bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Delivery room triage of large for gestational age infants of diabetic mothers
Authors: Cordero Leandro , Rath Krista , Zheng Katherine , Landon Mark B , Nankervis Craig A
Published: March 2014

Objective:

To review our 4-year experience (2008–2011) with delivery room triage of large for gestational age infants of diabetic mothers.

Design/Methods:

Retrospective cohort investigation of 311 large for gestational age infants of diabetic mothers (White’s Class A1 (77), A2 (87), B (77), and C-R (70)).

Results:

Of 311 women, 31% delivered at 34–36 weeks gestational age and 69% at term. While 70% were delivered by cesarean, 30% were vaginal deliveries. A total of 160 asymptomatic infants were triaged from the delivery room to the well baby nursery. Of these, 55 (34%) developed hypoglycemia. In 43 cases, the hypoglycemia was corrected by early feedings; in the remaining 12, intravenous dextrose treatment was required. A total of 151 infants were triaged from the delivery room to the neonatal intensive care unit. Admission diagnoses included respiratory distress (51%), prevention of hypoglycemia (27%), prematurity (21%), and asphyxia (1%). Hypoglycemia affected 66 (44%) of all neonatal intensive care unit infants.

Conclusion:

Safe triage of asymptomatic large for gestational age infants of diabetic mothers from the delivery room to well baby nursery can be accomplished in the majority of cases. Those infants in need of specialized care can be accurately identified and effectively treated in the neonatal intensive care unit setting.
A Quantitative Signature of Self-Control Repair
Authors: Bickel Warren K. , Landes Reid D. , Kurth-Nelson Zeb , Redish A. David
Published: March 2014

Excessive temporal discounting undergirds addiction, and the quantitative relationships of changes in discounting have yet to be investigated. The quantitative relationship between pre- and posttreatment discount rates was examined using data from five of our studies with diverse interventions across different groups of substance users. Discounting and treatment-outcome drug-use data from 222 drug-dependent individuals were analyzed. The primary measures were discounting of delayed reinforcers and objective measures of drug use. Results revealed that change in discounting was inversely related to baseline rates of discounting, such that participants with low discount rates showed little change in discounting with treatment, whereas participants with high discount rates showed large reductions in discounting. As importantly, those treatments that produced the largest gains in drug abstinence had the largest effects on discount rates. Temporal discounting changes with the specific quantitative signature of rate dependence, and more efficacious treatments remediate high discounting rates.
Simultaneous Cr rich and Ti rich nanoprecipitation in ferritic steel designed for use in extreme environments of future energy generation systems
Authors: Capdevila C. , Miller M. K.
Published: March 2014

The temporal evolution of the microstructure resulting from phase separation into Fe rich (α), Cr rich (α′), and Fe(Ti,Al) (β′) phases of an oxide dispersion strengthened ferritic steel has been analysed by thermoelectric power measurements. The early stages of decomposition and the evolution of the three-dimensional microstructure have been characterised by atom probe tomography. The roles of Cr, Al, and Ti during the decomposition process have been investigated in terms of solute partitioning between the phases. Analysis of proximity histograms revealed that significant Al and Ti partitioning occurs, which is consistent with theoretical calculations. The results indicate that both nanoscale precipitation processes occurs simultaneously, with an earlier completion time for β′ precipitation than α–α′ phase separation. Finally, a value of activation energy for α–α′ phase separation of 264 kJ mol−1 was obtained from the analysis of thermoelectric power measurements data, which is consistent with a value of 248 kJ mol−1 for self-diffusion of Cr in α-Fe.
Platelet bioenergetic screen in sickle cell patients reveals mitochondrial complex V inhibition, which contributes to platelet activation
Authors: Cardenes Nayra , Corey Catherine , Geary Lisa , Jain Shilpa , Zharikov Sergey , Barge Suchitra , Novelli Enrico M. , Shiva Sruti
Published: March 2014

Key Points

Sickle cell patients show mitochondrial dysfunction (complex V inhibition, oxidant formation), which is associated with platelet activation. Complex V inhibition is induced by hemolysis and causes platelet activation, which is attenuated by mitochondrial therapeutics.
c-Myc regulates expression of NKG2D ligands ULBP1/2/3 in AML and modulates their susceptibility to NK-mediated lysis
Authors: Nanbakhsh Arash , Pochon Cécile , Mallavialle Aude , Amsellem Sophie , Bourhis Jean Henri , Chouaib Salem
Published: March 2014

Key Points

AML cells resistant to cytarabine are more susceptible to NK-mediated cell lysis. c-Myc regulates ULBP1/2/3 expression and interferes with NK cell susceptibility in primary cytarabine resistant AML blasts.
Runx1 and Cbfβ regulate the development of Flt3+ dendritic cell progenitors and restrict myeloproliferative disorder
Authors: Satpathy Ansuman T. , Briseño Carlos G. , Cai Xiongwei , Michael Drew G. , Chou Chun , Hsiung Sunnie , Bhattacharya Deepta , Speck Nancy A. , Egawa Takeshi
Published: March 2014

Key Points

Runx proteins and Cbfβ are required for the development of dendritic cells, which can be rescued by Irf8. Pan-hematopoietic Cbfb-deficient mice develop a myeloproliferative disease and severe anemia and die at 3 to 4 months of age.
Human t(14;18)positive germinal center B cells: a new step in follicular lymphoma pathogenesis?
Authors: Tellier Julie , Menard Cedric , Roulland Sandrine , Martin Nadine , Monvoisin Céline , Chasson Lionel , Nadel Bertrand , Gaulard Philippe , Schiff Claudine , Tarte Karin
Published: March 2014

Key Points

Follicular lymphoma-like cells found in healthy individuals accumulate within germinal centers in reactive lymphoid tissues. Follicular lymphoma-like cells are nonproliferating cells in situ and in vitro.
Loss of reflex tearing after maxillary orthognathic surgery: a report of two cases
Authors: Kang Sunah , Jang Sun Young , Lee Areum , Jang Jae Woo
Published: March 2014

Background

Few reports have described the ophthalmic complications that occur after maxillary orthognathic surgery. Since cases of decreased reflex tearing after maxillary orthognathic surgery are extremely rare, we describe 2 cases of loss of reflex tearing after maxillary orthognathic surgery.

Case presentation

Two Asian women, an 18-year-old and a 32-year-old, suffered from unilateral dryness and irritation caused by maxillary orthognathic surgery. In both patients, Schirmer test (II) showed reduced reflex tearing in 1 eye. Computed tomography showed that the pterygoid plate had been fractured in both patients.

Conclusions

The pterygopalatine ganglion and its associated fibers in the pterygopalatine fossa may be injured during Le Fort osteotomy.
Effectiveness of predicting in-hospital mortality in critically ill children by assessing blood lactate levels at admission
Authors: Bai Zhenjiang , Zhu Xueping , Li Mengxia , Hua Jun , Li Ying , Pan Jian , Wang Jian , Li Yanhong
Published: March 2014

Background

Hyperlactatemia upon admission is a documented risk factor for mortality in critically ill adult patients. However, the predictive significance of a single lactate measurement at admission for mortality in the general population of critically ill children remains uncertain. This study evaluated the predictive value of blood lactate levels at admission and determined the cut-off values for predicting in-hospital mortality in the critically ill pediatric population.

Methods

We enrolled 1109 critically ill children who were admitted to a pediatric intensive care unit between July 2008 and December 2010. Arterial blood samples were collected in the first 2 hours after admission, and the lactate levels were determined. The Pediatric Risk of Mortality III (PRISM III) scores were calculated during the first 24 hours after admission.

Results

Of the 1109 children admitted, 115 (10.4%) died in the hospital. The median (interquartile range) blood lactate level in critically ill children was 3.2 mmol/l (2.2-4.8). Among the children, 859 (77.5%) had a lactate concentration >2.0 mmol/l. The blood lactate level upon admission was significantly associated with mortality (odds ratio [OR] = 1.38; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.30-1.46; p <0.001), even after adjustment for age, gender, and illness severity assessed by PRISM III (OR = 1.27; p <0.001). Multivariate regression analysis showed that a high blood lactate level (OR = 1.17; 95% CI, 1.07-1.29; p = 0.001), a high PRISM III score (OR = 1.15; 95% CI, 1.11-1.20; p <0.001), and a low serum albumin (OR =0.92; 95% CI, 0.88-0.96; p <0.001) were independent risk factors for mortality in critically ill children. Blood lactate achieved an area under-the-receiver-operating-characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.79 (p <0.001) for predicting mortality that was similar to that of PRISM III (AUC = 0.82; p <0.001). The p-value for a comparison of both AUCs was 0.318. Blood lactate displayed a sensitivity of 61% and a specificity of 86% in predicting mortality at the optimal cut-off value of 5.55 mmol/l, and the positive and negative likelihood ratios were 4.5 and 0.45, respectively.

Conclusions

A high blood lactate level at admission is independently associated with and predictive of in-hospital mortality in the general population of critically ill children.
PSMD9 expression predicts radiotherapy response in breast cancer
Authors: Langlands Fiona E , Dodwell David , Hanby Andrew M , Horgan Kieran , Millican-Slater Rebecca A , Speirs Valerie , Verghese Eldo T , Smith Laura , Hughes Thomas A
Published: March 2014

Background

More than 50% of cancer patients are recommended to receive radiotherapy. Recommendations are based mainly on clinical and pathological factors and not intrinsic tumour radio-sensitivity. Use of radiotherapy according to predictive markers would potentially reduce costly over-treatment, and improve the treatment risk-benefit ratio and cancer outcomes. Tumour expression of the 26S proteasome has been reported to predict radiotherapy response: low expression was associated with higher rates of local recurrence after radiotherapy, suggesting that low proteasome expression and activity was associated with radio-resistance. However, this conclusion is at odds with the emerging use of proteasome inhibitors as radio-sensitizers. Our aim was to further analyse the relevance of 26S proteasome expression, focussing specifically on the PSMD9 subunit, in the largest clinical cohort to date, and to investigate the functional role of PSMD9 in radio-sensitivity in breast cancer cell lines.

Methods

We examined expression of PSMD9 using immunohistochemistry in a cohort of 157 breast cancer patients, including 32 cases (20.4%) that subsequently developed local recurrences. The value of expression as a prognostic or radiotherapy predictive marker was tested using Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses. PSMD9 function was examined in breast cancer cell lines MCF7 and MDA-MB-231 using siRNA knock-downs and colony forming assays after irradiation.

Results

Low tumour PSMD9 expression was significantly associated with a reduced incidence of local recurrence in patients receiving adjuvant radiotherapy (univariate log rank p = 0.02; multivariate regression p = 0.009), but not in those treated without radiotherapy, suggesting that low PSMD9 expression was associated with relative tumour radio-sensitivity. In support of this, reduction of PSMD9 expression using siRNA in breast cancer cell lines in vitro sensitized cells to radiotherapy.

Conclusions

We conclude that PSMD9 expression may predict radiotherapy benefit, with low expression indicative of relative radio-sensitivity, the opposite of previous reports relating to 26S proteasome expression. Our conclusion is compatible with use of proteasome inhibitors as radio-sensitizers, and highlights PSMD9 as a potential target for radio-sensitizing drugs.
Isolation, purification and characterization of Trichothecinol-A produced by endophytic fungus Trichotheciumsp. and its antifungal, anticancer and antimetastatic activities
Authors: Taware Ravindra , Abnave Prasad , Patil Deepak , Rajamohananan Pattuparambil Ramanpillai , Raja Remya , Soundararajan Gowrishankar , Kundu Gopal Chandra , Ahmad Absar
Published: March 2014

Background

A total of 30 endophytic fungi (AAP-PS 1–30) were isolated from the medicinal herb Phyllanthus amarus and screened for the production of Trichothecinol-A. Out of all the endophytic strains screened for Trichothecinol-A production, the culture filtrate of AAP-PS-1 extracted with ethyl acetate yielded Trichothecinol-A extracellularly in appreciable amounts. Trichothecinol-A was purified, quantified and completely characterized by different standard chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques including reverse phase HPLC, 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy, etc. The compound was tested for antifungal activity against filamentous fungi and yeast, apoptotic activity against B16F10 cells, anticancer activity against MDA-MB-231, HeLa and B16F10 cells as well as antimetastatic activity against MDA-MB-231 cell line.

Results

The endophyte producing Trichothecinol-A was identified as Trichothecium sp. by morphological, cultural and molecular methods. RP-HPLC analyses performed on a Waters model using a C18 symmetry pack column with a flow rate of 0.5 ml/min and the eluting compounds were detected by a dual mode wavelength detector set at 220 nm and 240 nm. The 1D (1H, 13C) and 2D NMR (COSY, NOESY, TOCSY, DEPT, 13C–1H HMBC, 13C–1H HSQC), ESI-MS, HRMS, IR and UV–vis show conclusively that the isolated compound was Trichothecinol–A. One liter of Trichothecium sp. yielded 4.37 mg of Trichothecinol-A. Trichothecinol-A exhibited antifungal activity against Cryptococcus albidus (NCIM 3372) up to 20 μg/ml. Cytotoxicity studies indicate that Trichothecinol-A causes 50% cell death at 500nM concentration in HeLa and B16F10 cells and induces apoptosis in later. Inhibition of wound migration assay performed on MDA-MB-231 cells reveals that 500nM of Trichothecinol-A was able to inhibit wound migration by 50% indicating its remarkable antimetastatic property.

Conclusion

The compound Trichothecinol-A has previously been isolated from Trichothecium roseum and characterized by various standard techniques. Anti-cancer studies conducted on Trichothecinol-A showed that it significantly inhibits cancer cell migration and can thus be developed as a new class of anti-metastatic drug. Here, we for the first time report the anti-metastatic as well as anti-fungal activity exhibited by Trichothecinol-A isolated by us from the endophytic fungus Trichothecium sp. of medicinal plant Phyllanthus amarus. Trichothecinol-A also exhibited apoptotic activity.
Clinical effectiveness of manual therapy for the management of musculoskeletal and non-musculoskeletal conditions: systematic review and update of UK evidence report
Authors: Clar Christine , Tsertsvadze Alexander , Court Rachel , Hundt Gillian Lewando , Clarke Aileen , Sutcliffe Paul
Published: March 2014

Background

This systematic review updated and extended the "UK evidence report" by Bronfort et al. (Chiropr Osteopath 18:3, 2010) with respect to conditions/interventions that received an 'inconclusive’ or 'negative’ evidence rating or were not covered in the report.

Methods

A literature search of more than 10 general medical and specialised databases was conducted in August 2011 and updated in March 2013. Systematic reviews, primary comparative studies and qualitative studies of patients with musculoskeletal or non-musculoskeletal conditions treated with manual therapy and reporting clinical outcomes were included. Study quality was assessed using standardised instruments, studies were summarised, and the results were compared against the evidence ratings of Bronfort. These were either confirmed, updated, or new categories not assessed by Bronfort were added.

Results

25,539 records were found; 178 new and additional studies were identified, of which 72 were systematic reviews, 96 were randomised controlled trials, and 10 were non-randomised primary studies. Most 'inconclusive’ or 'moderate’ evidence ratings of the UK evidence report were confirmed. Evidence ratings changed in a positive direction from inconclusive to moderate evidence ratings in only three cases (manipulation/mobilisation [with exercise] for rotator cuff disorder; spinal mobilisation for cervicogenic headache; and mobilisation for miscellaneous headache). In addition, evidence was identified on a large number of non-musculoskeletal conditions not previously considered; most of this evidence was rated as inconclusive.

Conclusions

Overall, there was limited high quality evidence for the effectiveness of manual therapy. Most reviewed evidence was of low to moderate quality and inconsistent due to substantial methodological and clinical diversity. Areas requiring further research are highlighted.
Interrogating causal pathways linking genetic variants, small molecule metabolites, and circulating lipids
Authors: Shin So-Youn , Petersen Ann-Kristin , Wahl Simone , Zhai Guangju , Römisch-Margl Werner , Small Kerrin S , Döring Angela , Kato Bernet S , Peters Annette , Grundberg Elin , Prehn Cornelia , Wang-Sattler Rui , Wichmann H-Erich , de Angelis Martin Hrabé , Illig Thomas , Adamski Jerzy , Deloukas Panos , Spector Tim D , Suhre Karsten , Gieger Christian , Soranzo Nicole
Published: March 2014

Background

Emerging technologies based on mass spectrometry or nuclear magnetic resonance enable the monitoring of hundreds of small metabolites from tissues or body fluids. Profiling of metabolites can help elucidate causal pathways linking established genetic variants to known disease risk factors such as blood lipid traits.

Methods

We applied statistical methodology to dissect causal relationships between single nucleotide polymorphisms, metabolite concentrations, and serum lipid traits, focusing on 95 genetic loci reproducibly associated with the four main serum lipids (total-, low-density lipoprotein-, and high-density lipoprotein- cholesterol and triglycerides). The dataset used included 2,973 individuals from two independent population-based cohorts with data for 151 small molecule metabolites and four main serum lipids. Three statistical approaches, namely conditional analysis, Mendelian randomization, and structural equation modeling, were compared to investigate causal relationship at sets of a single nucleotide polymorphism, a metabolite, and a lipid trait associated with one another.

Results

A subset of three lipid-associated loci (FADS1, GCKR, and LPA) have a statistically significant association with at least one main lipid and one metabolite concentration in our data, defining a total of 38 cross-associated sets of a single nucleotide polymorphism, a metabolite and a lipid trait. Structural equation modeling provided sufficient discrimination to indicate that the association of a single nucleotide polymorphism with a lipid trait was mediated through a metabolite at 15 of the 38 sets, and involving variants at the FADS1 and GCKR loci.

Conclusions

These data provide a framework for evaluating the causal role of components of the metabolome (or other intermediate factors) in mediating the association between established genetic variants and diseases or traits.
Constraining helicopter electromagnetic models of the Okavango Delta with seismic-refraction and seismic-reflection data
Authors: Reiser Fabienne , Podgorski Joel E. , Schmelzbach Cedric , Horstmeyer Heinrich , Green Alan G. , Kalscheuer Thomas , Maurer Hansruedi , Kinzelbach Wolfgang K. H. , Tshoso Gomotsang , Ntibinyane Onkgopotse
Published: March 2014

Electrical resistivity models derived from exceptionally high-quality helicopter transient electromagnetic data recorded across the Okavango Delta in Botswana, one of the world’s great inland deltas or megafans, include three principal layers: (1) an upper heterogeneous layer of dry and water-saturated sand, (2) an intermediate electrically conductive layer that likely comprises saline-water-saturated sand and clay, and (3) a lower fan-shaped electrically resistive layer of freshwater-saturated sand/gravel and/or crystalline basement. If part of the lower layer comprises a freshwater aquifer, it would be evidence for a recently proposed Paleo Okavango Megafan and a major new source of freshwater. In an attempt to constrain the interpretation of the lower layer, we acquired two high-resolution seismic refraction and reﬂection data sets at each of two investigation sites: one near the center of the delta and one along its western edge. The interface between unconsolidated sediments and basement near the center of the delta is well defined by an [Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text] increase in P-wave velocities, a change in seismic reflection facies, and a strong continuous reflection. This interface is about 45 m deeper than the top of the lower resistive layer, thus providing support for the Paleo Okavango Megafan hypothesis. Subhorizontal seismic reflectors are additional evidence for a sedimentary origin of the upper part of the lower resistive layer. In contrast to the observations at the delta’s center, the interface between unconsolidated sediments and basement along its western edge, which is also defined by a [Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text] increase in P-wave velocities and a continuous reflection, coincides with the top of the resistive layer.
An efficient algorithm for computing nearest medium approximations to an arbitrary anisotropic stiffness tensor
Authors: den Boer Lennert D.
Published: March 2014

The problem of reducing a fully anisotropic (triclinic) stiffness tensor comprised of 21 distinct components to a higher symmetry form having fewer distinct elements is of interest in many geophysical applications, where assuming a particular type of symmetry is often necessary to sufficiently reduce computational complexity to allow practical solutions. In addition, recent advances in the upscaling of realistically large field-scale discrete fracture networks have led to the need for an efficient way to derive a very large number of nearest medium approximations to the triclinic stiffness tensors obtained. Owing to rotational symmetries and nonlinearity, the problem of efficiently finding such approximations is generally nontrivial because optimal orientations are intrinsically nonunique. An algorithm proposed by Dellinger computes nearest orthotropic and transverse isotropic approximations for a given stiffness tensor, using the Federov norm as an objective function to iteratively minimize the fit error. Although this method is appropriate for computing solutions to single problem instances, the implementation is too inefficient for production situations, where a very large number of invocations of the algorithm is required. The enhanced algorithm proposed here is accurate, efficient, and general, allowing nearest medium approximations to be determined for arbitrary symmetry types, including isotropic, cubic, transverse isotropic, orthotropic, and monoclinic.
Use of services and associated costs for young adults with childhood hyperactivity/conduct problems: 20-year follow-up
Authors: D'Amico Francesco , Knapp Martin , Beecham Jennifer , Sandberg Seija , Taylor Eric , Sayal Kapil
Published: March 2014

Background

Although childhood hyperactivity and conduct problems are associated with difficulties in adulthood, little is known about later service use or public expenditure costs in the UK.

Aims

To describe the use of services and calculate recent (past 6 months) and early adulthood (since the age of 18 years) public expenditure costs incurred by young adults who had hyperactivity and/or conduct problems during childhood.

Method

A 20-year follow-up of a community sample of 6- to 7-year old boys (n = 83) with hyperactivity only, conduct problems only, mixed hyperactivity and conduct problems, and no behaviour problems (control). Information was obtained about service use; recent (past 6 months), and early adulthood (since age 18 years) public expenditure costs were calculated.

Results

High levels of childhood conduct problems were associated with a two- to threefold increase in early adulthood costs, mainly driven by criminal justice contacts. Although the mixed problems group had the highest recent costs in terms of receipt of benefits and health and social care, they had the lowest criminal justice costs.

Conclusions

High levels of early childhood conduct problems are particularly associated with increased health, social care and criminal justice costs in adulthood.
Mexican blind cavefish use mouth suction to detect obstacles
Authors: Holzman Roi , Perkol-Finkel Shimrit , Zilman Gregory
Published: March 2014

Fishes commonly use their lateral line system to detect moving bodies such as prey and predators. A remarkable case is the Mexican blind cavefish Astyanax fasciatus who evolved the ability to detect non-moving obstacles. The swimming body of A. fasciatus generates fluid disturbances, whose alteration by an obstacle can be sensed by the fish's lateral line system. It is generally accepted that these alterations can provide information on the distance to the obstacle. We observed that A. fasciatus swimming in an unfamiliar environment open and close their mouths at high frequency (0.7-4.5 Hz), in order to generate suction flows. We hypothesized that repeated mouth suction generate a hydrodynamic velocity field, whose alterations by an obstacle induce pressure gradients in the neuromasts of the lateral line, and corresponding strong lateral line stimuli. We observed that the frequency and rates of mouth opening events varied with the fish's distance to obstacles, a hallmark of pulse-based navigation mechanisms such as echolocation. We formulated a mathematical model of this hitherto unrecognized mechanism of obstacle detection and parameterized it experimentally. This model suggests that suction flows induce lateral line stimuli that are weakly dependent on the fish's speed, and may be an order of magnitude stronger than the correspondent stimuli induced by the fish's gliding body. We illustrate that A. fasciatus can navigate non-visually using a combination of two deeply ancestral and highly conserved mechanisms of ray-finned fishes: the mechanism of sensing water motion by the lateral line system and the mechanism of generating water motion by mouth suction.
Colouration principles of nymphaline butterflies - thin films, melanin, ommochromes and wing scale stacking
Authors: Stavenga Doekele G. , Leertouwer Hein L. , Wilts Bodo D.
Published: March 2014

The colouration of the common butterflies Aglais urticae (Small Tortoiseshell), Aglais io (Peacock) and Vanessa atalanta (Red Admiral), belonging to the butterfly subfamily Nymphalinae, is due to the species-specific patterning of differently coloured scales on their wings. We investigated the scales’ structural and pigmentary properties by applying scanning electron microscopy, (micro)spectrophotometry, and imaging scatterometry. The anatomy of the wing scales appears to be basically identical, with an approximately flat lower lamina connected by trabeculae to a highly structured upper lamina, which consists of an array of longitudinal, parallel ridges and transversal crossribs. Isolated scales observed at the abwing (upper) side are blue, yellow, orange, red, brown, or black, depending on their pigmentation. The yellow, orange and red scales contain various amounts of 3-OH-kynurenine and ommochrome pigment, black scales contain a high density of melanin, and blue scales have a minor amount of melanin pigment. Observing the scales from their adwing (lower) side always revealed a structural colour, which is blue in the case of blue, red and black scales, but orange for orange scales. The structural colours are created by the lower lamina, which acts as an optical thin-film. Its reflectance spectrum, crucially determined by the lamina thickness, appears to be well-tuned to the scales’ pigmentary spectrum. The colours observed locally on the wing are also due to the degree of scale stacking. Thin films, tuned pigments and combinations of stacked scales together determine the wing colouration of nymphaline butterflies.
Scaling Approach for Estimating Pore Connectivity Coefficient for Open Slit-Like Capillaries
Authors: Kutarov Volodymyr V. , Tarasevich Yuri I. , Aksenenko Eugene V.
Published: March 2014

To estimate the pore connectivity coefficient for open slit-like capillaries, the qualitative and quantitative description of adsorption hysteresis based on the Frenkel–Halsey–Hill formalism is used. A scaling-related governing equation is derived that provides a generalized description of the desorption branch of the hysteresis loop. The proposed equation is shown to be capable for an adequate description of data for several experimental systems, which leads to reliable values of the pore connectivity coefficient.
Attapulgite Modified with Silane Coupling Agent for Phosphorus Adsorption and Deep Bleaching of Refined Palm Oil
Authors: Tian Guangyan , Kang Yuru , Mu Bin , Wang Aiqin
Published: March 2014

Attapulgite (ATP) clay was modified with different silane coupling agents [3-triethoxysilylpropylamine (KH550), γ-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (KH560) and γ-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (KH570)] and used as a decolourizer for bleaching of refined palm oil. The effects of different silane coupling agents on the structure, surface charges and pore structure of ATP were investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, Zeta potential and nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherm techniques, and the decolourization efficiency of the modified ATP was evaluated by UV-Vis absorbance and Lovibond colour. The results show that the KH550-modified ATP exhibits the best decolourization performance, which can decrease the red-yellow value of refined palm oil by 31.96% and the phosphorus content by 77.69% after bleaching; while the unmodified ATP can only decrease these values by 17.30% and 62.31%, respectively.
A Review of Conventional and Emerging Process Technologies for the Recovery of Helium from Natural Gas
Authors: Rufford Thomas E. , Chan K. Ida , Huang Stanley H. , May Eric F.
Published: March 2014

Helium is a unique gas with a wide range of important medical, scientific and industrial applications based on helium's extremely low boiling temperature, inert and non-flammable nature and small molecular size. The only practical sources of helium are from certain natural gas (NG) fields. As world demand for helium rapidly increases, the value of NG fields that contain it even in very small amounts is likely to rise significantly if the helium can be recovered efficiently. However, recovering the helium from the NG using conventional cryogenic distillation processes is expensive and energy intensive. We review the scope for improving the efficiency of the conventional helium recovery and upgrade processes, and evaluate the potential of emerging technologies based on adsorption or membrane separations for helium upgrade and purification. Helium recovery and purification processes are comparable in many ways with systems designed for hydrogen purification and thus, many of recent technological advances for H2 separation from CH4 N2 and CO2 may be applicable to a helium recovery process. Furthermore, some recent patents and pilot plant studies indicate there exist several opportunities for the development of advanced materials, such as helium-selective adsorbents, and optimized process operations for the recovery of helium from NG.
Performance-Based Optimum Design of Steel Frames by an Improved Quantum Particle Swarm Optimization
Authors: Gholizadeh Saeed , Moghadas Reza Kamyab
Published: March 2014

The main aim of this work is to present a methodology for performance-based optimum seismic design of moment resisting steel frame structures. In the present study, an improved quantum particle swarm optimization (IQPSO) metaheuristic algorithm is proposed to implement performance-based optimum design (PBOD) process. During the optimization process, QPSO and IQPSO algorithms minimize the structural weight subject to performance constraints on inter-story drift ratios based on FEMA-356 provisions at the immediate occupancy (IO), life safety (LS) and collapse prevention (CP) performance levels. Nonlinear pushover analysis is conducted to compute the necessary structural responses during the PBOD process. Two numerical examples are presented to illustrate the efficiency of the presented methodology. The numerical results demonstrate the superiority of the proposed IQPSO to the classical QPSO algorithm.
Comparison of Classical Tsunami Resistance Systems in RC Structure
Authors: Toloue Iraj , Fateh Amir , Liew Mohd Shahir
Published: March 2014

The seismic performance response of reinforced concrete (RC) structures subjected to simultaneous Tsunami force and earthquake excitation is evaluated. Several classical resistance systems, such as bare frame, shear wall, steel brace, and dual systems, are employed in an eight-story RC building to resist these forces. The economic design of the systems is also considered. To satisfy the economic aspects, RC structures should utilize the minimum columns and beam size. Results show that the shear wall and bare frame systems failed because of their uneconomic properties compared with other resistance systems. On the basis of engineering and economical views, the dual system is accepted and commended among classical lateral resistance systems.
Steel Stress Redistribution and Fatigue Life Estimation of Partially Prestressed Concrete Beams under Fatigue Loading
Authors: Han Jigang , Song Yupu , Wang Licheng , Song Shide , Lei Bing
Published: March 2014

The objective of this paper is to investigate the steel stress/strain variation and redistribution in partially prestressed concrete (PPC) post-tensioned T-beams with bonded tendons under various ranges of fatigue loading by using an embedded Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) sensor. A total number of six beams were tested to failure under fatigue loading, and two control beams were tested for determing the monotonic bearing capacity. Test results indicated that the initial fatigue failure of all beams was caused by fatigue fracture of the non-prestressed reinforcement rather than failure of the prestressing strands. Based on the strain recorded, the development trends of non-prestressed steel strain and the ratio of strain range between prestressed and non-prestressed reinforcement during fatigue loading were described. Moreover, an analytical model for fatigue life prediction of partially prestressed concrete beams by using the sectional analysis and local strain-life method was developed. Good agreement between analytical and experimental results for fatigue life of PPC beams is observed.
An Optimized Design of Network Arch Bridge Using Global Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Islam Nazrul , Rana Shohel , Ahsan Raquib , Ghani Sayeed Nurul
Published: March 2014

An optimization approach of network arch bridges using a global optimization algorithm EVOP is presented in this paper. The objective is to minimize the cost of superstructure particularly arches and hangers of network arch bridge by optimizing the geometric shape, rise to span ratio, cross section of arch, and the number, arrangement and cross sectional dimensions of hangers. Constraints for design are formulated as per AASHTO, AISC and ACI Specifications. The minimum cost design problem is characterized by having a combination of continuous, discrete, and integer sets of design variables and is subjected to highly nonlinear, implicit and discontinuous constraints. An optimization algorithm, evolutionary operation (EVOP), is used that is capable of locating directly with high probability the global minimum without requiring information on gradient or sub-gradient of the objective function. EVOP is interfaced with finite element analysis software, ANSYS for evaluation of structural response of the bridge to verify the constraints and also to evaluate objective function. Within the range of design constant parameters considered, it is observed that 38% to 40% of total cost can be saved for circular and parabolic arches respectively, if design is optimized. Results also show that parabolic arch with optimum design variables is more economic than the optimized arch bridges with circular arch geometry.
Reliability Assessment of Damaged RC Moment-Resisting Frame against Progressive Collapse under Dynamic Loading Conditions
Authors: Huang Zhiwei , Li Bing , Sengupta Piyali
Published: March 2014

Reinforced concrete (RC) structures when subjected to sudden destruction of a column by blast pressure, experience dynamic effects in its response. Hence, reliability assessment of the damaged ductile frame against progressive collapse under dynamic loading conditions is conducted in this research. This paper aims at establishing three performance functions, two of which will consider structural collapse due to lack of strength and deformation capacity respectively while the third will incorporate the shear response of structural components for the weakest collapse mechanism. Since any of the performance functions may lead to structural collapse, a global performance function of the damaged structure is developed by considering the minimum of the functions. The results are then used in conjunction with Monte Carlo Simulation (MCS) to estimate the reliability of the damaged structure. A numerical example of a four storey RC frame is presented to address the applicability of the proposed approach and the effects of different structural parameters on its reliability against progressive collapse after the sudden column loss are investigated thereafter.
Damping of Full-Scale Stay Cable with Viscous Damper: Experiment and Analysis
Authors: Zhou Haijun , Sun Limin , Xing Feng
Published: March 2014

A full-scale cable vibration mitigation experiment was conducted by means of a 215.58-meters-long stay cable attached with a pair of viscous dampers. Test results showed that the damping of the cable was greatly increased after the installation of viscous dampers. It was found that the obtained damping of the cable with viscous dampers depended on the amplitude, and the maximum damping was smaller than the maximum attainable damping. The viscous damper showed nonlinear behaviors regarding the mechanical performances, as well as the interior stiffness. Therefore, the effect of the interior stiffness of a damper on the cable damping was also studied by using an analytical formulation of the complex eigenvalue problem. An engineering approximation concerning the damping of a taut cable with a viscous damper was proposed, where the influence of the interior stiffness was taken into account. The analytical approximate formulations were further extended to nonlinear viscous damper based on the assumption of equivalent energy dissipation in one period. It turned out that the analytical results considering effects of interior stiffness and nonlinearity were in a good agreement with the measured damping. Both the test and analytical results confirmed that damper interior stiffness would greatly reduce the maximum attainable damping, and damping would be amplitude-dependent for cable with a nonlinear viscous damper.
Comparative Analysis on the Interface Defeat between the Cylindrical and Conical-Nosed Long Rods
Authors: Li J. C. , Chen X. W. , Ning F.
Published: March 2014

Based on the Alekseevski-Tate model, the present manuscript theoretically analyzes the interface defeat of cylindrical and conical-nosed long rods in their penetration process and the corresponding formulae of velocity decay and mass erosion of projectile are deduced out. In particular, with regarding the truth of quasi-static tail velocity of long rod in the interface defeat, the simplified and explicit analytical expressions of the dominated parameters with time, e.g. the tail velocity, eroded length and residual mass of the rod, are all formulated. Finally the kinetic energy loss of long rod is analyzed, and the effects of velocity decay and rod erosion on the kinetic energy loss of long rod are discussed. Especially, regarding the conical-nosed long rod, the effect of half apex angle on the kinetic energy loss is also analyzed.
A Numerically Efficient Finite Element Analysis of Reinforced Concrete Members Subjected to Blasts
Authors: Dragos Jonathon , Visintin Phillip , Wu Chengqing , Oehlers Deric John
Published: March 2014

A common approach for predicting member response under blast loading is through the use of a finite element software package. Such an analysis typically requires the implementation of a three dimensional mesh and, therefore, requires significant computational effort. In this paper, it is shown how a displacement based segmental moment-rotation (M/θ) analysis can be used to simulate the cracking and softening behavior of reinforced concrete over a segment of a member using the mechanics of partial interaction and shear friction. It is then shown how the M/θ behavior extracted from the segmental analysis can be simplified into an equivalent one dimensional moment curvature relationship which can then be incorporated into a fast running one dimensional finite element approach to determine the response of reinforced concrete slabs subjected to blast loading. Then, results determined using the approach are compared against those obtained from blast experiments and the numerical efficiency of the model is discussed.
The Human dsRNA binding protein PACT is unable to functionally substitute for the Drosophila dsRNA binding protein R2D2
Authors: Dickerman Benjamin K , McDonald Jocelyn A , Sen Ganes C
Published: March 2014

The dsRNA binding protein (dsRBP) PACT was first described as an activator of the dsRNA dependent protein kinase PKR in response to stress signals.  Additionally, it has been identified as a component of the small RNA processing pathway.  A role for PACT in this pathway represents an important interplay between two modes of post-transcriptional gene regulation.  The function of PACT in this context is poorly understood.  Thus, additional approaches are required to clarify the mechanism by which PACT functions.  In this study, the genetic utility of Drosophila melanogaster was employed to identify dsRNA-binding proteins that are functionally orthologous to PACT.  Transgenic Drosophila expressing human PACT were generated to determine whether PACT is capable of functionally substituting for the Drosophila dsRBP R2D2, which has a well-defined role in small RNA biogenesis.  Results presented here indicate that PACT is unable to substitute for R2D2 at the whole organism level.
On the Downs–Thomson Paradox in a Self-Financing Two-Tier Queuing System
Authors: Guo Pengfei , Lindsey Robin , Zhang Zhe George
Published: March 2014

We model a two-tier queuing system with free and toll service options as two parallel M/M/1 servers. We solve for the welfare-maximizing toll service capacity and toll subject to the constraint that the toll service cover its costs. If the free and toll services are both used in equilibrium, a larger free-service capacity implies longer expected waiting time for the free service and lower welfare: an analogue to the Downs–Thomson paradox in transportation economics. The paradox is caused by the presence of scale economies in the toll service combined with the requirement that it be self-financing.
Optical stimulator for vision-based sensors
Authors: Roessler Dirk , Pedersen David A.K. , Benn Mathias , Jørgensen John L.
Published: March 2014

We have developed an optical stimulator system for vision-based sensors. The stimulator is an efficient tool for stimulating a camera during on-ground testing with scenes representative of spacecraft flights. Such scenes include starry sky, planetary objects, and other spacecraft. The optical stimulator is used as a test bench to simulate high-precision navigation by different types of camera systems that are used onboard spacecraft, planetary rovers, and for spacecraft rendezvous and proximity maneuvers. Careful hardware design and preoperational calibration of the stimulator result in high precision and long-term stability. The system can be continuously used over several days. By facilitating a full camera including optics in the loop, the stimulator enables the more realistic simulation of flight maneuvers based on navigation cameras than pure computer simulations or camera stimulations without the involvement of the actual optics.
Narrative and Divination: Artemidorus and Aelius Aristides
Authors: Downie Janet
Published: March 2014

Most ancient evidence for divinatory dreams elides the hermeneutic process. However, the two most expansive literary sources on ancient dreaming, both from the second century CE, focus attention on precisely that issue. Artemidorus’ Oneirocritica and Aelius Aristides’ Hieroi Logoi have very different aims, but both writers grapple with the hermeneutic challenges that dreams pose, and both attribute these challenges to dreams’ narrative quality. Artemidorus views the narrative complexity of dreams as an impediment to interpretation. In his technical treatise, therefore, he distills dream visions to their symbolic elements, and offers guidance on correlating those with the dreamer’s personal narrative. Aristides, by contrast, revels in the narrative abundance of divine dreams. The stories they tell allow him to claim divine endorsement for his self-portrait. For both Aristides and Artemidorus- to different effect in each case-the narrative mode is what distinguishes dreams from other methods of divination.
Can we understand how the Persians perceived ‘other’ gods / ‘the gods of others’?
Authors: Kurth Amélie
Published: March 2014

The article considers the question of how the Persians may have understood and interacted with the gods of the peoples making up their empire. It begins with a clarification of Persian religion in the Achaemenid period, moves on to consider the authority’s relations with local cults, the dedications by individual Persians to local deities and, finally, the behaviour of Persians entering the power sphere of non-Persian deities.
Evaluation of repopulation techniques for the giant kelp Macrocystis pyrifera (Laminariales)
Authors: Vásquez Ximena , Gutiérrez Alfonso , Buschmann Alejandro H. , Flores Roberto , Farías Daniela , Leal Pamela
Published: March 2014

In Chile, the brown alga Macrocystis pyrifera has been subject to strong harvesting pressure, resulting in severe reduction of natural beds, and a threat to the sustainability of the resource. Repopulation is a possible means for the recovery of overexploited natural populations of M. pyrifera. In this study, we determined density (ind. cm-2), length (mm) and biomass (g) of M. pyrifera sporophytes sown on three types of substrata (ceramic plates, pot scrubbers, clam shells). In laboratory experiments, sporophytes on ceramic plates were significantly longer than those on pot scrubbers or shells after 60 days, and their density was also higher. Juvenile sporophytes seeded on the three substrata were transferred to the sea and placed either inside or outside a M. pyrifera forest. At the end of the experiment in the sea under the kelp forest, highest biomass and length were obtained on the clam shell substrates, but the density did not show significant differences between the substrates. However, outside the kelp forest, no significant differences in kelp density or length were observed between the three substrates tested; but the biomass was significantly higher on the clam shells than on the other two substrata. We conclude that the installation of kelp seeded substratum units may be an option for recovery of exploited M. pyrifera forests.