bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of Reproductive, Metabolic, and Endocrine Features of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Female Hyperandrogenic Mouse Models
Authors: Caldwell A. S. L. , Middleton L. J. , Jimenez M. , Desai R. , McMahon A. C. , Allan C. M. , Handelsman D. J. , Walters K. A.
Published: May 2014

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects 5–10% of women of reproductive age, causing a range of reproductive, metabolic and endocrine defects including anovulation, infertility, hyperandrogenism, obesity, hyperinsulinism, and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Hyperandrogenism is the most consistent feature of PCOS, but its etiology remains unknown, and ethical and logistic constraints limit definitive experimentation in humans to determine mechanisms involved. In this study, we provide the first comprehensive characterization of reproductive, endocrine, and metabolic PCOS traits in 4 distinct murine models of hyperandrogenism, comprising prenatal dihydrotestosterone (DHT, potent nonaromatizable androgen) treatment during days 16–18 of gestation, or long-term treatment (90 days from 21 days of age) with DHT, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), or letrozole (aromatase inhibitor). Prenatal DHT-treated mature mice exhibited irregular estrous cycles, oligo-ovulation, reduced preantral follicle health, hepatic steatosis, and adipocyte hypertrophy, but lacked overall changes in body-fat composition. Long-term DHT treatment induced polycystic ovaries displaying unhealthy antral follicles (degenerate oocyte and/or > 10% pyknotic granulosa cells), as well as anovulation and acyclicity in mature (16-week-old) females. Long-term DHT also increased body and fat pad weights and induced adipocyte hypertrophy and hypercholesterolemia. Long-term letrozole-treated mice exhibited absent or irregular cycles, oligo-ovulation, polycystic ovaries containing hemorrhagic cysts atypical of PCOS, and displayed no metabolic features of PCOS. Long-term dehydroepiandrosterone treatment produced no PCOS features in mature mice. Our findings reveal that long-term DHT treatment replicated a breadth of ovarian, endocrine, and metabolic features of human PCOS and provides the best mouse model for experimental studies of PCOS pathogenesis.
TheCoupof Langston Hughes's Picasso Period: Excavating Mayakovsky in Langston Hughes's Verse
Authors: Kernan Ryan James
Published: May 2014

Literary critics in the U.S. have generally considered the artistic merit of Langston Hughes's so-called radical poetic production of the 1930s to be far below the standard the poet set in the previous decade. Its detractors (as well as its precious few champions) tend to distinguish it from Hughes's 1920s poetry, associating the latter with a black nationalist literary aesthetic linked to an embrace of Pan-Africanism and the former with a proletarian poetic tied to a decidedly Marxist analysis of race and class-conflict. This article offers a counter-narrative to these reigning critical discourses by focusing on an instance where Hughes mined his experience as a translator to offer an ethical, albeit pessimistic, vision of black internationalism infused with a Marxist outlook and conveyed through poetic innovations of hybrid ethno-linguistic origin. Specifically, I argue that when Langston Hughes translated Vladimir Mayakovsky's “Blek end uait” (“Black and White”) and “Sifilis” (“Syphilis”) during his Moscow residence in the winter of 1932–33, a resulting epiphany motivated Hughes to strive to reconcile his Pan-Africanist views with his newly aroused vision of class struggle. The essay's first half demonstrates that Hughes's engagement with Mayakovsky left a trail of historical and literary evidence that reveals how Mayakovsky's poetics had a profound impact on Hughes's own political outlook and poetic palette. Nowhere is this influence more clear than in Hughes's poem “Cubes” (1934), a reading of which forms the second part of this essay. “Cubes” exhibits poetic innovations provoked by his engagement with Mayakovskian poetics — particularly with Mayakovsky's notion that revolutionary poetry succeeded best when it both invoked and transgressed the rules governing “antiquarian” poetry in a dialectical process that he labeled as “coup.” The article examines how Hughes's “Cubes” creatively echoes, reworks, and critiques Mayakovsky's portrayal of international race relations to ethically address the paradoxes, potentials, and problematic limitations of Pan-Africanist and Soviet internationalist collectivities while simultaneously staging two poetic coups that play with and against avant-garde and agitprop poetic conventions to draw into focus the uneasy relationship between empire, aesthetics, and racial politics. The literary mastery manifest in this endeavor displays the often-overlooked aesthetic sophistication of Hughes radical poetry. “Cubes” offers a nuanced vision of black internationalism and demonstrates the role that translation played in Hughes's overall creative process.
Inward cholesterol gradient of the membrane system in P. falciparum-infected erythrocytes involves a dilution effect from parasite-produced lipids
Authors: Tokumasu Fuyuki , Crivat Georgeta , Ackerman Hans , Hwang Jeeseong , Wellems Thomas E.
Published: May 2014

Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) infection remodels the human erythrocyte with new membrane systems, including a modified host erythrocyte membrane (EM), a parasitophorous vacuole membrane (PVM), a tubulovesicular network (TVN), and Maurer's clefts (MC). Here we report on the relative cholesterol contents of these membranes in parasitized normal (HbAA) and hemoglobin S-containing (HbAS, HbAS) erythrocytes. Results from fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) experiments with a cholesterol-sensitive fluorophore show that membrane cholesterol levels in parasitized erythrocytes (pRBC) decrease inwardly from the EM, to the MC/TVN, to the PVM, and finally to the parasite membrane (PM). Cholesterol depletion of pRBC by methyl-β-cyclodextrin treatment caused a collapse of this gradient. Lipid and cholesterol exchange data suggest that the cholesterol gradient involves a dilution effect from non-sterol lipids produced by the parasite. FLIM signals from the PVM or PM showed little or no difference between parasitized HbAA vs HbS-containing erythrocytes that differed in lipid content, suggesting that malaria parasites may regulate the cholesterol contents of the PVM and PM independently of levels in the host cell membrane. Cholesterol levels may affect raft structures and the membrane trafficking and sorting functions that support Pf survival in HbAA, HbAS and HbSS erythrocytes.
Lipid droplet formation in response to oleic acid in Huh-7 cells is a fatty acid receptor mediated event
Authors: Rohwedder Arndt , Zhang Qifeng , Rudge Simon A. , Wakelam Michael J. O.
Published: May 2014

It is unclear how changes in lipid droplet size and number are regulated, whether this involves a signalling pathway, or is directed by cellular lipid uptake. Here we show that oleic acid stimulates lipid droplet formation through activating the long chain fatty acid receptor FFAR4 coupled through a pertussis toxin sensitive G-protein signalling pathway involving phosphoinositide-3-kinase, AKT/Protein-kinase B and phospholipase D activities. This initial lipid droplet formation is not dependent upon exogenous lipid whilst the subsequent, more sustained increase in lipid droplets is dependent upon lipid uptake. These two mechanisms of lipid droplet formation point to distinct potential intervention points.
Phosphorylation and ubiquitylation are opposing players in regulating endocytosis of the water channel Aquaporin-2
Authors: Moeller Hanne B. , Aroankins Takwa Shaiman , Slengerik-Hansen Joachim , Pisitkun Trairak , Fenton Robert A.
Published: May 2014

The post-translational modifications (PTMs) phosphorylation and ubiquitylation regulate plasma membrane protein function. Here we examine interplay between phosphorylation and ubiquitylation of the membrane protein aquaporin-2 (AQP2) and demonstrate that phosphorylation can override the previously suggested dominant endocytic signal of K63-linked polyubiquitylation. In polarized epithelial cells, although Ser-256 is an important phosphorylation site for AQP2 membrane localization, the rate of AQP2 endocytosis was reduced by prolonging phosphorylation specifically at Ser-269. Despite close association, AQP2 phosphorylation at Ser-269 and ubiquitylation at Lys-270 can occur in parallel, with increased Ser-269 phosphorylation and decreased AQP2 endocytosis occurring when Lys-270 polyubiquitylation levels are maximal. In vivo studies support this data, with maximal levels of AQP2 ubiquitylation occuring in parallel to maximal Ser-269 phosphorylation and enhanced AQP2 plasma membrane localization. In conclusion, we demonstrate for the first time that although K63-linked polyubiquitylation marks AQP2 for endocytosis, site-specific phosphorylation can counteract polyubiquitylation to determine its final localization. Similar mechanisms may exist for other plasma membrane proteins.
wigExplorer, a BioJS component to visualise wig data
Authors: Thanki Anil S. , Jimenez Rafael C. , Kaithakottil Gemy G. , Corpas Manuel , Davey Robert P.
Published: May 2014

Summary: wigExplorer is a BioJS component whose main purpose is to provide a platform for visualisation of wig-formatted data. Wig files are extensively used by genome browsers such as the UCSC Genome Browser. wigExplorer follows the BioJS standard specification, requiring a simple configuration and installation. wigExplorer provides an easy way to navigate the visible region of the canvas and allows interaction with other components via predefined events.

Availability: http://github.com/biojs/biojs;http://dx.doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.8516
Entrepreneurial Storytelling, Future Expectations, and the Paradox of Legitimacy
Authors: Garud Raghu , Schildt Henri A. , Lant Theresa K.
Published: May 2014

Prior research highlights storytelling as a means for entrepreneurs to establish venture legitimacy and gain stakeholder support. We extend this line of research by examining the role that projective stories play in setting expectations and the dynamics that ensue. Such attention highlights a paradox—the very expectations that are set through projective stories to gain venture legitimacy can also serve as the source of future disappointments. Because of inherent uncertainties that projective stories mask, ventures will likely deviate from their early projections, thereby disappointing stakeholders. This, in turn, can result in a loss of legitimacy. Recognizing that entrepreneurship is an ongoing process, we examine the constraints and possibilities of maintaining or regaining legitimacy through revised storytelling. We conclude the paper with implications for research on entrepreneurial storytelling as an ongoing process.
Access and performance inequalities: post-primary education in Northern Ireland
Authors: Borooah Vani , Knox Colin
Published: May 2014

Northern Ireland's schools system is undergoing a radical review. The first stage in this process is to reform the post-primary sector in response to the Education Minister's call to ‘put pupils first’ and raise the overall standard of educational performance. An excess of school places, reduction in public expenditure on education, and opportunities to examine segregated schooling have all hastened this reform. Drawing on data gathered by education bodies for the purposes of the review, this paper examines those factors which best explain education performance and highlights the social injustices in the existing system.
Health promoting lifestyles of Jordanian university students
Authors: Alkhawaldeh Omar
Published: May 2014

Background: Health-promoting lifestyles of university students are strongly related to their current and subsequent health status. Low rates of health-promoting lifestyles among university students are still reported in literature. However, few studies in Jordan have examined health-promoting behaviors among university students. Objectives: This study was aimed to assess health-promoting lifestyles among university students and to examine relationship between the university student's characteristics and health-promoting lifestyles. Methods: A cross-sectional, correlational design was conducted using a sample of university students at Mutah University in Jordan. The Health Promotion Lifestyle Profile II (HPLP-II) scale was given to students as self-administered questionnaire. Data were analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: Of the 480 distributed questionnaires; 340 completed questionnaires were returned. Results revealed that the total average score for the HPLP-II for students was 2.4 (SD =0.4). The highest mean score was for spiritual growth subscale (M=3.0, SD= 0.7) and the lowest mean score was for physical activity subscale (M = 2.0, SD = 0.7). Students' scores on the health responsibility, nutritional habits, spiritual growth, interpersonal relations, and stress-management subscales of the HPLP-II did not differ significantly by gender, but males scored better than females on the physical exercise subscale. Conclusions: This study suggest that university administrators, curriculum planners, community health professionals, and public health nurses may need to develop guidelines and interventions for structuring a healthier environment and developing health promotion programs to assist university students in developing healthy lifestyles..   Keywords: Health-Promoting Lifestyles; Jordan; University Students.
Design and development of human factors based shoe midsole using additive manufacturing
Authors: Rambabu D. , Hariharan R , Karthik Nambi A. , Nataraj R. , Bhaskar GB.
Published: May 2014

The objective of this research is to design and prototype a shoe midsole which bears enough weight of the wearer and absorbs impact forces, at same time being light weight on the aspect of material used and design. The whole design is based on human factors and requirements which were studied using a survey among a group, based on product development guidelines as a part of product lifecycle management. The design conceptualizes the use of gas as the weight bearer and impact absorber by being compactly pressurized in separate pockets, the pockets are intricately placed to optimize force absorption and maintain stability. The prototype is build using additive manufacturing technique which enabled to design with complexity. Thus a highly comfortable and ergonomically better shoe sole design was achieved; this helped in meeting the customer requirements. Keywords: Shoe Midsole; Human Factors Based Design; Prototyping; Additive Manufacturing.
Developing a forecasting model of concrete compressive strength using relevance vector machines
Authors: Awwad Mohammad
Published: May 2014

We analyze results of two experiments that tested effect of adding Silica on the compressive strength of concrete at early stage and after long period. The two experiments evaluated different silica/cement ratios for different mixing periods. Adding Silica to concrete mix produce high early strength material which is highly desirable in airports and highways. More than 90 samples of different silica/cement ratios are tested for compressive strength at 3 and 28 days. Test results showed high early up to 60 MPa. Strength increase is proportional with the increase of silica/cement ratio and mixing time with maximum at ratio of 15/100 and 30 minutes mixing time. A relevance Vector Machine (RVM) model is developed to predict concrete compressive strength using concrete mixture inputs information. RVM model predictions matched experimental data closely. The developed model can be used to predict compressive strength in future periods based on initial information related to cement mixture. Keywords: Relevance Vector Machine, Silicate Percent, Prediction Model, Milling Time, Compressive Strength, Concrete.
Linear modeling and regression for exponential engineering functions by a generalized ordinary least squares method
Authors: Abdelhadi Yaser
Published: May 2014

Linear transformations are performed for selected exponential engineering functions. The Optimum values of parameters of the linear model equation that fits the set of experimental or simulated data points are determined by the linear least squares method. The classical and matrix forms of ordinary least squares are illustrated. Keywords: Exponential Functions; Linear Modeling; Ordinary Least Squares; Parametric Estimation; Regression Steps.
Numerical simulation and analytical study of glulam timber beams
Authors: Tsalkatidis Themistoklis
Published: May 2014

Glulam beams or glued-laminated beams consist of sawn lumber laminations (timber) bonded with an adhesive material. This paper, through the mathematical description of the contact conditions that apply at the interfaces of glulam beams and the development of two three-dimensional finite element models by the use of the ANSYS software package, studies the flexural properties of unreinforced (UGB) and reinforced (RGB) glulam beams. The first computational model presents an unreinforced glulam beam that has been produced by three wood laminations of dimensions 6 by 3.6 by 176 cm. The latter one describes a reinforced glulam beam, which has been produced by gluing a 0.15 cm thick steel plate at the bottom edge of the previously described beam. The computational analysis indicates that the two glulam beams have significantly different bearing capacities under the same load and support conditions. The failure mode of the UGB is brittle whereas the one of the RGB is ductile. The numerical results of both models are in close agreement with experimental ones from the international literature. Keywords: Glulam Timber Beams, Numerical Simulation, Contact.
Optimal attitude determination method in presence of noise and bias on different star sensors
Authors: Moghtadaei Rad Amir
Published: May 2014

There are different attitude determination methods which have been used in satellite and spacecraft by star tracker. Each of these methods have its own advantages and disadvantages depending on their application, stochastic characteristic of noise on sensors (bias or noise), and weight of noise falling on different sensors. The present study has thus explored the major methods from two perspectives: the effect of input noise or bias on each star sensor and the corresponding weight of each noise or bias falling on each sensor. These aspects are compared in each method and the optimal method according to each condition is introduced. N Vector, Triad, Quest, Q method and least square method are the methods studied and simulated in this article. Finally, a comparison is made between the methods and the optimal method is introduced theoretically and practically. Keywords: Attitude Determination, Celestial Navigation, Triad, Quest, Least Square, Satellite.
An efficient quantum based routing protocol with local link failure recovery algorithm for manet
Authors: Jeni Jasmine , Juliet Vimala , Bose Messiah
Published: May 2014

The mobility factor of the nodes in a mobile Ad Hoc networks (MANET) changes the network topology leading to changes in size of the network. As the topology changes, link failure between the nodes takes place due to several reasons like channel interference and dynamic obstacles that give rise to severe performance degradation. Scalability and link failure recovery are the main criteria that will determine the performance of the network in terms of quality of service (QoS). While having different type of nodes, both mobile and immobile, that have several performance severity related to data transfer which is similar to the one in industrial parameter reporting and data logging, there exists a need to overcome performance related issues such as relatively faster and secured data transfer within the set of nodes. We developed the Quantum based Routing protocol (QRP) associated with Local Link Failure Recovery Algorithm (LLFR). The QRP is a routing protocol that uses DSR and AODV as an underlying protocol to improve the QoS in scalable wireless network. The QRP and LLFR establish link failure recovery spontaneously at the point of link breakage. The performance parameters like; packet delivery ratio, throughput, average end to end delay and routing overhead of the routing protocol QRP with LLFR is analyzed using NS2 simulator. Keywords: Ad Hoc Network, Link Failure, Routing Protocols, Scalability, Quality of Service.
Analysis of image quality metric for ROI using image restoration techniques
Authors: Sheik Syed Amma
Published: May 2014

Analysis of an image plays vital role in the image processing field, which leads to the inventions of applications in the area of telemedicine, remote sensing via satellites and other spacecrafts, radar, sonar and acoustic image processing etc. This concept is a key factor in research field. One of the common image analysis is use of Region of Interest (ROI) image, which is an effortless way of analyzing images. This paper proposes a method to analyze the Image Quality Metric (IQM) for a ROI based color image. IQM is accomplished by the use of the three image restoration algorithms such as Blind deconvolution algorithm, Wiener Filtering algorithm and Lucy Richardson algorithm. Keywords: Blind Deconvolution, Lucy Richardson, Point Spread Function, Region of Interest, Image Quality Metric, Wiener Filter.
Low-dose heparin for prolonging the patency of peripheral intravenous catheters in adults a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Kumar Manoj , Vandermeer Ben , Bassler Dirk , Mansoor Nadia
Published: May 2014

Objective: To assess evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) about the efficacy of low-dose heparin for prolonging patency of peripheral intravenous catheters in adults.Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis.Data Sources: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CCTR) to identify studies up to July 6, 2012. Additional citations were retrieved from the bibliography of the selected articles. No language restrictions were placed.Eligibility criteria for selecting studies: The eligible studies were RCTs of low-dose heparin, used as continuous infusion or as intermittent flush, through peripheral intravenous catheter as compared to a control; and measured any one of the following outcomes: duration of catheter patency, occlusion rates or local site reactions such as thrombophlebitis.Results: Eight RCTs were identified (5 testing heparin as continuous infusion and 3 as intermittent flush). Catheters using heparin infusions had longer patency [Mean difference = 13.37 hours, 95%CI (3.37, 23.37), p=0.009], however, no difference in the duration of patency was noted from its use as intermittent flushing solution. Similarly, continuous infusion of heparin resulted in approximately 50% lower rates of infusion failures [rate ratio = 0.50, 95%CI (0.33, 0.76), p=0.001] and phlebitis [rate ratio = 0.47, 95%CI (0.31, 0.73), p<0.001] compared to no difference noted with its use as intermittent flushing solution. Few studies reported treatment related adverse events.Conclusion: Low-dose heparin used as continuous infusion in PIV catheters resulted in longer catheter patency with lesser episodes of infusion failures and phlebitis. Heparins use as intermittent flush solutions had no benefit. Keywords: Heparin, Patency, Infusion Failure, Phlebitis, Systematic Review
Pro brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) hormone and tissue Doppler abnormalities in patients with homozygous sickle cell disease in Bahrain: echocardiographic study
Authors: Garadah Taysir , Hassan Adla B , Jaradat Ahmed A , Sequeira Reginald P , Alajmi Abdulla
Published: May 2014

Background: Pulse Doppler echocardiography has a diagnostic value in right and left ventricular function in patients with homozygous sickle cell disease (SCD), however the role of the tissue Doppler is unclear. Aim: To evaluate the diagnostic role of tissue Doppler in the assessment of right ventricle (RV) and left ventricular function in adult patients with SCD. And to study the prevalence of pulmonary hypertension (PAH) in patients with SCD using the tricuspid valve velocity on echocardiogram. Method: Seventy patients with homozygous SSD were compared with healthy control. Every patient had clinical assessment, had pulsed and tissue Doppler evaluation, in addition to assessing serum level of hemoglobin, ferritin and pro Brain Natriuretic Peptide (BNP). The mean difference between the two groups for tissue Doppler and biometric variables was assessed. Results: Seventy patients had SCD (mean age 28 years, 14-40) and 54 (77%) were males. The age and gender proportions were similar in both groups. Patients with SCD compared with the control had significantly low diastolic pressure, lower hemoglobin level, but high serum ferritin and pro BNP hormone. Furthermore, there was a significant increase in the diameter of left atrium, higher left ventricle mass index, and higher right ventricle diameter and wall thickness. The left ventricle ejection fraction percentage was similar between both groups, but SCD had significantly higher right ventricle tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) of 1.420.21 vs. 1.110.23 cm (P= 0.02). The RV pulsed Doppler data showed restrictive filling pattern with significantly higher E wave, high E/A ratio and short Deceleration time ; likewise, the upper pulmonary vein systolic/diastolic velocity was significantly lower 1.5 0.12 vs. 2.40.11cm (p=0.002). The tissue Doppler of lateral annulus of tricuspid valve and the septum mitral annulus in SCD patients showed a significant lower S wave, higher E/E- ratio and lower A wave. The incidence of pulmonary hypertension in SCD patients via tricuspid valve regurgitation (TVR) velocity of >2.6 m/s was 22 %. There was a positive correlation between serum level of ferritin, pro BNP and tricuspid valve regurgitation velocity (r=0.35) and (r=0.43) respectively. Conclusion: Adult patients with SCD have included right ventricular diameter and increased RV wall thickness. The LV systolic function is normal but with RV systolic and diastolic dysfunction that was suggestive of restrictive pattern. The incidence of pulmonary hypertension in SCD was 22% with positive correlation between serum level of ferritin, pro BNP and the development of pulmonary hypertension. Keywords: Sickle Cell Anemia, Tissue Doppler, Bahrain.
Use of Bovine Blood Powder in Bakery Products
Authors: Padilha Alci Léia Dalmônico , Lopes Toni Jefferson , Quadri Mara Gabriela Novy
Published: May 2014

The bovine blood consists in considerable source of nutrients, amongst which iron and proteins meet themselves. The objective of the present work was to consider the use of the bovine blood in the feeding human being processed it as bovine blood in dust. Two bakery products were prepared with formulations with bovine blood powder and acceptance was tested by sensory analysis with numerical hedonic scale. The sorption isotherms of humidity had indicated that the temperature doesn't possess significant effect on the isotherms, having thus made possible the attainment of an only equation for the variation of humidity of the product in the studied band. The life-of-shelf of the bovine blood in dust was esteem for different conditions film thickness (25 and 100 µm) , relative humidity (80 and 90%) and temperature (4 – 35 °C). 38 °C and 90% UR, the aluminium leaf packing were only presented adequate for the storage, with life-of-shelf of 13 months. The results how much to the acceptance of the bread and the enriched cake of chocolate with bovine blood in dust they had been excellent.. For the sample of cake, the frequency of responses regarding level of 10 hedonic scale was 92.3% for all attributes. And for the bread more than half of the responses were also allocated at level 10 scale (58.50% for appearance, 52.84 % for color, 56.60 % for the aroma, the taste for 58.50% and 84.91 % for texture).

 

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.14685/rebrapa.v4i2.130
Experimental Group Behavior of Grouted Deep Foundations
Authors: Thiyyakkandi Sudheesh , McVay Michael , Lai Peter
Published: May 2014

Post-grouting of deep foundations following installation is a proven technique for enhancing axial resistance. The grouting is performed either below the tip of the foundation only (e.g., post-tip-grouted drilled shafts) or at both the side and the tip (e.g., jetted, side, and tip-grouted precast piles). The interaction of such foundations in group placement is currently unknown. This research focused on the group behavior of post-tip-grouted drilled shafts and jetted, side, and tip-grouted piles at a center-to-center spacing of three times the pile/shaft diameter. The study revealed that the post-tip-grouted drilled shafts acted independently within the group (i.e., negligible group interaction), whereas jetted, side, and tip-grouted piles behaved as a block under axial loading. It was determined that side grouting of a foundation prior to tip grouting significantly increases the grout pressure developed during tip grouting and helps in the formation of a tip grout bulb via a spherical cavity expansion process. Thus, the side and tip grouting of adjacent foundations within a group increases the confining stress and relative density of the soil mass within the group, resulting in block behavior under top-down loading. In contrast, tip-only grouted foundations showed little if any increase in radial stress and radial soil displacement, resulting in minimal improvement of the soil stiffness between shafts; as a result there was no block behavior and a negligible group effect at the tip.
Modeling Soil Specific Surface Area with Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Ismeik Muhannad , Al-Rawi Orabi
Published: May 2014

This study presents artificial neural network (ANN) models to estimate the specific surface area of fine-grained soils as an alternative to sophisticated laboratory procedures. Geotechnical properties of 206 soils were measured experimentally based on ASTM standards. Soil input parameters used in database development were particle size at 10 %, 30 %, and 60 % finer, coefficient of curvature, coefficient of uniformity, percentage of silts and clays, percentage of soil passing sieve No. 200, fineness modulus, liquid limit, plastic limit, plasticity index, and activity. This data was used to train, test, and develop ANN models based on the backpropagation algorithm. Performance of ANN estimation was reliable when comparing the predictions with target outputs. Results indicated that the suggested ANN models exhibited excellent fit of the data as measured by the coefficient of determination and mean-square-error values. Thus, the developed ANN models could be used as a simple prediction tool to estimate soil-specific surface area reliably and efficiently as a rapid inexpensive substitute for cumbersome laboratory techniques.
The Role of Dbf4-Dependent Protein Kinase in DNA Polymerase ζ-Dependent Mutagenesis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Brandão Luis N , Ferguson Rebecca , Santoro Irma , Jinks-Robertson Sue , Sclafani Robert A
Published: May 2014

The yeast Dbf4-dependent kinase (DDK) (composed of Dbf4 and Cdc7 subunits) is an essential, conserved Ser/Thr protein kinase that regulates multiple processes in the cell, including DNA replication, recombination and induced mutagenesis. Only DDK substrates important for replication and recombination have been identified. Consequently, the mechanism by which DDK regulates mutagenesis is unknown. The yeast mcm5-bob1 mutation that bypasses DDK’s essential role in DNA replication was used here to examine whether loss of DDK affects spontaneous as well as induced mutagenesis. Using the sensitive lys2ΔA746 frameshift reversion assay, we show DDK is required to generate “complex” spontaneous mutations, which are a hallmark of the Polζ translesion synthesis DNA polymerase. DDK co-immunoprecipitated with the Rev7 regulatory, but not with the Rev3 polymerase subunit of Polζ. Conversely, Rev7 bound mainly to the Cdc7 kinase subunit and not to Dbf4. The Rev7 subunit of Polζ may be regulated by DDK phosphorylation as immunoprecipitates of yeast Cdc7 and also recombinant Xenopus DDK phosphorylated GST-Rev7 in vitro. In addition to promoting Polζ-dependent mutagenesis, DDK was also important for generating Polζ-independent large deletions that revert the lys2ΔA746 allele. The decrease in large deletions observed in the absence of DDK likely results from an increase in the rate of replication fork restart after an encounter with spontaneous DNA damage. Finally, nonepistatic, additive/synergistic UV sensitivity was observed in cdc7Δ pol32Δ and cdc7Δ pol30-K127R,K164R double mutants, suggesting that DDK may regulate Rev7 protein during postreplication “gap filling” rather than during “polymerase switching” by ubiquitinated and sumoylated modified Pol30 (PCNA) and Pol32.
Nem tapintható emlődaganatok műtéti kezelésével szerzett tapasztalataink
Authors: Farsang Zoltán , Nagygyörgy Ádám , Horváth László , Baranyák Zsuzsanna , Forrai Gábor , Riedl Erika , Cserepes Éva , Benedek Adrienne , Bakity Boldizsár
Published: May 2014

Absztrakt

Az emlődiagnosztika fejlődése, a szűrővizsgálatok elterjedése miatt egyre gyakrabban kerülnek felfedezésre nem tapintható emlődaganatok. Az elmúlt öt évben 830 emlőműtét kapcsán szerzett tapasztalatainkról számolunk be. A praeoperativ pontos diagnosztika (mammographia, emlő-ultrahangvizsgálat, MRI, aspiratiós cytologia, core-biopsia, vacuumasszisztált core-biopsia) során igazolt emlődaganat, valamint malignitásgyanú (microcalcificatio, szerkezeti torzulás) miatt végzett műtétek során az előzetes jelölés utáni excisio kiemelkedő jelentőségűvé vált. Retrospektív feldolgozás során megállapítottuk, hogy az emlőműtétek 36,9%-a ma már úgynevezett nem tapintható elváltozás miatt történik. A nem tapintható elváltozások esetén is törekszünk pontos praeoperativ hisztológiai mintavétel elvégzésére, amely segíti a korrekt műtéti terv felállítását. Anyagunkban nem tapintható elváltozás esetén az elváltozások 78%-ában sikerült biztos szövettani diagnózishoz jutni. Vacuumasszisztált core-biopsia megjelenésével kevesebb lett az indeterminált képletek miatti sebészeti beavatkozás. Várhatóan a később benignusnak bizonyuló elváltozások miatt elvégzett excisiók száma további csökkenést fog mutatni. A resectiós szélek intraoperativ radiológiai vizsgálata segíti a definitív műtét végzését. Specimen-mammographia, specimen-ultrahangvizsgálat a mindennapi gyakorlatunk részét képezi. Végleges szövettani vizsgálat után kiemelkedő jelentőségű a megfelelő ép resectiós szél megléte, amelynek hiánya esetén reexcisiót, szükség esetén a műtét kiterjesztését tartjuk indokoltnak. A sebészi resectiós szél elégtelensége miatt mintegy 5,5%-ban végeztünk reoperációt. T1 tumorméret esetén, illetve a T2 tumornagyságú esetek nagy részében sentinelnyirokcsomó-vizsgálatot végzünk, hogy a felesleges axillaris blokkdissectiót elkerüljük.
Colorectalis daganatok miatt végzett acut műtétek után észlelt szövődmények elemzése. Egy szemléletváltás hatása
Authors: Kári Dániel , Korsós Diána , Kecskédi Bence , Lovay Zoltán , Ecsedy Gábor , Lontai Péter , Ender Ferenc , Vörös Attila
Published: May 2014

Absztrakt

A tanulmány célja a colorectalis carcinomák (CRC) miatti acut műtétek eredményeinek javítása. A szerzők a 2004–2006, majd a 2007–2011 közötti időszak eredményeit elemezték. Azokat az eseteket vizsgálták, ahol a CRC diagnózisa korábban nem volt ismert, csak az acut felvétel, illetve az urgens műtét kapcsán derült ki. Egyéb kizárási kritériumok nem voltak. A vizsgált főbb végpontok: varratelégtelenség, postoperativ mortalitás, resecabilitas. A populáció morbiditási mutatóinak és az acut műtétre kerülő betegek általános állapotának meghatározása céljából az ASA-osztályozást és TNM-besorolást is vizsgálták. 2007-ben, az előzőleg szerzett tapasztalatok és eredmények alapján, változtattak kezelési stratégiájukon. Ezt követően az anastomosiselégtelenség aránya tizedére és a mortalitás 5%-kal csökkent. Acut felvételek esetén a gyors kivizsgálás és lehetőség szerint minél alaposabb előkészítés csökkentheti a műtéti szövődmények és halálozás arányát. Törekedni kell arra, hogy a CRC-betegek minél korábban, még a heveny szövődmények kialakulása előtt kerüljenek műtétre.
The Effect of Ga Content on the Recombination Behavior of Grain Boundaries in Cu(In,Ga)Se2 Solar Cells
Authors: Guthrey Harvey , Contreras Miguel , Al-Jassim Mowafak
Published: May 2014

The highest efficiency CuIn1-xGaxSe2 (CIGS) based solar cells have been produced from films with x∼0.3 which gives a value of Eg around 1.1-1.2eV. Increasing the Ga content of the CIGS absorber provides an increase in Voc, allows tuning of the band gap that can enhance performance under actual operating conditions, and potentially makes it possible to use CIGS films in multi-junction devices. However, champion cells have not yet been produced for values of x significantly greater than 0.3. This work focuses on how increased Ga content in CIGS films affects the recombination behavior of grain boundaries. Cathodoluminescence spectral imaging (CLSI) measurements on fully processed devices allow us to compare device properties with recombination behavior and optical properties of grain boundaries in films with different Ga content. Our data suggests that grain boundaries in high efficiency films with x∼0.3 exhibit a significant red shift in the CL spectra whereas grain boundaries in films with higher Ga content typically show either a small shift or none at all. This shift indicates band bending near the boundaries which could enhance charge separation and subsequent collection of carriers generated near grain boundaries. This is investigated statistically to identify trends in different regions of the films.
Evaluation of Atmospheric Corrosion of Two Bells from Campeche´s Cultural Heritage
Authors: Mendoza-Cruz L. H. , Reyes Trujeque J. , Pérez López T. , Arano Recio D. , Quintana Owen P. , Orozco Cruz R.
Published: May 2014

In this study electrochemical and surface analysis were carried out in order to provide preliminary information to diagnose the state of conservation of two bronze bells from two Colonial religious building from San Francisco de Campeche City: The Cathedral of Nuestra Señora de la Purísima Concepción and the Ex-temple of San José. Small corroded bronze samples were retired from each bell and analyzed by using optical microscopy in order to observe the distribution of the oxides over metal surface. Complementary XRD analysis was used to identify crystalline phases formed as a consequence of bells interaction with the urban tropical environment of this city. Electrochemical techniques such as linear polarization resistance (Rp) and potentiodynamic curve (CP) were conducted “in situ” in order to evaluate the behavior of bell bronze patinas under the action of two artificial solutions that recreate typical electrolyte formed over corroded metal surfaces in urban environments.
Characterization and Evaluation of Salty Cleaning Compounds Study in Historic Objects made of Copper Alloys from the “El Tejas” Shipwreck
Authors: Arano Diana E. , Espinosa Yolanda , Barba Helena , Ruvalcaba José L. , González-Sánchez Jorge A.
Published: May 2014

Recent discoveries have shown the presence of several shipwrecks and historical pieces submerged in the seacoast of the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico. Within these remains, it is common to found objects manufactured in copper alloys that were part of the construction system of the vessel. For the present study, different surface analysis techniques were applied to tubular copper alloy objects collected in the wreck “El Tejas”. The metallographic study allowed us to know not only the microstructure but also features over its manufacturing technique, as an example of nineteenth-century handmade production. SEM, EDX and XRF techniques allowed us know the elemental composition and establish the mechanisms of degradation of the different copper alloys in the seabed and evaluated a preservation method that consist on removing chlorine compounds by cleaning with pressure steam of distilled water.
Benefit of Piezoosteotomy in Cranioplasties for Craniosynostosis Correction versus Conventional Saw-and-Chisel Osteotomy: A Pilot Study
Authors: Landes Constantin , Vatter Hartmut , Marquardt Gerhard , Tran Andreas , Quo Florian , Brand Jörg , Meininger Dirk , Herrmann Eva , Sader Robert
Published: May 2014

Objective

Pilot study evaluation of the benefit of piezoosteotomy in cranioplasty of craniosynostoses, based on clinical data.

Design

Retrospective case-control study.

Setting

Universitarian institution.

Patients

Craniosynostosis patients (n = 19) operated upon conventionally with a craniotome and microsaw versus 19 patients operated upon with a piezoosteotomy and a craniotome.

Intervention

Piezoosteotomy of the supraorbital “bandeau” and osteotomies on part of the parietal and occipital regions versus conventional saw-and-chisel osteotomy.

Main Outcome Measures

Perioperative age, weight, laboratory parameters, transfusion and infusion requirements, operation time, and blood loss.

Results

The intraoperative erythrocyte concentrate transfusion and noncolloidal infusions were comparable ( P = .15; P = .56). The fresh frozen plasma transfusion was significantly higher ( P = .03); possibly, the anesthesiologist's reaction was secondary to the higher irrigation-fluid accumulation in the aspiration bag during piezoosteotomy. The postoperative erythrocyte concentrate transfusion rate was significantly lower ( P = .01) as a result of local hemostasis in piezoosteotomy. The fresh frozen plasma transfusion and noncolloidal infusion volumes were nonsignificantly lower ( P = .27; P = .85). Operation time was slightly shorter with a smaller standard deviation ( P = .09), due to a lower rate of dural lacerations and consecutive repair; patients in the study group were on the intensive care unit half a day less ( P = .73) than those in the control group. C-reactive protein was significantly lower preoperatively ( P = .00) and on the operation day ( P = .01) and nonsignificant postoperatively ( P = .81); hematocrit was postoperatively higher ( P = .23). Thrombocytes were preoperatively lower and postoperatively higher, both nonsignificant ( P = .29; P = .52).

Conclusions

Piezoosteotomy appears to be less traumatic than conventional saw-and-chisel osteotomy by the evaluated parameters. The main study limitation is its nonrandomized retrospective design; results should be confirmed by a randomized controlled trial.
MEMS accelerometers for measuring dynamic penetration events in geotechnical centrifuge tests
Authors: O'Loughlin Conleth D. , Gaudin Christophe , Morton John P. , White David J.
Published: May 2014

Micro-electro mechanical system (MEMS) accelerometers are small, inexpensive sensors that have only recently been used in geotechnical centrifuge tests. This is unlike piezoelectric accelerometers, which are by comparison large and expensive but have been used extensively in geotechnical centrifuge tests over the past couple of decades. This paper examines the response of a single-axis ±500g MEMS accelerometer under both static and dynamic conditions in a centrifuge environment. The potential for MEMS accelerometers to be used to measure the depth of objects buried in soil is examined and the achievable resolution is discussed. Unlike piezoelectric accelerometers, which only measure changes in acceleration, MEMS accelerometers can measure both constant and changing accelerations. The merit of this feature is demonstrated through tests in which MEMS and piezoelectric accelerometers are embedded within a dynamically installed model anchor. The MEMS accelerometer is capable of measuring accelerations during both the free-fall phase and the soil embedment phase, whereas the piezoelectric accelerometer is only able to measure the changing accelerations that dominate during the soil embedment phase. Velocity profiles derived from numerical integration of the MEMS accelerations give mudline anchor velocities that agree with independent measurements and anchor embedment depths that agree with direct measurements.
Alfalfa Pasture Bloat Can Be Eliminated by Intermixing with Newly‐Developed Sainfoin Population
Authors: Sottie E. T. , Acharya S. N. , McAllister T. , Thomas J. , Wang Y. , Iwaasa A.
Published: May 2014

Pasture bloat is a major deterrent to the grazing of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) pastures by ruminants, despite the high growth rates that are obtainable. Sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia Scop.), a condensed tannin‐containing legume, is known to reduce alfalfa pasture bloat in mixed stands. Experiments were conducted in 2010 to 2012 at Lethbridge, AB, using two sainfoin/cultivar AC Blue J alfalfa mixed pastures originally seeded as 50:50 mixes in 2008 and rotationally grazed by steers (Bos taurus). New sainfoin population cultivar LRC‐3519 specifically selected for improved performance under a multi‐cut system, persisted better (29% of total herbage dry matter [DM]) compared to cultivar Nova (5%) after two cycles of rotational grazing in each year. Bloat incidence and severity in steers were reduced (P < 0.001) by 98% in LRC‐3519 mixed stands compared to Nova mixtures when Angus steers grazed sainfoin/alfalfa mixed pastures under conditions for maximizing bloat occurrence. In a separate crop preference study during 2011–2012, eight steers were randomly paired and assigned to four alfalfa and sainfoin strip pastures to determine DM utilization and time spent grazing the two forages. Steers spent more time (55%) in alfalfa strips compared to sainfoin and grazed more (P < 0.05) alfalfa (2048 kg DM) than sainfoin (1164 kg DM). In spite of higher preference for alfalfa, a high proportion of new sainfoin in mixed alfalfa stands reduced risk of bloat substantially in cattle grazing mixed alfalfa/sainfoin pasture.
Are Reactive Rock Phosphate and Superphosphate Mixtures Suitable for No‐Till Soybean?
Authors: Rosolem Ciro Antonio , Almeida Danilo Silva
Published: May 2014

Several studies showed that rock phosphate efficiency may be increased when this fertilizer is mixed with soluble phosphates such as triple superphosphate (TSP), but most of these findings were obtained after 1 yr under conventional tillage. This study examined soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] response to mixtures of Arad reactive rock phosphate (RRP) and TSP as affected by previous P fertilization. Plots received no fertilization and TSP or RRP broadcast on soil surface at a rate of 35 kg ha−1 of P in the first year. Mixtures containing 0, 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100% of RRP were then applied to soybean seed furrows at 35 kg ha−1 of P for 3 yr. Soybean responded to broadcast TSP from the first year on, while broadcast RRP increased available soil P, soybean leaf P content and yields from the second year on. Soybean responses to an increase of TSP in the mixture was linear, except for the third year, when the mixture of 40% RRP resulted in similar yields as TSP. The mixture of RRP with TSP applied to seed furrows did not produce similar soybean yields as those obtained with TSP applied alone in the first 2 yr. Combining rock phosphate and soluble phosphate to substitute for soluble phosphate is not a viable option for no‐tilled soybean, because the efficiency of this fertilizer is relatively low and it does not increase when mixed with TSP.