bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Interfaces in the Work Hardening of Nanoscale Multilayer Metallic Composites During Nanoindentation: A Molecular Dynamics Investigation
Authors: Shao S. , Zbib H. M. , Mastorakos I. , Bahr D. F.
Published: March 2013

To study the strain hardening in nanoscale multilayer metallic (NMM) composites, atomistic simulations of nanoindentation are performed on CuNi, CuNb, and CuNiNb multilayers. The load-depth data were converted to hardness-strain data that were then modeled using power law. The plastic deformation of the multilayers is closely examined. It is found that the strain hardening in the incoherent CuNb and NiNb interfaces is stronger than the coherent CuNi interface. The hardening parameters are discovered to be closely related to the density of the dislocations in the incoherent interfaces, which in turn is found to have power law dependence on two length scales: indentation depth and layer thickness. Based on these results, a constitutive law for extracting strain hardening in NMM from nanoindentation data is developed.
X-Ray Measurements in a Cavitating Centrifugal Pump During Fast Start-Ups
Authors: Duplaa S. , Coutier-Delgosha O. , Dazin A. , Bois G.
Published: March 2013

The start-up of rocket engine turbopumps is generally performed in a few seconds or even less. It implies that these pumps reach their nominal operating conditions after a few rotations only. During the start-up, the flow evolution within the pump is governed by transient phenomena, based mainly on the flow rate and rotation speed increase. Significant pressure fluctuations, which may result in the development of cavitation, are observed. A centrifugal impeller whose transient behavior during start-ups has been detailed in a previous publication is considered. Three different cases of fast start-ups have been identified according the final operating point (Duplaa et al., 2010, “Experimental Study of a Cavitating Centrifugal Pump During Fast Start-Ups,” ASME J. Fluids Eng., 132(2), p. 021301). The aim of this paper is to analyze the evolution during the start-ups of the local amount of vapor in the blade to blade channels of the pump by fast X-ray imaging. This technique has enabled to calculate the time-evolution of the fluid density within the pump, which appears to be correlated with pressure time-evolutions. For each investigated start-up, X-ray measurements have been performed at three different sections of the impeller height. For each investigated start-up and section tested, measurements have been performed for several initial positions of the impeller, to estimate the measurement uncertainty, and to obtain records from different beam angles, like in tomography.
Effect of High Strain Rate on Indentation in Pure Aluminum
Authors: Yamada Hiroyuki , Ogasawara Nagahisa , Shimizu Yoko , Horikawa Keitaro , Kobayashi Hidetoshi , Chen Xi
Published: March 2013

The indentation properties of pure aluminum (99.9%, 3N aluminum) and high purity aluminum (99.999%, 5N aluminum) with respect to the strain rate dependence of strength are experimentally investigated in order to clarify the effect of strain rate on the micro-indentation test. A micro-indentation test using a Berkovich indenter was performed at loading rates of 0.7, 7, and 70 mN/s. In all of the specimens, the indenter was loaded to a maximum value of 1200 mN, and then was maintained for 30 s. In the 3N specimen, the dependence of the loading rate on the load was slight at loading rates of 0.7 and 7 mN/s, whereas the load at the loading rate of 70 mN/s was higher than the loads at loading rates of 0.7 and 7 mN/s. On the other hand, the load for the 5N specimen increased with the increasing loading rate. Thus, the effect of the loading rate on the load-displacement curve for the 3N and 5N specimens was similar to the strain rate dependence of strength for theses metals. In addition, the micro-indentation test was demonstrated to be strongly affected by high strain rate at a loading rate of 70 mN/s.
Statistical Challenges in the Evaluation of Treatments for Small Patient Populations
Authors: Korn Edward L. , McShane Lisa M. , Freidlin Boris
Published: March 2013

Creative clinical trial designs can help to address the statistical challenges associated with small patient populations.
Atypical distribution of pneumatosis intestinalis in a patient with AIDS
Authors: Sivarajah Vernon , Ramamurthy Nitin Kumar , Rowe Susan , Devalia Kalpana
Published: March 2013

An adult patient who had AIDS was admitted to hospital following a fall in which they sustained a T12 vertebral fracture. The patient incidentally was found to have pneumatosis intestinalis upon a thoracolumbar radiograph taken approximately 2 weeks after their admission to the hospital. At this point in time the patient reported having diarrhoea and a distended abdomen. The patient did not have any other medical history of note. Upon examination the patient appeared comfortable. The patient's abdomen was distended but soft and non-tender. Laboratory investigations revealed a chronic normocytic anaemia and neutropenia. It was likely that the pneumatosis intestinalis was AIDS related. A CT scan confirmed its presence but revealed an atypical distribution. Despite its dramatic appearance, the patient was successfully managed conservatively and remained well during admission.
Nasopalatine canal cyst: often missed
Authors: Srivastava Saurabh , Misra Neeta , Agarwal Rashmi , Pandey Praveen
Published: March 2013

Nasopalatine canal cyst may occur within the nasopalatine canal or in the soft tissues of the palate, at the opening of the canal, where it is called the ‘cyst of the palatine papilla’. These are normally asymptomatic, constituting casual radiological findings. We present a case report of a male patient with infected nasopalatine canal cyst seen clinically as swelling over palate. Radiographic interpretation should be thoroughly performed for maxillary anterior region and any occlusal radiograph in routine radiography to screen this entity and must be distinguished from other maxillary anterior radiolucencies by the clinician.
When less is more: a case of phenytoin toxicity
Authors: Robertson Kit , von Stempel Conrad Brice , Arnold Ian
Published: March 2013

The authors present a case of an 87-year-old gentleman who presented with general deterioration, increased confusion, recurrent falls and unsteadiness. He was treated for a urinary tract infection but was found to deteriorate rapidly, developing bilateral nystagmus, marked pastpointing, dysarthria and central ataxia. He had a complex medical history including epilepsy controlled with long-term phenytoin. Phenytoin is 90% protein bound and displaced by bilirubin. At the time of deterioration his total phenytoin concentration was within the limits of the laboratory's recommended therapeutic range. The biochemistry report also denoted the patient was hypoalbuminaemic and hyperbilirubinaemic. His symptoms completely resolved with phenytoin dose reduction. The combination of low albumin and high bilirubin may cause an increase in the free phenytoin concentration, resulting in toxicity, despite the measured total phenytoin concentration being within the therapeutic interval.
A retained pulmonary artery catheter fragment incidentally found lodged in the right heart 16 years after its insertion
Authors: El-Heis Sarah , Ormerod Julian OM , Chandrasekaran Badri , Ramcharitar Steve
Published: March 2013

Sixteen years after a long admission for a serious occupational accident, a 38-year-old man presented with intermittent atypical chest pain. Upon investigations a retained fragment of a pulmonary artery catheter was found in the right ventricle. Throughout the years between his accident and the current presentation he did not have any symptoms or signs of complications associated with the retained catheter such as arrhythmia, sepsis or thromboembolism. Upon presenting his case at the medical/surgical multidisciplinary meeting it was decided that the probability of complications occurring at this stage was low as the catheter fragment would have endothelialised and the risk of retrieval would outweigh the benefits. This scenario highlighted the importance of understanding the possible long-term complications of retained catheter fragments, the importance of being aware of the limitation of these devices and the need to be more vigilant in the emergency setting.
Vitamin B12deficiency presenting as acute ataxia
Authors: Crawford John Ross , Say Daphne
Published: March 2013

A previously healthy 7-year-old Caucasian boy was hospitalised for evaluation of acute ataxia and failure to thrive, initially suspicious for an intracranial mass. Weight and body mass index were below the third percentile and he demonstrated loss of joint position and vibratory sense on examination. Laboratory studies revealed megaloblastic anaemia while an initial MRI of the brain showed no evidence of mass lesions or other abnormalities. A dietary history revealed the child subscribed to a restrictive vegan diet with little to no intake of animal products or other fortified foods. The child was diagnosed with presumed vitamin B12deficiency and was treated with intramuscular B12injections. Neurological symptoms resolved promptly within several days after starting therapy. This case underlines the importance of assessing nutritional status in the evaluation of neurological dysfunction in the pediatric patient.
Renal calculi with retrocaval ureter: is percutaneous nephrolithotomy sufficient?
Authors: Prakash Jai , Raj Anubhav , Sankhwar Satyanarayan , Singh Vishwajeet
Published: March 2013

A 60-year-old woman presented with complaints of intermittent right flank pain which had begun one year ago. Ultrasonography and intravenous urogram showed right pelvic (15 mm) and inferior calyceal (6 mm) calculi along with suspected retrocaval course of right ureter, which was confirmed by contrast CT scan. Tc-99m diethylene-triamine-penta-acetic acid (DTPA) scan showed normal function and normal drainage of right kidney. Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) was performed for right renal calculi. Because of curved ureteric course, negotiation of ureteric catheter in pelvis was anticipated to be troublesome, so intraoperative retrograde pyelogram (RGP) was performed to delineate the anatomy. Puncture was performed safely after air contrast pyelography. No complications occurred intraoperatively and postoperatively. On follow-up of up to 1 year patient was asymptomatic and renal scan showed normal function and drainage. So in the presence of retrocaval ureter and associated renal calculi, PCNL is a safe and optimal procedure and in condition of non-obstructive drainage, management of calculi only is adequate.
Angiolipoma: rare cause of adult ileoileal intussusception
Authors: Esnakula Ashwini K , Sinha Archana , Fidelia-Lambert Marie , Tammana Venkata S
Published: March 2013

Intussusception in adults is rare and more common in the paediatric population. Clinically, most adult patients have chronic non-specific symptoms due to partial obstruction. In contrast, most paediatric patients present with the classic triad of abdominal pain, vomiting and blood in stool. Adult intussusception is commonly associated with an organic aetiology, most likely a benign or malignant neoplasm as a lead point of intussusception. We describe a case of a 29-year-old woman with subacute presentation due to ileoileal intussusception secondary to a polypoid submucosal angiolipoma. Angiolipoma is a benign lesion composed of mature adipose tissue and thin-walled capillaries. The presence of thin-walled vessels differentiates it from a lipoma. Angiolipomas of the small intestine are extremely rare with very few reported cases. This case not only demonstrates an unusual benign lesion as a cause of intussusception, but also illustrates an atypical clinical presentation in adults with intussusception.
Pregnancy after hydrosalpinx treatment with Essure
Authors: Inocêncio Gonçalo , Coutinho Lúcia , Maciel Raquel , Barreiro Márcia
Published: March 2013

We present a case of a 29-year-old woman, with a history of ectopic pregnancy, which required left salpingectomy, and with a tortuous and impermeable right fallopian tube, compatible with hydrosalpinx. As hydrosalpinx itself can compromise a future pregnancy, treatment with Essure was proposed before passing to medically assisted procreation techniques. Five months after placement of Essure in the right fallopian tube, an in vitro fertilisation cycle was successfully completed and the woman had a singleton pregnancy and vaginal delivery without intercurrences.
Sarcomatoid carcinoma represents a complete phenotype with various pathways of epithelial mesenchymal transition
Authors: Sung Chang Ohk , Choi Hannah , Lee Keun-Woo , Kim Seok-Hyung
Published: March 2013

Aims

Sarcomatoid carcinoma (SC) is considered to be a result of the sarcomatoid change of epithelial carcinoma. However, epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) in SC has been insufficiently studied.

Methods

We evaluated the expression patterns of EMT-related phenotypic markers with transcription factors in 27 SCs originating from various organs, and we investigated the phenotypic characteristics of SCs classified as complete, incomplete or wild-type. We further analysed correlations between EMT-related phenotype markers and transcription factors.

Results

Epithelial markers (E-cadherin, claudin-3 and claudin-4) were consistently down-regulated, whereas mesenchymal markers (S100A4, α-smooth muscle actin (SMA), vimentin, PDGFRα and β-catenin) were variously expressed except for vimentin. EMT-related transcription factors (SIP1, Snail1, Slug, Twist1, ZEP1 and Oct-4) also showed various expression patterns. The expression patterns of phenotypic markers showed that most SCs (22/27, 81.5%, 95% CI 65.8 to 97.1%) had complete EMT phenotypes, whereas the remaining 5 (18.5%, 95% CI 2.8 to 24.1%) were of incomplete type. Unsupervised hierarchical clustering analysis revealed that SCs were clustered into several subgroups by EMT-related protein expression pattern. Twist1 positivity was significantly concordant with α-SMA positivity (κ value: 0.908; 95% CI 0.73 to 1.00, p<0.001, adjusted p<0.001). The EMT phenotypes of SC were simple, with complete phenotype being the predominant form, and the morphological changes of the SCs were also relevant in terms of EMT.

Conclusions

SC seems to be an irreversible, permanent change in the EMT phenomenon, with complete EMT phenotypes and various EMT-related pathways being involved in SC.
Histochemical detection of platelet esterase activity in the bone marrow postmortem: can megakaryocytes serve as indicators for time since death?
Authors: Boehm Joachim , Schmidt Ulrike , Veeck Juergen , Porsche Michéle , Schaefer Hans-Eckart
Published: March 2013

Aims

α-Naphthyl acetate esterase (ANAE) is one of the few enzymes that are histochemically detectable on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue. In bone marrow (BM) biopsies, ANAE staining highlights megakaryocytes. We investigated autopsy BM to determine whether ANAE staining intensity (SI) was associated with postmortem intervals (PMI, period between death and autopsy), and thus could allow the time of death of a patient to be deduced.

Methods

ANAE-stained BM slides of 74 forensic and pathology autopsies as well as 22 biopsies were histologically evaluated and their SIs semiquantitatively graded.

Results

ANAE-SIs did not differ between men and women and slightly decreased with age. Biopsies had significantly higher ANAE-SIs than pathology cases. In autopsies, ANAE-SIs were not associated with PMI, except for cases with PMI ≥7 days which were consistently ANAE-negative.

Conclusions

ANAE-SIs in postmortem BM samples were independent of PMI. Thus, ANAE staining of BM megakaryocytes cannot serve as an indicator for time-since-death of a patient.
Superficial venous vascular response of the resting limb during static exercise and postexercise muscle ischemia
Authors: Ooue Anna , Sato Kohei , Hirasawa Ai , Sadamoto Tomoko
Published: March 2013

Superficial venous vascular response to exercise is mediated sympathetically, although the mechanism is not fully understood. We examined whether sympathetic activation via muscle metaboreflex plays a role in the control of a superficial vein in the contralateral resting limb during exercise. The experimental condition involved selective stimulation of muscle metaboreceptors: 12 subjects performed static handgrip exercises at 45% maximal voluntary contraction for 1.5 min followed by a recovery period with arterial occlusion of the exercise arm (OCCL). For the control condition (CONT), the same exercise protocol was performed except that the recovery period occurred without arterial occlusion. Heart rate (HR) and mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) were measured. The cross-sectional area of the basilic superficial vein (CSAvein) and blood velocity (Vvein) in the resting upper arm were measured by ultrasound while the cuff on resting upper arm was inflated constantly to a subdiastolic pressure of 50 mm Hg. Basilic vein blood flow (BFvein) was calculated as CSAvein × Vvein. During exercise under both OCCL and CONT, HR and MAP increased (p < 0.05), while CSAvein decreased (p < 0.05). During recovery under OCCL, HR returned to baseline, but the exercise-induced increase in MAP and decrease in CSAvein were maintained (p < 0.05). During recovery under CONT, HR, MAP, and CSAvein returned to baseline. BFvein did not change during exercise or recovery under either condition. These results suggest that sympathoexcitation via muscle metaboreflex may be one of the factors responsible for exercise-induced constriction of the superficial veins per se in the resting limb.
Seasonal slope movements in an old clay fill embankment dam
Authors: Lees A.S. , MacDonald G.J. , Sheerman-Chase A. , Schmidt F.
Published: March 2013

A curious phenomenon of significant summertime downslope movements, observed at other sites where trees grow on the lower slope of clay fill embankments, has been recorded during 10 years of downstream slope monitoring at Aldenham embankment dam, UK. The data from four monitored sections of the slope are described. At two locations, downslope movements were observed in high soil moisture deficit (SMD) conditions, where it appeared that high SMD and shrinkage caused by trees growing on the lower slope allowed the grassed upper slope with lower SMD to slip downwards under its own weight. This led to a seasonal, ratcheting accumulation of crest settlement — a type of mechanism that presents a continual serviceability problem to infrastructure embankments as well as dams. This mechanism was simulated in a qualitative way by finite difference analysis. At a third monitored section, a sparser distribution of lower water-demand trees, lower plasticity clay fill, and a moisture content close to or below the plastic limit appeared to result in insignificant slope movements. At a fourth low-height monitored section, a slow accumulation of downslope movements, as well as tension cracking, was observed.
NONCOMMUTATIVE QUANTUM GRAVITY
Authors: FAIZAL MIR
Published: March 2013

We discuss the BRST and anti-BRST symmetries for perturbative quantum gravity in noncommutative spacetime. In this noncommutative perturbative quantum gravity the sum of the classical Lagrangian density with a gauge fixing term and a ghost term is shown to be invariant to the noncommutative BRST and the noncommutative anti-BRST transformations. We analyze the gauge fixing term and the ghost term in both linear as well as nonlinear gauges. We also discuss the unitarity evolution of the theory and analyze the violation of unitarity by introduction of a bare mass term in the noncommutative BRST and the noncommutative anti-BRST transformations.
APPROACH TO EQUILIBRIUM IN THE CALDEIRA–LEGGETT MODEL
Authors: AYYAR VENKITESH , MÜLLER BERNDT
Published: March 2013

The Caldeira–Leggett (CL) model describes a microscopic quantum system, represented by a harmonic oscillator, in interaction with a heat bath, represented by a large number of harmonic oscillators with a range of frequencies. We consider the case when the system oscillator starts out in the ground state and then thermalizes due to interactions with the heat bath, which is at temperature θ. We calculate the position autocorrelation function 〈x(t')x(t)〉 of the system oscillator at two different times and study its behavior in the small and large time limits. Our results show that the system oscillator thermalizes as expected. We also confirm by explicit calculation that the position autocorrelation function exhibits periodicity for imaginary values of the time difference t'-t = iτ at late-(real) times t.
Crustal-scale architecture and segmentation of the South Atlantic volcanic margin
Authors: Blaich O. A. , Faleide J. I. , Tsikalas F. , Gordon A. C. , Mohriak W.
Published: March 2013

Seismic reflection and refraction profiles, and potential field data, complemented by crustal-scale gravity modelling, plate reconstructions and well cross-sections are used to study the evolution of the South Segment of the South Atlantic conjugate margins. Distinct along-margin structural and magmatic changes that are spatially related to a number of conjugate transfer systems are revealed. The northern province, between the Rio Grande Fracture Zone and the Salado Transfer Zone, is characterized by symmetrical seawards-dipping reflections (SDRs) and symmetrical continent–ocean transitional domain. The central province, between the Salado Transfer Zone and the conjugate Colorado–Hope transfer system, is characterized by along-strike tectonomagmatic asymmetry. The Tristan da Cunha plume, located on the central province of the South Segment, may have influenced the volume of magmatism but did not necessarily alter the process of rifted margin formation. Thus implying that, apart from voluminous magmatism, the extensional evolution of the central province of the South Segment may have much in common with ‘magma-poor’ margins.
Salt tectonics along the Atlantic margin of Morocco
Authors: Tari Gabor , Jabour Haddou
Published: March 2013

The Moroccan salt basin appears to be very unique in the sense that it is not sedimentary loading but tectonic inversion which appears to drive the latest stages of salt-related deformation in the central part of the basin. The gravity potential to maintain salt tectonics is provided by the differential uplift of the Atlas Mountains, located adjacent and striking almost perpendicular to the margin.

Along the offshore part of the Moroccan salt basin there are many play types, most of them related to the Triassic syn-rift salt. Toe-thrust anticlines at the basinwards edge of the salt basin form very large structures. Traps associated with salt tongues and diapirs define a more ‘classical’ salt-flank play. Numerous salt tongues, sheets and canopy complexes provide for a ‘Gulf of Mexico-style’ subsalt play. Despite the numerous untested play types, there have been only four deep-water exploration wells drilled in the entire Moroccan salt basin, none of them having subsalt penetrations.
Estradiol effects on subcutaneous adipose tissue lipolysis in premenopausal women are adipose tissue depot specific and treatment dependent
Authors: Gavin Kathleen M. , Cooper Elizabeth E. , Raymer Dustin K. , Hickner Robert C.
Published: March 2013

Estrogen has direct effects within adipose tissue and has been implicated in regional adiposity; however, the influence of estrogen on in vivo lipolysis is unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of local 17β-estradiol (E2) on subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) lipolysis in premenopausal women. In vivo lipolysis (dialysate glycerol) was measured in 17 women (age 27.4 ± 2.0 yr, BMI 29.7 ± 0.5 kg/m2) via microdialysis of abdominal (AB) and gluteal (GL) SAT. Glycerol was measured at baseline and during acute interventions to increase lipolysis including local perfusion of isoproterenol (ISO, β-adrenergic agonist, 1.0 μmol/l), phentolamine (PHEN, α-adrenergic antagonist, 0.1 mmol/l), and submaximal exercise (60% V̇o2peak, 30 min); all with and without coperfusion of E2(500 nmol/l). E2coperfusion blunted the lipolytic response to ISO in AB (E2196 ± 31%, control 258 ± 26%, P = 0.003) but not in GL (E2113 ± 14%, control 111 ± 12%, P = 0.43) adipose tissue. At rest, perfusion of PHEN with ISO did not change dialysate glycerol. Submaximal exercise during ISO + PHEN increased dialysate glycerol in the AB (56 ± 9%) and GL (62 ± 12%) regions. Probes perfused with E2during exercise and ISO + PHEN had an increased lipolytic response in AB (90 ± 9%, P = 0.007) but a lower response in GL (35 ± 7%, P = 0.05) SAT compared with no-E2conditions. E2effects on lipolysis are region specific and may work through both adrenergic and adrenergic-independent mechanisms to potentiate and/or blunt SAT lipolysis in premenopausal women.
Expression of SHP-1 induced by hyperglycemia prevents insulin actions in podocytes
Authors: Drapeau Nicolas , Lizotte Farah , Denhez Benoit , Guay Andréanne , Kennedy Chris R. , Geraldes Pedro
Published: March 2013

Renal podocyte apoptosis is an early event of diabetic nephropathy progression. Insulin action is critical for podocyte survival. Previous studies demonstrated that Src homology-2 domain-containing phosphatase-1 (SHP-1) is elevated in renal cortex of type 1 diabetic mice; we hypothesized that hyperglycemia-induced SHP-1 expression may affect insulin actions in podocytes. Type 1 diabetic Akita mice ( Ins2+/C96Y) developed elevated foot process effacement and podocyte apoptosis compared with control littermate mice ( Ins2+/+). In contrast to Ins2+/+ mice, insulin-stimulated protein kinase B (Akt) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation were remarkably reduced in renal podocytes of Akita mice. This renal insulin resistance was associated with elevated SHP-1 expression in the glomeruli. Cultured podocytes exposed to high glucose concentration (HG; 25 mM) for 96 h exhibited high levels of apoptotic markers and caspase-3/7 enzymatic activity. HG exposure raised mRNA and protein levels of SHP-1 and reduced the insulin-signaling pathway in podocytes. Overexpression of dominant-negative SHP-1 in podocytes prevented HG effects and restored insulin actions. Elevated SHP-1 expression induced by high glucose levels was directly associated with insulin receptor-β in vitro and in vivo to prevent insulin-stimulated Akt and ERK phosphorylation. In conclusion, our results showed that high levels of SHP-1 expression in glomeruli cause insulin resistance and podocyte loss, thereby contributing to diabetic nephropathy.
Nomographs and Feasibility Graphs for Enumeration of Ravigneaux-Type Automatic Transmissions
Authors: Esmail Essam L.
Published: March 2013

Although there are many epicyclic-type automatic transmissions in production, the related configuration design methods are still tedious and borne to human error. A simple methodology for the systematic design of the Ravigneaux-type epicyclic gear transmissions needs to be developed. First, fundamentals and gear-shifting of four-speed and six-speed epicyclic-type automatic transmissions are illustrated to establish the design requirements. Second, based on the kinematic nomographs of the corresponding basic gear ratios, a simple clutching-sequence method is proposed and illustrated. Next, a planar-graph representation is presented to arrange the desired clutches for each possible clutching sequence into the epicyclic gear mechanism. Then, with the above methods, the systematic designs of the epicyclic gear mechanisms are given for demonstrating the feasibility of the proposed methodology. The result of this work shows that the seven-, eight-, and nine-link two-DOF Ravigneaux-type epicyclic gear mechanisms could reach four-, six-, and eight-forward speeds at most, respectively. New five-, six-, seven-, and eight-velocity automatic transmissions are enumerated from the two-ring eight- and nine-link Ravigneaux gear mechanisms. It is a major breakthrough to design completely satisfactory eight-speed automatic transmissions from the nine-link Ravigneaux gear mechanism.
A Proposed Selection Index for Jersey Cattle in Zimbabwe
Authors: Missanjo Edward , Imbayarwo-Chikosi Venancio , Halimani Tinyiko
Published: March 2013

A multitrait selection index for Zimbabwean Jersey cattle was constructed. The breeding objective was defined in terms of production and functionality traits. The production component of the index included milk yield , butterfat yield , protein yield , butterfat percent , and protein percent , while the functional component included the somatic cell count (SCC). The index was termed as . The accuracy of the index was 91.1%, and the correlation between this index and the aggregate breeding objective was 0.954. A selection index is more important in the selection of sires and cows. This leads to the greatest genetic progress and hence productivity in the dairy sector. Therefore, the application of the selection index developed is necessary if the dairy cattle industry is to maximise the exploitation of genetics and to improve its relative competitive position.
Molecular Characterization of the Asian Tiger Mosquito Aedes albopictus (Skuse) (Diptera: Culicidae) in Northern Italy
Authors: Shaikevich Elena , Talbalaghi Asghar
Published: March 2013

Polymorphism of the gene COI encoding cytochrome C oxidase subunit I and of the rRNA second internal transcribed spacer (ITS2) was measured in Aedes albopictus collected in three locations in Piedmont region and one location in Liguria region in Italy. According to our data, besides the middle part of the COI gene usually used for analysis, there are also SNPs in the 5′ half of the gene, which can provide additional information about the polymorphism of A. albopictus populations. Based on COI gene, three various mitochondrial haplotypes were identified in A. albopictus from four north Italian sampling sites. Different sources of introductions can be considered. The variability between COI sequences of the north Italian A. albopictus is 0.001 while the variability between them based on the pairwise analysis of ITS2 sequences is 10 time more—0.011. For the first time, a 4% divergence between the populations of A. albopictus of tropical and subtropical origins was found on the basis of analyzing the ITS2. A relatively high level of variability of ITS2 between tropical and subtropical populations can be used to develop new markers for phylogenetic studies. No individuals with mitochondrial and nuclear haplotypes specific to tropical populations were found in the four north Italian sampling sites.
Removable Cycles Avoiding Two Connected Subgraphs
Authors: Borse Y. M. , Waphare B. N.
Published: March 2013

We provide a sufficient condition for the existence of a cycle in a connected graph which is edge-disjoint from two connected subgraphs and of such that is connected.
The Correlation of Serum Metal Ions with Functional Outcome Scores at Three-to-Six Years following Large Head Metal-on-Metal Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: Patange Subbarao Sheethal Prasad , Malek Ibrahim A. , Mohanty Khitish , Thomas Phillip , John Alun
Published: March 2013

Based on success of hip resurfacing, large head Metal on Metal (MoM) hip arthroplasty has gained significant popularity in recent years. There are growing concerns about metal ions related soft tissue abnormalities. The aim of this study was to define a correlation of metal ions with various functional outcome scores following large head MoM hip arthroplasty. Consecutive cohort of 70 patients (76 hips) with large head MoM hip arthroplasty using SL-Plus femoral stem and Cormet acetabular component were prospectively followed up. An independent observer assessed the patients which included serology for metal ion levels and collection of Oxford Hip, Harris hip, WOMAC, SF-36 & modified UCLA scores. Median serum cobalt and chromium levels were 3.10 g/L (0.35–62.92) and 4.21 g/L (0.73–69.27) with total of median 7.30 g/L (2.38–132.19). The median Oxford, Harris, WOMAC, SF-36 and modified UCLA scores were 36 (6–48), 87 (21–100), 36 (24–110), 104 (10–125), and 3 (1–9), respectively. Seventeen patients had elevated serum cobalt and chromium levels ≥7 g/L. There was no significant correlation between serum metal ion levels with any of these outcome scores. We recommend extreme caution during follow up of these patients with large head MoM arthroplasty.
Therapeutic Endoscopic Ultrasonography: Intratumoral Injection for Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Shirley Lawrence A. , Aguilar Laura K. , Aguilar-Cordova Estuardo , Bloomston Mark , Walker Jon P.
Published: March 2013

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is an aggressive disease that has poor outcomes despite maximal traditional therapies. Thus, treatment of this cancer demands innovative strategies to be used in addition to standing therapies in order to provide new avenues of care. Here, we describe the technique of using endoscopic ultrasound in order to directly inject both novel and conventional therapies into pancreatic tumors. We detail the rationale behind this strategy and the many benefits it provides. We then describe our technique in detail, including our experience injecting the AdV-tk adenoviral vector to create an in situ vaccine effect.
Transumbilical Laparo-Assisted Appendectomy: A Safe Operation for the Whole Spectrum of Appendicitis in Children—A Single-Centre Experience
Authors: Codrich D. , Scarpa M. G. , Lembo M. A. , Pederiva F. , Olenik D. , Gobbo F. , Giannotta A. , Cherti S. , Schleef J.
Published: March 2013

The paper reports the results of a retrospective review of the medical charts of 203 patients admitted to a pediatric surgical unit with a diagnosis of acute appendicitis between January 2006 and December 2010 when a transumbilical laparoscopic-assisted appendectomy (TULAA) was introduced as a new surgical technique. Among 203 admitted patients, 7 (3.5%) had a localized appendiceal abscess and were treated with antibiotics. All of them responded to antibiotics and underwent TULAA interval appendectomy 8 weeks later. 196 patients (96.5%) underwent immediate surgery. In 12/181 (6.6%) urgent cases, conversion to laparotomy was necessary, in 3 patients because of bowel distension and in 9 for retrocecal position of appendix. In all 181 TULAA completed procedures, one trocar was used in 151 cases (89.4%), two trocars in 16 (9.4%), and three trocars in 2 (1.2%). The mean operative time for single port TULAA was 52′ Complications included 5 wound infections and 5 intra-abdominal abscesses, all managed conservatively. In conclusion, TULAA is a safe, minimally invasive approach with acute appendicitis, regardless of the perforation status, and can be recommended in the pediatric urgical settings.
Study of Corrosion in a Biomass Boiler
Authors: Berlanga C. , Ruiz J. A.
Published: March 2013

Biomass plants, apart from producing energy, help to reduce CO2(g) emissions. One of the biggest problems for their development is superheater corrosion due to fuel corrosivity, especially of the straw. This limits both the temperature of the vapour and also the effectiveness of the plant. In order to know more about the reactions which happen inside the boiler of biomass, thermodynamic calculations using software (HSC Chemistry) have been carried out. Field tests have been carried out in the Sangüesa Biomass Plant in Navarra (Spain): determination of the types of oxides and the deposits formed on the superheaters tubes as well as a program to measure temperatures. Finally, the global results are discussed.
Life-Threatening Manifestation of Diarrhea
Authors: Chelimilla Haritha , Widjaja David , Carvajal Simeon , Kumbum Kavitha
Published: March 2013

Acute diarrhea is usually mild and self-limited in normally healthy individuals. Further diagnostic evaluation is indicated in patients with severe diarrhea. We present a case of a 46-year-old woman who presented with dehydration and acute renal failure due to acute severe diarrhea. Initial stool study was suggestive ofAeromonas. Further stool test revealed offending bacteria, which led to appropriate antibiotic use. This paper emphasizes the importance of complete history and correlation between clinical data and laboratory tests.
A Profile Based Network Intrusion Detection and Prevention System for Securing Cloud Environment
Authors: Gupta Sanchika , Kumar Padam , Abraham Ajith
Published: March 2013

Cloud computing provides network based access to computing and data storage services on a pay per usage model. Cloud provides better utilization of resources and hence a reduced service access cost to individuals. Cloud services include software as a service, platform as a service, and infrastructure as a service. Cloud computing virtually and dynamically distributes the computing and data resources to a variety of users, based on their needs, with the use of virtualization technologies. As Cloud computing is a shared facility and is accessed remotely, it is vulnerable to various attacks including host and network based attacks (Brown 2012, and Grance 2009) and hence requires immediate attention. This paper identifies vulnerabilities responsible for well-known network based attacks on cloud and does a critical analysis on the security measures available in cloud environment. This paper focuses on a nonconventional technique for securing cloud network from malicious insiders and outsiders with the use of network profiling. With network profiling, a profile is created for each virtual machine (VM) in cloud that describes network behavior of each cloud user (an assigned VM). The behavior gathered is then used for determination (detection) of network attacks on cloud. The novelty of the approach lies in the early detection of network attacks with robustness and minimum complexity. The proposed technique can be deployed with minimal changes to existing cloud environment. An initial prototype implementation is verified and tested on private cloud with a fully functional implementation under progress.
Promoting Neonatal Staff Nurses' Comfort and Involvement in End of Life and Bereavement Care
Authors: Zhang Weihua , Lane Betty S.
Published: March 2013

Background. Nurses who provide end of life and bereavement care to neonates and their families are potentially at risk for developing stress-related health problems. These health problems can negatively affect nurses’ ability to care for their patients.Purpose. Nurses need to be knowledgeable about end of life and bereavement issues to provide quality care. This study sought to evaluate the effect of a bereavement seminar on the attitudes of nurses regarding end of life and palliative care of neonates.Design. A convenience sample of fourteen neonatal nurses completed a Bereavement/End of Life Attitudes about Care of Neonatal Nurses Scale after a bereavement seminar designed to provide information on end of life care. A pre- and posttest design with an intervention and control group was used to assess changes in nurse bereavement attitudes in relationship to comfort, role, and involvement.Results. After bereavement seminar, the seminar attendees had higher levels of comfort in providing end of life care than nurses in the control group (t=−0.214;P= 0.04).Discussion. Nurses' comfort levels can be improved by attending continuing education on end of life care and having their thoughts on ethical issues in end of life care acknowledged by their peers.
MR Imaging of Hepatocellular Adenomas and Differential Diagnosis Dilemma
Authors: Grazioli Luigi , Olivetti Lucio , Mazza Giancarlo , Bondioni Maria Pia
Published: March 2013

Hepatocellular adenomas (HCAs) are currently categorized into distinct genetic and pathologic subtypes as follows: inflammatory hepatocellular adenoma, hepatocyte-nuclear-factor-1-alpha (HNF-1α-mutated) hepatocellular adenoma, andβ-catenin-mutated hepatocellular adenomas; the fourth, defined as unclassified subtype, encompasses HCAs without any genetic abnormalities. This classification has accepted management implications due to different risks of haemorrhage and malignant transformation of the four subtypes. Imaging guided biopsy and/or surgical resection very important in obtaining definitive characterization; nevertheless, MRI with intra-extravascular and hepatobiliary (dual phase) agents, is an important tool not only in differential subtypes definition but even in surveillance with early identification of complications and discovery of some signs of HCA malignant degeneration. Inflammation, abnormal rich vascularisation, peliotic areas, and abundant fatty infiltration are pathologic findings differently present in the HCA subtypes and they may be detected by multiparametric MRI approach. Lesion enlargement and heterogeneity of signal intensity and of contrast enhancement are signs to be considered in malignant transformation. The purpose of this paper is to present the state of the art of MRI in the diagnosis of HCA and subtype characterization, with particular regard to morphologic and functional information available with dual phase contrast agents, and to discuss differential diagnosis with the most common benign and malignant lesions mimicking HCAs.
Permanence and Global Attractivity of the Discrete Predator-Prey System with Hassell-Varley-Holling III Type Functional Response
Authors: Wu Runxin , Li Lin
Published: March 2013

By constructing a suitable Lyapunov function and using the comparison theorem of difference equation, sufficient conditions which ensure the permanence and global attractivity of the discrete predator-prey system with Hassell-Varley-Holling III type functional response are obtained. An example together with its numerical simulation shows that the main results are verifiable.
Squamous Odontogenic Tumor with Unusual Localization and Appearance: A Rare Case Report
Authors: Bansal Sucheta , Joshi Sanjeev Kumar
Published: March 2013

Squamous odontogenic tumor is a rare benign neoplasm and may affect multiple sites in the mouth. SOT was first described by Pullon et al. (1975). Since then, there have been less than 50 reported cases. The tumor is often asymptomatic, although it can present with symptoms of pain and tooth mobility. We report a case of SOT occurring in a 26-year-old female in the anterior mandible with unusual localization and appearance.
IsHelicobacter pyloriInfection the Primary Cause of Duodenal Ulceration or a Secondary Factor? A Review of the Evidence
Authors: Kate Vikram , Ananthakrishnan N. , Tovey Frank I.
Published: March 2013

Helicobacter pylori(H. pylori) has a role in the multifactorial etiology of peptic ulcer disease. A link betweenH. pyloriinfection and duodenal ulcer disease is now established. Other contributing factors and their interaction with the organism may initiate the ulcerative process. The fact that eradication ofH. pyloriinfection leads to a long-term cure in the majority of duodenal ulcer patients and the fact that the prevalence of infection is higher in ulcer patients than in the normal population are cogent arguments in favor of it being the primary cause of the ulceration. Against this concept there are issues that need explanation such as the reason why only a minority of infected persons develop duodenal ulceration when infection withH. pyloriis widespread. There is evidence thatH. pyloriinfection has been prevalent for several centuries, yet duodenal ulceration became common at the beginning of the twentieth century. The prevalence of duodenal ulceration is not higher in countries with a high prevalence ofH. pyloriinfection. This paper debate puts forth the point of view of two groups of workers in this field whetherH. pyloriinfection is the primary cause of duodenal ulcer disease or a secondary factor.
Predicting Asthma Outcome Using Partial Least Square Regression and Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Chatzimichail E. , Paraskakis E. , Rigas A.
Published: March 2013

The long-term solution to the asthma epidemic is believed to be prevention and not treatment of the established disease. Most cases of asthma begin during the first years of life; thus the early determination of which young children will have asthma later in their life counts as an important priority. Artificial neural networks (ANN) have been already utilized in medicine in order to improve the performance of the clinical decision-making tools. In this study, a new computational intelligence technique for the prediction of persistent asthma in children is presented. By employing partial least square regression, 9 out of 48 prognostic factors correlated to the persistent asthma have been chosen. Multilayer perceptron and probabilistic neural networks topologies have been investigated in order to obtain the best prediction accuracy. Based on the results, it is shown that the proposed system is able to predict the asthma outcome with a success of 96.77%. The ANN, with which these high rates of reliability were obtained, will help the doctors to identify which of the young patients are at a high risk of asthma disease progression. Moreover, this may lead to better treatment opportunities and hopefully better disease outcomes in adulthood.
Layer‐by‐Layer Films from Wine: An Investigation of an Exponential Growth Process
Authors: Gomes Marcio N. , Brito Jackeline B. , Silva Josmary R. , de Souza Nara C.
Published: March 2013

We report on the preparation and study of layer‐by‐layer films of wine alternated with bovine serum albumin (BSA). We found that the exponential and/or linear growth of the films is dependent on the deposition time. Atomic force microscopy images were analysed using scale laws and the fractal dimension, and the results suggested that the BSA/wine film growth regime is determined by sub‐bilayer or bilayer growth. Exponential growth was associated with a sub‐bilayer deposition regime, whereas linear growth was associated with a bilayer deposition in which a constant amount of material is deposited.
Extraction of Nanosized Cobalt Sulfide from Spent Hydrocracking Catalyst
Authors: Kosa Samia A. , Hegazy Eman Z.
Published: March 2013

The processes used for the extraction of metals (Co, Mo, and Al) from spent hydrotreating catalysts were investigated in this study. A detailed mechanism of the metal extraction process is described. Additionally, a simulation study was performed to understand the sulfidizing mechanism. The suggested separation procedure was effective and achieved an extraction of approximately 80–90%. In addition, the sulfidization mechanism was identified. This sulfidizing process for Co was found to involve an intermediate, the structure of which was proposed. This proposed intermediate was confirmed through simulations. Moreover, the activities of the spent and the regenerated catalyst were examined in the cracking of toluene. The modification of the spent catalyst through the use of different iron oxide loadings improved the catalytic activity.
Liquid Chromatography/Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry for Identification of In Vitro and In Vivo Metabolites of Bornyl Gallate in Rats
Authors: Lan Wei , Bian Liujiao , Zhao Xinfeng , Jia Pu , Meng Xue , Wu Yizhen , Wang Shixiang , Liao Sha , Yu Jie , Zheng Xiaohui
Published: March 2013

Bornyl gallate (BG) is a potential drug candidate synthesized by the reaction of two natural products, gallic acid and borneol. Previous studies have strongly suggested that BG is worthy of further investigation due to antioxidant, antiatherosclerosis activities, and obvious activity of stimulating intersegmental vessel growth in zebrafish. This work was designed to elucidate the metabolic profile of BG through analyzing its metabolites in vitro and in vivo by a chromatographic separation coupled with a mass spectrometry. The metabolites of BG were characterized from the rat liver microsome incubation solution, as well as rat urine and plasma after oral administration. Chromatographic separation was performed on an Agilent TC-C18column (250 mm × 4.6 mm, 5 μm) with gradient elution using methanol and water containing 0.2% (V : V) formic acid as the mobile phase. Metabolites identification involved analyzing the retention behaviors, changes of molecular weights and MS/MS fragment patterns of BG and the metabolites. Five compounds were identified as isomers of hydroxylated BG metabolites in vitro. The major metabolites of BG in rat urine and plasma proved to be BG-O-glucuronide and O-methyl BG-O-glucuronide. The proposed method confirmed to be a reliable and sensitive alternative for characterizing metabolic pathways of BG.