bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermal stability analysis of nano-particulate-filled phenolic-based friction composite materials
Authors: Singh Tej , Patnaik Amar , Gangil Brijesh
Published: November 2014

This research article reports the thermal stability behaviour of nano-particulates (multiwalled carbon nanotube and nanoclay)–filled Kevlar-lapinus fibre-reinforced phenolic resin–based friction composite under oxygen atmosphere using thermogravimetric analysis. To analyse the damage assessment of the proposed nano-particulates–filled composites under thermal surroundings, the thermograph of the composites are generally divided into three major temperature zones (i.e. zone-1, zone 2 and zone-3). Temperature of zone-1 ranges from 30℃ to 350℃, zone-2 from 350℃ to 600℃ and finally zone-3 from 600℃ to 900℃. It has also been noticed that in zone-1 the friction composite shows relatively lower magnitude of thermal stability; thereafter, the decomposition rate accelerates with steep drop in thermal stability in zone-2. As heat supply continued to zone-3, the composite degradation rate gradually accelerates. The incorporation of nano-particulates indicated a remarkable improvement in the thermal stability of Kevlar/lapinus fibre combination reinforced friction composites. Furthermore, the result shows that nanoclay surpassed multiwalled carbon nanotube with regard to the thermal stability of friction formulations. This investigation confirms that nano-particulates–filled Kevlar/lapinus fibre-reinforced friction composites possess excellent potential to be used as high temperature–resistant friction materials.
In situ green synthesis of silver nanoparticles/chitosan/poly vinyl alcohol/poly ethylene glycol hydrogel nanocomposite for novel finishing of nasal tampons
Authors: Bayat Tork M , Hemmati Nejad N , Ghalehbagh S , Bashari A , Shakeri-Zadeh A , Kamrava SK
Published: November 2014

In the current study, synthesis of silver nanoparticles/chitosan/poly vinyl alcohol/poly ethylene glycol (AgNPs/Cs/PVA/PEG) hydrogel nanocomposite and finishing of cotton nasal tampons were reported via the γ-irradiation procedure. The uniform size distribution of nanoparticles and the presence of polymer nanocomposite were confirmed by energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), respectively. Z-average size of formed (Ag/Cs/PVA/PEG) hydrogel nanocomposite was about 96 nm. The water and simulated body fluid retention capacity of the modified tampons were assessed. The blood coagulation capability of the modified tampons was evaluated through Duke bleeding time test. The antibacterial evaluation of the modified tampons showed good antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria.
Headache Following Occipital Brain Lesion
Authors: Vollono Catello , Mariotti Paolo , Losurdo Anna , Giannantoni Nadia Mariagrazia , Mazzucchi Edoardo , Valentini Piero , De Rose Paola , Della Marca Giacomo
Published: November 2014

This study describes the case of an 8-year-old boy who developed a genuine migraine after the surgical excision, from the right occipital lobe, of brain abscesses due to selective infestation of the cerebrum by Entamoeba histolytica. After the surgical treatment, the boy presented daily headaches with typical migraine features, including right-side parieto-temporal pain, nausea, vomiting, and photophobia. Electroencephalography (EEG) showed epileptiform discharges in the right occipital lobe, although he never presented seizures. Clinical and neurophysiological observations were performed, including video-EEG and polygraphic recordings. EEG showed “interictal” epileptiform discharges in the right occipital lobe. A prolonged video-EEG recording performed before, during, and after an acute attack ruled out ictal or postictal migraine. In this boy, an occipital lesion caused occipital epileptiform EEG discharges without seizures, probably prevented by the treatment. We speculate that occipital spikes, in turn, could have caused a chronic headache with features of migraine without aura. Occipital epileptiform discharges, even in absence of seizures, may trigger a genuine migraine, probably by means of either the trigeminovascular or brainstem system.
Electroencephalographic Response to Different Odors in Healthy Individuals
Authors: Krbot Skorić Magdalena , Adamec Ivan , Jerbić Ana Branka , Gabelić Tereza , Hajnšek Sanja , Habek Mario
Published: November 2014

The aim of the present study was to examine human central nervous system response to three different odors. Electrophysiological activity was recorded in the baseline state and for 3 odors, lemon, peppermint, and vanilla, in 16 healthy participants. Electrodes were separated into groups according to the spatial position on the head. Fast Fourier transformation was performed on every set, and mean value of activity in theta was exported. As theta showed statistically significant results, further analysis was based only on the theta frequency band. On electrodes FP1, F3, Fz, F4, F8, T7, C3, Cz, C4, T8, TP9, CP5, CP1, CP2, CP6, P7, P3, Pz, P4, P8, PO9, and PO10 there was statistically significant difference in the electrical activity of the brain between four conditions. For peppermint and lemon, there was statistically significant difference in activity between different regions— F(1.576, 23.637) = 16.030, P = .000 and F(1.362, 20.425) = 4.54, P = .035, respectively—where the activity in the central area was significantly reduced compared with the activity in the other 4 areas and in the left and right anterior and left posterior area, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference for vanilla between specific areas, F(1.217, 18.257) = 1.155, P = .309. The results indicate that olfactory stimuli can affect the frequency characteristics of the electrical activity of the brain.
Pretreatment of synthetic vascular grafts with heparin before implantation, a simple technique to reduce the risk of thrombosis
Authors: Gerrah Rabin , Sunstrom PA-C Rachel E , Hohimer Alan R
Published: November 2014

Thrombosis of synthetic grafts commonly used in cardiovascular surgery is a major complication. We examined whether pretreatment of the graft with heparin reduces the risk of early thrombosis. A circuit was assembled to compare two pairs of shunts simultaneously in the same animal. The study shunts were pretreated with heparin. After 2 hours of circulation, clot formation was evaluated by image analysis techniques. The pretreated grafts had fewer blood clots adhered to the surface by direct visual inspection. The image analysis showed 5 vs. 39 clots, 0.01% vs. 1.8% clotted area, and 62 vs. 5630 clot pixel area between the treated and non-treated grafts respectively, p < 0.05. Pretreatment of the synthetic graft with heparin prior to implantation reduces the risk of early clot formation. This simple practice might be helpful to prevent initial thrombosis of the graft and later occlusion.
Reflections on Carroll Izard’s Contributions: Influences on Diverse Scientific Disciplines and Personal Recollections
Authors: Cicchetti Dante
Published: November 2014

Carroll Izard’s theoretical and empirical work has played a preeminent role in energizing the renascence in the study of the emotions and emotional development in normality and pathology. A brief historical overview of his career is presented. Izard’s differential emotions theory (DET) has exerted influence in a number of domains and disciplines. Illustrations are provided from research and prevention in developmental psychology and developmental psychopathology. Personal recollections of Cal Izard are provided showing that Izard is not only an influential theoretician and researcher, but also a wonderful emotional being.
Hold Tight: Carroll Izard’s Contributions to Translational Research on Emotion Competence
Authors: Trentacosta Christopher J. , Schultz David
Published: November 2014

This article summarizes Carroll (Cal) Izard’s contributions to theory and research on emotion competence and an emotion-centered preventive intervention program. Cal’s contributions to emotion competence research began with some of the earliest studies of whether or not recognition and labeling of emotions relate to social and behavioral functioning. He also theorized about the adaptive use of discrete emotions, a construct Cal termed “emotion utilization.” He translated theory and research on emotions into seven principles for emotion-based prevention and intervention, and he applied these principles to a preventive intervention, the Emotions Course. The Emotions Course has been shown to promote emotion competence and reduce problem behaviors. The article concludes with recommendations to deepen the research base on emotion competence.
Discrete Emotions and Developmental Psychopathology: The Alchemical Legacy of Carroll Izard
Authors: Youngstrom Eric A.
Published: November 2014

Carroll Izard completed his dissertation in 1952, beginning a career spanning more than six decades that coincided with clinical psychology maturing as a profession, and the birth of clinical science and cognitive neuroscience. Izard’s focus on discrete emotions as evolved systems that organize information, prepare responses, and shape the development of personality and relationships persisted through his career, despite “emotions” often being overshadowed by psychodynamic, behavioral, or cognitive perspectives. His theoretical work anticipated and now integrates contemporary neuroscience and relational perspectives. Exploration of discrete emotions has kept lines of inquiry open that enrich our understanding of psychopathology. Izard also embraced clinical science, combining basic research with effectiveness studies addressing the unmet need for mental health services via emotion-focused interventions.
Toward the Constitution of Emotional Feelings: Synergistic Lessons From Izard’s Differential Emotions Theory and Affective Neuroscience
Authors: Panksepp Jaak
Published: November 2014

Cal Izard has provided psychology a robust vision of human emotional feelings. He has addressed the full spectrum of emotional-developmental-cognitive complexities entailed in clarifying seemingly impenetrable mysteries: How do we experience emotions and how do they guide cognitive development? Izard’s developmental studies of infant minds integrate the primal evolutionary affective foundations of our nature with the diverse paths of nurture, and are framed in ways that can promote human thriving. His multilayered vision of our emotional nature resonates well with modern cross-species affective neuroscience perspectives.
The Impact of Authorization of the Travel Promotion Act on Hotel Firm Stock Returns
Authors: Johnson Mark , Singh A. J. , Ma Qing
Published: November 2014

On March 4, 2010, President Obama signed into law the Travel Promotion Act of 2010 (TPA), which established a public–private corporation to promote travel to the United States. Results from a survey of twenty financial analysts who follow the hospitality industry reveal that twelve of them considered TPA when analyzing hotel firms’ value at the time the law was signed. Two others had already revised their value assessment in 2009 when they first heard that the act was being considered. These analysts all believed that TPA would have a positive impact on firms in the hotel industry. Consistent with the analysts’ expectations, abnormal stock market returns indicate that publicly traded hotel firm stock prices increased by approximately 1.93 percent, on average, at the time of the TPA signing. Results of cross-sectional analyses of the abnormal stock returns indicate that hotel firms with a larger proportion of rooms in the upper chain-scale tier benefited more from TPA, and real estate investment trusts (REITs) would experience greater gains from TPA than C corps. Finally, we find that firms with a substantial portion of their rooms outside North America gained no more, nor less, than other hotel firms did from the TPA.
Evaluation of Men’s and Women’s Gymnastics Injuries
Authors: Westermann Robert W. , Giblin Molly , Vaske Ashley , Grosso Kylie , Wolf Brian R.
Published: November 2014

Background:

Injuries are common in collegiate gymnasts. Most descriptive studies of injury patterns in collegiate gymnasts are limited in duration or are only inclusive of women.

Hypothesis:

Injury patterns in men and women differ significantly; women sustain a higher rate of injuries than men.

Study Design:

Descriptive epidemiology study.

Level of Evidence:

Level 4.

Methods:

Musculoskeletal and head injuries reported in the Sports Injury Monitoring System at a single National Collegiate Athletic Association institution for Division 1 men’s and women’s gymnastics teams between 2001 and 2011 were identified. The variables assessed included sex, injured body part, year of eligibility, injury severity, surgical procedures, missed time, and team activity at the onset of injury.

Results:

From 2001 to 2011, 64 male gymnasts sustained 240 injuries, while 55 female gymnasts sustained 201 injuries. The injury incidence was 8.78 per 1000 athlete-exposures for men and 9.37 per 1000 athlete-exposures for women. Female gymnasts more commonly suffered major injuries compared with men, and more commonly underwent surgery after injury (24.4% of female injuries required surgery vs 9.2% in males). The anatomic region most often injured in men was the hand and wrist (24%). The anatomic region most often injured in women was the foot and ankle (39%). Overall, injury rates were highest in freshman-eligible athletes.

Conclusion:

Injury rates, overall, were similar in men and women gymnasts. Female gymnasts more commonly underwent surgical procedures after injury. Injury rates were higher in freshman-eligible athletes and decreased with increasing year of experience.

Clinical Relevance:

Specific attention should be given to gymnasts transitioning into collegiate-level gymnastics; injury prevention strategies should focus on the ankle and foot, as well as the elbow, wrist, and hand.
Magnetic resonance imaging findings in probable Creutzfeld-Jacob disease: comparison with electroencephalography and cerebrospinal fluid characteristics
Authors: Bozluolcay Melda , Elmali Ayse D , Menku Sukriye F , Zeydan Burcu , Benbir Gulcin , Delil Sakir , Yeni Naz
Published: November 2014

Background

Creutzfeld-Jacob disease (CJD) is a rare, progressive disease that has a vast clinical manifestation range. Cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), electroencephalography (EEG), and measurement of 14-3-3 in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) may offer a pragmatic approach in the diagnosis of CJD as an alternative to histopathological confirmation.

Purpose

To present the symptoms and signs of the CJD patients in regard to radiological and neurophysiological findings.

Material and Methods

We collected all cases with the diagnosis of probable CJD admitted to our neurology department between June 2010 and June 2014. The medical records and laboratory data, clinical features, results of MRI (including diffusion weighted images), EEG and CSF evaluations, and other laboratory data to exclude other possible diagnoses were recorded. None of the patients underwent biopsy or autopsy for histological diagnosis.

Results

Of 20 patients, 11 (55%) were men and nine (45%) were women. The mean age at disease onset was 60.0 ± 9.5 years (age range, 47–80 years). All patients without exception had characteristic abnormalities in DWI and/or FLAIR on admission, about 4 months after the initial symptom. Periodic complexes on EEGs characteristic for CJD were detected only in 10 patients (50%) on admission and in 13 patients (65%) during disease course. Out of 14 patients who underwent CSF examination, 11 (78.5%) were positive for 14-3-3 protein.

Conclusion

Although the definite diagnosis of CJD is made histopathologically, we aimed to discuss the value of magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of CJD in respect to EEG findings and protein 14-3-3 levels in CSF.
The role of the Internet for people with chronic pain: examples from the DIPEx International Project
Authors: Ziebland Sue , Lavie-Ajayi Maya , Lucius-Hoene Gabriele
Published: November 2014

In this article we consider how people with chronic illness are using the internet, drawing on examples from published qualitative interview studies of experiences of chronic pain in the UK, Germany and Israel. Extracts from the interviews can be seen on the websites from the www.dipexinternational.org collaboration which publishes analyses and many thousands of video and audio interview clips on country specific web platforms. The UK branch of the collaboration has been operating for over a decade and currently includes broad based samples of qualitative interviews with patients about their experiences of over 80 health problems.

The research has demonstrated that people living with chronic pain are increasingly using the web to find information, support and practical advice for self-management and also for reassurance, encouragement, to compare experiences of treatment and to offer advice and support to others. The internet is changing the way that people are experiencing illness, although access to relevant and reliable online material is not equally distributed. Those who do not speak one of the handful of dominant languages are less likely to find online experiences that resonate with their own.
Influence of ethnicity on the perception and treatment of early post-operative pain
Authors: Al-Hashimi Mhamad , Scott Simon , Griffin-Teall Nicola , Thompson Jonathan
Published: November 2014

Background:

Previous studies indicated that patients from Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) groups tend to receive less analgesics compared to Caucasian (White) patients after similar surgical procedures. Most such data originated from North America and suggested that health-care professionals may perceive the expression of excessive pain by BAME patient groups as an exaggerated response to pain, rather than sub-optimal treatment. There are limited data comparing acute pain management between South Asian and White British patients.

Objective:

We aimed to investigate correlation between patients’ ethnicity and disparities of early post-operative pain perception/management, in an ethnically diverse population.

Methods:

We conducted a retrospective case note review of acute post-operative pain after total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH) in 60 South Asian and 60 age-matched White British females. Data for 140 variables (pre-, intra- and post-operative) for each patient were recorded. We used propensity score matching to produce 30 closely matched patients in each group minimizing effects of recorded co-variates. Data were analysed with and without propensity score matching.

Results:

There were no significant differences in acute post-operative pain scores, morphine requirements, pain management, adverse effects or duration of post-operative care unit stay between South Asian and White British patients. The median duration of hospital stay of South Asian patients was longer (4.5 days versus 3.0 days, p < 0.001).

Conclusion:

We conclude that in an institution where both patients and health-care professionals are from an ethnically diverse population, neither post-operative pain nor pain management are influenced significantly by South Asian ethnicity.
Sunscreen Sales, Socio-Economic Factors, and Melanoma Incidence in Northern Europe
Authors: Williams Simon N. , Dienes Kimberly A.
Published: November 2014

In this ecological study, we drew upon recently published melanoma prevalence data, and compared them with historical market data and published socio-economic data to test for an association between historical sunscreen sales (1997-1999) and recent melanoma incidences (2008 and 2012) in 24 countries in Northern Europe. We also explored associations between current melanoma incidences and historical data on the following socio-demographic indicators: income, urbanization, and population aging. Melanoma incidences were higher in high-income countries where sales of sunscreen were also higher. Our results show that, at the population level, income was significantly associated with melanoma incidences, β = 0.0003, t(19) = 3.104, p < .006, and that increased sunscreen sales has not prevented higher income populations from being at higher risk of melanoma.
Women Consumer Segments of Health Services in Urban India: A Reflection on “Sense of Service” in Service Industry
Authors: Anand Sandip , Kumar Ibha
Published: November 2014

Health services from public and private sectors operate at different levels in different states of India. Moreover, within the states also, there are differences among citizens which are created due to their varying relationship with heath service providers and state. The public health sector is likely to be governed by social welfare, local needs and justice objectives and private health sector is likely to be driven by profits, market forces, competition, and global needs. This study specifically deals with women consumers of health services in urban India and welfare received by them. In the given context, the specific objectives of the research are to: (a) measure the level of connection between providers of health services and clients in India, and (b) identify the segments of citizens on the basis of extent to which they benefit from health welfare measures. For the analysis purpose, data of National Family Health Survey-III in India has been used. The study argues that the sense of service must be inclusive where there is no discrimination on the basis of religion, governance, and caste and where there are no segments of Denizens and Quasi Citizens but only Citizens.
Efficiency of the Bangladesh Banking Sector: Evidence from the Profit Function
Authors: Sufian Fadzlan , Kamarudin Fakarudin
Published: November 2014

The study investigates the level of profit efficiency in the Bangladesh banking sector over the years 2004–2011. We employ the Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) method to assess the level of profit efficiency of Bangladesh commercial banks. The empirical findings indicate that the Bangladesh banking sector has exhibited the highest and lowest level of profit efficiency during the years 2004 and 2009, respectively. We find that there are only eight banks which have been profit-efficient, while another four banks are classified as profit-inefficient. The findings from this study are expected to contribute significantly toward decision-making for regulators, policymakers, bank managers, investors, and also to the existing knowledge on operating performance of the Bangladesh banking sector.
Understanding thermally induced embrittlement in low copper RPV steels utilising atom probe tomography
Authors: Zelenty J. E.
Published: November 2014

Embrittlement is the primary factor limiting the lifetime of reactor pressure vessels (RPVs). This literature review provides an overview of the causes of hardening and non-hardening embrittlement in RPV steels, with a specific emphasis on precipitation hardening caused by manganese–nickel rich precipitates (MNPs) in thermally aged RPV steels. Several models used to describe the hardening mechanism are discussed. The role of atom probe tomography (APT) in investigating solute clustering in RPV steels is also discussed. The characterisation of nanoscale clusters is enabled by APT's unique combination of high mass and 3D spatial resolution. This technique, its limitations and the relevant statistical analysis methods available are reviewed.
Electrochemical performance of Ag doped Al0·6Si0·4/Al thin film anodes
Authors: Wu C.-H. , Hung F.-Y. , Lui T.-S. , Chen L.-H.
Published: November 2014

Radio frequency magnetron sputtering was adopted to deposit an Al1−x−ySixAgy/Al bilayer thin film anode in this study. The effects of Ag doping and the vacuum annealing on the charge–discharge characteristics of the prepared binary and ternary alloys were discussed. Al–Si based intermetallic alloys are considered as attractive anode materials for lithium ion batteries due to their ultrahigh theoretical capacities. It was observed that Ag doping significantly improved the electrical conductivity and affected the cycling performance. The charge–discharge characteristics of anodes were investigated both at room temperature and 55°C. The relationship between cycling performances and the electrochemical characteristics of the Al1−x−ySixAgy/Al bilayer thin film anodes was also investigated via cyclic voltammetry. The change resulting from annealing in elemental distribution around the interlayer was carefully investigated by TEM to figure out the difference among the cycling performance of specimens.
Telomere attrition and candidate gene mutations preceding monosomy 7 in aplastic anemia
Authors: Dumitriu Bogdan , Feng Xingmin , Townsley Danielle M. , Ueda Yasutaka , Yoshizato Tetsuichi , Calado Rodrigo T. , Yang Yanqin , Wakabayashi Yoshiyuki , Kajigaya Sachiko , Ogawa Seishi , Zhu Jun , Young Neal S.
Published: November 2014

Key Points

Accelerated telomere attrition precedes chromosomal loss and malignant transformation to MDS/AML arising from aplastic anemia.
Increased incidence of inflammatory bowel disease in Québec residents with airway diseases
Authors: Brassard Paul , Vutcovici Maria , Ernst Pierre , Patenaude Valérie , Sewitch Maida , Suissa Samy , Bitton Alain
Published: November 2014

The objective of the study was to assess whether the incidences of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are increased in patients with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) compared to the general population.

A population-based retrospective cohort study was conducted using the administrative health databases of Québec, Canada. Incidences of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis among patients with asthma and COPD were assessed for the 2001–2006 period.

In total, 136 178 subjects with asthma and 143 904 subjects with COPD were identified. The average incidence of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis was 23.1 and 8.8 per 100 000 person-years among asthmatic patients; in the COPD cohort there were 26.2 Crohn’s disease cases and 17 ulcerative colitis cases per 100 000 person-years. The incidence of Crohn’s disease in asthma and COPD patients was 27% and 55% higher than in the general population of Québec; the incidence of ulcerative colitis was 30% higher among COPD patients compared to the general population.

Incidence of inflammatory bowel disease was significantly increased in asthma and COPD patients compared to the general population of Québec. Incidence rates were particularly high in patients with COPD. Awareness of an association between airway diseases and inflammatory bowel disease in older age groups may play an important role in earlier detection of bowel disease and in the therapeutic management of such patients.
Enhanced Behavioral Responses to Cold Stimuli following CGRPα Sensory Neuron Ablation are Dependent on TRPM8
Authors: McCoy Eric S , Zylka Mark J
Published: November 2014

Background:

Calcitonin gene-related peptide-α (CGRPα) is a classic marker of peptidergic nociceptive neurons and is expressed in myelinated and unmyelinated dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons. Recently, we found that ablation of Cgrpα-expressing sensory neurons reduced noxious heat sensitivity and enhanced sensitivity to cold stimuli in mice. These studies suggested that the enhanced cold responses were due to disinhibition of spinal neurons that receive inputs from cold-sensing/TRPM8 primary afferents; although a direct role for TRPM8 was not examined at the time.

Results:

Here, we ablated Cgrpα-expressing sensory neurons in mice lacking functional TRPM8 and evaluated sensory responses to noxious heat, cold temperatures, and cold mimetics (acetone evaporative cooling and icilin). We also evaluated thermoregulation in these mice following an evaporative cold challenge. We found that ablation of Cgrpα-expressing sensory neurons in a Trpm8−/− background reduced sensitivity to noxious heat but did not enhance sensitivity to cold stimuli. Thermoregulation following the evaporative cold challenge was not affected by deletion of Trpm8 in control or Cgrpα-expressing sensory neuron-ablated mice.

Conclusions:

Our data indicate that the enhanced behavioral responses to cold stimuli in CGRPα sensory neuron-ablated mice are dependent on functional TRPM8, whereas the other sensory and thermoregulatory phenotypes caused by CGRPα sensory neuron ablation are independent of TRPM8.
Burns to be alive: a complication of transcutaneous cardiac stimulation
Authors: Muschart Xavier
Published: November 2014

No abstract
Analyses of chlorogenic acids and related cinnamic acid derivatives from Nicotiana tabacumtissues with the aid of UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS based on the in-source collision-induced dissociation method
Authors: Ncube Efficient N , Mhlongo Msizi I , Piater Lizelle A , Steenkamp Paul A , Dubery Ian A , Madala Ntakadzeni E
Published: November 2014

Background

Chlorogenic acids (CGAs) are a class of phytochemicals that are formed as esters between different derivatives of cinnamic acid and quinic acid molecules. In plants, accumulation of these compounds has been linked to several physiological responses against various stress factors; however, biochemical synthesis differs from one plant to another. Although structurally simple, the analysis of CGA molecules with modern analytical platforms poses an analytical challenge. The objective of the study was to perform a comparison of the CGA profiles and related derivatives from differentiated tobacco leaf tissues and undifferentiated cell suspension cultures.

Results

Using an UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS fingerprinting method based on the in-source collision induced dissociation (ISCID) approach, a total of 19 different metabolites with a cinnamic acid core moiety were identified. These metabolites were either present in both leaf tissue and cell suspension samples or in only one of the two plant systems. Profile differences point to underlying biochemical similarities or differences thereof.

Conclusion

Using this method, the regio- and geometric-isomer profiles of chlorogenic acids of the two tissue types of Nicotiana tabacum were achieved. The method was also shown to be applicable for the detection of other related molecules containing a cinnamic acid core.
Investment casting of nozzle guide vanes from nickel-based superalloys: part II – grain structure prediction
Authors: Torroba Agustin Jose , Koeser Ole , Calba Loic , Maestro Laura , Carreño-Morelli Efrain , Rahimian Mehdi , Milenkovic Srdjan , Sabirov Ilchat , LLorca Javier
Published: November 2014

The control of grain structure, which develops during solidification processes in investment casting of nozzle guide vanes (NGVs), is a key issue for optimization of their mechanical properties. The main objective of this part of the work was to develop a simulation tool for predicting grain structure in the new generation NGVs made from MAR-M247 Ni-based superalloy. A cellular automata - finite element (CAFE) module is employed to predict the three-dimensional (3D) grain structure in the as-cast NGV. The grain structure in the critical sections of the experimentally cast NGV is carefully analyzed, the experimental results are compared with the modeling outcomes, and the model is calibrated via tuning parameters which govern grain nucleation and growth. The grain structures predicted by the calibrated model show a very good accordance with the real ones observed in the critical sections of the as-cast NGV. It is demonstrated that the calibrated CAFE model is a reliable tool for the foundry industry to predict grain structure of the as-cast NGVs with very high accuracy.
Transmembrane Domains of Attraction on the TSH Receptor
Authors: Latif Rauf , Ali M. Rejwan , Mezei Mihaly , Davies Terry F.
Published: November 2014

The TSH receptor (TSHR) has the propensity to form dimers and oligomers. Our data using ectodomain-truncated TSHRs indicated that the predominant interfaces for oligomerization reside in the transmembrane (TM) domain. To map the potentially interacting residues, we first performed in silico studies of the TSHR transmembrane domain using a homology model and using Brownian dynamics (BD). The cluster of dimer conformations obtained from BD analysis indicated that TM1 made contact with TM4 and two residues in TM2 made contact with TM5. To confirm the proximity of these contact residues, we then generated cysteine mutants at all six contact residues predicted by the BD analysis and performed cysteine cross-linking studies. These results showed that the predicted helices in the protomer were indeed involved in proximity interactions. Furthermore, an alternative experimental approach, receptor truncation experiments and LH receptor sequence substitution experiments, identified TM1 harboring a major region involved in TSHR oligomerization, in agreement with the conclusion from the cross-linking studies. Point mutations of the predicted interacting residues did not yield a substantial decrease in oligomerization, unlike the truncation of the TM1, so we concluded that constitutive oligomerization must involve interfaces forming domains of attraction in a cooperative manner that is not dominated by interactions between specific residues.
Numerical Investigation of MILD Combustion Using Multi-Environment Eulerian Probability Density Function Modeling
Authors: Dongre Akshay , De Ashoke , Yadav Rakesh
Published: November 2014

In the present paper, the flames imitating Moderate and Intense Low Oxygen Dilution (MILD) combustion are studied using the Probability Density Function (PDF) modeling approach. Two burners which imitate MILD combustion are considered for the current study: one is Adelaide Jet-in-Hot-Coflow (JHC) burner and the other one is Delft-Jet-In-Hot-Coflow (DJHC) burner. 2D RANS simulations have been carried out using Multi-environment Eulerian Probability Density Function (MEPDF) approach along with the Interaction-by-Exchange-with-Mean (IEM) micro-mixing model. A quantitative comparison is made to assess the accuracy and predictive capability of the MEPDF model in the MILD combustion regime. The computations are performed for two different jet speeds corresponding to Reynolds numbers of Re = 4100 and Re = 8800 for DJHC burner, while Re = 10000 is considered for the Adelaide burner. In the case of DJHC burner, for Re = 4100, it has been observed that the mean axial velocity profiles and the turbulent kinetic energy profiles are in good agreement with the experimental database while the temperature profiles are slightly over-predicted in the downstream region. For the higher Reynolds number case (Re = 8800), the accuracy of the predictions is found to be reduced. Whereas in the case of Adelaide burner, the computed profiles of temperature and the mass fraction of major species (CH4, H2, N2, O2) are found to be in excellent agreement with the measurements while the discrepancies are observed in the mass fraction profiles of CO2 and H2O. In addition, the effects of differential diffusion are observed due to the presence of H2 in the fuel mixture.
Structural Fire Performance of Innovative Moment-Resisting Connection Joining Steel Beams to HSS Columns
Authors: Salem Osama , Hadjisophocleous George , Zalok Ehab
Published: November 2014

In this paper, experimental results of the structural fire behaviour of four large-scale steel frame test assemblies are presented. Test assemblies were made of HSS beams and columns connected together using an innovative extended end-plate moment connection configuration. Two different parameters were investigated, the connection end plate thickness and the degree of beam axial restraint. The fire performance of this beam-to-column configuration was compared to the behaviour of a commonly-used connection configuration with similar parameters and fire testing conditions. The newly-developed connection configuration behaved in a more flexible manner at elevated temperature than the regular configuration. In addition to improved constructability and pleasant appearance, the new connection configuration exhibits greater moment-carrying capacity and enhanced fire resistance characteristics.
Analytical Method of Temperature Prediction in Reinforced Concrete Beams
Authors: Rafi Muhammad , Nadjai Ali
Published: November 2014

The determination of temperature profile within a reinforced concrete (RC) beam is essential for carrying out structural analysis at elevated temperatures. The temperatures are usually estimated using sophisticated numerical techniques which require computational support. Since the determination of rebar temperature in RC beams is more important than the concrete temperature a reliable analytical method of temperature prediction can become a helpful tool in simple beam analysis problems which are employed for determining residual strength in fire. This paper presents the details of development of an empirical equation for the prediction of temperature of rebar in RC beams. The equation is also capable of predicting concrete temperatures at different locations within the beam. The predictions made by the equation were compared with the temperatures determined from experimental beam testing and finite element (FE) analysis. A good correlation of the predicted temperatures was found for the entire time-temperature history with both the observed data and the estimated temperatures by FE models.
Strengthening of Heat Damaged Reinforced Concrete Short Columns
Authors: Roy A. , Sharma U. , Bhargava P.
Published: November 2014

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of different strengthening schemes in strengthening heat damaged reinforced concrete short columns. A series of 63 heat damaged specimens were tested under concentric compression after jacketing externally with High Strength Fiber Reinforced Concrete (HSFRC), Ferrocement (FC) and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) jackets. The specimens were subjected to various heating and cooling regimes. The overall response of strengthened specimens was investigated with reference to un-strengthened specimens in terms of axial compressive strength, ductility, lateral stress-strain, and axial stress-strain behaviour. It was observed that while the GFRP jacketing is quite effective in improving compressive strength and energy dissipation, it is not capable of improving stiffness. On the contrary FC and HSFRC jacketing were mainly effective in improving stiffness property. Overall GFRP jacketing was found to be the most effective method of strengthening fire or heat damaged concrete columns.
G quadruplex RNA structures in PSD-95 mRNA: potential regulators of miR-125a seed binding site accessibility
Authors: Stefanovic Snezana , Bassell Gary J. , Mihailescu Mihaela Rita
Published: November 2014

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common inherited form of intellectual disability caused by the CGG trinucleotide expansion in the 3′-untranslated region of the FMR1 gene on the X chromosome, that silences the expression of the Fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP). FMRP has been shown to bind to a G-rich region within the PSD-95 mRNA which encodes for the postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD-95), and together with the microRNA miR-125a, to play an important role in the reversible inhibition of the PSD-95 mRNA translation in neurons. The loss of FMRP in Fmr1 KO mice disables this translation control in the production of the PSD-95 protein. Interestingly, the miR-125a binding site on PSD-95 mRNA is embedded in the G-rich region bound by FMRP and postulated to adopt one or more G quadruplex structures. In this study, we have used different biophysical techniques to validate and characterize the formation of parallel G quadruplex structures and binding of miR-125a to its complementary sequence located within the 3′ UTR of PSD-95 mRNA. Our results indicate that the PSD-95 mRNA G-rich region folds into alternate G quadruplex conformations that coexist in equilibrium. miR-125a forms a stable complex with PSD-95 mRNA, as evident by characteristic Watson–Crick base-pairing that coexists with one of the G quadruplex forms, suggesting a novel mechanism for G quadruplex structures to regulate the access of miR-125a to its binding site.
Influences of Parents and Peers in Adolescent Leisure Activities
Authors: Fawcett Lillian , Garton Alison F. , Dandy Justine
Published: November 2014

The current study investigated the associations between the influence of parent and peer characteristics and adolescent involvement in different types of out-of-school leisure activities using a structured versus unstructured activity dichotomy. Questionnaires completed by 1280, 12- to 17-year-old, Western Australian metropolitan, high-school students were analysed. It was found that perceived parent strictness, connectedness to adolescents, and parenting style were positively associated with adolescent participation in structured leisure activities, but negatively associated with time spent in unstructured activities. Hours of involvement in structured and unstructured leisure activities were negatively associated with perceived susceptibility to peer pressure. Peer connectedness was positively associated with hours spent in unstructured activities, but there was no significant interaction with participation in structured leisure activities. These findings suggest that peer influence is not always a dominant force in all aspects of adolescents' lives and also endorse the continued influence of parents as per Individuation and Relatedness theory in which it is argued that individuals' transition through adolescence is optimised if they remain connected to parents while concurrently developing their autonomy.
A Case Study of a Self-Help Intervention With Telephone Support for a Smoker With Weak Motivation to Quit
Authors: Míguez Carmen , Becoña Elisardo
Published: November 2014

Smokers who need help to stop smoking cannot always attend clinical treatment sessions, so it is important for other alternatives to be offered. We report a case study of a smoking cessation intervention administered to a 29-year-old male cigarette smoker who had made no previous attempts to quit and who did not want to stop smoking, but who was obliged to because he was about to undergo a surgical intervention. The intervention was a mailed behavioural program combined with telephone support, administered over a six-week period. The subject quit smoking after 4 weeks, and remained abstinent at 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-ups. At the 12-month follow-up the carbon monoxide in expired air was used to verify his abstinence.
Nicotine Absorption From Seven Current Nicotine Replacement Products and a New Wide-Bore Nicotine Delivery Device
Authors: McEwen Andy , West Robert , Gaiger Maria
Published: November 2014

This preliminary laboratory study investigated nicotine absorption rates of seven current nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) products and a new wide-bore nicotine delivery device (the ‘Nicotine Cannon’). The nicotine products (Cannon, inhalator, nasal spray, microtab, 2 mg and 4 mg gum and 2 mg and 4 mg lozenge) were used for ten minutes by two non-nicotine tolerant subjects. Blood was taken at frequent intervals for the next 60 minutes and plasma nicotine concentrations assessed. Of current NRT products investigated the 4 mg lozenge performed best with the highest blood nicotine levels at each time point, the 2 mg gum delivered the lowest concentrations at each time point. The nicotine nasal spray delivered nicotine the fastest of all the products. The Cannon delivered the highest blood nicotine concentration (mean 8.95 ng/ml) of all products one minute after device use had stopped, and the highest concentration (11 ng/ml) five minutes after termination of use. The Cannon showed it could deliver nicotine relatively rapidly in a manner that was readily tolerated by users.
EFFECTIVE FRACTURE ENERGY OF ULTRA-HIGH-PERFORMANCE FIBRE-REINFORCED CONCRETE UNDER INCREASED STRAIN RATES
Authors: Sovják Radoslav , Rašínová Jana , Máca Petr
Published: November 2014

The main objective of this paper is to contribute to the development of ultra-high performance fibre reinforced concrete (UHPFRC) with respect to its effective fracture energy. Effective fracture energy was investigated in this paper considering different fibre volume fractions and different strain rates. It was concluded that the effective fracture energy is dependent on the strain rate. In addition, it was found that higher fibre volume fractions tend to decrease the sensitivity of the UHPFRC to increased strain rates.
Screening of Selected Indicators of Dairy Cattle Welfare in Macedonia
Authors: Radeski Miroslav , Janevski Aleksandar , Ilieski Vlatko
Published: November 2014

The welfare state of cattle in dairy farms in Macedonia has never been assessed previously. The objective of this study was to perform screening analysis of dairy cows welfare and to test the practical implementation of the Welfare Quality® Assessment protocol for cattle in dairy farms in Macedonia. In ten small scale and large scale tie stall farms 23 measures were recorded related to 9 welfare criteria of 4 welfare principles (WP) described in the Welfare Quality® Assessment protocol for dairy cows. The mean percentage of very lean cows was 40.5±9.1%. All assessed farms were not providing access to pasture and an outdoor loafing area. Regarding cleanliness, the presence of dirty udder, upper leg/flank and lower leg was 65.2±9.0%, 85.5±8.0% and 86.5±5.8%, respectively. The overall prevalence of lameness was 5.6±5.0%, and for mild and severe alterations it was 30.8±5.8% and 54.1±4.6%, respectively. The ocular and vulvar discharge, diarrhea, dystocia, percentage of downer cows and mortality rate exceeded the warning and alarm threshold. The avoidance - distance test classified 70.4±6.8% as animals that can be touched or approached closer than 50cm, with overall score of 42.9±3.5. This screening reveals that the most welfare concerns are found in the WP Good Feeding and Good Housing. The on-farm welfare assessment using the full protocol on a representative sample of farms in the country is highly recommended for emphasizing the key points for improving the animal welfare in Macedonian dairy farms.
Cholinergic Stimulation Enhances Bayesian Belief Updating in the Deployment of Spatial Attention
Authors: Vossel Simone , Bauer Markus , Mathys Christoph , Adams Rick A. , Dolan Raymond J. , Stephan Klaas E. , Friston Karl J.
Published: November 2014

The exact mechanisms whereby the cholinergic neurotransmitter system contributes to attentional processing remain poorly understood. Here, we applied computational modeling to psychophysical data (obtained from a spatial attention task) under a psychopharmacological challenge with the cholinesterase inhibitor galantamine (Reminyl). This allowed us to characterize the cholinergic modulation of selective attention formally, in terms of hierarchical Bayesian inference. In a placebo-controlled, within-subject, crossover design, 16 healthy human subjects performed a modified version of Posner's location-cueing task in which the proportion of validly and invalidly cued targets (percentage of cue validity, % CV) changed over time. Saccadic response speeds were used to estimate the parameters of a hierarchical Bayesian model to test whether cholinergic stimulation affected the trial-wise updating of probabilistic beliefs that underlie the allocation of attention or whether galantamine changed the mapping from those beliefs to subsequent eye movements. Behaviorally, galantamine led to a greater influence of probabilistic context (% CV) on response speed than placebo. Crucially, computational modeling suggested this effect was due to an increase in the rate of belief updating about cue validity (as opposed to the increased sensitivity of behavioral responses to those beliefs). We discuss these findings with respect to cholinergic effects on hierarchical cortical processing and in relation to the encoding of expected uncertainty or precision.