bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Myosin II Regulates Activity Dependent Compensatory Endocytosis at Central Synapses
Authors: Chandrasekar Indra , Huettner James E. , Turney Stephen G. , Bridgman Paul C.
Published: October 2013

Recent evidence suggests that endocytosis, not exocytosis, can be rate limiting for neurotransmitter release at excitatory CNS synapses during sustained activity and therefore may be a principal determinant of synaptic fatigue. At low stimulation frequencies, the probability of synaptic release is linked to the probability of synaptic retrieval such that evoked release results in proportional retrieval even for release of single synaptic vesicles. The exact mechanism by which the retrieval rates are coupled to release rates, known as compensatory endocytosis, remains unknown. Here we show that inactivation of presynaptic myosin II (MII) decreases the probability of synaptic retrieval. To be able to differentiate between the presynaptic and postsynaptic functions of MII, we developed a live cell substrate patterning technique to create defined neural circuits composed of small numbers of embryonic mouse hippocampal neurons and physically isolated from the surrounding culture. Acute application of blebbistatin to inactivate MII in circuits strongly inhibited evoked release but not spontaneous release. In circuits incorporating both control and MIIB knock-out cells, loss of presynaptic MIIB function correlated with a large decrease in the amplitude of evoked release. Using activity-dependent markers FM1–43 and horseradish peroxidase, we found that MII inactivation greatly slowed vesicular replenishment of the recycling pool but did not impede synaptic release. These results indicate that MII-driven tension or actin dynamics regulate the major pathway for synaptic vesicle retrieval. Changes in retrieval rates determine the size of the recycling pool. The resulting effect on release rates, in turn, brings about changes in synaptic strength.
Anatomical Evidence that the Superior Colliculus Controls Saccades through Central Mesencephalic Reticular Formation Gating of Omnipause Neuron Activity
Authors: Wang Niping , Perkins Eddie , Zhou Lan , Warren Susan , May Paul J.
Published: October 2013

Omnipause neurons (OPNs) within the nucleus raphe interpositus (RIP) help gate the transition between fixation and saccadic eye movements by monosynaptically suppressing activity in premotor burst neurons during fixation, and releasing them during saccades. Premotor neuron activity is initiated by excitatory input from the superior colliculus (SC), but how the tectum's saccade-related activity turns off OPNs is not known. Since the central mesencephalic reticular formation (cMRF) is a major SC target, we explored whether this nucleus has the appropriate connections to support tectal gating of OPN activity. In dual-tracer experiments undertaken in macaque monkeys (Macaca fascicularis), cMRF neurons labeled retrogradely from injections into RIP had numerous anterogradely labeled terminals closely associated with them following SC injections. This suggested the presence of an SC–cMRF–RIP pathway. Furthermore, anterograde tracers injected into the cMRF of other macaques labeled axonal terminals in RIP, confirming this cMRF projection. To determine whether the cMRF projections gate OPN activity, postembedding electron microscopic immunochemistry was performed on anterogradely labeled cMRF terminals with antibody to GABA or glycine. Of the terminals analyzed, 51.4% were GABA positive, 35.5% were GABA negative, and most contacted glycinergic cells. In summary, a trans-cMRF pathway connecting the SC to the RIP is present. This pathway contains inhibitory elements that could help gate omnipause activity and allow other tectal drives to induce the bursts of firing in premotor neurons that are necessary for saccades. The non-GABAergic cMRF terminals may derive from fixation units in the cMRF.
Ectopic Expression of Activated Notch or SOX2 Reveals Similar and Unique Roles in the Development of the Sensory Cell Progenitors in the Mammalian Inner Ear
Authors: Pan Wei , Jin Ying , Chen Jing , Rottier Robbert J. , Steel Karen P. , Kiernan Amy E.
Published: October 2013

Hearing impairment or vestibular dysfunction in humans often results from a permanent loss of critical cell types in the sensory regions of the inner ear, including hair cells, supporting cells, or cochleovestibular neurons. These important cell types arise from a common sensory or neurosensory progenitor, although little is known about how these progenitors are specified. Studies have shown that Notch signaling and the transcription factor Sox2 are required for the development of these lineages. Previously we and others demonstrated that ectopic activation of Notch can direct nonsensory cells to adopt a sensory fate, indicating a role for Notch in early specification events. Here, we explore the relationship between Notch and SOX2 by ectopically activating these factors in nonsensory regions of the mouse cochlea, and demonstrate that, similar to Notch, SOX2 can specify sensory progenitors, consistent with a role downstream of Notch signaling. However, we also show that Notch has a unique role in promoting the proliferation of the sensory progenitors. We further demonstrate that Notch can only induce ectopic sensory regions within a certain time window of development, and that the ectopic hair cells display specialized stereocilia bundles similar to endogenous hair cells. These results demonstrate that Notch and SOX2 can both drive the sensory program in nonsensory cells, indicating these factors may be useful in cell replacement strategies in the inner ear.
Spatial Representation and Cognitive Modulation of Response Variability in the Lateral Intraparietal Area Priority Map
Authors: Falkner Annegret L. , Goldberg Michael E. , Krishna B. Suresh
Published: October 2013

The lateral intraparietal area (LIP) in the macaque contains a priority-based representation of the visual scene. We previously showed that the mean spike rate of LIP neurons is strongly influenced by spatially wide-ranging surround suppression in a manner that effectively sharpens the priority map. Reducing response variability can also improve the precision of LIP's priority map. We show that when a monkey plans a visually guided delayed saccade with an intervening distractor, variability (measured by the Fano factor) decreases both for neurons representing the saccade goal and for neurons representing the broad spatial surround. The reduction in Fano factor is maximal for neurons representing the saccade goal and steadily decreases for neurons representing more distant locations. LIP Fano factor changes are behaviorally significant: increasing expected reward leads to lower variability for the LIP representation of both the target and distractor locations, and trials with shorter latency saccades are associated with lower Fano factors in neurons representing the surround. Thus, the LIP Fano factor reflects both stimulus and behavioral engagement. Quantitative modeling shows that the interaction between mean spike count and target–receptive field (RF) distance in the surround during the predistractor epoch is multiplicative: the Fano factor increases more steeply with mean spike count further away from the RF. A negative-binomial model for LIP spike counts captures these findings quantitatively, suggests underlying mechanisms based on trial-by-trial variations in mean spike rate or burst-firing patterns, and potentially provides a principled framework to account simultaneously for the previously observed unsystematic relationships between spike rate and variability in different brain areas.
The Discipline of Noticing as a Path to Understanding
Authors: Barnes Yvonne , Solomon Yvette
Published: October 2013

This paper explores the application of the ‘discipline of noticing’ in a UK-based teacher development programme designed to enable primary school teachers to develop a deeper understanding of their pedagogical subject knowledge within mathematics, primarily through researching their practice and developing a critical reflexivity. The researchers involved in this study focused on ‘noticing’ as a support for ‘researching from the inside’, in which the practitioner records microincidents in the classroom which have particular salience for them. Subsequent reflection aims to facilitate a drawing back from immediate practice and enabling teachers to see things they have previously overlooked, or have become habituated to see. Focusing on a case study of one teacher participant, this paper explores how the discipline of noticing enables the development of a ‘third space’ in which teacher and researcher roles become hybridised. We argue that teacher empowerment and change is sustained within and beyond the researched context through an emergent participant perspective which enables context-sensitivity and a response to learner identities and local knowledges in the pursuit of particular social justice concerns.
Silencing the School Bell?
Authors: Lewin Cathy , Solomon Yvette
Published: October 2013

In this paper we explore one school's reinvention of itself as ensuring that every student could take full control of his or her learning. Located in a predominantly working-class area, the school has moved to a thematic curriculum, strong reliance on technology, major spatial change towards ‘mini schools’, and student self-management of learning. Drawing on Bourdieusian concepts, we examine through interviews with students and staff how much these changes have contributed to underlying transformational change in the educational habitus of the school's members. We analyse the discourses drawn on by the various players in terms of their changing roles within redrawn teacher-student relationships and new positionings with respect to student autonomy and self-management of learning. Taking into account the external constraints of national testing, accountability, and school competition, we found examples of students’ recognition and critique of residual power structures in their lives and misrecognition of the nature of these underlying structural forces by staff.
Games for Learning
Authors: Whitton Nicola
Published: October 2013

Advocates of digital game-based learning make the case that games can support inclusivity and equality in education because they motivate nontraditional students, promote wider access, and engage learners who are disengaged from formal education. This article will argue that this is a limited analysis which – by the very nature of its inherent assumptions – propagates stereotypical notions of the role of games in learning and could actually reduce social equality. Assumptions about and demographics of computer-game players are discussed, as are issues of gaming literacy, differences between education and entertainment games, and the impact of these on learner motivation, gender issues of game choice, and accessibility considerations. The article also addresses the methodological challenge of giving a voice to those who are disengaged in research, a particular issue in the field of games and learning. Finally, four ways in which games have the potential to promote inclusion and equality are presented and discussed.
Interrupting the Immoral Panic around Child Abuse and Professional Touch
Authors: Duggan James R. , Piper Heather
Published: October 2013

This paper explores how critical research might impact on social practice. Over the past decade, Piper and colleagues have identified the negative implications of the moral panic around child abuse in constraining intergenerational relationships and in diminishing the ability and commitment of adults acting in loco parentis to benefit young people in education, childcare, and sports coaching. Achieving impact in this area is complex and challenging because the research outcomes run counter to powerful social discourses and institutional interests and the researchers have limited communicational resources. In response, this paper proposes a new conceptualisation of the research topic, drawing on Aristotelian ideas of employing wisdom and professional judgment in pursuit of doing the right thing. Based on this analysis, an impact strategy is discussed which purposefully interrupts the ‘no touch’ discourse in coaching via a social media campaign that emphasises positive memories and motivations of sports coaches working with young people.
Who's Afraid of Research?
Authors: Pearce Cathie
Published: October 2013

This article revisits critical encounters and engagements with educational research projects over a 10-year period. Drawing upon empirical data and project documentation, the article seeks to open up the powers of production that are at play and asks: What room is there for both experience and experiment in research? The problems that preoccupy us as researchers are often difficult to discern until they are well under way. There is a creative remembering that inevitably resides, and is residual, in any research endeavour. It is work within the milieu of texts rather than upon them and where the patterns could not have been known beforehand. It also acknowledges and works with data that doesn't usually fit in, whilst also working with affect, a dimension which is sometimes ignored at our peril. It is, in short, an invitation to consider how silence can trump the effort of words.
On absolutely nonmeasurable homomorphisms of commutative groups
Authors: Kharazishvili A.
Published: October 2013

We give a characterization of all those commutative groups which admit at least one absolutely nonmeasurable homomorphism into the real line (or into the one-dimensional torus). These are exactly those commutative groups (G, +) for which the quotient group G/G0 is uncountable, where G0 denotes the torsion subgroup of G.
On the extensibility of D(−1)-triples {1, b, c} in the ring \documentclass{aastex} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{bm} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{pifont} \usepackage{stmaryrd} \usepackage{textcomp} \usepackage{upgreek} \usepackage{portland,xspace} \usepackage{amsmath,amsxtra} \usepackage{bbm} \pagestyle{empty} \DeclareMathSizes{10}{9}{7}{6} \begin{document} \(\mathbb{Z}\left[ {\sqrt { - t} } \right]\) \end{document}, t > 0
Authors: Soldo Ivan
Published: October 2013

Letb= 2, 5, 10 or 17 andt> 0. We study the existence ofD(−1)-quadruples of the form {1,b,c,d} in the ring\documentclass{aastex} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{bm} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{pifont} \usepackage{stmaryrd} \usepackage{textcomp} \usepackage{upgreek} \usepackage{portland,xspace} \usepackage{amsmath,amsxtra} \usepackage{bbm} \pagestyle{empty} \DeclareMathSizes{10}{9}{7}{6} \begin{document} \(\mathbb{Z}\left[ {\sqrt { - t} } \right]\) \end{document}. We prove that if {1,b,c} is aD(−1)-triple in\documentclass{aastex} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{bm} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{pifont} \usepackage{stmaryrd} \usepackage{textcomp} \usepackage{upgreek} \usepackage{portland,xspace} \usepackage{amsmath,amsxtra} \usepackage{bbm} \pagestyle{empty} \DeclareMathSizes{10}{9}{7}{6} \begin{document} \(\mathbb{Z}\left[ {\sqrt { - t} } \right]\) \end{document}, thencis an integer. As a consequence of this result, we show that fort∉ {1, 4, 9, 16} there does not exist a subset of\documentclass{aastex} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{bm} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{pifont} \usepackage{stmaryrd} \usepackage{textcomp} \usepackage{upgreek} \usepackage{portland,xspace} \usepackage{amsmath,amsxtra} \usepackage{bbm} \pagestyle{empty} \DeclareMathSizes{10}{9}{7}{6} \begin{document} \(\mathbb{Z}\left[ {\sqrt { - t} } \right]\) \end{document}of the form {1,b,c,d} with the property that the product of any two of its distinct elements diminished by 1 is a square of an element in\documentclass{aastex} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{bm} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{pifont} \usepackage{stmaryrd} \usepackage{textcomp} \usepackage{upgreek} \usepackage{portland,xspace} \usepackage{amsmath,amsxtra} \usepackage{bbm} \pagestyle{empty} \DeclareMathSizes{10}{9}{7}{6} \begin{document} \(\mathbb{Z}\left[ {\sqrt { - t} } \right]\) \end{document}.
On the minimum cardinality of a planar point set containing two disjoint convex polygons
Authors: Wu Liping , Lu Wanbing
Published: October 2013

Let N(k, l) be the smallest positive integer such that any set of N(k, l) points in the plane, no three collinear, contains both a convex k-gon and a convex l-gon with disjoint convex hulls. In this paper, we prove that N(3, 4) = 7, N(4, 4) = 9, N(3, 5) = 10 and N(4, 5) = 11.
Approximation by complex modified Szász-Mirakjan operators
Authors: Çetin Nursel , İspir Nurhayat
Published: October 2013

In this study, we investigate approximation properties and obtain Voronovskaja type results for complex modified Szász-Mirakjan operators. Also, we estimate the exact orders of approximation in compact disks and prove that the complex modified Szász-Mirakjan operators attached to an analytic function preserve the univalence, starlikeness, convexity and spirallikeness in the unit disk.
Protein-based nano-structure fabrication in aqueous solution: Bio Nano Process
Authors: Yamashita Ichiro
Published: October 2013

A new nano-fabrication process, utilizing protein supramolecules, biomineralization, and nano-etching was proposed, which was named Bio Nano Process (BNP). The main processes of the BNP include the nanoparticle (NP) or nanowire (NW) synthesis utilizing bio-template (biomineralization) and nanostructure fabrication utilizing self-organization of protein supramolecules. Proteins are so designed to produce the final structures. The space where nano functional structures are fabricated is named an “Active Bio-field”. It was proven that the process has vast potential to be applied to a wide range of quantum effect base nano-devices and thin film devices.
What Lies Within: Novel Strategies in Immunotherapy for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Forde Patrick M. , Reiss Kim A. , Zeidan Amer M. , Brahmer Julie R.
Published: October 2013

Introduction.

Immunotherapy has become an increasingly important therapeutic strategy for those with cancer, with phase III studies demonstrating survival advantages in melanoma and castration-resistant prostate cancer. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a promising target for the next generation of immune-based strategies. In this article, we examine the current state of the art in lung cancer immunotherapy, including vaccines that specifically target lung tumor antigens and immune checkpoint antibodies such as antiprogrammed death 1 (anti-PD-1). Both approaches harness innate immunity against tumors by suppressing tumor-induced immune paresis.

Methods.

To identify relevant clinical trials of immunotherapy in NSCLC, PubMed and Medline databases were searched using the terms “immunotherapy” and “NSCLC,” and several other therapy-specific search terms (e.g., PD-1, NSCLC). Additionally, abstracts presented at international lung cancer symposia, the American Society of Clinical Oncology annual meeting, and the European Society of Medical Oncology annual meeting between 2005 and 2013 were evaluated.

Results.

Large international phase III trials of NSCLC vaccines have completed accrual in both the adjuvant and metastatic disease settings. Results of the START study were disappointing, but results from other studies are still awaited. Immune checkpoint modulation has shown promise, with separate phase I studies of the anti-PD-1 antibody, nivolumab, and anti-PD-L1 antibody, MPDL3280A, demonstrating good tolerance and durable responses for certain patients with NSCLC who were heavily pretreated.

Conclusions.

Immune-based strategies have shown initial promise for early- and advanced-stage NSCLC. Validating these findings in randomized studies and discovering durable biomarkers of response represent the next challenges for investigation.
A Randomized Study of Interferon α-2b Versus No Treatment as Consolidation After High Dose Therapy and Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation for Patients With Relapsed Lymphoma
Authors: Bosly André , Grigg Andrew , Holte Harald , Gisselbrecht Christian , Radford John , Rossi Andrea , Lopez-Guillermo Armando , Trneny Marek , Sebban Catherine , Hagberg Hans , Leal da Costa Fernando , Colombat Philippe , Bron Dominique , Coiffier Bertrand
Published: October 2013

Background.

Patients with lymphoma who have experienced a first relapse or progression and have disease deemed sensitive to salvage chemotherapy nevertheless have a high likelihood of having a second relapse. To decrease the likelihood of a second relapse after high-dose therapy (HDT) and autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT), interferon (IFN) α-2b was given in a prospective randomized international trial.

Methods.

In this trial, 221 patients with varying histologic diagnoses (8 small lymphocytic, 37 follicular, 9 mantle, 90 diffuse large B-cell, 20 peripheral T-cell, 3 high-grade B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and 54 Hodgkin lymphoma) were randomly assigned to receive no further treatment (arm A: 117 patients) or IFNα-2b, 3 MU three times weekly, for 18 months (arm B: 104 patients).

Results.

In arm B, 21 patients (20%) did not receive IFNα-2b because of early progression or absence of hematologic recovery, 29 patients (28%) completed the 18 months of treatment, and 54 patients (52%) interrupted treatment because of progression (23%) or toxicity (29%). Event-free survival and overall survival were not different between the two arms on an intent-to-treat analysis and also if analysis was restricted to patients who were alive and had not experienced disease progression three months after transplantation. The study was not sufficiently powered to evaluate effects in histologic subtypes.

Conclusion.

In this trial, post-autograft IFNα-2b did not improve outcomes in a heterogeneous group of patients with lymphoma.
Imaging the failure of a rock-fill dam following liquefaction
Authors: Heron Charles M. , Lam Aaron , Haigh Stuart K. , Madabhushi Gopal S. P.
Published: October 2013

Rock-fill dams are popular in developing countries due to their ease of construction and use of local materials. They are used to store water and to provide flood defences. The presence of such dams in earthquake-prone regions poses risks, particularly from ground liquefaction. In this paper, results from physical model tests on dams with different configurations are presented. Model dams with impermeable cores including sheet pile walls and clay cores were tested and the effect of reservoir water was investigated. High-speed photography was used to capture the response of the model dams allowing the movement of foundation soil below the dam to be established. It is concluded that the stiffness of the impermeable core has a significant influence on the ultimate deformation of the dam. The presence of reservoir water led to increased downstream movements of the dam and differential settlements between the upstream and downstream sides.
Current research in embankment dam engineering at Imperial College London
Authors: Shire Tom , Pelecanos Loizos , Bo Han , Taylor Howard
Published: October 2013

This paper gives a short introduction to two research streams in embankment dam engineering underway at Imperial College London. The first is the modelling of embankment dam behaviour during earthquakes and the second is an investigation into the susceptibility of granular filters to internal erosion. The research motivation, methods and expected outcomes of each stream are discussed.
Meeting report: The 2013 supervising engineers' forum
Authors: Peters Anthea
Published: October 2013

The 2013 supervising engineers' forum was held at the National Motorcycle Museum, Birmingham, on 17 April. The sessions covered: updates in legislation; the role of the supervising engineer; monitoring and examination of reservoirs; and matters concerning undertakers.
News: Updated guidance for applicants to the panels set up under the
Authors: Cambridge Mike , Hughes Andy K. , Macdonald Alex , Mason Peter J.
Published: October 2013

A working group has been set up to review the third edition of Floods and Reservoir Safety and amend it such that a fourth edition can be published in 2014. The working group will make presentations to an evening meeting of the British Dam Society in October 2013 to help to ensure that the publication continues to be a key element of the profession's toolbox.
Hydraulic structures with defective sheet pile walls
Authors: Ahmed Ashraf A. , Johnston Harold T. , Oyedele Lukumon
Published: October 2013

A sheet pile wall driven to form a barrier wall below the floor of a hydraulic structure is frequently assumed to be watertight. Although the leakage through the interlocks of the sheet piles is usually small, damage and other factors can result in significant leakage. Consequently, this assumption is rarely, if ever, satisfied in reality. The present study used a finite-element model to investigate the effect of leaks through sheet piles driven under the floor of a hydraulic structure on seepage losses, on the uplift force and on the exit hydraulic gradient. Flow through the channel banks was considered to obtain accurate and robust calculations. The study indicated that when the leak existed in a sheet pile wall, driven centrally below the floor of the hydraulic structure, it has a small impact on seepage losses, the exit hydraulic gradients and the uplift force. However, when the leak existed at a sheet pile wall driven at the downstream end of the floor, its impact was significant, particularly on the exit hydraulic gradient with consequent risk to the stability against piping and undercutting of the structure. A combination of both cut-off walls did not provide a significant benefit, should leakage occur.
What price reservoir safety? A practical use of disproportionality in dam risk assessments
Authors: Eddleston Malcolm , Bowles David S. , Gardiner Keith D.
Published: October 2013

Two embankment dams form part of a series of reservoirs built at the turn of the nineteenth century to supply water locks that are used to ascend and descend over the summit of the Rochdale canal. The embankments are homogeneous with no engineered waterproof barrier and consist mainly of weathered clayey sandstone fill over peat/glacial till over bedrock. There is a history of instability during the early part of the dams' life, with buttress berms added. There have not been any recent incidents at either of the reservoirs and recent monitoring data suggest that there are no embankment stability issues and internal erosion processes are not currently manifested. Nevertheless, homogenous embankment dams are inherently vulnerable to internal erosion. Extensive risk analysis has been undertaken at both dams, which has provided the basis for identifying failure mechanisms that are estimated to have an individual risk that is within the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) ‘intolerable’ range (i.e. individual risk when conservatively estimated as the probability of failure is greater than 10−4 per annum). This paper describes the risk analysis used to evaluate potential remedial measures to reduce the risk to a tolerable limit using the ‘as low as reasonably practicable’ principle as recommended in HSE guidelines.
Microstructural features of lime-stabilised pyroclastic soils
Authors: Cecconi M. , Russo G.
Published: October 2013

Some results of an experimental investigation on a lime-stabilised Italian pyroclastic soil are presented and discussed. This material is very reactive with calcium oxide (CaO) provided by the lime, the effectiveness of the stabilisation mainly depending on the amount of low alkali alumino-silicate glass phase. However, there is a lack of systematic studies on the suitability of such pyroclastic soils to lime stabilisation and the effects of treatment parameters on the engineering properties of the stabilised material. The results of laboratory tests (chemical, physical and mechanical) on untreated and lime-stabilised samples allow an overview of the microstructural features of the material and, as a consequence, on the suitability and effectiveness of lime stabilisation.
Effect of particle strength on the monotonic shear strength of clinker ash
Authors: Winter M. , Ohara N. , Hyodo M. , Nakata Y. , Yoshimoto N. , Yoshioka I. , Nakashita A.
Published: October 2013

Particle crushing tests were performed on single particles from six types of clinker ash, as well as a series of monotonic shear tests using effective confining pressures [Formula: see text] of 50, 100 and 200 kPa at an intended degree of compaction Dc  =  100%, in order to investigate the relationship between particle strength and monotonic shear strength. Samples with intended degrees of compaction Dc  =  85% and 90% were also tested at [Formula: see text]  =  50 and 100 kPa in order to investigate the effect of degree of compaction on the shear strength of clinker ash. It was found that clinker ash is a crushable material with weak particle strength when compared with natural sands, although it has higher shear strength especially at Dc ≥ 95%, where the shear resistance angle exceeds 45°. The average crushing stress σf of the particles shows a strong correlation with the residual secant friction angle φres, with φres increasing along with the average crushing stress σf. It was also found that σf can be used to calculate φres and, in turn, the peak secant friction angle φpeak of clinker ash.
3D analysis of transverse pipe–soil interaction using 2D soil slices
Authors: Martin C. M. , Kong D. , Byrne B. W.
Published: October 2013

Offshore pipelines are often laid directly on the seabed, particularly in deep water. Cyclic changes in the temperature and pressure of the pipe contents can lead to cyclic growth and contraction of (planned) lateral buckles. This results in severe plastic deformation of the near-surface soil as it is progressively scraped away and accumulated into berms by the lateral sweeping motion of the pipe. Quantifying the resistance offered by the soil is important in design, notably for fatigue calculations. This paper presents a new computational approach for modelling pipe–soil interaction during events dominated by large transverse pipe displacements. The main novelty is that a three-dimensional (3D) structural model of the pipe interacts with a series of discrete two-dimensional (2D) (plane strain) soil domains. Each ‘slice’ of soil is analysed using a coupled Eulerian–Lagrangian finite-element technique, though other large-displacement numerical methods could be employed. The concept is similar to recently developed macro-element approaches, except that the pipe–soil interaction at each (assumed) planar cross-section is captured by a 2D continuum model rather than by a 2D user-defined spring model. This is more efficient than a full 3D analysis of the pipeline and surrounding soil, yet it allows results of comparable accuracy to be obtained. This paper illustrates the new methodology with a simple calculation.
Experimental micro-mechanics of granular media studied by x-ray tomography: recent results and challenges
Authors: Andò E. , Viggiani G. , Hall S. A. , Desrues J.
Published: October 2013

Combining x-ray tomography and three-dimensional (3D) image analysis has finally opened the way for experimental micro-(geo)mechanics, allowing access to different scales of interest. When these correspond to a scale that has been imaged at high spatial resolution, high-quality measurements can be obtained (e.g. 3D displacements and rotations of individual grains of sand sample under load). However, there are issues when the scale of interest is smaller, for example the characterisation of grain-to-grain contacts (their orientations and evolution) or production of fines by grain breakage. This paper presents a short selection of new grain-scale measurements obtained using existing techniques. The challenges associated with smaller scale measurements on the same images are also discussed through a few examples from ongoing work.
Assessment of civilian structures for military applications
Authors: Campidelli Manuel , Ghani Razaqpur Abdul , Foo Simon
Published: October 2013

The increasing tendency to use urban civilian buildings for military purposes prompts the need for the assessment of their blast resistance. Many of these buildings are made of reinforced concrete (RC). Popular tools available for the assessment of existing RC structures in practice include guidelines and design standards, technical manuals and specialised software. These tools include certain assumptions based on scarcely available test data, as historically they were collected for military purposes. Efforts to transfer this knowledge from military to civilian applications are relatively recent and need be corroborated by further testing and numerical analysis. The objective of this paper is to present the results of field tests on full-scale RC members to check the validity of a number of assumptions routinely made in current numerical/analytical models. The data captured during the tests, including reflected pressure and member displacements, are compared with results of empirical and numerical models, in order to gauge the robustness and accuracy of the assumptions underpinning these models. Finally, recommendations are made for an expedient assessment of existing buildings based on simple methodologies.
3D printing for CO2 capture and chemical engineering design
Authors: Bara Jason E. , Hawkins Christopher I. , Neuberger David T. , Poppell Samuel W.
Published: October 2013

Three-dimensional printing is a form of additive manufacturing that allows the fabrication of items directly from digital files, allowing the user to virtually produce any solid object on demand. Three-dimensional printing is already a frequently discussed topic in the mainstream media and is beginning to find a number of applications in research laboratories. The authors have recognized that 3D printing can have many roles in the design of chemical engineering processes as a means of fabricating parts or perhaps entire unit operations. The authors foresee many opportunities for 3D printing as a means of producing novel and advanced components and entire devices for gas treating. Gas treating (i.e. the removal of one or more contaminants from a gaseous mixture) plays a crucial role in many existing and emerging energy-related processes including natural gas sweetening, flue gas desulfurization and pre- and post-combustion carbon dioxide capture. These processes are typically carried out in absorption columns containing trays or packing that provide interfaces for gas–liquid contacting. New devices such as membrane contactors are also emerging as alternative mechanisms for achieving separation of gases with potential cost and energy-saving benefits derived from having smaller footprints, being of lighter weight and having much larger interfacial areas. Yet in all cases, the design, cost and ability to optimize gas–liquid contactors may be limited by conventional manufacturing techniques. In this respect, 3D printing could be a mechanism by which to achieve improvements on existing technologies and more rapidly deploy novel devices. Here, the authors describe their efforts to date in the application of 3D printing for the fabrication of components and devices for carbon dioxide–capture applications and provide perspective on design strategies, opportunities and challenges.
Multi-agent systems’ asset for smart grid applications
Authors: Rohbogner Gregor , Hahnel Ulf , Benoit Pascal , Fey Simon
Published: October 2013

Multi-agent systems are a subject of continuously increasing interest in
applied technical sciences. Smart grids are one evolving field of
application. Numerous smart grid projects with various interpretations of
multi-agent systems as new control concept arose in the last decade. Although
several theoretical definitions of the term ?agent? exist, there is a lack of
practical understanding that might be improved by clearly distinguishing the
agent technologies from other state-of-the-art control technologies. In this
paper we clarify the differences between controllers, optimizers, learning
systems, and agents. Further, we review most recent smart grid projects, and
contrast their interpretations with our understanding of agents and
multi-agent systems. We point out that multi-agent systems applied in the
smart grid can add value when they are understood as fully distributed
networks of control entities embedded in dynamic grid environments; able to
operate in a cooperative manner and to automatically (re-)configure
themselves.
Real-Time Continuous Glucose Monitoring Significantly Reduces Severe Hypoglycemia in Hypoglycemia-Unaware Patients With Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Choudhary Pratik , Ramasamy Sharmin , Green Louisa , Gallen Geraldine , Pender Siobhan , Brackenridge Anna , Amiel Stephanie A. , Pickup John C.
Published: October 2013

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) on the frequency of severe hypoglycemia (SH) in patients with established hypoglycemia unawareness.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We conducted a retrospective audit of 35 patients with type 1 diabetes and problematic hypoglycemia unawareness, despite optimized medical therapy (continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion/multiple daily insulin injections), who used CGM for >1 year.

RESULTS

Over a 1-year follow-up period, the median rates of SH were reduced from 4.0 (interquartile range [IQR] 0.75–7.25) episodes/patient-year to 0.0 (0.0–1.25) episodes/patient-year (P < 0.001), and the mean (±SD) rates were reduced from 8.1 ± 13 to 0.6 ± 1.2 episodes/year (P = 0.005). HbA1c was reduced from 8.1 ± 1.2% to 7.6 ± 1.0% over the year (P = 0.005). The mean Gold score, measured in 19 patients, did not change: 5.1 ± 1.5 vs. 5.2 ± 1.9 (P = 0.67).

CONCLUSIONS

In a specialist experienced insulin pump center, in carefully selected patients, CGM reduced SH while improving HbA1c but failed to restore hypoglycemia awareness.
Prevention of Type 2 Diabetes in Subjects With Prediabetes and Metabolic Syndrome Treated With Phentermine and Topiramate Extended Release
Authors: Garvey W. Timothy , Ryan Donna H. , Henry Robert , Bohannon Nancy J.V. , Toplak Hermann , Schwiers Michael , Troupin Barbara , Day Wesley W.
Published: October 2013

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate over 108 weeks the effect of phentermine and topiramate extended release (PHEN/TPM ER) treatment on progression to type 2 diabetes and/or cardiometabolic disease in subjects with prediabetes and/or metabolic syndrome (MetS) at baseline.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Subanalysis of a phase 3, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study of overweight/obese subjects (BMI ≥27 to ≤45 kg/m2) with two or more comorbidities. Subjects were randomized to placebo, PHEN 7.5 mg/TPM ER 46 mg (7.5/46), or PHEN 15 mg/TPM ER 92 mg (15/92) plus lifestyle modifications for 108 weeks. Percent weight loss in the intent-to-treat population using multiple imputation (ITT-MI), annualized incidence rate of progression to type 2 diabetes, and changes in glycemia, lipid parameters, blood pressure, and waist circumference were evaluated.

RESULTS

At baseline, 475 subjects met the criteria for prediabetes and/or MetS. After 108 weeks, subjects with prediabetes and/or MetS in the placebo, 7.5/46, and 15/92 groups experienced mean percent weight loss of 2.5, 10.9, and 12.1%, respectively (ITT-MI; P < 0.0001 vs. placebo), associated with reductions of 70.5 and 78.7% in the annualized incidence rate of type 2 diabetes for those receiving 7.5/46 and 15/92, respectively (ITT, P < 0.05), versus placebo. The ability of PHEN/TPM ER to prevent diabetes was related to degree of weight lost and was accompanied by significant improvements in cardiometabolic parameters. PHEN/TPM ER was well tolerated by this subgroup over 2 years.

CONCLUSIONS

PHEN/TPM ER plus lifestyle modification produced significant weight loss and markedly reduced progression to type 2 diabetes in overweight/obese patients with prediabetes and/or MetS, accompanied by improvements in multiple cardiometabolic disease risk factors.
Inhalation injury and burn trauma: an experimental investigation of oxidative stress and histopathology
Authors: Eshak Ghada A. , Nasef Khaled A.
Published: October 2013

Smoke inhalation injury is associated with high incidence of pulmonary complications as it represents a major cause of mortality after
major burn injury. Burn is associated with release of inflammatory mediators which ultimately cause local and distant pathophysiological
effects. The present study investigated the effect of smoke inhalation or\and burn injury on the antioxidants status in the lungs in a
rat model to simulate an inhalation injury as might be encountered by firefighters and burn victims. Seventy five rats were equally
randomized to five groups: Sham group, smoke inhalation injury group, burn group, sham burn group, and smoke burn group. At
the end of the exposure protocol rats were killed by cervical decapitation and the lungs were removed completely and processed for
histopathological and biochemical analysis by measuring lung antioxidant enzyme activities: Malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide
dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPs) level, as an index of lipid peroxidation. Grossly, results showed that rats´lungs in
the smoke inhalation group and the smoke burn group showed multiple hemorrhagic spots. Light microscopic examination showed
localized and diffuse alveolar hemorrhage. Two rats in the burn group had evidence of pneumonia and lung abscesses. Biochemically,
results showed that both smoke inhalation and burn injury significantly elevated lung MDA and glutathione peroxidase levels when
compared with controls. The combined smoke and burn group resulted in a more significant rise in both antioxidant levels indicating
a higher level of lipid peroxidation. SOD level was significantly lowered on exposure to both conditions when compared to control.
SOD level was significantly lower in the combined injury group when compared to either smoke or burn alone. In conclusion; the
above data provide evidence that inhalation injury with and without burn decrease tissue antioxidant capacity and increase tissue
peroxidative injury.
Finger lengths and behavior: Is the 2D:4D index of interest in forensic medicine?
Authors: Schwarz Walsted Anne
Published: October 2013

The relationship between the second and the fourth digit in the human hand, the 2D:4D index, is considered a putative marker
of exposure to prenatal testosterone. Much research has been done in the attempt to associate the 2D:4D index and physical
characteristics as well as cognitive skills and behavioral patterns. It has been suggested that these characteristics and behavioral
patterns may be linked to high levels of testosterone. The basis for considering the 2D:4D index a marker of prenatal exposure to
testosterone, and the influence of prenatal and circulating testosterone on behavior are reviewed. Furthermore, it is discussed whether
forensic medicine may benefit from identification of a marker of behavioral predispositions. It seems that it is not possible to derive any
valid information on predispositions from finger length ratio, however the field of 2D:4D research might benefit from forensic studies.
Estimation of Sensitivity and Specificity of Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography in the Diagnosis of Olfactory Dysfunction after Head Traumas
Authors: Atighechi Saeid , Zolfaghari Aliasghar , Baradaranfar Mohammadhossein , Dadgarnia Mohammadhossein
Published: October 2013

Background

Olfactory dysfunction has an incidence of 5–10% after head injury. Several objective and subjective tests had been proposed. Recent studies showed that brain single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have good diagnostic value in this era in which the most common sites of involvement were olfactory bulb and olfactory nerve in MRI and frontal lobe in SPECT. This study aimed to estimate the sensitivity and specificity of brain MRI and brain SPECT in the diagnosis of traumatic hyposmia and anosmia.

Methods

From February 2009 to March 2011, 63 patients with head injury and smell complaint were selected for this study. Using an identification test and a threshold smell test, 28 were anosmic and 27 had hyposmia and the remaining 8 were normosmic. All of them underwent brain MRI and SPECT.

Results

The sensitivity of SPECT was 81.5 and 85.7% in hyposmia and anosmia, respectively. Its specificity was 87.5% in anosmia and 87.7% in anosmia. MRI sensitivity was 66.7% in hyposmia but 82.1% in anosmia. Its specificity was 85.7% in anosmia and 87.7% in anosmia. If MRI and SPECT were considered together, the sensitivity was 92.3% in hyposmia and 92% in anosmia, but the specificity was 87% in both cases.

Conclusion

According to our study, both brain MRI and SPECT have high sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis of traumatic anosmia, although brain SPECT is slightly superior to MRI. If the two techniques are applied together, the accuracy will be increased.
Differential Expression of Adhesion Molecules by Sinonasal Fibroblasts among Control and Chronic Rhinosinusitis Patients
Authors: Oyer Samuel L. , Nagel Whitney , Mulligan Jennifer K.
Published: October 2013

Background

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is characterized by inflammatory cell migration into sinus tissue with resultant inflammation fueled by a milieu of cytokines. Fibroblasts may contribute to inflammation through expression of leukocyte adhesion molecules such as vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM) and intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM). VCAM attracts eosinophils and mast cells contributing to Th2 skewing, and ICAM attracts neutrophils and to a lesser degree, eosinophils, and contributes to mixed Th1/Th2 skewing. The purpose of this study was to compare sinus fibroblast adhesion molecule expression ex vivo among CRS subtypes and in vitro after cytokine stimulation.

Methods

Sinus biopsy specimens were taken from control patients (n = 13), CRS without nasal polyposis (CRSsNP, n = 6), and CRS with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP, n = 15). Ex vivo levels of VCAM and ICAM were measured by flow cytometry from single cell suspensions of tissue biopsy specimens. Changes in VCAM and ICAM expression to cytokine exposure were assessed using in vitro cultured sinonasal fibroblasts treated with tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-4, or interferon (IFN)-γ.

Results

Ex vivo VCAM expression was lowest in controls, higher in CRSsNP, and highest in CRSwNP. In vitro stimulation with TNF-α and IL-4, but not IFN-γ, increased VCAM among CRSsNP, while expression in CRSwNP remained elevated with all treatments except IFN-γ. Ex vivo ICAM expression was elevated in both CRS subtypes. In vitro stimulation with TNF-α and IFN-γ, but not IL-4, increased ICAM expression in all patients with the largest effects among the CRSsNP subgroup.

Conclusion

Sinonasal fibroblast expression of adhesion molecules in sinusitis varies by disease state and is selectively influenced by exposure to inflammatory cytokines.