bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and Safety of Vardenafil for the Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction in Men with Metabolic Syndrome: Results of a Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Authors: Schneider T. , Gleißner J. , Merfort F. , Hermanns M. , Beneke M. , Ulbrich E.
Published: July 2011

Introduction

The prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED) is increased in men with metabolic syndrome compared with the general population.

Aim

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of vardenafil vs. placebo in men who had ED and metabolic syndrome.

Methods

This was a 12-week, double-blind, randomized, multicenter, parallel-group, placebo-controlled prospective study in men with ED and metabolic syndrome (assessed by the International Diabetes Federation criteria). Vardenafil was administered at a starting dose of 10 mg, which could be titrated to 5 mg or 20 mg after 4 weeks, depending on efficacy and tolerability.

Main Outcome Measures

Primary efficacy measures were the erectile function domain of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-EF) and Sexual Encounter Profile (SEP) diary questions 2/3. Secondary efficacy measures included SEP1, a diary question assessing ejaculation, the percentage of men achieving “return-to-normal” erectile function, and the percentage of men who titrated to a different dose. Adverse events (AEs) were recorded throughout the study.

Results

The intent-to-treat population included 145 men (vardenafil, N = 75; placebo, N = 70). Baseline least squares IIEF-EF domain scores were low (vardenafil: 12.0; placebo: 12.7), indicative of moderate-to-severe ED. Vardenafil was statistically significantly superior to placebo for all primary efficacy measures (P < 0.0001) and showed nominally statistically significant superiority compared with placebo for SEP1/ejaculation success rates (P = 0.0003 and P < 0.0001, respectively) and the percentage of subjects reporting “return-to-normal” erectile function (P = 0.0004). Treatment-emergent AEs were mild-to-moderate in severity and consistent with the known AE profile of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors.

Conclusions

This is the first study to assess the efficacy and safety of vardenafil, taken alone, for ED therapy in a population of men who all had metabolic syndrome. Although baseline erectile function in these patients was low, vardenafil treatment was associated with significant improvements in erectile function and rates of successful intercourse, and was well tolerated.
Does the Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised Cover the Feelings of Women with HSDD?
Authors: DeRogatis L. , Pyke R. , McCormack J. , Hunter A. , Harding G.
Published: July 2011

Introduction

Distress associated with low sexual desire is a key feature of hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD). Accurate, reliable, and easy-to-use diagnostic tools to measure such distress are required. The Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised (FSDS-R) has been shown to have good discriminant validity, test–retest reliability, and internal consistency in measuring sex-related personal distress in women with HSDD. However, the content validity (relevance, clarity, comprehensiveness) of the scale must also be established.

Aim

The aim of this study was to assess the content validity of the FSDS-R and to examine the potential of Item 13 as a stand-alone measure of distress associated with decreased sexual desire.

Methods

A single-visit content validation study was conducted in three centers in the United States. Women were screened for HSDD; those with HSDD completed the FSDS-R and then underwent debriefing to capture information on their perceptions of the instrument. Participants also rated the relevancy of every FSDS-R item, from 0 (“not at all relevant”) to 4 (“extremely relevant”).

Main Outcome Measures

Female HSDD patients' ratings of the relevance and ease of understanding of the 13 items of the FSDS-R.

Results

Twenty-five women with HSDD were interviewed. Mean relevancy ratings ranged from 1.96 (Item 9) to 3.33 (Item 13). Most participants (76–100%) found every item clear and easy to understand. Item 13 alone demonstrated good content validity, and 56% of participants felt that it covered all of their feelings about their low sexual desire.

Conclusions

This study established the content validity of the FSDS-R and demonstrated that the FSDS-R total score is a relevant endpoint for women with HSDD. The tool's one item specific to low sexual desire (Item 13) was given the highest score and highest relevancy of all items, and over half the sample felt that it covered all of their feelings about their low sexual desire.
Oral Agents for the Treatment of Premature Ejaculation: Review of Efficacy and Safety in the Context of the Recent International Society for Sexual Medicine Criteria for Lifelong Premature Ejaculation
Authors: McMahon C. G. , Porst H.
Published: July 2011

Introduction

New diagnostic criteria for lifelong premature ejaculation (PE) have been proposed by the International Society of Sexual Medicine (ISSM), including an intravaginal ejaculatory latency time (IELT) of less than about 1 minute, lack of control over ejaculation, and PE-related distress or bother.

Aim

The aim of this study was to review evidence supporting the efficacy and safety of oral agents for the treatment of PE in the context of the new ISSM criteria.

Methods

The PubMed database was searched for randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies of oral agents in PE that included stopwatch measurements of IELT.

Main Outcome Measures

The main outcome measure used for this study was a review of the efficacy and safety data of oral agents for PE aligned with ISSM criteria.

Results

Since the latest meta-analyses using similar criteria (conducted in 2004 and 2005 for selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors [SSRIs] and phosphodiesterase type 5 [PDE-5] inhibitors, respectively), eight studies evaluated SSRIs vs. placebo, one compared SSRIs, two evaluated PDE-5 inhibitors, and one evaluated an SSRI/PDE-5 inhibitor combination. New agents included dapoxetine (five studies) and tramadol (one study). Six studies enrolled men who met an approximation of the ISSM criteria. Although evidence suggests that most SSRIs, tramadol, and dapoxetine increase IELT to varying degrees, few studies included control over ejaculation and PE-related distress or bother as enrollment criteria or used validated patient-reported outcome instruments to evaluate these parameters. Among studies that provided comprehensive adverse event data, safety and tolerability observations in men with PE were generally similar to those observed in other populations; however, with the exception of dapoxetine, known SSRI-class effects (e.g., withdrawal syndrome) were not evaluated in men with PE.

Conclusions

This systematic review of well-controlled clinical trials in PE has demonstrated that while many oral agents, particularly SSRIs, tramadol, and dapoxetine, have proven effective and safe for the treatment of men with PE, few have been evaluated for their effects on the specific elements of the ISSM criteria.
Factors Predicting Early and Late Phase Decline of Sexual Health-Related Quality of Life Following Radical Prostatectomy
Authors: Kimura M. , Bañez L. L. , Schroeck F. R. , Gerber L. , Qi J. , Satoh T. , Baba S. , Robertson C. N. , Walther P. J. , Donatucci C. F. , Moul J. W. , Polascik T. J.
Published: July 2011

Introduction

The association between early and late phase sexual health-related quality of life (HRQoL) following radical prostatectomy (RP) is unclear. Moreover, factors that predict either early or late sexual HRQoL decline have not been fully investigated.

Aim

The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between early and late phase sexual HRQoL decline, and identify clinical parameters that predict substantial sexual HRQoL decline after surgery in the early phase (3 months) and late phase (20 months) following RP.

Methods

We analyzed data on 2,345 consecutive patients who underwent radical retropubic prostatectomy, radical perineal prostatectomy, or robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy between 2001 and 2009 from the Duke Prostate Center database.

Main Outcome Measure

Sexual HRQoL was assessed using the Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite instrument at baseline, early and late phase after surgery. The Spearman rank test was used to calculate correlation coefficients between early and late phase sexual HRQoL decline. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with substantial sexual HRQoL decline during both phases.

Results

Of 406 men who met our criteria, 217 (53.5%) men had normal erectile function, whereas 189 (46.5%) men had erectile dysfunction at baseline. Declines of sexual HRQoL during early phase had a significant association with that of a decline during late phase (r = 0.48, P < 0.001). In logistic regression, older age at surgery (odds ratio [OR], 1.06; P = 0.007 and OR, 1.08; P = 0.001), African-American race (OR, 4.32; P = 0.001 and OR, 3.13; P = 0.017), and overall comorbidity (OR, 1.43; P = 0.072 and OR, 1.72; P = 0.010) were consistently associated with substantial decline of sexual HRQoL in both early and late phases.

Conclusions

Sexual HRQoL at early and late phases after RP were strongly correlated. Additionally, several factors were identified to be a predictor for decline of sexual HRQoL. Our findings may be used to advise patients who possess aforementioned risk factors during both phases.
New candidate intermediate-age star clusters in the Small Magellanic Cloud
Authors: Piatti Andrés E.
Published: July 2011

We present the results on the age and metallicity estimates of nine Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC) clusters (AM 3, HW 31, 40, 41, 42, 59, 63, L91 and NGC 339) obtained from CCD Washington CT1T2 photometry. We confirm AM 3 and NGC 339 as intermediate-age and metal-poor clusters, and report for the first time that the remaining seven clusters are also intermediate-age or old clusters (t ∼ 4.3–9.3 Gyr), which represents an increase of ≳60 per cent of the total known intermediate-age/old cluster population in the SMC. The studied clusters have metal contents ranging from intermediate metal-poor ([Fe/H] ≈−0.7 dex) down to metal-poor ([Fe/H] ≈−1.3 dex) values.
Mass incarceration, legal change, and locale
Authors: Lynch Mona
Published: July 2011

Research Summary

In this article, I have three major aims. First, I examine in detail the role that changes to legal policies and practice have played in the rise of mass incarceration. I look at four distinct aspects of legal change and argue that the law (and legal change) in these varied forms is the engine that has driven prison growth and, therefore, must be addressed in explanations of this phenomenon. This discussion leads to my second major goal, which is to move beyond national‐level explanations of American mass incarceration and call for a more unified empirically based understanding that highlights the localized social, cultural, and political factors that have contributed to the imprisonment explosion. I conclude by exploring how this kind of theorization provides a road map to a more localized policy reform strategy that aims to reduce our reliance on incarceration.
Prison Officer Unions and the Perpetuation of the Penal Status Quo
Authors: Page Joshua
Published: July 2011

An unintended consequence of mass imprisonment is the growth of prison officer unions. This article shows how successful corrections unions in states like California and New York obstruct efforts to implement sentencing reforms, shutter prisons, and slash corrections budgets. They impede downsizing‐oriented reforms by generating or exacerbating fear among voters and politicians. Policy makers in key states must overcome resistance from prison officer unions to downscale prisons. Through a combination of accommodation and confrontation, policy makers can relax opposition from the officer organizations and undertake prison downsizing efforts without busting the unions.
Insecticide susceptibility and resistance of Culex tritaeniorhynchus (Diptera: Culicidae) larvae collected from Gwangju, Republic of Korea
Authors: SHIN E Hyun , KIM Hyun Kyung , PARK Chan , LEE Dong‐Kyu , KANG Hyesook , CHANG Kyu Sik
Published: July 2011

The susceptibility of Culex tritaeniorhynchus collected from Gwangju, Jeollabuk Province, Republic of Korea (ROK) to insecticides was evaluated under laboratory conditions using ten insecticides (7 pyrethroids and 3 organophosphates) that are currently applied by local public health centers in the ROK. Based on the values of median lethal concentration (LC50), Cx. tritaeniorhynchus larvae were most susceptible to chlorpyrifos (0.006 ppm), fenitrothion (0.022 ppm), fenthion (0.035 ppm) and bifenthrin (0.038 ppm), and were least susceptible to esbiol (1.722 ppm). In comparative resistance tests, the resistance ratios (RRs) of seven insecticides were compared among each other using two strains of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus that were collected from the same locality during 1992 and 2010. Culex tritaeniorhynchus demonstrated significantly increased RRs to pyrethroids over time, while demonstrating decreased RRs among the organophosphates. Among the pyrethroids, permethrin had the highest RR values of 182.1‐ and 833.3‐fold differences, followed by etofenprox with RRs of 138.4‐ and 224.1‐fold differences in values of LC50 and concentration that produced 90% mortality (LC90), respectively. Culex tritaeniorhynchus strains demonstrated the least amount of change in susceptibility to the organophosphates, chlorpyrifos, fenitrothion and fenthion with 0.020‐, 0.019‐ and 0.001‐fold differences in resistance ratios (RRLC50), respectively.
Comparative efficacy of different pesticides against mango bark beetle Hypocryphalus mangiferae Stebbing (Coleoptera: Scolytidae)
Authors: SAEED Shafqat , MASOOD Asad , SAYYED Ali H. , KWON Yong Jung
Published: July 2011

Hypocryphalus mangiferae Stebbing is one of the most destructive insect pests of mango trees and is found to be associated with the transmission of causal organisms of mango sudden death disease. The present study was carried out to evaluate the toxicity of deltamethrin, bifenthrin, chlorpyrifos, emamectin benzoate, imidacloprid and spinosad in laboratory and field trials. Bioassay results showed that the toxicity of chlorpyrifos was significantly higher than deltamethrin but similar to bifenthrin. Deltamethrin and bifenthrin toxicity, however, increased significantly (P < 0.01) from day 1 to day 3. Spinosad was the least toxic compound while emamectin was the most toxic among new chemical insecticides tested, but its toxicity increased significantly from day 1 to day 5. Comparison of the efficacies of the insecticides using lethal times to produce 50% mortality (LT50) and 90% mortality (LT90) showed that the relative potencies of chlorpyrifos, emamectin, imidacloprid and spinosad were greater than bifenthrin and deltamethrin. The results of field trials showed the highest number of beetles emerged from the control twigs while significantly fewer beetles emerged from the twigs treated with bifenthrin (P < 0.05), which accounted for 12% for bifenthrin compared to that of the control. The present study demonstrated increased toxicities of systemic insecticides and chlorpyrifos compared to toxicities of deltamethrin and bifenthrin, suggesting these insecticides could be an alternative tool in a comprehensive H. mangiferae management program to eradicate the beetles from mango orchards.
Ant–Acacia interaction: Chemical or physical defense?
Authors: ELBANNA Shereen M.
Published: July 2011

Two different ant–Acacia ecosystems at two different sites were investigated for comparing their lifestyles. One ecosystem is at St. Katherine's Protectorate and the other at Ismailia Province, Egypt. The defense mechanisms that each Acacia tree use against browsers were investigated. Seasonal and daily abundances of ants and other herbivores on two Acacia trees were studied. The study indicated different defense mechanisms used by these two Acacia species: Acacia use both physical and chemical defense mechanisms. The efficiency of both mechanisms in defending Acacia against herbivores and why Acacia trees preferred one mechanism to the other are discussed.
Characteristics of three cotton varieties and their impact on feeding and growth of cotton armyworm
Authors: AMIN Md Ruhul , TITHI Dil Afrose , KWON Yong Jung
Published: July 2011

This study investigated morphological and biochemical characteristics of CB9, CB10 and SR05 cotton varieties and observed their effect on feeding and growth of cotton armyworm Spodoptera litura. Morphological characters of plant architecture, branching, color, hairiness, trichome density and boll size indicated that CB9 is a bushy, well developed, branched, light bronze colored and hairy variety with number of trichomes 193/cm2 and boll weight 5.5–6.0 g/boll. Both CB9 and CB10 bear normal leaves and spherical bolls whereas SR05 has well‐ventilated branching, okra shaped and ventrally arranged light bronze colored leaves and oval bolls ranging 4.0–4.5 g/boll. Biochemical analysis indicated significant differences in starch and protein contents, which range 11.4–21.3 and 17.5–30.6%, respectively. The lowest percentages of starch and protein were found in SR05 and CB9, respectively. Cotton varieties showed significant effects on second, third, fourth and fifth instar larval weight and they attained the highest weights (22.7, 133.8, 168.2 and 1190.2 mg, respectively) when fed SR05. Larvae and moths fed SR05 also showed the significantly highest cocoon, exuviae, and adult male and female weights (434.5, 19.2, 161.3 and 232.4 mg, respectively). The cotton armyworm showed the significantly highest growth index (1.5) as well as lowest feeding index (0.05) on SR05. Results of this study indicated that SR05 is suitable for larval feeding and development, and suggest that this variety is least suitable for cotton growers in areas where S. litura is a major pest.
Effortful Control, Executive Functions, and Education: Bringing Self‐Regulatory and Social‐Emotional Competencies to the Table
Authors: Liew Jeffrey
Published: July 2011

Abstract—

Self‐regulatory skills are essential for school readiness and future achievement, but self‐regulation is a broad and multidimensional construct consisting of both behavioral and cognitive processes. Thus, researchers often study these processes from either a behavioral and temperament‐based approach or a cognitive/neural systems approach. The temperament‐based framework often focuses on effortful control, whereas the cognitive or neuroscience framework often focuses on executive functions. Although literatures on effortful control and executive functions come from different research traditions, the field needs to view them as complementary rather than incompatible to advance the understanding of the role of self‐regulation in learning and achievement across development. This article calls for bringing both bodies of research to the table when making decisions about educational policies and practices.
Ultraviolet Light‐Induced Cyclobutane Pyrimidine Dimers in Rabbit Eyes
Authors: Mallet Justin D. , Rochette Patrick J.
Published: July 2011

Sunlight exposure of the eye leads to pathologies including photokeratitis, cortical cataracts, pterygium, actinic conjunctivitis and age‐related macular degeneration. It is well established that exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiations leads to DNA damage, mainly cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs). CPD formation is the principal factor involved in skin cancer. However, the exact mechanism by which sunlight induces ocular pathologies is not well understood. To shed light on this issue, we quantified the CPD formation onto DNA of rabbit ocular cells following UVB exposure. We found that CPDs were induced only in the structures of the ocular anterior chamber (cornea, iris and lens) and were more concentrated in the corneal epithelium. Residual UVB that pass through the cornea are completely absorbed by the anterior layers of the iris. CPDs were also detected in the central portion of the lens that is not protected by the iris (pupil). By determining the UV‐induced DNA damage formation in eyes, we showed that anterior ocular structures are a reliable physical barrier that protects the subjacent structures from the toxic effects of UV. Although the corneal epithelium is the structure where most of the CPDs were detected, no cancer is related to solar exposure.
Photosensitization Reactions of Fluoroquinolones and Their Biological Consequences
Authors: de Guidi Guido , Bracchitta Giuseppina , Catalfo Alfio
Published: July 2011

This review focuses on damage photosensitized by the fluoroquinolone (FQ) antibacterial drugs. Different models are employed to study biosubstrate photodamage mediated by FQs (organisms, cells, isolated biomolecules and super molecules). Being that the effect of environment (polarity of the medium, ions, pH, binding with bio‐molecules, etc.) is crucial in FQ photochemistry, photobiological reactions can be consequently dramatically influenced. Thus, the photosensitization processes induced by FQs are here discussed taking into account that such extensive and cross‐targeted pathological implications request an excursus covering photosensitization in systems of increasing molecular complexity. In vivo and in vitro evidences for photoallergy, phototoxicity, photomutagenesis and photocarcinogenesis mediated by FQs are discussed.
The Value of the Ratio of UVA to UVB in Sunlight
Authors: Kollias Nikiforos , Ruvolo Jr Eduardo , Sayre Robert M.
Published: July 2011

The objective of this communication is to present the calculated ratio between UVA and UVB irradiance from sunrise to sunset and under a number of weather conditions. UVA plays an important role in the sun spectrum and a lot of attention has been paid lately regarding the protection of people from UVA. Solar spectra were collected in Kuwait City located at 29.3oNorth latitude (similar to that of Houston, TX) over a period of 8 months and under various weather conditions. Spectra were collected from 260 nm to 400 nm in 2 nm increments for solar elevation angles from 10o to 90o using a calibrated Optronics Laboratories OL‐742 Spectroradiometer. The measurements reported in this study the ratio of UVA (320–400 nm) to UVB (280–320 nm) in solar terrestrial radiation remains essentially constant and equal to 20 for the part of the day when the solar elevation is greater than 60o. Consequently the value of the ratio of solar UVA/UVB should be considered as equal to 20 for studies in photobiology and photomedicine. When the wavelength limiting the range of UVA and UVB is 315 nm (i.e. UVB: 280–315 nm and UVA: 315–400 nm) the ratio of UVA to UVB becomes equal to 41.
Food vs. fuel: the use of land for lignocellulosic ‘next generation’ energy crops that minimize competition with primary food production
Authors: Valentine John , Clifton‐Brown John , Hastings Astley , Robson Paul , Allison Gordon , Smith Pete
Published: July 2011

This review addresses the main issues concerning anticipated demands for the use of land for food and for bioenergy. It should be possible to meet increasing demands for food using existing and new technologies although this may not be easily or cheaply accomplished. The alleviation of hunger depends on food accessibility as well as food availability. Modern civilizations also require energy. This article presents the vision for bioenergy in terms of four major gains for society: a reduction in C emissions from the substitution of fossil fuels with appropriate energy crops; a significant contribution to energy security by reductions in fossil fuel dependence, for example, to meet government targets; new options that stimulate rural and urban economic development, and reduced dependence of global agriculture on fossil fuels. This vision is likely to be best fulfilled by the use of dedicated perennial bioenergy crops. We outline a number of factors that need to be taken into account in estimating the land area available for bioenergy. In terms of provisioning services, the value of biofuels is estimated at $54.7‒$330 bn per year at a crude oil price of $100 per barrel. In terms of regulatory services, the value of carbon emissions saved is estimated at $56‒$218 bn at a carbon price of $40 per tonne. Although global government subsidies for biofuels have been estimated at $20 bn (IEA, 2010b), these are dwarfed by subsidies for fossil fuel consumption ($312 bn; IEA, 2010b) and by total agricultural support for food and commodity crops ($383.7 bn in 2009; OECD, 2010).
An optimization model for energy crop supply
Authors: Wang Shifeng , Hastings Astley , Smith Pete
Published: July 2011

In this article we describe an optimization model, a mixed integer program, to determine the optimal locations and capacity sizes of biomass‐based facilities in energy crop supply chains, and demonstrate its use using data for Great Britain. We show the utility of the model for planning the optimal locations of biomass‐based facilities by investigating the supply of feedstock from Miscanthus for Combined Heat and Power (CHP) in Great Britain, based on data of current electricity demand. Results show that CHP cost directly influences its optimal location, and the price of bioelectricity from Miscanthus. At the coarse spatial resolution of the available energy demand data, the sale price of Miscanthus does not greatly influence the quantity of Miscanthus sold in Great Britain. Only when the hypothetical sale price of Miscanthus was closer to CHP cost, was the quantity of Miscanthus sold influenced by the variation in the sale price of Miscanthus. In future, we will apply the model using electricity and heat demand data at fine spatial scale currently being located, which will allow the implications of local production of Miscanthus for CHP to be explored.
The First Asian Ecumenical Confession of Faith: The So‐Called Twelve Articles of Faith of Many Asian Protestant Churches
Authors: Hwang Jae‐Buhm
Published: July 2011

The Twelve Articles of Faith, written by Western Presbyterian and Reformed missionaries in India around 1900, have arguably been the most important ecumenical confession of faith of many Asian Protestant churches (Indian, Korean and Chinese Protestant churches and beyond). The articles by and large adopt the spirit and content of the Westminster Confession and Catechisms, and have some apparently Calvinistic elements. But they also have some new Arminian, universalistic and ecumenical elements that include the unique historical and theological implications of the epochal Western missions in Asia of the 19th and the early 20th centuries: both Christ's atonement for all people and a non‐predestinarian order of salvation. These elements, however, seem to entail a weak, individualistic ecclesiology along with a Biblicist or fundamentalist interpretation of the Bible. Nonetheless, having influenced millions of Asian Christians, the articles have been and continue to be an important ecumenical confession of faith, and in this way can contribute to uniting Asian‐and world‐Christian churches.
Nanometer‐scale anatomy of entire Stardust tracks
Authors: NAKAMURA‐MESSENGER Keiko , KELLER Lindsay P. , CLEMETT Simon J. , MESSENGER Scott , ITO Motoo
Published: July 2011

Abstract– We have developed new sample preparation and analytical techniques tailored for entire aerogel tracks of Wild 2 sample analyses both on “carrot” and “bulbous” tracks. We have successfully ultramicrotomed an entire track along its axis while preserving its original shape. This innovation allowed us to examine the distribution of fragments along the entire track from the entrance hole all the way to the terminal particle. The crystalline silicates we measured have Mg‐rich compositions and O isotopic compositions in the range of meteoritic materials, implying that they originated in the inner solar system. The terminal particle of the carrot track is a 16O‐rich forsteritic grain that may have formed in a similar environment as Ca‐, Al‐rich inclusions and amoeboid olivine aggregates in primitive carbonaceous chondrites. The track also contains submicron‐sized diamond grains likely formed in the solar system. Complex aromatic hydrocarbons distributed along aerogel tracks and in terminal particles. These organics are likely cometary but affected by shock heating.
Petrology and geochemistry of the Northwest Africa 3368 eucrite
Authors: GARDNER‐VANDY Kathryn G. , HILL Dolores H. , LAURETTA Dante S. , GOREVA Yulia S. , DOMANIK Kenneth J. , GREENWOOD Richard C. , FRANCHI Ian A. , KILLGORE Marvin
Published: July 2011

Abstract– Analysis of the mineralogy, isotopic, and bulk compositions of the eucrite meteorites is imperative for understanding their origin on the asteroid 4 Vesta, the proposed parent body of the HED meteorites. We present here the petrology, mineral compositions, and bulk chemistry of several lithic components of the new brecciated basaltic eucrite Northwest Africa (NWA) 3368 to determine if all the lithologies reflect formation from one rock type or many rock types. The meteorite has three main lithologies: coarse‐ and fine‐grained clasts surrounded by a fine‐grained recrystallized silicate matrix. Silicate compositions are homogeneous, and the average rare earth element pattern for NWA 3368 is approximately 10× CI chondrites with a slight negative Eu anomaly. Major and trace element data place NWA 3368 with the Main Group‐Nuevo Laredo trend. High‐Ti chromites with ilmenite exsolution lamellae provide evidence of NWA 3368’s history of intense metamorphism. We suggest that this meteorite underwent several episodes of brecciation and metamorphism, similar to that proposed by Metzler et al. (1995). We conclude that NWA 3368 is a monomict basaltic eucrite breccia related to known eucrites in texture and in mineral, bulk, and oxygen isotopic composition.
CliMond: global high‐resolution historical and future scenario climate surfaces for bioclimatic modelling
Authors: Kriticos Darren J. , Webber Bruce L. , Leriche Agathe , Ota Noboru , Macadam Ian , Bathols Janice , Scott John K.
Published: July 2011

1. Gridded climatologies have become an indispensable component of bioclimatic modelling, with a range of applications spanning conservation and pest management. Such globally conformal data sets of historical and future scenario climate surfaces are required to model species potential ranges under current and future climate scenarios.

2. We developed a set of interpolated climate surfaces at 10′ and 30′ resolution for global land areas excluding Antarctica. Input data for the baseline climatology were gathered from the WorldClim and CRU CL1·0 and CL2·0 data sets. A set of future climate scenarios were generated at 10′ resolution. For each of the historical and future scenario data sets, the full set of 35 Bioclim variables was generated. Climate variables (including relative humidity at 0900 and 1500 hours) were also generated in CLIMEX format. The Köppen–Geiger climate classification scheme was applied to the 10′ hybrid climatology as a tool for visualizing climatic patterns and as an aid for specifying absence or background data for correlative modelling applications.

3. We tested the data set using a correlative model (MaxEnt) addressing conservation biology concerns for a rare Australian shrub, and a mechanistic niche model (CLIMEX) to map climate suitability for two invasive species. In all cases, the underlying climatology appeared to behave in a robust manner.

4.  This global climate data set has the advantage over the WorldClim data set of including humidity data and an additional 16 Bioclim variables. Compared with the CRU CL2·0 data set, the hybrid 10′ data set includes improved precipitation estimates as well as projected climate for two global climate models running relevant greenhouse gas emission scenarios.

5. For many bioclimatic modelling purposes, there is an operational attraction to having a globally conformal historical climatology and future climate scenarios for the assessments of potential climate change impacts. Our data set is known as ‘CliMond’ and is available for free download from http://www.climond.org.
Proton pump inhibitors omeprazole, lansoprazole and pantoprazole induce relaxation in the rat lower oesophageal sphincter
Authors: Yurtsever A Sencer , Pektas Mehtap , Ozkur Mehtap , Un Ismail , Erenmemisoglu Aydın , Buyukafsar Kansu
Published: July 2011

Objectives

We aimed to investigate effects of the proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) omeprazole, lansoprazole and pantoprazole, which are currently used for the treatment of hyperacidity and gastro-oesophageal reflux, on the reactivity of the isolated rat lower oesophageal sphincter.

Methods

Omeprazole, lansoprazole and pantoprazole (all 10–9–10–3m, cumulatively) were tested on carbachol-induced (10–6m) contraction. In addition, the effects of PPI preincubation (all 10–3m) on the contractions induced by cumulative carbachol (10−9–10−5m), angiotensin-2 (10−9–10–5m) or electrical field stimulation (EFS; 40 V, 32 Hz, 1 ms, 10 s) were assessed. Finally, the effects of PPI on the spontaneous contractile activity of the tissue were also evaluated.

Key findings

PPI relaxed precontracted lower oesophageal sphincter in a concentration-dependent manner and suppressed carbachol-, angiotensin- and EFS-induced contractions. Furthermore, PPI attenuated spontaneous contractile activity of the tissue.

Conclusions

Omeprazole, lansoprazole and pantoprazole had a suppressor effect on lower oesophageal sphincter contractions.
Modulation of cortical inhibition by rTMS – findings obtained from animal models
Authors: Funke Klaus , Benali Alia
Published: July 2011

Abstract  Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) has become a popular method to non‐invasively stimulate the human brain. The opportunity to modify cortical excitability with repetitive stimulation (rTMS) has especially gained interest for its therapeutic potential. However, details of the cellular mechanisms of the effects of rTMS are scarce. Currently favoured are long‐term changes in the efficiency of excitatory synaptic transmission, with low‐frequency rTMS depressing it, but high‐frequency rTMS augmenting. Only recently has modulation of cortical inhibition been considered as an alternative way to explain lasting changes in cortical excitability induced by rTMS. Adequate animal models help to highlight stimulation‐induced changes in cellular processes which are not assessable in human rTMS studies. In this review article, we summarize findings obtained with our rat models which indicate that distinct inhibitory cell classes, like the fast‐spiking cells characterized by parvalbumin expression, are most sensitive to certain stimulation protocols, e.g. intermittent theta burst stimulation. We discuss how our findings can support the recently suggested models of gating and homeostatic plasticity as possible mechanisms of rTMS‐induced changes in cortical excitability.
Ischaemic stroke: a thrombo‐inflammatory disease?
Authors: Nieswandt Bernhard , Kleinschnitz Christoph , Stoll Guido
Published: July 2011

Abstract  Ischaemic stroke is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. The complex cellular interactions leading from thromboembolic vessel occlusion to infarct development within the brain parenchyma in acute stroke are poorly understood, which translates into only one approved effective treatment, thrombolysis. Importantly, however, patients can develop progressive stroke despite reperfusion of previously occluded major intracranial arteries, a process referred to as ‘reperfusion injury’ which can be reproduced in the mouse model of transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO). Although pathological platelet and coagulant activity have long been recognized to be involved in the initiation of ischaemic stroke, their contribution to infarct maturation remained elusive. Experimental evidence now suggests that early platelet adhesion/activation mechanisms involving the von Willebrand factor (vWF) receptor glycoprotein (GP) Ib, its ligand vWF, and the collagen receptor GPVI are critical pathogenic factors in infarct development following tMCAO, whereas platelet aggregation through GPIIb/IIIa is not. Further experimental work indicates that these pathways in conjunction with coagulation factor XII (FXII)‐driven processes orchestrate a ‘thrombo‐inflammatory’ cascade in acute stroke that results in infarct growth. This review summarizes these recent developments and briefly discusses their potential clinical impact.
Genetic analysis of neuronal ionotropic glutamate receptor subunits
Authors: Granger Adam J. , Gray John A. , Lu Wei , Nicoll Roger A.
Published: July 2011

Abstract  In the brain, fast, excitatory synaptic transmission occurs primarily through AMPA‐ and NMDA‐type ionotropic glutamate receptors. These receptors are composed of subunit proteins that determine their biophysical properties and trafficking behaviour. Therefore, determining the function of these subunits and receptor subunit composition is essential for understanding the physiological properties of synaptic transmission. Here, we discuss and evaluate various genetic approaches that have been used to study AMPA and NMDA receptor subunits. These approaches have demonstrated that the GluA1 AMPA receptor subunit is required for activity‐dependent trafficking and contributes to basal synaptic transmission, while the GluA2 subunit regulates Ca2+ permeability, homeostasis and trafficking to the synapse under basal conditions. In contrast, the GluN2A and GluN2B NMDA receptor subunits regulate synaptic AMPA receptor content, both during synaptic development and plasticity. Ongoing research in this field is focusing on the molecular interactions and mechanisms that control these functions. To accomplish this, molecular replacement techniques are being used, where native subunits are replaced with receptors containing targeted mutations. In this review, we discuss a single‐cell molecular replacement approach which should arguably advance our physiological understanding of ionotropic glutamate receptor subunits, but is generally applicable to study of any neuronal protein.
Masked excitatory crosstalk between the ON and OFF visual pathways in the mammalian retina
Authors: Farajian Reza , Pan Feng , Akopian Abram , Völgyi Béla , Bloomfield Stewart A.
Published: July 2011

Non‐technical summary  An organizing principle of the visual system is the segregation of ON and OFF responses into parallel streams to signal light increment and decrement. This segregation begins in the retina where the output ganglion cells can be divided into ON and OFF subtypes based on their responses to light. Here we show that blockade of GABAergic inhibition reveals opposite polarity responses in ganglion cells whereby OFF cells display ON responses and ON cells display OFF responses. This crossover excitation was found in both the rabbit and mouse, indicating that it is a common synaptic mechanism in the mammalian retina. Overall, these results challenge the idea that light increment and decrement is signalled by different visual pathways. Moreover, our findings suggest that release of inhibition under certain light conditions can enable single ganglion cells to carry both ON and OFF signals, thereby allowing additional information to be propagated across the limited bandwidth of the optic nerve.
Prediction of Vibration Response Levels of Mistuned Integral Bladed Disks (Blisks): Robustness Studies
Authors: Chan Y.-J. , Ewins D. J.
Published: July 2011

Integral bladed disks (also known as blisks) are more widely used in modern aeroengine compressor designs because of the potential weight savings, but there are challenges in controlling the extreme vibration response levels in mistuned blisks, which are blisks with blades slightly different from each other. As blisks lack the uncertainty and variability of friction properties related to joints, the maximum vibration response level of a blisk test piece in operation can be predicted prior to installation. A previously proposed response-level prediction procedure for mistuned blisks is outlined, and its robustness is studied. A method of improving the results, given noisy experimental data, is proposed. Some of the issues discussed are validated by using experimental data.
A Calculation Tool of a Turbine Cooling Air Schedule for General Gas Turbine Simulation Algorithms
Authors: Lallini Valerio , Janikovic Jan , Pilidis Pericles , Singh Riti , Laskaridis Panagiotis
Published: July 2011

A tool to evaluate the turbine cooling air schedule during the flight path is presented. The method is suitable for complex gas turbine engine models where accurate calculation of thermodynamic parameters of a cooling flow used for studies such as specific fuel consumption (SFC), lifing, and operating cost analysis. The method is also applicable for land-based gas turbine engines where the flight path is replaced by load pattern. The method can be employed even if only a little information about the engine is known. The calculation method has been investigated on a model of a high bypass ratio turbofan for long haul application. Using it with an aircraft model and after comparing to conventional cooling air simulations, the reduction of SFC during the flight path has been observed. A comparison has been performed on engine manufacturer’s public domain data where the method shows comparable value of total cooling air needed. The tool returns similar results but estimates a higher proportion of cooling air for the high pressure turbine nozzle guide vanes (NGV) compared with Young and Wilcock’s method.
Effect of Pulsed Film Cooling on Leading Edge Film Effectiveness
Authors: El-Gabry Lamyaa A. , Rivir Richard B.
Published: July 2011

Detailed film effectiveness measurements have been made on a cylindrical leading edge surface for steady and pulsating flows. The film hole is off centered by 21.5 deg from the centerline and angled 20 deg to the surface and 90 deg from the streamwise direction. Two jet-to-cross-flow velocity ratios have been considered: VR=1 and 2, which correspond to blowing ratios of 1 and 2, respectively. The pulsating frequency is 10 Hz and the duty cycle is 50%. Comparisons between film effectiveness with a pulsating film and a continuous film show that for the same blowing ratio, the effectiveness of the film drops by a factor of 2 when the flow is pulsed. Hotwire measurements are made to characterize the pulsating velocity waveform at the exit of the film exit and verify the integrity of the pulse. The variation in the measured surface adiabatic wall temperature over the pulsing duration is very small, suggesting a large thermal inertia that keeps the wall surface largely unaffected by the time scale of the pulsations; this holds true for both blowing ratios tested.
Numerical Approach to Identifiability Test of Parametric Models in Nonlinear Mechanical Systems
Authors: Jia-fan Zhang , Qing-hua Yan , Tong Zhai
Published: July 2011

Model parameters of a nonlinear mechanical system are identifiable if a unique relationship exists between its input–output behavior and the parameter values. The identifiability analysis of the parameters is one of the most important steps in the parametric model identification of nonlinear mechanical systems. The concept and two numerical approaches of analyzing the identifiability are presented in this paper. We propose that, via case studies, one had better check of the local identifiability of a parametric model at the identified parameter point using the numerical approach, when the parameter identification procedure has been finished.
A Study on Possible Motors for Siege Towers
Authors: Rossi Cesare , Pagano Stefano
Published: July 2011

This paper studies the motion of the ancient siege tower. Many considerations and different pieces from the classics strongly suggest that those war machines were powered by internal motors; for this reason, the authors examine some mechanical systems, all certainly used in the Classic Age, that could be easily adopted to power the siege towers. This war machine was first used in Europe by Greek engineers and called Helepolis (ε`λε´πoλις, “taker of cities”); however, there are earlier examples of siege towers built in Mesopotamia. First of all, some pieces from Classic authors have been reported in which it is possible to find several traces on what we propose. Then some possible ancient motors suitable to be installed into the helepolis are proposed: capstans, tread wheel motors like the ones used by the Greek-Roman cranes, and counterweight motors. The proposed motors are also analyzed from a mechanical point of view in order to examine, at least theoretically, their effectiveness in such applications. Results obtained by a simulation with a Working Model 2D™ model showed that the proposed device is certainly possible and also suitable and effective.
Axis Constraint Analysis and Its Resultant 6R Double-Centered Overconstrained Mechanisms
Authors: Cui Lei , Dai Jian S.
Published: July 2011

This paper investigates the 6R overconstrained mechanisms by looking at an arrangement that axes intersect at two centers with arbitrary intersection-angles. From the close-loop matrix equation of the mechanism, the paper develops a set of geometric constraint equations of the 6R double-centered overconstrained mechanisms. This leads to the axis constraint equation after applying the Sylvester’s dialytic elimination method. The equation reveals the geometric constraint of link and axis parameters and identifies three categories of the 6R double-centered overconstrained mechanisms with arbitrary axis intersection-angles. The first two categories present two 6R double-centered overconstrained mechanisms and a 6R spherical mechanism. The last category evolves into the 6R double-spherical overconstrained mechanism with arbitrary axis intersection-angles at each spherical center. This further evolves into Baker’s double-Hooke mechanism and his derivative double-spherical mechanism with orthogonal axis intersection. The paper further develops the joint-space solution of the 6R double-centered overconstrained mechanisms based on the geometric constraint equation and verifies the result with a numerical example.
Design of a Variable Stiffness Actuator Based on Flexures
Authors: Palli Gianluca , Berselli Giovanni , Melchiorri Claudio , Vassura Gabriele
Published: July 2011

Variable stiffness actuators can be used in order to achieve a suitable trade-off between performance and safety in robotic devices for physical human–robot interaction. With the aim of improving the compactness and the flexibility of existing mechanical solutions, a variable stiffness actuator based on the use of flexures is investigated. The proposed concept allows the implementation of a desired stiffness profile and range. In particular, this paper reports a procedure for the synthesis of a fully compliant mechanism used as a nonlinear transmission element, together with its experimental characterization. Finally, a preliminary prototype of the overall joint is depicted.
A Model for Solar Photocatalytic Mineralization
Authors: Correia Franck , Goetz Vincent , Plantard Gaël , Sacco Daniel
Published: July 2011

Modeling the mineralization of an organic pollutant was studied using a slurry of TiO2 powder. 2-4 dichlorophenol was chosen as the target molecule. In a first stage, a study was carried out, on the basis of a semi-empirical approach in order to define the optimal concentration of the catalyst. In a second stage, a series of photocatalytic mineralization was performed with a laboratory set-up using an artificial UV source. The parameters involved in the kinetics of mineralization were identified by a comparison of results obtained by simulations and experiments at constant but different levels of irradiation. In a third stage, the robustness and suitability of the model were tested with experiments carried out with an experimental solar set-up with different dimensions. No supplementary adjustment of parameters was needed to simulate the experiments performed under unsteady irradiation. Finally, the model is used to illustrate the great variation in treatment capability of a solar photocatalytic process depending on the weather conditions and, more particularly, the seasonal variations in UV irradiation.