bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reinforcement of bond strength of self-etching orthodontic adhesive
Authors: Horiuchi Shinya , Kuroda Shingo , Hiasa Masahiro , Suge Toshiyuki , Saku Seitaro , Hamada Kenichi , Matsuo Takashi , Asaoka Kenzo , Tanaka Eiji
Published: July 2011

Objective:

To determine the reinforcement of bond strength of a self-etching system by applying a pretreatment agent.

Materials and Methods:

Sixty extracted human premolars were used in this study. The enamel surfaces were treated with four pretreatment agents—phosphoric acid, polyacrylic acid, citric acid, and ammonium hexafluorosilicate (SiF)—and were examined under a scanning electron microscope. Afterward, orthodontic brackets were bonded with a self-etching adhesive system (n  =  10 for each agent), and shear bond strength was measured through a debonding process. The adhesive remnant index (ARI) was also assessed.

Results:

Enamel surfaces treated with polyacrylic acid seemed almost the same as intact enamel. Treatment with SiF induced slight shallow depressions compared with the intact enamel. On the other hand, enamel surfaces treated with citric acid and phosphoric acid showed severe etching patterns. All pretreatments increased the bond strength, but SiF-treated specimens revealed the greatest strength (12.201 ± 1.048 MPa), followed by polyacrylic acid (12.030 ± 2.103 MPa). The control group with no pretreatment showed the least strength (9.078 ± 1.678 MPa). All pretreatments increased ARI score compared with the control group.

Conclusions:

Surface conditioning before bracket adhesion could reinforce the bond strength of the self-etching adhesive system, resulting in a more reliable bonding system.
High Plasma Level of Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 Is an Independent Predictor of Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Chen Cheng , Cheung Bernard M.Y. , Tso Annette W.K. , Wang Yudong , Law Lawrence S.C. , Ong Kwok Leung , Wat Nelson M.S. , Xu Aimin , Lam Karen S.L.
Published: July 2011

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether circulating levels of fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), which previously has been shown to be elevated in obesity, could predict the development of type 2 diabetes in a 5.4-year, population-based, prospective study.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Baseline plasma FGF21 levels were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 1,900 subjects from the Hong Kong Cardiovascular Risk Factor Prevalence Study (CRISPS). The prospective association of FGF21 with diabetes development over 5.4 years was analyzed using multiple logistic regression.

RESULTS

At baseline, plasma levels of FGF21 increased progressively with worsening dysglycemia from normal glucose tolerance, through prediabetes, to diabetes (global trend, P < 0.001). Of 1,292 subjects without diabetes at baseline, a high baseline FGF21 level was a strong independent predictor for diabetes development (odds ratio 1.792; P < 0.01), together with waist circumference and fasting plasma glucose levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Plasma FGF21 levels were significantly increased in subjects with prediabetes and diabetes and predicted the development of diabetes in humans.
The effect of multiple laser alloyed tracklines on the corrosion properties of Al-MMC
Authors: Popoola Patricia A. I. , Pityana Sisa L. , Popoola Olawale M.
Published: July 2011

In real life engineering applications, production of large area coverage is often required especially for preventing material loss and component damage. To enhance such applications, multiple tracklines laser surface alloying of Al/TiB2 was performed to obtain a large area coverage using Nd:YAG laser. The overlap rate was 50%. The characterization of the metal matrix composite was carried out by optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and x-ray diffraction (XRD). Results indicated that the microstructure consist of high concentration of TiB2 distributed in the solid solution at front zone of the tracks corresponding to the overlapped region while the track centers contain similar microstructure but with lower content of TiB2 as indicated by energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS). This microstructure is basically similar to that of a single alloyed trackline, but with different percentages of TiB2 reinforcement. The measured microhardness of the overlapped sample decreased with about 11.6% compared to that of the single alloyed trackline because of higher content of TiB2. A 42% increase in wear resistance of the overlapped sample was achieved compared to the as-received Al sample. Corrosion behavior of the multiple laser trackline samples was better than the single laser trackline sample and the as-received sample.
The Effect of a Hip-Strengthening Program on Mechanics During Running and During a Single-Leg Squat
Authors: Willy Richard W. , Davis Irene S.
Published: July 2011

Study Design

Block randomized controlled trial.

Objectives

To investigate whether a strengthening and movement education program, targeting the hip abductors and hip external rotators, alters hip mechanics during running and during a single-leg squat.

Background

Abnormal movement patterns during running and single-leg squatting have been associated with a number of running-related injuries in females. Therapeutic interventions for these aberrant movement patterns typically include hip strengthening. While these strengthening programs have been shown to improve symptoms, it is unknown if the underlying mechanics during functional movements is altered.

Methods

Twenty healthy females with excessive hip adduction during running, as determined by instrumented gait analysis, were recruited. The runners were matched by age and running distance, and randomized to either a training group or a control group. The training group completed a hip strengthening and movement education program 3 times per week for 6 weeks in addition to single-leg squat training with neuromuscular reeducation consisting of mirror and verbal feedback on proper mechanics. The control group did not receive an intervention but maintained the current running distance. Using a handheld dynamometer and standard motion capture procedures, hip strength and running and single-leg squat mechanics were compared before and after the strengthening and movement education program.

Results

While hip abductor and external rotation strength increased significantly (P<.005) in the training group, there were no significant changes in hip or knee mechanics during running. However, during the single-leg squat, hip adduction, hip internal rotation, and contralateral pelvic drop all decreased significantly (P = .006, P = .006, and P = .02, respectively). The control group exhibited no changes in hip strength, nor in the single-leg squat or running mechanics at the conclusion of the 6-week study.

Conclusion

A training program that included hip strengthening and movement training specific to single-leg squatting did not alter running mechanics but did improve single-leg squat mechanics. These results suggest that hip strengthening and movement training, when not specific to running, do not alter abnormal running mechanics.

Level of Evidence

Therapy, level 2b. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2011;41(9):625–632, Epub 12 July 2011. doi:10.2519/jospt.2011.3470
Effects of phosphorus deficiency on accumulation of biochemical compounds in lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.)
Authors: Sarker Bimal Chandra , Karmoker JL
Published: July 2011

Phosphorus deficiency caused a decrease in the accumulation of reducing sugar in the leaves and stems but increased in the roots of lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.). Accumulation of insoluble protein was depressed in lentil following P-deficiency. Phosphorus deficiency increased proline and phenolic compounds in roots and stems and anthocyanin in leaves compared to control. Key words: Phosphorus deficiency; Accumulation; Biochemical compounds DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjb.v40i1.7992 Bangladesh J. Bot. 40(1): 23-27, 2011 (June)
Karyotype analysis with orcein and CMA in two species of Alocasia (Schott) G. Don (Araceae)
Authors: Sultana Syeda Sharmeen , Ara Hosne , Alam Sheikh Shamimul
Published: July 2011

Alocasia fallax Schott and A. odora (Roxb.) Koch (Araceae) were investigated cytogenetically to confirm their taxonomic status. There is no report of 2n chromosome number for A. fallax in the available literature and internet information. Therefore the 2n chromosome number (2n = 28) found in this study is probably the first report for A. fallax. Alocasia odora showed exactly double 2n chromosome number (2n = 56) from A. fallax. In addition to chromosome number, the other karyotypic features of A. odora were exactly double for that of A. fallax. The centromeric formulae of A. fallax was 24 m + 4 sm whereas it is just double in A. odora. Total length of 2n chromosome complement of A. odora (62.58 μm) was almost double to A. fallax. The range of chromosomal length of the two species was almost same. Moreover, A. odora plant is much taller than A. fallax. All of these data suggests that A. odora might be an autotetraploid of A. fallax which in course of evolution had undergone some changes in GC-rich repeats. Key words: Alocasia; CMA; Karyotype analysis DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjb.v40i1.7998 Bangladesh J. Bot. 40(1): 53-56, 2011 (June)
Effects of NaCl treatments on seed germination and antioxidant activity of canola (Brassica napus L.) cultivars
Authors: Shahbazi E , Arzani A , Saeidi G
Published: July 2011

Effects of salt stress on germination, seedling growth and activity of antioxidant enzymes in leaves of six cultivars of canola (Brassica napus L.) were investigated on two F1 hybrids (Hyola401, Hyola330) and four open pollinated cultivars (Zarfam, Okapi, RGs003 and Sarigol). Seeds were germinated under various levels of salinity (0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 mM NaCl solutions). An increase in NaCl concentrations progressively inhibited seed germination. Hyola401 showed the highest germination percentage at all salinity levels. Seedling growth parameters were affected by salt stress particularly at 150 and 200 mM. Leaf antioxidant activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and glutathione reductase (GR) were increased by salinity increase up to 150 mM while decreased at 200 mM NaCl concentration. Although constitutive levels of activity of antioxidative enzymes were almost the same among the canola cultivars, Hyola401 induced antioxidant enzyme activities were more efficient when subjected to NaCl treatment. Among the tested cultivars, F1 hybrid ‘Hyola401’ could be considered as salt tolerant as possessing higher germination percentage, better seedling growth and antioxidant activities under salinity stress. On the other hand, F1 hybrid ‘Hyola330’ performed inferior to said aspects and was the most susceptible cultivar to salinity stress. Key words: Canola; Brassica napus; Salinity; Antioxidant enzyme; NaCl; Germination DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjb.v40i1.8000 Bangladesh J. Bot. 40(1): 67-73, 2011 (June)
Ecology, morphology and anatomy of Aldrovanda vesiculosa L. (Droseraceae) from Bangladesh
Authors: Zaman M , Naderuzzaman ATM , Hasan Mehedi , Naz Sabrina
Published: July 2011

Ecology, morphology and anatomy of Aldrovanda vesiculosa L. collected from Chalan beel wetland of Rajshahi district in 1987 have been studied. An illustrated account is presented with a review of literature. Key words: Aldrovanda vesiculosa L.; Carnivor; Ecology; Morphology; Bangladesh DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjb.v40i1.8002 Bangladesh J. Bot. 40(1): 85-91, 2011 (June)
Comparative Properties of Amazonian Oils Obtained by Different Extraction Methods
Authors: Ferreira Bianca Silva , De Almeida Camila Guimarães , Faza Lara Pereira , De Almeida Angelina , Diniz Cláudio Galuppo , Silva Vânia Lúcia da , Grazul Richard Michael , Le Hyaric Mireille
Published: July 2011

Pequi (Caryocar brasiliense Camb.), babaçu (Orbignya phalerata Mart.), buriti (Mauritia flexuosa), and passion fruit (Passiflora edulis) oils were studied to determine their antibacterial, antioxidant and cytotoxic activities, as well as their total phenol and carotenoid contents. The fatty acid contents were determined by GC-MS. The three types of passion fruit oils studied were refined, cold pressed or extracted from seeds in a Soxhlet apparatus. The oils thus obtained showed differences in antioxidant activity and carotenoid content, but were similar in regard to total phenols. Buriti and pequi had the highest carotenoid contents, while refined and cold pressed passion fruit oil displayed the highest antioxidant activity. Pequi oil was the only oil to display antibacterial and cytotoxic activity.
Echinacea—A Source of Potent Antivirals for Respiratory Virus Infections
Authors: Hudson James , Vimalanathan Selvarani
Published: July 2011

Extracts of Echinacea species have been used traditionally in North America for the control of symptoms of colds, influenza, and other diseases, and some of them have become very popular as “herbal medicines”. Recent studies have revealed that preparations derived from certain species and plant parts, but not all of them, possess potent antiviral activities, at non-cytotoxic concentrations, particularly against membrane-containing viruses. Thus all strains of human and avian influenza viruses tested (including a Tamiflu-resistant strain), as well as herpes simplex virus, respiratory syncytial virus, and rhinoviruses, were very sensitive to a standardized Echinacea purpurea preparation. In mechanistic studies the influenza virus-specific hemagglutinin and neuraminidase were inhibited. In addition some extracts displayed anti-inflammatory activity in virus-infected cells, and numerous other effects on the expression of cellular genes. Multiple components, either discrete compounds or mixtures, appeared to be responsible for the various antiviral activities.
Banqueroute : la faillite, le crime et la transition vers le capitalisme dans la France moderne
Authors: Hardwick Julie
Published: July 2011

Cet article jette les bases d’une analyse historique de la pratique de la banqueroute criminelle à l’époque moderne, à travers une étude rigoureuse des dynamiques des informations judiciaires sur des éventuelles banqueroutes. Il est fondé sur les archives de la « cour de la conservation », qui s’occupait de ces affaires à Lyon, qui était alors une des plus importantes places de commerce en France à l’époque moderne. Il examine ce qui se passait entre l’ouverture de l’enquête légale et l’annonce de la sentence judiciaire, en étudiant les nombreuses étapes et les divers acteurs qui contribuaient à façonner la notion de « banqueroute ». Une telle méthodologie permet de mettre au jour les facettes très variées des affaires et elle révèle les pistes qui ont été abandonnées, les négociations, et l’entremêlement des questions juridiques, familiales et économiques. Cet article dévoile donc quelques-uns des impératifs sociaux, culturels et juridiques qui ont pesé sur l’intensification des pratiques de marché dans la France de l’époque moderne.
Où il est question d'Italo Calvino, de tulipes, de mariages et de quelques autres
Authors: Ginsburgh Victor
Published: July 2011

Résumé L’auteur montre que ce ne sont ni Maurice Allais [1947], ni Paul Samuelson [1958], qui ont « inventé » le modèle à générations imbriquées, mais bien l’écrivain italien Italo Calvino. Dans un conte écrit en 1944, tout était en place et bien plus, puisque non seulement Calvino montre qu’il existait un équilibre, mais aussi que cet équilibre pouvait être perturbé par une nouvelle génération qui n’adhérait pas au comportement malhonnête des générations existantes. Le modèle est étendu à d’autres situations, comme la bulle des tulipes et celle de Madoff, et à la stabilité, ou plutôt à l’instabilité, de l’institution du mariage.
A Randomized Controlled Trial to Determine the Efficacy of Sign Chi Do Exercise on Adaptation to Aging
Authors: Rogers Carol E. , Keller Colleen , Larkey Linda K. , Ainsworth Barbara E.
Published: July 2011

Sedentary older adults are at risk of decreased physical function that may lead to loss of independence. In addition, low spirituality is associated with all-cause mortality for older adults. Published research studies have not evaluated the effects of spirituality following a meditative movement intervention such as Sign Chi Do (SCD). The Roy Adaptation Model guided the design of a 12-week intervention that tested the effects of SCD compared with a minimal education control group on physiological and self-concept adaptation. Sixty-seven sedentary, community-dwelling older adults were randomized to the SCD or control group. Final analysis included 49 participants after adjusting for dropouts and incomplete data. Measurement of physiological (Timed Up & Go [TUG], 6-minute walk [6-MW], and metabolic equivalent [MET]-minute/week) and self-concept (Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Spiritual Well-Being-12 and Exercise Self-Efficacy) adaptation were completed at baseline (Time 1), 6 (Time 2), and 12 (Time 3) weeks. TUG and MET-minute/week scores improved significantly from Time 1 to Time 3 for the intervention group, and 6-MW at Time 3 showed a significant between-group difference of 271.36 feet. Self-concept measures did not yield significant results. These results indicate that the theoretical factor of Roy’s physiological adaptation (balance and physical function) improved in response to the SCD intervention among sedentary older adults.
Stability of periodic stationary solutions of scalar conservation laws with space-periodic flux
Authors: Dalibard Anne-Laure
Published: July 2011

This article investigates the long-time behaviour of parabolic scalar conservation laws of the type

\partial_t u + \mathrm{div}_yA(y,u) - \Delta_y u=0

, where

y\in\mathbb R^N

and the flux

A

is periodic in

y

. More specifically, we consider the case when the initial data is an

L^1

disturbance of a stationary periodic solution. We show, under polynomial growth assumptions on the flux, that the difference between

u

and the stationary solution behaves in

L^1

norm like a self-similar profile for large times. The proof uses a time and space change of variables which is well-suited for the analysis of the long time behaviour of parabolic equations. Then, convergence in rescaled variables follows from arguments from dynamical systems theory. One crucial point is to obtain compactness in

L^1

on the family of rescaled solutions; this is achieved by deriving uniform bounds in weighted

L^2

spaces.
Uniform growth of groups acting on Cartan–Hadamard spaces
Authors: Besson Gérard , Courtois Gilles , Gallot Sylvestre
Published: July 2011

In this paper we investigate the growth of finitely generated groups. We recall the definition of the algebraic entropy of a group and show that if the group is acting as a discrete subgroup of the isometry group of a Cartan–Hadamard manifold with pinched negative curvature then a Tits alternative is true. More precisely the group is either virtually nilpotent or has a uniform growth bounded below by an explicit constant.
The Influence of fMRI Lie Detection Evidence on Juror Decision‐Making
Authors: McCabe David P. , Castel Alan D. , Rhodes Matthew G.
Published: July 2011

In the current study, we report on an experiment examining whether functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) lie detection evidence would influence potential jurors' assessment of guilt in a criminal trial. Potential jurors (N = 330) read a vignette summarizing a trial, with some versions of the vignette including lie detection evidence indicating that the defendant was lying about having committed the crime. Lie detector evidence was based on evidence from the polygraph, fMRI (functional brain imaging), or thermal facial imaging. Results showed that fMRI lie detection evidence led to more guilty verdicts than lie detection evidence based on polygraph evidence, thermal facial imaging, or a control condition that did not include lie detection evidence. However, when the validity of the fMRI lie detection evidence was called into question on cross‐examination, guilty verdicts were reduced to the level of the control condition. These results provide important information about the influence of lie detection evidence in legal settings. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stereochemical vocabulary for structures that are chiral but not asymmetric: History, analysis, and proposal for a rational terminology
Authors: Gal Joseph
Published: July 2011

Asymmetric objects are necessarily chiral, but a structure may be chiral and not asymmetric if it possesses one or more proper rotation axes. Chiral but not asymmetric molecules are important in chemistry and its applications, but no suitable term exists for the designation of such structures, and their terminology in the literature is confused and chaotic. Dissymmetric has been redefined by some authors as “chiral but not asymmetric,” in conflict both with Pasteur's definition of the term as “not superposable on its mirror image” (without other restrictions, i.e., chiral) and the understanding of the term in stereochemistry. Moreover, dissymmetric and asymmetric are frequently confused because of their similar forms. Furthermore, dissymmetric is widely used in many other definitions in chemistry, physics, and other disciplines. Thus, dissymmetric is unsuitable in the new definition of “chiral but not asymmetric,” and a new term is needed. The adjective “symmanumorphous” is therefore proposed for “chiral but not asymmetric”. “Sym” (from symmetry) indicates the presence of some symmetry in the structure, and “manu” (from “manus,” Latin for hand, e.g., manual, manuscript) refers to its handedness. “Morphous,” from the Greek “morphē,” that is, form, is widely used, for example, anthropomorphous, enantiomorphous, etc. Symmanumorphous is convenient and euphonious and at 15 characters (same as enantiomorphous) is not unduly long. The nouns “a symmanumorph” (a structure that is chiral but not asymmetric) and “symmanumorphism” (the phenomenon of chirality without asymmetry) are also proposed. The new terminology is adaptable in other languages and would contribute to creating order out of linguistic chaos. Chirality, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Highly Fluorous Porphyrins as Model Compounds for Molecule Interferometry
Authors: Tüxen Jens , Eibenberger Sandra , Gerlich Stefan , Arndt Markus , Mayor Marcel
Published: July 2011

The synthesis and characterization of seven tailor‐made highly fluorous porphyrin derivatives are described, as large perfluoroalkyl‐functionalized organic molecules are the most complex objects for which the quantum wave nature has been observed so far. We have found, in particular, that tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)porphyrin is a suitable starting point for a modular synthesis that is geared towards porphyrin derivatives with many peripheral fluorous chains. This allows us to tailor and optimize the sublimation features of these compounds for molecule interferometry. We have analyzed the evaporation process of one member of the series by determining the enthalpy of evaporation, as the creation of a sufficiently intense, slow molecular beam is crucial for quantum interference experiments. We present the quantum fringe pattern of a second member of the series, which we could obtain in a Kapitza–Dirac–Talbot–Lau interferometer.
Studies on the Synthesis and Characterization of PdTiO2SiO2 Nanocomposite for Electroanalytical Applications
Authors: Pandey P. C. , Prakash Arvind
Published: July 2011

A nanocomposite of PdTiO2SiO2 is developed through a sol‐gel process from the reaction products of titanium isopropoxide followed by mixing the same with palladium linked 3‐glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane. The reaction product is sonicated and calcinated to obtain the nanocomposite of PdTiO2SiO2. The calcination at 600 °C yielded an amorphous structure whereas at 900 °C it resulted into a nanocrystalline structure. The nanocomposite of palladium was further characterized by TEM, XRD, IR and EDS. The material acts as an efficient electrocatalyst. Electrocatalysis of ascorbic acid is observed at 0.1 V vs. Ag/AgCl, shows linearity between 1 µM and 1 mM in 0.1 M phosphate buffer (pH 7.0).
Hypomethylation of the 14‐3‐3σ promoter leads to increased expression in non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Radhakrishnan Vijayababu M. , Jensen Taylor J. , Cui Haiyan , Futscher Bernard W. , Martinez Jesse D.
Published: July 2011

The 14‐3‐3 proteins are a set of seven highly conserved proteins that have recently been implicated in having a role in human tumorigenesis. However, the mechanism by which 14‐3‐3 proteins may act in this capacity is not well understood. In this study, we examined the expression of one of the 14‐3‐3 family members, 14‐3‐3σ, since it was shown previously to be aberrantly altered in human tumors. Using quantitative rtPCR and immunohistochemistry, we found that the expression levels of 14‐3‐3σ were elevated in the majority of human non‐small cell lung cancers (NSCLC) we examined. Surprisingly, we found that the 14‐3‐3σ gene was hypomethylated in lung tumors relative to normal lung tissue suggesting that decreased DNA methylation resulted in increased expression of 14‐3‐3σ in NSCLC. We also determined the gene copy number for 14‐3‐3σ in tumor samples and found no significant correlation with elevated mRNA expression. And also no mutations were found in 14‐3‐3σ gene. Overall, our data suggest that misregulated expression of 14‐3‐3σ gene may be due to altered methylation status. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Potential use of weather radar to study movements of wintering waterfowl
Authors: Randall Lori A. , Diehl Robert H. , Wilson Barry C. , Barrow Wylie C. , Jeske Clinton W.
Published: July 2011

To protect and restore wintering waterfowl habitat, managers require knowledge of routine wintering waterfowl movements and habitat use. During preliminary screening of Doppler weather radar data we observed biological movements consistent with routine foraging flights of wintering waterfowl known to occur near Lacassine National Wildlife Refuge (NWR), Louisiana. During the winters of 2004–2005 and 2005–2006, we conducted field surveys to identify the source of the radar echoes emanating from Lacassine NWR. We compared field data to weather radar reflectivity data. Spatial and temporal patterns consistent with foraging flight movements appeared in weather radar data on all dates of field surveys. Dabbling ducks were the dominant taxa flying within the radar beam during the foraging flight period. Using linear regression, we found a positive log‐linear relationship between average radar reflectivity (Z) and number of birds detected over the study area (P < 0.001, r2 = 0.62, n = 40). Ground observations and the statistically significant relationship between radar data and field data confirm that Doppler weather radar recorded the foraging flights of dabbling ducks. Weather radars may be effective tools for wintering waterfowl management because they provide broad‐scale views of both diurnal and nocturnal movements. In addition, an extensive data archive enables the study of wintering waterfowl response to habitat loss, agricultural practices, wetland restoration, and other research questions that require multiple years of data. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.
Interaction of inhibitors with corrosion scale formed on N80 steel in CO2‐saturated NaCl solution
Authors: Liu D. , Qiu Y. B. , Tomoe Y. , Bando K. , Guo X. P.
Published: July 2011

The performance of the selected inhibitors, including thioglycolic acid (TGA), diethylenetriamine (DETA), and naphthene acid imidazolines (IM), on the bare surface of N80 steel and its scaled surface pre‐corroded in CO2‐saturated 1%NaCl solution was investigated by weight‐loss method, electrochemical measurements using rotating cylinder electrode and surface analytical methods (SEM, XRD, and EPMA). The results indicate that there is a remarkable difference in inhibition efficiency of inhibitors on the N80 steel with and without pre‐corrosion scale. The synergistic effect between inhibitors and corrosion scale not only depends on the size of inhibitor molecules, but also depends on the interaction of the inhibitor with the corrosion scale. It shows that IM and DETA have a good positive synergistic effect with the corrosion scale formed on N80 steel, although DETA has no inhibition efficiency for bare N80 steel, which can easily enter into the apertures of the corrosion scale, and block the active sites on the metal surface and the diffusion routeways of the reactant so as to depress the corrosion of the substrate metal. While TGA shows excellent inhibition efficiency on bare N80 steel, but it has an antagonistic effect with the corrosion scale although it has a small molecular weight as well as DETA, because TGA can dissolve corrosion scale and break its integrality and protectiveness performance.
Failure analysis of leakage on titanium tubes within heat exchangers in a nuclear power plant. Part I: Electrochemical corrosion
Authors: Yang Z.‐G. , Gong Y. , Yuan J.‐Z.
Published: July 2011

Titanium tubes generally exhibit superior resistance against electrochemical corrosions amid seawater for their passive films TiO2. However, hydrogen‐assisted corrosion (HAC) is actually the Achilles' heel to titanium materials when the temperature exceeds near 70 °C. In this event, severe degradations like quick thinning and leakage were frequently detected on a large number of titanium tubes exposed to natural seawater environment within heat exchangers in a nuclear power plant, which caused serious safety problems. This paper is the Part I of totally two parts conducted for the whole failure analysis study, mainly focusing on electrochemical aspect of failure causes and their behaviors. By means of over ten kinds of characterization methods, the analysis results identified that the HAC induced by the interaction effects between galvanic corrosion and crevice corrosion led to local bulges of the inner walls of some titanium tubes, and then the bulges were quickly thinned and eventually ruptured under the eddy erosion from the seawater containing sediment particles. Finally, relevant mechanisms were addressed in detail and prevention methods were proposed as well.
Anodizing of aluminium screws through direct and liquid contacting – a technology comparison
Authors: Brendler G. , Scharf I. , Härtel M. , Nickel D. , Hellmig R. J. , Alisch G. , Lampke T.
Published: July 2011

Die Umsetzung der Mischbauweise in der Automobilindustrie und in der Luft‐ und Raumfahrt stellt das Fügen mittels Schraube vor neue Problemstellungen. Anodisierte hochfeste Aluminiumschrauben sollen gewindefurchende Stahlschrauben ersetzen und die Schädigung der Werkstoffverbunde durch elektrochemische Korrosion verhindern. Untersucht wurden die Korrosions‐ und Verschleißbeständigkeit sowie das Einschraubverhalten anodisierter Aluminiumschrauben bezüglich der gewählten Verfahrensvarianten Direkt‐ bzw. Flüssigkontaktierung. Die hartanodisieren Schrauben sind korrosions‐ und verschleißbeständig und eignen sich für die Direktverschraubung. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass durch eine gezielte Oberflächenveredelung der Anwendungsbereich von anodisierten Aluminiumschrauben deutlich erweitert werden kann.
Visual plus nonvisual hallucinations in Parkinson's disease: Development and evolution over 10 years
Authors: Goetz Christopher G. , Stebbins Glenn T. , Ouyang Bichun
Published: July 2011

The objective of the study was to assess the development and evolution of visual and nonvisual hallucinations in patients with Parkinson's disease over 10 years. Hallucinations increase over time, but minimal attention has been placed on nonvisual domains. We studied 60 patients with Parkinson's disease who had never hallucinated at baseline and followed them over 10 years. The Rush Hallucination Inventory monitored frequency and type (visual, auditory, tactile, olfactory) of hallucinations at baseline and after 0.5, 1.5, 4, 6, and 10 years. Descriptive statistics were applied, and general estimating equation modeling assessed longitudinal risks. Over 10 years, visual hallucinations were endorsed by patients more frequently than other sensory modalities. Whereas isolated visual hallucinations dominated the early hallucination profile, visual plus nonvisual hallucinations accounted for progressively higher proportions of hallucinators over 10 years: 0.5 years, 0%; 4 years, 26%; 6 years, 47%; 10 years, 60% (odds ratio, 1.17; confidence interval, 1.01–1.37; P = .04). Once visual plus nonvisual hallucinations developed, the risk of continuing to have multidomain hallucinations was high (odds ratio, 3.67; confidence interval, 1.13–11.93; P = .03). Hallucination severity was highly associated with current visual plus nonvisual hallucinations (odds ratio, 4.06; confidence interval, 2.93–5.61; P < .0001) and the continuation of multidomain hallucinations (odds ratio, 1.58; confidence interval, 1.12–2.24; P = .01). Whereas visual hallucinations in isolation are classic in Parkinson's disease, nonvisual hallucinations emerge over time, and the combination of visual with nonvisual hallucinations predominates in late Parkinson's disease. To capture the breadth and severity of hallucinations in chronically hallucinating patients with Parkinson's disease, screening inventories and practice‐based interviews must include questions on both visual and nonvisual components. © 2011 Movement Disorder Society
Exploration of alpine orographic precipitation patterns with radar image processing and clustering techniques
Authors: Foresti Loris , Pozdnoukhov Alexei
Published: July 2011

A methodology of exploratory data analysis investigating the phenomenon of orographic precipitation enhancement is proposed. The precipitation observations obtained from three Swiss Doppler weather radars are analysed for the major precipitation event of August 2005 in the Alps. Image processing techniques are used to detect significant precipitation cells/pixels from radar images while filtering out spurious effects due to ground clutter. The contribution of topography to precipitation patterns is described by an extensive set of topographical descriptors computed from the digital elevation model at multiple spatial scales. Additionally, the motion vector field is derived from subsequent radar images and integrated into a set of topographic features to highlight the slopes exposed to main flows. Following the exploratory data analysis with a recent algorithm of spectral clustering, it is shown that orographic precipitation cells are generated under specific flow and topographic conditions. Repeatability of precipitation patterns in particular spatial locations is found to be linked to specific local terrain shapes, e.g. at the top of hills and on the upwind side of the mountains. This methodology and our empirical findings for the Alpine region provide a basis for building computational data‐driven models of orographic enhancement and triggering of precipitation. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
Polyethylene Nanocomposites Obtained by in situ Polymerization via a Metallocene Catalyst Supported on Silica Nanospheres
Authors: Zapata Paula A. , Quijada Raúl , Lieberwirth Ingo , Benavente Rosario
Published: July 2011

Polyethylene (PE) nanocomposites were produced through in situ polymerization using bis(n‐butylcyclopentadienyl) zirconium dichloride (nBuCp)2ZrCl2 supported on silica nanospheres (SN) with diameters of 80–100 nm synthesized by the sol–gel method. The metallocene catalyst was either supported directly on the SN or on SN pretreated with methylaluminoxane (MAO). The effect of zirconium loading on the catalytic behavior and polymer properties was studied. High catalytic activities, comparable with homogeneous polymerizations, were found when the metallocene catalyst was supported directly on the SN. The catalytic activity was lower when the catalyst was supported on the MAO‐treated SN. The molecular weight of the PEs obtained using the supported systems were 40% higher than homogeneous system. TEM images show that the nanospheres were well dispersed throughout the PE matrix. There was a significant improvement in the morphology of the polymer particles for support systems.

magnified image
Miniemulsion Polymerisation Via Reversible Addition Fragmentation Chain Transfer in Pseudo‐Bulk Regime
Authors: Jung Simon M. , Gomes Vincent G.
Published: July 2011

A mathematical model of reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) living miniemulsion polymerisation based on pseudo‐bulk kinetics was developed and validated successfully with experimental data. In this work, in case of large particles synthesis by RAFT miniemulsion polymerisation greater than cross‐over size, the developed mathematical model in pseudo‐bulk regime reasonably matches with the experimental results and predicts the key polymer properties such as average molecular weight and MWD, average particle size and PSD. Consequently, optimal strategy of semi‐batch operation was developed using monomer and RAFT agent feed rate as process variables with specified initial conditions.

magnified image
Psychosocial services in the first 30 days after diagnosis: Results of a web‐based survey of children's oncology group (COG) member institutions
Authors: Selove Rebecca , Kroll Thilo , Coppes Max , Cheng Yao
Published: July 2011

Background

This study examines what proportion of families of recently diagnosed pediatric cancer patients are offered recommended psychosocial services, and if that proportion is linked to size of institution or number of psychosocial staff.

Procedures

A web‐based survey was offered to all institutions belonging to the Children's Oncology Group (COG).

Results

Respondents from 127/212 (=59.9%) COG institutions provided information about percentage of families offered specific services within the first 30 days after diagnosis, and barriers to providing such services, as well as information about other factors that might affect their ability to provide psychosocial care. All sites reported that ≥50% of families are offered 21 of the 27 services investigated in this study. Over half of respondents (n = 290) indicated that inadequate funding for staff (72%) and families' time constraints (63%) were barriers to providing psychosocial care. There was a positive relationship between the total number of psychosocial staff and the number of new patients seen annually (Pearson correlation = 0.3409, P‐value < 0.0004), but not between the total number of psychosocial staff and specific services offered. Most sites do not use validated assessment tools or evidence‐based psychosocial interventions.

Conclusions

While some version of most recommended psychosocial services are offered across COG institutions, evidence‐based psychosocial services are offered at only 11% of sites. Advances in psychosocial outcomes in pediatric oncology could be accelerated by multi‐site collaboration, use of standardized assessment tools, and evidence‐based interventions. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2012; 58: 435–440. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A short redactable signature scheme using pairing
Authors: Lim Seongan , Lee Eunjeong , Park Cheol‐Min
Published: July 2011

Redactable signature schemes permit deletion of arbitrary substrings of a signed document while preserving the authenticity of the remaining document. Most of known redactable signatures based on pairing have large‐sized signatures and the sizes depend on the product of security parameter and the number of blocks of the redacted document. In this paper, we present a short redactable signature scheme based on pairing. We modify Waters signature scheme to obtain an underlying standard signature defined on composite‐order bilinear group. The modified scheme satisfies the unforgeability under the known message attack based on the Computational Diffie–Hellman assumption. Based on the modified Waters signature, we propose a short redactable signature that is existentially unforgeable under random message attack and weakly private. The size of the proposed scheme is 20% of known redactable signatures using aggregated pairing‐based signatures when half of the message blocks are deleted. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Causal models for randomized trials with two active treatments and continuous compliance
Authors: Ma Yan , Roy Jason , Marcus Bess
Published: July 2011

In many clinical trials, compliance with assigned treatment could be measured on a continuous scale (e.g., the proportion of assigned treatment actually taken). In general, inference about principal causal effects can be challenging, particularly when there are two active treatments; the problem is exacerbated for continuous measures of compliance. We address this issue by first proposing a structural model for the principal effects. We then specify compliance models within each arm of the study. These marginal models are identifiable. The joint distribution of the observed and counterfactual compliance variables is assumed to follow a Gaussian copula model, which links the two marginal models and includes a dependence parameter that cannot be identified. This dependence parameter can be varied as part of a sensitivity analysis. We illustrate the methodology with an analysis of data from a smoking cessation trial. As part of the analysis, we estimate causal effects at particular levels of the compliance variables and within subpopulations that have similar compliance behavior. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Establishment of Human Trophoblast Progenitor Cell Lines from the Chorion
Authors: Genbacev Olga , Donne Matthew , Kapidzic Mirhan , Gormley Matthew , Lamb Julie , Gilmore Jacqueline , Larocque Nicholas , Goldfien Gabriel , Zdravkovic Tamara , McMaster Michael T. , Fisher Susan J.
Published: July 2011

Placental trophoblasts are key determinants of in utero development. Mouse trophoblast (TB) stem cells, which were first derived over a decade ago, are a powerful cell culture model for studying their self-renewal or differentiation. Our attempts to isolate an equivalent population from the trophectoderm of human blastocysts generated colonies that quickly differentiated in vitro. This finding suggested that the human placenta has another progenitor niche. Here, we show that the chorion is one such site. Initially, we immunolocalized pluripotency factors and TB fate determinants in the early gestation placenta, amnion, and chorion. Immunoreactive cells were numerous in the chorion. We isolated these cells and plated them in medium containing fibroblast growth factor which is required for human embryonic stem cell self-renewal, and an inhibitor of activin/nodal signaling. Colonies of polarized cells with a limited lifespan emerged. Trypsin dissociation yielded continuously self-replicating monolayers. Colonies and monolayers formed the two major human TB lineages—multinucleate syncytiotrophoblasts and invasive cytotrophoblasts (CTBs). Transcriptional profiling experiments revealed the factors associated with the self-renewal or differentiation of human chorionic TB progenitor cells (TBPCs). They included imprinted genes, NR2F1/2, HMGA2, and adhesion molecules that were required for TBPC differentiation. Together, the results of these experiments suggested that the chorion is one source of epithelial CTB progenitors. These findings explain why CTBs of fully formed chorionic villi have a modest mitotic index and identify the chorionic mesoderm as a niche for TBPCs that support placental growth.
Treatment of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells with Angiotensin Receptor Blocker Improved Efficiency of Cardiomyogenic Transdifferentiation and Improved Cardiac Function via Angiogenesis
Authors: Numasawa Yohei , Kimura Takehiro , Miyoshi Shunichiro , Nishiyama Nobuhiro , Hida Naoko , Tsuji Hiroko , Tsuruta Hikaru , Segawa Kaoru , Ogawa Satoshi , Umezawa Akihiro
Published: July 2011

To improve the modest efficacy of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) transplantation, the treatment of human MSCs with angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) was investigated. MSCs were cultured with or without the medium containing 3 μmol/l of ARBs before cardiomyogenic induction. After cardiomyogenic induction in vitro, cardiomyogenic transdifferentiation efficiency (CTE) was calculated by immunocytochemistry using anticardiac troponin-I antibody. In the nude rat chronic myocardial infarction model, we injected MSCs pretreated with candesartan (A-BM; n = 18) or injected MSCs without pretreatment of candesartan (BM; n = 25), each having survived for 2 weeks. The left ventricular function, as measured by echocardiogram, was compared with cardiomyogenic transdifferentiation in vivo, as determined by immunohistochemistry. Pretreatment with ARBs significantly increased the CTE in vitro (10.1 ± 0.8 n = 12 vs. 4.6 ± 0.3% n = 25, p < .05). Transplantation of candesartan-pretreated MSCs significantly improved the change in left ventricular ejection fraction (BM; −7.2 ± 2.0 vs. A-BM; 3.3 ± 2.3%). Immunohistochemistry revealed significant improvement of cardiomyogenic transdifferentiation in A-BM in vivo (BM; 0 ± 0 vs. A-BM; 0.014 ± 0.006%). Transplantation of ARB-pretreated MSCs significantly improved cardiac function and can be a promising cardiac stem cell source from which to expect cardiomyogenesis.
Use of maternal healthcare services in 10 provinces of rural western China
Authors: Liu Xiaoning , Zhou Xiaoyan , Yan Hong , Wang Duolao
Published: July 2011

Objective

To explore maternal healthcare utilization in rural western China, and to analyze the socioeconomic and demographic determinants associated with use of maternal health services.

Methods

Between July and August 2005, 14 112 women from 45 counties in 10 western provinces of China were enrolled in a cross‐sectional study by a multi‐stage probability sampling method. The women completed a structured questionnaire, and a 2‐level logistic regression model was used to examine the data.

Results

The proportion of women who had prenatal care was 95%. The average number of prenatal visits was 4.94. The proportion of women who had more than 4 prenatal visits was 52.9%, and 66.9% of these had their first prenatal visit within 12 weeks of gestation. The hospital delivery rate was 86.3%. The frequency of postnatal visits was 84.8%, and the average number of postnatal visits was 2.19. Han ethnicity, higher education, lower parity, higher wealth index, and lower altitude of county had a higher odds ratio for more than 4 prenatal visits, hospital delivery, and postnatal visits.

Conclusion

Maternal healthcare utilization seems to be associated with socio‐economic and regional factors. The Chinese government should focus on the supply, funding, and quality of maternity services in rural areas.
Potassium‐encapsulated arsenic‐dithiolato compounds: Synthesis, structural calculation, and biological relevance
Authors: Hsu Sodio C.N. , Lin Troy T.Y. , Chen Hsing‐Yin , Chuo Shih‐Wei , Kao Chai‐Lin , Chen Po‐Yu , Hung Min‐Yuan
Published: July 2011

This study based on the synthesis, characterization, and structural calculation of small molecular potassium‐encapsulated arsenic‐dithiolato compounds will provide fundamental knowledge about arsenic metabolism behavior in biological system. Two novel air‐stable potassium‐encapsulated arsenic‐dithiolato compounds, [K@As2(L1)3](BF4) (1) and [K@As2(L2)3](BF4) (2), were prepared using deprotonated 2,6‐bis(mercaptomethyl)pyridine (L1H2) and 1,3‐dimercapto‐m‐xylene (L2H2) to react with AsCl3 in the presence of potassium cation. Compounds 1 and 2 have been characterized by electrospray ionization‐mass spectra, nuclear magnetic resonance spectra, and elemental microanalysis. Density functional theory calculation also supports the formation and binding properties of the potassium‐encapsulated arsenic‐dithiolato compounds.