bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Flat Cat
Authors: Murphy Kate , Hibbert Angie
Published: February 2013

Aim:

Detailed information regarding the causes and treatment of acute collapse in the cat can be difficult to locate in a single published source. This two-part review aims to provide a logical approach to the clinical assessment and stabilisation of the critically ill collapsed cat.

Practical relevance:

Cats are particularly challenging when presented as emergency patients, often in the later stages of an illness or with a vague history and non-specific signs. The nuances of the critically ill cat are considered, especially for shock and its management.

Clinical challenges:

Shocked cats do not present in the classic stages typically seen in dogs, and the signs are more subtle. Therefore, the clinician must consider whether physical parameters are appropriate for the state and environment of the patient; for example, a normal heart rate in a shocked cat would be considered inappropriate.

Audience:

This review is directed at any veterinarian working with feline patients, and particularly those dealing with emergencies on a regular basis.

Evidence base:

There is an extensive body of published literature, both original studies and textbook chapters, pertaining to the causes and treatment of collapse in the cat. In this article the authors draw on information from original publications, reviews and their clinical experience to provide practical guidance to assist in the emergency setting.
Feline Mandibular Fractures
Authors: Woodbridge Nicolas , Owen Martin
Published: February 2013

Practical relevance:

Mandibular fractures occur commonly in cats and appropriate treatment is vital to ensure restoration of dental occlusion and masticatory function.

Clinical challenges:

Historically, a relatively high complication rate has been reported in association with mandibular fracture repair, and these complications can represent a significant challenge for the veterinary surgeon.

Audience:

General practitioners as well as specialists in small animal surgery are presented with fractures of the mandible on a regular basis.

Patient group:

Cats of all ages can suffer mandibular fracture; however, young cats (mean age 30 months) are over-represented. No sex predilection is reported.

Equipment:

The nature of the equipment required for mandibular fracture repair varies greatly, depending on the fracture type and location. An uncomplicated mandibular symphyseal fracture requires only basic orthopaedic equipment whereas the surgeon must ensure they have access to a wide range of orthopaedic equipment prior to undertaking repair of a complex mandibular fracture.

Evidence base:

Management of mandibular fractures is a complex subject. Over the past three decades many fixation techniques have been described in the veterinary literature, with authors analysing and discussing the surgical management of these potentially challenging injuries.
Are volatile voters erratic, whimsical or seriously picky? A panel study of 58 waves into the nature of electoral volatility (The Netherlands 2006–2010)
Authors: van der Meer Tom WG , van Elsas Erika , Lubbe Rozemarijn , van der Brug Wouter
Published: February 2013

Electorates appear to be adrift. Across Western Europe electoral volatility is increasing. But are volatile voters whimsical? Do they behave randomly, like drift sand, or are they emancipated, not committed to a single political party but loyal to their own preferences? To answer these questions this study focuses on the Dutch electorate, which has become the most volatile in Western Europe. We analyse the extensive 1Vandaag Opinion Panel (1VOP) dataset, which covers 55,847 adult respondents who participated in at least 2 of the 58 waves between November 2006 and June 2010. 1VOP allows us to break down electoral volatility by type, direction (intra-bloc versus inter-bloc) and time span. We conclude that volatility reflects voter emancipation rather than disengagement. Although more than half of the respondents (55 percent) change party preference at least once, they mostly stick to one of two ideologically coherent party blocs. Especially middle groups are volatile: people with modal income, with average levels of education and who position themselves in the political centre. However, the lower educated are more likely to switch between dissimilar parties. Our findings question the socialization model: although older voters are relatively loyal when they cast their ballots, they are the most volatile in the years in between.
A computational method for detecting copy number variations using scale-space filtering
Authors: Lee Jongkeun , Lee Unjoo , Kim Baeksop , Yoon Jeehee
Published: February 2013

Background

As next-generation sequencing technology made rapid and cost-effective sequencing available, the importance of computational approaches in finding and analyzing copy number variations (CNVs) has been amplified. Furthermore, most genome projects need to accurately analyze sequences with fairly low-coverage read data. It is urgently needed to develop a method to detect the exact types and locations of CNVs from low coverage read data.

Results

Here, we propose a new CNV detection method, CNV_SS, which uses scale-space filtering. The scale-space filtering is evaluated by applying to the read coverage data the Gaussian convolution for various scales according to a given scaling parameter. Next, by differentiating twice and finding zero-crossing points, inflection points of scale-space filtered read coverage data are calculated per scale. Then, the types and the exact locations of CNVs are obtained by analyzing the finger print map, the contours of zero-crossing points for various scales.

Conclusions

The performance of CNV_SS showed that FNR and FPR stay in the range of 1.27% to 2.43% and 1.14% to 2.44%, respectively, even at a relatively low coverage (0.5x ≤C ≤2x). CNV_SS gave also much more effective results than the conventional methods in the evaluation of FNR, at 3.82% at least and 76.97% at most even when the coverage level of read data is low. CNV_SS source code is freely available from http://dblab.hallym.ac.kr/CNV SS/.
Developing a tool for obtaining maternal skinfold thickness measurements and assessing inter-observer variability among pregnant women who are overweight and obese
Authors: Kannieappan Lavern M , Deussen Andrea R , Grivell Rosalie M , Yelland Lisa , Dodd Jodie M
Published: February 2013

Background

It is estimated that between 34% and 50% of Australian women entering pregnancy are overweight and obese, which is associated with an increased risk in complications for both the woman and her infant. Current tools used in clinical and research practice for measuring body composition include body mass index (BMI), waist circumference and bioimpedance analysis. Not all of these measures are applicable for use during pregnancy due to a lack of differentiation between maternal and fetal contributions. While skinfold thickness measurement (SFTM) is increasingly being used in pregnancy, there is limited data and a lack of a standard tool for its use in overweight and obese pregnant women.

Methods

We developed a standard tool for evaluating SFTM among women with a BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2. Forty-nine women were measured as part of a prospective cohort study nested within a multicentre randomised controlled trial (The LIMIT Randomised Controlled Trial). Two blinded observers each performed 2 skinfold measurements on the biceps, triceps and subscapular of each woman. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and standard error of measurement (SEM) were used to analyse SFTM, body fat percentage (BF%) and inter-observer variability.

Results

The ICC for inter-observer variability in measurements were considered moderate for biceps SFTM (ICC = 0.56) and triceps SFTM (ICC = 0.51); good for subscapular SFTM (ICC = 0.71) and BF% (ICC = 0.74); and excellent for arm circumference (ICC = 0.97). The standard error of measurements ranged from 0.53 cm for arm circumference to 3.58 mm for the subscapular SFTM.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that arm circumference and biceps, triceps and subscapular SFTM can be reliably obtained from overweight and obese pregnant women to calculate BF%, using multiple observers, and can be used in a research setting.

Trial registration

Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12607000161426
Immune cell profile of sentinel lymph nodes in patients with malignant melanoma – FOXP3+ cell density in cases with positive sentinel node status is associated with unfavorable clinical outcome
Authors: Mohos Anita , Sebestyén Tímea , Liszkay Gabriella , Plótár Vanda , Horváth Szabolcs , Gaudi István , Ladányi Andrea
Published: February 2013

Background

Besides being a preferential site of early metastasis, the sentinel lymph node (SLN) is also a privileged site of T-cell priming, and may thus be an appropriate target for investigating cell types involved in antitumor immune reactions.

Methods

In this retrospective study we determined the prevalence of OX40+ activated T lymphocytes, FOXP3+ (forkhead box P3) regulatory T cells, DC-LAMP+ (dendritic cell-lysosomal associated membrane protein) mature dendritic cells (DCs) and CD123+ plasmacytoid DCs by immunohistochemistry in 100 SLNs from 60 melanoma patients. Density values of each cell type in SLNs were compared to those in non-sentinel nodes obtained from block dissections (n = 37), and analyzed with regard to associations with clinicopathological parameters and disease outcome.

Results

Sentinel nodes showed elevated amount of all cell types studied in comparison to non-sentinel nodes. Metastatic SLNs had higher density of OX40+ lymphocytes compared to tumor-negative nodes, while no significant difference was observed in the case of the other cell types studied. In patients with positive sentinel node status, high amount of FOXP3+ cells in SLNs was associated with shorter progression-free (P = 0.0011) and overall survival (P = 0.0014), while no significant correlation was found in the case of sentinel-negative patients. The density of OX40+, CD123+ or DC-LAMP+ cells did not show significant association with the outcome of the disease.

Conclusions

Taken together, our results are compatible with the hypothesis of functional competence of sentinel lymph nodes based on the prevalence of the studied immune cells. The density of FOXP3+ lymphocytes showed association with progression and survival in patients with positive SLN status, while the other immune markers studied did not prove of prognostic importance. These results, together with our previous findings on the prognostic value of activated T cells and mature DCs infiltrating primary melanomas, suggest that immune activation-associated markers in the primary tumor may have a higher impact than those in SLNs on the prognosis of the patients. On the other hand, FOXP3+ cell density in SLNs, but not in the primary tumor, was found predictive of disease outcome in melanoma patients.
Effects of Panax ginseng-containing herbal plasters on compressed intervertebral discs in an in vivo rat tail model
Authors: Chow Daniel H K , Lai Alon , Tang Fuk-Hay , Leung Mason C P
Published: February 2013

Background

Tienchi (Panax notoginseng) has been used in conservative treatments for back pain as a major ingredient of many herbal medicines. This study aims to investigate the effects of a herbal medicine containing tienchi on compressed intervertebral discs in rats.

Methods

Using an in vivo rat tail model, intervertebral disc compression was simulated in the caudal 8–9 discs of 25 rats by continuous static compression (11 N) for 2 weeks. An herbal medicine plaster (in which the major ingredient was tienchi) was externally applied to the compressed disc (n=9) for three weeks, and held in place by an adhesive bandage, in animals in the Chinese Medicine (CM) group. The effect of the bandage was evaluated in a separate placebo group (n=9), while no intervention with unrestricted motion was provided to rats in an additional control group (n=7). Disc structural properties were quantified by in vivo disc height measurement and in vitro morphological analysis.

Results

Disc height decreased after the application of compression (P < 0.001). The disc height decreased continuously in the control (P = 0.006) and placebo (P = 0.003) groups, but was maintained in the CM group (P = 0.494). No obvious differences in disc morphology were observed among the three groups (P = 0.896).

Conclusion

The tienchi-containing herbal plaster had no significant effect on the morphology of compressed discs, but maintained disc height in rats.
Cost-effectiveness of enzyme replacement therapy for Fabry disease
Authors: Rombach Saskia M , Hollak Carla EM , Linthorst Gabor E , Dijkgraaf Marcel GW
Published: February 2013

Background

The cost-effectiveness of enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) compared to standard medical care was evaluated in the Dutch cohort of patients with Fabry disease.

Methods

Cost-effectiveness analysis was performed using a life-time state-transition model. Transition probabilities, effectiveness data and costs were derived from retrospective data and prospective follow-up of the Dutch study cohort consisting of males and females aged 5–78 years. Intervention with ERT (either agalsidase alfa or agalsidase beta) was compared to the standard medical care. The main outcome measures were years without end organ damage (renal, cardiac en cerebrovascular complications), quality adjusted life years (QALYs), and costs.

Results

Over a 70 year lifetime, an untreated Fabry patient will generate 55.0 years free of end-organ damage (53.5 years in males, 56.9 years in females) and 48.6 QALYs (47.8 in males, 49.7 in females). Starting ERT in a symptomatic patient increases the number of years free of end-organ damage by 1.5 year (1.6 in males, 1.3 in females), while the number of QALYs gained increases by a similar amount (1.7 in males, 1.4 in females). The costs of ERT starting in the symptomatic stage are between €9 - €10 million (£ 7.9 - £ 8.8 million, $13.0- $14.5 million) during a patient’s lifetime. Consequently, the extra costs per additional year free of end-organ damage and the extra costs per additional QALY range from €5.5 - €7.5 million (£ 4.8 – £ 6.6 million, $ 8.0 – $ 10.8 million), undiscounted.

Conclusions

In symptomatic patients with Fabry disease, ERT has limited effect on quality of life and progression to end organ damage. The pharmaco-economic evaluation shows that this modest effectiveness drives the costs per QALY and the costs per year free of end-organ damage to millions of euros. Differentiation of patients who may benefit from ERT should be improved to enhance cost-effectiveness.
Nuclear protein IK undergoes dynamic subcellular translocation and forms unique nuclear bodies during the cell cycle
Authors: Hu Liyan , Yang Feikun , Liu Xianan , Xu Dazhong , Dai Wei
Published: February 2013

IK is a nuclear protein containing a unique domain named RED due to the presence of a repetitive arginine (R), aspartic (E), and glutamic acid (D) sequence. To date, the function of this protein remains largely unknown despite of a couple of previous studies in the literature. Here we report that depletion of IK via RNA interference results in mitotic arrest. We also demonstrate that IK undergoes dynamic translocation during interphase and mitosis. In particular, IK is primarily present in some interphase cells as nuclear foci/bodies which do not co-localize with nucleoli, PMA bodies and Cajal bodies. Pull-down analysis coupled with mass spectrometry reveals that IK is associated with DHX15, a putative ATP-dependent RNA helicase. Our results strongly suggest that IK may participate in pre-mRNA splicing and that it may be a useful biomarker for a new nuclear structure in the cell.
Introducing unemployment insurance to developing countries
Authors: Vodopivec Milan
Published: February 2013

The paper analyzes key labor market and institutional features of developing countries that affect functioning of unemployment insurance: a large informal sector, weak administrative capacity, and large political risk. It argues that these countries should tailor an OECD-style unemployment insurance program to their circumstances, among others by relying on self-insurance (via unemployment insurance savings accounts), complemented by solidarity funding, as a key source of financing; by simplifying monitoring of job-search behavior and labor market status; and by piggybacking on existing networks to administer benefits. The paper also addresses the question whether developing countries should introduce unemployment insurance.

JEL codes

J65, J68
Clinical characteristics in subjects with NLRP3 V198M diagnosed at a single UK center and a review of the literature
Authors: Rowczenio Dorota M , Trojer Hadija , Russell Tonia , Baginska Anna , Lane Thirusha , Stewart Nicola M , Gillmore Julian D , Hawkins Philip N , Woo Patricia , Mikoluc Bozena , Lachmann Helen J
Published: February 2013

Introduction

Mutations in the NLRP3 gene are associated with the dominantly inherited cryopyrin-associated periodic syndrome (CAPS). The significance of the V198M variant is unclear; it has been reported in association with various CAPS phenotypes and as a variant of uncertain consequence. The aim of this study was to characterize the clinical phenotypes and treatments in individuals with V198M assessed in a single UK center.

Methods

DNA samples from 830 subjects with fever syndromes or a family history of CAPS were screened for mutations in the NLRP3 gene with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing. A detailed medical history was available in all cases. Inflammatory disease activity was monitored monthly with measurements of serum amyloid A protein (SAA) and C-reactive protein (CRP) in symptomatic individuals.

Results

NLRP3 V198M was identified in 19 subjects. It was found in association with CAPS in five cases, in one patient with Schnitzler syndrome, in three patients who also had a nucleotide alteration in another fever gene, and in three other patients with evidence of an autoinflammatory phenotype. Seven asymptomatic individuals were detected during screening of family members.

Conclusions

The NLRP3 V198M variant shows variable expressivity and reduced penetrance. It may be associated with classical inherited or apparently sporadic CAPS and with atypical autoinflammatory disease of varying severity, intriguingly including Schnitzler syndrome. The factors that influence the pathogenic consequences of this variant remain unknown. However, the remarkable response to interleukin 1 (IL-1) blockade in all but one individual in our series confirms that their clinical features are indeed mediated by IL-1.
Premetazoan genome evolution and the regulation of cell differentiation in the choanoflagellate Salpingoeca rosetta
Authors: Fairclough Stephen R , Chen Zehua , Kramer Eric , Zeng Qiandong , Young Sarah , Robertson Hugh M , Begovic Emina , Richter Daniel J , Russ Carsten , Westbrook M Jody , Manning Gerard , Lang B Franz , Haas Brian , Nusbaum Chad , King Nicole
Published: February 2013

Background

Metazoan multicellularity is rooted in mechanisms of cell adhesion, signaling, and differentiation that first evolved in the progenitors of metazoans. To reconstruct the genome composition of metazoan ancestors, we sequenced the genome and transcriptome of the choanoflagellate Salpingoeca rosetta, a close relative of metazoans that forms rosette-shaped colonies of cells.

Results

A comparison of the 55 Mb S. rosetta genome with genomes from diverse opisthokonts suggests that the origin of metazoans was preceded by a period of dynamic gene gain and loss. The S. rosetta genome encodes homologs of cell adhesion, neuropeptide, and glycosphingolipid metabolism genes previously found only in metazoans and expands the repertoire of genes inferred to have been present in the progenitors of metazoans and choanoflagellates. Transcriptome analysis revealed that all four S. rosetta septins are upregulated in colonies relative to single cells, suggesting that these conserved cytokinesis proteins may regulate incomplete cytokinesis during colony development. Furthermore, genes shared exclusively by metazoans and choanoflagellates were disproportionately upregulated in colonies and the single cells from which they develop.

Conclusions

The S. rosetta genome sequence refines the catalog of metazoan-specific genes while also extending the evolutionary history of certain gene families that are central to metazoan biology. Transcriptome data suggest that conserved cytokinesis genes, including septins, may contribute to S. rosetta colony formation and indicate that the initiation of colony development may preferentially draw upon genes shared with metazoans, while later stages of colony maturation are likely regulated by genes unique to S. rosetta.
Tangled Web: The Syrian Civil War and Its Implications
Authors: Carpenter Ted Galen
Published: February 2013

Western news media outlets have paid considerable attention to the civil war in Syria, but much of the coverage is simplistic and melodramatic. Too many accounts portray the conflict as a Manichean struggle between the evil, brutal regime of Bashar al-Assad and noble freedom fighters seeking to create a new, democratic Syria. The reality is far more complex and murky. Syria’s turmoil has troubling, long-term implications not only for that country but for the Middle East as a whole, and even for the international system. The searing images of civilian casualties coming out of Syria have been hard to watch. Several thousand innocent people perished between the eruption of resistance to Assad’s regime in March 2011 and the beginning of 2013, with no end in sight. There is little doubt that government forces were responsible for the majority of deaths. The prospect that Assad might be overthrown is understandably appealing to Westerners from a moral standpoint, but the West needs to be fully aware of the potential for unintended, and possibly quite unpleasant, consequences.
Offshore Energy in the Levant Basin: Leaders, Laggards, and Spoilers
Authors: Paraschos Peter E.
Published: February 2013

With Israel and Cyprus recently confirming massive offshore gas reserves in the Levant Basin, the eastern Mediterranean Sea region is emerging as a significant new source of natural gas. The major economic and geopolitical implications explored in this essay include the accelerating regional competition to develop offshore energy resources; the related pursuit of major foreign investment for upstream energy development; consequences for regional gas export markets, notably the European Union; the influence of regional rivalries and conflicts on regional energy development; and the impact of the new energy resources on the regional balance of power.
Mediterranean Countries and Corruption: Political, Economic, and Social Factors
Authors: Rontos Kostas , Salvati Luca , Sioussiouras Petros , Vavouras Ioannis
Published: February 2013

The authors propose a classification of the perceived corruption levels of Mediterranean countries according to key political, economic, and social factors. While relevant empirical research has shown the extent of corruption in various countries by analyzing differences in their respective values on a corruption perceptions index, the variables used here include additional data such as gross national income per person in purchasing power parities, a political rights index, a civil liberties index, and a nonincome human development index. Although northern Mediterranean countries are distinguished from Arab and Balkan countries, the labels developed and developing countries in the Mediterranean seem too simplistic when describing the marked heterogeneity within these two groups. The lack of homogeneity can be attributed to institutional and cultural country-specific factors rather than to crude differences in levels of economic development. This suggests that policies against corruption should target a complex ensemble of driving factors not limited to the economic characteristics of an individual country and should include social political, cultural, institutional, and territorial considerations.
Small molecules, big roles – the chemical manipulation of stem cell fate and somatic cell reprogramming
Authors: Zhang Yu , Li Wenlin , Laurent Timothy , Ding Sheng
Published: February 2013

Despite the great potential of stem cells for basic research and clinical applications, obstacles – such as their scarce availability and difficulty in controlling their fate – need to be addressed to fully realize their potential. Recent achievements of cellular reprogramming have enabled the generation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) or other lineage-committed cells from more accessible and abundant somatic cell types by defined genetic factors. However, serious concerns remain about the efficiency and safety of current genetic approaches to cell reprogramming and traditional culture systems that are used for stem cell maintenance. As a complementary approach, small molecules that target specific signaling pathways, epigenetic processes and other cellular processes offer powerful tools for manipulating cell fate to a desired outcome. A growing number of small molecules have been identified to maintain the self-renewal potential of stem cells, to induce lineage differentiation and to facilitate reprogramming by increasing the efficiency of reprogramming or by replacing genetic reprogramming factors. Furthermore, mechanistic investigations of the effects of these chemicals also provide new biological insights. Here, we examine recent achievements in the maintenance of stem cells, including pluripotent and lineage-specific stem cells, and in the control of cell fate conversions, including iPSC reprogramming, conversion of primed to naïve pluripotency, and transdifferentiation, with an emphasis on manipulation with small molecules.
Schaumsklerosierungstherapie
Authors: Reich-Schupke S. , Stücker M.
Published: February 2013

Die Anwendung von Aethoxysklerol® in aufgeschäumter Form ist in Deutschland seit 2009 als Behandlungsoption der Varikose zugelassen. Entsprechend der aktuellen Leitlinien ist sie grundsätzlich für alle Formen der Varikose geeignet. Besonders bewährt hat sie sich in der Behandlung der Seitenastvarikose und Perforantes sowie als nicht-operative Alternative bei der Stammvarikose. Voraussetzung für die Planung und Durchführung der Schaumsklerosierungstherapie ist neben Anamnese und klinischer Untersuchung eine sorgfältige Duplexsonographie am stehenden Patienten zur Erstellung eines Venenmappings. Ist die Indikation und Entscheidung zur Sklerosierungstherapie gefallen, so muss der Patient sorgfältig informiert werden und schriftlich der Behandlung zustimmen.

Für die Punktion der Varize sollte der Patient stehen oder sitzen, alternativ kann er bei gut sichtbaren Varizen oder duplexkontrollierter Direktpunktion auch liegen. Die Applikation des Sklerosierungsmittels sollte immer im Liegen erfolgen. Für die Schaumherstellung haben sich das Tessari- und das DSS-System bewährt. Nach der Injektion des Schaums sollten eine exzentrische Kompression, ein lokaler Kompressionsverband und anschließend eine Kompression mittels Kompressionsstrumpf erfolgen.

Die Nebenwirkungen der Schaumsklerosie-rung unterscheiden sich nicht wesentlich von denen der Flüssigsklerosierung. Zur Verlaufskontrolle eignet sich die Duplexsonographie.
Finite decomposition complexity and the integral Novikov conjecture for higher algebraic K-theory
Authors: Ramras Daniel A. , Tessera Romain , Yu Guoliang
Published: February 2013

Decomposition complexity for metric spaces was recently introduced by Guentner, Tessera, and Yu as a natural generalization of asymptotic dimension. We prove a vanishing result for the continuously controlled algebraic K-theory of bounded geometry metric spaces with finite decomposition complexity. This leads to a proof of the integral K-theoretic Novikov conjecture, regarding split injectivity of the K-theoretic assembly map, for groups with finite decomposition complexity and finite CW models for their classifying spaces. By work of Guentner, Tessera, and Yu, this includes all (geometrically finite) linear groups.
Use of Portland Cement and Polymer Fibers to Stabilize Very High Moisture Content Fine-Grained Soils
Authors: Carruth William D. , Howard Isaac L.
Published: February 2013

Very high moisture content fine-grained soils are plentiful in wetlands, river basins, and after floods. They can be problematic and require disposal facilities to be constructed in some instances. Any means of handling or re-using these materials is potentially appealing. Using chemical stabilization (e.g., Portland cement) can enhance strength, but the resulting product can be brittle. Adding polymer fibers as a secondary stabilizer can add noticeable ductility while offering at least some strength and stiffness benefits. Two fiber types and Portland cement were mixed into three soils with varying properties at elevated moisture content and tested for shear strength via: (1) unconfined compression (UC), and (2) with hand-held gages. Fiber-reinforced and non-fiber-reinforced specimens were compared in terms of shear strength, elastic modulus, and ductility. Fiber addition, in general, increased shear strength, and the level of increase was affected by soil organic content. Ductility was considerably improved by fiber addition. Correlations were developed by soil type so that conservative elastic modulus values could be calculated from shear strength, and it was observed that fibers increased elastic moduli values.
Behaviour of Two Closely Spaced Strip Footings Placed on a Stiff Clay Bed under Cyclic Loading
Authors: Islam Md. Ariful , Gnanendran C. T.
Published: February 2013

Foundations are sometimes placed very close to each other because of space limitations or to limit the footing loads or to accommodate certain structural details. When footings are placed at close spacing, they interact with each other and the behaviour of each individual footing is altered compared to that of a single isolated footing. Also, foundations are often subjected to cyclic live loads in addition to self-weight of the structure causing change in soil performance below it. The design of foundations placed close to each other and subjected to cyclic loading is very complex as both of the phenomena (i.e., footing interference and cyclic load) affects the behaviour of foundation soil. The presence of clayey soil deposits in the construction site adds further uncertainty to this problem because there is no consensus among the researchers regarding interfering footing behaviour on clay. To uncover the actual behaviour of two closely spaced surface strip footings on clay deposits under cyclic loading, small-scale experimental studies with footings placed at two different spacings were carried out in the Civil Engineering laboratory at the University of New South Wales (UNSW@ADFA). The study shows that the application of low-frequency cyclic load improves the bearing capacity and stiffness of foundation soil (clay), irrespective of the interfering footing spacing. Also, the permanent deformation of interfering footings placed at closer spacing is found to be smaller compared to that of footings placed at wider spacing.
Experimental Study Investigating the Effects of Setup Conditions on Bender Element Velocity Results
Authors: Marjanovic Jana , Germaine John T.
Published: February 2013

An experimental program was conducted in order to establish the dominant factors that affect the interpretation of the small strain shear modulus of soils when using bender elements. Both Ticino sand and resedimented Boston blue clay (RBBC) were used to develop the characteristics of the bender element behavior and to isolate the parameters that most closely need to be monitored during the experimental procedure. After the experimental program was completed, a comparison with published results was performed as a secondary measure of reliability of the measurements. The conclusion of this investigation showed that the signals produced by the bender elements can be substantially improved if the wavelength ratio and aspect ratio are maintained in an acceptable range of greater than two and less than one, respectively. Furthermore, after conducting an extensive series of ray path analyses and varying the confining material of the specimen, it was clear that the geometry of the bender element was the cause of major discrepancies between velocity results, which was caused by the creation of not only side traveling P-waves in addition to the orthogonally propagating S-wave, but also directly traveling P-waves.
Corrosion Damage Analysis and Material Characterization of Sherman and Centaur—The Historic Military Tanks
Authors: Saeed Adil , Khan Zulfiqar A. , Montgomery Eliza L.
Published: February 2013

A study of corrosion damage and material characterization of two historic military tanks, the Sherman and Centaur is reported. Experiments were conducted to analyse surface corrosion and corrosion propagation from surface to sub-surface. Significant surface corrosion was found, and this phenomenon was further facilitated by delamination failure mechanisms. Corrosion depth for the Sherman was approximately 110 μm, where sulphide inclusions were detected in the sub-surface analysis. The Centaur's analysis showed corrosion pits at 100 μm depth. These pits possess random geometrical configurations with evidence of sulphur, sodium, and calcium.
The presence of thyroid peroxidase antibody of IgG2 subclass is a risk factor for thyroid dysfunction in chronic hepatitis C patients
Authors: Shao Cuiping , Huo Na , Zhao Lanlan , Gao Ying , Fan Xiaohong , Zheng Yingying , Wang Lifen , Lu Haiying , Xu Xiaoyuan , Guo Xiaohui
Published: February 2013

Objective

To investigate the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction (TD) and IgG subclasses of thyroid autoantibodies (TAs) and to determine the predictive factors of TD in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients.

Design

Three hundred and twelve untreated hepatitis C virus-infected patients without a history of TD or treatment with thyroid hormones were enrolled in a cross-sectional study. Clinical and biological factors were statistically analyzed to determine the correlation between TD and this patient population.

Results

The incidence of TD was 12.5% in CHC patients. Clinical hypothyroidism (5.8%) and subclinical hypothyroidism (3.8%) were more frequent than clinical hyperthyroidism (1.6%) and subclinical hyperthyroidism (1.3%). The percentage of TA-positive patients was significantly higher in people >60 years than in those ≤60 years (31.9 vs 18.6%;P=0.042). Positive thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) was more frequent, and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were lower in patients who displayed TD (TPOAb: 62.1 vs 10.8%,P=0.000; ALT: 43.5 vs 51 IU/l,P=0.046). The positive percentage of TPOAb IgG2 subclass in the TD group was significantly higher than that of patients without TD (66.7 vs 16.7%,P=0.005). Multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that only TPOAb IgG2 subclass positivity was an independent risk factor for TD in CHC patients (odds ratio=8; 95% CI: 1.225–52.246;P=0.030).

Conclusions

TPOAb IgG2 subclass positivity is a risk factor for TD in CHC patients before antiviral treatment. IgG2 subclass of TPOAb might play an important role in the presence of TD in CHC patients.
Chronic Conditions Among Children Investigated by Child Welfare: A National Sample
Authors: Stein Ruth E.K. , Hurlburt Michael S. , Heneghan Amy M. , Zhang Jinjin , Rolls-Reutz Jennifer , Silver Ellen J. , Fisher Emily , Landsverk John , Horwitz Sarah McCue
Published: February 2013

OBJECTIVE:

To assess the presence of chronic health conditions (CHCs) among a nationally representative sample of children investigated by child welfare agencies.

METHODS:

The study included 5872 children, aged 0 to 17.5 years, whose families were investigated for maltreatment between February 2008 and April 2009. Using data from the second National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-Being, we examined the proportion of children who had CHC. We developed 2 categorical and 2 noncategorical measures of CHC from the available data and analyzed them by using bivariate and multivariable analyses.

RESULTS:

Depending on the measure used, 30.6% to 49.0% of all children investigated were reported by their caregivers to have a CHC. Furthermore, the children identified by using diverse methods were not entirely overlapping. In the multivariable analyses, children with poorer health were more likely to be male, older, and receiving special educational services but not more likely to be in out-of-home placements.

CONCLUSIONS:

The finding that a much higher proportion of these children have CHC than in the general population underscores the substantial health problems of children investigated by child welfare agencies and the need to monitor their health carefully, regardless of their placement postinvestigation.
Bio-mimetic integrated surface nano structures for medical imaging scintillation materials
Authors: Pignalosa P. , Liu B. , Guo W. , Duan X. , Yi Y.
Published: February 2013

We have improved bio-inspired Moth eye nanostructures to enhance the scintillator materials external quantum efficiency significantly. As a proof of concept, we have demonstrated very high light output efficiency enhancement for Lu2SiO5:Ce3+ (LSO:Ce) film in large area. The X-ray mammographic instrument was employed to demonstrate the light output enhancement of the Lu2SiO5:Ce thin film with bio-inspired Moth eye-like nano photonic structures. Our work could be extended to other thin film scintillator materials and is promising to achieve lower patient dose, higher resolution image of human organs and even smaller scale medical imaging.
Biosynthesis and Characterization of Bacterial Cellulose Produced by a Wild Strain of Acetobacter spp.
Authors: Yassine Fatima , Ibrahim Michael , Bassil Maria , Chokr Ali , Serghei Anatoli , El Samrani Antoine , El Tahchi Mario , Boiteux Gisele
Published: February 2013

Many advances in nanomaterials synthesis have been recorded during the last 30 years. Bacterial cellulose (BC) produced by bacteria belonging to the genera Acetobacter, Rhizobium, Agrobacterium, and Sarcina is acquiring major importance as one of many eco-friendly materials with great potential in the biomedical field. The shape of BC bulk is sensitive to the container shape and incubation conditions such as agitation, carbon source, rate of oxygenation, electromagnetic radiation, temperature, and pH. The challenge is to control the dimension and the final shape of biosynthesized cellulose, by the optimization of culture conditions. The production of 3D structures based on BC is important for many industrial and biomedical applications such as paper and textile industries, biological implants, burn dressing material, and scaffolds for tissue regeneration. In our work, wild strains of Acetobacter spp. were isolated from homemade vinegar then purified and used for cellulose production. Four media of different initial viscosity were used. Cultures were performed under static conditions at 29°C, in darkness. The dimensions and texture of obtained bacterial cellulose nanofibers were studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). X-ray diffraction (XRD) showed that the biosynthesized material has a cellulose I crystalline phase characterized by three crystal planes. fourrier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) data confirmed the chemical nature of the fibers. Thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA) showed that BC preserves a relatively superior non-degradable fraction compared to microcrystalline cellulose.
Nanofabrication of DLC-dot Arrays by Room-temperature Curing Imprint-liftoff Method
Authors: Kiyohara Shuji , Matta Shohei , Ishikawa Ippei , Tanoue Hideto , Takikawa Hirofumi , Taguchi Yoshio , Sugiyama Yoshinari , Omata Yukiko , Kurashima Yuichi
Published: February 2013

As an application to the nanoemitter, we investigated the nanofabrication of diamond-like carbon (DLC)-dot arrays by room-temperature curing imprint-liftoff (RTCIL) method using aluminum mask. The DLC film which has excellent properties similar to diamond properties was used as the patterning material. A polished glass like carbon (GC) was used as a mold material. The polysiloxane in the state of sticky liquid at room temperature and stable in air exhibits a negative-exposure characteristics. Therefore, the polysiloxane was used as electron beam (EB) resist and oxide mask material in EB lithography, and also used as RTC-imprint resist material. An aluminum was used as oxide metal mask material of liftoff. We have fabricated the GC mold of dot arrays with 5 µm-square and 500 nm-height. We carried out the RTCIL process using the GC mold under the following optimum imprint conditions: 0.5 MPa-imprinting pressure and 5 min- holding time. Aluminum film on the imprinted polysiloxane was prepared by vacuum evaporation method and its thickness is 20 nm. Finally, the polysiloxane patterns were removed with acetone and aluminum mask patterns were fabricated. We found that the maximum etching selectivity of aluminum film against DLC film was as high as 35, which was obtained under an ion energy of 400 eV. Then we processed the patterned aluminum on DLC film with an ECR oxygen ion shower. We fabricated DLC-dot arrays with 5 µm-square and 400 nm-height with an aspect ratio of 0.08.
Highly Efficient Porous Enzyme-based Carbonaceous Electrodes Obtained Through Integrative Chemistry
Authors: Flexer Victoria , Brun Nicolas , Backov Rénal , Mano Nicolas
Published: February 2013

This work concerns the search for new electrode materials for efficient biofuel cells applications. Using a hard templating method we prepared carbonaceous electrodes modified further with Glucose Oxidase and Os polymer. The glucose electrooxidation current is 13-fold bigger on the porous electrode than on flat glassy carbon for the same enzyme loading. These electrodes are three dimensional and posses hierarchical porosity, to optimize the need for both surface area and efficient fuel delivery Although, the dependence of the catalytic current with the rotation rate suggests that the size and quantity of the macropores is not yet fully optimized, the electrode preparation protocol is simple and low cost, and can be easily adapted to tune the pore sizes. The mechanical strength and the synthetic route allow for the external shape and size of the electrodes to be designed on demand, an important feature to incorporate electrodes into devices.
A New Three-Phase Multicomponent Compositional Model for Asphaltene Precipitation Using CPA-EOS
Authors: Nasrabadi Hadi , Moortgat Joachim , Firoozabadi Abbas
Published: February 2013

Numerical modeling of asphaltene precipitation in petroleum reservoirs is important in relation to precipitation around the wellbore and in the reservoir domain. Production from some reservoirs results in asphaltene precipitation in the wellbore region, leading to production loss and need for cleanup. Fluid injection can also lead to injectivity loss due to asphaltene precipitation. There are also desirable processes in which precipitation of asphaltene can lead to "in-situ" upgrading of heavy oil recovery.

Reservoir compositional models that are currently in use rely on cubic equations of state for asphaltene precipitation. The cubic equations, despite their relative reliability in describing reservoir fluids phase behavior, become unreliable in asphaltene-rich phase description. A number of non-cubic equations of state have been introduced to overcome the shortcomings of cubic equations. The cubic-plus-association equation of state (CPA-EOS) is perhaps the method of choice in modeling asphaltene precipitation in compositional modeling. When there is no asphaltene precipitation, the CPA-EOS becomes the standard cubic equation.

In this work we implement the CPA-EOS in compositional modeling and introduce a simple technique to speed up considerably the root finding. Our efficient algorithm makes the additional cost from CPA-EOS insignificant. We also derive the basic equations for the total compressibility and total potential molar volume in our implementation of the CPA-EOS compositional modeling. Our new algorithm is introduced in a simple finite difference code. This work introduces a general framework for widespread use of the CPA-EOS in compositional modeling.
A Black-Box Stencil Interpolation Method to Accelerate Reservoir Simulations
Authors: Chen Han , Klie Hector , Wang Qiqi
Published: February 2013

The present work aims at predicting space-time pressure solutions via a novel non-intrusive reduced order simulation model. The construction of low- dimensional spaces entails the combination of the Discrete Empirical Interpolation (DEIM) method with a suitable regressor such as artificial neural network to accurately approximate the pressure solutions arising in an IMPES formulation. Two basic assumptions are key in the present work: (a) physics invariance and, (b) stencil locality. The first one allows for coping with the curse of dimensionality associated with the training of a lower- dimensional surrogate model. The second assumption enables to significantly reduce the input parameter space and therefore, infer the global solution from local mass conservation principles. These assumptions are inspired in the discretization of PDEs governing the flow in porous media and serve as a powerful vehicle to generate physics-based surrogate models at a low computational cost. Hence, without explicit or little knowledge of simulation equations and numerical schemes, a sequence of pressure solutions or initial guesses can be obtained from inexpensive solutions of reduced order models (ROMs). Numerical examples are provided to illustrate the potentials of the present approach.