bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chemical and morphological characterization of sugarcane bagasse submitted to a delignification process for enhanced enzymatic digestibility
Authors: Rezende Camila Alves , de Lima Marisa Aparecida , Maziero Priscila , deAzevedo Eduardo Ribeiro , Garcia Wanius , Polikarpov Igor
Published: November 2011

Background

In recent years, biorefining of lignocellulosic biomass to produce multi-products such as ethanol and other biomaterials has become a dynamic research area. Pretreatment technologies that fractionate sugarcane bagasse are essential for the successful use of this feedstock in ethanol production. In this paper, we investigate modifications in the morphology and chemical composition of sugarcane bagasse submitted to a two-step treatment, using diluted acid followed by a delignification process with increasing sodium hydroxide concentrations. Detailed chemical and morphological characterization of the samples after each pretreatment condition, studied by high performance liquid chromatography, solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance, diffuse reflectance Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy, is reported, together with sample crystallinity and enzymatic digestibility.

Results

Chemical composition analysis performed on samples obtained after different pretreatment conditions showed that up to 96% and 85% of hemicellulose and lignin fractions, respectively, were removed by this two-step method when sodium hydroxide concentrations of 1% (m/v) or higher were used. The efficient lignin removal resulted in an enhanced hydrolysis yield reaching values around 100%. Considering the cellulose loss due to the pretreatment (maximum of 30%, depending on the process), the total cellulose conversion increases significantly from 22.0% (value for the untreated bagasse) to 72.4%. The delignification process, with consequent increase in the cellulose to lignin ratio, is also clearly observed by nuclear magnetic resonance and diffuse reflectance Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy experiments. We also demonstrated that the morphological changes contributing to this remarkable improvement occur as a consequence of lignin removal from the sample. Bagasse unstructuring is favored by the loss of cohesion between neighboring cell walls, as well as by changes in the inner cell wall structure, such as damaging, hole formation and loss of mechanical resistance, facilitating liquid and enzyme access to crystalline cellulose.

Conclusions

The results presented herewith show the efficiency of the proposed method for improving the enzymatic digestibility of sugarcane bagasse and provide understanding of the pretreatment action mechanism. Combining the different techniques applied in this work warranted thorough information about the undergoing morphological and chemical changes and was an efficient approach to understand the morphological effects resulting from sample delignification and its influence on the enhanced hydrolysis results.
Myc and Miz-1 have coordinate genomic functions including targeting Hox genes in human embryonic stem cells
Authors: Varlakhanova Natalia , Cotterman Rebecca , Bradnam Keith , Korf Ian , Knoepfler Paul S
Published: November 2011

Background

A proposed role for Myc in maintaining mouse embryonic stem (ES) cell pluripotency is transcriptional repression of key differentiation-promoting genes, but detail of the mechanism has remained an important open topic.

Results

To test the hypothesis that the zinc finger protein Miz-1 plays a central role, in the present work we conducted chromatin immunoprecipitation/microarray (ChIP-chip) analysis of Myc and Miz-1 in human ES cells, finding homeobox (Hox) genes as the most significant functional class of Miz-1 direct targets. Miz-1 differentiation-associated target genes specifically lack acetylated lysine 9 and trimethylated lysine 4 of histone H3 (AcH3K9 and H3K4me3) 9 histone marks, consistent with a repressed transcriptional state. Almost 30% of Miz-1 targets are also bound by Myc and these cobound genes are mostly factors that promote differentiation including Hox genes. Knockdown of Myc increased expression of differentiation genes directly bound by Myc and Miz-1, while a subset of the same genes is downregulated by Miz-1 loss-of-function. Myc and Miz-1 proteins interact with each other and associate with several corepressor factors in ES cells, suggesting a mechanism of repression of differentiation genes.

Conclusions

Taken together our data indicate that Miz-1 and Myc maintain human ES cell pluripotency by coordinately suppressing differentiation genes, particularly Hox genes. These data also support a new model of how Myc and Miz-1 function on chromatin.
The rat intervertebral disk degeneration pain model: relationships between biological and structural alterations and pain
Authors: Kim Jae-Sung , Kroin Jeffrey S , Li Xin , An Howard S , Buvanendran Asokumar , Yan Dongyao , Tuman Kenneth J , van Wijnen Andre J , Chen Di , Im Hee-Jeong
Published: November 2011

Introduction

Degeneration of the interverterbral disk is as a cause of low-back pain is increasing. To gain insight into relationships between biological processes, structural alterations and behavioral pain, we created an animal model in rats.

Methods

Disk degeneration was induced by removal of the nucleus pulposus (NP) from the lumbar disks (L4/L5 and L5/L6) of Sprague Dawley rats using a 0.5-mm-diameter microsurgical drill. The degree of primary hyperalgesia was assessed by using an algometer to measure pain upon external pressure on injured lumbar disks. Biochemical and histological assessments and radiographs of injured disks were used for evaluation. We investigated therapeutic modulation of chronic pain by administering pharmaceutical drugs in this animal model.

Results

After removal of the NP, pressure hyperalgesia developed over the lower back. Nine weeks after surgery we observed damaged or degenerated disks with proteoglycan loss and narrowing of disk height. These biological and structural changes in disks were closely related to the sustained pain hyperalgesia. A high dose of morphine (6.7 mg/kg) resulted in effective pain relief. However, high doses of pregabalin (20 mg/kg), a drug that has been used for treatment of chronic neuropathic pain, as well as the anti-inflammatory drugs celecoxib (50 mg/kg; a selective inhibitor of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2)) and ketorolac (20 mg/kg; an inhibitor of COX-1 and COX-2), did not have significant antihyperalgesic effects in our disk injury animal model.

Conclusions

Although similarities in gene expression profiles suggest potential overlap in chronic pain pathways linked to disk injury or neuropathy, drug-testing results suggest that pain pathways linked to these two chronic pain conditions are mechanistically distinct. Our findings provide a foundation for future research on new therapeutic interventions that can lead to improvements in the treatment of patients with back pain due to disk degeneration.
Detection of copeptin in peripheral blood of patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Zhu Xiang-Dong , Chen Jing-Sen , Zhou Feng , Liu Qi-Chang , Chen Gao , Zhang Jian-Min
Published: November 2011

Introduction

Copeptin has been proposed as a prognostic marker in acute illness. This study investigated the ability of copeptin to predict the disease outcome and cerebrovasospasm in the patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Methods

In this retrospective study, 303 consecutive patients were included. Upon admission, plasma copeptin levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The end points were mortality after 1 year, in-hospital mortality, cerebrovasospasm and poor functional outcome (Glasgow Outcome Scale score of 1-3) after 1 year.

Results

Upon admission, plasma copeptin level in patients was statistically significantly higher than that in healthy controls. A multivariate analysis showed that plasma copeptin level was an independent predictor of poor functional outcome and mortality after 1 year, in-hospital mortality and cerebrovasospasm. A receiver operating characteristic curve showed that plasma copeptin level on admission predicted poor functional outcome and mortality after 1 year, in-hospital mortality and cerebrovasospasm of patients statistically significantly. The area under curve of the copeptin concentration was similar to those of World Federation of Neurological Surgeons (WFNS) score and modified Fisher score for the prediction of poor functional outcome and mortality after 1 year, and in-hospital mortality, but not for the prediction of cerebrovasospasm. In a combined logistic-regression model, copeptin improved the area under curve of WFNS score and modified Fisher score for the prediction of poor functional outcome after 1 year, but not for the prediction of mortality after 1 year, in-hospital mortality, and cerebrovasospasm.

Conclusions

Copeptin level is a useful, complementary tool to predict functional outcome and mortality after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.
Prospective Study Evaluating the Impact of Tissue Confirmation of Metastatic Disease in Patients With Breast Cancer
Authors: Amir Eitan , Miller Naomi , Geddie William , Freedman Orit , Kassam Farrah , Simmons Christine , Oldfield Maria , Dranitsaris George , Tomlinson George , Laupacis Andreas , Tannock Ian F. , Clemons Mark
Published: November 2011

Purpose

Decisions about treatment for women with metastatic breast cancer are usually based on the estrogen (ER), progesterone (PgR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) status of the primary tumor. Retrospective data suggest that discordance between primary and metastatic lesions leads to detrimental outcome. This prospective study investigated receptor status of primary tumors and metastases in the same patient and assessed the impact of discordance on patient management and survival.

Patients and Methods

Biopsies of suspected metastases were analyzed for ER, PgR, and HER2. Primary tumors and metastases were analyzed using similar methodology. The treating oncologist indicated a treatment plan before and after biopsy to determine whether the result influenced management. Patients were followed up for progression or death.

Results

Of 121 women undergoing biopsy, 80% could be analyzed for receptor status. Discordance in ER, PgR, and HER2 between the primary and the metastasis was 16%, 40%, and 10%, respectively. Biopsy led to a reported change of management in 14% of women (95% CI, 8.4% to 21.5%). Fine-needle aspiration and biopsy of bone led to reduced ability to analyze receptors. After a median follow-up of 12 months, there were no trends for an association between receptor discordance and either time to treatment failure or overall survival.

Conclusion

Biopsy of metastases is technically feasible. Clinicians alter immediate management in one of seven patients on the basis of results of the biopsy, and discordance is not then associated with detrimental effects on outcome. Tissue confirmation should be considered in women with breast cancer and suspected metastatic recurrence.
Anthracycline-Related Cardiomyopathy After Childhood Cancer: Role of Polymorphisms in Carbonyl Reductase Genes—A Report From the Children's Oncology Group
Authors: Blanco Javier G. , Sun Can-Lan , Landier Wendy , Chen Lu , Esparza-Duran Diego , Leisenring Wendy , Mays Allison , Friedman Debra L. , Ginsberg Jill P. , Hudson Melissa M. , Neglia Joseph P. , Oeffinger Kevin C. , Ritchey A. Kim , Villaluna Doojduen , Relling Mary V. , Bhatia Smita
Published: November 2011

Purpose

Carbonyl reductases (CBRs) catalyze reduction of anthracyclines to cardiotoxic alcohol metabolites. Polymorphisms in CBR1 and CBR3 influence synthesis of these metabolites. We examined whether single nucleotide polymorphisms in CBR1 (CBR1 1096G>A) and/or CBR3 (CBR3 V244M) modified the dose-dependent risk of anthracycline-related cardiomyopathy in childhood cancer survivors.

Patients and Methods

One hundred seventy survivors with cardiomyopathy (patient cases) were compared with 317 survivors with no cardiomyopathy (controls; matched on cancer diagnosis, year of diagnosis, length of follow-up, and race/ethnicity) using conditional logistic regression techniques.

Results

A dose-dependent association was observed between cumulative anthracycline exposure and cardiomyopathy risk (0 mg/m2: reference; 1 to 100 mg/m2: odds ratio [OR], 1.65; 101 to 150 mg/m2: OR, 3.85; 151 to 200 mg/m2: OR, 3.69; 201 to 250 mg/m2: OR, 7.23; 251 to 300 mg/m2: OR, 23.47; > 300 mg/m2: OR, 27.59; Ptrend < .001). Among individuals carrying the variant A allele (CBR1:GA/AA and/or CBR3:GA/AA), exposure to low- to moderate-dose anthracyclines (1 to 250 mg/m2) did not increase the risk of cardiomyopathy. Among individuals with CBR3 V244M homozygous G genotypes (CBR3:GG), exposure to low- to moderate-dose anthracyclines increased cardiomyopathy risk when compared with individuals with CBR3:GA/AA genotypes unexposed to anthracyclines (OR, 5.48; P = .003), as well as exposed to low- to moderate-dose anthracyclines (OR, 3.30; P = .006). High-dose anthracyclines (> 250 mg/m2) were associated with increased cardiomyopathy risk, irrespective of CBR genotype status.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates increased anthracycline-related cardiomyopathy risk at doses as low as 101 to 150 mg/m2. Homozygosis for G allele in CBR3 contributes to increased cardiomyopathy risk associated with low- to moderate-dose anthracyclines, such that there seems to be no safe dose for patients homozygous for the CBR3 V244M G allele. These results suggest a need for targeted intervention for those at increased risk of cardiomyopathy.
Impact of Diabetes Mellitus and Insulin Use on Survival After Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis: The Cancer Prevention Study-II Nutrition Cohort
Authors: Dehal Ahmed N. , Newton Christina C. , Jacobs Eric J. , Patel Alpa V. , Gapstur Susan M. , Campbell Peter T.
Published: November 2011

Purpose

To examine the association between type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and survival among patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) and to evaluate whether this association varies by sex, insulin treatment, and durations of T2DM and insulin use.

Patients and Methods

This study was conducted among 2,278 men and women diagnosed with nonmetastatic colon or rectal cancer between 1992 and 2007 in the Cancer Prevention Study-II Nutrition Cohort, a prospective study of cancer incidence. In 1992 to 1993, participants completed a detailed, self-administrated questionnaire. Vital status and cause of death were ascertained through the end of 2008. Multivariable-adjusted relative risks (RRs) and 95% CIs were estimated using Cox proportional hazards regression.

Results

Among the 2,278 men and women with nonmetastatic CRC, there were 842 deaths by the end of follow-up (including 377 deaths from CRC and 152 deaths from cardiovascular disease [CVD]). Among men and women combined, compared with patients without T2DM, patients with CRC and T2DM were at higher risk of all-cause mortality (RR, 1.53; 95% CI, 1.28 to 1.83), CRC-specific mortality (RR, 1.29; 95% CI, 0.98 to 1.70), and CVD-specific mortality (RR, 2.16; 95% CI, 1.44 to 3.24), with no apparent differences by sex or durations of T2DM or insulin use. Insulin use, compared with no T2DM, was associated with increased risk of death from all causes (RR, 1.68; 95% CI, 1.22 to 2.31) and CVD (RR, 3.87; 95% CI, 2.12 to 7.08) but not from CRC (RR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.28 to 1.19).

Conclusion

Patients with CRC and T2DM have a higher risk of mortality than patients with CRC who do not have T2DM, especially a higher risk of death from CVD.
An “If This, Then That” Formulation of Decisions Related to Social Role Valorization As a Better Way of Interpreting It to People
Authors: Wolfensberger Wolf
Published: November 2011

Social Role Valorization is interpreted as a high-order empirical social science theory that informs people about the relation between the social roles that people hold and what happens to them as a result, and how to valorize (improve or defend) the social roles of people at risk of social devaluation. Because Social Role Valorization is not a “religion,” people must go to higher belief systems to determine whether and why other humans should be valued or devalued, whether the social valuation of others should be promoted, and which presumably effective means to this end are morally defensible or even imperative. Whether a pursuit of social valuation in certain cases has unacceptable implications can be in the domain of either “religion” or practical trade-offs.
Bullying and gangs
Authors: White Rob , Mason Ron
Published: November 2011

Background: Although bullying is associated with gangs, questions arise as to whether bullying, as such, takes place within gangs.

Objective: To provide a critical analysis of bullying as this pertains to youth gangs and especially to violence within gangs, and as applied to the behaviour of individual gang members.

Study group: Young men between 12 and 25 years of age.

Methods: Review of relevant literature with a view to theorising the nature of the relationship between bullying and violence within a youth gang context.

Results: Bullying is associated with the reasons why individuals join gangs and with gang-related behaviour, but the violence within a gang is of a different character than that usually described by the term bullying.

Conclusion: Bullying has implications for related and/or subsequent types of street violence, but is less relevant for descriptions of violence within a youth gang context as such.
Adolescent suicide in New York City: plenty of room for new research
Authors: Ganz Debora , Sher Leo
Published: November 2011

The act of adolescent suicide continues to threaten adolescent populations in New York City (NYC). Consistent positive correlations have been found between a plethora of risk factors present in NYC adolescent populations and suicidal ideations and behaviors. Psychiatric conditions that may contribute to the rate of adolescent suicide in NYC include depression, bipolar disorder, substance abuse and schizophrenia. Unique factors that have been found to contribute to increased rates of completed suicides in NYC include the phenomena of railway suicides and suicide tourism. Homelessness and income inequality in NYC have also been consistently correlated with increased suicidality; with one study finding suicide attempts reported by a significant percentage of new admissions to homeless shelters. Adolescent populations in NYC that have been identified as particularly vulnerable to suicidality include runaway youth, homosexual youth, victimized adolescents and adolescents with a recent history of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Longitudinal studies in NYC have found that physical and sexual abuse is highly predictive of adolescent suicidality, with variations by ethnic group. Currently, there is a disturbing lack of sufficient research on adolescent suicide in NYC, specifically regarding causal factors, the effects of television on suicide, comorbid suicidality and drug abuse, and cultural factors contributing to suicide. This dearth of literature may be related to the ethical problems inherent in suicide research, self reports and/or post mortem analyses.
Spirituality and substance use in a sample of Russian adolescents
Authors: Pokhrel Pallav , Sussman Steve , Regmi Shekhar , Hallam Jeffrey S. , Kniazev Vadim , Masagutov Radik
Published: November 2011

Aim: The aim was to examine the effects of spirituality on recent cigarette and alcohol use, intentions to use cigarette and alcohol, and perceived risks of cigarette/alcohol use in a sample of Russian adolescents.

Methods: Cross-sectional data were obtained from 362 10th graders from Ufa, Russia.

Results: Adolescents scoring higher on spirituality were significantly more likely to report lower levels of intentions to use cigarettes or alcohol. However, spirituality was not associated with recent cigarette/alcohol use or perceived risks. Analyzed separately for ethnic Russians and non-Russians, the relationship between spirituality and intentions were significant only among ethnic non-Russians.

Conclusions: Our data suggests that the protective effects of spirituality on substance use may not be universal and may depend on subjects’ national, ethnic, or religious background.
Early Dimensional Changes in Maxillary Cleft Size and Arch Dimensions of Children with Cleft Lip and Palate and Cleft Palate
Authors: Reiser Erika , Skoog Valdemar , Andlin-Sobocki Anna
Published: November 2011

Objective

To study early changes in cleft size and maxillary arch dimensions and to evaluate these changes in relation to performed surgical procedures.

Design

Retrospective longitudinal study.

Setting

The Cleft Lip and Palate Center, Uppsala University Hospital, Sweden.

Patients

Dental study models of 79 consecutive children (28 with unilateral cleft lip and palate, 39 with cleft palate, and 12 with Pierre Robin sequence) were analyzed.

Interventions

Lip repair at 3 to 4 months, soft palate repair at 6 to 10 months, and hard palate repair at 25 to 26 months of age.

Main Outcome Measures

Cleft size was measured before each surgical intervention up to 2 years and arch dimensions were measured before each surgical intervention and at 5 years.

Results

Cleft widths decreased from infancy up to 2 years, but the anteroposterior cleft length in cleft palate was unchanged. Arch widths between cuspid points (C-C1) and tuberosity points (T-T1) and also the change over time in C-C1 and T-T1 differed significantly between the groups from infancy up to 5 years.

Conclusions

Cleft widths decreased after lip closure and/or soft palate closure. The children with unilateral cleft lip and palate had wider maxillary arch dimensions than the children with cleft palate or Pierre Robin sequence during the first years of life, but after hard palate closure the transverse growth was reduced in the children with unilateral cleft lip and palate. At 5 years the children with unilateral cleft lip and palate had similar maxillary widths as the children with cleft palate and/or Pierre Robin sequence.
Seismic response of continuous bridge with isolation bearings
Authors: Ghosh Goutam , Singh Yogendra , Thakkar Shashi Kant
Published: November 2011

The response of a bridge depends greatly on the type of the bearings used. The performance of a particular type of bearing is affected by age, temperature, scragging, velocity, travel, contamination and level of ground movement. This paper examines the thermal and seismic response of a three-span continuous bridge with various types of isolation bearings, including the effect of possible variations in properties. A three-dimensional model of an existing bridge has been developed with non-linear modelling of the bearings. The response of the bridge has been studied for a set of five recorded acceleration–time histories and five scaled time histories to make them compatible to a site-specific design spectrum. The sensitivity of the bridge response to various bearing design parameters has been studied. The restoring effect available in different types of bearings with varying design parameters has been compared. The effect of source–site distance on the relative performance of various bearings has also been studied.
Utilisation of waste material in geopolymeric concrete
Authors: Nuruddin Muhammad Fadhil , Qazi Sobia Anwar , Kusbiantoro Andri , Shafiq Nasir
Published: November 2011

Fly ash, silica fume and rice husks are hazardous waste materials that have no use and in the past have been landfilled. However, landfilling is becoming expensive and causes contamination to soil and ground water. Utilisation of waste material in concrete is also very effective in overcoming the problems caused by the production of cement; namely the emission of carbon dioxide and degradation of the environment due to the quarrying of raw materials (limestone and clay) for the production of cement. This research study was based on the complete elimination of ordinary Portland cement from concrete that can achieve 28 days target cube strength in the range of 40–50 MPa with the emphasis on the curing techniques applicable for in situ construction; namely ambient and external exposure curing. Fly ash was utilised as a base source material and silica fume and microwave-incinerated rice husk ash were used as replacements for the fly ash by 3, 5 and 7%. Alkaline activators, namely sodium hydroxide and sodium silicate solution were used as activators of silica and aluminium in the source material and sugar was incorporated in the mix to increase the hardening time of the concrete. Compressive strength, flexural strength and scanning electron microscopy tests were conducted on the specimens and the results showed that at 3, 7, 28, 56 and 90 days the fly ash along with silica fume, microwave-incinerated rice husk ash and alkaline activators could be a good replacement of cement. The compressive strength of external exposure curing for the geopolymeric concrete reached up to 48·7 MPa at 28 days and this concrete had a well-developed microstructure shown by scanning electron microscopy analysis. The flexural strength showed values which were comparable with ordinary Portland cement concrete.
Characterisation of municipal solid waste physical properties and their evolution with age
Authors: Gomes Cristina Cunha , Lopes Maria de Lurdes Costa
Published: November 2011

This paper presents results of the physical characterisation of municipal solid waste (MSW) through laboratory and in situ tests, as well as by a monitoring system. The physical parameters of MSW characterised are: particle size distribution, geometry and classification of the waste, moisture and organic matter content, unit weight, and temperatures of the landfilled waste. The results are part of research carried out in the Sto Tirso landfill (in the north of Portugal) between 2001 and 2007. The results obtained from different analysis methods are compared. The influence of the average age of the deposited MSW and of the landfill phase (construction and post-construction) on the parameters is also presented. Regression models are presented for the decay of total and degradable organic matter, and for the influence of overburden stress on MSW unit weight, plus correlations obtained between some of the analysed parameters.
Gold tailings liquefaction under critical state soil mechanics
Authors: BEDIN J. , SCHNAID F. , DA FONSECA A.V. , COSTA FILHO L.DE M.
Published: November 2011

The results from a laboratory testing programme designed to evaluate the behaviour of gold tailings are presented, and interpreted in the critical state framework. Drained and undrained triaxial tests sheared under monotonic loading allowed the critical state line (CSL) to be established. The observed highly non-linear shape of the CSL was used to investigate the intrinsic dynamics of the monotonic undrained response of tailings, and to define the undrained instability state. This behaviour is useful in explaining the mechanics of tailings, which exhibits relatively well-defined transitions of state captured by the state parameter.
The yielding of brittle unsaturated granular soils
Authors: BUSCARNERA G. , EINAV I.
Published: November 2011

A complete thermodynamic theory is presented that is capable of explaining the dependence of yielding on the degree of saturation in brittle granular aggregates. Historically, constitutive models represented this coupling between mechanics and hydraulics only phenomenologically, by way of the incorporation of the loading collapse curve concept. This was done both for fine-grained and granular soils, and, for the latter case, without embodying the physical connection of yielding to elasticity, as motivated by fracture mechanics. Here, this connection is captured by the breakage mechanics theory, which underpins a grain-size scaling of the mechanical part of the Helmholtz free energy potential. In addition, an explicit reliance of this potential on hydraulic measures is explored, with another grain-size scaling inspired by the capillary theory. It is shown that through homogenisation these two scaling laws motivate a total macroscopic Helmholtz free energy that, together with the breakage dissipation, captures the salient couplings between mechanics and hydraulics properties, while showing a promising agreement with experiments.
Simple approach to predicting ground displacements caused by tunnelling in undrained anisotropic elastic soil
Authors: PUZRIN A.M. , BURLAND J.B. , STANDING J.R.
Published: November 2011

An attempt to develop a kinematically based approach to predicting ground settlements due to tunnelling is represented, by using the more reliable data of the commonly observed settlement troughs, rather than imposing the boundary conditions on the tunnel surface, which have a high level of uncertainty. The anisotropic elastic model used in this work is highly simplified, and the resulting analytical solution is of an approximate nature. Nevertheless, it seems to provide good agreement with both the shape and the magnitude of the observed settlement trough. Based on this solution, a modification is proposed for the widely used empirical Gaussian curve, by correlating the trough width parameter K with the ratio between the two anisotropic shear moduli, Ghh/Gvh.
Parameters controlling stiffness and strength of artificially cemented soils
Authors: CONSOLI N.C. , FONSECA A.V.da , SILVA S.R. , CRUZ R.C. , FONINI A.
Published: November 2011

The treatment of soils with cement is an attractive technique when a project requires improvement of the local soil for the construction of subgrades for rail tracks, for roads, as a support layer for shallow foundations, and to prevent sand liquefaction. This paper advances understanding of the key parameters for the control of strength and stiffness of cemented soils by testing two soils with different gradings and quantifying the influence of porosity/cement ratio on both initial shear modulus (G0) and unconfined compressive strength (qu). It is shown that the porosity/cement ratio is an appropriate parameter to assess both the initial stiffness and the unconfined compressive strength of the soil–cement mixtures studied. Each soil matrix has a unique relationship for G0/qu against adjusted porosity/cement ratio, linking initial stiffness and strength.
The vertical capacity of grillage foundations
Authors: BRANSBY M.F. , KNAPPETT J.A. , BROWN M.J. , HUDACSEK P.
Published: November 2011

Grillage foundations may provide an economical alternative to offshore ‘mudmat' foundations for seabed infrastructure, owing to their improved hydrodynamic characteristics, which are important during installation. Grillage foundations consist of a mesh of vertical grilles that penetrate the seabed during loading. Offshore loadings on these types of foundation are likely to consist of vertical (mostly dead weight) loading and horizontal ‘in-service' loads. However, to date there is no accepted method of design, as foundation capacity may differ significantly from that of conventional solid shallow foundations. This paper presents an analytical method designed to calculate the variation of vertical bearing capacity with grille penetration in sand. The results show that grillages are able to achieve the same capacity as solid foundations of the same breadth, but this requires significant penetration of the grillage. Consequently, design choices are likely to depend on the amount of settlement the structure can tolerate. Simplified analytical equations have been presented to allow calculation of the load–settlement response, and to calculate how much settlement is required to mobilise the flat-plate capacity of a solid mudmat of the same overall breadth. The methodology has been validated by comparing results with those from model tests.
Emergency evacuation model: accessibility as a starting point
Authors: Mohareb Nabil Ibrahim
Published: November 2011

In evacuation scenarios, assuming evacuees’ potential location before a hazard situation is an initial step for any simulation model. This initial step is crucial in analysing evacuation in urban open spaces, which is a less controllable environment than enclosed spaces, such as analysing evacuation inside buildings. There are problems with conventional models dealing with evacuation in urban spaces. They start with a random distribution of evacuees or give an equal distribution to their location with speculated weighting factor for specific exits. Moreover, these models focus on the hazard area without appropriate consideration to the surrounding context that affects the evacuation process. Their simulation outcomes give an erroneous result that would affect the decision-maker's actions in real evacuation conditions. The paper examines an alternative starting point to analyse evacuation models in urban open spaces. It verifies evacuees' potential location before starting the simulation scenarios based on accessibility analysis. A space syntax geographic information system and field survey are used as triangulation methods for analysing the evacuees' potential location and movements in urban spaces surrounding the hazard place. United Arab Emirates university campus (Islamic Institute) in Al-Ain city is used as a case study for applying the paper's suggested methods.
Evaluation of thoracic epidural analgesia induced by lidocaine, ketamine, or both administered via a lumbosacral approach in dogs
Authors: DeRossi Rafael , Frazílio Fabrício O. , Jardim Paulo H. A. , Martins Alessandro R. C. , Schmidt Rafaella , Negrini-Neto João M.
Published: November 2011

Objective—To determine the analgesic and systemic effects of thoracic epidural administration of ketamine, lidocaine, or both in conscious dogs.

Animals—6 adult mixed-breed dogs.

Procedures—Each dog received 2% lidocaine hydrochloride without epinephrine (3.8 mg/kg), 5% ketamine hydrochloride (3.0 mg/kg), or both in randomized order with ≥ 1 week between treatments. Drugs were administered in a total volume of 0.25 mL/kg through a thoracic epidural catheter implanted via the lumbosacral approach. Heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, rectal temperature, analgesia, sedation, and ataxia were determined before treatment (baseline [time 0]) and at 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 90, 120, 150, and 180 minutes after administration.

Results—The main areas of analgesia for the 3 treatments were the thorax and forelimbs bilaterally. Median duration of analgesia was shorter after administration of ketamine (30 minutes) than after administration of lidocaine (40 minutes) and lidocaine plus ketamine (90 minutes). All treatments caused moderate motor blockade, and only the ketamine and lidocaine plus ketamine treatments caused mild sedation. Significant decreases in systolic and mean arterial blood pressure were observed only with the lidocaine plus ketamine treatment.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Thoracic epidural administration of lidocaine plus ketamine resulted in longer duration of analgesia of the thorax and forelimbs bilaterally in conscious dogs, compared with administration of ketamine or lidocaine alone. Additional studies are needed to determine whether this technique adequately relieves postoperative pain after thoracic surgical procedures and whether it causes respiratory depression in dogs.
Plasma disposition, concentration in the hair, and anthelmintic efficacy of eprinomectin after topical administration in donkeys
Authors: Gokbulut Cengiz , Di Loria Antonio , Gunay Necati , Masucci Roberto , Veneziano Vincenzo
Published: November 2011

Objective—To investigate plasma disposition, concentration in the hair, and anthelmintic efficacy of eprinomectin after topical administration in donkeys.

Animals—12 donkeys naturally infected with strongyle nematodes.

Procedures—The pour-on formulation of eprinomectin approved for use in cattle was administered topically to donkeys at a dosage of 0.5 mg/kg. Heparinized blood samples and hair samples were collected at various times between 1 hour and 40 days after administration. Samples were analyzed via high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection. Fecal strongyle egg counts were performed by use of a modified McMaster technique before and at weekly intervals for 8 weeks after treatment.

Results—Plasma concentration and systemic availability of eprinomectin were relatively higher in donkeys, compared with values reported for other animal species. Concerning the anthelmintic efficacy against strongyle nematodes, eprinomectin was completely effective (100%) on days 7 and 14 and highly effective (> 99%) until the end of the study at 56 days after treatment. No abnormal clinical signs or adverse reactions were observed for any donkeys after treatment.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Eprinomectin had excellent safety. The relatively high plasma concentration after topical administration could result in use of eprinomectin for the control and treatment of parasitic diseases in donkeys.
Glomerular filtration rate estimation by use of a correction formula for slope-intercept plasma iohexol clearance in cats
Authors: Finch Natalie C. , Syme Harriet M. , Elliott Jonathan , Peters Adrien M. , Gerritsen Robert , Croubels Siska , Heiene Reidun
Published: November 2011

Objective—To develop a formula for correcting slope-intercept plasma iohexol clearance in cats and to compare clearance of total iohexol (TIox), endo-iohexol (EnIox), and exo-iohexol (ExIox).

Animals—20 client-owned, healthy adult and geriatric cats.

Procedures—Plasma clearance of TIox was determined via multisample and slope-intercept methods. A multisample method was used to determine clearance for EnIox and ExIox. A second-order polynomial correction factor was derived by performing regression analysis of the multisample data with the slope-intercept data and forcing the regression line though the origin. Clearance corrected by use of the derived formula was compared with clearance corrected by use of Brochner-Mortensen human and Heiene canine formulae. Statistical testing was applied, and Bland-Altman plots were created to assess the degree of agreement between TIox, EnIox, and ExIox clearance.

Results—Mean ± SD iohexol clearance estimated via multisample and corrected slope-intercept methods was 2.16 ± 0.35 mL/min/kg and 2.14 ± 0.34 mL/min/kg, respectively. The derived feline correction formula was Clcorrected = (1.036 × Cluncorrected) – (0.062 × Cluncorrected2), in which Cl represents clearance. Results obtained by use of the 2 methods were in excellent agreement. Clearance corrected by use of the Heiene formula had a linear relationship with clearance corrected by use of the feline formula; however, the relationship of the feline formula with the Brochner-Mortensen formula was nonlinear. Agreement between TIox, EnIox, and ExIox clearance was excellent.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—The derived feline correction formula applied to slope-intercept plasma iohexol clearance accurately predicted multisample clearance in cats. Use of this technique offers an important advantage by reducing stress to cats associated with repeated blood sample collection and decreasing the costs of analysis.
Angle of insertion and confirmation of angles measured after in vitro implantation during laminar vertebral stabilization in vertebral columns obtained from canine cadavers
Authors: Knell Sebastian C. , Kircher Patrick , Dennler Matthias , Montavon Pierre M. , Voss Katja , Hurter Karin
Published: November 2011

Objective—To determine angles of insertion for laminar vertebral fixation of L1 and L2 by use of a locking plate in dogs and to confirm screw placement by use of computed tomography (CT).

Sample—Vertebral specimens harvested from 8 canine cadavers.

Procedures—The point of insertion and minimum and maximum insertion angles for laminar and facet screws for laminar vertebral stabilization were determined by use of CT. A precontoured locking plate was then placed by use of 1 locking screw in the lamina of each lumbar vertebra and 1 nonlocking screw in the facet joint. The position and angle of the screws were examined by use of CT, and penetration into the vertebral canal was recorded.

Results—Mean ± SD insertion angles for L1 and L2 were 18 ± 4° and 21 ± 5° toward the vertebral canal and 11 ± 4.4° and 10 ± 3° in a dorsal direction, respectively. Insertion angles for the facet joint were between 24 ± 4° ventrally and 12 ± 2° dorsally. Insertion of the screw did not penetrate the vertebral canal for 23 of 24 (96%) screws. For 23 of 24 inserted screws, the previously determined angle was maintained and purchase of bone and cortices was satisfactory.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Placement of laminar and facet screws in canine vertebrae was possible and can be performed safely if angles of insertion determined pre-operatively via CT are maintained.
Biomechanical comparison after in vitro laminar vertebral stabilization and vertebral body plating of the first and second lumbar vertebrae in specimens obtained from canine cadavers
Authors: Knell Sebastian C. , Bürki Alexander , Hurter Karin , Ferguson Stephen J. , Montavon Pierre M.
Published: November 2011

Objective—To compare biomechanical characteristics of vertebral segments after vertebral body plating or laminar stabilization following complete incision of the annulus fibrosus.

Sample—Vertebral segments from T13 through L3 obtained from 18 canine cadavers.

Procedures—A 4-point bending moment was applied in flexion and extension to the intact vertebral segments to determine a baseline range of motion (ROM) and neutral zone (NZ). Vertebral columns were then destabilized by creating a defect in the intervertebral disk via complete incision of the ventral aspect of the annulus fibrosus. The bending moment was applied again after stabilization was accomplished via vertebral body plating or with laminar stabilization (n = 9 vertebral segments/stabilization technique). The ROM and NZ were compared with their baseline values and among treatment groups. Finally, load-to-failure testing was performed in flexion.

Results—Mean relative ROM and NZ for segments treated with laminar stabilization were significantly lower than those for segments treated with vertebral plates.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Analysis of in vitro results suggested that laminar stabilization of vertebral segments provided greater stiffness than did vertebral body plating.
Bridging the Gap Between Validation and Implementation of Non-Animal Veterinary Vaccine Potency Testing Methods
Authors: Dozier Samantha , Brown Jeffrey , Currie Alistair
Published: November 2011

In recent years, technologically advanced high-throughput techniques have been developed that replace, reduce or refine animal use in vaccine quality control tests. Following validation, these tests are slowly being accepted for use by international regulatory authorities. Because regulatory acceptance itself has not guaranteed that approved humane methods are adopted by manufacturers, various organizations have sought to foster the preferential use of validated non-animal methods by interfacing with industry and regulatory authorities. After noticing this gap between regulation and uptake by industry, we began developing a paradigm that seeks to narrow the gap and quicken implementation of new replacement, refinement or reduction guidance. A systematic analysis of our experience in promoting the transparent implementation of validated non-animal vaccine potency assays has led to the refinement of our paradigmatic process, presented here, by which interested parties can assess the local regulatory acceptance of methods that reduce animal use and integrate them into quality control testing protocols, or ensure the elimination of peripheral barriers to their use, particularly for potency and other tests carried out on production batches.
The Dynamics of People Movement Systems in Central Areas
Authors: Zacharias John
Published: November 2011

Certain pedestrian facilities, by their nature and the spatial imperatives they impose, exert a powerful role in organizing and promoting the development of associated central places. The need for an expanded public space in the city has found expression in the new public spaces that have emerged in relation to this transport infrastructure within long developed urban environments. In contemporary, advanced urban society, such new spaces need to have polyvalent purposes and to respond to emergent demands. It is proposed that certain characteristics of these pedestrian systems support intensification and multiplication of activities over a particular spatial environment defined by activities. In the three cases—the Underground system of Montreal, Tokyo Station City and the Central Mid-levels Escalator area—common characteristics proposed as important to the achievement of the developmental goals include specific spatial relations, system open-endedness and structural complexity.
Plant-Bacteria Association and Symbiosis: Are There Common Genomic Traits in Alphaproteobacteria?
Authors: Pini Francesco , Galardini Marco , Bazzicalupo Marco , Mengoni Alessio
Published: November 2011

Alphaproteobacteria show a great versatility in adapting to a broad range of environments and lifestyles, with the association between bacteria and plants as one of the most intriguing, spanning from relatively unspecific nonsymbiotic association (as rhizospheric or endophytic strains) to the highly species-specific interaction of rhizobia. To shed some light on possible common genetic features in such a heterogeneous set of plant associations, the genomes of 92 Alphaproteobacteria strains were analyzed with a fuzzy orthologs-species detection approach. This showed that the different habitats and lifestyles of plant-associated bacteria (soil, plant colonizers, symbiont) are partially reflected by the trend to have larger genomes with respect to nonplant-associated species. A relatively large set of genes specific to symbiotic bacteria (73 orthologous groups) was found, with a remarkable presence of regulators, sugar transporters, metabolic enzymes, nodulation genes and several genes with unknown function that could be good candidates for further characterization. Interestingly, 15 orthologous groupspresent in all plant-associated bacteria (symbiotic and nonsymbiotic), but absent in nonplant-associated bacteria, were also found, whose functions were mainly related to regulation of gene expression and electron transport. Two of these orthologous groups were also detected in fully sequenced plant-associated Betaproteobacteria and Gammaproteobacteria. Overall these results lead us to hypothesize that plant-bacteria associations, though quite variable, are partially supported by a conserved set of unsuspected gene functions.