bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Carbamylation-Derived Products: Bioactive Compounds and Potential Biomarkers in Chronic Renal Failure and Atherosclerosis
Authors: Jaisson Stéphane , Pietrement Christine , Gillery Philippe
Published: July 2011

BACKGROUND

Carbamylation is a posttranslational modification of proteins resulting from the nonenzymatic reaction between isocyanic acid and specific free functional groups. This reaction alters protein structural and functional properties and thus contributes to molecular ageing. Many studies have shown the involvement of carbamylated proteins in diseases, especially in chronic renal failure and atherosclerosis.

CONTENT

In this review we describe the biochemical basis of the carbamylation process and its role in protein molecular ageing. We summarize the current evidence of protein carbamylation involvement in disease, identify available biomarkers of the carbamylation process and their related analytical methods, and discuss the practical relevance of these biomarkers.

Carbamylation-induced protein alterations are involved in the progression of various diseases, because carbamylation-derived products (CDPs) are bioactive compounds that trigger specific and inappropriate cellular responses. For instance, carbamylation may promote hormone and enzyme inactivation, and carbamylated proteins, as diverse as collagen or LDLs, induce characteristic biochemical events of atherosclerosis progression. CDPs are potential biomarkers to monitor diseases characterized by an increased rate of carbamylation (e.g., chronic renal failure and atherosclerosis). Different methods (e.g., liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry and immunoassays) to measure specific carbamylated proteins or general markers of carbamylation, such as protein-bound homocitrulline, have been described. Their use in clinical practice must still be validated by appropriate clinical studies.
Snapback Primer Genotyping of the Gilbert Syndrome UGT1A1 (TA)n Promoter Polymorphism by High-Resolution Melting
Authors: Farrar Jared S , Palais Robert A , Wittwer Carl T
Published: July 2011

BACKGROUND

Gilbert syndrome, a chronic nonhemolytic unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia, is associated with thymine–adenine (TA) insertions in the UGT1A1 (UDP glucuronosyltransferase 1 family, polypeptide A1) promoter. The UGT1A1 promoter genotype also correlates with toxicity induced by the chemotherapeutic drug irinotecan. Current closed-tube assays for genotyping the UGT1A1 (TA)n promoter polymorphism require multiple labeled probes and/or have difficulty classifying the (TA)5 and (TA)8 alleles.

METHODS

An unlabeled 5′ extension on one primer that creates a hairpin after asymmetric PCR was used to develop a snapback primer high-resolution melting assay for the (TA)n polymorphism. A new method that plots the local deviation from exponential decay to improve genotype clustering was used to remove background fluorescence and to analyze the data. The snapback assay was compared with small-amplicon melting and fragment length analyses in a blinded study of DNA samples from 100 African Americans.

RESULTS

Genotyping results obtained by small-amplicon melting and snapback primer melting were 83% and 99% concordant, respectively, with results obtained by fragment analysis. Reanalysis of the single discordant sample in the results of the snapback genotyping assay and the fragment analysis revealed an error in the fragment analysis. High-resolution melting was required for accurate snapback genotyping of the UGT1A1 (TA)n polymorphism. The 100% accuracy obtained with a capillary-based instrument fell to ≤81% with plate-based instruments.

CONCLUSIONS

In contrast to small-amplicon genotyping, snapback primer genotyping can distinguish all UGT1A1 promoter genotypes. Rapid-cycle PCR combined with snapback primer analysis with only 2 unlabeled PCR primers (one with a 5′ extension) and a saturating DNA dye can genotype loci with several alleles in <30 min.
Characterization of presynaptic septin complexes in mammalian hippocampal neurons
Authors: Tsang Christopher W. , Estey Mathew P. , DiCiccio Jessica E. , Xie Hong , Patterson Dana , Trimble William S.
Published: July 2011

Septins are GTPases that form heteromeric complexes and are linked to neurological disorders. Although several septin subcomplexes have been reported in various mammalian tissues, the cellular and subcellular distribution of these complexes is largely unexplored. Using antibodies against ten mammalian septins, we show that septins diverge with respect to their tissue distribution implying that septin complexes in various tissues have unique composition. Although all ten septins examined were expressed in brain tissue, we describe septin complex(es) including SEPT3, SEPT5, SEPT6, SEPT7 and SEPT11 that could be functional within the presynapse because, unlike other septins they: (1) showed an increase in expression from embryonic day 15 to post-natal day 70, (2) were abundantly expressed in axons and growth cones of developing hippocampal neurons, (3) were found in presynaptic terminals of mature synapses, (4) were enriched in a preparation of synaptic vesicles and (5) immunoprecipitated together from brain tissue and cultured nerve cells. Knockdown of SEPT5 or SEPT7 in developing hippocampal neurons impaired axon growth. Because septins are functionally linked to the cytoskeleton and vesicle traffic, presynaptic neuronal septin complexes could be important for ensuring proper axon development and neurotransmitter release.
Characterizing perpendicular-to-grain compression (C⊥) behavior in wood construction
Authors: Basta Craig Thomas , Gupta Rakesh , Leichti Robert J. , Sinha Arijit
Published: July 2011

Current compression perpendicular-to-grain (C⊥) design values for wood members are based on mean stress obtained from ASTM D143 specimen. The standard ASTM test with metal on wood bearing has limited applicability in modern construction assemblies with C⊥ loading scenarios. Previous work has shown that end-bearing conditions and wood-on-wood C⊥ bearing is a more severe case as opposed to load applied over central area and metal-on-wood bearing. This study evaluated C⊥ behavior of typical assemblies used in construction, in which members experience C⊥ stresses near their longitudinal-end through wood-on-wood contact. These included assembly of the bottom chord of a truss bearing on the top plate of a wall (BC assembly) and assembly of the compression chord of a shear wall bearing on the bottom plate (BP assembly) of a wall. Three different BC assemblies were tested with varying aspect ratios (height/width) of the bottom chord (B.C.) member. For each test assembly, paired ASTM tests of the main member (bottom chord member in BC tests, and bottom plate member in BP tests) were conducted. The assembly stresses at 1 mm deflection were always lower than the corresponding ASTM stresses at the same deflection. Due to varying assembly depths, 1 mm deflection was a poor criterion for determining C⊥ stress values. For B.C. members, when loaded tangentially, they buckle in the direction of annual ring curvature. High aspect ratios accentuate this effect. Expectedly, the tendency to buckle and the probability of total failure in the assembly increase with increasing aspect ratio. This behavior was not observed in the ASTM tests.
Comparative termite resistance of 12 Malaysian timber species in laboratory tests
Authors: Kadir Roszaini , Hale Mike D.
Published: July 2011

The effect of wood density and extractive compounds on heartwood durability against subterranean termites was studied. Twelve species of Malaysian hardwoods were tested against Coptotermes curvignathus and C. gestroi using a standard laboratory method. The results indicated that amount of extractive content is related to Malaysian hardwood termite durability.
Uneven distribution of preservative in kiln-dried sapwood lumber of Scots pine: Impact of wood structure and resin allocation
Authors: Ahmed Sheikh Ali , Sehlstedt-Persson Margot , Karlsson Olov , Morén Tom
Published: July 2011

Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) sapwood lumber was collected after kiln drying and preservative treatment with Celcure AC 800 (a copper-amine wood preservative). Distribution of the preservative throughout the lumber was visually examined. Not all, but some samples showed specific localized areas without any preservative distribution throughout their entire length. Those samples were assessed further for anatomical properties, specifically in impregnated and unimpregnated areas. Additional study was conducted on the morphological nature and redistribution of lipophilic extractives using three different histochemical staining methods. Intrinsic wood properties – especially the frequency of axial resin canals and the percentage of canals blocked – were found to be responsible for the irregular distribution of the preservative. Furthermore, the inability to create continuous and frequent interstitial spaces due to the collapse of thin-walled ray cells throughout the lumber resulted in un-even distribution of preservatives. Staining techniques were useful to localize places with more or less abundance of extractives (e.g., fats) in impregnated and unimpregnated wood, which varied considerably. Histochemical observations revealed information pertaining to the kiln dry specific distribution and redistribution of extractives between the areas. Moreover, resin reallocation and modification in ray parenchyma and resin canals induced by kiln drying would be another reason for the impregnation anomalies.
Sodium butyrate induces cellular senescence in neuroblastoma and prostate cancer cells
Authors: Lorenz Viola , Hessenkemper Wiebke , Rödiger Julia , Kyrylenko Sergiy , Kraft Florian , Baniahmad Aria
Published: July 2011

Cellular senescence leads to an irreversible block of cellular division capacity both in cell culture and in vivo. The induction of an irreversible cell cycle arrest is very useful for treatment of cancer. Histone deacetylases (HDACs) are considered as therapeutic targets to treat cancer patients. HDAC inhibitors repress cancer growth and are used in various clinical trials. Here, we analyzed whether sodium butyrate (NaBu), an inhibitor of class I and II HDACs, induces cellular senescence in neuroblastoma and prostate cancer (PCa) including an androgen-dependent as well as an androgen-independent human PCa cell line. We found that the HDAC inhibitors NaBu and valproic acid (VPA) induce cellular senescence in tumor cells. Interestingly, also an inhibitor of SIRT1, a class HDAC III, induces cellular senescence. Both neuroblastoma and human prostate cancer cell lines express senescence markers, such as the Senescence Associated-β-galactosidase (SA-β-Gal) and Senescence Associated Heterochromatin Foci (SAHF). Furthermore, NaBu down-regulates the proto-oncogenes c-Myc, Cyclin D1 and E2F1 mRNA levels. The mRNA level of the cell cycle inhibitor p16 remains unchanged whereas that of the tumor suppressor p21 is strongly up-regulated. Interestingly, NaBu treatment robustly increases reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. These results indicate an epigenetic regulation and an association of HDAC inhibition and ROS production with cellular senescence. The data underline that tumor cells can be driven towards cellular senescence by HDAC inhibitors, which may further arise as a potent possibility for tumor suppression.
Membrane-initiated signaling of estrogen related to neuroprotection. “Social networks” are required
Authors: Marin Raquel , Marrero-Alonso Jorge , Fernández Cecilia , Cury Débora , Díaz Mario
Published: July 2011

Numerous studies indicate that estrogens are crucial in normal brain functioning and preservation against different injuries. At the neuronal membrane, estrogens, binding to estrogen receptors (ERs) or other surface targets, exert rapid actions involving a plethora of signaling pathways that may converge in neuronal survival. Emerging work reveals that at least part of these actions may require the compartmentalization of ERs in signaling platforms, composed of macromolecular signaling proteins and particular lipid composition integrated in lipid rafts. These particular microstructures may provide the optimal microenvironment to trigger multiple ER interactions that may be crucial for neuroprotection against different brain impairments, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). In this order of ideas, recent evidence has demonstrated that a membrane ER (mER) physically interacts with a voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC) in lipid rafts from septal, hippocampal and cortical neurons, and these interactions may have important consequences in the alternative mechanisms developed by estrogens to achieve neuroprotection against amyloid beta (Aβ)-induced toxicity. This review includes a survey of some of the rapid mechanisms developed by estrogen to prevent neuronal death, and the ER interactions that are involved in the structural maintenance and signal transduction mechanisms important for neuronal survival against AD neuro-pathology. A special emphasis is put on the biological relevance of neuronal membrane VDAC in Aβ-related neurotoxicity, and the potential modulation of this channel as a part of a signaling complex with mER, which may be modified in AD brains.
Systematic Review of Complications in TKA Mobile Bearing Knees
Authors: Hopley Colin , Crossett Lawrence
Published: July 2011

The objective of this paper is to describe the incidence of different types of re-operations following total knee replacement (TKR) with mobile bearing designs and to understand the extent to which they are susceptible to spin-out, a specific complication that may arise with these designs. The design is a systematic review of the incidence of re-operations, classified by the type of re-operation and stratified by study date, reported by clinical publications following TKR with fixed and mobile bearings from a single manufacturer. A search for relevant papers was conducted in online databases including EMBASE and Medline and a manual search of bibliographies. Studies following 8739 mobile bearing knees implanted in 1985–1997 and studies following 3413 mobile bearing knees implanted in 1997–2006 were identified. In the pre- and post-1997 studies, the number of insert revisions was 190 (2.3%) and 16 (0.4%), respectively; the number of revisions of the tibial tray/femoral components was 295 (3.6%) and 43 (1.2%), respectively; the number of revisions for spin-out,dislocation, and instability was 117 (1.4%) and 10 (0.26%), respectively. In the fixed bearing studies there were no spin-outs, but the number of revisions for instability were 6 (0.16%) and 6 (0.21%) in pre- and post-1997 studies. For knees implanted between 1985 and 1997 the incidence of all wear related insert or component revision was 2% in the fixed bearing knee studies and 2% in the mobile bearing knee studies. For knees implanted in 1997–2006, the incidence of all wear related insert or component revision was 0.1% in the fixed bearing knee studies and 0.3% in the mobile bearing knee studies. In conclusion, polyethylene spin-out remains a unique complication of mobile bearing knees symptomatic of instability. Recent trends (after 1997) suggest that improved awareness of surgical technique and/or changes in design (posterior stabilization) have significantly decreased the incidence of this complication, with no evidence of a higher overall risk of revision for instability with contemporary mobile bearing versus fixed bearing knees.
Effect of Plasma Nitriding on the Wear and Corrosion Properties of Hastelloy CW2M Alloy
Authors: Casteletti Luiz Carlos , Pires Fernandes Frederico Augusto , Heck Stênio Cristaldo , Picon Carlos Alberto , Totten George Edward
Published: July 2011

Hastelloy C alloys are widely used in chemical and nuclear industries in corrosive environments. The predominant alloying elements of these nickel-based alloys are typically chromium and molybdenum, although other elements are added. Plasma nitriding is an efficient surface treatment to increase wear resistance. The objective of this work was to evaluate the influence of nitriding treatment on the wear and corrosion properties of the Hastelloy CW2M super-alloy. Hastelloy CW2M was plasma nitrided using the dc method with the following conditions: a gas mixture of 80 vol. % H2 and 20 vol. % N2, a pressure of 500 Pa, temperature of 450 and 500 °C during 5 h. As-cast and plasma treated samples were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy, wear and corrosion tests. An EDS line scan performed on the samples cross- section indicates that Cr and Mo content are the largest on the layer, with decreasing amounts of Ni and with stable amounts of Fe. Plasma nitriding of Hastelloy CW2M produced a homogeneous layer with high hardness. X-ray diffraction revealed a γ (fcc) phase for the un-nitrided CW2M. The nitriding performed at 450 °C yielded chromium and molybdenum nitride peaks and an expanded phase. At 500 °C, an increase on the chromium and molybdenum nitride peaks was observed. The wear of samples nitrided at 450 and 500 °C were almost 10 times lower than the substrate’s wear, which indicates a great improvement on the tribological properties. The corrosion parameters showed that although the corrosion potential goes toward positive potentials, by increasing nitriding temperature, the corrosion current moves in the opposite direction. Nitriding at 450 °C promoted good corrosion protection with more positive open circuit and corrosion potentials.
Effect of Additional Elements on Microstructure and Properties of CrN Coatings
Authors: Bao MingDong , Xu Xuebo , Liang Rou , Yu Lei , Sun Hailin
Published: July 2011

CrMoN and CrWN coatings were deposited using closed field unbalanced magnetron sputter ion plating system. The microstructure, preferred orientation, and morphology of coatings were determined by x-ray diffraction analysis and SEM observation. The influences of additional elements on the microstructure, adhesion, mechanic, and tribological properties have been investigated. XRD Results showed that preferred orientation of CrMoN and CrWN coatings obviously changed compared with that of the pure CrN coating. All of the new hard coatings exhibited excellent adhesion due to the gradient interface layer design. By introducing Mo and W elements into the CrN-based structure, the coating hardness had an obvious improvement in comparison with pure CrN coatings. Results also showed the wear resistance of CrMoN and CrWN coatings increased clearly. The steady-state dry friction coefficients of the new coatings measured against a WC–6% Co ball are about 0.3, which were significantly decreased from 0.5 of pure CrN coaing. It is expected that these advantageous properties can enable these new hard coatings for a wide range of applications such as dry high-speed machining.
Application of Numerical Methods to Simulate Direct Immersion Quenching Process
Authors: Srinivasan Vedanth , Wang De Ming , Greif David , Suffa Maik
Published: July 2011

In this paper, we present the results of the numerical computations carried out to simulate the direct immersion quenching process of several test pieces such as (1) trapezoidal block, (2) hollow block, and (3) engine-cylinder head using a recently developed and implemented quenching simulation methodology within the commercial computational fluid dynamics code AVL FIRE® v2009. Numerical coupling between the simulation domains, involving the fluid and the solid metal region, are achieved through an AVL code coupling interface (ACCI) feature. While mass, momentum, and energy equations utilizing a multi-fluid framework are employed in the fluid domain, only an energy equation is exercised to establish the variation in the thermal field in the solid region. With this coupled approach, both the phasic effects such as bubble dynamics inclusive of clustering and their disposition, vapor pocket generation in the fluid domain, and the temperature field modification in the solid zone are captured very effectively in a concurrent manner. The results presented in this study include comprehensive descriptions of the flow field information and the temperature pattern in the solid at different time instants. A scrutiny of the registered temperature readings at different monitoring locations with the numerical results generates an overall very good agreement for all the cases presented. The computed information adjudges the presence of intense non-uniformity in the temperature distribution within the solid region which is of grave importance in evaluating the stress and fatigue patterns generated in the quenched object. In summary, the capability of the quenching model in simulating a real-time quenching application process and the efficiency in reducing the overall model size by the application of the ACCI procedure are well demonstrated.
The Use of Linear Sweep Voltammetry in Condition Monitoring of Diesel Engine Oil
Authors: Fentress Amy , Sander John , Ameye Jo
Published: July 2011

One of the main ways to decrease engine oil changes is to increase drain intervals. Although it has been a controversial subject for years, increased drain intervals can be accomplished safely using lubricant analysis. Over the years, many diesel engine operators have effectively employed used oil analysis to extend engine oil drain intervals safely by monitoring the condition of the oil and the engine. Various tests have been used for the monitoring of engine oil. However, although it has been used for years to evaluate the remaining useful life of industrial lubricants, linear sweep voltammetry has not been used for routine monitoring of engine oil. This paper will show how linear sweep voltammetry can be an effective method for maximizing extended drain intervals in an over-the-road heavy-duty trucking fleet.
Boiling Heat Transfer of Butanol Aqueous Solution-Augmentation of Critical Heat Flux
Authors: Nishiguchi S. , Shoji M.
Published: July 2011

Boiling heat transfer, especially critical heat flux (CHF), of some aqueous solutions is enhanced by adding small amount of alcohol such as butanol. Such aqueous solutions show nonlinear surface tension dependence on liquid temperature and are sometimes called as “Self-rewetting liquid”, being applied recently to thermal devices such as heat pipes. However, the heat transfer characteristics of boiling of self-rewetting liquids are not fully understood. In the present research, by employing butanol aqueous solution as a typical test solution, a fundamental boiling test is performed on a heated wire with special attention to CHF augmentation in order to observe the boiling phenomena and to address the fundamental issues. In the experiment, solution density and liquid subcooling was changed in a wide range. From the experiment, it is found that generating bubbles are very small and large in number and are difficult to coalescence and that the CHF of saturated boiling is enhanced from 2 to 3 times when compared with that of pure water. It is also found that the dependence of CHF on liquid subcooling is peculiar. Namely, with increasing subcooling, CHF decreases first, takes a minimum and then increases.
Symposium on Static and Dynamic Spinal Implants: Are We Evaluating Them Appropriately?
Authors: Wayne Metheny C.
Published: July 2011

Although the standard characterizes intervertebral fusion devices with simple symmetric shapes, modern devices may contain more complex geometries that may require a pocket to fully characterize their strength. Test fixture design has proven to significantly affect the static shear result and failure mode of intervertebral fusion devices with a bullet-nose (rounded) design. An initial test using fixtures without pockets was unsuccessful in determining the shear strength of the fusion device bodies. Revised fixtures with a pocket to force shear loading through the center of the device were designed to create a functional failure. For this study, testing was performed using the ASTM recommended 45° Z axis with a spherically attached actuator pushrod in 37 degrees C phosphate buffered saline. The initial stainless steel fixtures featured mating tooth geometry and no pocket, which forced failures to the device teeth only, resulting in expulsion of the device from the testing fixtures. The revised stainless steel fixtures featured the mating tooth geometry and incorporated a larger anterior/posterior contact surface; thus creating a pocket to constrain the bullet-nose device that prevented the device from expelling. The fusion devices tested with the revised fixture design produced a compression-shear failure of permanent plastic deformation of the body of the device resulted in a 90.2 % increase in the mean yield strength as compared to the fusion devices tested with the initial no-pocket design fixture that produced failures of only the device teeth. The results of this study revealed how the static shear result and failure mode can change significantly with minor changes in fixture design.
Fixture Variations When Evaluating ASTM F1717 Construct Stiffness: Pin Diameter and Material
Authors: Shah V. G. , Anderson M. C. , Lissy D. A. , Lissy C. J.
Published: July 2011

The ASTM F1717 test standard describes the fixtures to be used when testing spinal implant construct, but leaves some room to interpret. As a result, the same device could be evaluated using different fixturing and it would not be considered a deviation because the standard does not specifically allow or prohibit the method used. Three potential variations in fixturing when conducting F1717 testing were selected for analysis in this study: changes to pin diameter, changes to pin material, and changes to test fixture hole configuration. To evaluate these parameters, a sample F1717 construct was designed and manufactured. Specimens, N = 6, were tested in six different configurations of pin diameter, material, and hole configurations. A review of all F1717 test batteries conducted at Empirical Testing Corporation during CY2009 was conducted to provide context for results from the sample F1717 construct. Differences noted in test results for axial compression bending stiffness occurred when sleeves were used to adapt 3/8 in. pins diam for use in 1/2 in. diam holes. Significant differences were noted in torsional stiffness when using a half-hole configuration, and when comparing 3/8 in. diam pins to using 1/2 in. diam pins. The torsional stiffness and compression yield load of the sample lumbar F1717 construct is within the range of F1717 constructs tested during CY2009, but outside the range for compression stiffness and yield torque. Users of the test standard are advised to not use 3/8 in. diam pins (which are prescribed for cervical construct tests) when testing lumbar constructs, and to avoid the use of half holes in torsion testing.
Outstanding Return on Investment When Industrial Plant Lubrication Programs are Supported by International Standards
Authors: Garvey Ray
Published: July 2011

Industrial plant lubrication programs are organized to assure in-service lubricating and hydraulic fluids are kept clean, dry, and fit for use; that these fluids are right for the applications; and that they are filled to the correct levels. These programs can yield outstanding results. For example the lubrication program at an automotive assembly plant reported more than 700 % return on investment with a two month payback period. For another example the lubrication program at a petroleum refinery is credited with reducing maintenance work orders by one-third, from 995 to 674 failure related work orders. Cost avoidance is achieved in at three principal areas: less fluid consumed, less reactive maintenance, and more deferred maintenance. Under-pinning for successful lubrication programs is the use of defined procedures and measurements. Gene Jennings, Condition Based Maintenance Coordinator for Southern Company, highlights the significant role ASTM is fulfilling for industrial lubrication programs in this statement: “Consistency in data gathering is crucial to a successful program and standardization is the foundation for consistency.”
Models for Small Crack Growth under Creep-Fatigue in Austenitic Steels
Authors: Skelton R. P.
Published: July 2011

Low cycle fatigue (LCF) endurance data have a valuable part to play in the lifetime assessment of components and structures. These data comprise the initiation and growth stages, but the growth relations themselves and their practical use are not as familiar as those employed for deeper cracks. Early work modelled continuous-cycling fatigue crack growth by assuming a succession of miniature LCF specimens at the crack tip, the field then being extended by investigators examining behaviour at high temperatures. Models were developed allowing for the concomitant contribution of creep damage for comparison with continuous-cycling properties where striation spacings recorded cyclic crack progress. Alongside such modelling, empirical laws were deduced describing the progress of short cracks. Expressions may be derived linking LCF with linear-elastic fracture-mechanics (LEFM) crack growth, using the parameter ΔJ (equivalent stress-intensity parameter). However, the purpose of this review is to compare and contrast those models which employ an easily measured surface parameter (such as total or plastic strain range) as the governing variable. Crack growth normally adopts an exponential form so that the rate of growth per cycle accelerates as the crack deepens. The distinguishing feature is that the process zone at the crack tip is itself surrounded by cyclically yielding material, in contrast with LEFM. Energy methods may also be employed, where the process zone at the crack tip fails when the accumulated energy density reaches a critical value. An upper bound relation is provided, accounting for the deleterious effects of creep-fatigue-oxidation interaction, if empirical data are not to hand. A conservative assessment may thus be made of cyclic crack growth rate at a specified depth. This review examines the capability of each model to allow for such creep-fatigue effects.
Performance Related Tests on Recycled Materials for Sustainable Design of Pavement Systems
Authors: Saeed Athar , Ashtiani Reza , Boudreau Richard L.
Published: July 2011

This paper provides recommendations for performance-related tests to select recycled materials to be used in pavement foundations (base/sub-base layers). The test protocol presented in this paper will help transportation agencies, pavement design engineers and construction industry professionals to mechanistically evaluate and select sources of recycled hot-mix asphalt and portland cement concrete materials and identify factors that contribute most to the longevity of layers using recycled pavement materials. Extensive literature review was conducted on the aggregate specifications in the United States and other countries to identify the protocols used to evaluate the suitability of virgin and recycled aggregates in base and sub-base layers. The test procedures, typically designed for virgin aggregates, were modified to account for the recycled materials in the aggregate mix. The test procedures were further evaluated on the basis of mechanical performance, accuracy, practicality, complexity, precision, and test cost. The performance of the developed aggregate evaluation systems was determined through testing and analysis of 12 aggregates with different lithology and known field performance history. These samples were selected from seven states with different seasonal frost cycles. The performance tests were conducted and modifications were made to the tests procedures to better understand the mechanical behavior of aggregate systems with recycled materials. This study revealed that shear strength, toughness, abrasion, durability, and frost susceptibility influence the performance of the unbound aggregate layers. Statistical analysis of the data showed that shear strength of the aggregate systems has the most impact on the performance of the unbound systems consisted of recycled materials.
Round-Robin Evaluation of ASTM Standard Test Method E2798 for Spray Drift Reduction Adjuvants
Authors: Elsik Curtis M.
Published: July 2011

Drift Reduction Agent has been defined in ASTM Standard E1519 Terminology Relating to Agricultural Tank Mix Adjuvants as “a material used in liquid spray mixtures to reduce spray drift.” ASTM Standard E609 Terminology Relating to Pesticides defines drift as “the physical movement of an agrochemical through the air at the time of application or soon thereafter to any non- or off-target site. Drift shall not include movement to non- or off-target sites caused by erosion, migration, volatility or wind blown soil particles that occur after application unless specifically advertised on the label.” Because there are many commercial tank mix adjuvants designed to reduce spray drift, there is a need to establish an ASTM Standard Test Method to evaluate their effectiveness. ASTM Standard E2798 is the new test method developed for the Characterization of Performance of Pesticide Spray Drift Reduction Adjuvants for Ground Application. This paper presents the data generated from the round-robin testing of this method. The method provides guidelines for the measurement of parameters pertaining to the performance of drift reduction adjuvants under simulated field application conditions. The measurements can be made in a wind tunnel or a spray chamber. The method describes the preparation, composition, and test/application conditions for droplet size, spray pattern measurements, and fines reduction. The exact selection of application conditions such as nozzle type and tank mix partner may vary according to the intended use conditions.
Correlating Accelerated Laboratory, Field, and Thermal Aging TPO Membranes
Authors: Xing Linlin , Taylor Thomas J.
Published: July 2011

Thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) roofing membranes have been used in the US low-slope roofing industry as single-ply membranes for over 15 years, and have seen widespread acceptance. TPO membranes have been defined by ASTM Standard D6878-08, “Standard Specification for Thermoplastic Polyolefin Based Sheet Roofing,” Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol. 04.04, ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, 2008, www.astm.org, which sets a minimum threshold for accelerated weathering performance. To be ASTM D6878 compliant, a TPO membrane shall not show any visual micro-cracking under 7X magnification after being exposed in a xenon arc light apparatus to a minimum irradiance of 10 080 kJ/m2 at 340 nm. While the ongoing development of TPO membranes uses D6878 as the basic standard, it is necessary for individual membrane manufacturers to develop an advanced understanding of TPO long-term weathering durability to further improve confidence in the expected service life. In this paper, a novel ultra accelerated outdoor weathering technique, atlas ultra accelerated weathering system (UAWS), is used to predict long-term weathering durability performance of TPO. The comparison and correlation of this novel technique with other artificial accelerated weathering methods, such as xenon arc light [ASTM G155-05a, “Standard Practice for Operating Xenon Arc Light Apparatus for Exposure of Non-Metallic Materials,” Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol.14.04, ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, 2005, www.astm.org] and fluorescent UV light [ASTM G154-06, “Standard Practice for Operating Fluorescent Light Apparatus for UV Exposure of Nonmetallic Materials,” Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol. 14.04, ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, 2006, www.astm.org] are shown and reviewed. The surface temperatures of TPO membranes exposed in the UAWS device as well as in the field are shown to further understand the heat impact on TPO durability. In addition, accelerated heat aging at temperatures up to 138 °C are shown to give very good correlation to other aging tests.
Endogenous subclinical thyroid disorders, physical and cognitive function, depression, and mortality in older individuals
Authors: de Jongh Renate T , Lips Paul , van Schoor Natasja M , Rijs Kelly J , Deeg Dorly J H , Comijs Hannie C , Kramer Mark H H , Vandenbroucke Jan P , Dekkers Olaf M
Published: July 2011

Objective

To what extent endogenous subclinical thyroid disorders contribute to impaired physical and cognitive function, depression, and mortality in older individuals remains a matter of debate.

Design

A population-based, prospective cohort of the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam.

Methods

TSH and, if necessary, thyroxine and triiodothyronine levels were measured in individuals aged 65 years or older. Participants were classified according to clinical categories of thyroid function. Participants with overt thyroid disease or use of thyroid medication were excluded, leaving 1219 participants for analyses. Outcome measures were physical and cognitive function, depressive symptoms (cross-sectional), and mortality (longitudinal)

Results

Sixty-four (5.3%) individuals had subclinical hypothyroidism and 34 (2.8%) individuals had subclinical hyperthyroidism. Compared with euthyroidism (n=1121), subclinical hypo-, and hyper-thyroidism were not significantly associated with impairment of physical or cognitive function, or depression. On the contrary, participants with subclinical hypothyroidism did less often report more than one activity limitation (odds ratio 0.44, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.22–0.86). After a median follow-up of 10.7 years, 601 participants were deceased. Subclinical hypo- and hyper-thyroidism were not associated with increased overall mortality risk (hazard ratio 0.89, 95% CI 0.59–1.35 and 0.69, 95% CI 0.40–1.20 respectively).

Conclusions

This study does not support disadvantageous effects of subclinical thyroid disorders on physical or cognitive function, depression, or mortality in an older population.
Accuracy of Administrative Billing Codes to Detect Urinary Tract Infection Hospitalizations
Authors: Tieder Joel S. , Hall Matthew , Auger Katherine A. , Hain Paul D. , Jerardi Karen E. , Myers Angela L. , Rahman Suraiya S. , Williams Derek J. , Shah Samir S.
Published: July 2011

BACKGROUND:

Hospital billing data are frequently used for quality measures and research, but the accuracy of the use of discharge codes to identify urinary tract infections (UTIs) is unknown.

OBJECTIVE:

To determine the accuracy of International Classification of Diseases, 9th revision (ICD-9) discharge codes to identify children hospitalized with UTIs.

METHODS:

This multicenter study conducted in 5 children's hospitals included children aged 3 days to 18 years who had been admitted to the hospital, undergone a urinalysis or urine culture, and discharged from the hospital. Data were obtained from the pediatric health information system database and medical record review. With the use of 2 gold-standard methods, the positive predictive value (PPV) was calculated for individual and combined UTI codes and for common UTI identification strategies. PPV was measured for all groupings for which the UTI code was the principal discharge diagnosis.

RESULTS:

There were 833 patients in the study. The PPV was 50.3% with the use of the gold standard of laboratory-confirmed UTIs but increased to 85% with provider confirmation. Restriction of the study cohort to patients with a principle diagnosis of UTI improved the PPV for laboratory-confirmed UTI (61.2%) and provider-confirmed UTI (93.2%), as well as the ability to benchmark performance. Other common identification strategies did not markedly affect the PPV.

CONCLUSIONS:

ICD-9 codes can be used to identify patients with UTIs but are most accurate when UTI is the principal discharge diagnosis. The identification strategies reported in this study can be used to improve the accuracy and applicability of benchmarking measures.
The Association of BMI Status With Adolescent Preventive Screening
Authors: Jasik Carolyn Bradner , Adams Sally H. , Irwin Charles E. , Ozer Elizabeth
Published: July 2011

OBJECTIVE:

To examine the relationship between BMI status (normal, overweight, and obese) and preventive screening among adolescents at their last checkup.

METHODS:

We used population-based data from the 2003–2007 California Health Interview Surveys, telephone interviews of adolescents aged 12 to 17 years with a checkup in the past 12 months (n = 9220). Respondents were asked whether they received screening for nutrition, physical activity, and emotional distress. BMI was calculated from self-reported height and weight: (1) normal weight or underweight (<85th percentile); (2) overweight (85th–94th percentile); and (3) obese (>95th percentile). Multivariate logistic regression models tested how screening by topic differed according to BMI status, adjusting for age, gender, income, race/ethnicity, and survey year.

RESULTS:

Screening percentages in the pooled sample (all 3 years) were higher for obese, but not overweight, adolescents for physical activity (odds ratio: 1.4; P < .01) and nutrition (odds ratio: 1.6; screening did not differ P < .01). Stratified analysis by year revealed higher screening for obese (versus normal-weight) adolescents for nutrition and physical activity in 2003 and for all 3 topics in 2005. However, by 2007, screening did not differ according to BMI status. Overall screening between 2003 and 2007 declined for nutrition (75%–59%; P < .01), physical activity (74%–60%; P < .01), and emotional distress (31%–24%; P < .01).

CONCLUSIONS:

Obese adolescents receive more preventive screening versus their normal-weight peers. Overweight adolescents do not report more screening, but standards of care dictate increased attention for this group. These results are discouraging amid a rise in pediatric obesity and new guidelines that recommend screening by BMI status.
Randomized Controlled Trial of Dose Response to Influenza Vaccine in Children Aged 6 to 23 Months
Authors: Skowronski Danuta M. , Hottes Travis S. , Chong Mei , De Serres Gaston , Scheifele David W. , Ward Brian J. , Halperin Scott A. , Janjua Naveed Z. , Chan Tracy , Sabaiduc Suzana , Petric Martin
Published: July 2011

OBJECTIVES:

We assessed whether 2 full versus 2 half-doses of trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine (TIV) could improve immunogenicity without increasing reactogenicity in infants (aged 6–11 months) and toddlers (aged 12–23 months).

METHODS:

Previously unimmunized infants and toddlers were separately randomly assigned to receive 2 full (0.5-mL) or 2 half (0.25-mL) doses of 2008–2009 split TIV. Sera were collected at enrollment and at 27 to 45 days after the second injection. Parents recorded adverse events after each injection. The primary immunogenicity outcome was superiority (1-sided, α = 0.025) of the full versus the half-dose based on a >10% increase in rates of seroprotection (hemagglutination inhibition titer of ≥40). The primary reactogenicity outcome was fever of ≥38°C within 3 days of either injection.

RESULTS:

In per-protocol analyses, 252 participants (full dose: n = 124; half-dose: n = 128) were included. In toddlers, postimmunization seroprotection rates exceeded 85% for all 3 vaccine components without significant difference by dose. In infants, the full dose induced higher responses for all 3 vaccine components, meeting the 10% test of superiority for the H3N2 (75.4% vs 47.6%; Δ = 27.8% [95% confidence interval (CI): 11.2–44.5]; P = .02) and B/Yamagata (70.2% vs 41.3%; Δ = 28.9% [95% CI: 11.9–45.9]; P = .02) components but not H1N1 (71.9% vs 54.0%; Δ = 18.0% [95% CI: 1.0–34.9]; P = .2). Rates of fever were not increased among full- versus half-dose recipients in either age group (5.6% vs 12.7% combined).

CONCLUSIONS:

Administration of 2 full TIV doses may improve immunogenicity without increasing reactogenicity in infants. Current TIV dosing recommendations for young children warrant additional evaluation.
Low Weight, Morbidity, and Mortality in Children With Cerebral Palsy: New Clinical Growth Charts
Authors: Brooks Jordan , Day Steven , Shavelle Robert , Strauss David
Published: July 2011

OBJECTIVE:

To determine the percentiles of weight for age in cerebral palsy according to gender and Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level and to identify weights associated with negative health outcomes.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

This study consists of a total of 102 163 measurements of weight from 25 545 children with cerebral palsy who were clients of the California Department of Developmental Services from 1988 through 2002. Percentiles were estimated using generalized additive models for location, scale, and shape. Numbers of comorbidities were compared using t tests. The effect of low weight on mortality was estimated with proportional hazards regression.

RESULTS:

Weight-for-age percentiles in children with cerebral palsy varied with gender and GMFCS level. Comorbidities were more common among those with weights below the 20th percentile in GMFCS levels I through IV and level V without feeding tubes (P < .01). For GMFCS levels I and II, weights below the 5th percentile were associated with a hazard ratio of 2.2 (95% confidence interval: 1.3–3.7). For children in GMFCS levels III through V, weights below the 20th percentile were associated with a mortality hazard ratio of 1.5 (95% confidence interval: 1.4–1.7).

CONCLUSIONS:

Children with cerebral palsy who have very low weights have more major medical conditions and are at increased risk of death. The weight-for-age charts presented here may assist in the early detection of nutritional issues or other health risks in these children.
Efficacy of Neonatal Release of Ankyloglossia: A Randomized Trial
Authors: Buryk Melissa , Bloom David , Shope Timothy
Published: July 2011

BACKGROUND:

Ankyloglossia has been associated with a variety of infant-feeding problems. Frenotomy commonly is performed for relief of ankyloglossia, but there has been a lack of convincing data to support this practice.

OBJECTIVES:

Our primary objective was to determine whether frenotomy for infants with ankyloglossia improved maternal nipple pain and ability to breastfeed. A secondary objective was to determine whether frenotomy improved the length of breastfeeding.

METHODS:

Over a 12-month period, neonates who had difficulty breastfeeding and significant ankyloglossia were enrolled in this randomized, single-blinded, controlled trial and assigned to either a frenotomy (30 infants) or a sham procedure (28 infants). Breastfeeding was assessed by a preintervention and postintervention nipple-pain scale and the Infant Breastfeeding Assessment Tool. The same tools were used at the 2-week follow-up and regularly scheduled follow-ups over a 1-year period. The infants in the sham group were given a frenotomy before or at the 2-week follow-up if it was desired.

RESULTS:

Both groups demonstrated statistically significantly decreased pain scores after the intervention. The frenotomy group improved significantly more than the sham group (P < .001). Breastfeeding scores significantly improved in the frenotomy group (P = .029) without a significant change in the control group. All but 1 parent in the sham group elected to have the procedure performed when their infant reached 2 weeks of age, which prevented additional comparisons between the 2 groups.

CONCLUSIONS:

We demonstrated immediate improvement in nipple-pain and breastfeeding scores, despite a placebo effect on nipple pain. This should provide convincing evidence for those seeking a frenotomy for infants with signficant ankyloglossia.