bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spurious Waves During Generation of Multi-Chromatic Waves in the Wave Tank in Shallow Water
Authors: Zaman M. Hasanat , Peng Heather , Baddour Emile , McKay Shane
Published: November 2011

Accurate generation of the primary waves and the reproduction of the group-induced second-order low and high frequency waves have been considered essential for physical i.e. model test in the laboratory. In the laboratory when multi-chromatic primary waves are generated the required bounded waves will be generated naturally at the difference frequencies. In addition to that several unwanted free waves are also generated. The free waves, having the same frequencies of the bounded waves are reproduced due to mismatch of the boundary conditions at the wave paddle. The other two types of free waves are due to the wave paddle displacement and the local disturbances. We carried out physical experiments to identify the second order spurious waves in shallow water in the Offshore Engineering Basin (OEB) at the Institute for Ocean Technology (IOT) of National Research Council (NRC) Canada. In the basin water depths in the range of 0.4m to 0.6m are used for the experiments. The peak wave periods also have varied from 1.133s to 2.145s. In the experiments multi-chromatic waves are used. The drive signals of the wave-makers are generated using first-order and second-order wave generation techniques. Total 14 wave probes are used to capture the data in the wave tank. A NRC-IOT code is used to isolate the primary waves, the bounded waves and the unwanted free waves from the measured data at each wave probe. The measured data are analyzed in this paper to illustrate the differences in the waves generated by two different generation techniques.
Near-Field Flow Downstream of a Barrage: Experiments, 3-D, CFD and Depth-Averaged Modelling
Authors: Jeffcoate Penelope , Stansby Peter K. , Apsley David
Published: November 2011

Tidal schemes such as the Mersey Barrage are being considered for UK energy generation, because barrage electricity generation is renewable, reliable and predictable and creates no toxic by-products. A key problem perceived to arise from barrages is the detrimental environmental impact, which may include changes in water levels, which affects species like wading birds; altered water turbidity, which affects fish and plant species; and changes to sediment drift patterns, potentially causing sediment or pollution trapping. Some of these, however, may be positive outcomes of the barrage. In order to assess the accuracy of two-dimensional, depth-averaged models that are commonly used for large-scale modelling, flume experiments and 3-D computations have been undertaken to compare with depth-averaged modelling. The 2-D model was found to be inaccurate in predicting the close-to-surface flow patterns close to the barrage, however further from the barrage the model accurately predicted the approximate velocity magnitude at the surface. The 3-D model accurately predicted the velocity profiles at the depths and distances from the barrage that were analysed, with a few exceptions. Both models need altering and refining in order to obtain reasonable results for the friction velocity and bed shear stress, and this will be a further development of this project.
Calculations on the Oil Film Between a Propeller Shaft and the Aft Sterntube Bearing
Authors: Roemen R.
Published: November 2011

The propulsion plant of a vessel generally consists of a propeller, a main engine and a shaft transferring the power. The shaft is supported by a set of bearings. One bearing in particular, the one directly forward of the propeller, is of special interest in this study. The correct functioning of this bearing is vital for the propulsion plant to remain operating. As a result of the different operating conditions of the propulsion plant particularly this bearing is subjected to varying loads. It also has to accommodate a certain slope mismatch with respect to the shaft. If a bearing functions correctly or not depends on the presence of an oil film between the bearing and the shaft. Also the thickness of the film and the generated pressures within it are deciding whether the loading is acceptable or not. As such a detailed analysis of the oil film between the shaft and the bearing presents a scientifically supported method to evaluate the acceptability of the loading of the bearing. Another advantage is that the method makes it possible to verify the correct functioning of the bearing in varying loads related to off design conditions. This study presents a general method to calculate the minimum oil thickness within a cylindrical bearing given such external parameters as load, slope mismatch, shaft speed and the oil viscosity. First a part of the bearing theory is presented as well as the relations governing the oil flow through the bearing. The method to solve the set of equations used is the finite difference method. Some adaptations of the formulae to enable the use of the method are presented. Also is explained what assumptions and boundary conditions are applied. In succession to the theoretical part the method is validated with a comparison to a set of experimental data. The practical significance of the use of the method is demonstrated by a practical case. Finally some conclusions are presented.
Non-Gaussian Wave Groups Generated in an Offshore Wave Basin and Their Statistics
Authors: Cherneva Zhivelina , Guedes Soares C.
Published: November 2011

The main goal of this work is to investigate the wave groups using data from a deep water basin. Available data are for unidirectional waves measured at several fixed points situated in different distances from the wave maker. Previous works of many authors show that such series describe a process which differs significantly from the Gaussian one. Omitting the usual envelope definition by the Hilbert transform an upper and lower envelopes are introduced. Then the mean high run, mean group length and their distributions are found and compared with the theoretical results for Gaussian process.
The Stabilizing Effect of U-Tanks as Passive Anti-Rolling Devices
Authors: Ribeiro e Silva Sergio , Va´squez Guillermo , Guedes Soares C. , Maro´n Adolfo
Published: November 2011

In this study a U-type tank, consisting of two lateral reservoirs connected by means of an horizontal channel, is considered as a passive anti-rolling device for ships. Forced oscillation tests have been conducted at CEHIPAR for the U-type tank on a moving platform for different frequencies and also for different amplitudes of the pure roll forced motions. The most important aspect was to obtain a large set of roll restoring moments, for this passive configuration, which gives a discrete distribution of the roll restoring moments along the entire range of wave frequencies of interest. Moreover, from free decay tests an estimate of the U-tank internal damping was obtained. A detailed account of model tests is presented and the method of analyzing the experimental results discussed. Herein the experimental data of the U-type tank is compared with results from a linear frequency domain model, where the level of nonlinear effects with the amplitude of the forced motions is thoroughly addressed.
Assessing Structural Safety of Inner Hull Structure Under Cryogenic Temperature
Authors: Han Sangmin , Bae Junhong , Joh Kihun , Suh Yongsuk , Eom Jae-Kwang
Published: November 2011

The market of LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) carrier is continuously in a prosperous condition, and a lot of LNG vessels are being built in many shipyards. Membrane-type MARK-III LNG CCS (Cargo Containment System) is used more and more in the construction of LNG carrier, and it has already taken considerable market share among the various LNG CCS products. This paper deals with a study on structural safety of LNG carrier whose inner hull structure is affected by cryogenic temperature of LNG. If the primary and secondary barriers are failed simultaneously, the inner hull structure comes to be in direct contact with LNG. It is well known that the cryogenic temperature exposes the inner hull structure to fatal risk of structural failure due to brittle fracture, but nevertheless it is quite difficult to find a precedent research which explains the degree of risk and severity with due consideration of the consequence caused by structural failure of inner hull. The heat transfer test has been performed using the specimen appropriate to realize test scenario while considering cryogenic liquid flow from primary and secondary barrier into inner hull structure, and at the same time, the specimen has been tested by applying proper deformation so as to examine the structural behavior of inner hull structure under cryogenic condition. The heat transfer analysis has been performed to simulate and verify the heat transfer test, and consequently it is possible to obtain actual distribution of temperature in the inner hull structure exposed to cryogenic temperature. The structural analysis has been performed to evaluate the damage of inner hull structure and as a result to assess overall decrease of hull girder strength of LNG carrier. Finally, consequence of the decrease of global strength has been discussed.
Factoring to Improve Conservatism of the Drag-Inertia Method When Determining Dynamic Amplification of Jackup Units
Authors: Perry Michael J. , Mobbs Charles B.
Published: November 2011

The Drag-Inertia method is one of the most popular time domain methods for estimating the contribution of dynamics to the response of a Jackup. The method calculates the Dynamic Amplification Factor (DAF) using the simulated response of the Jackup to a short, usually one hour, random storm. The Drag-Inertia method has been subject to some criticism as it produces results which are, in some cases, less conservative than other methods. Despite this, we feel the benefits of the Drag-Inertia method; efficient and repeatable assessment, are essential to a site assessment. Other methods, such as the Winterstein method, require much longer storm durations, while the variability in DAF results is considerably more. In this study, we propose that factoring the DAFs produced by the Drag-Inertia method is a practical way to improve conservatism, bringing the DAFs in line with the mean DAF results produced by the Winterstein method. The factor is proposed based on simulations of 18 different Jackup configurations and eight different wave conditions. The simple factor is a function of period ratio, Tn/Tp, allowing for efficient and repeatable factoring of DAF values without additional simulation time. When the factor is applied to the Drag-Inertia DAF values the resulting DAFs are within 0.05 of the mean Winterstein DAF in 61% of cases and in only 7% of cases is the Winterstein DAF more than 0.10 above the factored Drag-Inertia result.
Cutinolytic esterase activity of bacteria isolated from mixed-plant compost and characterization of a cutinase gene fromPseudomonas pseudoalcaligenes
Authors: Inglis G.D. , Yanke L.J. , Selinger L.B.
Published: November 2011

The objective of the current study was to examine cutinolytic esterase (i.e., cutinase) activity by pseudomonads and bacteria isolated from mixed-plant compost. Approximately 400 isolates representing 52 taxa recovered from mixed-plant compost using cuticle baits, along with 117 pseudomonad isolates obtained from a culture collection (i.e., non-compost habitats), were evaluated. The ability of isolates to degrade the synthetic cutin polycaprolactone (PCL) was initially measured. Isolates from 23 taxa recovered from the compost degraded PCL. As well, isolates from 13 taxa of pseudomonads cleared PCL. Secondary screening measured esterase activity induced by the presence of apple cuticle using the chromogenic substrate p-nitrophenyl butyrate. Eighteen isolates representing four taxa ( Alcaligenes faecalis , Bacillus licheniformis , Bacillus pumilus , and Pseudomonas pseudoalcaligenes ) recovered from compost exhibited substantial esterase activity when grown with cuticle. In contrast, none of the pseudomonad isolates from the culture collection produced appreciable esterase activity. Although degradation of PCL was not correlated with esterase activity, isolates that were unable to degrade PCL failed to produce measureable esterase activities. Zymogram analysis indicated that the esterases produced by bacteria from compost ranged in size from 29 to 47 kDa. A gene from P. pseudoalcaligenes (cutA) was found to code for a cutin-induced esterase consisting of 302 amino acids and a theoretical protein size of 32 kDa. The enzyme was unique and was most closely related to other bacterial lipases (≤48% similarity).
Development of a SCAR marker for detection ofBipolaris sorokinianacausing spot blotch of wheat
Authors: Aggarwal R. , Gupta S. , Banerjee S. , Singh V.B.
Published: November 2011

Spot blotch of wheat caused by Bipolaris sorokiniana is an important disease of wheat, especially in slightly warm (25 ± 1 °C) and humid weather conditions. A quick and reliable PCR-based diagnostic assay has been developed to detect B. sorokiniana using a pathogen-specific marker derived from genomic DNA. A PCR-amplified band of 650 bp obtained in B. sorokiniana isolates using universal rice primer (URP 1F) was cloned in pGEMT easy vector and sequenced. Based on sequences, six primers were designed, out of which a primer pair RABSF1 (GGTCCGAGACAACCAACAA) and RABSR2 (AAAGAAAGCGGTCGACGTAA) amplified a sequence of 600 bp in B. sorokiniana isolates. The specificity of the marker when tested against 40 isolates of B. sorokiniana, seven isolates of other species of Bipolaris, and 27 isolates of other pathogens infecting wheat and other crops showed a specific band of 600 bp only in B. sorokiniana. The detection limit was 50 pg of genomic DNA. The marker could detect the pathogen in soil and wheat leaves at presymptomatic stage. This sequence characterized amplified region (SCAR) marker designated as SCRABS600could clearly distinguish B. sorokiniana from other fungal plant pathogens, including Bipolaris spp. The utilization of this diagnostic PCR assay in analysis of field soil and wheat leaves will play a key role in effective management of the disease.
DIELECTRIC PROPERTIES OF COMPLEX PEROVSKITE PZBT-PMNT CERAMIC UNDER COMPRESSIVE STRESS
Authors: UNRUAN MUANGJAI , MONNOR TEERAWAT , YIMNIRUN RATTIKORN , KHAMMAN ORAWAN , VITTAYAKORN WANWILAI , ANANTA SUPON , WONGMANEERUNG REWADEE
Published: November 2011

Effects of compressive stress on the dielectric properties of complex perovskite PZBT-PMNT ceramic were investigated. The dielectric properties measured under stress-free condition showed a composite nature with two distinct temperatures of dielectric maximum associated with PZBT and PMNT end members. The dielectric properties under the compressive stress were observed at stress levels up to 230 MPa using a home-built compressometer. The results clearly showed that the compression load significantly reduced both the dielectric constant and the dielectric loss tangent in every measuring frequency. The change of the dielectric constant with stress was attributed to competing influences of the intrinsic contribution of non-polar matrix and the extrinsic contributions of re-polarization and growth of micro-polar regions, while the clamping of the domain walls contributed to the stress-dependent changes of the dielectric loss tangent. Finally, a large drop of the dielectric constant after a stress cycle was likely caused by the stress induced decrease in switchable part of spontaneous polarization.
A MIXED VARIATIONAL FRAMEWORK FOR THE RADIATIVE TRANSFER EQUATION
Authors: EGGER HERBERT , SCHLOTTBOM MATTHIAS
Published: November 2011

We present a rigorous variational framework for the analysis and discretization of the radiative transfer equation. Existence and uniqueness of weak solutions are established under rather general assumptions on the coefficients. Moreover, weak solutions are shown to be regular and hence also strong solutions of the radiative transfer equation. The relation of the proposed variational method to other approaches, including least-squares and even-parity formulations, is discussed. Moreover, the approximation by Galerkin methods is investigated, and simple conditions are given, under which stable quasi-optimal discretizations can be obtained. For illustration, the approximation by a finite element PN approximation is discussed in some detail.
AN IMMERSED SMOOTHED FINITE ELEMENT METHOD FOR FLUID–STRUCTURE INTERACTION PROBLEMS
Authors: ZHANG ZHI-QIAN , YAO JIANYAO , LIU G. R.
Published: November 2011

A novel procedure, immersed smoothed finite element method (immersed S-FEM) is proposed for solving fluid–structure interaction (FSI) problems with moving nonlinear solids, using triangular type of mesh. The method consists of well-combined three ingredients: two-step Taylor-characteristic-based-Galerkin (TCBG) method for incompressible viscous Navier–Stokes flows, the S-FEM for explicit dynamics analysis of nonlinear solids and structures, and FSI conditions using immersed technique with a modified direct force evaluation technique. Such a combination is designed for ensuring stability, best possible efficiency, and simplicity and convenient to use. The proposed method is verified by numerical examples using triangular meshes, which demonstrate the validity, accuracy, and the second-order convergence properties of the present method in both space and time.
A NODE-BASED SMOOTHED CONFORMING POINT INTERPOLATION METHOD (NS-CPIM) FOR ELASTICITY PROBLEMS
Authors: XU X. , GU Y. T. , YANG X.
Published: November 2011

This paper formulates a node-based smoothed conforming point interpolation method (NS-CPIM) for solid mechanics. In the proposed NS-CPIM, the higher-order CPIM shape functions have been constructed to produce a continuous and piecewise quadratic displacement field over the whole problem domain, whereby the smoothed strain field was obtained through smoothing operation over each smoothing domain associated with domain nodes. The smoothed Galerkin weak form was then developed to create the discretized system equations. Numerical studies have demonstrated the following good properties: NS-CPIM (1) can pass both standard and quadratic patch tests; (2) provides an upper bound of strain energy; (3) avoids the volumetric locking; and (4) provides the higher accuracy than those in the node-based smoothed schemes of the original PIMs.
AN EFFICIENT OPTIMIZATION METHOD FOR UNCERTAIN PROBLEMS BASED ON NON-PROBABILISTIC INTERVAL MODEL
Authors: LI D. , JIANG C. , HAN X. , ZHANG Z.
Published: November 2011

In this paper, an efficient optimization method named NIO-SLP is suggested for uncertain structures by using the non-probabilistic interval model to quantify the uncertainty. A general nonlinear interval optimization (NIO) problem is investigated, in which both of the objective function and constraints are nonlinear and uncertain. A sequence of approximate optimization sub-problems are created based on the first-order Taylor expansion and each one degenerates into a simple linear interval optimization (LIO) problem. An iterative mechanism is proposed to update the design space and whereby make the optimization sequence converge at the optimum. Two numerical examples are investigated to demonstrate the effectiveness of the present method.
Association between Serum Uric Acid Levels and Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Bandaru Pavani , Shankar Anoop
Published: November 2011

Serum uric acid has been shown to be associated with cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease in previous studies. However, few studies have examined the association between serum uric acid and diabetes mellitus and their findings are not consistent. Therefore, we examined the association between serum uric acid levels and diabetes mellitus in participants from the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (, 52.5% women). Serum uric acid levels were categorized into quartiles. Diabetes mellitus was defined as fasting glucose ≥126 mg/dL, nonfasting glucose ≥200 mg/dL, or use of oral hypoglycemic medication or insulin (). In multivariable logistic regression models, we found that higher serum uric acid levels were inversely associated with diabetes mellitus after adjusting for age, sex, race/ethnicity, education, smoking, alcohol intake, body mass index, hypertension, and serum cholesterol. Compared to quartile 1 of serum uric acid, the odds ratio (95% confidence interval) of diabetes mellitus was 0.48 (0.35–0.66; trend ). The results were consistent in subgroup analysis by gender and hypertension status. Higher serum uric acid levels were inversely associated with diabetes mellitus in a representative sample of US adults.
Asymptomatic Severe Hypocalcemia Secondary to Vitamin D Deficiency in an Elderly Patient
Authors: Aldasouqi Saleh , Glassy Crystal M. , Glassy Matthew S. , Treska Anxhela , Caldwell-McMillan Molly , Gossain Ved
Published: November 2011

Objective. To describe an asymptomatic presentation of severe hypocalcemia secondary to vitamin D deficiency in an elderly patient.Methods. We describe the presentation and clinical course of an elderly woman with asymptomatic severe hypocalcemia referred to an endocrinology clinic for hyperparathyroidism.Results. The patient is an 83-year-old Caucasian woman who presented to an endocrinology clinic for evaluation of hyperparathyroidism, with an intact PTH of 462 pg/mL (normal range 14–72 pg/mL). The same lab report included a serum calcium of 5.2 mg/dL (normal range 8–10.5 mg/dL). She displayed no signs or symptoms of hypocalcemia. Given the extreme severity of hypocalcemia and her age, she was hospitalized. Vitamin D deficiency was suspected and was subsequently confirmed with undetectable serum levels. The patient remained asymptomatic throughout her hospital stay. Total and ionized calcium levels at discharge were 7.2 mg/dL and 1.03 mmol/L (normal range 1.1–1.4 mmol/L), respectively.Conclusion. Physicians should exercise prudent management with respect to the vitamin D status of the elderly patient, as certain patients may exhibit severe hypovitaminosis D and hypocalcemia without apparent clinical symptoms.
Short Communication: Evaluation of a New Rapid Diagnostic Test for Quality Assurance by Kala Azar Elimination Programme in Bangladesh
Authors: Khan Md Gulam Musawwir , Alam Mohammad Shafiul , Bhuiyan Abu Toha , Jamil Maleka Arjumand , Saha Bijoy , Islam Mazharul , Haque Rashidul , Hossain Moazzem , Jamil Kazi M.
Published: November 2011

In Bangladesh, serological tests have been widely used for the primary screening of visceral leishmaniasis (VL). Several serologic tests are available for the diagnosis of VL. Selection of the best test is important to permit diagnostic differentiation between symptomatic and asymptomatic patients and to reduce cross-reactivity. We evaluated the effectiveness of a new serological test “Onsite Leishmania Ab Rapid Test” as a part of “quality assurance” activities for the kala azar elimination programme of the Government of Bangladesh. Plasma samples of 100 parasitologically confirmed cases of VL along with 101 healthy controls were tested, and “Onsite Leishmania Ab Rapid Test” strip tests were positive in 94 out of 100 confirmed VL cases, whereas four out of 51 healthy subjects from the VL endemic areas also tested positive. All the 50 healthy volunteers tested negative. Thus, the sensitivity and specificity of “Onsite Leishmania Ab Rapid Test” strip test were found to be 94% (95% CI: 87–98) and 96% (95% CI: 90–99), respectively. This study showed that the performance of the “Onsite Leishmania Ab Rapid Test” strip tests was up to the recommended level.
The Development of Severe Neonatal Alloimmune Thrombocytopenia due to Anti-HPA-1a Antibodies Is Correlated to MaternalABOGenotypes
Authors: Ahlen Maria Therese , Husebekk Anne , Killie Mette Kjær , Kjeldsen-Kragh Jens , Olsson Martin L. , Skogen Bjørn
Published: November 2011

Background. Maternal alloantibodies against HPA-1a can cross placenta, opsonize foetal platelets, and induce neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (NAIT). In a study of 100, 448 pregnant women in Norway during 1995–2004, 10.6% of HPA-1a negative women had detectable anti-HPA-1a antibodies.Design and Methods. A possible correlation between the maternal ABO blood group phenotype, or underlying genotype, and severe thrombocytopenia in the newborn was investigated.Results. We observed that immunized women with blood group O had a lower risk of having a child with severe NAIT than women with group A; 20% with blood group O gave birth to children with severe NAIT, compared to 47% among the blood group A mothers (relative risk 0.43; 95% CI 0.25–0.75).Conclusion. The risk of severe neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia due to anti-HPA-1a antibodies is correlated to maternalABOtypes, and this study indicates that the observation is due to genetic properties on the maternal side.
Cognitive Rehabilitation for Executive Dysfunction in Parkinson's Disease: Application and Current Directions
Authors: Calleo Jessica , Burrows Cristina , Levin Harvey , Marsh Laura , Lai Eugene , York Michele K.
Published: November 2011

Cognitive dysfunction in Parkinson's disease contributes to disability, caregiver strain, and diminished quality of life. Cognitive rehabilitation, a behavioral approach to improve cognitive skills, has potential as a treatment option to improve and maintain cognitive skills and increase quality of life for those with Parkinson's disease-related cognitive dysfunction. Four cognitive rehabilitation programs in individuals with PD are identified from the literature. Characteristics of the programs and outcomes are reviewed and critiqued. Current studies on cognitive rehabilitation in PD demonstrate feasibility and acceptability of a cognitive rehabilitation program for patients with PD, but are limited by their small sample size and data regarding generalization of effects over the long term. Because PD involves progressive heterogeneous physical, neurological, and affective difficulties, future cognitive rehabilitation programs should aim for flexibility and individualization, according to each patient's strengths and deficits.
Plasma Cell Cerebrospinal Fluid Pleocytosis Does Not Predict West Nile Virus Infection
Authors: Jordan Michael , Nagpal Avish , Newman William , Thompson Paul A. , Carson Paul J.
Published: November 2011

Purpose. Diagnosis of WNV (WNV) relies upon serologic testing which may take several days after the onset of clinical symptoms to turn positive. Anecdotal reports suggest the presence of plasma cells or plasmacytoid lymphocytes in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) may be an early indicator of WNV infection.Methods. The CSFs of 89 patients (12 with WNV, 12 with other viral illness{OVI}, and 65 with nonviral illness{NVI}) were compared for the presence of either plasma cells or plasmacytoid lymphocytes.Results. Plasma cells were rarely seen in any of the patients. Plasmacytoid lymphocytes were more commonly seen in WNV (58%) and OVI (50%) than NVI (11%). The differences were significant for WNV versus NVI, but not WNV versus OVI (P<0.001andP=0.58,resp.).Conclusions. A CSF pleocytosis with plasma cells or plasmacytoid lymphocytes was neither sensitive nor specific for the diagnosis of WNV infection.
Visual Landscapes and the Abortion Issue
Authors: Rohlinger Deana A. , Klein Jesse
Published: November 2011

Despite increased scholarly interest in how activists use visuals in claim-making and mobilization, little is known about how mainstream news media visually represent social movements and their causes over time. Given the number of studies that argue that journalistic routines, norms, and conventions create hegemonic discourse around political issues, this gap is surprising. In this article, the authors examine whether the images used to visually represent the abortion issue are homogenized. Drawing on an analysis of 2,093 print and electronic news images associated with the abortion debate, the authors find that the visuals used in media coverage are very similar. Likewise, the authors find that the most frequently shown visual landscapes for the abortion issue are relatively stable across six different kinds of events including commemorations, incidents of clinic violence, legislation, Supreme Court decisions, presidential elections, and executive nominations. The authors conclude with a discussion of the implications of this work for the study of social movements and call for more research on how visual landscapes influence audience understanding of both new and enduring issues.
A new shape factor measure for characterizing the cross-section of profiled fiber
Authors: Wang Zhaoli , Zhong Yueqi , Wang Shanyuan
Published: November 2011

It is an important topic to characterize the cross-sectional shape of profiled fiber for quality control of textiles and performance design. In this paper, we propos e a new measure of the shape factor, which can be used to characterize the cross-sections of profiled fibers. Different from the existing indices of the shape factor which are based on the ratio of the radii of circumscribed and inscribed circles, the proposed measure uses the shape information residing in the boundary of profiled fiber cross-sections. It is defined as the coefficient of variation of the area sequence in the cross-sectional plane at each angular interval. The capacity of this measure is validated by various examples, which also indicates that the defined measure can distinguish the discrepancy degree between fiber cross-section and the area equivalent circle. It is robust and applicable to any arbitrary shape with solid cross-section, no matter whether it is convex or concave.
Exploring the Effects of Dance-Based Therapy on Balance and Mobility in Older Adults
Authors: Krampe Jean
Published: November 2011

Balance and mobility are a common concern among older adults. This pilot randomized controlled study examines the effect of dance-based therapy to increase balance and mobility in 27 participants with mean age 85 years (±7.5) from a single aging-in-place facility in the Midwest. Multidirectional reach, velocity, step length differential, and a Functional Ambulation Profile were measured before and after 18 sessions of low-impact dance-based therapy. Although a Wilcoxon rank sum test showed no significance, effect size analyses suggest that dance-based therapy was mildly or moderately effective in several components of balance and mobility. Additional research is needed with a full-scale trial.
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) management in palliative care units and hospices in Germany: A nationwide survey on patient isolation policies and quality of life
Authors: Bükki Johannes , Klein Jennifer , But Ludmilla , Montag Thomas , Wenchel Hans Martin , Voltz Raymond , Ostgathe Christoph
Published: November 2011

Background:

For palliative care settings, little is known about the benefits of specific methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus containment regimens and the burdens patient isolation imposes on affected patients, their families, and professional caregivers.

Aim:

To explore the current practice of MRSA management and its impact on inpatients’ quality of life as perceived by professional caregivers.

Design:

Survey of inpatient palliative care institutions using 23-item questionnaires (infrastructural data: six items, management process: 14, clinical significance: three).

Setting/participants:

All palliative care units (179) and hospices (181) listed in Germany’s directory of palliative care services. The χ2 test was used to test for differences; significance level: p ≤ 0.05.

Results:

229 of 360 questionnaires were returned. More than 90% of the responding institutions employed specific MRSA protocols. Lack of resources was a more important issue for palliative care units than for hospices regarding availability of single rooms ( p = 0.002) and staffing ( p = 0.004). Compared to hospices, palliative care units more frequently isolated MRSA patients ( p = 0.000), actively treated colonization ( p = 0.026), assessed the efficacy of eradication ( p = 0.000), provided information on MRSA management to patients ( p = 0.014) and relatives ( p = 0.001), more often restricted patients’ activities ( p = 0.000), and reported a negative impact on quality of life ( p = 0.000).

Conclusions:

Rigorously applied MRSA protocols impose significant burdens at the end of life. Research on clinical outcomes including quality of life may identify interventions of questionable benefit. The issue of handling MRSA should be studied as a model for the management of other highly complex conditions and special needs such as patient isolation.
Effect of Warm Breastshields on Breast Milk Pumping
Authors: Kent Jacqueline C. , Geddes Donna T. , Hepworth Anna R. , Hartmann Peter E.
Published: November 2011

The effect of using a warm breastshield on the efficiency, effectiveness, and comfort of expressing milk with an electric breast pump was assessed. The authors tested a standard breastshield at 25°C and a breastshield warmed to 39°C on 25 mothers using their maximum comfortable vacuum or −125 mm Hg. Using a warm breastshield effectively warmed the nipple and areola and, combined with maximum comfortable vacuum, decreased the time to remove 80% of the total milk yield and increased the percentage of available milk removed after 5 minutes of expression, with no change in the percentage of available milk removed after 15 minutes of expression compared with an ambient-temperature breastshield. The data confirmed that use of the mother’s maximum comfortable vacuum was more efficient than a vacuum of −125 mm Hg. Using a warm breastshield with an electric breast pump was comfortable and improved the efficiency of milk removal.
Development of a Postnatal Educational Program for Breastfeeding Mothers in Community Settings
Authors: Kronborg Hanne , Kok Gerjo
Published: November 2011

Inconsistency in how professionals can best support the breastfeeding mother after discharge call on further investigation. The authors describe how intervention mapping was used to develop a postnatal breastfeeding support intervention for mothers in community settings. Breastfeeding cessation most often occurred in the first weeks among mothers with low self-efficacy, low confidence, or limited previous breastfeeding experience. Besides learning effective breastfeeding techniques, mothers needed to learn how to recognize their baby’s cues, let the baby regulate meals, gain confidence in producing enough milk, and handle breastfeeding problems. Theory-based methods—such as individualization, skills training with guided practice, reattribution, planning coping responses, and mobilizing social support—were built into a health visitor–delivered program. An 18-hour training course addressed determinants for implementation. Finally, process and effect evaluations were planned. Support of the breastfeeding mother in community settings should address the psychosocial and practical aspects of breastfeeding to prevent premature cessation.
Is Leasing a Substitute or Complement to Debt?
Authors: Singh Amrik
Published: November 2011

Prior empirical research has produced conflicting findings on the lease–debt relation. Although some studies provide evidence that leases substitute for debt, other studies have shown the lease–debt relation to be complementary. This study investigates the lease–debt relation in a sample of 233 restaurant and retail firms from 2006 to 2008. Using a comprehensive measure of leasing that includes both capital and operating leases and other control variables, the results show that leasing and debt are significantly and inversely related. On average, $1.00 of leasing displaced approximately $0.50 of debt. The results are robust to alternative specifications of the regression models and provide additional evidence that growth opportunities and firm size are important determinants of leasing.
A numerical simulation method for hydrodynamic lubrication of lip seal
Authors: Zhou Q , Li Z M , Sang S J , Tang J P , An Q
Published: November 2011

A numerical simulation method is proposed to analyse the hydrodynamic lubrication performances of lip seal based on surface topography of sealing lip and shaft, lip interference, lip deformation, etc. The method, which can simulate the lubrication characteristics of lip seal under different interferences, is more reasonable than other existing methods. The proposed method was applied to auto water pump bearing’s seal. The surfaces of sealing lip and shaft are modelled, and the maximum film pressure, the average film pressure, the minimum film thickness, the average film thickness, and the friction on lip surface of stable working stage are calculated. Therelationship between the lubrication characteristics and initial interference are obtained. The results will be very helpful for lip interference determination and optimization of auto water pump bearing’s seal.
Archaeological naissance at Mapungubwe
Authors: King Rachel
Published: November 2011

The centerpiece of this essay is a southern African board game known as mufuvha at the site of Mapungubwe (AD 1220–1290), an object that visitors closely identify with their relationships to the site but which has largely eluded the attentions of both archaeologists and recent publicity campaigns. In attempting to illuminate why this is so, I submit that archaeological practice at Mapungubwe and the political packaging of South African heritage have created narratives of Mapungubwe incongruous with experiences of local publics. Further, the mufuvha board is implicated in a process whereby archaeology, both as material and as social process, is vernacularized. I demonstrate that interrogating these alternative dialogues is essential to understanding how the archaeological past is constituted, in terms of both popular imaginaries and the creation (or omission) of archaeological assemblages.
Potentiation of aspirin-induced cerebroprotection by minocycline: A therapeutic approach to attenuate exacerbation of transient focal cerebral ischaemia
Authors: Bhatt Lokesh K , Addepalli Veeranjaneyulu
Published: November 2011

Cerebrovascular disease is a major cause of mortality and disability in adults. Diabetes mellitus increases the risk of cerebral ischaemia and is associated with worse clinical outcome following an event. Upregulation of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in diabetes appears to play a role in vascular complications of diabetes. We hypothesised that inhibition of MMP-2 and MMP-9 by minocycline can be potentiated by aspirin through inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 and tissue plasminogen activator, resulting in amelioration of clinical cerebral ischaemia in diabetes. In the present study, cerebral ischaemia/reperfusion injury was induced in streptozotocin diabetic rats by 1 h middle cerebral artery occlusion and 24 h reperfusion. Infarct volume, cerebral oedema, neurological severity score and blood–brain barrier disruption were significantly increased in diabetic animals compared with the normoglycemic control group. The combination of aspirin and minocycline treatment significantly improved these parameters in diabetic animals. Moreover, this therapy was associated with significantly lower mortality and reduction in MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels. Our data indicate that combination of aspirin and minocycline therapy protects from the consequences of cerebral ischaemia in animal models of diabetes and is associated with inhibition of MMP-2 and MMP-9. Therefore, this combination therapy may represent a novel strategy to reduce the neurological complications of cerebral ischaemia in diabetes.
Relative contribution of tissue oedema and the presence of an A2 pulley to resistance to flexor tendon movement: an in vitro and in vivo study
Authors: Wu Y. F. , Zhou Y. L. , Tang J. B.
Published: November 2011

Increases in the resistance to tendon during movement may lead to rupture or gapping of the repaired tendon. The relative contribution of these factors—tissue oedema, tendon oedema, and the intact A2 pulley—to resistance to tendon gliding is unclear. In in vitro chicken models, we created oedema in subcutaneous tissue or tendon. The work of digital flexion (WOF) increased significantly after creation of oedema in those tissues. WOF decreased significantly after division of the A2 pulley. Preservation of the integrity of the A2 pulley significantly increased WOF at post-operative weeks 1 and 2 in the in vivo chicken model; increases in WOF were greater than those due to the presence of oedematous subcutaneous tissue. Pulley division at the time of surgery reduced WOF more drastically than the removal of volar subcutaneous tissue. Presence of an intact A2 pulley adds greater resistance to the movement of the repaired flexor tendon than volar oedematous subcutaneous tissue.
Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy in the Sports Knee
Authors: Dave Lee Yee Han , Nyland John , McKee Paul B. , Caborn David N. M.
Published: November 2011

Background: The relationship between biological tissue healing following knee injury or surgery and long-term clinical outcome has come to the forefront of sports medicine practice. This has led many knee surgeons to incorporate biologically mediated healing factors into the management of knee injuries. In particular, the clinical use of mesenchymal stem cells has opened new horizons.

Evidence Acquisition: Relevant studies were identified through a search of PubMed from January 2000 to April 2011, combining the term mesenchymal stem cells with articular cartilage, anterior cruciate ligament, and meniscus. Relevant citations from the reference lists of selected studies were also reviewed.

Results: Knee injury treatment with mesenchymal stem cells shows potential. Most reports represent animal model studies; few advances have been translated to human clinical applications.

Conclusion: Mesenchymal stem cell use to promote healing following knee injury is likely to increase. There are scientific methodological concerns and ethical and legal issues regarding mesenchymal stem cell use for treating knee injuries.
Identification and characterization of PhbF: A DNA binding protein with regulatory role in the PHB metabolism of Herbaspirillum seropedicae SmR1
Authors: Kadowaki Marco AS , Müller-Santos Marcelo , Rego Fabiane GM , Souza Emanuel M , Yates Marshall G , Monteiro Rose A , Pedrosa Fabio O , Chubatsu Leda S , Steffens Maria BR
Published: November 2011

Background

Herbaspirillum seropedicaeSmR1 is a nitrogen fixing endophyte associated with important agricultural crops. It produces polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) which is stored intracellularly as granules. However, PHB metabolism and regulatory control is not yet well studied in this organism.

Results

In this work we describe the characterization of the PhbF protein fromH. seropedicaeSmR1 which was purified and characterized after expression inE. coli. The purified PhbF protein was able to bind to eleven putative promoters of genes involved in PHB metabolism inH. seropedicaeSmR1.In silicoanalyses indicated a probable DNA-binding sequence which was shown to be protected in DNA footprinting assays using purified PhbF. Analyses usinglacZfusions showed that PhbF can act as a repressor protein controlling the expression of PHB metabolism-related genes.

Conclusions

Our results indicate thatH. seropedicaeSmR1 PhbF regulates expression ofphb-related genes by acting as a transcriptional repressor. The knowledge of the PHB metabolism of this plant-associated bacterium may contribute to the understanding of the plant-colonizing process and the organism's resistance and survivalin planta.
MicroRNA profiling of diverse endothelial cell types
Authors: McCall Matthew N , Kent Oliver A , Yu Jianshi , Fox-Talbot Karen , Zaiman Ari L , Halushka Marc K
Published: November 2011

Background

MicroRNAs are ~22-nt long regulatory RNAs that serve as critical modulators of post-transcriptional gene regulation. The diversity of miRNAs in endothelial cells (ECs) and the relationship of this diversity to epithelial and hematologic cells is unknown. We investigated the baseline miRNA signature of human ECs cultured from the aorta (HAEC), coronary artery (HCEC), umbilical vein (HUVEC), pulmonary artery (HPAEC), pulmonary microvasculature (HPMVEC), dermal microvasculature (HDMVEC), and brain microvasculature (HBMVEC) to understand the diversity of miRNA expression in ECs.

Results

We identified 166 expressed miRNAs, of which 3 miRNAs (miR-99b, miR-20b and let-7b) differed significantly between EC types and predicted EC clustering. We confirmed the significance of these miRNAs by RT-PCR analysis and in a second data set by Sylamer analysis. We found wide diversity of miRNAs between endothelial, epithelial and hematologic cells with 99 miRNAs shared across cell types and 31 miRNAs unique to ECs. We show polycistronic miRNA chromosomal clusters have common expression levels within a given cell type.

Conclusions

EC miRNA expression levels are generally consistent across EC types. Three microRNAs were variable within the dataset indicating potential regulatory changes that could impact on EC phenotypic differences. MiRNA expression in endothelial, epithelial and hematologic cells differentiate these cell types. This data establishes a valuable resource characterizing the diverse miRNA signature of ECs.
Effects of rehydration nutrients on H2S metabolism and formation of volatile sulfur compounds by the wine yeast VL3
Authors: Winter Gal , Henschke Paul A , Higgins Vincent J , Ugliano Maurizio , Curtin Chris D
Published: November 2011

In winemaking, nutrient supplementation is a common practice for optimising fermentation and producing quality wine. Nutritionally suboptimal grape juices are often enriched with nutrients in order to manipulate the production of yeast aroma compounds. Nutrients are also added to active dry yeast (ADY) rehydration media to enhance subsequent fermentation performance. In this study we demonstrate that nutrient supplementation at rehydration also has a significant effect on the formation of volatile sulfur compounds during wine fermentations. The concentration of the 'fruity' aroma compounds, the polyfunctional thiols 3-mercaptohexan-1-ol (3MH) and 3-mercaptohexyl acetate (3MHA), was increased while the concentration of the 'rotten egg' aroma compound, hydrogen sulfide (H2S), was decreased. Nutrient supplementation of the rehydration media also changed the kinetics of H2S production during fermentation by advancing onset of H2S production. Microarray analysis revealed that this was not due to expression changes within the sulfate assimilation pathway, which is known to be a major contributor to H2S production. To gain insight into possible mechanisms responsible for this effect, a component of the rehydration nutrient mix, the tri-peptide glutathione (GSH) was added at rehydration and studied for its subsequent effects on H2S formation. GSH was found to be taken up during rehydration and to act as a source for H2S during the following fermentation. These findings represent a potential approach for managing sulfur aroma production through the use of rehydration nutrients.
Porosity prediction using the group method of data handling
Authors: AlBinHassan Nasher M. , Wang Yanghua
Published: November 2011

The relationship between the seismic data and the reservoir properties can be modeled by using statistical approaches, such as regression and artificial neural networks (ANN); however, another nonlinear regression method, known as the group method of data handling (GMDH), has been proven to perform better than regular statistical methods. GMDH is a supervised machine learning tool that automatically self-organizes (synthesizes) the models. Although it is self-organized, like unsupervised ANN, it learns from the examples introduced similar to the supervised ANN. We apply the GMDH algorithm to seismic attributes to predict reservoir porosity. GMDH can automatically determine the best network structure, as well as the number of nodes, thus gauging sensitivity of the input without overtraining the data. Moreover, GMDH predicted porosity has better resolution than that predicted using ANN.