnetic flux distribution sensed at the boundary of a structure can be similar for dissimilar flaw geometries or flaw depths. This paper investigates the use of feedback control based on measured magnetic flux at a point on the boundary of the structure in order to address sensitivity and uniqueness issues for eddy current sensors and thus to enhance the ability to use these simple inexpensive sensors to determine flaw geometry. Using a parametrized two-dimensional flaw in which width and depth of the flaw are to be determined, scalar metrics are developed to relate the forward solution of the electromagnetic dynamics to the inverse problem of damage geometry reconstruction. Geometry is determined by interpolating metrics on a mesh and employing a systematic ranking process that is robust to weakly unique inverse problems. Finally, the concept of sensitivity enhancing feedback control (SEC) is applied to enrich the data set in order to improve damage geometry reconstruction. SEC feeds back measured magnetic flux at a single point along a scan line to affect the current density. Closed-loop compensation of eddy current dynamics is shown to improve uniqueness of scalar damage metrics to damage geometry parameters. Performance is demonstrated by simulation of geometry construction using finite-element models of two-dimensional flaws embedded in a material, both with and without feedback control and for noisy and noiseless simulated magnetic flux density measurement. For noiseless data, flaw depth and width are reconstructed within the resolution of the mesh (0.01 mm) using feedback control, while the relative accuracy of damage geometry identification for open-loop data is on the order of 0.1 mm in each dimension. Simulation of damage geometry identification with noisy data demonstrates lower relative error using closed-loop data, as measured by the mean and standard deviation in identified depth and width.
A Simplified Model of Heat and Mass Transfer Between Air and Falling-Film Desiccant in a Parallel-Plate Dehumidifier
Authors: Hueffed Anna K. , Chamra Louay M. , Mago Pedro J.
Published: March 2009

This paper presents a simplified model to predict the heat and mass transfer between air and falling-film liquid desiccant during dehumidification in a parallel-plate absorber. First-order, ordinary differential equations are used to estimate the heat and mass transferred, and explicit equations are derived from conservation principles to yield the exiting absorber conditions for different flow arrangements. The developed model uses a control volume approach that accounts for the change in film thickness and property values. The model results were within 5% of a more complicated parallel-flow model currently available in literature. The model was also in good agreement with existing experimental data for a counterflow absorber.
Optical Deconstruction of Parkinsonian Neural Circuitry
Authors: Gradinaru Viviana , Mogri Murtaza , Thompson Kimberly R. , Henderson Jaimie M. , Deisseroth Karl
Published: March 2009

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a therapeutic option for intractable neurological and psychiatric disorders, including Parkinson's disease and major depression. Because of the heterogeneity of brain tissues where electrodes are placed, it has been challenging to elucidate the relevant target cell types or underlying mechanisms of DBS. We used optogenetics and solid-state optics to systematically drive or inhibit an array of distinct circuit elements in freely moving parkinsonian rodents and found that therapeutic effects within the subthalamic nucleus can be accounted for by direct selective stimulation of afferent axons projecting to this region. In addition to providing insight into DBS mechanisms, these results demonstrate an optical approach for dissection of disease circuitry and define the technological toolbox needed for systematic deconstruction of disease circuits by selectively controlling individual components.
PROBING NEW GAUGE BOSON Z′ FROM THE LEFT–RIGHT TWIN HIGGS MODEL AT HIGH-ENERGY e+e- COLLIDERS
Authors: LIU YAO-BEI , DU LIN-LIN , CHANG QIN
Published: March 2009

The left–right twin Higgs (LRTH) model predicts the existence of the new neutral gauge boson Z′. In this paper, we calculate the contributions of this new particle to the processes e+e-→l+l-, [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] and study the possibility of detecting this new particle via these processes in the future high-energy linear e+e- collider (LC) experiments with [Formula: see text] and £ int = 340 fb-1, both for unpolarized and polarized beams. We find that the new gauge boson Z′ is most sensitive to the process [Formula: see text] with suitably polarized beams. As long as MZ′ ≤ 1.9 TeV , the absolute value of the relative correction parameter is larger than 5%. We calculate the forward–backward asymmetries for the process [Formula: see text], the results show that the possible signals of Z′ might be detected via measuring the deviations of A FB from its SM prediction for [Formula: see text]. Bounds on Z′ masses are also estimated within 95% confidence level. From our analysis, we conclude that the new gauge boson is most sensitive to the process [Formula: see text] and its virtual effects are most easy to be observed via this process in the future LC experiments.
BRST APPROACH TO LAGRANGIAN FORMULATION OF BOSONIC TOTALLY ANTISYMMETRIC TENSOR FIELDS IN CURVED SPACE
Authors: BUCHBINDER I. L. , KRYKHTIN V. A. , RYSKINA L. L.
Published: March 2009

We apply the BRST approach, previously developed for higher spin field theories, to gauge-invariant Lagrangian construction for antisymmetric massive and massless bosonic fields in arbitrary d-dimensional curved space. The obtained theories are reducible gauge models both in massless and massive cases and the order of reducibility grows with the value of the rank of the antisymmetric field. In both cases the Lagrangians contain the sets of auxiliary fields and possess more rich gauge symmetry in comparison with standard Lagrangian formulation for the antisymmetric fields. This serves as an additional demonstration of universality of the BRST approach for Lagrangian constructions in various field models.
FERMION DYNAMICS BY INTERNAL AND SPACETIME SYMMETRIES
Authors: CARLEVARO NAKIA , LECIAN ORCHIDEA MARIA , MONTANI GIOVANNI
Published: March 2009

This paper is devoted to introduce a gauge theory of the Lorentz group based on the ambiguity emerging in dealing with isometric diffeomorphism-induced Lorentz transformations. The behaviors under local transformations of fermion fields and spin connections (assumed to be ordinary world vectors) are analyzed in flat spacetime and the role of the torsion field, within the generalization to curved spacetime, is briefly discussed. The fermion dynamics is then analyzed including the new gauge fields and assuming time-gauge. Stationary solutions of the problem are also analyzed in the non-relativistic limit, to study the spinor structure of an hydrogen-like atom.
FACE DETECTION FROM GREYSCALE IMAGES USING DETAILS FROM CATEGORIZED WAVELET COEFFICIENTS AS FEATURES FOR A DYNAMIC SUPERVISED FORWARD PROPAGATION NETWORK
Authors: YEONG LEE SENG , ANG LI-MINN , LIM KING HANN , SENG KAH PHOOI
Published: March 2009

A dynamic counterpropagation network based on the forward only counterpropagation network (CPN) is applied as the classifier for face detection. The network, called the dynamic supervised forward-propagation network (DSFPN) trains using a supervised algorithm that grows dynamically during training allowing subclasses in the training data to be learnt. The network is trained using a reduced dimensionality categorized wavelet coefficients of the image data. Experimental results obtained show that a 94% correct detection rate can be achieved with less than 6% false positives.