bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immunohistochemical analysis of sustentacular cells in the adrenal medulla, carotid body and sympathetic ganglion of mice using an antibody against brain‐type fatty acid binding protein (B‐FABP)
Authors: Pakkarato Sawetree , Chomphoo Surang , Kagawa Yoshiteru , Owada Yuji , Mothong Wilaiwan , Iamsaard Sitthichai , Sawatpanich Tarinee , Kondo Hisatake , Hipkaeo Wiphawi
Published: March 2015

Little attention has been paid to adrenal sustentacular cells, and several major histology textbooks do not even describe them. This study presents a detailed morphological description of sustentacular cells using immuno‐light microscopy and an antibody against brain‐type fatty acid‐binding protein. The immunopositive sustentacular cells and processes formed lattices with holes of various sizes and compactnesses or openness. In addition, weakly immunostained sheet‐like structures with ill‐defined contours were often associated with the processes and lattices. In the carotid body, which has traditionally been classified under the name of paraganglia in common with the adrenal medulla, immunostained sustentacular cell processes formed lattices in association with the weakly immunostained sheet‐like structures, but the lattices with sheets were more compact and rigid than the adrenal medulla, and appeared like individually distinct compartments. In the ganglion, the immunostained satellite cell processes with the sheets tightly enclosed individual neurons. As a result, the immunostained sheet‐like structures were regarded as en‐face views of thinly flattened sustentacular cytoplasmic envelopes partially covering the chromaffin cells in the adrenal medulla, and widely in the carotid body in a way rather similar to the satellite cells in the ganglion. In brief, the terminal enclosing portions of adrenal sustentacular cell processes, in cut‐views, were too thin/flat to be recognized as distinct lines in immuno‐light microscopy because of its resolution limit. They are recognized in en‐face views as entities of a substantially spacious extension in immuno‐light microscopy.
Influence of different dietary zinc levels on cashmere growth, plasma testosterone level and zinc status in male Liaoning Cashmere goats
Authors: Liu H. Y. , Sun M. H. , Yang G. Q. , Jia C. L. , Zhang M. , Zhu Y. J. , Zhang Y.
Published: March 2015

The experiment was conducted to investigate the influence of different levels of zinc (Zn) on cashmere growth, plasma testosterone and Zn profile in male Cashmere goats. Twenty‐eight male Liaoning Cashmere goats, 3 years old and body weight at 56.2 ± 2.45 kg, were assigned to four groups. The animals were fed a basal diet containing of 45.9 mg Zn/kg dry matter (DM) basis and supplemented with 0, 20, 40 or 80 mg Zn (reagent grade ZnSO4·7H2O) per kg DM for 90 days. There was no significant effect on growth and diameter of cashmere fibre for Zn supplemented in diets. However, the length and growth rate of wool were improved (p < 0.05) with dietary Zn. The length and growth rate of wool were higher (p < 0.05) for the groups supplemented with 40 or 80 mg Zn/kg DM compared with that of 20 mg Zn/kg DM treatment group. Plasma testosterone concentration was increased for Zn supplemented in diets, and the testosterone concentration was higher (p < 0.05) in goats fed on the diet supplemented with 40 or 80 mg Zn/kg DM compared with those fed on basal diet. Plasma Zn concentrations increased (p < 0.05) with increasing dietary Zn and supplemented with 40 and 80 mg Zn/kg DM groups improved plasma Zn concentration (p < 0.05) more than 20 mg Zn/kg DM group. Fibre Zn content was higher (p < 0.05) in groups supplemented with 40 or 80 mg Zn/kg DM compared with control group, but no difference between Zn‐supplemented groups (p > 0.05). The activity of plasma alkaline phosphatase was increased (p < 0.05) due to dietary Zn supplementation; however, no difference was found between supplemented treatment groups (p > 0.05). In conclusion, Zn content (45.9 mg Zn/kg DM) in control diet was insufficient for optimal wool growth performance, and we recommended the level of dietary Zn for such goats is 86 mg/kg DM during the breeding season and cashmere fibre growing period.
Detection of Annotation Errors in Corpora
Authors: Dickinson Markus
Published: March 2015

This paper surveys methods for annotation error detection and correction. Methods can broadly be characterized as to whether they detect inconsistencies with respect to some statistical model based only on the corpus data or whether they detect inconsistencies with respect to a grammatical model, in general, some external information source. Two extended examples are presented, illustrating these different techniques: (1) the variation n‐gram method, which searches for inconsistences in annotation for identical strings; and (2) a method of ad hoc rule detection, for syntactic annotation, which compares treebank rules to a grammar to determine which are anomalous. Methods for detecting annotation errors have developed much over the last decade, and thus corpus practitioners can benefit greatly from them, while at the same time NLP researchers can learn more about the nuances of the annotation they use and see how error correction methods intersect with NLP techniques.
Incorporation of water into olivine during nebular condensation: Insights from density functional theory and thermodynamics, and implications for phyllosilicate formation and terrestrial water inventory
Authors: Asaduzzaman Abu , Muralidharan Krishna , Ganguly Jibamitra
Published: March 2015

Using density functional theory, we have examined the hydration mechanism of olivine with the objective of understanding the reaction pathways toward the formation of crystalline serpentine and brucite. It is found that further supply of water beyond saturation of the adsorption sites on olivine surfaces leads to the formation of amorphous brucite and serpentine molecules, with the latter forming in the subsurface domain. The calculated activation energy for this process is ~25 kJ mol−1, which permits formation of the amorphous materials well within the life span of the solar nebula. In addition, molecular dynamic simulations show that the adsorbed water in olivine is stable at least up to 900 K—a finding that is in accord with independent experimental studies. Thus, adsorption plus subsurface reaction of H2O in olivine could have taken place at temperatures considerably higher than the stability limit of hydrous minerals in the nebular condition. Using the DFT derived enthalpy of adsorption data, and reasonable approximation for the entropy of adsorption, we have calculated the fractional coverage of the reactive surface sites of olivine grains of spherical geometry by adsorbed water, and the corresponding ocean equivalent water (OEW) that could have been accreted into the Earth. These results suggest that adsorption and the associated subsurface hydroxylation of olivine grains might have been responsible for a significant fraction of the Earth's water budget. The adsorption of water into olivine crystals in the solar nebula might also have led to the delivery of water to other planetary bodies.
Targeted agri‐environment schemes significantly improve the population size of common farmland bumblebee species
Authors: Wood Thomas J. , Holland John M. , Hughes William O. H. , Goulson Dave
Published: March 2015

Changes in agricultural practice across Europe and North America have been associated with range contractions and local extinction of bumblebees (Bombus spp.). A number of agri‐environment schemes have been implemented to halt and reverse these declines, predominantly revolving around the provision of additional forage plants. Although it has been demonstrated that these schemes can attract substantial numbers of foraging bumblebees, it remains unclear to what extent they actually increase bumblebee populations. We used standardized transect walks and molecular techniques to compare the size of bumblebee populations between Higher Level Stewardship (HLS) farms implementing pollinator‐friendly schemes and Entry Level Stewardship (ELS) control farms. Bumblebee abundance on the transect walks was significantly higher on HLS farms than ELS farms. Molecular analysis suggested maximum foraging ranges of 566 m for Bombus hortorum, 714 m for B. lapidarius, 363 m for B. pascuorum and 799 m for B. terrestris. Substantial differences in maximum foraging range were found within bumblebee species between farm types. Accounting for foraging range differences, B. hortorum (47 vs 13 nests/km2) and B. lapidarius (45 vs 22 nests/km2) were found to nest at significantly greater densities on HLS farms than ELS farms. There were no significant differences between farm type for B. terrestris (88 vs 38 nests/km2) and B. pascuorum (32 vs 39 nests/km2). Across all bumblebee species, HLS management had a significantly positive effect on bumblebee nest density. These results show that targeted agri‐environment schemes that increase the availability of suitable forage can significantly increase the size of wild bumblebee populations.
Future clinical uses of neurophysiological biomarkers to predict and monitor treatment response for schizophrenia
Authors: Light Gregory A. , Swerdlow Neal R.
Published: March 2015

Advances in psychiatric neuroscience have transformed our understanding of impaired and spared brain functions in psychotic illnesses. Despite substantial progress, few (if any) laboratory tests have graduated to clinics to inform diagnoses, guide treatments, and monitor treatment response. Providers must rely on careful behavioral observation and interview techniques to make inferences about patients’ inner experiences and then secondary deductions about impacted neural systems. Development of more effective treatments has also been hindered by a lack of translational quantitative biomarkers that can span the brain–behavior treatment knowledge gap. Here, we describe an example of a simple, low‐cost, and translatable electroencephalography (EEG) measure that offers promise for improving our understanding and treatment of psychotic illnesses: mismatch negativity (MMN). MMN is sensitive to and/or predicts response to some pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic interventions and accounts for substantial portions of variance in clinical, cognitive, and psychosocial functioning in schizophrenia (SZ). This measure has recently been validated for use in large‐scale multisite clinical studies of SZ. Finally, MMN greatly improves our ability to forecast which individuals at high clinical risk actually develop a psychotic illness. These attributes suggest that MMN can contribute to personalized biomarker‐guided treatment strategies aimed at ameliorating or even preventing the onset of psychosis.
Garstige Affinitäten
Authors: Shah Mira
Published: March 2015

Was ist der Mensch und was ist ihm der Affe? In diesem Aufsatz wird der Fokus auf die subtile Konstruktion einer Affinität von Frauen und Affen in Goethes Roman gelegt. Vor dem Hintergrund anthropologischer Umbrüche und gesellschaftspolitischer Veränderungen rücken Affen und Frauen in eine überraschende Nähe zueinander: Durch ihre Beschäftigung mit Affen werden Luciane und Ottilie zu Repräsentationen einer Auseinandersetzung mit Diskursen, die Affen und Frauen im Zuge einer krisenhaften Epochenschwelle um 1800 unter der Drohung des Monströsen zu Topoi der Differenzierung werden lassen. Anhand dieser Beschäftigung mit Affen zeigt sich die Ablösung alter durch neue Geschlechterrollen ebenso wie die Instrumentalisierung des Affen für die Überschneidungsmengen von ästhetischen, Bildungs‐ und Geschlechterdiskursen. Dabei wird der Affe als nächster Verwandter des Menschen zum sittlichen Problem für ein neues Frauenideal.
The Authentic and Artificial Histories of Mechanical Reproduction in E. L. Doctorow's Ragtime
Authors: Johnson Allan
Published: March 2015

This article reads the motifs of repetition and reincarnation in E. L. Doctorow's Ragtime alongside the text's appraisal of mechanical reproduction in the years of the Second Industrial Revolution, the so‐called Gilded Age of American wealth and collective buoyancy. As this article argues, Doctorow provocatively combines authentic and artificial histories of three icons of mechanical reproduction as a means to test his narrator's understanding of self as much as of history. In overlaying authentic and artificial histories of mechanical reproduction, the novel evaluates what might potentially fill the void in emptied‐out mechanical art, and defines the iterability of humans as an unsustainable industrial and aesthetic fantasy.
Efficacy, Safety, and Predictors of Intradiscal Methylene Blue Injection for Discogenic Low Back Pain: Results of a Multicenter Prospective Clinical Series
Authors: Kallewaard Jan Willem , Geurts José W. , Kessels Alphons , Willems Paul , van Santbrink Henk , van Kleef Maarten
Published: March 2015

Study Design

Prospective clinical study of intradiscal methylene blue injection for the treatment of lumbar discogenic pain.

Objective

The objective of this study was to collect information about efficacy, safety, and acceptability of the intervention, gain and burden of outcome measures, and sample size assumptions for a potential following randomized controlled trial (RCT). If the pilot study demonstrates that this treatment is potentially effective and safe, and the methods and procedures used in this study are feasible, a RCT follows.

Summary of Background Data

Low back pain (LBP) is a highly common problem with a lifetime prevalence of more than 70%. A substantial part of chronic LBP is attributable to degenerative changes in the intervertebral disc. A recently published RCT assessing the treatment intradiscal injection of methylene blue for chronic discogenic LBP, showed exceptionally good results.

Methods

Patients were selected on clinical criteria, magnetic resonance imaging, and a positive provocative discogram. The primary outcome measure was mean pain reduction at 6 months.

Results

Fifteen consecutive patients with chronic lumbar discogenic pain enrolled in a multicenter prospective case series in two interventional pain treatment centers in the Netherlands. Six months after the intervention, 40% of the patients claimed at least 30% pain relief. In patients who responded, physical function improved and medication use diminished. We observed no procedural complications or adverse events. Predictors for success were Pfirrmann grading of 2 or less and higher quality of life mental component scores.

Conclusions

Our findings of 40% positive respondents, and no complications, give reason to set up a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, trial.
Small molecules with big impact: terpenoid phytoalexins as key factors in maize stress tolerance
Authors: Zerbe Philipp
Published: March 2015

This article comments on: Accumulation of terpenoid phytoalexins in maize roots is associated with drought tolerance
Establishing the ecological restoration network in Argentina: from Rio1992 to SIACRE2015
Authors: Zuleta Gustavo , Rovere Adriana E. , Pérez Daniel , Campanello Paula I. , Guida Johnson Bárbara , Escartín Celina , Dalmasso Antonio , Renison Daniel , Ciano Nicolás , Aronson James
Published: March 2015

The development of the science and practice of restoration ecology in Argentina can be divided into three periods. The first was 1992–2004, characterized by isolated restoration efforts, mostly in arid and dry ecosystems, and engaging specific people in the academic, agro‐technological, and private sectors as partially required by national regulations, but also inspired by the 1992 Earth Summit, the 1994 Amendments of the Constitutional Law, and environmental guidelines from investment entities. The second period of 2005–2010 showed significantly greater involvement in international networking and conference contributions. The current period from 2011‐present has witnessed rapid advances and national integration. The country's network Red de Restauración Ecológica de Argentina (REA) was founded in 2012, with seven subnational nodes. In 2014, the 2nd REA symposium was held to determine priority areas for restoration and to generate a National Plan. Public agencies, NGOs and volunteer groups are now actively engaged stakeholders. In 2013 Argentina became a founder member of SIACRE (Sociedad Ibero‐Americana y del Caribe para la Restauración Ecológica) and is organizing SIACRE's 4th international conference (April 2015; Buenos Aires). Restoration ecology in Argentina is ascendant because of long‐term efforts related to strengthening democracy, people initiatives, and strong support from SIACRE, SER (Society for Ecological Restoration), SER‐Europe, and the national networks of Colombia, Brazil, Mexico, and Chile. Moreover, Argentina is now the first country to have updated its Civil Code by integrating the environment as a “legal good,” which reinforces the citizens' rights to demand the implementation of degradation prevention and/or ecosystem restoration measures.
DEBATE: Should Dialysis at Home be Mandatory for All Suitable ESRD Patients?
Authors: Mendelssohn David C.
Published: March 2015

Outcomes are similar between hospital‐based hemodialysis and less expensive home‐based therapies, especially home peritoneal dialysis. Because of this, some have argued that all suitable patients should be forced to these less expensive modalities. However, such an approach would violate the ethical principles of autonomy and maleficence, and would run counter to the movement toward patient‐centered care. Therefore, from a North American perspective, home dialysis should be actively promoted for suitable patients, but should not be mandatory. Extending these arguments into newer paradigms of home‐ and community‐based dialysis, with paid assistance, will be a challenge as traditional cost effectiveness arguments may not be definitive and effective. Nephrology will need to embrace new methods for evaluation of therapies and to develop and endorse sophisticated principles of advocacy to influence health care policy and funding decision makers to maximize nonhospital‐based, patient‐centered care and improve outcomes in the future.
Barriers to using molecularly typed minority red blood cell donors in support of chronically transfused adult patients with sickle cell disease
Authors: Karafin Matthew S. , Field Joshua J. , Gottschall Jerome L. , Denomme Gregory A.
Published: March 2015

BACKGROUND

Much effort and resources have been devoted to programs that provide transfusion support for patients with sickle cell disease (SCD). The focus of many donor programs is to prevent alloimmunization by recruiting racially matched African American donors to limit the red blood cell (RBC) antigenic differences that exist between Caucasian donors and patients with SCD.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

In this study, we evaluated the RBC antigen characteristics of both the recipient population with SCD and the African American donor population from 2010 to 2013. We evaluated the genotype‐derived predicted antigen frequencies of the donors and compared these frequencies with those of the population supported by these units. Specific attention was given to the alloimmunization rate over the 3 years and the number of D– units provided to D+ patients.

RESULTS

We recruited 6066 African American donors during the 3‐year study period with 77.3% of these donors donating no more than twice. The observed genotype‐derived predicted antigen frequencies were similar to the expected frequencies, and the antigen frequencies of a cohort of 54 adult patients with SCD (p > 0.05). Twelve patients (22.2%) with SCD had alloantibodies and five of these patients developed these antibodies while receiving Rh and K antigen–matched blood during the study interval. Finally, we found that 607 (37.1%) D– units were diverted to D+ patients.

CONCLUSIONS

New recruitment and prevention strategies are needed to increase the pool of available antigen‐matched RBCs and decrease alloimmunization risk for this patient population.
A Practitioners’ Guide to Gravity Models of International Migration
Authors: Beine Michel , Bertoli Simone , Fernández‐Huertas Moraga Jesús
Published: March 2015

The use of bilateral data for the analysis of international migration is at the same time a blessing and a curse. It is a blessing because the dyadic dimension of the data allows researchers to address a number of previously unanswered questions, but it is also a curse for the various analytical challenges it gives rise to. This paper presents the theoretical foundations of the estimation of gravity models of international migration, and the main difficulties that have to be tackled in the econometric analysis, such as the nature of migration data, how to account for multilateral resistance to migration or endogeneity. We also review some empirical evidence that has considered these issues.
Migration Policy, African Population Growth and Global Inequality
Authors: Mountford Andrew , Rapoport Hillel
Published: March 2015

According to recent UN projections, more than 50 per cent of the growth in world population over the next half century will be due to population growth in Africa. Given this, any policy that influences African demography will have a significant impact on the world distribution of income. In this study, we discuss the potential for migration policies to affect fertility and education decisions, and hence, population growth in Africa. We present the results from different scenarios for more or less restrictive/selective migration policies and derive their implications for the evolution of world inequality.
Achromatopsia in three sibling Labrador Retrievers in the UK
Authors: Dixon Christopher J.
Published: March 2015

Achromatopsia was identified in three Labrador Retriever littermates. The dogs demonstrated day blindness, negotiating obstacles under low‐light conditions, but apparently blind when outdoors. One of the dogs presented with immature bilateral diffuse posterior cortical cataracts and clinical signs of day blindness became apparent following cataract extraction surgery. Electroretinography demonstrated an absence of a cone photoreceptor response to a bright stimulus and a flicker response of 30 Hz in all three dogs. No fundic lesions have been apparent ophthalmoscopically in any of the dogs as the initial presentation of each case. No abnormalities were detected with DNA screening for known mutations of the CNGB3 gene in any of the dogs.
Passive reporting greatly underestimates the rate of transfusion‐associated circulatory overload after platelet transfusion
Authors: Raval J. S. , Mazepa M. A. , Russell S. L. , Immel C. C. , Whinna H. C. , Park Y. A.
Published: March 2015

Background

Transfusion‐associated circulatory overload (TACO) is the second leading cause of reported transfusion‐related fatalities in the United States. While its occurrence has been previously investigated after red cell and plasma transfusion, no data are available regarding its association with platelet transfusion. Our goal was to determine the rate of platelet‐associated TACO at our university medical centre.

Study Design and Methods

This study had retrospective and prospective analyses. The 13‐year retrospective analysis served to determine the historical rate of platelet‐associated TACO by passive reporting. The 30‐day prospective analysis included active surveillance of all non‐emergently issued and non‐operative platelet recipients ≥16 years old with no transfusions in the previous 6 h determined by analysis of blood bank product issue records. Data collected included demographics, vital signs pre‐ and posttransfusion, fluid balances, supplemental oxygen use, reports of dyspnoea, and infusion rates. For the prospective analysis, all variables were collected within 24 h of transfusion from the medical record and, when necessary, interviews with care providers and/or patients.

Results

In the retrospective analysis, 366 reactions were reported, of which 6 (1·6%) were TACO. The historical rate of TACO was 1:5997 transfused platelet units. During the prospective analysis, 225 eligible patients received a total of 334 units of platelets. The average platelet transfusion volume was 261 ± 26 ml, and the average infusion rate was 391 ± 198 ml/h. Two unreported TACO reactions were discovered and characterized by new‐onset hypertension, crackles on lung auscultation, dyspnoea, hypoxia and supplemental oxygen requirements which resolved completely with diuresis. The rate of TACO during this prospective analysis was 1:167 transfused platelet units.

Conclusion

Platelet‐associated TACO is greatly underestimated by passive reporting in the adult patient population.
The effects of an overnight holding of whole blood at room temperature on haemoglobin modification and in vitro markers of red blood cell aging
Authors: Eckstein M. , Zimmermann R. , Roth T. , Hauck‐Dlimi B. , Strasser E. F. , Xiang W.
Published: March 2015

Background

Some effects of the red blood cell (RBC) storage lesion are well documented whereas others are not. Whether a period of room temperature hold (RTH) during RBC production enhances the RBC storage lesion has remained controversial. In this study, we compared whole blood (WB)‐derived RBCs produced after 24‐h RTH with rapidly cooled (RC) RBCs and tested them for classical metabolic markers and signs of oxidative damage.

Study design and methods

SAGM‐RBCs were prepared from mixed and split pairs (n = 12) of WB units. RBCs prepared after a 24‐h period of RTH on day+1 after collection (RTH‐RBCs) were compared with RC‐RBCs. All RBCs were stored at 4°C for 42 days with assay of in vitro variables on days+1, +15, +22, +29 and +42. The study examined standard quality parameters, glutathione, catalase and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, and indicative markers of oxidative cell damage including post‐translational haemoglobin modification, malondialdehyde (MDA), and phosphatidylserine expression.

Results

RTH‐RBCs exhibited decreased levels of potassium (1·98 ± 0·26 vs. 5·23 ± 0·65 mmol/l) and of 2,3‐diphosphoglycerate (2,3‐DPG) on day+1 compared with RC‐RBCs. Haemolysis rate on day+42 was higher in RTH‐RBCs than in RC‐RBCs (0·52 ± 0·13 vs. 0·37 ± 0·12%). The phosphatidylserine expression amounted to 0·25 ± 0·20% in RTH‐RBCs and 0·07 ± 0·12% in RC‐RBCs. Haemoglobin modification was not different between both RBC groups. RTH‐RBCs showed slightly higher MDA concentration on days +29 and +42.

Conclusions

RC‐RBCs and RTH‐RBCs show only small differences of classical in vitro parameters and no relevant differences in antioxidative metabolism and oxidative haemoglobin modification. These findings do not explain the loss observed in in vivo survival studies with RBCs.
Improving red cell transfusion in the elective surgical setting: an improvement collaborative with evaluation
Authors: Harrison B. T. , Chen J. , Der Vartanian C. , Isbister J. , Tridgell P. , Hughes C. F.
Published: March 2015

Background & Objectives

Significant research conducted in New South Wales (NSW) hospitals’ indicated that about 30% of red cell transfusions in stable adult patients was inappropriate. Of the total Australian government blood product budget in 2009–2010 (i.e. $878·8 million dollars) was spent on fresh blood products and plasma collection. The Clinical Excellence Commission (CEC) launched a systematic intervention called Blood Watch (BW) aiming to reduce inappropriate red cell transfusions in all NSW hospitals. An evaluation of BW was undertaken to measure the effectiveness of the programme and to estimate the associated potential cost‐saving.

Materials & Methods

Through the deterministic linkage of the four population‐based administrative databases, three outcome indicators and four process indicators were developed. The analyses were of five elective surgical groups as they were the focus of the interventions. Three‐level logistic regression and three‐level linear regression were used to explore the time trend of the study process and outcome indicators. Modelling of the possible avoided red cell transfusions was also undertaken using a quadratic regression technique.

Results

Overall, there was a 27·4% reduction of the blood usage after the introduction of the BW programme and the reductions were consistent across five elective surgical groups. Such a reduction was associated with annual cost‐savings of over $8·5 million.

Conclusions

The BW programme which was based on collaborative improvement methods and implemented at scale led to significant reduction of blood usage, consistently across five elective surgical groups and significant cost‐saving.
Comparison of the cryoprotective solutions based on human albumin vs. autologous plasma: its effect on cell recovery, clonogenic potential of peripheral blood hematopoietic progenitor cells and engraftment after autologous transplantation
Authors: Smagur A. , Mitrus I. , Ciomber A. , Panczyniak K. , Fidyk W. , Sadus‐Wojciechowska M. , Holowiecki J. , Giebel S.
Published: March 2015

Background and Objectives

Cryopreservation of peripheral blood hematopoietic progenitor/stem cells (PBPCs) requires the addition of cryoprotectant such as DMSO, often prediluted using human serum albumin solution (HSAS). The goal of our study was to verify whether the HSAS may be replaced by autologous plasma (AP) without negative impact on PBPCs quality and engraftment. AP usage is less expensive and allows performing cell preparation in a ‘closed system’, and hence to reduce the risk of product contamination.

Materials and Methods

Peripheral blood progenitor cells from 18 patients were divided into two aliquots (500 μl) placed in separate vials, each containing 7·5% DMSO prediluted with 5% HSAS or AP. Post‐thaw cell recovery and clonogenic potential was evaluated. During clinical part of the study, the impact of both cryoprotective solution on hematopoietic engraftment was evaluated in two cohorts (n = 26) matched for diagnosis, age and the number of transplanted CD34+ cells.

Results

The median recovery of nucleated cells and the number of colony‐forming units did not differ between tested cryoprotective mixtures. For AP mixture, neither total protein nor albumin concentration of plasma correlated with cell recovery and clonogenic potential of the PBPCs after cryopreservation. In clinical evaluation, the median time to leucocyte recovery and reconstitution of neutrophils was comparable in both groups: 10 days. We did not observe either significant difference with regard to the time of platelet recovery (median: 15 days for AP vs. 16 for HSAS; P = 0·79).

Conclusions

HSA in cryoprotective mixture may be replaced by AP without negative impact on cell recovery, clonogenic potential or engraftment.
Persistent aggregates in apheresis platelet concentrates
Authors: Feys H. B. , Coene J. , Devloo R. , Van Aelst B. , Pottel H. , Vandekerckhove P. , Compernolle V.
Published: March 2015

Background

Aggregates often appear during apheresis. Sometimes, these persist throughout storage, causing product wastage. This study assessed product quality of apheresis concentrates containing persistent aggregates (PA) and aimed to identify the factors that contribute to their formation.

Methods

Donation (n = 180) and platelet indices (n ≥ 10) from apheresis concentrates with PA were compared with aggregate‐free products.

Results

The proportion of donors with at least one previous PA donation was twofold higher in the PA group (P < 0·0001) indicating a donor dependence. Significantly higher donor whole blood platelet counts (286 ± 50 vs. 266 ± 49 × 103/μl, P < 0·0001) and higher apheresis yields (6·0 ± 1·6 vs. 5·4 ± 1·5 × 1011, P < 0·0001) were noted in the PA group. Haematocrit was also slightly higher, but age, gender and body mass were similar. The pH of PA products on day six postdonation was significantly lower (P < 0·001), in line with higher lactic acid concentrations. Flow cytometry showed no differences in GPIbα levels or phosphatidylserine exposure. However, there was slightly more integrin activation as well as increased degranulation measured by P‐selectin expression. Cytokine concentrations were also significantly higher in PA concentrates. Aggregation was normal in response to SFLLRN peptide and collagen stimulation, but agglutination at low‐dose ristocetin was significantly higher (P = 0.01) in PA products. Finally, PA were disintegrated by plasmin‐mediated thrombolysis but not by integrin αIIbβ3 inhibition.

Conclusion

Products with PA have acceptable quality parameters, but additional functional studies are warranted. Furthermore, PA are more likely to recur in certain donors who have higher platelet counts.
Restrictions on the prime-to- fundamental group of a smooth projective variety
Authors: Arapura Donu
Published: March 2015

The goal of this paper is to obtain restrictions on the prime-to-$p$ quotient of the étale fundamental group of a smooth projective variety in characteristic $p\geqslant 0$. The results are analogues of some theorems from the study of Kähler groups. Our first main result is that such groups are indecomposable under coproduct. The second result gives a classification of the pro-$\ell$ parts of one-relator groups in this class.
The Effect of Flat Bar Supports on Streamwise Fluidelastic Instability in Heat Exchanger Tube Arrays
Authors: Hassan Marwan , Weaver David S.
Published: March 2015

Flow-induced vibration is an important criterion for the design of heat exchangers in nuclear, fossil, and chemical plants. Of the several known vibration excitation mechanisms, fluidelastic instability (FEI) is the most serious because it can cause tube failures in a relatively short period of time. Traditionally, FEI has been observed to occur in the direction transverse to the flow and antivibration bars have been used to stiffen the tubes against this motion. More recently, interest has increased in the possibility of FEI occurring in the streamwise direction, parallel to the flow. This is the subject of the present paper. Numerical simulations have been carried out to study the effects of tube-to-support clearance, tube sliding friction, tube-to-support preload, and ambient turbulence levels on the FEI threshold in the streamwise direction. As one would expect, increasing friction and tube preload against the support both tend to stabilize the tube against streamwise FEI. Importantly, the results also show that decreasing tube-support clearances destabilizes streamwise FEI while having little effect on transverse FEI. Increasing ambient turbulence levels also has the effect of destabilizing streamwise FEI.
Carburization of Ethylene Pyrolysis Furnace Tube in a Petrochemical Plant
Authors: Chen Tao , Chen Xuedong , Liu Chunjiao , Ye Juan , Nie Defu
Published: March 2015

Carburization phenomena of the ethylene pyrolysis furnace tube made of 25Cr35NiNb alloy were investigated after service for approximate 30,000 h in a petrochemical plant. Three different zones, namely, oxidation zone, carburization zone, and aging product zone, were observed in the cross section of furnace tube by microscopic analysis. The oxidation zone near the inner surface has a thickness of about 700 μm and possesses the characterization of many loose pores and voids. The inner surface has a continuous thin Cr2O3 layer and the grain boundaries near the inner wall are mainly composed of mixed oxides of Cr2O3 and SiO2. In addition, segregation of impurities S and P was detected at grain boundaries. The dark gray SiO2 distributes in the front of the oxidation zone. Carbides distribute at grain boundaries in the carburization zone with lots of voids and micro cracks. The width of grain boundary is broadened. According to the experimental results, the initiation of cracks may be promoted by carbides at grain boundaries. The uneven distribution of the Cr element was found in the carburization zone, and direct experimental evidence of Cr element diffusion was detected. In the aging product zone, the carbides evolution was observed. The chromium carbides are composed of Cr7C3 and Cr23C6. The microstructure and composition evolutions of the furnace tube and their effects on service life of ethylene pyrolysis furnace tube were also discussed.
Mapping of Contributions From Collateral Ligaments to Overall Knee Joint Constraint: An Experimental Cadaveric Study
Authors: Cyr Adam J. , Shalhoub Sami S. , Fitzwater Fallon G. , Ferris Lauren A. , Maletsky Lorin P.
Published: March 2015

Understanding the contribution of the soft-tissues to total joint constraint (TJC) is important for predicting joint kinematics, developing surgical procedures, and increasing accuracy of computational models. Previous studies on the collateral ligaments have focused on quantifying strain and tension properties under discrete loads or kinematic paths; however, there has been little work to quantify collateral ligament contribution over a broad range of applied loads and range of motion (ROM) in passive constraint. To accomplish this, passive envelopes were collected from nine cadaveric knees instrumented with implantable pressure transducers (IPT) in the collateral ligaments. The contributions from medial and lateral collateral ligaments (LCL) were quantified by the relative contribution of each structure at various flexion angles (0–120 deg) and compound external loads (±10 N m valgus, ±8 N m external, and ±40 N anterior). Average medial collateral ligament (MCL) contributions were highest under external and valgus torques from 60 deg to 120 deg flexion. The MCL showed significant contributions to TJC under external torques throughout the flexion range. Average LCL contributions were highest from 0 deg to 60 deg flexion under external and varus torques, as well as internal torques from 60 deg to 110 deg flexion. Similarly, these regions were found to have statistically significant LCL contributions. Anterior and posterior loads generally reduced collateral contribution to TJC; however, posterior loads further reduced MCL contribution, while anterior loads further reduced LCL contribution. These results provide insight to the functional role of the collaterals over a broad range of passive constraint. Developing a map of collateral ligament contribution to TJC may be used to identify the effects of injury or surgical intervention on soft-tissue, and how collateral ligament contributions to constraint correlate with activities of daily living.
Controlled Cyclic Compression of an Open Tibial Fracture Using an External Fixator Affects Fracture Healing in Mice
Authors: Currey Jennifer A. , Mancuso Megan , Kalikoff Sylvie , Miller Erin , Day Sean
Published: March 2015

Fractures resulting in impaired healing can be treated with mechanical stimulation via external fixators. To examine the effect of mechanical stimulation on fracture healing, we developed an external fixator for use in a mouse model. A 0.5 mm tibial osteotomy was stabilized with the external fixator in C57BL/6 mice. Osteotomies in the treatment group (nt = 41) were subjected to daily sessions of 150 μm of controlled displacement with the aim to create a more mineralized callus at 21 days compared with the control group (nc = 39). Qualitative assessment of the histology found no notable difference in healing patterns between groups at 7, 12, 17, and 21 days. At 21 days, micro-computed tomography (CT) analysis showed that the control group had a significantly higher bone volume (BV) fraction and trabecular number compared with treatment; however there was no significant difference in the total volume (TV) of the callus or trabecular thickness between groups. In summary, the external fixator was used with a motion application system to apply controlled displacement to a healing fracture; however, this treatment did not result in a more mineralized callus at 21 days.
Prediction Models for the Erector Spinae Muscle Cross-Sectional Area
Authors: Gungor Celal , Tang Ruoliang , Sesek Richard F. , Bo Foreman Kenneth , Gallagher Sean , Davis Gerard A.
Published: March 2015

Accurate and reliable “individualized” low back erector spinae muscle (ESM) data are of importance to estimate its force producing capacity. Knowing the force producing capacity, along with spinal loading, enhances the understanding of low back injury mechanisms. The objective of this study was to build regression models to estimate the ESM cross-sectional area (CSA). Measurements were taken from axial-oblique magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of a large historical population [54 females and 53 males at L3/L4, 50 females and 44 males at L4/L5, and 41 females and 35 males at L5/S1 levels]. Results suggest that an individual's ESM CSA can be accurately estimated based on his/her gender, height, and weight. Results further show that there is no significant difference between the measured and estimated ESM CSAs, and expected absolute error is less than 15%.
Numerical Investigation of Lateral and Axial Wave Propagation in Drill-Strings for Stability Monitoring
Authors: Liu Yu , Ji Yi , Dick Andrew J.
Published: March 2015

In this paper, the propagation of lateral waves and axial acoustic waves in a drill-string are studied by using a new numerical method and a stability monitoring scheme is proposed. The drill-string is modeled as a linear beam structure under gravitational field effects. Lateral and axial motions are assumed to be decoupled, and the corresponding equations of motion are derived. An iterative wavelet-based spectral finite element method (WSFEM) model is developed to obtain a high fidelity response. Numerical simulations of the lateral impact wave propagation at the bottom-hole-assembly (BHA) are first conducted, and a time-frequency analysis technique is applied to the response in order to identify the relationship between the position of the transition point between positive and negative strain and the dispersive properties of the lateral wave. Next, axial acoustic wave propagation through the upper drill-pipe is studied to explore the banded transmission properties of the drill-string introduced by periodic joints. Based on the results, a new monitoring scheme is proposed to monitor the stability of the drill-string by conducting a combination of lateral impact wave analysis at the BHA and the axial acoustic telemetry technique. The new numerical method used in this study provides a unified approach to study the wave propagation in drill-strings, and the proposed stability monitoring scheme is expected to be applicable in drill-string operations.
Finite Element Modeling of Sliding Wear in a Composite Alloy Using a Free-Mesh
Authors: Ashraf M. A. , Ahmed R. , Ali O. , Faisal N. H. , El-Sherik A. M. , Goosen M. F. A.
Published: March 2015

A finite element analysis (FEA) based wear algorithm model is presented to predict sliding wear behavior of a composite cobalt-based (Stellite 6) alloy. This study aims to provide an understanding of FEA model behavior using: (a) free-mesh, (b) composite material microstructure, and (c) wear test conditions of loading and geometry which are consistent with ASTM G133-02. Results indicate that the wear model using free-mesh is able to predict wear in composite alloy within the limits of experimental deviation using a suitable kD (wear-rate) value. The rationale for the differences in the experimental setup and FEA model calculations is discussed in terms of the role of wear debris, wear mechanisms, and ball wear.
Microfabricated Instrumented Composite Stamps for Transfer Printing
Authors: Ahmed Numair , Rogers John A. , Ferreira Placid M.
Published: March 2015

Transfer printing is an emerging process that enables micro- and nano-scale heterogeneous materials integration for applications such as flexible displays, biocompatible sensors, stretchable electronics, and others. It transfers prefabricated micro- and nano-scale functional structures, referred to as “ink,” from growth or fabrication donor substrates to functional receiver substrates using a soft polymeric “stamp,” typically made from polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) with patterned posts for selectively engaging the ink. In high throughput implementations of the process, where several structures or inks are transferred in a single cycle, the ability to detect contact and monitor localized forces at each post during critical events in the printing process allows for the development of a robust and reliable manufacturing process. It also provides a unique vantage point from which to study fundamental issues and phenomena associated with adhesion and delamination of thin films from a variety of substrate materials. In this paper, we present a new composite stamp design consisting of SU-8 cantilevers instrumented with strain gauges, embedded in a thin film of PDMS patterned with posts, and supported by a backing layer. The fabrication of such a stamp, its testing and calibration are discussed. The use of the instrumented stamp in measuring adhesion forces between silicon and PDMS is demonstrated. New modes of programming the print cycle that monitor forces to control the stamp–substrate interaction are also demonstrated. Finally, a classifier-based approach to detecting failed pick-up or release of the ink is developed and demonstrated to work within a transfer printing cycle.
On the Anisotropic Vorticity in Turbulent Channel Flows
Authors: Andersson Helge I. , Zhao Lihao , Variano Evan A.
Published: March 2015

Revisiting the fluctuating vorticity field in the centerplane of a turbulent channel flow, we show that the vorticity is distinctly anisotropic at low Reynolds numbers (Re). This result is in contrast with some earlier conclusions. The anisotropy is a function of Re, and we have compiled data to show that the anisotropy gradually vanishes with increasing Re. Acknowledging the anisotropy is important for current efforts on simulating turbulent particle suspensions.
Oscillation characteristics in terahertz transmission through a dipole-based metamaterial
Authors: Luo Jun , Bie Yehua , Zhang Xinyu , Sang Hongshi , Ji An , Xie Changsheng
Published: March 2015

A dual-film metamaterial is proposed that presents oscillation characteristics during terahertz transmission. An n-type gallium arsenide (n-GaAs) film with a free electron density of 4.7 × 1017 cm−3 is grown on a semi-insulating GaAs wafer. Then, a metallic film, which is fabricated on the n-GaAs film, is patterned into an arrayed single-gap microstructure with narrowed edges using traditional ultraviolet photolithography methods. The metal and n-GaAs films form a Schottky junction. The transmission frequency spectrum of the dual-film metamaterial contains an obvious fluctuation with a frequency interval of f = 0.15 THz in the 0.1–1 THz range, and the experimental results show that the frequency region of the locally intensive oscillatory signal essentially agrees with that of the characteristic transmission spectrum of the dual-film metamaterial in the 0.1–1 THz range. The terahertz characteristic transmission spectrum of the fabricated metamaterial is measured at the central frequency of ∼0.515 THz, and the observed oscillation characteristics can be explained using the dipole resonance. The measured time-domain transmission signals and the corresponding frequency responses from a metamaterial that is constructed using split-ring resonators (SRRs) agree well with the simulation results.
Nanochannel diodes based on InAs/Al80Ga20Sb heterostructures: Fabrication and zero-bias detector properties
Authors: Westlund Andreas , Nilsson Per-Åke , Sangaré Paul , Ducournau Guillaume , Gaquière Christophe , Desplanque Ludovic , Wallart Xavier , Grahn Jan
Published: March 2015

The authors present a novel process for fabrication of deep submicron isolation patterns in InAs/Al80Ga20Sb heterostructures. The process is demonstrated by processing InAs/Al80Ga20Sb self-switching diodes (SSDs). SSDs require high-resolution isolation patterns, which presents a major fabrication challenge because of the oxidation sensitivity of Al(Ga)Sb alloys. The presented fabrication process completely avoided exposure of Al(Ga)Sb to air and resulted in an isolation pattern with a feature size down to 35 nm. The process was based on a dry etch of isolating trenches, in situ removal of the resist etch mask followed by in situ encapsulation of etched surfaces by silicon nitride. The applicability of the InAs/Al80Ga20Sb SSD process was demonstrated with on-wafer RF measurements of zero-bias detection up to 315 GHz. Below 50 GHz, the detector's noise-equivalent power was estimated to less than 100 pW/Hz½.