bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correlation of Question 15 of the FSDS-DAO with Clinician Evaluation of Female Orgasmic Disorder
Authors: Dickstein Jodi B. , Goldstein Sue W. , Tkachenko Natalia , Kreppner Wayne
Published: June 2013

Introduction

Female orgasmic disorder (FOD) is the second most frequently reported sexual dysfunction in women. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, the term “marked distress” is central to the diagnosis of FOD.

Aim

Objectives of this study were to explore terminology used by women diagnosed with FOD to describe their associated feelings and establish a correlation between patient ratings of question 15, “How often do you feel frustrated by problems with orgasm” on the Female Sexual Distress Score/Desire Arousal Orgasm (FSDS-DAO) with clinician evaluations of FOD.

Methods

Research was performed at one sexual medicine facility. Recruited participants were patients diagnosed with FOD. Fifteen women meeting inclusion/exclusion criteria were enrolled, completed the FSDS-DAO and a structured interview to assess terminology associated with orgasm difficulties.

Main Outcome Measure

Patient reported terminology for characterization of FOD, validity of question 15 of FSDS-DAO.

Results

When asked to describe their orgasm difficulties, 60% of participants said “frustrated.” Other terms included disappointed, pariah, subhuman, desperate, and concerned. Fifty-three percent (53%) claimed their inability to orgasm affected day-to-day life. In participants where FOD did not affect day-to-day life, 57% actively suppressed thoughts about inability to orgasm. Responses to question 15 of the FSDS-DAO ranged from 2–4 (mean 3.6) indicating participants were very frustrated.

Conclusions

To diagnose FOD, clinicians assess the level of associated distress through individualized patient interviews with no standardized tool. The term “distressed” is a medical construct and did not resonate with participants when describing their experience. participants used “frustrated” as an emotional descriptor to their sexual experience and scored high on question 15 of the FSDS-DAO. This study demonstrates the FSDS-DAO, specifically question 15, correlates well with the clinician diagnosis of marked distress and may be an appropriate tool for evaluating treatment benefit in the FOD population.
Lipopolysaccharide precipitates hepatic encephalopathy and increases blood–brain barrier permeability in mice with acute liver failure
Authors: Chastre Anne , Bélanger Mireille , Nguyen Bich N. , Butterworth Roger F.
Published: June 2013

Background & Aims

Acute liver failure (ALF) is frequently complicated by infection leading to precipitation of central nervous system complications such as hepatic encephalopathy (HE) and increased mortality. There is evidence to suggest that when infection occurs in ALF patients, the resulting pro‐inflammatory mechanisms may be amplified that could, in turn, have a major impact on blood–brain barrier (BBB) function. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of endotoxemia on the progression of encephalopathy in relation to BBB permeability during ALF.

Methods

Adult male C57‐BL6 mice with ALF resulting from azoxymethane‐induced toxic liver injury were administered trace amounts of the endotoxin component lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Effects on the magnitude of the systemic inflammatory response, liver pathology and BBB integrity were measured as a function of progression of HE, defined as time to loss of corneal reflex (coma).

Results

Lipopolysaccharide caused additional two‐ to seven‐fold (P < 0.001) increases in circulating pro‐inflammatory cytokines (TNF‐α, IL‐1β, IL‐6), worsening liver pathology and associated increases of circulating transaminases as well as increased hyperammonaemia consistent with a further loss of viable hepatocytes. LPS treatment of ALF mice led to a rapid precipitation of hepatic coma and the BBB became permeable to the 25‐kDa protein immunoglobulin G (IgG). This extravasation of IgG was accompanied by ignificant up‐regulation of matrix metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9), an endopeptidase known to modulate opening of the BBB in a wide range of neurological disorders.

Conclusions

These findings represent the first direct evidence of inflammation‐related BBB permeability changes in ALF.
A role for aeration and intake depth in managing toxic Cylindrospermopsis: A comparison between off‐stream and riverine environments in the Fitzroy Basin, Australia
Authors: Stitz Leigh , Kinnear Susan , Fabbro Larelle
Published: June 2013

Cylindrospermopsis is a cyanobacterial species of global concern, due to its ability to produce potent toxins and its near‐cosmopolitan distribution. To date, both management and research efforts for Cylindrospermopsis have focused on riverine settings. By contrast, off‐stream storages are inadequately studied, particularly in terms of population dynamics and toxin profiles, how these are linked with the riverine systems that seed them, and what management options are best for optimizing water quality. This is a critical gap, given that storages are key off‐take points for many water users, including for livestock watering and industrial supply. This study examined the relationship between a riverine and an off‐stream environment, with respect to the development of toxic Cylindrospermopsis blooms in central Queensland. It discusses the role of an aeration system in preventing or delaying bloom development and explores the implications of intake depth with respect to population (cell density) and toxicity. Along the impounded river, the study sites featured warm, stratified conditions and an anoxic hypolimnion. By contrast, the off‐stream storage dam lacked stratification, due to the constant aeration provided by a hypolimnetic bubbler. Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii blooms appeared in both environments, with peak cellular concentrations detected in the subsurface waters. The dynamics of the toxin profiles differed, however, with the riverine concentrations being mostly epilimnetic, whereas the dam featured toxin distributed throughout the water column. Concentrations of both cylindrospermopsin (CYN) and deoxy‐cylindrospermopsin (deoxy‐CYN) were lower in the dam, compared with the riverine sites. A one‐month lag period was evident before C. raciborskii cells appeared in the dam following their observation in the river samples, and a similar period elapsed before the dam populations reached their peak concentrations. These data are invaluable in considering the best management options for off‐stream sites that experience seeding from riverine populations, particularly for toxin producers such as Cylindrospermopsis.
Bioavailability of particle‐associated nutrients as affected by internal regeneration processes in the Nyanza Gulf region of Lake Victoria
Authors: Guya Fredrick J.
Published: June 2013

Land‐use changes have been implicated a lot in the eutrophication of many lakes while forgetting the role of internal loading as influenced by the hydrological regimes of a given lake. The phosphorus loading of Nyanza Gulf is influenced both by internal and external loading with the internal loading playing a greater role in its eutrophication. The shear on the Apatite Phosphorus (AP) rich residual rock in the western end of the gulf through strong currents across the Rusinga Channel erodes the rock into non‐apatite inorganic phosphorus (NAIP) which is readily available for primary productivity. The current suspends the phosphorus rich apatite sediment together with the reserved phosphorus within sediments to the water column. The NAIP concentration on the western end of the gulf is exceptionally high, >1500 mg kg−1, and together with the hydrological forcing; is believed to be the driving force of Nyanza Gulf eutrophication. External loading through rivers and municipal discharges exacerbates the problem. The external loading mainly influences the inner gulf on the eastern shore while the internal loading affects mainly the western end of the gulf. Nyanza Gulf eutrophication can be managed by adopting the following measures: (i) the Mbita Causeway needs to be opened and a bridge erected in its place in order to reduce the strong current through the Rusinga Channel and the residence time within the gulf, by increasing the flushing rates; (ii) the farming communities within the basin need to be sensitized on the controlled use of fertilizers; (iii) the municipal wastes should be treated to tertiary level before discharge into the lake; and (iv) reduce erosion within the basin through re/afforestation.
Can Medicine Be Aesthetic?
Authors: Edmonds Alexander
Published: June 2013

This article analyzes tensions between aesthetics and health in medicine. The blurring of distinctions between reconstructive and cosmetic procedures, and the linking of plastic surgery with other medical treatments, have added to the legitimacy of an emerging “aesthetic medicine.” As cosmetic surgeries become linked to other medical procedures with perceived greater medical necessity, health and aesthetics become entangled. One consequence is that medical needs are magnified while perceptions of the risks of surgery are minimized. Drawing on ethnographic work on plastic surgery, as well as other studies of obstetrics and cosmetic surgery, I illustrate this entanglement of health and aesthetics within the field of women's reproductive health care in Brazil. I argue that while it would be difficult to wholly disentangle aesthetics and health, analysis of how risk–benefit calculations are made in clinical practice offers a useful critical strategy for illuminating ethical problems posed by aesthetic medicine.
What Is Wrong Indeed?
Authors: Hacker P. M. S.
Published: June 2013

This is a critical response to Dr. Tamara Dobler's paper “What Is Wrong with Hacker's Wittgenstein? On Grammar, Context and Sense‐Determination.” It demonstrates that Dr. Dobler has no idea of what Wittgenstein meant by “grammar” or “rule of grammar.” She does not know what Wittgenstein meant by “grammatical proposition,” nor does she know what a compositional account of meaning or a category mistake is. She labours under the illusion that to say, as Wittgenstein did, that a rule of grammar excludes a form of words from use is incompatible with the claim that whether an utterance makes sense may be a context‐dependent issue. Unlike Dr. Dobler, Wittgenstein did not.
Test–Retest reliability of Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP‐49) in adults with systemic sclerosis
Authors: Yuen Hon K. , Nelson Sybil L.
Published: June 2013

Purpose

To assess the test–retest reliability of the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP) in 3‐month intervals among people with systemic sclerosis (SSc).

Methods

Thirty‐nine adults with SSc completed the OHIP‐49 at baseline, 3 and 6 months. Intraclass correlation (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM), SEM%, coefficient of repeatability (CoR), and 95% limits of agreement (LoA) were used to assess test–retest reliability and measurement variability.

Results

The ICC of the OHIP for the first time point (baseline to 3‐month) was excellent (>.80), and the second time point (3‐month to 6‐month) demonstrated good reproducibility (>.60). However, the large SEM, SEM%, CoR, and 95% LoA indicated that the OHIP was neither a precise measurement nor sensitive to change in response to interventions.

Conclusion

The values of the ICC indicated that the OHIP scores demonstrated acceptable stability across each of the two 3 months’ retest duration, supporting the reliability of the OHIP for group‐level comparisons. However, using the OHIP as a measure of an individual's oral health‐related quality of life in adults with SSc is not recommended.
Gender and White College Students' Racial Attitudes
Authors: Smith Justin M. , Senter Mary , Strachan J. Cherie
Published: June 2013

New forms of racial attitudes among whites, including racial resentment, help to uphold institutionalized inequalities in the United States. As a way to dismantle institutionalized forms of racial inequalities, colleges and universities have implemented various curricula and programs designed to expose students to diversity and reduce social inequalities. This study attempts to uncover the extent to which college experiences affect levels of racial resentment among white students, with emphasis on whether the effects differ for women and men. Findings from a representative sample of students at a large Midwestern university revealed that white men showed higher levels of racial resentment than white women and that their attitudes were significantly affected by many college experiences. By contrast, white women are less affected by aspects of their college experience.
Nitroprusside inhibits calcium‐induced impairment of red blood cell deformability
Authors: Barodka Viachaslau , Mohanty Joy G. , Mustafa Asif K. , Santhanam Lakshmi , Nyhan Aoibhinn , Bhunia Anil K. , Sikka Gautam , Nyhan Daniel , Berkowitz Dan E. , Rifkind Joseph M.
Published: June 2013

Background

Red blood cell (RBC) deformation is critical for microvascular perfusion and oxygen delivery to tissues. Abnormalities in RBC deformability have been observed in aging, sickle cell disease, diabetes, and preeclampsia. Although nitric oxide (NO) prevents decreases in RBC deformability, the underlying mechanism is unknown.

Study Design and Methods

As an experimental model, we used ionophore A23187–mediated calcium influx in RBCs to reduce their deformability and investigated the role of NO donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP) and KCa3.1 (Gardos) channel blockers on RBC deformability (measured as elongation index [EI] by microfluidic ektacytometry). RBC intracellular Ca2+ and extracellular K+ were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and potassium ion selective electrode, respectively.

Results

SNP treatment of RBCs blocked the Ca2+ (approx. 10 μmol/L)‐induced decrease in RBC deformability (EI 0.34 ± 0.02 vs. 0.09 ± 0.01, control vs. Ca2+ loaded, p < 0.001; and EI 0.37 ± 0.02 vs. 0.30 ± 0.01, SNP vs. SNP plus Ca2+ loaded) as well as Ca2+ influx and K+ efflux. The SNP effect was similar to that observed after pharmacologic blockade of the KCa3.1 channel (with charybdotoxin or extracellular medium containing isotonic K+ concentration). In RBCs from KCa3.1–/– mice, 10 μmol/L Ca2+ loading did not decrease cellular deformability. A preliminary attempt to address the molecular mechanism of SNP protection suggests the involvement of cell surface thiols.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that nitroprusside treatment of RBCs may protect them from intracellular calcium increase–mediated stiffness, which may occur during microvascular perfusion in diseased states, as well as during RBC storage.
Real‐time amplification of glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase gene for quality control of leukopoor platelets
Authors: Chen Ding‐Ping , Sun Chien‐Feng , Ning Hsiao‐Chen , Peng Chien‐Ting , Wang Wei‐Ting , Tseng Ching‐Ping
Published: June 2013

Background

Leukoreduction of blood products is crucial to prevent white blood cell (WBC)‐associated complications during transfusion. Of the widely accepted methods for quantifying WBCs in blood components, Nageotte hemocytometry is time‐consuming and laborious whereas a specialized instrument is required for flow cytometry. A reliable and affordable method to assess WBC count in blood products is of particular interest.

Study Design and Methods

Real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) gene was developed for quantifying WBCs in leukopoor platelets (LPPs). After normalization by the cell‐free prefiltrated and postfiltrated plasma DNA, the relative copy number of GAPDH gene in the platelet (PLT) concentrate and its corresponding LPPs was calculated according to the equation of 2−ΔΔCt of which Ct is defined as the threshold cycle. The percentage and the number of WBCs that remained in LPPs were consequently determined. This method was compared to Nageotte hemocytometry and was validated by using serially diluted PLT concentrate and 10 pairs of PLT concentrate‐LPP samples.

Results

Consistent with the removal of WBCs after filtration, the Ct values for the LPP samples were increased when compared to their corresponding PLT concentrate. As revealed by real‐time PCR of GAPDH gene, there is a correlation between the calculated and theoretical WBC count in the serially diluted PLT concentrate (correlation coefficient, 0.9532). The WBC counts for the 10 LPP samples were comparable between Nageotte and real‐time PCR method and were all below 3.3 × 106 WBCs/L.

Conclusion

The real‐time PCR method we report in this study is applicable for routine quality assurance during leukoreduction process.
The persistence of hepatitis C virus transmission risk in China despite serologic screening of blood donations
Authors: Wang Jingxing , Liu Jing , Huang Yi , Wright David J. , Li Julin , Zhou Zhongmin , He Weilan , Yang Tonghan , Yao Fuzhu , Zhu Xiangming , Wen Guoxin , Bi Xinhong , Tiemuer Mei‐hei‐li , Wen Xiuqiong , Huang Mei , Cao Ru'an , Yun Zhongqiao , Lü Yunlai , Ma Hongli , Guo Nan , Yu Qilu , Ness Paul , Shan Hua ,   NHLBI Retrovirus Epidemiology Donor Study‐II (REDS‐II) International Component
Published: June 2013

Background

A total of 2%‐2.9% of the population in China is infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV). This study estimated the prevalence and incidence of HCV among Chinese blood donors.

Study Design and Methods

We examined whole blood and apheresis platelet donations at five Chinese blood centers in 2008 to 2010. All donations were screened using two rounds of testing for alanine aminotransferase, antibody to human immunodeficiency virus Types 1 and 2, hepatitis B surface antigen, anti‐HCV, and syphilis. Screening reactivity is defined by a reactive result in one or both rounds of screening tests. Confirmatory tests (Ortho third‐generation HCV enzyme immunoassay, Johnson & Johnson) were performed on anti‐HCV screening–reactive samples. Confirmatory positive rates among first‐time donors (prevalence) and repeat donors (incidence) were calculated by blood center and demographic categories. Donor characteristics associated with HCV confirmatory status among first‐time donors were examined using trend test and multivariable logistic regression analysis.

Results

Among 821,314 donations, 40% came from repeat donors. The overall anti‐HCV screening–reactive rate was 0.48%. Estimated HCV prevalence was 235 per 100,000 first‐time donors; incidence was 10 per 100,000 person‐years in repeat donors. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, first‐time donors older than 25 years displayed higher HCV prevalence than the younger donors. Less education is associated with higher HCV prevalence. Donors 26 to 35 years old and those above 45 years displayed the highest incidence rate.

Conclusion

High prevalence and incidence in donors indicate high residual risks for transfusion‐transmitted HCV in Chinese patients. Implementation of minipool nucleic acid testing in routine donation screening may prevent a substantial number of transfusion‐transmitted HCV infections.
COMPARISON OF CLOSURE TIMES FOR CRANIAL BASE SYNCHONDROSES IN MESATICEPHALIC, BRACHYCEPHALIC, AND CAVALIER KING CHARLES SPANIEL DOGS
Authors: Schmidt Martin J. , Volk Holger , Klingler Melanie , Failing Klaus , Kramer Martin , Ondreka Nele
Published: June 2013

Premature closure of cranial base synchondroses has been proposed as the mechanism for brachycephaly in dogs and caudal occipital malformation syndrome (COMS) in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. The purpose of this retrospective study was to compare times of closure for cranial base synchondroses in mesaticephalic, brachycephalic, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dogs. Cranial magnetic resonance imaging studies were retrieved for client‐owned dogs less than 18 months of age. Breed, age, skull conformation, and the open or closed state of cranial base synchondroses were independently recorded by two observers. For dogs with a unanimous observer agreement, regression analysis was used to test effects of age and gender on the open or closed status of synchondroses and differences between groups. A total of 174 dogs were included in MRI interpretations and 165 dogs were included in the regression analysis. Statistically significant differences in closure time of the spheno‐occipital synchondrosis were identified between brachycephalic and mesaticephalic dogs (P = 0.016), Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and mesaticephalic dogs (P < 0.0001), and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and brachycephalic dogs (P = 0.014). Findings from the current study supported the theory that morphological changes leading to the skull phenotype of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniels could be due to an earlier closure of the spheno‐occipital synchondrosis.
The development of tree species composition of the species-rich natural forest during the last 33 years
Authors: Balanda Miroslav , Saniga M. , Pittner J.
Published: June 2013

The presented study is aimed on the analysis of inventory data from the old-growth mixed forest of National Nature Reserve (NNR) Sitno. A special attention was paid to the temporal variation of the tree species composition. Study analyzes data acquired in the decadal periodic inventory campaigns during the last 33 years. Analysis of dynamic changes in portion of partial tree species in NNR Sitno revealed the significant continuous decrease of oak trees during analyzed period. Evaluation of temporal changes showed the significant decrease of oaks regarding the number of trees thicker than 8 cm (8 %) as well as the volume of large wood (11 %). On the other hand, the European beech is achieving the dominant position within the upper tree layer on the behalf of oaks and other tree species. Inventory revealed slight decrease of beech in term number of tree individuals that is connected with significant increase of the large wood volume. We recorded the increasing abundance of maples (Acer pseudoplatanus, Acer platanoides) and common ash in the natural regeneration.
Effect of fertilization on below-ground plant mass of submontane Polygono-Cirsietum meadow
Authors: Holub Petr , Tůma Ivan , Fiala Karel
Published: June 2013

We assessed below-ground net primary productivity (BNPP) in the wet submontane Cirsium meadow occurred in the highland region of the Czech Republic. Effect of four different fertilization levels on BNPP was estimated in 1992. At the beginning of the growing season (April 29), total dry mass of rhizomes, roots and total below-ground plant parts of unfertilized stand reached 177, 1478 and 1657 g.m-2, respectively. Their living parts formed 42 % of their total dry mass. In comparison with unfertilized stands, however, the greatest accumulation of dry mass of rhizomes (504 g.m-2), roots (1503 g.m-2) and total below-ground dry mass (2008 g.m-2) was reached after application of 90 kgN.ha-1. Similarly, the highest BNPP values for living (435 g.m-2.yr-1) and total below-ground dry mass (351 g.m-2.yr-1) were calculated for the stand affected by the same amount of fertilization. These data show how variable role grasslands can play in accumulation and turn over of root biomass due to different levels of fertilization.
Development of a Semi-Active Electromagnetic Vibration Absorber and Its Experimental Study
Authors: Liu Xueguang , Feng Xiaoxiao , Shi Ye , Wang Ye , Shuai Zhijun
Published: June 2013

In this work, a semiactive electromagnetic vibration absorber has been developed based on a proposed electromagnetic stiffness adjustable spring model, which presents a new solution for adjusting stiffness in the field of vibration absorber devices. Simulation study on the electromagnetic spring has been performed to determine the structural parameter of the semiactive vibration absorber. An experimental rig is also built up to investigate its practical vibration control effectiveness. Firstly, the finite element model of the test bench is used to analyze its vibration characteristics. Then, the vibration reduction effect is predicted through the simulation analysis, from which the optimal control positions are found. Finally, the experimental studies are also conducted, and the results show that this semiactive electromagnetic vibration absorber has a frequency adjustment range from 21 Hz to 25 Hz, in which considerable vibration reduction from 5 dB to 10 dB can be achieved.
Characterization of Dynamic Response of Structures With Uncertainty by Using Gaussian Processes
Authors: Xia Z. , Tang J.
Published: June 2013

Characterizing dynamic characteristics of structures with uncertainty is an important task that provides critical predictive information for structural design, assessment, and control. In practical applications, sampling is the fundamental approach to uncertainty analysis but has to be conducted under various constraints. To address the frequently encountered data scarcity issue, in the present paper Gaussian processes are employed to predict and quantify structural dynamic responses, especially responses under uncertainty. A self-contained description of Gaussian processes is presented within the Bayesian framework with implementation details, and then a series of case studies are carried out using a cyclically symmetric structure that is highly sensitive to uncertainties. Structural frequency responses are predicted with data sparsely sampled within the full frequency range. Based on the inferred credible intervals, a measure is defined to quantify the potential risk of response maxima. Gaussian process emulation is proposed for Monte Carlo uncertainty analysis to reduce data acquisition costs. It is shown that Gaussian processes can be an efficient data-based tool for analyzing structural dynamic responses in the presence of uncertainty. Meanwhile, some technical challenges in the implementation of Gaussian processes are discussed.
Influence of the Internal State of a Maxwell Damper on Free Critically Damped Vibrations
Authors: Rubin M. B.
Published: June 2013

A Maxwell damper with a damper spring in series with a viscous dashpot is a more physical model than a viscous dashpot because the Maxwell damper models the elasticity of the connecting links of the viscous dashpot. The system of a main spring in parallel with a Maxwell damper is known as the standard linear solid (SLS) in viscoelasticity. The response of this SLS attached to a mass for standard initial value problems: displacement (nonzero displacement with zero velocity) and velocity (zero displacement with nonzero velocity) have been analyzed a few times in the literature. However, different authors present different conclusions about the importance of modeling the damper spring. None of these authors have explored the influence of the initial internal state of the damper spring. Here it is shown that the initial internal state of the damper spring can significantly influence the response for both displacement and velocity initial value problems.
Magnetic Damper Consisting of a Combined Hollow Cylinder Magnet and Conducting Disks
Authors: Takayama Yoshihisa , Kondou Takahiro
Published: June 2013

It is recognized that unstable vibration occurs at a rotating speed above the major critical speed by a rotating-conducting-disk type magnetic damper, but not by a rotating-circular-magnet type magnetic damper. In addition, magnetic dampers generally have relatively poor damping performance. In the present work, two new rotating-circular-magnet type magnetic dampers, (which consist of a combined hollow cylinder magnet with alternating directional magnetic poles), are introduced and their design method is presented. Applying the modeling method that the authors have been studying, a prototype magnetic damper with a combined magnet is fabricated and the damping ratios from the analytical results agree well with those from the experimental results. Rotating tests are performed and it is confirmed that unstable vibration does not occur at a rotating speed of more than twice the major critical speed. Based on these findings, an optimally designed magnetic damper with a combined magnet is developed and a damping ratio of 0.25 (damping coefficient of 215 Ns/m) is achieved.
Oscillation of C60 Fullerene in Carbon Nanotube Bundles
Authors: Ansari R. , Sadeghi F. , Alipour A.
Published: June 2013

This paper aims to present a thorough investigation into the mechanics of a C60 fullerene oscillating within the center of a carbon nanotube bundle. To model this nanoscale oscillator, a continuum approximation is used along with a classical Lennard–Jones potential function. Accordingly, new semianalytical expressions are given in terms of single integrals to evaluate van der Waals potential energy and interaction force between the two nanostructures. Neglecting the frictional effects and using the actual van der Waals force distribution, the equation of motion is directly solved. Furthermore, a new semianalytical formula is derived from the energy equation to determine the precise oscillation frequency. This new frequency formula has the advantage of incorporating the effects of initial conditions and geometrical parameters. This enables us to conduct a comprehensive study of the effects of significant system parameters on the oscillatory behavior. Based upon this study, the variation of oscillation frequency with geometrical parameters (length of tubes or number of tubes in bundle) and initial energy (potential energy plus kinetic energy) is shown.
Sliding Mode Control of Flexible Rotor Based on Estimated Model of Magnetorheological Squeeze Film Damper
Authors: Hemmatian Masoud , Ohadi Abdolreza
Published: June 2013

By using magnetorheological (MR) fluid as the lubricating oil in a traditional squeeze film damper (SFD), one can build a variable-damping SFD, thereby controlling the vibration of a rotor by controlling the magnetic field. This study aims to control the vibration of a flexible rotor system using a magnetorheological squeeze film damper (MR-SFD). In order to evaluate the performance of the damper, the Bingham plastic model is used for the MR fluid and the hydrodynamic equation of MR-SFD is presented. Usually, the numerical methods are necessary for solving this equation. These methods are too costly and time consuming, especially in the simulation of complex rotors and the implementation of model-based controllers. To fix this issue, an innovative estimated equation for pressure distribution in MR-SFD is presented in this paper. By integration of this explicit expression, the hydrodynamic forces of MR-SFD are easily calculated as an algebraic equation. It is shown that the pressure and forces, which are calculated from the introduced expression, are consistent with the corresponding results of the original equations. Furthermore, considering the structural and parametric uncertainties of the system, proportional-integral-furthermore controller (PID) and sliding mode controllers are chosen for reducing the vibration level of the flexible rotor system, which is modeled by the finite element method. The time and frequency responses of a flexible rotor in the presence of these controllers show a good performance in reducing vibration of the shaft's midpoint, although near the rotor's critical speed the results of the sliding mode controller (SMC) are better than the corresponding results of the PID controller. The last part of this article is devoted to an analysis of the system's uncertainties. The results of the open loop system indicate that changes in the stiffness coefficient of the elastic foundation and the temperature of the MR fluid (two uncertainties of the system) strongly affects the outputs while using the controllers well increases the robustness of the system. The obtained results indicate that both the PID and sliding mode controllers have good performance against the uncertainty of the stiffness coefficient, but for changes in the MR fluid's temperature, the SMC presents better outputs compared to the PID controller, especially for high rotational speeds.
FDA-Approved Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators Inhibit Ebola Virus Infection
Authors: Johansen Lisa M. , Brannan Jennifer M. , Delos Sue E. , Shoemaker Charles J. , Stossel Andrea , Lear Calli , Hoffstrom Benjamin G. , DeWald Lisa Evans , Schornberg Kathryn L. , Scully Corinne , Lehár Joseph , Hensley Lisa E. , White Judith M. , Olinger Gene G.
Published: June 2013

Clomiphene and toremifene inhibit Ebola virus infection.
Ogilvie’s syndrome following caesarean section
Authors: Latunde-Dada Adeyinka Oluseun , Alleemudder Djavid I , Webster Daniel P
Published: June 2013

Acute colonic pseudo-obstruction syndrome, also known as Ogilvie’s syndrome, is a rare condition associated with significant morbidity and mortality. We report a case that developed very rapidly after emergency caesarean section. A 20-year-old woman underwent an emergency caesarean section for failure to progress in the first stage of labour and a healthy male infant was delivered without incident. However, soon afterwards the patient developed significant abdominal distension and pain. Ogilvie's syndrome was diagnosed following an abdominal x-ray  which revealed a gross large bowel obstruction without mechanical cause. To prevent caecal rupture, the patient underwent successful emergency colonic decompression.
Differences in chemical properties and reactivity patterns of mono- and dioxomanganese(V) porphyrins as revealed by density functional theory
Authors: de Visser Sam P.
Published: June 2013

Recent experimental studies of Liu and Groves (J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2010; 132: 12847) on dioxomanganese(V) porphyrin complexes implicated substrate halogenation in good yield. Currently, little is known of this unique mechanism, therefore to gain understanding on the halogenation mechanism and the chemical features of this oxidant we decided to do a computational (density functional theory) study. We show that the dioxomanganese(V) complex has considerably different molecular (valence) orbitals as compared to monooxomanganese(V) porphyrin due to mixing of the metal 3d orbitals with 2p orbitals on both oxygen atoms. This results in a set of three pairs of orbitals of which the bonding and nonbonding pairs are doubly occupied and the antibonding orbitals are vacant. As a consequence, the bonding character along the Mn–O bond is less in dioxomanganese(V) as compared to monooxomanganese(V) complexes and therefore this bond can formally be described as a double bond rather than a triple bond. The differences in orbital interactions and orbital energies also affect the intrinsic chemical properties of the oxidants, such as the electron affinity and pKavalues, which result in enhanced catalytic potential for dioxomanganese(V) porphyrin. Our calculations predict a halogenation mechanism in line with that proposed by experiment with an initial hydrogen atom abstraction followed by ligand exchange and halogen transfer.
Dual Silencing of Hsp27 and c‐FLIP Enhances Doxazosin‐Induced Apoptosis in PC‐3 Prostate Cancer Cells
Authors: Kim Sang Soo , Cho Hee-Ju , Cho Jeong-Man , Kang Jung Yoon , Yang Hyun-Won , Yoo Tag Keun
Published: June 2013

We evaluated effect of dual gene silencing of Hsp27 and c‐FLIP in doxazosin‐induced apoptosis of PC‐3 cell. After transfection using Hsp27 and c‐FLIP siRNA mixture (dual silencing), doxazosin treatment was done at the concentrations of 1, 10, and 25 μM. We checked apoptosis of PC‐3 cells with and TUNEL staining. We also checked interaction between Hsp27 and C‐FLIP in the process of apoptosis inhibition. Spontaneous apoptotic index was 5% under single gene silencing of Hsp27 and c‐FLIP and 7% under dual silencing of Hsp27 and c‐FLIP. When doxazosin treatment was added, apoptotic indices increased in a dose‐dependent manner (1, 10, and 25 μM): nonsilencing 10, 27, and 52%; Hsp27‐silencing: 14, 35, and 68%; c‐FLIP silencing: 21, 46, and 78%; dual silencing: 38, 76, and 92%. While c‐FLIP gene expression decreased in Hsp27‐ silenced cells, Hsp27 gene expression showed markedly decreased pattern in the cells of c‐FLIP silencing. The knockout of c‐FLIP and Hsp27 genes together enhances apoptosis even under 1 μM, rather than low concentration, of doxazosin in PC‐3 cells. This finding suggests a new strategy of multiple knockout of antiapoptotic and survival factors in the treatment of late‐stage prostate cancer refractory to conventional therapy.
Novel Antidepressant-Like Activity of Propolis Extract Mediated by Enhanced Glucocorticoid Receptor Function in the Hippocampus
Authors: Lee Mi-Sook , Kim Young Han , Park Wan-Soon , Ahn Won Gyeong , Park Ok Kyu , Kwon Seung-Hae , Morita Kyoji , Shim Insop , Her Song
Published: June 2013

Propolis is a natural product made by honeybees that has been widely used in folk medicine with a broad spectrum of biological activities. To investigate the antidepressant-like activity of propolis extract, CD-1 mice were administered an ethanol extract of propolis (50, 100, or 200 mg/kg, p.o.) prior to the behavioral test. The propolis extract-treated group showed a dose-dependent decrease in immobility time in the FST and tail suspension test without altering locomotor activity. Propolis extract decreased the limbic hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis response to the FST as indicated by an attenuated corticosterone response and decreased in c-fos immunoreactive neurons in the hippocampal dentate gyrus. Western blot analysis revealed a reduction in hippocampal glucocorticoid receptor (GR) expression following the FST, which was reversed by propolis extract. Propolis extract also increased pGR(S220)/(S234) ratio by a differential phosphorylation in S220 and S234. FST-induced downregulation of cAMP-responsive element binding protein phosphorylation at S133 (pCREB) was restored by propolis extract, showing a strong and positive relationship between pCREB and pGR(S220)/(S234) ratio. These findings suggest that the propolis extract potentiates antidepressant-like activity by enhancing GR function which is one of the therapeutic mechanisms of antidepressant; thus, propolis extract may provide a novel therapy for depression.
Antibody Drug Conjugate Bioinformatics: Drug Delivery through the Letterbox
Authors: Vlachakis Dimitrios , Kossida Sophia
Published: June 2013

Antibodies appear to be the first line of defence in the adaptive immune response of vertebrates and thereby are involved in a multitude of biochemical mechanisms, such as regulation of infection, autoimmunity, and cancer. It goes without saying that a full understanding of antibody function is required for the development of novel antibody-interacting drugs. These drugs are the Antibody Drug Conjugates (ADCs), which are a new type of targeted therapy, used for example for cancer. They consist of an antibody (or antibody fragment such as a single-chain variable fragment [scFv]) linked to a payload drug (often cytotoxic). Because of the targeting, the side effects should be lower and give a wider therapeutic window. Overall, the underlying principle of ADCs is to discern the delivery of a drug that is cytotoxic to a target that is cancerous, hoping to increase the antitumoural potency of the original drug by reducing adverse effects and side effects, such as toxicity of the cancer target. This is a pioneering field that employs state-of-the-art computational and molecular biology methods in the fight against cancer using ADCs.
Rapid Screening of Berseem Clover (Trifolium alexandrinum) Endophytic Bacteria for Rice Plant Seedlings Growth-Promoting Agents
Authors: Etesami H. , Mirsyedhosseini H. , Alikhani H. A.
Published: June 2013

A simple screening method to detect berseem clover (Trifolium alexandrinum) endophytic bacteria for rice plant growth-promoting agents on the basis of a root colonization bioassay and a plant growth promoting trait is characterized. Firstly, 200 isolates (80 endophytes and 120 rhizospheric isolates) isolated from berseem clover were inoculated as 10 mixtures of 20 strains each on two rice varieties under gnotobiotic conditions. Then, the reisolated endophytic strains from two rice varieties were characterized for plant growth promoting (PGP) traits. Secondly, the colonization and growth promoting effects of endophytic strains were compared in inoculated rice plantlets as single-strain inoculants. A significant relationship among indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) producing isolates, the size of root colonization, and plant growth was observed. Our results suggest that the ability of IAA production by the endophytic bacteria which may have a stimulatory effect on plant development may be the first plant growth promoting trait for screening bacteria isolated from clover plant for rice plant growth promoting agents. In addition, this study indicates that the selected bacterial isolates based on their IAA producing trait have the potential for PGP and more colonization of rice plant.
Sublinear Expectation Nonlinear Regression for the Financial Risk Measurement and Management
Authors: Song Yunquan , Lin Lu
Published: June 2013

Financial risk is objective in modern financial activity. Management and measurement of the financial risks have become key abilities for financial institutions in competition and also make the major content in finance engineering and modern financial theories. It is important and necessary to model and forecast financial risk. We know that nonlinear expectation, including sublinear expectation as its special case, is a new and original framework of probability theory and has potential applications in some scientific fields, specially in finance risk measure and management. Under the nonlinear expectation framework, however, the related statistical models and statistical inferences have not yet been well established. In this paper, a sublinear expectation nonlinear regression is defined, and its identifiability is obtained. Several parameter estimations and model predictions are suggested, and the asymptotic normality of the estimation and the mini-max property of the prediction are obtained. Finally, simulation study and real data analysis are carried out to illustrate the new model and methods. In this paper, the notions and methodological developments are nonclassical and original, and the proposed modeling and inference methods establish the foundations for nonlinear expectation statistics.
A Finite Element Removal Method for 3D Topology Optimization
Authors: Kütük M. Akif , Göv İbrahim
Published: June 2013

Topology optimization provides great convenience to designers during the designing stage in many industrial applications. With this method, designers can obtain a rough model of any part at the beginning of a designing stage by defining loading and boundary conditions. At the same time the optimization can be used for the modification of a product which is being used. Lengthy solution time is a disadvantage of this method. Therefore, the method cannot be widespread. In order to eliminate this disadvantage, an element removal algorithm has been developed for topology optimization. In this study, the element removal algorithm is applied on 3-dimensional parts, and the results are compared with the ones available in the related literature. In addition, the effects of the method on solution times are investigated.
Enhanced Mobile Multiple-Input Multiple-Output Underwater Acoustic Communications
Authors: Zhao Kexin , Ling Jun , Li Jian
Published: June 2013

This paper focuses on mobile multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) underwater acoustic communications (UAC) over double-selective channels subject to both intersymbol interference and Doppler scaling effects. Temporal resampling is implemented to effectively convert the Doppler scaling effects to Doppler frequency shifts. Under the assumption that the channels between all the transmitter and receiver pairs experience the same Doppler frequency, a variation of the recently proposed generalization of the sparse learning via iterative minimization (GoSLIM) algorithm, referred to as GoSLIM-V, is employed to estimate the frequency modulated acoustic channels. GoSLIM-V is user parameter free and is easy to use in practical applications. This paper also considers turbo equalization for retrieving the transmitted signal. In particular, this paper reviews the linear minimum mean-squared error (LMMSE) based soft-input soft-output equalizer involved in the turbo equalization scheme and adopts a fast implementation of the equalizer that achieves negligible detection performance degradation compared to its direct implementation counterpart. The effectiveness of the considered MIMO UAC scheme is demonstrated using both simulated data and measurements recently acquired during the MACE10 in-water experiment.
Designing a Fuzzy Strategic Integrated Multiechelon Agile Supply Chain Network
Authors: Abbasi Morteza , Hosnavi Reza , Mohammadi Mehrdad
Published: June 2013

This paper integrates production, distribution and logistics activities at the strategic decision making level, where the objective is to design a multiechelon supply chain network considering agility as a key design criterion. A network with five echelons of supply chains including suppliers, plants, distribution centers, cross-docks, and customer zones is addressed in this paper. The problem has been mathematically formulated as a biobjective optimization model that aims to minimize the cost (fixed and variable) and maximize the plant flexibility and volume flexibility. A novel multiobjective parallel simulating annealing algorithm (MOPSA) is proposed to obtain the Pareto-optimal solutions of the problem. The performance of the proposed solution algorithm is compared with two well-known metaheuristics, namely, nondominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA-II) and Pareto archive evolution strategy (PAES). Computational results show that MOPSA outperforms the other metaheuristics.
Improvement in the Power Conversion Efficiency of Bulk Heterojunction Photovoltaic Device via Thermal Postannealing of Subphthalocyanine:C70Active Layer
Authors: Lee Chih-Chien , Liu Shun-Wei , Cheng Ching-Wen , Su Wei-Cheng , Chou Chia-Chang , Lin Chun-Feng , Chen Chin-Ti
Published: June 2013

The authors report an efficient organic photovoltaic device based on subphthalocyanine (SubPc):C70bulk heterojunction (BHJ) via the postannealing treatment. The power conversion efficiency is improved from 4.5% to 5.5% due to the increase in short-circuit current density (JSC) from 8.8 to 12.7 mA/cm2with the expense of decreased fill factor from 52% to 42%. From external quantum efficiency measurements, the spectral shape-independent enhancement over the entire spectrum suggests that the increasedJSCmainly originates from improved charge collection efficiency. To confirm this inference, the hole and electron mobilities in the BHJ are estimated from the space-charge limited current, showing improved transport properties at the optimum temperature. Moreover, the morphologic change is also studied as a function of annealing temperature. A larger grain size is observed with increasing temperature due to the phase separation of SubPc and C70. However, at higher temperatures the strong aggregation of C70molecules may interrupt the pathway of SubPc, resulting in hindered charge transport and, hence, reducedJSC.
Free Vibration Analyses of FGM Thin Plates by Isogeometric Analysis Based on Classical Plate Theory and Physical Neutral Surface
Authors: Yin Shuohui , Yu Tiantang , Liu Peng
Published: June 2013

The isogeometric analysis with nonuniform rational B-spline (NURBS) based on the classical plate theory (CPT) is developed for free vibration analyses of functionally graded material (FGM) thin plates. The objective of this work is to provide an efficient and accurate numerical simulation approach for the nonhomogeneous thin plates and shells. Higher order basis functions can be easily obtained in IGA, thus the formulation of CPT based on the IGA can be simplified. For the FGM thin plates, material property gradient in the thickness direction is unsymmetrical about the midplane, so effects of midplane displacements cannot be ignored, whereas the CPT neglects midplane displacements. To eliminate the effects of midplane displacements without introducing new unknown variables, the physical neutral surface is introduced into the CPT. The approximation of the deflection field and the geometric description are performed by using the NURBS basis functions. Compared with the first-order shear deformation theory, the present method has lower memory consumption and higher efficiency. Several numerical results show that the present method yields highly accurate solutions.