bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Scalable Routes to Gold Nanoshells with Tunable Sizes and Response to Near‐Infrared Pulsed‐Laser Irradiation
Authors: Prevo Brian G. , Esakoff Shelley A. , Mikhailovsky Alexander , Zasadzinski Joseph A.
Published: July 2008

A simplified synthesis of hollow gold nanoshells 20–50 nm in diameter via the well‐established templated galvanic replacement reaction of silver for gold is presented. The surface plasmon resonance absorbance of the nanoshells is tuned using basic colloid chemistry to control the size of the silver templates. The gold nanoshells have an aqueous core and are varied in size and shell thickness depending on the silver/gold reagent ratios. The template replacement chemistry is rapid, highly scalable, uses minimal amounts of toxic reagents, and in many cases is a true one‐pot synthesis. The smallest nanoshells (20‐nm diameter, 7‐nm wall thickness) reach the highest temperature on irradiation with femtosecond light pulses in the near infrared and anneal to form spherical nanoparticles fastest, even though their plasmon resonance does not overlap as well as the larger nanoshells (50‐nm diameter, 7‐nm wall thickness) with 800‐nm wavelength excitation.
Using SPI to achieve delivery objectives in e‐commerce software development
Authors: Downey Fergal , Coleman Gerry
Published: July 2008

Software process improvement (SPI) initiatives in large commercial banking organisations are often constrained by the control mechanisms implemented by the organisation to protect it from financial loss. As such, any changes to the software development process must maintain the required level of independent quality control. However, commercial pressure from customers and competition dictate that high‐quality software systems are delivered within shorter timeframes. In order to meet these increasing demands, whilst maintaining the desired level of quality, one option is for organisations to make more effective use of the quality assurance (QA) team during the software development process. This article reports on current research which is examining the impact on software delivery of involving testers earlier in the development life cycle. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cassava Starch Processing at Small Scale in North Vietnam
Authors: Da Guillaume , Dufour Dominique , Marouzé Claude , Thanh Mai Le , Maréchal Pierre‐André
Published: July 2008

In Northern Vietnam, small‐scale cassava starch processing is conducted in densely populated craft villages, where processors face difficulties to expand their activities. Three different processing systems were studied among a cluster of three communes in the Red River Delta, producing up to 430 t of starch (at 55% dry matter) per day. The first system, type A, is a cylindrical rasper and a manual sieve, the second, type B, is a cylindrical rasper and stirring‐filtering machine and the third, type C, used equipment for both the rasping and filtering stages. Moisture, starch, crude fibers and ash content analysis were carried out on samples collected from the A‐B‐C manufacturing processes to establish the mass balance of starch. Production capacity, water consumption, electrical requirements and capital‐labor costs per tonne of starch (12% moisture) were also reported. A‐B‐C manufacturing processes enabled 75% recovery of the starch present in fresh roots. No significant change was observed in the composition of starch. Upgrading from system A to B and subsequently to C resulted in an increase in the extraction capacities (up to 0.9 t of peeled roots per hour), the extraction efficiencies during the extraction stage (up to 93%), and an increase in the water consumption and electrical power (up to 21 m3 and 55 kWh per tonne of starch, respectively). The highest amount of total solids carried in the waste‐water was obtained with type C (up to 17% of the dry weight of fresh roots, compared to 10% and 13% for type A and B, respectively). This may lead to a higher chemical oxygen demand (COD) and biological oxygen demand (BOD) in waste‐water, which can result in more polluted waste‐water than compared with the type A and B technologies. Upgrading the rasping‐extraction technologies also resulted in higher profits and reduction of labor per tonne of starch (up to 18 US$ and 26 man‐hours respectively). The diagnosis proposed in this study can be applied in different contexts to recommend technological options by considering space, energy and capital‐labor availabilities.
Ron Klemencic, P.E., S.E.
Authors: Klemencic Ron
Published: July 2008

This paper presents a summary of the career of the author. It follows his journey from a small‐town in Wisconsin to president of a world‐class engineering firm in Seattle, WA, designing state‐of‐the‐art high‐rise structures. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In vitro study on influence of nano particles of CuO on CA1 pyramidal neurons of rat hippocampus potassium currents
Authors: Xu Lan‐Ju , Zhao Jing‐Xia , Zhang Tao , Ren Guo‐Gang , Yang Zhuo
Published: July 2008

The effects of nano particles of CuO on voltage‐dependent potassium currents were studied in acutely isolated CA1 pyramidal neurons of rat hippocampus using the whole‐cell patch‐clamp techniques. Nano particles of CuO had small effects on transient outward potassium current (IA, no statistical significance) and mainly inhibited delayed rectifier potassium current (IK) in the concentration of 5 × 10−5 g/mL. Nano particles of CuO didn't shift the steady‐state activation curve of IK and IA but negatively shifted the inactivation curve of IK. The effects on inactivation curve of IA had no statistical significance. These results suggested that blockades of K+ currents by nano particles of CuO could be preferential for Ik for the first time. This may interfere with the normal function of nerve cells. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2009.
Chronic bioassay in benthic fish for the assessment of the quality of sediments in different areas of the coast of Spain impacted by acute and chronic oil spills
Authors: Jiménez‐Tenorio Natalia , Salamanca María José , García‐Luque Enrique , González de Canales María Luisa , DelValls T. Ángel
Published: July 2008

More and more, the coastal regions of the world suffer from the contamination of petroleum hydrocarbon [principally polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)]. This contamination can be acute, as it happened in the Coast of Galicia (NW, Spain) by the oil spill from a tanker, or chronic by the existence of high maritime traffic and a lot of industries as it is the case of the Bay of Algeciras (BA) (SW, Spain). It is of a great concern due to the toxicity, especially in sediments and ecosystem associated to it. The objective of this study is to assess, through chronic bioassay, sediment toxicity in samples collected in different littoral areas of Spain and to compare the damage caused in benthic fish, Solea senegalensis, according to that which suffers acute spill (Coast of Galicia) or chronic spill (the BA) by means of histopathology methods and enzymatic activities studies. Organisms were exposed to different sediments from Galician Coast and the BA during 42 days and every sample was analyzed by triplicate in glass aquaria. At the end of the bioassay, histopathological diseases were analyzed in the gills, target organ. Likewise, stress parameters as ethoxyresorufin‐O‐deethylase (EROD) and the glutathione S‐transferases (GSTs) activities were determined in the liver. Results showed a significant positive correlation between the biomarkers of exposure (EROD and GST), biomarkers of effect (histopathology), and PAHs concentrations in the sediments. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2008.
Hölder continuity for the displacements in isotropic and kinematic hardening with von Mises yield criterion
Authors: Frehse J. , Löbach D.
Published: July 2008

We consider the regularity of weak solutions to evolution variational inequalities arising from the flow theory of plasticity with isotropic and kinematic hardening. The (linear) elasticity tensor is allowed to have discontinuities. We derive a Morrey condition for the stress velocities and the strains (not the strain velocity!) up to the boundary. In the case of two space dimensions we conclude the Hölder continuity of the displacements.
Effects of the pericarp on imbibition, seed germination, and seedling establishment in seeds of Hedysarum scoparium Fisch. et Mey
Authors: Hu Xiao Wen , Wang Yan Rong , Wu Yan Pei
Published: July 2008

Four independent experiments were designed to investigate the effects of the pericarp on seed imbibition, dehydration, germination, seedling establishment, and seed longevity in the field in seeds of Hedysarum scoparium Fisch. et Mey. The results showed that the presence of the pericarp decreased seed imbibition rates in the first 6 h, but the seeds attained significantly higher final water content after 24 h of soaking. The pericarp caused seed dormancy, and removal of the pericarp improved the germination percentage to 90 from 44%. In the pot experiment, where the level of moisture was maintained at field capacity (control), seeds with the pericarp removed had significantly improved seedling establishment. However, no statistical differences were observed in seedling establishment when the experiment was repeated under dry conditions at 40% of the field water capacity. The seedling biomass derived from seeds without the pericarp was much higher in the control but the trend was reversed under dry conditions. For seed longevity, 2 months burial in the field killed almost all seeds without the pericarp, while more than 70% of the seeds with the pericarp intact remained viable. These results indicated that the pericarp was beneficial for seedling establishment and seed longevity in arid environments. The results of this study may have practical application in grassland restoration in dry areas, especially for aerial seeding, which has been extensively used in the northern part of China.
Glycosylation Site Analysis of Human Platelets by Electrostatic Repulsion Hydrophilic Interaction Chromatography
Authors: Lewandrowski Urs , Lohrig Katharina , Zahedi René P. , Wolters Dirk , Sickmann Albert
Published: July 2008

Introduction

Glycosylations range among the most common posttranslational modifications with an estimated 50% of all proteins supposed to be glycosylated. These modifications are required for essential cellular processes including cell–cell recognition, protein structure and activity, e.g., of surface receptors, as well as subcellular localization of proteins. Beside the elucidation of the carbohydrate structures, the annotation of glycosylation sites is of primary interest as a basis for subsequent functional characterization. Although mass spectrometry is the method of choice for large-scale analysis of glycosylation sites, it requires initial enrichment of glycopeptides prior mass spectrometric detection in most cases.

Materials and Methods

In this paper, we present a novel approach for glycopeptide enrichment by electrostatic repulsion hydrophilic interaction chromatography (ERLIC). Glycopeptides were separated from the bulk of non-modified peptides and gradually eluted from the stationary phase with potential for isoform resolution. Applied to human platelets, 125 glycosylation sites on 66 proteins were identified including major platelet glycoproteins responsible for cellular function.

Conclusion

These sites add a major contribution to the now more than 250 glycosylation sites annotated for platelets, which enable the clinically relevant design of quantification assays for platelet glycoproteins.
Blood Levels of Carbonic Anhydrase 9 Correlate with Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma Activity
Authors: Hulick Peter , Zimmer Michael , Margulis Vitaly , Skates Steven , Hamel Maureen , Dahl Douglas M. , Michaelson Dror M. , Liebermann Towia , Signoretti Sabina , Carney Walter , Wood Christopher , Iliopoulos Othon
Published: July 2008

Introduction

Biomarkers for early detection of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) may help diagnose minimal residual disease in patients at risk for RCC, can guide anti-angiogenic therapy, or may help identify candidates for adjuvant treatment. In this study, we investigated whether blood levels of carbonic anhydrase 9 (CA9) correlate with RCC tumor burden and therefore disease activity.

Methods

CA9 is a von Hippel–Lindau–hypoxia inducible factor target upregulated in clear cell RCC. We used an anti-CA9 antibody (M75)-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay test to measure CA9 levels in blood obtained before and after nephrectomy for clinically localized disease in patients with: (1) clear cell RCC, (2) papillary and chromophobe RCC or oncocytoma, or (3) benign kidney lesions, and we compared these samples to blood drawn from normal control individuals.

Results

We observed a significant (p < 0.006) decrease in the blood levels of CA9, after nephrectomy for localized disease, in the majority of patients with clear cell RCC (57%). In contrast, patients with nonclear cell RCC, benign disease, or those having undergone debulking nephrectomy for metastatic disease did not have a decrease in CA9 blood levels after nephrectomy. Preliminary longitudinal follow up measurements of CA9 levels in a small group of patients indicated that rising CA9 levels may correlate with disease progression.

Conclusions

Plasma CA9 levels correlate with disease activity in a subset of clear cell RCC patients and should be considered in future multiplex RCC biomarker development algorithms.
A case of congenital cardiomyopathy with acute heart failure
Authors: Ieva Riccardo , Correale Michele , Di Biase Matteo
Published: July 2008

A 45‐year‐old woman was admitted to our cardiology department for palpitations and dyspnoea. She had previously been investigated by echocardiography several times, resulting in a diagnosis of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. However, a congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries was diagnosed by our echocardiographic examination. The patient underwent electrophysiological evaluation and the accessory pathway was successfully ablated by applying radiofrequency pulses. This case report identifies that in patients with congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries the primary diagnosis by echocardiography can sometimes be missed and that these patients are increasingly liable to develop Congestive Heart Failure with advancing age. In order to avoid diagnostic mistakes, more widespread dissemination of information about this congenital heart defect is essential.
Venous endothelial function in heart failure: Comparison with healthy controls and effect of clinical compensation
Authors: Rabelo Eneida R. , Ruschel Karen , Moreno Heitor , Rubira Marcelo , Consolim‐Colombo Fernanda M. , Irigoyen Maria Cláudia , Rohde Luis E.
Published: July 2008

Background:

Endothelial function has been extensively evaluated at the arterial bed in several cardiovascular scenarios. Venous endothelial dysfunction, however, has not been thoroughly explored particularly in heart failure (HF).

Aims

To characterize venous endothelial function in severe HF.

Methods and results:

Venous endothelial function was evaluated by the dorsal hand vein technique using a tripod holding a linear variable differential transformer. Dorsal hand veins were pre‐constricted with phenylephrine and dose–response curves were constructed after acetylcholine and sodium nitroprusside administration. Maximum vasodilator response to acetylcholine, a marker of endothelium‐dependent venodilation, was significantly lower (47±53% versus 102±54%, respectively, p=0.0004) in HF (n=27) patients compared to healthy controls (n=20). No difference in the endothelium‐independent venodilator response was observed (p=0.87). Maximum vasodilator response to acetylcholine was also significantly lower on admission compared to the response immediately before hospital discharge in patients with acute decompensated HF (p<0.01). Improvement in venous endothelial function paralleled weight loss (mean difference of −3.8 kg, p<0.01) and improvement in the 6‐minute walk test (mean difference of 107 m, p<0.01). There was no significant change in angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor or beta‐blocker use during hospital stay.

Conclusions:

HF patients experience marked endothelium‐dependent venous dysfunction with partial recovery during in‐hospital management.
Very long term follow‐up of cardiac resynchronization therapy: Clinical outcome and predictors of mortality
Authors: Kronborg Mads Brix , Mortensen Peter Thomas , Kirkfeldt Rikke Esberg , Nielsen Jens Cosedis
Published: July 2008

Background:

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) improves symptoms, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and survival in patients with heart failure and wide QRS, however, long term clinical outcome is unknown.

Aims:

To identify predictors of mortality and evaluate the effects of CRT after long term follow‐up.

Methods:

Consecutive patients treated with CRT between 1997 and 2002 were included. We collected clinical information from patient files. Patients who were still alive underwent echocardiography and clinical evaluation.

Results:

We included 179 patients (median age 65.5 years, 144 male). Median follow‐up for survival was 4.0 years. Mortality at one and five years was 15% and 53%, respectively. Predictors of mortality were, ischaemic heart disease (IHD), higher NYHA class and lower LVEF (<22.5%) at baseline, and no improvement in NYHA class at early follow‐up. NYHA class remained stable from early to long term follow‐up after a median of 5.1 years. In patients with non‐IHD median LVEF increased significantly from early to long term follow‐up (39% vs. 50% p=0.007).

Conclusion:

Predictors of mortality in patients with CRT are IHD, lower LVEF and higher NYHA class at baseline, and no symptomatic response to CRT. After 5 years follow‐up, clinical effects are sustained, and in patients with non‐IHD further improvements in LVEF are observed.
Does evidence support physiotherapy management of adult Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Type One? A systematic review
Authors: Daly Anne E. , Bialocerkowski Andrea E.
Published: July 2008

Objective: To source and critically evaluate the evidence on the effectiveness of Physiotherapy to manage adult CRPS‐1.

Design: Systematic literature review.

Methods: Electronic databases, conference proceedings, clinical guidelines and text books were searched for quantitative studies on CRPS‐1 in adults where Physiotherapy was a sole or significant component of the intervention. Data were extracted according to predefined criteria by two independent reviewers. Methodological quality was assessed using the Critical Review Form.

Results: The search strategy identified 1320 potential articles. Of these, 14 articles, representing 11 studies, met inclusion criteria. There were five randomised controlled trials, one comparative study and five case series. Methodological quality was dependent on study type, with randomised controlled trials being higher in quality. Physiotherapy treatments varied between studies and were often provided in combination with medical management. This did not allow for the ‘stand‐alone’ value of Physiotherapy to be determined. Heterogeneity across the studies, with respect to participants, interventions evaluated and outcome measures used, prevented meta‐analysis. Narrative synthesis of the results, based on effect size, found there was good to very good quality level II evidence that graded motor imagery is effective in reducing pain in adults with CRPS‐1, irrespective of the outcome measure used. No evidence was found to support treatments frequently recommended in clinical guidelines, such as stress loading.

Conclusions: Graded motor imagery should be used to reduce pain in adult CRPS‐1 patients. Further, the results of this review should be used to update CRPS‐1 clinical guidelines.
Specific developmental reductions in subventricular zone ErbB1 and ErbB4 mRNA in the human brain
Authors: Chong Victor Z. , Webster Maree J. , Rothmond Debora A. , Weickert Cynthia Shannon
Published: July 2008

The primate postnatal subventricular zone (SVZ) lies under the ventrolateral borders of the lateral ventricles as a discrete region of cells with gliogenic and neurogenic capacity regulated by ErbB receptors. However, the specific role of each ErbB subtype in SVZ cell development remains unclear, particularly in the human brain. The postnatal spatial and temporal expression profile of ErbB subtypes in the human brain may provide valuable insight into their distinct functions in the SVZ following birth. Hence, we examined the expression profile of ErbB1, ErbB2, ErbB3 and ErbB4 mRNA in the SVZ of human postmortem brains from neonates, infants, toddlers, school age subjects, adolescents, young adults and adults using in situ hybridization. SVZ transcript levels of ErbB1 and ErbB4 were highest in neonates and diminished with age. SVZ ErbB4 mRNA quantities significantly decreased by >85% to almost undetectable levels after the first year of life, while SVZ ErbB1 transcript levels displayed more gradual reductions, stabilizing to ∼30–40% of neonate levels after the age of 5 years. In the neonate and infant SVZ, ErbB4 mRNA was localized to cell clusters resembling migratory neuroblast aggregates whereas ErbB1 mRNA was expressed in cells along but not within these clusters. ErbB2 mRNA appeared to be constantly expressed in the human SVZ at all postnatal ages as opposed to ErbB3 transcripts, which were not detected in the human SVZ at any age following birth. These findings suggest that ErbB1 and ErbB4 may play more salient roles than ErbB2 and ErbB3 in mediating early postnatal neurodevelopmental events. In addition, ErbB1‐ and ErbB4‐immunoreactive cells and fibers were extensive throughout the human infant SVZ, but did not appear to overlap with PSA‐NCAM‐immunopositive clusters. The restriction of robust SVZ ErbB4 expression to neonate and infant age groups may indicate that SVZ‐derived ErbB4‐dependent postnatal neuronal development is most extensive within a narrow time frame early after birth.
Evaluation of pradofloxacin for the treatment of feline rhinitis
Authors: Spindel Miranda E. , Veir Julia K. , Radecki Steven V. , Lappin Michael R.
Published: July 2008

Forty humane society cats with suspected bacterial upper respiratory infections (URIs) were studied in order to compare amoxycillin and pradofloxacin for treatment of rhinitis and describe common pathogens. Nasal discharges were collected prior to random placement into one of three treatment groups. Cats failing to initially respond were crossed to the alternate drug. Drug toxicity was not noted. The organisms most frequently isolated or amplified pre-treatment were feline herpesvirus-1 (75%), Mycoplasma species (62.5%), Bordetella species (47.5%), Staphylococcus species (12.5%) and Streptococcus species (10.0%). No differences in clinical scores between groups over time were noted. Overall response rates for amoxycillin at 22 mg/kg, q12 h for seven doses (10/15 cats; 67%), pradofloxacin at 5 mg/kg, q24 h for seven doses (11/13 cats; 85%), and pradofloxacin at 10 mg/kg, q24 h for seven doses (11/12 cats; 92%) were not statistically significant. Results suggest that pradofloxacin can be a safe, efficacious therapy for some cats with suspected bacterial URI.
East Asian monsoon variation and climate changes in Jeju Island, Korea, during the latest Pleistocene to early Holocene
Authors: Lee Seung Hyoun , Lee Yong Il , Yoon Ho Il , Yoo Kyu-Cheul
Published: July 2008

A 4.96-m-long sediment core from the Hanon paleo-maar in Jeju Island, Korea was studied to investigate the paleoclimatic change and East Asian monsoon variations during the latest Pleistocene to early Holocene (23,000–9000 cal yr BP). High-resolution TOC content, magnetic susceptibility, and major element composition data indicate that Jeju Island experienced the coldest climate around 18,000 cal yr BP, which corresponds to the last glacial maximum (LGM). Further, these multi-proxy data show an abrupt shift in climatic regime from cold and arid to warm and humid conditions at around 14,000 cal yr BP, which represents the commencement of the last major deglaciation. After the last major deglaciation, the TOC content decreased from 13,300 to 12,000 cal yr BP and from 11,500 to 9800 cal yr BP, thereby reflecting the weakening of the summer monsoon. The LGM in Jeju Island occurred later in comparison with the Chinese Loess Plateau. Such a disparity in climatic change events between central China and Jeju Island appears to be caused by the asynchrony between the coldest temperature event and the minimum precipitation event in central China and by the buffering effect of the Pacific Ocean.
Hepatic metabolism of glucose and linoleic acid varies in relation to susceptibility to fatty liver inad libitum-fed Muscovy and Pekin ducks
Authors: Saez Gladys , Baéza Elisabeth , Davail Stéphane , Durand Denys , Bauchart Dominique , Gruffat Dominique
Published: July 2008

The susceptibility to develop hepatic steatosis is known to differ between duck species, especially between Muscovy and Pekin ducks. This difference could be explained by either differential responses of species to overfeeding or genetic differences in hepatic lipid metabolism. The aim of the present study was to compare the intensities of the different hepatic pathways (oxidation, lipogenesis, esterification, secretion, etc.) of the two main nutrients (glucose and linoleic acid (LA)) reaching the liver ofad libitum-fed Muscovy (n6) and Pekin (n6) ducks using theex vivomethod of liver slices incubated for 16 h with [U-14C]glucose, [1-14C]LA and [35S]methionine added to the survival medium. In such experimental conditions, the lipogenesis pathway from glucose was 2-fold higher (P < 0·05) in the liver of the Muscovy duck than in that of the Pekin duck. Furthermore, the hepatic uptake of LA was 2-fold higher (P < 0·05) in the Muscovy duck than in the Pekin duck leading to a 2-fold higher (P < 0·05) esterification of this fatty acid in the liver of the Muscovy duck. The hepatic secretion of VLDL was higher (P < 0·01) in the Muscovy duck than in the Pekin duck but insufficient to prevent lipid accumulation in the liver of the Muscovy duck. In conclusion, these results show the influence of the species on the hepatic metabolism of ducks in relation to their susceptibility to develop fatty liver. These results should shed light on the metabolic regulations that might underlie susceptibility to hepatic steatosis in the the human liver.
A novel method to remotely measure food intake of free-living individuals in real time: the remote food photography method
Authors: Martin Corby K. , Han Hongmei , Coulon Sandra M. , Allen H. Raymond , Champagne Catherine M. , Anton Stephen D.
Published: July 2008

The aim of the present study was to report the first reliability and validity tests of the remote food photography method (RFPM), which consists of camera-enabled cell phones with data transfer capability. Participants take and transmit photographs of food selection and plate waste to researchers/clinicians for analysis. Following two pilot studies, adult participants (n52; BMI 20–35 kg/m2inclusive) were randomly assigned to the dine-in or take-out group. Energy intake (EI) was measured for 3 d. The dine-in group ate lunch and dinner in the laboratory. The take-out group ate lunch in the laboratory and dinner in free-living conditions (participants received a cooler with pre-weighed food that they returned the following morning). EI was measured with the RFPM and by directly weighing foods. The RFPM was tested in laboratory and free-living conditions. Reliability was tested over 3 d and validity was tested by comparing directly weighed EI to EI estimated with the RFPM using Bland–Altman analysis. The RFPM produced reliable EI estimates over 3 d in laboratory (r0·62;P < 0·0001) and free-living (r0·68;P < 0·0001) conditions. Weighed EI correlated highly with EI estimated with the RFPM in laboratory and free-living conditions (r>0·93;P < 0·0001). In two laboratory-based validity tests, the RFPM underestimated EI by − 4·7 % (P = 0·046) and − 5·5 % (P = 0·076). In free-living conditions, the RFPM underestimated EI by − 6·6 % (P = 0·017). Bias did not differ by body weight or age. The RFPM is a promising new method for accurately measuring the EI of free-living individuals. Error associated with the method is small compared with self-report methods.
Microbubbly drag reduction in Taylor–Couette flow in the wavy vortex regime
Authors: SUGIYAMA KAZUYASU , CALZAVARINI ENRICO , LOHSE DETLEF
Published: July 2008

We investigate the effect of microbubbles on Taylor–Couette flow by means of direct numerical simulations. We employ an Eulerian–Lagrangian approach with a gas–fluid coupling based on the point-force approximation. Added mass, drag, lift and gravity are taken into account in the modelling of the motion of the individual bubble. We find that very dilute suspensions of small non-deformable bubbles (volume void fraction below 1%, zero Weber number and bubble Reynolds number ≲10) induce a robust statistically steady drag reduction (up to 20%) in the wavy vortex flow regime (Re=600–2500). The Reynolds number dependence of the normalized torque (the so-called torque reduction ratio (TRR) which corresponds to the drag reduction) is consistent with a recent series of experimental measurements performed by Murai et al. (J. Phys. Conf. Ser. vol. 14, 2005, p. 143). Our analysis suggests that the physical mechanism for the torque reduction in this regime is due to the local axial forcing, induced by rising bubbles, that is able to break the highly dissipative Taylor wavy vortices in the system. We finally show that the lift force acting on the bubble is crucial in this process. When it is neglected, the bubbles preferentially accumulate near the inner cylinder and the bulk flow is less efficiently modified. Movies are available with the online version of the paper.
Computational studies of resonance wave pumping in compliant tubes
Authors: AVRAHAMI IDIT , GHARIB MORTEZA
Published: July 2008

The valveless impedance pump is a simple design that allows the producion or amplification of a flow without the requirement for valves or impellers. It is based on fluid-filled flexible tubing, connected to tubing of different impedances. Pumping is achieved by a periodic excitation at an off-centre position relative to the tube ends. This paper presents a comprehensive study of the fluid and structural dynamics in an impedance pump model using numerical simulations. An axisymmetric finite-element model of both the fluid and solid domains is used with direct coupling at the interface. By examining a wide range of parameters, the pump's resonance nature is described and the concept of resonance wave pumping is discussed. The main driving mechanism of the flow in the tube is the reflection of waves at the tube boundary and the wave dynamics in the passive tube. This concept is supported by three different analyses: (i) time-dependent pressure and flow wave dynamics along the tube, (ii) calculations of pressure–flow loop areas along the passive tube for a description of energy conversion, and (iii) an integral description of total work done by the pump on the fluid. It is shown that at some frequencies, the energy given to the system by the excitation is converted by the elastic tube to kinetic energy at the tube outlet, resulting in an efficient pumping mechanism and thus significantly higher flow rate. It is also shown that pumping can be achieved with any impedance mismatch at one boundary and that the outlet configuration does not necessarily need to be a tube.
On the wind-induced growth of slow water waves of finite steepness
Authors: PEIRSON WILLIAM L. , GARCIA ANDREW W.
Published: July 2008

Determining characteristic growth rates for water waves travelling more slowly than the wind has continued to be a key unresolved problem of air–sea interaction for over half a century. Analysis of previously reported and recently acquired laboratory wave data shows a systematic decline in normalized wave growth with increasing mean wave steepness that has not previously been identified. The normalized growth dynamic range is comparable with previously observed scatter amongst other laboratory data gathered in the slow wave range. Strong normalized growth rates are observed at low wave steepnesses, implying an efficient wave-coherent tangential stress contribution. Data obtained during this study show quantitative agreement with the predictions of others of the interactions between short wind waves and the longer lower-frequency waves. Measured normalized wave growth rates are consistent with numerically predicted growth due to wave drag augmented by significant wave-coherent tangential stress.
Feedback shear layer control for bluff body drag reduction
Authors: PASTOOR MARK , HENNING LARS , NOACK BERND R. , KING RUDIBERT , TADMOR GILEAD
Published: July 2008

Drag reduction strategies for the turbulent flow around a D-shaped body are examined experimentally and theoretically. A reduced-order vortex model describes the interaction between the shear layer and wake dynamics and guides a path to an efficient feedback control design. The derived feedback controller desynchronizes shear-layer and wake dynamics, thus postponing vortex formation. This actuation is tested in a wind tunnel. The Reynolds number based on the height of the body ranges from 23000 to 70000. We achieve a 40% increase in base pressure associated with a 15% drag reduction employing zero-net-mass-flux actuation. Our controller outperforms other approaches based on open-loop forcing and extremum-seeking feedback strategies in terms of drag reduction, adaptivity, and the required actuation energy.
On-shell description of unsteady flames
Authors: JOULIN GUY , EL-RABII HAZEM , KAZAKOV KIRILI A.
Published: July 2008

The problem of a non-perturbative description of unsteady premixed flames with arbitrary gas expansion is addressed in the two-dimensional case. Considering the flame as a surface of discontinuity with arbitrary local burning rate and gas velocity jumps, we show that the flame-front dynamics can be determined without having to solve the flow equations in the bulk. On the basis of the Thomson circulation theorem, an implicit integral representation of the downstream gas velocity is constructed. It is then simplified by a successive stripping of the potential contributions to obtain an explicit expression for the rotational component near the flame front. We prove that the unknown potential component is left bounded and divergence-free by this procedure, and hence can be eliminated using the dispersion relation for its on-shell value (i.e. the value along the flame front). The resulting system of integro-differential equations relates the on-shell fresh-gas velocity and the front position. As limiting cases, these equations contain all the theoretical results on flame dynamics established so far, including the linear equation describing the Darrieus–Landau instability of planar flames, and the nonlinear Sivashinsky–Clavin equation for flames with weak gas expansion.
Steady streaming within a periodically rotating sphere
Authors: REPETTO RODOLFO , SIGGERS JENNIFER H. , STOCCHINO ALESSANDRO
Published: July 2008

We consider the flow in a spherical chamber undergoing periodic torsional oscillations about an axis through its centre, and analyse it both theoretically and experimentally. We calculate the flow in the limit of small-amplitude oscillations in the form of a series expansion in powers of the amplitude, finding that at second order, a steady streaming flow develops consisting of two toroidal cells. This streaming behaviour is also observed in our experiments. We find good quantitative agreement between theory and experiments, and we discuss the dependence of the steady streaming behaviour as both the oscillation frequency and amplitude are varied.
Effect of vorticity on steady water waves
Authors: KO JOY , STRAUSS WALTER
Published: July 2008

Two-dimensional, finite-depth periodic steady water waves with variable vorticity ω=γ(ψ) and large amplitude a are computed for a large number of cases. In particular, the effect of a shear layer at the top, the middle or the bottom is considered. The maximum amplitude amax varies monotonically with the vorticity function γ(ċ). It is increasing if the stagnation point is at the crest, and is decreasing if the stagnation point is in the interior of the fluid or on the bottom. Relationships between the amplitude, hydraulic head, depth and mass flux are investigated.
A theoretical analysis of free-surface flows of saturated granular–liquid mixtures
Authors: BERZI D. , JENKINS J. T.
Published: July 2008

A simple two-phase model for steady fully developed flows of particles and water over erodible inclined beds is developed for situations in which the water and particles have the same depth. The rheology of the particles is based on recent numerical simulations and physical experiments, the rheology of the fluid is based on an eddy viscosity, and the interaction between the particles and the fluid is through drag and buoyancy. Numerical solutions of the resulting differential equations and boundary conditions provide velocity profiles of the fluid and particles, the concentration profile of the particles, and the depth of the flow at a given angle of inclination of the bed. Simple approximations permit analytical expressions for the flow velocities and the depth of flow to be obtained that agree with the numerical solutions and those measured in experiments.
Mechanism of the long-wave inertialess instability of a two-layer film flow
Authors: GAO PENG , LU XI-YUN
Published: July 2008

This paper provides an intuitive interpretation of the long-wave inertialess instability of a two-layer film flow. The underlying mechanism is elucidated by inspecting the longitudinal perturbation velocity associated with the surface and interfacial deflections. The velocity is expressed by the composition of three parts, related to the shear stress at the free surface, the continuity condition at the interface, and the pressure disturbance induced by gravity. The effect of each velocity component on the evolutions of the surface and the interface is examined in detail. Specifically, the growth of the free surface is caused by the continuity-induced first-order velocity disturbance associated with an additional phase shift between the surface and interfacial waves, while the growth of the interface is due to the pressure-driven flow. The proposed mechanism gives an alternatively reliable prediction of the wave velocity and growth rate.
Familial Ménière's disease: clinical and genetic aspects
Authors: Morrison A W , Bailey M E S , Morrison G A J
Published: July 2008

Background and purpose:

Ménière's disease is not uncommon, with an incidence in Caucasians of about one in 2000. The incidence peaks in the fifth decade. Cases are usually isolated or sporadic, but in perhaps five per cent other family members are affected. We report here the clinical and genetic characteristics of a comprehensive set of familial Ménière's disease cases from the UK.

Methods:

Forty-six affected families were studied. All cases were diagnosed using the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery committee on hearing and equilibrium 1995, or more stringent, criteria.

Outcomes and results:

Autosomal dominant inheritance with reduced penetrance was the most likely mode of inheritance overall. Apparent genetic anticipation was observed, but may also be a result of ascertainment bias given the collection strategy. There was also a slight tendency for cases to result from maternal transmission within the families in this set. The family pedigrees are presented, and the authors have also set up a website at which all the pedigrees may be viewed in greater detail.
Simulations of two-dimensional magnetic electron drift vortex mode turbulence in plasmas
Authors: SHAIKH DASTGEER , SHUKLA P. K.
Published: July 2008

Simulations are performed to investigate the turbulent properties of nonlinearly interacting two-dimensional magnetic electron drift vortex (MEDV) modes in a non-uniform unmagnetized plasma. The relevant nonlinear equations governing the dynamics of the MEDV modes are the wave magnetic field and electron temperature perturbations in the presence of the equilibrium density and temperature gradients. The important nonlinearities come from the advection of the electron fluid velocity perturbation and the electron temperature, as well as from the nonlinear electron Lorentz force. Computer simulations of the governing equations for the nonlinear MEDV modes reveal the generation of streamer-like electron flows, such that the corresponding gradients in the direction of the inhomogeneities tend to flatten out. In contrast, the gradients in an orthogonal direction vary rapidly. Consequently, the inertial range energy spectrum in decaying MEDV mode turbulence exhibits a much steeper anisotropic spectral index. The magnetic structures in the MEDV mode turbulence produce non-thermal electron transport in our non-uniform plasma.
Generalization of the two-dimensional Child–Langmuir law for non-zero injection velocities in a planar diode
Authors: QUAN YA-MIN , DING YAO-GEN
Published: July 2008

A simple analytic expression of the two-dimensional Child–Langmuir law is derived for non-zero injection velocities and Lau's result is obtained in our model by setting the injection velocity equal to zero. The calculation results show that the modify term in our model is larger than Lau's with a non-zero electronic initial energy, and it is twice as large as Lau's when the electronic initial energy is much greater than the potential energy of the gap.
Measurement of macular pigment optical density and distribution using the steady-state visual evoked potential
Authors: ROBSON ANTHONY G. , PARRY NEIL R.A.
Published: July 2008

The purpose of this study was to specify isoluminance at different retinal eccentricities and to characterize macular pigment optical density (MPOD) and distribution using the steady-state visual evoked potential (VEP). Red–green (R/G) and blue–green (B/G) gratings were generated within two circular stimulus fields (radius = 0.55 or 1.1 deg) and within four annular fields (maximum mean radius = 6.0 deg) on a color monitor. Temporal frequency was 15 Hz. Isoluminance was determined for each stimulus using minimum flicker photometry. Steady-state onset–offset VEPs were recorded to the same annular stimuli as the luminance ratio between adjacent chromatic components was changed from 0.25 to 0.85 in 11 automated steps (0.5 representing photometric isoluminance). Fourier analysis showed that the power of the first harmonic was minimized at the isoluminant ratio specific to each subject. Relative OD was computed by comparing the isoluminant ratio at any location with that for the most eccentric annulus. To compensate for the broadband characteristics of the monitor, OD values were corrected according to minimum flicker measurements made through known concentrations of carotenoid solution. MPOD was additionally measured using minimum motion photometry.

There was high correlation between the isoluminant ratios determined by minimum flicker and VEPs for both R/G and B/G stimulation (r = 0.91, P < 0.005, slope = 1). Calibrated OD values computed from VEP estimates of B/G isoluminance correlated with those derived from minimum flicker (r = 0.96, P < 0.0005, slope = 0.85) and motion photometry (r = 0.94, P < 0.0005, slope = 0.88). OD values derived from B/G VEPs increased toward the fovea and corresponded closely with minimum flicker and minimum motion assessment of MP distribution profiles. The steady-state VEP can be used to determine isoluminance at different retinal eccentricities. MPOD and distribution can be measured by steady-state VEPs to B/G stimuli.
Primordial follicular assembly in humans – revisited
Authors: Maheshwari A. , Fowler P. A.
Published: July 2008

Recent interest in the initial phases of ovarian follicular formation and development has lead to a number of publications in this area, most of which address the autocrine and paracrine factors involved in primordial follicle activation to primary follicle. Primordial follicle assembly (first step in follicle formation) determines the lifetime supply of primordial follicles and remains a poorly understood phenomenon. Despite a number of recent articles that are concentrating on immuno-histochemistry, basic steps in the process are not clear. Hence, we feel it is time to take a step back and see what is available in the literature and identify the gaps in which future research about primordial follicle assembly in humans needs to be directed.
Observation of the embryonic development inPseudoplatystoma coruscans(Siluriformes: Pimelodidae) under light and scanning electron microscopy
Authors: Marques Camila , Nakaghi Laura Satiko Okada , Faustino Francine , Ganeco Luciana Nakaghi , Senhorini José Augusto
Published: July 2008

Pseudoplatystoma coruscansis a very popular species for tropical fish culture as it has boneless meat of delicate taste and firm texture. Few studies on fish reproductive biology refer to the morphological features of eggs. The goal, therefore, of this present work was to perform a structural and ultrastructural analysis of fertilization and embryonic development inP. coruscans.The incubation period, from fertilization to hatching, lasts 13 h at 28/29 °C and 18 h at 27 °C. The oocytes had a mean diameter of 0.95 mm and hatched larvae were 2.55 mm in diameter. Analysing their development, we observed round, yellow oocytes that bore a double chorion membrane and a single micropyle. At 10 s after fertilization, several spermatozoa were detected attached to the oocyte surface. After 1 min of development, a fertilization cone that obstructed the micropyle could be observed. Segmentation started between 20 and 30 min after fertilization, when the egg cell was then formed. The first cleavage occurred between 30 and 45 min after fertilization, prior to reaching the morula stage (75 and 90 min after fertilization). The epiboly movement started at 120 and 180 min after fertilization and ended at 360 and 480 min after fertilization. Differentiation between cephalic and caudal region was detected after 420 and 600 min after fertilization and larvae hatched between 780 and 1080 min after fertilization. Seven main embryonic development stages were identified: egg cell, cleavage, morula, blastula, gastrula, segmentation with differentiation between cephalic and caudal regions, and hatching.
General parenting styles are not strongly associated with fruit and vegetable intake and social–environmental correlates among 11-year-old children in four countries in Europe
Authors: De Bourdeaudhuij I , te Velde SJ , Maes L , Pérez-Rodrigo C , de Almeida MDV , Brug J
Published: July 2008

Objectives

To investigate whether fruit and vegetable (F&V) intake in 11-year-olds, and social–environmental correlates of F&V intake such as parental modelling and encouragement, family food rules and home availability, differ according to general parenting styles in Belgium, The Netherlands, Portugal and Spain.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

Primary schools in four countries.

Subjects

Pupils and one of their parents completed questionnaires to measure F&V intake, related social–environmental correlates and general parenting styles. The sample size was 4555 (49·3 % boys); 1180 for Belgium, 883 for The Netherlands, 1515 for Portugal and 977 for Spain. Parenting styles were divided into authoritative, authoritarian, indulgent and neglectful.

Results

No differences were found in F&V intake across parenting styles and only very few significant differences in social–environmental correlates. The authoritarian (more parental encouragement and more demands to eat fruit) and the authoritative (more availability of fruit and vegetables) parenting styles resulted in more favourable correlates.

Conclusion

Despite earlier studies suggesting that general parenting styles are associated with health behaviours in children, the present study suggests that this association is weak to non-existent for F&V intakes in four different European countries.