bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and evaluation of demulsifiers with polyethyleneimine as accepter for treating crude oil emulsions
Authors: Wang Chengjie , Fang Shenwen , Duan Ming , Xiong Yan , Ma Yongzhang , Chen Wenjuan
Published: February 2015

Demulsifiers provide an important means of breaking water‐in‐crude oil, which are formed during crude oil exploitation. In present work, twenty polyether copolymers based on polyethyleneimine (PEI) were synthesized. The interfacial properties of the PEI polyethers at the water‐crude oil interface were described by interfacial tension (IFT) and interfacial dilational modulus. The effects of position isomerism, size of intermediate and ratio of ethylene oxide (EO)/propylene oxide (PO) on the demulsification efficiency of these polyethers were studied. The results show that different positions of the EO and PO in copolymers lead to huge difference in both interfacial properties and demulsification performance. Polymers with hydrophilic core and hydrophobic tails (Ex‐mn series) are not efficient on demulsification of water‐in‐oil emulsion whereas polymers with hydrophobic core and hydrophilic tails (Px‐mn series) are. Meanwhile, Px‐mn series show higher IFT and lower interfacial dilational modulus than Ex‐mn series. In the same series, the IFT and interfacial dilational modulus decrease with decreasing EO/PO ratio. In the series with best demulsification performance (P199‐mn series), 60 min water removal rates of the polymers increase with decreasing EO/PO ratio at 65°C. In other words, the longer the hydrophobic blocks of polymers, the stronger the demulsification capacity. The effect of concentration of demulsifier on the demulsification efficiency was also investigated. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Unexpected dimerization of 1,3‐dimethyl‐5‐methylenebarbituric acid revealed by a combined experimental and computational study
Authors: Doser Bernd , Sweidan Kamal , Kuhn Norbert , Ochsenfeld Christian
Published: February 2015

A comparison of experimental and calculated 13C‐nuclear magnetic resonance chemical shifts reveals the molecular structure of a dimer that was obtained by an unexpected dimerization of 1,3‐dimethyl‐5‐methylenebarbituric acid. Furthermore, the puckering angle of the cyclobutane unit linking the six‐membered rings is discussed in detail. The influence of substituents on 1,3‐position of the cyclobutane ring on the puckering angle is demonstrated based on 1,1,3,3‐tetramethylcyclobutane. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Active Sensing for Monitoring the Properties of Solid Rocket Motor Propellant Grains
Authors: Lopatin Craig , Grinstein Dan
Published: February 2015

Aging induced changes in the mechanical properties of solid propellant can lead to defects, such as cracks and grain‐liner separations, that limit the service lifetime of solid rocket motors. The use of embedded sensors is one approach that is being explored by various researchers to augment legacy inspection and prediction methods. We present herein an active sensing technique that is particularly suited for monitoring the properties of solid propellant, as it does not introduce electrical wires into the motor. Based on the use of magnetic induction for excitation and an optical fiber Bragg grating sensor to measure deformation, the method can be used to characterize the properties of a material with which it is in contact. In this paper, we first present proof‐of‐principal experiments demonstrating the utility of the method in characterizing the visco‐elastic properties of an adhesive, and in following changes in viscosity of an epoxy resin during cure. We next apply the method to solid propellant, and present data demonstrating that the method can be used to measure a deflection‐load curve of an aluminized HTPB propellant. In addition, we also show that the observed strain rate sensitivity matches that found in the literature and that the method had more than adequate resolution to observe the expected changes in material properties due to aging.
Partitioning of turbulent flux reveals contrasting cooling potential for woody vegetation and grassland during heat waves
Authors: Yunusa Isa A. M. , Eamus Derek , Taylor Daniel , Whitley Rhys , Gwenzi Willis , Palmer Anthony R. , Li Zheng
Published: February 2015

We compared the capacity of woody versus grassy vegetation covers to buffer high temperatures during heat waves by partitioning turbulent heat between latent (λE) and sensible (H) fluxes, and quantifying advection using the Priestley‐Taylor coefficient (α), for a16‐year old grassland and an adjoining 6‐year old plantation. We found that because λE dominated (>65%) the turbulent flux in the plantation and was at least twice as large as on the grassland (λE< 35% of the turbulent flux) during heat waves, the ambient temperature over the plantation was up to 5 °C lower in the afternoon, and averaged 1.2 °C lower for the whole day, compared with the grassland. Both vegetation covers emitted significant amounts of H when soil water availability was limited and also in winter when canopy cover was mostly inactive because of dormancy in the grassland and mutual shading in the plantation due to low solar angle. During the winter, advection of additional energy from surrounding vegetation suppressed λE and reduced α to <1.0 in both vegetation covers. Advection enhanced λE during periods of frequent rainfalls in summer, with mean α rising to 2.6 in the grassland and 3.4 in the plantation. Consistently low λE but high H made the grassland a source rather than a sink for advective energy, while the plantation was the opposite. The broadleaved evergreen woody vegetation consistently maintained a larger λE than the grassland in this mid‐latitude environment, contrary to the smaller λE observed over mostly coniferous forests at high (northern) latitudes (>35°). Annual evapotranspiration was 54% lower from the grassland (384 mm) than from the plantation (834 mm). Woody vegetation covers dominated by broadleaved species are therefore preferred for buffering extreme high temperatures during heat waves and recommended for rehabilitating degraded landscapes in urban areas. We also present functions for approximating α for soil water limited conditions.
Production of Gene-Corrected Adult Beta Globin Protein in Human Erythrocytes Differentiated from Patient iPSCs After Genome Editing of the Sickle Point Mutation
Authors: Huang Xiaosong , Wang Ying , Yan Wei , Smith Cory , Ye Zhaohui , Wang Jing , Gao Yongxing , Mendelsohn Laurel , Cheng Linzhao
Published: February 2015

Human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and genome editing provide a precise way to generate gene-corrected cells for disease modeling and cell therapies. Human iPSCs generated from sickle cell disease (SCD) patients have a homozygous missense point mutation in the HBB gene encoding adult β-globin proteins, and are used as a model system to improve strategies of human gene therapy. We demonstrate that the CRISPR/Cas9 system designer nuclease is much more efficient in stimulating gene targeting of the endogenous HBB locus near the SCD point mutation in human iPSCs than zinc finger nucleases and TALENs. Using a specific guide RNA and Cas9, we readily corrected one allele of the SCD HBB gene in human iPSCs by homologous recombination with a donor DNA template containing the wild-type HBB DNA and a selection cassette that was subsequently removed to avoid possible interference of HBB transcription and translation. We chose targeted iPSC clones that have one corrected and one disrupted SCD allele for erythroid differentiation assays, using an improved xeno-free and feeder-free culture condition we recently established. Erythrocytes from either the corrected or its parental (uncorrected) iPSC line were generated with similar efficiencies. Currently ∼6%–10% of these differentiated erythrocytes indeed lacked nuclei, characteristic of further matured erythrocytes called reticulocytes. We also detected the 16-kDa β-globin protein expressed from the corrected HBB allele in the erythrocytes differentiated from genome-edited iPSCs. Our results represent a significant step toward the clinical applications of genome editing using patient-derived iPSCs to generate disease-free cells for cell and gene therapies. Stem Cells  2015;33:1470–1479
Genome Modification Leads to Phenotype Reversal in Human Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1 Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Neural Stem Cells
Authors: Xia Guangbin , Gao Yuanzheng , Jin Shouguang , Subramony S.H. , Terada Naohiro , Ranum Laura P.W. , Swanson Maurice S. , Ashizawa Tetsuo
Published: February 2015

Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is caused by expanded CTG repeats in the 3'-untranslated region (3′ UTR) of the DMPK gene. Correcting the mutation in DM1 stem cells would be an important step toward autologous stem cell therapy. The objective of this study is to demonstrate in vitro genome editing to prevent production of toxic mutant transcripts and reverse phenotypes in DM1 stem cells. Genome editing was performed in DM1 neural stem cells (NSCs) derived from human DM1 induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. An editing cassette containing SV40/bGH polyA signals was integrated upstream of the CTG repeats by TALEN-mediated homologous recombination (HR). The expression of mutant CUG repeats transcript was monitored by nuclear RNA foci, the molecular hallmarks of DM1, using RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization. Alternative splicing of microtubule-associated protein tau (MAPT) and muscleblind-like (MBNL) proteins were analyzed to further monitor the phenotype reversal after genome modification. The cassette was successfully inserted into DMPK intron 9 and this genomic modification led to complete disappearance of nuclear RNA foci. MAPT and MBNL 1, 2 aberrant splicing in DM1 NSCs were reversed to normal pattern in genome-modified NSCs. Genome modification by integration of exogenous polyA signals upstream of the DMPK CTG repeat expansion prevents the production of toxic RNA and leads to phenotype reversal in human DM1 iPS-cells derived stem cells. Our data provide proof-of-principle evidence that genome modification may be used to generate genetically modified progenitor cells as a first step toward autologous cell transfer therapy for DM1. Stem Cells  2015;33:1829–1838
Hypoxic Preconditioning of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Induces Metabolic Changes, Enhances Survival, and Promotes Cell Retention In Vivo
Authors: Beegle Julie , Lakatos Kinga , Kalomoiris Stefanos , Stewart Heather , Isseroff R. Rivkah , Nolta Jan A. , Fierro Fernando A.
Published: February 2015

Mesenchymal stem cells/multipotent stromal cells (MSCs) are promising therapeutics for a variety of conditions. However, after transplantation, cell retention remains extremely challenging. Given that many hypoxic signals are transitory and that the therapeutic administration of MSCs is typically into tissues that are normally hypoxic, we studied the effect of hypoxic preconditioning (HP) prior to new exposure to hypoxia. We show that preincubation for 2 days or more in 1% oxygen reduces serum deprivation-mediated cell death, as observed by higher cell numbers and lower incorporation of EthD-III and Annexin V. Consistently, HP-MSCs expressed significantly lower levels of cytochrome c and heme oxygenase 1 as compared to controls. Most importantly, HP-MSCs showed enhanced survival in vivo after intramuscular injection into immune deficient NOD/SCID-IL2Rgamma−/− mice. Interestingly, HP-MSCs consume glucose and secrete lactate at a slower rate than controls, possibly promoting cell survival, as glucose remains available to the cells for longer periods of time. In addition, we compared the metabolome of HP-MSCs to controls, before and after hypoxia and serum deprivation, and identified several possible mediators for HP-mediated cell survival. Overall, our findings suggest that preincubation of MSCs for 2 days or more in hypoxia induces metabolic changes that yield higher retention after transplantation. Stem Cells  2015;33:1818–1828
Experience‐sensitive epigenetic mechanisms, developmental plasticity, and the biological embedding of chronic disease risk
Authors: Cunliffe Vincent T.
Published: February 2015

A wide range of developmental, nutritional, environmental, and social factors affect the biological activities of epigenetic mechanisms. These factors change spatiotemporal patterns of gene expression in a variety of different ways and bring significant impacts to bear on development, physiology, and disease risk throughout the life course. Abundant evidence demonstrates that behavioral stressors and adverse nutritional conditions are particularly potent inducers of epigenetic changes and enhancers of chronic disease risks. Recent insights from both human clinical studies and research with model organisms further indicate that such experience‐dependent changes to the epigenome can be transmitted through the germline across multiple generations, with important consequences for the heritability of both adaptive and maladaptive phenotypes. Epigenetics research thus offers many possibilities for developing informative biomarkers of acquired chronic disease risk and determining the effectiveness of preventive and therapeutic interventions. Moreover, the experience‐sensitive nature of these disease risks raises important questions about societal and individual responsibilities for the prevention of ill‐health and the promotion of well‐being during development, across the life course and between generations. Better understanding of how epigenetic mechanisms regulate developmental plasticity and mediate the biological embedding of chronic disease risks is therefore likely to shed important new light on the nature of the pathophysiological mechanisms linking social and health inequalities, and will help to inform public policy initiatives in this area. WIREs Syst Biol Med 2015, 7:53–71. doi: 10.1002/wsbm.1291

This article is categorized under:

Developmental Biology > Developmental Processes in Health and Disease

Physiology > Physiology of Model Organisms

Biological Mechanisms > Regulatory Biology
Flux Synthesis, Modulated Crystal Structures, and Physical Properties of REMn0.5SeO (RE = La, Ce)
Authors: Peschke Simon , Nitsche Fabian , Johrendt Dirk
Published: February 2015

The selenide oxides REMn0.5SeO (RE = La, Ce) were synthesized by heating RE2O3, RE, Mn, and Se in a NaI/KI flux at 800 °C, and their modulated crystal structures determined by X‐ray single crystal and powder diffraction {P 1 1 2/n(αβ½)0s, Z = 2, LaMn0.5SeO: a = 405.7(1), b = 405.7(1), c = 915.2(1) pm, γ = 90°, q = [1/10, –1/10, ½]; CeMn0.5SeO: a = 402.0(1), b = 401.8(1), c = 910.7(1) pm, γ = 90.000(4)°, q = [0.0789(2), –0.0783(2), ½]}. The structures are related to the ZrCuSiAs‐type structure with ordered vacancies at the manganese sites. The resulting modulations of the checkerboard pattern in the [Mn0.5Se] layers can be approximated by 10a × 10b × 2c and 51a × 51b × 2c supercells in LaMn0.5SeO and CeMn0.5SeO, respectively. Both compounds are insulators. The optical bandgap of LaMn0.5SeO was determined to 2.13 eV from the Kubelka‐Munk function. Magnetic measurements indicate antiferromagnetic ordering of the Mn2+ moments with Néel points well above room temperature, as known from related manganese compounds.
Stability and symmetry breaking in the general three-Higgs-doublet model
Authors: Maniatis M. , Nachtmann O.
Published: February 2015

Abstract

Stability, electroweak symmetry breaking, and the stationarity equations of the general three-Higgs doublet model (3HDM) where all doublets carry the same hypercharge are discussed in detail. Employing the bilinear formalism the study of the 3HDM potential turns out to be straightforward.
Daily temperature grids for Austria since 1961—concept, creation and applicability
Authors: Hiebl Johann , Frei Christoph
Published: February 2015

Current interest into past climate change and its potential role for changes in the environment call for spatially distributed climate datasets of high temporal resolution and extending over several decades. To foster such research, we present a new gridded dataset of daily minimum and maximum temperature covering Austria at 1-km resolution and extending back till 1961 at daily time resolution. To account for the complex and highly variable thermal distributions in this high-mountain region, we adapt and employ a recently published interpolation method that estimates nonlinear temperature profiles with altitude and accounts for the non-Euclidean spatial representativity of station measurements. The spatial analysis builds upon 150 station series in and around Austria (homogenised where available), all of which extend over or were gap-filled to cover the entire study period. The restriction to (almost) complete records shall avoid long-term inconsistencies from changes in the station network. Systematic leave-one-out cross-validation reveals interpolation errors (mean absolute error) of about 1 °C. Errors are relatively larger for minimum compared to maximum temperatures, for the interior of the Alps compared to the flatland and for winter compared to summer. Visual comparisons suggest that valley-scale inversions and föhn are more realistically captured in the new compared to existing datasets. The usefulness of the presented dataset (SPARTACUS) is illustrated in preliminary analyses of long-term trends in climate impact indices. These reveal spatially variable and eventually considerable changes in the thermal climate in Austria.
AH-7921: the list of new psychoactive opioids is expanded
Authors: Katselou Maria , Papoutsis Ioannis , Nikolaou Panagiota , Spiliopoulou Chara , Athanaselis Sotiris
Published: February 2015

AH-7921 is a structurally unique synthetic opioid analgesic that has recently entered the drug arena in Europe, the USA, and Japan. Although it was synthesized and patented in the mid-1970s, it was first identified in a seized sample purchased via the Internet in July 2012 and formally brought to the attention of the European Union early warning system in August 2012 by the United Kingdom. Several in vitro experiments and animal model studies established the morphine-like analgesic action of AH-7921 as a μ-opioid receptor agonist that has been found to be several times more potent than codeine and at least as potent as morphine. This novel psychoactive substance has already led to eight non-fatal intoxications and 16 deaths in Sweden, the United Kingdom, Norway, and the USA. Thus, AH-7921 is a current public health risk, and better international collaboration, effective legislation and continuous community alertness are needed to tackle this current growing problem. The aim of this review is to summarize the current knowledge about this drug concerning its chemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology, as well as its international legal status. The limited existing analytical methodologies for the determination of AH-7921 in biological samples are also presented. Published or reported AH-7921-related cases, fatalities, or intoxications, and self reports from drug users are reviewed.
Modified Percutaneous Needle Aponeurotomy for the Treatment of Dupuytren's Contracture: Early Results and Complications
Authors: Herrera Fernando A. , Mitchell Scott , Elzik Mark , Roostaeian Jason , Benhaim Prosper
Published: February 2015

Background

The purpose of our study was to identify postoperative results and complications using a percutaneous approach to treat Dupuytren's contracture in a consecutive series of patients.

Methods

A review of all patients with Dupuytren's contracture treated with percutaneous needle aponeurotomy (NA) from 2008 to 2010 was performed. Patient demographics, digits affected, and disease severity was recorded. Preoperative total passive extension deficit (TPED) was calculated for each affected digit. TPED in the immediate postoperative period and at the time of most recent follow-up was measured. Treatment-related complications and incidence of disease recurrence were identified. Statistical analysis was performed using paired t-test. (Statistical significance p-value <0.05).

Results

525 digits in 193 hands were treated with NA. 140 patients were male, average age was 65 years. The average preoperative TPED was 41° and the average immediate postoperative TPED was 1° (98% correction) ( P=0.0001). The average TPED at 4.5 month follow up was 11 o (73% correction). Complications included infection in 3 patients and one case each of triggering, delayed flexor tendon rupture, complex regional pain syndrome and persistent numbness. Recurrence was observed in 62 digits.

Conclusion

Percutaneous needle aponeurotomy is an effective technique in the treatment of Dupuytren's contracture. Near complete correction of contracture was achieved and few complications were observed. Longer follow-up is needed to determine if these short-term results are maintained.
American Medical Society for Sports Medicine (AMSSM) Position Statement: Interventional Musculoskeletal Ultrasound in Sports Medicine
Authors: Finnoff Jonathan T. , Hall Mederic M. , Adams Erik , Berkoff David , Concoff Andrew L. , Dexter William , Smith Jay
Published: February 2015

The use of diagnostic and interventional ultrasound has significantly increased over the past decade. A majority of the increased utilization is by nonradiologists. In sports medicine, ultrasound is often used to guide interventions such as aspirations, diagnostic or therapeutic injections, tenotomies, releases, and hydrodissections. This American Medical Society for Sports Medicine (AMSSM) position statement critically reviews the literature and evaluates the accuracy, efficacy, and cost‐effectiveness of ultrasound‐guided injections in major, intermediate, and small joints, and soft tissues, all of which are commonly performed in sports medicine. New ultrasound‐guided procedures and future trends are also briefly discussed. Based upon the evidence, the official AMSSM position relevant to each subject is made.
Application of Current Hemorrhage Control Techniques for Backcountry Care: Part One, Tourniquets and Hemorrhage Control Adjuncts
Authors: Drew Brendon , Bennett Brad L. , Littlejohn Lanny
Published: February 2015

Decade-long advancements in battlefield medicine have revolutionized the treatment of traumatic hemorrhage and have led to a significant reduction in mortality. Older methods such as limb elevation and pressure points are no longer recommended. Tourniquets have had a profound effect on lives saved without the commonly feared safety issues that have made them controversial. Unique tourniquet designs for inguinal and abdominal regions are now available for areas not amenable to current fielded extremity tourniquets. This article, the first of two parts, reviews the literature for advancements in prehospital hemorrhage control for any provider in the austere setting. It emphasizes the significant evidence-based advances in tourniquet use on the extremities that have occurred in battlefield trauma medicine since 2001 and reviews the newer junctional tourniquet devices. Recommendations are made for equipment and techniques for controlling hemorrhage in the wilderness setting.
Application of Current Hemorrhage Control Techniques for Backcountry Care: Part Two, Hemostatic Dressings and Other Adjuncts
Authors: Littlejohn Lanny , Bennett Brad L. , Drew Brendon
Published: February 2015

Decade-long advances in battlefield medicine have revolutionized the treatment of traumatic hemorrhage and have led to a significant reduction in mortality. Part one of this review covered the use of tourniquets on the extremities and the newer devices for use in junctional areas. Part two focuses on the use of hemostatic agents or dressings, pelvic binders, and tranexamic acid. Field applicable hemostatic dressings are safe and effective in controlling hemorrhage not amenable to extremity tourniquet application, and newer agents with increasing efficacy continue to be developed. Most of these agents are inexpensive and lightweight, making them ideal products for use in wilderness medicine. The use of pelvic binders to stabilize suspected pelvic fractures has gained new interest as these products are developed and refined, and the prehospital use of tranexamic acid, a potent antifibrinolytic, has been found to be life saving in patients at risk of death from severe hemorrhage. Recommendations are made for equipment and techniques for controlling hemorrhage in the wilderness setting.
Tenuous Affair: Environmental and Outdoor Education in Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: Irwin David , Straker Jo
Published: February 2015

The relationship between outdoor education and environmental education in Aotearoa New Zealand has undergone many changes since formal education began in early colonial times. Discussion draws from qualitative doctoral research undertaken by the authors that investigated education for sustainability in outdoor education and how meaning is ascribed to outdoor experiences. The article describes how environmental education and outdoor education had common historical roots in nature studies that eventually were teased apart by the development of separate agendas for learning and assessment, coupled with the political context of the 1970s and 1980s. The article finds that contemporary forces relating to the economy, society and the environment are now driving a re-engagement of the two discourses in Aotearoa New Zealand at a variety of levels, from schools to national bodies, and that this re-engagement signals a positive outcome for addressing key environmental issues and engaging students in the outdoors.
Rates of elastic compression stockings prescription following the diagnosis of deep venous thrombosis among Canadian emergency physicians and trainees
Authors: Kayssi Ahmed , Petrosoniak Andrew , Levenstadt Jeremy , Eisenberg Naomi , Jenkins Sue , Roche-Nagle Graham
Published: February 2015

Introduction

Postthrombotic syndrome (PTS) is a complication of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) characterized by chronic pain, swelling, and heaviness, and may result in ulceration. Elastic compression stockings (ECS) worn daily after DVT have been shown to reduce the incidence and severity of PTS. The aim of our study was to investigate practices and perceptions of physicians regarding adjunct therapies to anticoagulation in patients diagnosed with lower extremity DVT.

Methods

A national online survey was conducted of Canadian emergency medicine staff physicians and residents (n=471) to investigate their attitudes toward the prescription of ECS post-diagnosis of DVT. A paper survey of patients in a thrombosis clinic (n=58) was also administered to better understand the patient experiences with ECS.

Results

The majority of staff physician (62%) and resident (69%) respondents were unsure of whether ECS were effective in preventing PTS and managing venous symptoms. Only 6% of staff physicians and 7% of residents routinely prescribed ECS for above-knee DVTs. More than 78% of respondents were unsure about the optimal timing of initiation of ECS and duration of therapy. Although all patients noted symptomatic relief with ECS, only 50% were prescribed stockings by an emergency or family doctor, and 69% of those patients wore the stockings on a daily basis. Staff physicians most frequently identified poor fit as the reason for lack of patient compliance, whereas patients most frequently cited cost.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that there is variability in practice among Canadian emergency medicine physicians and trainees and a need for widespread education regarding the latest evidence of the benefit of ECS after DVT.
Accuracy of physician-estimated probability of brain injury in children with minor head trauma
Authors: Daymont Carrie , Klassen Terry P. , Osmond Martin H.
Published: February 2015

Objective

To evaluate the accuracy of physician estimates of the probability of intracranial injury in children with minor head trauma.

Methods

This is a subanalysis of a large prospective multicentre cohort study performed from July 2001 to November 2005. During data collection for the derivation of a clinical prediction rule for children with minor head trauma, physicians indicated their estimate of the probability of brain injury visible on computed tomography (P-Injury) and the probability of injury requiring intervention (P-Intervention) by choosing one of the following options: 0%, 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 75%, 90%, and 100%. We compared observed frequencies to expected frequencies of injury using Pearson’s χ2-test in analyses stratified by the level of each type of predicted probability and by year of age.

Results

In 3771 eligible subjects, the mean predicted risk was 4.6% (P-Injury) and 1.4% (P-Intervention). The observed frequency of injury was 4.1% (any injury) and 0.6% (intervention). For all levels of P-Injury from 1% to 40%, the observed frequency of injury was consistent with the expected frequency. The observed frequencies for the 50%, 75%, and 90% levels were lower than expected (p<0.05). For estimates of P-Intervention, the observed frequency was consistently higher than the expected frequency. Physicians underestimated risk for infants (mean P-Intervention 6.2%, actual risk 12.3%, p<0.001).

Conclusions

Physician estimates of probability of any brain injury in children were collectively accurate for children with low and moderate degrees of predicted risk. Risk was underestimated in infants.
Examining Intent through the Lens of Complicity
Authors: Eldar Shachar
Published: February 2015

The article seeks to demonstrate that hypotheticals which depict collective criminality shed light on the contested issue of conceptualizing criminal intent. Since the formulation of the doctrine of transferred malice in the English Common Law, criminal law has been grappling with the question of framing intent as either object-specific or type-oriented. This question is particularly salient where the defendant caused harm to a different object than the one he had in mind, either by accidentally missing the target or as a result of mistaken identification. In such cases, an object-specific conceptualization does not permit conviction for the harm caused, whereas a type-oriented one does, as would the doctrine that transfers the defendant’s intent from the intended person or object to the one actually harmed. Utilizing a methodology of embedding instances of accidental miss-aim and mistaken identification into scenarios that involve multiple accomplices, the article argues that the object-specific conceptualization of intent has the advantage of being most suited for assigning liability to the participants in an offence. The analysis offered also supports equal treatment of accidents and mistaken identification.
Anarchy Unbound: Why Self-Governance Works Better Than You Think by Peter T. Leeson*
Authors: Chartier Gary
Published: February 2015

Peter T. Leeson's Anarchy Unbound offers an interesting collection of historical and theoretical arguments for the view that bottom-up social order is perfectly possible and at least sometimes preferable to order imposed from the top down.
Rate of involuntary admission in Dublin South West: a 5-year retrospective review
Authors: McManus S. , McDonnell B. , Whitty P.
Published: February 2015

Objective

International figures for involuntary admissions vary widely. Differences in legislation, professionals’ ethics and public attitudes towards risk have been known to influence this rate. Comparing involuntary admission rates in different parts of the same country can help control for variability found between international studies. This study assessed the rates of involuntary admissions in the Dublin South West Mental Health Service compared with the rest of Ireland.

Methods

We examined the demographic and clinical profiles of all involuntary patients admitted to the acute psychiatric inpatient unit in Tallaght Hospital between 2007 and 2011. We compared the rate of admission in Tallaght with the rest of Ireland. Data gathered included all patients detained on Form 6 and Form 13 (change of status) looking at age, gender, diagnosis and number of patients who had a Mental Health Tribunal. Form 7 (renewal orders) was also examined

We calculated the rate per 100 000 population per year of Form 6 admissions, Form 13 and Form 7 (certificate and renewal order by responsible consultant psychiatrist) using figures from the 2006 Census. All data were analysed using SPSS.

Results

The rate of involuntary admission in Tallaght Hospital was significantly lower compared with the rest of Ireland (Form 6: t=−11.2; p<0.001, Form 13: t=−3.1; p=0.04, Form 7: t=−13.9; p=0.001). This difference was evident for all methods of involuntary detention and was also the case for Form 7 (renewal orders). Mental Health Tribunals were held for 59% of patients, a rate comparable with earlier findings described in publications, following the introduction of the new Mental Health Act.

Conclusions

Rates per 100 000 population were lower in Dublin South West compared with the rest of Ireland. The reasons for this are not clear. Further research comparing similar services in Ireland could explain these findings.
The development of the role in Ireland of the Authorised Officer (Section 9:1b Mental Health Act 2001) applicant for the involuntary admission to approved centres of persons suffering from mental disorders
Authors: Browne F. J.
Published: February 2015

This article outlines the development of the role of the Health Service Executive Authorised Officer in Ireland, the professional applicant for the involuntary admission of an adult to hospital beyond that which was envisioned in the Mental Health Act 2001.
Lift and thrust generation by a butterfly-like flapping wing–body model: immersed boundary–lattice Boltzmann simulations
Authors: Suzuki Kosuke , Minami Keisuke , Inamuro Takaji
Published: February 2015

The flapping flight of tiny insects such as flies or larger insects such as butterflies is of fundamental interest not only in biology itself but also in its practical use for the development of micro air vehicles (MAVs). It is known that a butterfly flaps downward for generating the lift force and backward for generating the thrust force. In this study, we consider a simple butterfly-like flapping wing–body model in which the body is a thin rod and the rectangular rigid wings flap in a simple motion. We investigate lift and thrust generation of the model by using the immersed boundary–lattice Boltzmann method. First, we compute the lift and thrust forces when the body of the model is fixed for Reynolds numbers in the range of 50–1000. In addition, we estimate the supportable mass for each Reynolds number from the computed lift force. Second, we simulate free flights when the body can only move translationally. It is found that the expected supportable mass can be supported even in the free flight except when the mass of the body relative to the mass of the fluid is too small, and the wing–body model with the mass of actual insects can go upward against the gravity. Finally, we simulate free flights when the body can move translationally and rotationally. It is found that the body has a large pitch motion and consequently gets off-balance. Then, we discuss a way to control the pitching angle by flexing the body of the wing–body model.
The kinematics of the reduced velocity gradient tensor in a fully developed turbulent free shear flow
Authors: Rabey P. K. , Wynn A. , Buxton O. R. H.
Published: February 2015

This paper examines the kinematic behaviour of the reduced velocity gradient tensor (VGT),$\tilde{\unicode[STIX]{x1D608}}_{ij}$, which is defined as a$2\times 2$block, from a single interrogation plane, of the full VGT$\unicode[STIX]{x1D608}_{ij}=\partial u_{i}/\partial x_{j}$. Direct numerical simulation data from the fully developed turbulent region of a nominally two-dimensional mixing layer are used in order to examine the extent to which information on the full VGT can be derived from the reduced VGT. It is shown that the reduced VGT is able to reveal significantly more information about regions of the flow in which strain rate is dominant over rotation. It is thus possible to use the assumptions of homogeneity and isotropy to place bounds on the first two statistical moments (and their covariance) of the eigenvalues of the reduced strain-rate tensor (the symmetric part of the reduced VGT) which in turn relate to the turbulent strain rates. These bounds are shown to be dependent upon the kurtosis of$\partial u_{1}/\partial x_{1}$and another variable defined from the constituents of the reduced VGT. The kurtosis is observed to be minimised on the centreline of the mixing layer and thus tighter bounds are possible at the centre of the mixing layer than at the periphery. Nevertheless, these bounds are observed to hold for the entirety of the mixing layer, despite departures from local isotropy. The interrogation plane from which the reduced VGT is formed is observed not to affect the joint probability density functions (p.d.f.s) between the strain-rate eigenvalues and the reduced strain-rate eigenvalues despite the fact that this shear flow has a significant mean shear in the cross-stream direction. Further, it is found that the projection of the eigenframe of the strain-rate tensor onto the interrogation plane of the reduced VGT is also independent of the plane that is chosen, validating the approach of bounding the full VGT using the assumption of local isotropy.
Saturation of equatorial inertial instability
Authors: Kloosterziel R. C. , Orlandi P. , Carnevale G. F.
Published: February 2015

Inertial instability in parallel shear flows and circular vortices in a uniformly rotating system ( $f$-plane) redistributes absolute linear momentum or absolute angular momentum in such a way as to neutralize the instability. In previous studies we showed that, in the absence of other instabilities, at high Reynolds numbers the final equilibrium can be predicted with a simple construction based on conservation of total momentum. In this paper we continue this line of research with a study of barotropic shear flows on the equatorial ${\it\beta}$-plane. Through numerical simulations the evolution of the instability is studied in select illuminating cases: a westward flowing Gaussian jet with the flow axis exactly on the equator, a uniform shear flow and eastward and westward flowing jets that have their flow axis shifted away from the equator. In the numerical simulations it is assumed that there are no along-stream variations. This suppresses equatorial Rossby waves and barotropic shear instabilities and allows only inertial instability to develop. We investigate whether for these flows on the equatorial ${\it\beta}$-plane the final equilibrated flow can be predicted as was possible for flows on the $f$-plane. For the Gaussian jet centred on the equator the prediction of the equilibrated flow is obvious by mere inspection of the initial momentum distribution and by assuming that momentum is mixed and homogenized to render the equilibrated flow inertially stable. For the uniform shear flow, however, due to the peculiar nature of the initial momentum distribution and the fact that the Coriolis parameter $f$ varies with latitude, it appears that, unlike in our earlier studies of flows on the $f$-plane, additional constraints need to be considered to correctly predict the outcome of the highly nonlinear evolution of the instability. The mixing range of the linear shear flow and the value of the mixed momentum is determined numerically and this is used to predict the equilibrated flow that emerges from an eastward flowing jet that is shifted a small distance away from the equator. For shifts large enough to induce no shear at the equator the equilibrium flow can be well predicted using the simple recipe used in our earlier studies of parallel shear flows on the $f$-plane. For the westward flowing jet shifted a very small distance from the equator, no prediction appears feasible. For modestly small shifts a prediction is possible by combining the empirical prediction for the linear shear flow with a prediction similar to what we used in our previous studies for flows on the $f$-plane.
Weakly nonlinear analysis of Rayleigh–Bénard convection in shear-thinning fluids: nature of the bifurcation and pattern selection
Authors: Bouteraa M. , Nouar C. , Plaut E. , Metivier C. , Kalck A.
Published: February 2015

A linear and weakly nonlinear analysis of convection in a layer of shear-thinning fluids between two horizontal plates heated from below is performed. The objective is to examine the effects of the nonlinear variation of the viscosity with the shear rate on the nature of the bifurcation, the planform selection problem between rolls, squares and hexagons, and the consequences on the heat transfer coefficient. Navier’s slip boundary conditions are used at the top and bottom walls. The shear-thinning behaviour of the fluid is described by the Carreau model. By considering an infinitesimal perturbation, the critical conditions, corresponding to the onset of convection, are determined. At this stage, non-Newtonian effects do not come into play. The critical Rayleigh number decreases and the critical wavenumber increases when the slip increases. For a finite-amplitude perturbation, nonlinear effects enter in the dynamic. Analysis of the saturation coefficients at cubic order in the amplitude equations shows that the nature of the bifurcation depends on the rheological properties, i.e. the fluid characteristic time and shear-thinning index. For weakly shear-thinning fluids, the bifurcation is supercritical and the heat transfer coefficient increases, as compared with the Newtonian case. When the shear-thinning character is large enough, the bifurcation is subcritical, pointing out the destabilizing effect of the nonlinearities arising from the rheological law. Departing from the onset, the weakly nonlinear analysis is carried out up to fifth order in the amplitude expansion. The flow structure, the modification of the viscosity field and the Nusselt number are characterized. The competition between rolls, squares and hexagons is investigated. Unlike Albaalbaki & Khayat (J. Fluid. Mech., vol. 668, 2011, pp. 500–550), it is shown that in the supercritical regime, only rolls are stable near onset.
Stretching of capsules in an elongation flow, a route to constitutive law
Authors: de Loubens C. , Deschamps J. , Boedec G. , Leonetti M.
Published: February 2015

Soft bio-microcapsules are drops bounded by a thin elastic shell made of cross-linked proteins. Their shapes and their dynamics in flow depend on their membrane constitutive law characterized by shearing and area-dilatation resistance. The deformations of such capsules are investigated experimentally in planar elongation flows and compared with numerical simulations for three bidimensional models: Skalak, neo-Hookean and generalized Hooke. An original cross-flow microfluidic set-up allows the visualization of the deformed shape in the two perpendicular main fields of view. Whatever the elongation rate, the three semi-axis lengths of the ellipsoid fitting the experimental shape are measured up to 180 % of stretching of the largest axis. The geometrical analysis in the two views is sufficient to determine the constitutive law and the Poisson ratio of the membrane without a preliminary knowledge of the shear elastic modulus$G_{s}$. We conclude that the membrane of human serum albumin capsules obeys the generalized Hooke law with a Poisson ratio of 0.4. The shear elastic modulus is then determined by the combination of numerical and experimental variations of the Taylor parameter with the capillary number.
Tobacco Cessation in Economically Disadvantaged Dominican Republic Communities: Who are the Ex-Users?
Authors: Ossip Deborah J. , Quiñones Zahíra , Diaz Sergio , Thevenet-Morrison Kelly , Fisher Susan , Holderness Heather , Cai Xeuya , McIntosh Scott , Dozier Ann , Chin Nancy , Weber Emily , Sanchez Jose Javier , Bautista Arisleyda , Almonte Héctor
Published: February 2015

Introduction: Tobacco use and its harm continue to increase in low and middle income countries (LMICs) globally. Smoking cessation is the most effective means of reducing morbidity and mortality from tobacco use. Increasing the prevalence of ex-users is an indicator of population cessation.

Aims: This study provides the first examination of factors associated with ex-tobacco use status in the Dominican Republic (DR), a LMIC in the Latin America and Caribbean region.

Methods: Baseline surveillance was conducted for 1,177 randomly selected households in seven economically disadvantaged DR communities (total N = 2,680 adult household members).

Results: Ex-user prevalence was 10.6% (1.0%–18.5% across communities), 14.8% were current users (9.1–20.4), and quit ratios were 41.7% (9.7%–52.7%). Among ever users, females (OR 2.02, 95% CI 1.41, 2.90), older adults (45–64: OR 1.75, 95% CI 1.12, 2.74; 65+: OR 2.09, 95% CI 1.29, 3.39), and those who could read/write (OR 1.64, 95% CI 1.08, 2.50), had health conditions (OR 1.63, 95% CI 1.11, 2.41), and lived with ex-users (OR 1.70, 95% CI 1.12, 2.58) were over 60% to two times as likely to be ex-users. Those from remote communities (OR 0.52, 95% CI 0.36, 0.74), using chewed tobacco (OR 0.14, 95% CI 0.04, 0.48) and living with tobacco users (OR 0.55, 95% CI 0.37, 0.81) were less likely to be ex-users.

Conclusions: Ex-user prevalence and quit ratios were lower than for high income countries. Implementing broad tobacco control measures, combined with clinically targeting vulnerable groups, may increase tobacco cessation to most effectively reduce this public health crisis.
Chronic lipopolysaccharide infusion fails to induce depressive-like behaviour in adult male rats
Authors: Fischer Christina Weide , Liebenberg Nico , Madsen Anne Mette , Müller Heidi Kaastrup , Lund Sten , Wegener Gregers
Published: February 2015

Background

Chronic inflammation is implicated in numerous diseases, including major depression and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Since depression and T2DM often co-exist, inflammatory pathways are suggested as a possible link. Hence, the establishment of an immune-mediated animal model would shed light on mechanisms possibly linking depression and metabolic alterations.

Objective

In this study we investigated a behavioural and metabolic paradigm following chronic infusion with low doses of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) using osmotic minipumps in male rats.

Methods

Behavioural testing consisted of evaluating activity level in the open field and depressive-like behaviour in the forced swim test. Metabolic assessment included measurement of body weight, food and water intake, and glucose and insulin levels during an oral glucose tolerance test.

Results

LPS-infused rats showed acute signs of sickness behaviour, but chronic LPS infusion did not induce behavioural or metabolic changes.

Conclusion

These results suggest that although inflammation is immediately induced as indicated by acute sickness, 4 weeks of chronic LPS administration via osmotic minipumps did not result in behavioural changes. Therefore, this paradigm may not be a suitable model for studying the underlying mechanisms that link depression and T2DM.