bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of G1359A polymorphism of the cannabinoid receptor gene (CNR1) with macronutrient intakes in obese females
Authors: de Luis D. A. , Izaola O. , Aller R. , Lopez J. J. , Torres B. , Diaz G. , Gomez E. , Romero E.
Published: February 2015

Background

The endogenous cannabinoid system plays a role in metabolic aspects of body weight and feeding behaviour. A polymorphism (1359 G/A) (rs1049353) of the CB1 gene was reported as a common polymorphism in the Caucasian population. The present study aimed to investigate the association of the polymorphism (G1359A) of the CB1 receptor gene on macronutrient intake in females with obesity.

Methods

A sample of 896 females was analysed. A bioimpedance measurement, a blood pressure measurement, a serial assessment of nutritional intake with 3 days of written food records, and a biochemical analysis were all performed. The genotype of the CNR1 receptor gene polymorphism (rs1049353) was studied.

Results

Five hundred and sixteen patients (57.6%) had the genotype G1359G (non‐A carriers) and 380 (42.4%) patients had G1359A (328 patients, 36.6%) or A1359A (52 patients, 5.8%) (A carriers). Triglycerides and high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels were higher in A non‐A allele carriers than non‐A allele carriers. The intakes of dietary cholesterol and saturated fat for the upper tertile (T3) compared to the baseline tertile were inversely associated with the CB1‐R 1359 G/A polymorphism [odds ratio (OR) = 0.59; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.30–0.92 and OR = 0.66; 95% CI = 0.39–0.91, respectively]. These data were observed in the second tertile (T2) (OR = 0.61; 95% CI = 0.29–0.94 and OR = 0.58; 95% CI = 0.31–0.90, respectively).

Conclusions

The present study reports an association of the A allele with a better lipid profile (triglycerides and HDL cholesterol) than non‐A allele carriers. In addition, this polymorphism is associated with a specific macronutrient intake, as well as with low cholesterol and fat saturated intakes.
Healthcare resource utilisation by critically ill older patients following an intensive care unit stay
Authors: Jeitziner Marie‐Madlen , Zwakhalen Sandra MG , Hantikainen Virpi , Hamers Jan PH
Published: February 2015

Aims and objectives

This study examines the utilisation of healthcare resources by critically ill older patients over one year following an intensive care unit stay.

Background

Information on healthcare resource utilisation following intensive care unit treatment is essential during times of limited financial resources.

Design

Prospective longitudinal nonrandomised study.

Methods

Healthcare resource utilisation by critically ill older patients (≥65 years) was recorded during one year following treatment in a medical‐surgical intensive care unit. Age‐matched community‐based participants served as comparison group. Data were collected at one‐week following intensive care unit discharge/study recruitment and after 6 and 12 months. Recorded were length of stay, (re)admission to hospital or intensive care unit, general practitioner and medical specialist visits, rehabilitation program participation, medication use, discharge destination, home health care service use and level of dependence for activities of daily living.

Results

One hundred and forty‐five critically ill older patients and 146 age‐matched participants were recruited into the study. Overall, critically ill older patients utilised more healthcare resources. After 6 and 12 months, they visited general practitioners six times more frequently, twice as many older patients took medications and only the intensive care unit group patients participated in rehabilitation programs (n = 99, 76%). The older patients were less likely to be hospitalised, very few transferred to nursing homes (n = 3, 2%), and only 7 (6%) continued to use home healthcare services 12 months following the intensive care unit stay.

Conclusions

Critically ill older patients utilise more healthcare resources following an intensive care unit stay, however, most are able to live at home with no or minimal assistance after one year.

Relevance to clinical practice

Adequate healthcare resources, such as facilitated access to medical follow‐up care, rehabilitation programs and home healthcare services, must be easily accessible for older patients following hospital discharge. Nurses need to be aware of the healthcare services available and advise patients accordingly.
Outcome of Early Revascularization Surgery in Patients with ST‐Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: KHAN ATIF N. , SABBAGH SALAH , ITTAMAN SUNITHA , ABRICH VICTOR , NARAYAN AARTI , AUSTIN BRYAN , REZKALLA SHEREIF H.
Published: February 2015

Objectives

To compare morbidity and mortality of patients with ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (MI) undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery within 24 hours with those who had surgery delayed >24 hours.

Background

Patients with ST‐elevation MI are currently managed by emergency percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). If PCI is unsuccessful, or if there is severe coronary artery disease not amenable to PCI, CABG is considered. If the patient is clinically stable, surgeons wait several days before performing surgery, as very early surgery carries a prohibitive risk.

Methods

One hundred and eighty‐four patients with acute ST elevation MI (STEMI) who had undergone CABG were divided into two groups based on their surgery timing (<24 hours vs. >24 hours). Mortality and complication rates were studied between the two groups by Fischer test. Time‐to‐event analyses were performed for five primary variables: all‐cause mortality, cardiac events, congestive heart failure, stroke, and renal failure.

Results

At one month post‐CABC, all‐cause mortality was noted in 10.6% of patients who had CABG within 24 hours of STEMI diagnosis, compared with 8.9% in patients who had CABG after 24 hours (P = 0.3). Cardiac events including re‐exploration, atrial fibrillation, graft occlusion, and arrhythmias requiring shock occurred in 17.1% versus 13.9% between the two groups, respectively (P = 0.68). One year post‐coronary artery bypass surgery, there was no difference in individual or combined events between the two groups.

Conclusions

In patients with ST‐elevation myocardial infarction who required emergency coronary artery bypass surgery, there was no difference in procedure complications or mortality between early (within 24 hours) or later (more than 24 hours). That was noted at one month and one year after the index myocardial infarction. (J Interven Cardiol 2015;28:14–23)
Hospital-Based Trends in Penile Prosthetic Surgery
Authors: Mirheydar Hossein S. , Palazzi Kerrin L. , Parsons J. Kellogg , Chang David , Hsieh Tung-Chin
Published: February 2015

Introduction

We examined national and regional trends in hospital-based penile prosthetic surgery and identified patient-specific factors predicting receipt of inflatable vs. semi-rigid penile prostheses.

Aims

To improve our understanding of the surgical treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED).

Methods

We utilized the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) from 1998 to 2010 in the United States and the California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPD) database from 1995 to 2010. Total number of penile implants performed and proportions of inflatable vs. semi-rigid prosthesis were examined. Multivariate analysis (MVA) was performed to identify factors associated with selection of inflatable vs. semi-rigid prostheses.

Main Outcome Measures

Primary outcome measure is the total number of hospital-based penile prosthetic surgeries performed in the United States over a 12-year period (1998–2010). Secondary outcome measures include proportion of inflatable and semi-rigid prosthesis implantations and factors influencing receipt of different prostheses.

Results

We identified 53,967 penile prosthetic surgeries in the NIS; annual number implanted decreased from 4,703 to 2,338. Inflatable prostheses incurred higher costs but had a similar length of stay (LOS). In MVA, Caucasian race, Peyronie's disease, and private insurance were independently associated with receipt of an inflatable prosthesis. We identified 7,054 penile prostheses in OSHPD; annual number implanted decreased from 760 to 318. The proportion of inflatable prostheses increased significantly from 78.4% to 88.4% between 2001 and 2010. Inflatable prostheses incurred higher costs but had similar median LOS. In MVA, Caucasians and men without spinal cord injury were more likely to receive inflatable prosthesis.

Conclusion

Hospital-based penile prosthetic surgery has decreased substantially both nationwide and in California. In the United States, Caucasian race, Peyronie's disease, and private insurance were independently associated with receipt of an inflatable penile prosthesis. California population data correlated with national trends and can be utilized to further study surgical management of ED.
Responsiveness of the Peyronie's Disease Questionnaire (PDQ)
Authors: Coyne Karin S. , Currie Brooke M. , Thompson Christine L. , Smith Ted M.
Published: February 2015

Introduction

In order to reliably assess treatment effectiveness, patient-reported outcome instruments must demonstrate adequate psychometric properties.

Aim

To assess the responsiveness of the Peyronie's Disease Questionnaire (PDQ) using data from two Phase 3 trials of collagenase clostridium histolyticum for Peyronie's disease (PD).

Methods

Both trials recruited adult males with PD who were in a stable relationship with a female partner for at least 3 months. Patients completed the PDQ, International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), and a global assessment of PD (GAPD) questionnaire at baseline and Weeks 24 and 52. Anchor- and distribution-based methods were used to evaluate the responsiveness of the PDQ.

Main Outcome Measure

Peyronie's Disease Questionnaire.

Results

The number of men available with baseline and Week 52 data was 267 for Study 1 and 270 for Study 2. The mean age was 58.0 for Study 1 and 57.4 for Study 2; the majority were white (95.2% and 97.3%, respectively). Mean PDQ subscale change scores from baseline to Week 52 for both studies ranged from −1.5 to −4.6 (P < 0.0001). In Study 1, effect sizes were moderate to large on the Psychological and Physical Symptoms (−0.56) and Symptom Bother subscales (−0.84). For patients with penile pain at baseline, the effect size was large (−1.05) for the Penile Pain subscale. Similar effect sizes were seen in Study 2. The Psychological and Physical Symptoms and Symptom Bother subscales significantly discriminated patient improvement ratings of GAPD and degree of penile curvature at Weeks 24 and 52.

Conclusions

The PDQ is highly responsive to change in men with PD.
Patients with primary insomnia in the sleep laboratory: do they present with typical nights of sleep?
Authors: Hirscher Verena , Unbehaun Thomas , Feige Bernd , Nissen Christoph , Riemann Dieter , Spiegelhalder Kai
Published: February 2015

The validity of sleep laboratory investigations in patients with insomnia is important for researchers and clinicians. The objective of this study was to examine the first‐night effect and the reverse first‐night effect in patients with chronic primary insomnia compared with good sleeper controls. A retrospective comparison of a well‐characterised sample of 50 patients with primary insomnia and 50 good sleeper controls was conducted with respect to 2 nights of polysomnography, and subjective sleep parameters in the sleep laboratory and the home setting. When comparing the first and second sleep laboratory night, a significant first‐night effect was observed across both groups in the great majority of the investigated polysomnographic and subjective variables. However, patients with primary insomnia and good sleeper controls did not differ with respect to this effect. Regarding the comparison between the sleep laboratory nights and the home setting, unlike good sleeper controls, patients with primary insomnia reported an increased subjective sleep efficiency on both nights (in part due to a reduced bed time) and an increased subjective total sleep time on the second night. These results suggest that even the second sleep laboratory night does not necessarily provide clinicians and researchers with a representative insight into the sleep perception of patients with primary insomnia. Future studies should investigate whether these findings also hold for other patient populations.
Identification of a nonsense mutation in feline ABCB1
Authors: Mealey K. L. , Burke N. S.
Published: February 2015

The aim of this study was to sequence all exons of the ABCB1 (MDR1) gene in cats that had experienced adverse reactions to P‐glycoprotein substrate drugs (phenotyped cats). Eight phenotyped cats were included in the study consisting of eight cats that experienced central nervous system toxicosis after receiving ivermectin (n = 2), a combination product containing moxidectin and imidacloprid (n = 3), a combination product containing praziquantel and emodepside (n = 1) or selamectin (n = 2), and 1 cat that received the product containing praziquantel and emodepside but did not experience toxicity (n = 1). Fifteen exons contained polymorphisms and twelve exons showed no variation from the reference sequence. The most significant finding was a nonsense mutation (ABCB11930_1931del TC) in one of the ivermectin‐treated cats. This cat was homozygous for the deletion mutation. All of the other phenotyped cats were homozygous for the wild‐type allele. However, 14 missense mutations were identified in one or more phenotyped cats. ABCB11930_1931del TC was also identified in four nonphenotyped cats (one homozygous and three heterozygous for the mutant allele). Cats affected by ABCB11930_1931del TC would be expected to have a similar phenotype as dogs with the previously characterized ABCB1‐1Δ mutation.
First Japanese case of muscular dystrophy caused by a mutation in the anoctamin 5 gene
Authors: Kida Hiroshi , Sano Ken , Yorita Akiko , Miura Shiroh , Ayabe Mitsuyoshi , Hayashi Yukiko , Nishino Ichizo , Taniwaki Takayuki
Published: February 2015

Mutations in the anoctamin 5 gene cause either limb girdle muscular dystrophy or Miyoshi muscular dystrophy 3 in Caucasians. We herein describe a 49‐year‐old Japanese man with asymmetry of the leg circumference since childhood. Muscle involvement began at the calf muscles, and later spread to the thigh and paraspinal muscles on imaging and physical examination. His external genitalia were morphologically hypoplastic. Genetic analysis identified a novel homozygous mutation, c.1178G>A (p.Trp393X), in the anoctamin 5 gene. This is the first Japanese case with Miyoshi muscular dystrophy 3 caused by an anoctamin 5 gene mutation (anoctaminopathy). The muscle impairment associated with Miyoshi muscular dystrophy 3 appears to spread from the distal to proximal lower extremities.
Attitude, Inference, Association: On the Propositional Structure of Implicit Bias
Authors: Mandelbaum Eric
Published: February 2015

The overwhelming majority of those who theorize about implicit biases posit that these biases are caused by some sort of association. However, what exactly this claim amounts to is rarely specified. In this paper, I distinguish between different understandings of association, and I argue that the crucial senses of association for elucidating implicit bias are the cognitive structure and mental process senses. A hypothesis is subsequently derived: if associations really underpin implicit biases, then implicit biases should be modulated by counterconditioning or extinction but should not be modulated by rational argumentation or logical interventions. This hypothesis is false; implicit biases are not predicated on any associative structures or associative processes but instead arise because of unconscious propositionally structured beliefs. I conclude by discussing how the case study of implicit bias illuminates problems with popular dual‐process models of cognitive architecture.
Clinical comparison of weight‐ and age‐based strategy of dose administration in children receiving intravenous busulfan for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Gürlek Gökçebay D. , Azik F. , Ozbek N. , Isik P. , Avci Z. , Tavil B. , Kara A. , Tunc B.
Published: February 2015

Bu, combined with TDM‐guided dosing, is associated with fewer graft failures/relapses and lower toxicity in pediatric HSCT. We aimed this retrospective study for comparison of weight‐ and age‐based dosing in terms of clinical outcomes such as time to engraftment, early complications, EFS, OS, and toxicity profiles in children receiving iv Bu. Sixty‐one children who underwent HSCT from April 2010 to February 2013 by means of a Bu‐based conditioning regimen and completed 100 days after transplantation at Ankara Children?s Hematology and Oncology Hospital Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit were enrolled in this study. SOS and neutropenic fever occurred more frequently in the weight‐based dosing group. We found a statistically significant correlation between Bu dose and the incidence of SOS (r = 0.26, p = 0.04). Multivariate analysis showed only weight‐based dosing of Bu was a significant predictor of SOS (HR = 9.46; p = 0.009). However, no relationship was found between two groups in terms of hemorrhagic cystitis, engraftment syndrome, acute or chronic GvHD, time to engraftment, chimerism, TRM, OS, and EFS rates. Weight‐based dosing of Bu may cause higher incidence of SOS and early infectious complications at the places where TDM of Bu cannot be performed.
Anorexia nervosa in a pediatric renal transplant recipient and its reversal with cyclosporine
Authors: Okechuku Gyongyi , Boulos Andrew K. , Herman Lettie , Upadhyay Kiran
Published: February 2015

We report a 16‐yr‐old female who developed AN within a month after renal transplantation and its resolution after switching from tacrolimus to cyclosporine. Her initial maintenance immunosuppressive regimen after renal transplantation consisted of tacrolimus, mycophenolate, and steroid. She had 7 kg weight loss within the first month of transplant with subsequent 10, 12, 17, and 19 kg loss after three, five, seven, and nine months of transplant, respectively. Besides weight loss and disturbances in body image, the patient developed alopecia, bradycardia, and persistent secondary amenorrhea. Upon switching to cyclosporine from tacrolimus nine months after transplant, she started regaining weight with 5 kg gain within two months and 10 kg after four months. She restarted her menstrual cycle, alopecia and bradycardia resolved, and her body image disturbance improved. Here, we describe a very unusual neuropsychiatric side effect of tacrolimus and its resolution with another calcineurin inhibitor, cyclosporine, in an adolescent renal transplant recipient.
Interfacial Engineering of CdO–CdSe 3D Microarchitectures with in situ Photopolymerized PEDOT for an Enhanced Photovoltaic Performance
Authors: Lim Iseul , Shinde Dipak V. , Patil Supriya A. , Ahn Do Young , Lee Wonjoo , Shrestha Nabeen K. , Lee Joong Kee , Han Sung‐Hwan
Published: February 2015

In the present work, porous 3D CdO‐microstructured electrode obtained by pyrolysis of 3D CdCO3 microstructures is self‐sensitized with CdSe using an ion exchange reaction. After sensitization, an interfacial treatment of the CdO–CdSe interface is performed by depositing a thin film of PEDOT using a photoinduce polymerization route. The microstructured electrode before and after interfacial treatment is characterized using field‐emission scanning microscope, energy dispersive X‐ray analyzer, contact angle measurement, UV–Visible absorption spectrophotometer and X‐ray photoelectron spectrometer. After constructing a liquid junction solar cell with a Pt counter electrode, the photovoltaic performance and interfacial charge transfer kinetics across the CdO–CdSe interface before and after PEDOT treatment are investigated. The results exhibit an improved interfacial charge‐transfer resistance after the PEDOT treatment, which leads to enhance the short‐circuit current by 15.81% and the power conversion efficiency by 19.82%.
Occurrence and ITS diversity of wood‐associatedBursaphelenchusnematodes in Scots pine forests in Switzerland
Authors: Prospero S. , Polomski J. , Rigling D.
Published: February 2015

The quarantine pathogenBursaphelenchus xylophilus(pine wood nematode,PWN) represents a serious threat forPinusspecies in Europe. To exclude its presence in Switzerland, in 2010 and 2011 a countrywide survey was conducted in 102Pinus sylvestrisstands, chosen according to whether they contained dying or dead trees or were located in areas at risk ofPWNintroduction. In total, 285 trees (1–5 per site) were sampled. Nematodes were extracted from wood chips using a standard procedure, and identified to species by internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequencing.Bursaphelenchusspecies were present in 34% of the trees, but noB. xylophiluswas identified, i.e.PWNis still not present in Switzerland. The nematodes found belonged to seven different species, withB. vallesianusthe most frequent species, followed byB. sexdentati,B. mucronatus kolymensisandB. eggersi. Three other species (B. borealis,B. pinophilus,B. poligraphi) were each only present in one or two trees. Three groups of sequences could not be assigned to a species because of the lack of matching reference sequences. The species composition found in Switzerland suggests co‐existence of southern and central EuropeanBursaphelenchusspecies. Intraspecific ITS variability differed considerably among the four most common species.Bursaphelenchus eggersi,B. mucronatus kolymensisandB. sexdentatihad several variable sites in the ITS region, resulting in multiple ITS genotypes in each species. In contrast, all 99B. vallesianusisolates had an identical ITS region. This could indicate a founder effect, and possibly thatB. vallesianusis not native to the Alpine region.
Liquid‐based cytology and cell block immunocytochemistry in veterinary medicine: comparison with standard cytology for the evaluation of canine lymphoid samples
Authors: Fernandes N. C.C. A. , Guerra J. M. , Réssio R. A. , Wasques D. G. , Etlinger‐Colonelli D. , Lorente S. , Nogueira E. , Dagli M. L. Z.
Published: February 2015

Liquid‐based Cytology (LBC) consists of immediate wet cell fixation with automated slide preparation. We applied LBC, cell block (CB) and immunocytochemistry to diagnose canine lymphoma and compare results with conventional cytology. Samples from enlarged lymph nodes of 18 dogs were collected and fixed in preservative solution for automated slide preparation (LBC), CB inclusion and immunophenotyping. Two CB techniques were tested: fixed sediment method (FSM) and agar method (AM). Anti‐CD79a, anti‐Pax5, anti‐CD3 and anti‐Ki67 were used in immunocytochemistry. LBC smears showed better nuclear and nucleolar definition, without cell superposition, but presented smaller cell size and worse cytoplasmic definition. FSM showed consistent cellular groups and were employed for immunocytochemistry, while AM CBs presented sparse groups of lymphocytes, with compromised analysis. Anti‐Pax‐5 allowed B‐cell identification, both in reactive and neoplastic lymph nodes. Our preliminary report suggests that LBC and FSM together may be promising tools to improve lymphoma diagnosis through fine‐needle aspiration.
Clinical outcome,PDGFRβandKITexpression in feline histiocytic disorders: a multicentre study
Authors: Treggiari E. , Ressel L. , Polton G. A. , Benoit J. , Desmas I. , Blackwood L.
Published: February 2015

Information about histiocytic disease in cats is limited. The aim of this study was to document clinical findings and outcome in feline histiocytic disorders, and characterize the expression ofPDGFRβandKITin order to identify potential treatment targets. Morphologically diagnosed feline histiocytic tumours were reviewed and characterized by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Five cases of feline progressive histiocytosis (FPH), eight histiocytic sarcomas (HS) and two haemophagocytic histiocytic sarcomas (HaeHS) were confirmed.PDGFRβwas variably positive in most histiocytic cases, whileKITwas negative in all. Clinical presentation, treatment and outcome were also evaluated. Partial responses were recorded in measurable disease with tyrosine kinase inhibitors and lomustine, and radiotherapy achieved long‐term control in some cases. Survival times were shortest inHaeHSand disseminated disease.PDGFRβ, but notKIT, may represent a therapeutic target in feline histiocytic disorders but more studies are needed to investigate other potential treatment targets.
Effect of antioxidants on histamine receptor activation and sustained postexercise vasodilatation in humans
Authors: Romero Steven A. , Ely Matthew R. , Sieck Dylan C. , Luttrell Meredith J. , Buck Tahisha M. , Kono Jordan M. , Branscum Adam J. , Halliwill John R.
Published: February 2015

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Is exercise‐induced oxidative stress the upstream exercise‐related signalling mechanism that leads to sustained postexercise vasodilatation via activation of H1 and H2 histamine receptors?

What is the main finding and its importance?

Systemic administration of the antioxidant ascorbate inhibits sustained postexercise vasodilatation to the same extent as seen previously with H1 and H2 histamine receptor blockade following small muscle‐mass exercise. However, ascorbate has a unique ability to catalyse the degradation of histamine. We also found that systemic infusion of the antioxidant N‐acetylcysteine had no effect on sustained postexercise vasodilatation, suggesting that exercise‐induced oxidative stress does not contribute to sustained postexercise vasodilatation.

An acute bout of aerobic exercise elicits a sustained postexercise vasodilatation that is mediated by histamine H1 and H2 receptor activation. However, the upstream signalling pathway that leads to postexercise histamine receptor activation is unknown. We tested the hypothesis that the potent antioxidant ascorbate would inhibit this histaminergic vasodilatation following exercise. Subjects performed 1 h of unilateral dynamic knee extension at 60% of peak power in three conditions: (i) control; (ii) i.v. ascorbate infusion; and (iii) ascorbate infusion plus oral H1/H2 histamine receptor blockade. Femoral artery blood flow was measured (using Doppler ultrasound) before exercise and for 2 h postexercise. Femoral vascular conductance was calculated as flow/pressure. Postexercise vascular conductance was greater for control conditions (3.4 ± 0.1 ml min−1 mmHg−1) compared with ascorbate (2.7 ± 0.1 ml min−1 mmHg−1; P < 0.05) and ascorbate plus H1/H2 blockade (2.8 ± 0.1 ml min−1 mmHg−1; P < 0.05), which did not differ from one another (P = 0.9). Given that ascorbate may catalyse the degradation of histamine in vivo, we conducted a follow‐up study, in which subjects performed exercise in two conditions: (i) control; and (ii) i.v. N‐acetylcysteine infusion. Postexercise vascular conductance was similar for control (4.0 ± 0.1 ml min−1 mmHg−1) and N‐acetylcysteine conditions (4.0 ± 0.1 ml min−1 mmHg−1; P = 0.8). Thus, the results in the initial study were due to the degradation of histamine in skeletal muscle by ascorbate, because the histaminergic vasodilatation was unaffected by N‐acetylcysteine. Overall, exercise‐induced oxidative stress does not appear to contribute to sustained postexercise vasodilatation.
Rolling-Element Bearing Heat Transfer—Part II: Housing, Shaft, and Bearing Raceway Partial Differential Equation Solutions
Authors: Hannon William M.
Published: February 2015

Part I of this three-part series presented a heat transfer rolling-element bearing model. The model is composed of solid conduction partial differential equations (PDEs), control volume formulation for lubricant temperatures, and heat partitioning. The model applies to systems with a shaft, housing, numerous bearings, gears, and various methods of lubrication. Part II, this work, presents a solution to the thermal conduction equations. The raceways are three-dimensional (3D), the shaft and housing models are two-dimensional (2D) and lumped in the third direction. This generalized method applies to ball, cylindrical, spherical, and tapered rolling-element bearings. Semi-analytic solutions are obtained by imposing integral transforms. This approach accounts for the axial and circumferential variations in the bearing load zone and rib heating, as well as the ability to link many bearings and gears within an assembly. The housing and shaft equations are radially lumped. The lumped fluxes account for internal and external convection and radiation, as well as conduction fluxes from contiguous bearings and gears. These equations are solved using a Fourier transform. The 3D bearing raceway solution uses a Fourier transform and a modified Hankel transform. Part III of this series presents additional results and experimental validation.
Energy Production of Different Types and Orientations of Photovoltaic Systems Under Outdoor Conditions
Authors: Seme Sebastijan , Požun Jože , Štumberger Bojan , Hadžiselimović Miralem
Published: February 2015

This work compares the energy production of different types and orientations of photovoltaic systems under the equal outdoor conditions over the 4-yr period in Slovenia. The following photovoltaic systems were analyzed: the fixed photovoltaic system oriented to the south tilted at 30 deg, the fixed photovoltaic system oriented to the east tilted at 30 deg, the single axis photovoltaic tracking system tilted at 30 deg, and the fixed photovoltaic system oriented to the south tilted at 15 deg. The same monocrystalline silicon (mc-Si) solar modules are used in the compared systems. The systems are installed in a radius of 20 m. This provides the same meteorological parameters during the measured period. The impact of orientation and inclination on energy production are evaluated. The analysis of the data obtained shows that the energy production of the photovoltaic systems depends on the solar irradiation, temperature of solar modules, efficiency of solar modules, and efficiency of dc-ac inverters. Based on the analysis and measurements for different photovoltaic systems, the optimal orientation and inclination are presented. The results for Slovenia show that the optimal orientation and inclination facing south tilted at 45 deg.
Identifying Structural Breaks in Stochastic Mortality Models
Authors: O’Hare Colin , Li Youwei
Published: February 2015

In recent years, the issue of life expectancy has become of utmost importance to pension providers, insurance companies, and government bodies in the developed world. Significant and consistent improvements in mortality rates and hence life expectancy have led to unprecedented increases in the cost of providing for older ages. This has resulted in an explosion of stochastic mortality models forecasting trends in mortality data to anticipate future life expectancy and hence quantify the costs of providing for future aging populations. Many stochastic models of mortality rates identify linear trends in mortality rates by time, age, and cohort and forecast these trends into the future by using standard statistical methods. These approaches rely on the assumption that structural breaks in the trend do not exist or do not have a significant impact on the mortality forecasts. Recent literature has started to question this assumption. In this paper, we carry out a comprehensive investigation of the presence or of structural breaks in a selection of leading mortality models. We find that structural breaks are present in the majority of cases. In particular, we find that allowing for structural break, where present, improves the forecast result significantly.
Competitive Usability Analysis of Immersive Virtual Environments in Engineering Design Review
Authors: Satter Kurt , Butler Alley
Published: February 2015

A competitive usability study was employed to measure user performance and user preference for immersive virtual environments (VEs) with multimodal gestural interfaces when compared directly with nonstereoscopic traditional CAD interfaces that use keyboard and mouse. The immersive interfaces included a wand and a data glove with voice interface with an 86 in. stereoscopic rendering to screen; whereas, the traditional CAD interfaces included a 19 in. workstation with keyboard and mouse and an 86 in. nonstereoscopic display with keyboard and mouse. The context for this study was a set of “real world” engineering design scenarios. These design scenarios include benchmark 1—navigation, benchmark 2—error finding and repair, and benchmark 3—spatial awareness. For this study, two populations of users were employed, novice (n = 15) and experienced (n = 15). All users experienced three successive trials to quantify the effects of limited learning. Statistically based comparisons were made using both parametric and nonparametric methods. Conclusions included improved capability and user preference for immersive VEs and their interfaces were statistically significant for navigation and error finding/repair for immersive interfaces.
A Publishing Method of Lightweight Three-Dimensional Assembly Instruction for Complex Products
Authors: Geng Junhao , Zhang Sumei , Yang Bin
Published: February 2015

In order to accurately guide on-site workers to quickly accomplish the assembly job of complex products, and reduce the deployment cost of assembly instruction, we propose a publishing method of lightweight 3D assembly instruction for complex products. In this paper, the key frames of assembly motion and the 3D technical annotations in the lightweight model are mapped to the time-based assembly process. Then, the annotated lightweight model and assembly process information are integrated and published into a single 3D assembly instruction document. An assembly instruction publishing example of satellite antenna feed component shows that the lightweight 3D assembly instruction is well instructive and affordable because it provides the interactive simulation of assembly process and time-based display of assembly technical annotations without using expensive computer-aided design (CAD) systems, graphics workstations, or virtual reality equipments. This method gives a full play to the advantages of model-based definition technology and lightweight model, and fills the gap between the process planning and the instruction publishing in the 3D virtual manufacturing environment.
Uncertainty Management in Remanufacturing Decisions: A Consideration of Uncertainties in Market Demand, Quantity, and Quality of Returns
Authors: Mashhadi A. Raihanian , Esmaeilian Behzad , Behdad Sara
Published: February 2015

As market demand for remanufactured products increases and environmental legislation puts further enforcement on original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), remanufacturing is becoming an important business. However, profitability of salvaging operations is still a challenge in remanufacturing industry. Several factors influence the cost effectiveness of remanufacturing operations, including uncertainties in the quantity of return flows and market demand as well as variability in the quality of received items. The objective of this paper is to develop a stochastic optimization model based on chance-constrained programming to deal with these sources of uncertainties in take-back and inventory planning systems. The main purpose of the model is to determine the best upgrade level for a received product with certain quality level with the aim of maximizing profit. An example of personal computer is provided to show the application of the method.
Laminar Natural Convection of Bingham Fluids in Inclined Differentially Heated Square Enclosures Subjected to Uniform Wall Temperatures
Authors: Yİğİt Şahin , Poole Robert J. , Chakraborty Nilanjan
Published: February 2015

The effects of inclination 180deg≥φ≥0deg on steady-state laminar natural convection of yield-stress fluids, modeled assuming a Bingham approach, have been numerically analyzed for nominal values of Rayleigh number Ra ranging from 103 to 105 in a square enclosure of infinite span lying horizontally at φ=0deg, then rotated about its axis for φ>0deg cases. It has been found that the mean Nusselt number Nu¯ increases with increasing values of Rayleigh number but Nu¯ values for yield-stress fluids are smaller than that obtained in the case of Newtonian fluids with the same nominal value of Rayleigh number Ra due to the weakening of convective transport. For large values of Bingham number Bn (i.e., nondimensional yield stress), the mean Nusselt number Nu¯ value settles to unity (Nu¯=1.0) as heat transfer takes place principally due to thermal conduction. The mean Nusselt number Nu¯ for both Newtonian and Bingham fluids decreases with increasing φ until reaching a local minimum at an angle φ* before rising with increasing φ until φ=90deg. For φ>90deg the mean Nusselt number Nu¯ decreases with increasing φ before assuming Nu¯=1.0 at φ=180deg for all values of Ra. The Bingham number above which Nu¯ becomes unity (denoted Bnmax) has been found to decrease with increasing φ until a local minimum is obtained at an angle φ* before rising with increasing φ until φ=90deg. However, Bnmax decreases monotonically with increasing φ for 90deg<φ<180deg. A correlation has been proposed in terms of φ, Ra, and Bn, which has been shown to satisfactorily capture Nu¯ obtained from simulation data for the range of Ra and φ considered here.
Computational Fluid Dynamics and Heat Transfer Analysis for a Novel Heat Exchanger
Authors: Ma Haolin , Oztekin Dennis E. , Bayraktar Seyfettin , Yayla Sedat , Oztekin Alparslan
Published: February 2015

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and heat transfer simulations are conducted for a novel heat exchanger. The heat exchanger consists of semi-circle cross-sectioned tubes that create narrow slots oriented in the streamwise direction. Numerical simulations are conducted for Reynolds numbers (Re) ranging from 700 to 30,000. Three-dimensional turbulent flows and heat transfer characteristics in the tube bank region are modeled by the k-ε Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) method. The flow structure predicted by the two-dimensional and three-dimensional simulations is compared against that observed by the particle image velocimetry (PIV) for Re of 1500 and 4000. The adequate agreement between the predicted and observed flow characteristics validates the numerical method and the turbulent model employed here. The three-dimensional and the two-dimensional steady flow simulations are compared to determine the effects of the wall on the flow structure. The wall influences the spatial structure of the vortices formed in the wake of the tubes and near the exit of the slots. The heat transfer coefficient of the slotted tubes improved by more than 40% compare to the traditional nonslotted tubes.
Behavioral Experimentation and Game Theory in Engineering Systems Design
Authors: Sha Zhenghui , Kannan Karthik N. , Panchal Jitesh H.
Published: February 2015

Game-theoretic models have been used to analyze design problems ranging from multi-objective design optimization to decentralized design and from design for market systems (DFMS) to policy design. However, existing studies are primarily analytical in nature, which start with a number of assumptions about the individual decisions, the information available to the players, and the solution concept (generally, the Nash equilibrium). There is a lack of studies related to engineering design, which rigorously evaluate the validity of these assumptions or that of the predictions from the models. Hence, the usefulness of these models to realistic engineering systems design has been severely limited. In this paper, we take a step toward addressing this gap. Using an example of crowdsourcing for engineering design, we illustrate how the analytical game-theoretic models and behavioral experimentation can be synergistically used to gain a better understanding of design situations. Analytical models describe what players with assumed behaviors and cognitive capabilities would do under specified conditions, and the behavioral experiments shed light on how individuals actually behave. The paper contributes to the design literature in multiple ways. First, to the best of our knowledge, it is a first attempt at integrated theoretical and experimental game-theoretic analysis in design. We illustrate how the analytical models can be used to design behavioral experiments, which, in turn, can be used to estimate parameters, refine models, and inform further development of the theory. Second, we present a simple experiment to understand behaviors of individuals in a design crowdsourcing problem. The results of the experiment show new insights on using crowdsourcing contests for design.
Inductively coupled reactive ion etching studies on sputtered yttria stabilized zirconia thin films in SF6, Cl2, and BCl3 chemistries
Authors: Subramaniam Kiruba Mangalam , Rajeswara Rao Langoju Lakshmi , Jampana Nagaraju
Published: February 2015

Downscaling of yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ) based electrochemical devices and gate oxide layers requires successful pattern transfer on YSZ thin films. Among a number of techniques available to transfer patterns to a material, reactive ion etching has the capability to offer high resolution, easily controllable, tunable anisotropic/isotropic pattern transfer for batch processing. This work reports inductively coupled reactive ion etching studies on sputtered YSZ thin films in fluorine and chlorine based plasmas and their etch chemistry analyses using x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Etching in SF6 plasma gives an etch rate of 7 nm/min chiefly through physical etching process. For same process parameters, in Cl2 and BCl3 plasmas, YSZ etch rate is 17 nm/min and 45 nm/min, respectively. Increased etch rate in BCl3 plasma is attributed to its oxygen scavenging property synergetic with other chemical and physical etch pathways. BCl3 etched YSZ films show residue-free and smooth surface. The surface atomic concentration ratio of Zr/Y in BCl3 etched films is closer to as-annealed YSZ thin films. On the other hand, Cl2 etched films show surface yttrium enrichment. Selectivity ratio of YSZ over silicon (Si), silicon dioxide (SiO2) and silicon nitride (Si3N4) are 1:2.7, 1:1, and 1:0.75, respectively, in BCl3 plasma. YSZ etch rate increases to 53 nm/min when nonoxygen supplying carrier wafer like Si3N4 is used.
Comparison of slope approximations used in rough surface scattering
Authors: Welton P. J.
Published: February 2015

Two widely used surface slope approximations are compared to an initially exact method that treats the slopes via a differential operator acting on the characteristic function. The differential operator treatment ceases to be exact when the integrand in the scattering integrals is approximated using a Gaussian directivity approximation and Fresnel phase approximation. Analysis is restricted to the Kirchhoff approximation (single scattering). One of the simpler slope approximations agrees with the more comprehensive differential operator approximation for all backscattering geometries, as well as for specular scattering geometries down to grazing angles comparable to the source beamwidth.
Photosensitivity and double vision as initial symptoms of colon cancer
Authors: Rasmussen Lars René , Laursen Christian B , Graumann Ole
Published: February 2015

A 75-year-old man suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, myxoedema and type II diabetes mellitus, presented with occasional double vision and photosensitivity. The patient underwent an MRI of the brain showing a tumour located in the right of the sphenoid bone. A subsequent diagnostic CT scan of the thorax, abdomen and pelvis revealed a left-sided colon tumour, which biopsy proved as being an adenocarcinoma.
Biliopleural fistula following gun shot injury in right axilla
Authors: Dahiya Divya , Kaman Lileswar , Behera Arunanshu
Published: February 2015

A biliopleural fistula (BPF) is a rare and atypical manifestation of thoracoabdominal trauma. A stepwise approach for the management is recommended for a successful outcome. We report a case of a 22-year-old man who was referred to our hospital with respiratory discomfort after sustaining a gunshot injury in the right axilla. On investigations he had haemopneumothorax, central liver contusion with perihepatic fluid and a bullet lodged at the level of right renal hilum. He was at first managed by placing a right intercostal tube drain, which initially drained blood and subsequently started draining bile. He was managed successfully with endoscopic biliary stenting, pigtail drainage of subphrenic collection and antibiotics.
Coconut oil supplementation and physical exercise improves baroreflex sensitivity and oxidative stress in hypertensive rats
Authors: Alves Naiane F.B. , Porpino Suênia K.P. , Monteiro Matheus M.O. , Gomes Enéas R.M. , Braga Valdir A.
Published: February 2015

The hypothesis that oral supplementation with virgin coconut oil (Cocos nucifera L.) and exercise training would improve impaired baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) and reduce oxidative stress in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) was tested. Adult male SHR and Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY) were divided into 5 groups: WKY + saline (n = 8); SHR + saline (n = 8); SHR + coconut oil (2 mL·day−1, n = 8); SHR + trained (n = 8); and SHR + trained + coconut oil (n = 8). Mean arterial pressure (MAP) was recorded and BRS was tested using phenylephrine (8 μg/kg, intravenous) and sodium nitroprusside (25 μg·kg−1, intravenous). Oxidative stress was measured using dihydroethidium in heart and aorta. SHR + saline, SHR + coconut oil, and SHR + trained group showed higher MAP compared with WKY + saline (175 ± 6, 148 ± 6, 147 ± 7 vs. 113 ± 2 mm Hg; p < 0.05). SHR + coconut oil, SHR + trained group, and SHR + trained + coconut oil groups presented lower MAP compared with SHR + saline group (148 ± 6, 147 ± 7, 134 ± 8 vs. 175 ± 6 mm Hg; p < 0.05). Coconut oil combined with exercise training improved BRS in SHR compared with SHR + saline group (−2.47 ± 0.3 vs. −1.39 ± 0.09 beats·min−1·mm Hg−1; p < 0.05). SHR + saline group showed higher superoxide levels when compared with WKY + saline (774 ± 31 vs. 634 ± 19 arbitrary units (AU), respectively; p < 0.05). SHR + trained + coconut oil group presented reduced oxidative stress compared with SHR + saline in heart (622 ± 16 vs. 774 ± 31 AU, p < 0.05). In aorta, coconut oil reduced oxidative stress in SHR compared with SHR + saline group (454 ± 33 vs. 689 ± 29 AU, p < 0.05). Oral supplementation with coconut oil combined with exercise training improved impaired BRS and reduced oxidative stress in SHR.
Computational study on the mechanism of the three-component reaction of dimethylacetylene dicarboxylate and triphenylphosphine with 2-acetylbutyrolactone
Authors: Haghdadi Mina , Asghari Sakineh , Ramezani Samaneh
Published: February 2015

The molecular mechanism of the three-component reaction of triphenylphosphine, dialkyl acetylene dicarboxylate, and 2-acetylbutyrolactone to synthesize the stabilized phosphorus ylide and 1,3-butadiene derivative via the intramolecular Wittig reaction has been investigated using the density functional theory method at the B3LYP/6-31G level of theory. Two possible reaction pathways have been characterized in detail to form the cyclobutene intermediate and in the next step; the cyclobutene intermediate undergoes the conrotatory ring-opening reaction to produce the 1,3-butadiene derivative along two possible pathways. The calculated results indicate that two pathways (pathways II and II-a) are the most energy favorable among all of the pathways, so they occur more than do the others. Moreover, the phosphorus ylide is more stable than the corresponding 1,3-butadiene, demonstrating that the intramolecular Wittig reaction could not easily occur at room temperature, which is in agreement with the experimental results.