bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Removal of adhesive wound dressing and its effects on the stratum corneum of the skin: comparison of eight different adhesive wound dressings
Authors: Matsumura Hajime , Imai Ryutaro , Ahmatjan Niyaz , Ida Yukiko , Gondo Masahide , Shibata Dai , Wanatabe Katsueki
Published: August 2012

In recent years, adhesive wound dressings have been increasingly applied postoperatively because of their ease of use as they can be kept in place without having to cut and apply surgical tapes and they can cover a wound securely. However, if a wound dressing strongly adheres to the wound, a large amount of stratum corneum is removed from the newly formed epithelium or healthy periwound skin. Various types of adhesives are used on adhesive wound dressings and the extent of skin damage depends on how much an adhesive sticks to the wound or skin surface. We quantitatively determined and compared the amount of stratum corneum removed by eight different wound dressings including polyurethane foam using acrylic adhesive, silicone‐based adhesive dressing, composite hydrocolloid and self‐adhesive polyurethane foam in healthy volunteers. The results showed that wound dressings with silicone adhesive and self‐adhesive polyurethane foam removed less stratum corneum, whereas composite hydrocolloid and polyurethane foam using acrylic adhesive removed more stratum corneum.
Effectiveness of orientation tour on children's anxiety before elective surgeries
Authors: KARIMI Rogaieh , FADAIY Zeinab , NIKBAKHT NASRABADI Ali , GODARZI Zahra , MEHRAN A.
Published: August 2012

Aim:  The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of an orientated tour in reduction of children's anxiety before elective surgeries. Anxiety is a common emotional reaction following surgical experience among children that can result in increasing postoperative pain, increasing analgesic use.

Methods:  The study was a blinded clinical trial; 70 children were randomized into two groups (intervention and control). All children received standard preoperative care, while those in the intervention group also received an orientated tour with their mother of the operation room the night before the surgery was carried out. The children's anxiety was assessed by the “Child Drawing: Hospital” instrument and vital signs measured before and after intervention in both groups. Data were analyzed with SPSS ver. 11.5 software.

Results:  Anxiety decreased in the intervention group following implementation of the orientated tour (P = 0.024). Following the orientated tour in the intervention group, respiration rate (P < 0.000) and blood pressure (P < 0.001 systolic and diastolic) were significantly reduced, while heart rate and body temperature were not significantly different to pre‐intervention. Comparison changes of vital signs following the orientated tour between the two groups was not significant.

Conclusion:  Implementation of an orientated tour of the preoperative room can decrease anxiety levels in children before elective surgeries, but it has no clinical effect on vital signs.
Fermentative quality of purple rice (Oryza sativa L.) silage and its effects on digestibility, ruminal fermentation and oxidative status markers in sheep: A preliminary study
Authors: Hosoda Kenji , Matsuo Morinobu , Miyaji Makoto , Matsuyama Hiroki , Maeda Hideo , Ohta Hisatoshi , Kato Hiroshi , Nonaka Kazuhisa
Published: August 2012

Some anthocyanins have been reported to exhibit antioxidant activity and to enhance antioxidant enzyme activity. The aim of this study was to determine the fermentative quality of purple rice, which is abundant in anthocyanin, and its effects on digestibility, ruminal fermentation and oxidative status markers in sheep. The whole crop silages of purple and control rice were prepared in drum silos after the materials were chopped and lactic acid bacteria was inoculated. These were followed by a feeding trial using eight wethers in a 2 × 2 crossover design. Both the purple and control rice silages showed excellent fermentative qualities. Although the purple rice silage contained abundant anthocyanin, it had inadequate nutritional values in comparison to the control rice silage, including higher levels of fiber fractions, lower nutrient digestibility and lower production of ruminal volatile fatty acids. The feeding of the purple rice silages led to an elevation in plasma activity of superoxide dismutase, which is an important antioxidant enzyme. The results of this study suggest that purple rice may become a source of anthocyanin to improve oxidative status in ruminants. To achieve that, however, a new variety of purple rice with good nutritional value is needed for practical use as a ruminant feed.
Possible Negative Effect of General Flowering on Tree Growth and Aboveground Biomass Increment in a Bornean Tropical Rain Forest
Authors: Nakagawa Michiko , Matsushita Michinari , Kurokawa Hiroko , Samejima Hiromitsu , Takeuchi Yayoi , Aiba Masahiro , Katayama Ayumi , Tokumoto Yuji , Kume Tomonori , Yoshifuji Natsuko , Kuraji Koichiro , Nagamasu Hidetoshi , Sakai Shoko , Nakashizuka Tohru
Published: August 2012

We tested the effect of general flowering (GF), community‐wide masting, and drought stress on current‐year tree diameter growth and aboveground biomass increment (ABI). General flowering but not drought had a marginally significant negative effect on tree growth and ABI at the community level. Analyses of dominant species clarified this pattern.
A Geographic Mosaic of Plant–Pollinator Interactions in the Eastern Caribbean Islands
Authors: Gowda Vinita , Kress W. John
Published: August 2012

The interplay between generalized and specialized plant–animal interactions is a core concept in understanding the evolution of mutualisms. Within theEasternCaribbean,Heliconia bihaiis a dominant forest species in the southern island ofSt.Vincent whereH. caribaeais virtually absent.Heliconia caribaeais most common on the northern island ofSt.Kitts whereH. bihaiis restricted to the tops of the highest peaks. Both species are abundant on the central island ofDominica. We compared flowering patterns, nectar characteristics, and visitation frequency of hummingbirds in the two heliconias on the three islands to determine the extent of geographic variations in this plant–pollinator mutualism. The peak flowering season of the two heliconias was observed to be inApril–May on all three islands with little within‐ and between‐island variations. Nectar production significantly varied between species and between islands. Visitation patterns by the principal hummingbird pollinators also varied between the islands: (1) onDominica, only females of a single species of hummingbird pollinated the flowers ofH. bihai(sexual specialization), whereas both sexes of the same hummingbird pollinated the flowers ofH. caribaea(species specialization); (2) onSt.Vincent, both sexes of the same hummingbird pollinated the flowers ofH. bihai(species specialization); and (3) onSt.Kitts, only females pollinated the flowers ofH. bihai(sexual specialization), whereas several species of hummingbird visited the flowers ofH. caribaea(species generalization). We propose that theHeliconia–hummingbird interactions in theEasternCaribbean represent a geographically variable coevolutionary mosaic of plant–pollinator interactions.
Effect of Renin‐Angiotensin System Inhibitor on Residual Glomerular Filtration Rate in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Itoh Yoko , Fujikawa Tetsuya , Toya Yoshiyuki , Mitsuhashi Hiroshi , Kobayashi Naoyuki , Ohnishi Toshimasa , Tamura Kouichi , Hirawa Nobuhito , Yasuda Gen , Umemura Satoshi
Published: August 2012

Residual renal function preservation in patients with renal failure has been shown to be related to better outcomes not only in the pre‐dialysis phase but also after hemodialysis initiation. However, the effect of factors such as antihypertensive agents on residual renal function preservation has not been investigated adequately in prevalent hemodialysis patients. This study examined factors related to the rate of residual renal function preservation in 1‐year hemodialysis patients who had residual renal function. We enrolled 191 consecutive maintenance hemodialysis patients who underwent hemodialysis for 1 year and maintained a urine output of more than 200 mL/day, to assess residual renal function loss. The rate of residual renal function loss was 19.9%. Multivariate analysis using residual renal function as the dependent variable revealed significant independent relationships with renin‐angiotensin system inhibitor use (hazard ratio, 0.438; P = 0.027), history of cardiovascular disease (hazard ratio, 2.475; P = 0.024), and rate of weight gain between dialysis sessions (hazard ratio, 1.348; P = 0.013). No relationship was observed with calcium channel blocker use. Renin‐angiotensin system inhibitor use, rate of body weight gain between dialysis sessions, and cardiovascular diseases are independently associated with residual renal function preservation in patients with residual renal function after 1 year of hemodialysis. A further intervention study is required to investigate whether treatment with renin‐angiotensin system inhibitors and suppression of body weight gain preserves residual renal function for a longer time in hemodialysis patients.
CONSUMER PREFERENCE FOR TACTILE SOFTNESS: A QUESTION OF AFFECT INTENSITY?
Authors: KERGOAT MARINE , GIBOREAU AGNÈS , NICOD HUGUETTE , FAYE PAULINE , DIAZ EMMANUELLE , BEETSCHEN MARIE‐AGNÈS , MEYER THIERRY
Published: August 2012

Previous studies have shown that consumers with higher affect intensity expressed stronger preferences for softer car seat fabrics (Kergoat et al.). The present research aims to consolidate and expand these results. Across two studies, we attempt to determine whether the intensity of affect (as measured by the affect intensity measure; Larsen) is a more general construct involved in soft textile preferences. Through the evaluation of two product categories (car seat fabrics and washed‐shirt fabrics) and the manipulation of product sensory attributes, we were able to establish that affect intensity components (positive intensity and negative reactivity) play a role in soft textile preferences, independent of the product category. The highest predictive value of particular affect intensity components for softness preference is discussed in line with the multidimensional approach of the affect intensity construct (Bryant et al.).

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

This research highlights the significance of one emotional individual difference dimension (affect intensity) accounting for consumer tactile sensory preferences. Practically, it offers a way to characterize clusters of heterogeneous tactile sensory preferences observed in consumer tests. Furthermore, it represents a step in the understanding of underlying processes involved in soft tactile sensory preferences. We can assume these implications are not limited to the sense of touch and/or non‐food products. As a general emotional variable, the affect intensity construct must play a role in various blind sensory evaluation settings and be a significant tool for a typology of consumers.
DESCRIPTIVE ANALYSIS OF CARBONATED REGULAR AND DIET LEMON‐LIME BEVERAGES
Authors: LEKSRISOMPONG P.P. , LOPETCHARAT K. , GUTHRIE B. , DRAKE M.A.
Published: August 2012

A lexicon for lemon‐lime carbonated beverages (regular and diet) was developed to understand the flavor and mouthfeel attributes of lemon‐lime beverages. Descriptive analysis of 18 carbonated lemon‐lime or citrus beverages was performed by a highly trained panel. Analysis of variance and principle component analysis were used to interpret results. Key differentiating attributes of beverages were mouthfeel attributes (carbonation, bite, burn, numbing, after‐numbing, slipperiness, tongue heaviness), basic tastes (sour aftertaste, sour, bitter, bitter aftertaste, other aftertaste, metallic aftertaste) and aromatics (overall aroma, cooked lime/lemon, lemon candy). Beverages were distinguished based on category (sparkling or soda), sweetening systems (diet versus regular) and brand. Beverages in the soda category were characterized by high bite, burn, numbing, carbonation and after‐numb, whereas beverages in the sparkling beverage category were characterized by slipperiness, overall aroma, cooked lemon/lime, sour taste and sour aftertaste. Diet beverages were characterized by bitter, bitter aftertaste, metallic aftertaste and other aftertaste, while regular beverages were characterized by tongue heaviness and lemon candy. The developed lexicon allowed for documentation of multimodal sensory perceptions generated by carbonated beverages.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

The development of a comprehensive lexicon for carbonated lemon‐lime beverages descriptive analysis allows a precise documentation of sensory properties of the complex system of lemon‐lime‐flavored carbonated beverages. These results will further enable the study of the effects of other ingredients such as stabilizers, flavoring systems and natural nonnutritive sweeteners on the sensory perception of beverages. Development of low caloric lemon‐lime carbonated beverages that maintain similar flavor profile and mouthfeel attributes of regular beverages is challenging and can be assisted when the impact of ingredients on the sensory perception on the whole scope of the beverage system is understood.
Types, Outcome and Risk Factors of Stroke in Tribal Patients
Authors: Singh Jittendra K. , Ranjan Piyush , Kumari Archana , Dahale Amol S. , Jha Rajendra , Das Ranjan
Published: August 2012

Introduction

Studies suggest that ethnicity and racial factors has an important role in the variation in epidemiology of stroke. The present study was conducted to assess the subtypes, risk factors, and outcome of stroke in the tribal community of Jharkhand state and to compare it with that in the non-tribals from the same geographical location.

Methods

We carried out a hospital-based prospective observational study at Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences-Ranchi. Patients of acute stroke, reporting to the medical outpatient department and emergency department from January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2010 were studied. Computed tomography scan was done immediately and again after 24 h to confirm the diagnosis of stroke. To compare the findings between tribal and non-tribal patients, we used chi-square test/Fisher exact test as appropriate.

Results

Of the total 1156 patients included in the study, 536 were tribals, while 620 were non-tribals. Significant differences were found in tribal stroke patients as compared with non-tribals: mean age of tribal subjects was 53·8 years (60·8 years in non-tribals); stroke in young individual was present in 25% of tribal subjects (17% in non-tribals, P = 0·01); primary intracerebral hemorrhage variety was present in 31% of tribals (18% in non-tribals, P-value < 0·001); the 28th day case fatality rate was 43% among tribal subjects (35% among non-tribals, P = 0·02). Hypertension and alcohol abuse was found to be associated with intracerebral hemorrhage in tribal subjects, although no such association was found in non-tribals.

Conclusion

Tribals have early onset, poor outcomes and higher proportion of ICH compared to non-tribals. [Correction added after online publication 7 Aug 2012: The sentence ‘Tribals have early with non-tribals.’ in the Conclusion section of the abstract was deleted.]
Pre- and Post-treatment with Cyclosporine a in a Rat Model of Transient Focal Cerebral Ischaemia with Multimodal MRI Screening
Authors: Cho Tae-Hee , Aguettaz Pierre , Campuzano Oscar , Charriaut-Marlangue Christiane , Riou Adrien , Berthezène Yves , Nighoghossian Norbert , Ovize Michel , Wiart Marlène , Chauveau Fabien
Published: August 2012

Background

Irreversible damage may occur at reperfusion after sustained cerebral ischaemia.

Aims

We investigated the value of cyclosporine A for reducing the infarct size in a model of transient middle cerebral artery occlusion.

Methods

Twenty-seven Sprague-Dawley rats sustained a middle cerebral artery occlusion of one-hour. Acute multimodal Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) was used during occlusion to confirm the success of surgery and measure baseline lesion size. Animals were randomly treated by: (i) intracarotid cyclosporine A (10 mg/kg) 20 mins before middle cerebral artery occlusion (pretreatment group); (ii) intracarotid cyclosporine A (10 mg/kg) immediately after reperfusion (post-treatment group); and (iii) intracarotid saline immediately after reperfusion.

Results

Histopathological measurements on day 1 showed a significant reduction of infarct size in the pretreatment group compared to the post-treatment (percentage values of ipsilateral hemispheres: 16 ± 5% vs. 29 ± 11%, P= 0·004) and saline groups (16 ± 5% vs. 42 ± 12%, P= 0·015). No significant difference was observed between the post-treatment and saline groups ( P = 0·065). Behavioural examinations on day 1 showed no significant difference between groups. Immunohistochemistry showed a statistically significant reduction of microglial cell count in the pretreatment group compared to either saline or cyclosporine A post-treatment groups.

Conclusions

We conclude that intracarotid cyclosporine A is effective in reducing infarct size when given prior to ischaemia, but not when administered at reperfusion.
Law and localism: the case of multiple occupancy housing
Authors: Layard Antonia
Published: August 2012

This paper investigates how planning regulation constructs the local, encapsulating a locality and prioritising local decision making over regional and national scales. It draws on a case study of the regulation of multiple occupation to make three interrelated points. First, the analysis emphasises the plurality of ‘locals’ and the interrelationships between them. Secondly, the paper explains how the juridification of the local is required to make a locality legally visible. This operationalisation and construction of the local (legally, spatially and socially) must take place before the political logic of localism, the prioritisation of local decision making over other scales of governance, can take legal effect. Thirdly, the paper explains how, once the ‘local’ is legally constructed and can make decisions, this prioritisation of apparently neutral local expertise and knowledge can act to enclose the spatial and social with sometimes powerful exclusionary and regressive effects.
Regulatory policy outputs and impacts: Exploring a complex relationship
Authors: Knill Christoph , Schulze Kai , Tosun Jale
Published: August 2012

In this article, we pursue the objective of empirically testing the extent to which changes in environmental policy outputs can explain changes in environmental impacts. Previously, systematic testing of this relationship was hampered by the lack of a compelling measurement of changes in regulatory policy outputs. To remedy this, we present a novel approach to the measurement of events of regulatory output change. We illustrate our concept by employing data on changes in clean air regulations in 24 advanced democracies from 1976 to 2003. In a next step, we explore the extent to which changes in clean air regulations can account for changes in air pollutant emissions. The empirical analysis suggests that changes in clean air regulations cannot be unconditionally associated with changing intensities of air pollutant emission. We deem these results to have far‐reaching implications for the study of regulatory policy change.
Training NIH K Award Recipients: The Role of the Mentor
Authors: Ripley Elizabeth , Markowitz Monika , Nichols‐Casebolt Ann , Williams Larry , Macrina Francis
Published: August 2012

Mentors play important roles in training new investigators. This study was designed to determine characteristics of NIH mentored K award recipients and their mentors, their interpersonal interactions, and the factors, which influence satisfaction within this relationship.

Method: A survey of 3027 NIH mentored K recipients and 1384 mentors was conducted in 2009. Nine hundred twenty‐nine (30.7%) of the K recipients and 448 (32.4%) mentors completed the survey.

Results: The gender of K respondents was evenly divided while the mentors were 72.1% male. The overall rating of their mentors was positive. Ideally, both thought the mentor should be important in research training; however, in actual practice, both rated the importance as lower. A total of 88.2% of recipients were satisfied with their relationship. Although the number of black K recipients was low, this group was more likely to be dissatisfied with the mentor relationship (6/29 or 20.7%) than their white counterparts. The frequency of meeting or communicating was correlated with K recipient satisfaction.

Conclusions: Overall K recipients are satisfied with their mentor relationships. Although the number of black K recipient respondents was small, the higher level of mentor dissatisfaction should be further evaluated. Qualities of mentors, including the frequency of interactions and accessibility, can influence satisfaction. Clin Trans Sci 2012; Volume 5: 386–393
A factorial design experiment as a pilot study for noninvasive genetic sampling
Authors: RENAN SHARON , SPEYER EDITH , SHAHAR NAAMA , GUETA TOMER , TEMPLETON ALAN R. , BAR‐DAVID SHIRLI
Published: August 2012

Noninvasive genetic sampling has increasingly been used in ecological and conservation studies during the last decade. A major part of the noninvasive genetic literature is dedicated to the search for optimal protocols, by comparing different methods of collection, preservation and extraction of DNA from noninvasive materials. However, the lack of quantitative comparisons among these studies and the possibility that different methods are optimal for different systems make it difficult to decide which protocol to use. Moreover, most studies that have compared different methods focused on a single factor – collection, preservation or extraction – while there could be interactions between these factors. We designed a factorial experiment, as a pilot study, aimed at exploring the effect of several collection, preservation and extraction methods, and the interactions between them, on the quality and amplification success of DNA obtained from Asiatic wild ass (Equus hemionus) faeces in Israel. The amplification success rates of one mitochondrial DNA and four microsatellite markers differed substantially as a function of collection, preservation and extraction methods and their interactions. The most efficient combination for our system integrated the use of swabs as a collection method with preservation at −20 °C and with the Qiagen DNA Stool Kit with modifications as the DNA extraction method. The significant interaction found between the collection, preservation methods and the extraction methods reinforces the importance of conducting a factorial design experiment, rather than examining each factor separately, as a pilot study before initiating a full‐scale noninvasive research project.
Metagenome analysis reveals yet unexplored reductive dechlorinating potential of Dehalobacter sp. E1 growing in co‐culture with Sedimentibacter sp.
Authors: Maphosa Farai , van Passel Mark W. J. , de Vos Willem M. , Smidt Hauke
Published: August 2012

The importance of Dehalobacter species in bioremediation as dedicated degraders of chlorinated organics has been well recognized. However, still little is known about Dehalobacter's full genomic repertoires, including the genes involved in dehalogenation. Here we report the first insights into the genome sequence of Dehalobacter sp. E1 that grows in strict co‐culture with Sedimentibacter sp. B4. Based on the co‐culture metagenome and the genome of strain B4 (4.2 Mbp) we estimate the genome sequence of strain E1 to be 2.6 Mbp. Ten putative reductive dehalogenase homologue (Rdh)‐encoding gene clusters were identified. One cluster has a putative tetrachloroethene Rdh‐encoding gene cluster, similar to the pceABCT operon previously identified in Dehalobacter restrictus. Metagenome analysis indicated that the inability of strain E1 to synthesize cobalamin, an essential cofactor of reductive dehalogenases, is complemented by Sedimentibacter. The metagenomic exploration described here maps the extensive dechlorinating potential of Dehalobacter, and paves way for elucidation of the interactions with its co‐cultured Sedimentibacter.
Histologic and Immunohistochemical Review of Splenic Fibrohistiocytic Nodules in Dogs
Authors: Moore A.S. , Frimberger A.E. , Sullivan N. , Moore P.F.
Published: August 2012

Background

Splenic fibrohistiocytic nodules (SFHN) are commonly diagnosed. It is suspected that these represent a heterogeneous group of malignant and nonmalignant diseases, separation of which could improve the ability of clinicians to prognosticate for dogs.

Hypothesis/Objectives

Immunohistochemistry will differentiate histologic diagnoses within the group of SFHN; survival after splenectomy is associated with those histologic types.

Animals

Thirty‐two dogs with SFHN treated by or under direction from veterinary oncologists.

Methods

Retrospective case record analysis from dogs followed from splenectomy until death. Clinical, histopathologic, and immunohistochemistry data analyzed for an association with survival time.

Results

Thirty‐two dogs had SFHN; grade 1 (2 dogs), grade 2 (9 dogs), and grade 3 (lymphoid percentage <40%; 21 dogs). Twenty‐two dogs died, 10 were censored (9 alive median of 883 days after splenectomy). Median overall survival was 387 days, and grade 3 SFHN was positively associated with survival time as previously reported (P < .001). Of 31 available samples, dogs had diseases reclassified as nodular hyperplasia (13; 8 complex, 5 lymphoid including 2 marginal zone), lymphoma (4; 2 marginal zone lymphoma, 1 high grade B‐cell lymphoma, and 1 marginal zone transitional to high grade B‐cell lymphoma), 8 stromal sarcomas, and 6 histiocytic sarcomas. Dogs with histiocytic sarcoma had worse survival (median 74 days) than dogs with other diseases.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Splenic histiocytic sarcoma is an aggressive disease; however, some dogs with stromal sarcomas had long survival times. The term SFHN is no longer warranted for this group of disorders.
Melatonin influences proliferation and differentiation of rat dental papilla cells in vitro and dentine formation in vivo by altering mitochondrial activity
Authors: Liu Jie , Zhou Hongyu , Fan Wenguo , Dong Weiguo , Fu Shenli , He Hongwen , Huang Fang
Published: August 2012

Melatonin mediates a variety of biological processes ranging from the control of circadian rhythms to immune regulation. Melatonin also influences bone formation and osteointegration of dental implants. However, the effects of melatonin on dentine formation have not been examined. This study investigated the effects of melatonin on the proliferation and differentiation of rat dental papilla cells (rDPCs) in vitro and dentine formation in vivo. We found that melatonin (0, 10−12, 10−10,10−8 m) induced a dose‐dependent reduction in rDPCs proliferation, increased alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, the expression of dentine sialoprotein (DSP), and mineralized matrix formation in vitro. In vivo melatonin (50 mg/kg, BW, i.p.) inhibited dentine formation. Melatonin (10−8 m) suppressed the activity of complex I and IV in the basal medium (OS−) and enhanced the activity of complex I and complex IV in osteogenic medium (OS+). These results demonstrate that melatonin suppresses the proliferation and promotes differentiation of rDPCs, the mechanisms of which may be related to activity of mitochondrial complex I and complex IV.
A ring of threonines in the inner vestibule of the pore of CNGA1 channels constitutes a binding site for permeating ions
Authors: Marchesi Arin , Mazzolini Monica , Torre Vincent
Published: August 2012

Key points

Cyclic nucleotide‐gated (CNG) channels are multi‐ion channels showing the anomalous mole fraction effect (AMFE) in the presence of Li+ and Cs+ mixtures.

We show that Cs+ ions at the intracellular side of the membrane block the entry of Na+ ions in a voltage dependent way.

The blockage is relieved when Thr359 and Thr360 at the intracellular entrance of the selectivity filter are replaced with an alanine. Moreover, the AMFE in the presence of intracellular mixtures of Li+ and Cs+ is abolished in T360A mutant channels.

We have identified a second binding site – composed by the ring of Thr360 at the intracellular vestibule – in the selectivity filter of CNG channels controlling monovalent cations selectivity and permeation.

These results help us understand fundamental similarities and differences between the pore of CNG channels and K+ channels.

Abstract  Cyclic nucleotide‐gated (CNG) channels and K+ channels have a significant sequence identity and are thought to share a similar 3D structure. K+ channels can accommodate simultaneously two or three permeating ions inside their pore and therefore are referred to as multi‐ion channels. Also CNGA1 channels are multi‐ion channels, as they exhibit an anomalous mole fraction effect (AMFE) in the presence of mixtures of 110 mm Li+ and Cs+ on the cytoplasmic side of the membrane. Several observations have identified the ring of Glu363 in the outer vestibule of the pore as one of the binding sites within the pore of CNGA1 channels. In the present work we identify a second binding site in the selectivity filter of CNGA1 channels controlling AMFE. Here, we show also that Cs+ ions at the intracellular side of the membrane block the entry of Na+ ions. This blockage is almost completely removed at high hyperpolarized voltages as expected if the Cs+ blocking site is located within the transmembrane electric field. Indeed, mutagenesis experiments show that the block is relieved when Thr359 and Thr360 at the intracellular entrance of the selectivity filter are replaced with an alanine. In T359A mutant channels AMFE in the presence of intracellular mixtures of Li+ and Cs+ is still present but is abolished in T360A mutant channels. These results suggest that the ring of Thr360 at the intracellular entrance of the selectivity filter forms another ion binding site in the CNGA1 channel. The two binding sites composed of the rings of Glu363 and Thr360 are not independent; in fact they mediate a powerful coupling between permeation and gating, a specific aspect of CNG channels.
Inhibition of micturition reflex by activation of somatic afferents in posterior femoral cutaneous nerve
Authors: Tai Changfeng , Shen Bing , Mally Abhijith D. , Zhang Fan , Zhao Shouguo , Wang Jicheng , Roppolo James R. , de Groat William C.
Published: August 2012

Key points

Activation of afferents in the posterior femoral cutaneous nerve (PFCN) can reflexively induce efferent firing in the pudendal nerve and pudendal afferent firing via a motor–sensory coupling.

Activation of pudendal afferent nerves can inhibit the micturition reflex, suggesting PFCN stimulation might also inhibit the micturition reflex.

This study discovered a somato‐bladder inhibitory reflex elicited by electrical or tactile stimulation of cutaneous afferents in the PFCN, but excluded the involvement of pudendal nerves.

This PFCN‐bladder inhibitory reflex could be utilized to develop new neuromodulation therapies for lower urinary tract disorders.

Abstract  This study determined if activation of somatic afferents in posterior femoral cutaneous nerve (PFCN) could modulate the micturition reflex recorded under isovolumetric conditions in α‐chloralose anaesthetized cats. PFCN stimulation inhibited reflex bladder activity and significantly (P < 0.05) increased bladder capacity during slow infusion of saline or 0.25% acetic acid (AA). The optimal frequency for PFCN stimulation‐induced bladder inhibition was between 3 and 10 Hz, and a minimal stimulation intensity of half of the threshold for inducing anal twitching was required. Bilateral pudendal nerve transection eliminated PFCN stimulation‐induced anal twitching but did not change the stimulation‐induced bladder inhibition, excluding the involvement of pudendal afferent or efferent axons in PFCN afferent inhibition. Mechanical or electrical stimulation on the skin surface in the PFCN dermatome also inhibited bladder activity. Prolonged (2 × 30 min) PFCN stimulation induced a post‐stimulation inhibition that persists for at least 2 h. This study revealed a new cutaneous‐bladder reflex activated by PFCN afferents. Although the mechanisms and physiological functions of this cutaneous‐bladder reflex need to be further studied, our data raise the possibility that stimulation of PFCN afferents might be useful clinically for the treatment of overactive bladder symptoms.
Deletion of heart‐type cytochrome c oxidase subunit 7a1 impairs skeletal muscle angiogenesis and oxidative phosphorylation
Authors: Lee Icksoo , Hüttemann Maik , Liu Jenney , Grossman Lawrence I. , Malek Moh H.
Published: August 2012

Key points

Cytochrome c oxidase (Cox) is the proposed rate‐limiting enzyme of aerobic metabolism in mammals.

This study examined a mouse model that has a heart/skeletal muscle‐specific isoform of Cox deleted and represents a mild form of mitochondrial myopathy.

The results indicated that endurance capacity was severely limited in the knockout animals compared with controls.

The observed exercise intolerance was accompanied by decreased capillarity in the hindlimb muscle as well as reduced energy production.

The results suggest that mild mitochondrial myopathy results in adverse structural and functions changes in muscle bioenergetics.

Abstract  Oxidative metabolism is needed for sustained skeletal muscle function. A key component of such metabolism is cytochrome c oxidase, the 13‐subunit terminal complex of the mitochondrial electron transport chain. We used mice null for one of the two isoforms of Cox subunit 7a, heart/skeletal muscle‐specific Cox7a1, to examine the cellular and functional responses of muscle adaptation in response to mitochondrial dysfunction. Specifically we determined if deletion of Cox7a1 would (1) limit exercise capacity, and (2) alter genes responsible for skeletal muscle capillarity and mitochondrial biogenesis. Sixteen male mice (Cox7a1 null mice, n= 8, and littermate controls, n= 8) performed incremental and run‐to‐exhaustion treadmill tests. The hindlimb muscles for both groups were analysed. The results indicated that capillary indices were reduced (by 30.7–44.9%) in the Cox7a1 null mice relative to controls. In addition, resting ATP levels and Cox specific activity were significantly reduced (>60%) in both glycolytic and oxidative muscle fibre types despite an increase in a major regulator of mitochondrial biogenesis, PGC‐1β. These changes in the skeletal muscle resulted in exercise intolerance for the Cox7a1 null mice. Thus, our data indicate that deletion of the Cox7a1 isoform results in reduced muscle bioenergetics and hindlimb capillarity, helping to explain the observed impairment of muscle structure and function.
Similarity Solution for Unsteady Free Convection From a Vertical Plate at Constant Temperature to Power Law Fluids
Authors: Abolfazli Esfahani J. , Bagherian B.
Published: August 2012

The transformation group theoretic approach is applied to perform an analysis of unsteady free convection flow over a vertical flat plate immersed in a power law fluid. The thermal boundary layer induced within a vertical semi-infinite layer of Boussinseq fluid. The system of governing partial differential equations with boundary conditions reduces to a system of ordinary differential equations with appropriate boundary conditions via two-parameter group theory. The obtained ordinary differential equations are solved numerically for velocity and temperature using the fourth order Runge-Kutta and shooting method. The effect of Prandtl number and viscosity index (n) on the thermal boundary-layer, velocity boundary-layer, local Nusselt number, and local skin-friction were studied.
Enhanced Heat Transfer in Biporous Wicks in the Thin Liquid Film Evaporation and Boiling Regimes
Authors: Ćoso Dušan , Srinivasan Vinod , Lu Ming-Chang , Chang Je-Young , Majumdar Arun
Published: August 2012

Biporous media consisting of microscale pin fins separated by microchannels are examined as candidate structures for the evaporator wick of a vapor chamber heat pipe. The structures are fabricated out of silicon using standard lithography and etching techniques. Pores which separate microscale pin fins are used to generate high capillary suction, while larger microchannels are used to reduce overall flow resistance. The heat transfer coefficient is found to depend on the area coverage of a liquid film with thickness on the order of a few microns near the meniscus of the triple phase contact line. We manipulate the area coverage and film thickness by varying the surface area-to-volume ratio through the use of microstructuring. Experiments are conducted for a heater area of 1 cm2 with the wick in a vertical orientation. Results are presented for structures with approximately same porosities, fixed microchannel widths w ≈ 30 μm and w ≈ 60 μm, and pin fin diameters ranging from d = 3–29 μm. The competing effects of increase in surface area due to microstructuring and the suppression of evaporation due to reduction in pore scale are explored. In some samples, a transition from evaporative heat transfer to nucleate boiling is observed. While it is difficult to identify when the transition occurs, one can identify regimes where evaporation dominates over nucleate boiling and vice versa. Heat transfer coefficients of 20.7 (±2.4) W/cm2-K are attained at heat fluxes of 119.6 (±4.2) W/cm2 until the wick dries out in the evaporation dominated regime. In the nucleate boiling dominated regime, heat fluxes of 277.0 (±9.7) W/cm2 can be dissipated by wicks with heaters of area 1 cm2, while heat fluxes up to 733.1 (±103.4) W/cm2 can be dissipated by wicks with smaller heaters intended to simulate local hot-spots.
Spectral Features of an Omnidirectional Narrowband Emitter
Authors: Zhang Yutao , Xuan Yimin
Published: August 2012

A microscale-structured surface consisting of heavily doped silicon rectangle grating and slotted silver layer is studied for omnidirectional narrowband emitter. Numerical simulation is implemented to obtain spectral emittance in mid-infrared region (6–16 μm) for the transverse magnetic incidence by using the rigorous coupled-wave analysis (RCWA) method. The effects of structural parameters and incident angle on its spectral emittance are investigated. In virtue of the microcavity effect, an omnidirectional narrowband emitter is proposed. By selecting a group of structural parameters, its peak emittance reaches as high as 0.998, and the peak width Δλ/λ of the emittance peak is as narrow as 0.03 at the specified wavelength. The results reveal that our proposed structured surface has the nice spectral features of angular uniformity and wavelength-selective characteristic, which can be applied to design novel narrowband thermal emitters and detectors in the infrared region.
Scaling of Thermal Positioning in Microscale and Nanoscale Bridge Structures
Authors: Maghsoudi Elham , James Martin Michael
Published: August 2012

Heat transfer in a thermally positioned doubly clamped bridge is simulated to obtain a universal scaling for the behavior of microscale and nanoscale bridge structures over a range of dimensions, materials, ambient heat transfer conditions, and heat loads. The simulations use both free molecular and continuum models to define the heat transfer coefficient, h. Two systems are compared: one doubly clamped beam with a length of 100 μm, a width of 10 μm, and a thickness of 3 μm, and a second beam with a length of 10 μm, a width of 1 μm, and a thickness of 300 nm, in the air at a pressure from 0.01 Pa to 2 MPa. The simulations are performed for three materials: crystalline silicon, silicon carbide, and chemical vapor deposition (CVD) diamond. The numerical results show that the displacement and the response of thermally positioned nanoscale devices are strongly influenced by ambient cooling. The displacement depends on the material properties, the geometry of the beam, and the heat transfer coefficient. These results can be collapsed into a single dimensionless center displacement, δ* = δk/q″αl2, which depends on the Biot number and the system geometry. The center displacement of the system increases significantly as the bridge length increases, while these variations are negligible when the bridge width and thickness change. In the free molecular model, the center displacement varies significantly with the pressure at high Biot numbers, while it does not depend on cooling gas pressure in the continuum case. The significant variation of center displacement starts at Biot number of 0.1, which occurs at gas pressure of 27 kPa in nanoscale. As the Biot number increases, the dimensionless displacement decreases. The continuum-level effects are scaled with the statistical mechanics effects. Comparison of the dimensionless displacement with the thermal vibration in the system shows that CVD diamond systems may have displacements that are at the level of the thermal noise, while silicon carbide systems will have a higher displacement ratios.
Effect of Uncertainties in Physical Properties on Entropy Generation Between Two Rotating Cylinders With Nanofluids
Authors: Mahian Omid , Mahmud Shohel , Zeinali Heris Saeed
Published: August 2012

In this paper, the effects of uncertainties in physical properties on predicting entropy generation for a steady laminar flow of Al2O3–ethylene glycol nanofluid (0≤φ≤6 %) between two concentric rotating cylinders are investigated. For this purpose, six different models by combining of three relations for thermal conductivity (Bruggeman, Hamilton–Crosser, and Yu–Choi) and two relations for dynamic viscosity (Brinkman and Maiga et al.) are applied. The governing equations with reasonable assumptions in cylindrical coordinates are simplified and solved to obtain analytical expressions for average entropy generation (NS)ave and average Bejan number (Be)ave. The results show that, when the contribution of heat transfer to entropy generation for the base fluid is dominant, a critical radius ratio (ΠC) can be determined at which all six models predict the reduction in entropy generation with increases of volume fraction of nanoparticles. It is also found that, when the contribution of viscous effects to entropy generation is adequately high for the base fluid (φ=0), all models predict the increase of entropy generation with increases of particle loading.
Schemes for and Mechanisms of Reduction in Thermal Conductivity in Nanostructured Thermoelectrics
Authors: Zhang Xiaoliang , Hu Ming , Giapis Konstantinos P. , Poulikakos Dimos
Published: August 2012

Nonequilibrium molecular dynamics (NEMD) simulations were performed to investigate schemes for enhancing the energy conversion efficiency of thermoelectric nanowires (NWs), including (1) roughening of the nanowire surface, (2) creating nanoparticle inclusions in the nanowires, and (3) coating the nanowire surface with other materials. The enhancement in energy conversion efficiency was inferred from the reduction in thermal conductivity of the nanowire, which was calculated by imposing a temperature gradient in the longitudinal direction. Compared to pristine nanowires, our simulation results show that the schemes proposed above lead to nanocomposite structures with considerably lower thermal conductivity (up to 82% reduction), implying ∼5X enhancement in the ZT coefficient. This significant effect appears to have two origins: (1) increase in phonon-boundary scattering and (2) onset of interfacial interference. The results suggest new fundamental–yet realizable ways to improve markedly the energy conversion efficiency of nanostructured thermoelectrics.
Permeability and Thermal Conductivity of Compact Adsorbent of Salts for Sorption Refrigeration
Authors: Jiang L. , Wang L. W. , Jin Z. Q. , Tian B. , Wang R. Z.
Published: August 2012

Properties, such as thermal conductivity and permeability, are important for the heat and mass transfer performance in sorption refrigeration. This Technical Brief investigates the thermal conductivity and permeability of eight types of chlorides, which are consolidated with expanded natural graphite (ENG) for the heat transfer intensification.
Performance Evaluation of a Novel Film-Cooling Hole
Authors: Lee Ki-Don , Kim Kwang-Yong
Published: August 2012

This paper presents a numerical investigation of the film-cooling performance of a novel film-cooling hole in comparison with a fan-shaped hole. The novel shaped hole is designed to increase the lateral spreading of coolant on the cooling surface. The film-cooling performance of the novel shaped hole is evaluated at a density ratio of 1.75 and the range of the blowing ratio of 0.5–2.5. The simulations were performed using three-dimensional Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes analysis with the SST k-ω model. The numerical results for the fan-shaped hole show very good agreement with the experimental data. For the blowing ratio of 0.5, the novel shaped film-cooling hole shows a similar cooling performance as the fan-shaped hole. However, as the blowing ratio increases, the novel shaped hole shows greatly improved lateral spreading of the coolant and the cooling performance in terms of the film-cooling effectiveness in comparison with the fan-shaped hole.
Hydrodynamic and Thermal Characteristics of Combined Electroosmotic and Pressure Driven Flow in a Microannulus
Authors: Yavari Hadi , Sadeghi Arman , Hassan Saidi Mohammad
Published: August 2012

The present study considers both the hydrodynamic and thermal characteristics of combined electroosmotic and pressure driven flow in a microannulus. Analytical solutions are presented using the Debye–Hückel linearization along with the uniform Joule heating and negligible viscous dissipation assumptions, whereas exact results are achieved numerically. Here, the range of validity for the Debye–Hückel linearization is found to be about two times of that for a parallel plate microchannel. Accordingly, this linearization may successfully be used to evaluate the potential and velocity distributions up to the zeta potentials of 100 mV, provided that the dimensionless Debye–Hückel parameter is above 10; nevertheless, the calculated wall shear stresses may be significantly different from the exact ones, even for lower zeta potentials. The viscous heating effects are found to be limited to low values of the dimensionless Debye–Hückel parameter. These effects are pronounced in the presence of a favorable pressure gradient, whereas the opposite is true for an opposed pressure gradient. Furthermore, the influence of increasing the annular geometry parameter, that is the inner to outer radii ratio, generally is to decrease both the inner and outer Nusselt numbers. It is also revealed that the pressure effects vanish at higher values of this parameter.