bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Twin pregnancy complicated with bowel strangulation
Authors: Wong Tze Fang , Imai Shunichi , Tomita Masato
Published: September 2014

A 31-year-old primigravida at 35 weeks of gestation with twins who had no prior abdominal surgical history presented with worsening nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. Initial screening ruled out obstetrical causes that may threaten the pregnancy. Twelve hours after the onset of symptoms, a transabdominal ultrasound revealed abdominal free fluid. A CT scan confirmed strangulated ileus involving the small bowels. Owing to non-reassuring fetal status in one of the twins, an emergency caesarean section and subsequent laparotomy were performed. The first twin presenting with fetal distress had to be resuscitated postdelivery but recovered uneventfully and met all developmental milestones by 3 months of age. The mother had a strangulated small bowel that had to be resected. She had an uncomplicated postsurgical course and gained full bowel function prior to discharge from the hospital.
Intraspinal hydatidosis with retroperitoneal extension: an uncommon location
Authors: Sarma Yashdeep , Nair Rajesh , Siddharth Sankalp , Kumar Vinod , Upadhyaya Sunil , Shetty Arjun
Published: September 2014

Hydatidosis is a ubiquitous disease that is endemic in India. It most commonly involves the liver (75%) and lungs (15%) with only 10% occuring in the rest of the body. Primary hydatid cyst in the spinal canal is extremely rare. Intraspinal hydatid accounts for 0.5–1% of the cases and carries a poor prognosis. It presents as a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. We present one such case of a 64-year-old man with associated radiculopathy and myelomalcia.
Durable control of locally recurrent renal cell carcinoma using stereotactic body radiotherapy
Authors: Maclean Jillian , Breau Rodney H , Scheida Nicola , Malone Shawn
Published: September 2014

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is generally poorly responsive to conventional radiation doses, and patients with inoperable local recurrence have limited therapeutic options. Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) is an increasingly available technology that allows delivery of a radiation schedule providing doses far more biologically effective against cancer cells than conventional radiotherapy. We present a case where durable disease control was achieved using SBRT in a patient with inoperable locally recurrent RCC who presented 18 years from original nephrectomy. The patient remains asymptomatic with no evidence of active disease 30 months following SBRT. This case highlights the need to reconsider the role of therapies with continuing advances in technology.
Aeration of the abdominal wall for treatment of necrotising fasciitis
Authors: Koris Jacob , Arshad Ali , Dennison Ashley
Published: September 2014

A patient diagnosed with extensive abdominal wall necrotising fasciitis from a perianal abscess was managed with a novel aeration technique using adapted 36-French tubes. A total of 14 drains were placed in the plane of the transversalis fascia after surgical debridement. The drains were left open to allow drainage of liquefactive contents and aeration of the abdominal wall tissues. An extended course of intravenous antibiotics were administered and the patient was ventilated in the intensive therapy unit. The patient was reoperated after 2 weeks, at which time the drains were removed. The patient made a full recovery, and was discharged with follow-up.
Caustics of convex curves
Authors: Gounai Hiro , Umehara Masaaki
Published: September 2014

It is well-known that the focal set (i.e. the image of the caustic) of a given convex closed curve γ admits singular points. In this paper, we classify the diffeomorphic type of focal sets of convex curves which admit at most four cusps.
Reaction mechanism and kinetic study of the•OHinitiated tropospheric oxidation of 3-methyl-2-buten-1-ol: A quantum chemical investigation
Authors: Biswas Partha
Published: September 2014

In this article a theoretical study of mechanism and kinetics of the OH -initiated oxidation reaction of 3-methyl-2-buten-1-ol (MBO-321) is presented. This degradation mechanism of MBO-321 consists of H -abstraction reaction and OH -addition to olefinic bond. In addition, probable product analysis alongwith the mechanism for secondary reactions in presence of O2and NO has been investigated. Energetics have been studied at the CCSD(T)/6-311++g(d,p)//MP2 = full/6-31+G(d) level of theory. Thermochemical analysis has been done using CBS-QB3 method starting from the geometry obtained in the MP2 method. All the H -abstraction reactions pass through positive energy barrier except H4 -abstraction channel. OH -addition to the double bond takes place via formation of the pre-reactive complex as these reaction channel pass through negative activation barrier. OH -addition is the predominant reaction pathway for the overall oxidation process. Using TST theory at 1 atm pressure and in the temperature range of 200 K–400 K, the calculated rate constant and lifetime of OH -addition is [Formula: see text] molecule-1s-1and 1.88 h, which is consistent with the previous experimental data, [Formula: see text] molecule-1s-1and 1.9 h respectively (Imamura et al., Rate coefficients for the gas phase reactions of OH radical with methylbutenols at 298 K, Int J Chem Kinet36:379–385, 2004).
3D Binder-Free N-doped Carbon /CNTs/FCP for High Electrochemical Capacitance Supercapacitor
Authors: Du Juan , Li Yahao , Fang Yan , Gao Hongquan , Yang Jianhong
Published: September 2014

The binder-free flexible carbon paper (FCP) supported mutil-wall carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were synthesized via CVD method. Subsequently, polyaniline was deposited on the surface of CNTs/FCP, which was followed by polyaniline carbonization and KOH activation to obtain nitrogen-doped (N-doped) carbon/CNTs/FCP composite. The Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope investigation indicated that N-doped carbon/ CNTs/FCP was formed after the polyaniline carbonization and KOH activation, without destroying the intrinsic CNTs structure. Compared to the pristine CNTs/FCP, of which the specific capacitance(Csp) was 5.23 F/g and 8.24 F/g in 1M H2SO4 and 0.5M KOH solution respectively, the reversible Csp of N-doped carbon/CNTs/FCP reached 193.3 F/g (1M H2SO4) and 161.0 F/g (0.5M KOH), at the current density of 1 A/g. Moreover, this 3D structure N-doped carbon/CNTs/FCP shows good hydrophility and excellent cycling performance with little capacitance loss over long term galvanostatic charge-discharge, which is a promising electrode material for supercapacitor application.
Interlaced Growth of NiCo2O4 Hierarchical Superstructures from Nanosheet Arrays as Binder-Free Electrodes
Authors: Zhou Qingwen , Wang Xiaoyan , Liu Yang , He Yongmei , Gao Yanfang , Liu Jinrong
Published: September 2014

Flower-shaped NiCo2O4 hierarchical superstructures have been synthesized via a simple hydrothermal method together with a post-annealing treatment. The single as-synthesized flower-shaped architecture is self-assembled from many nanosheets. A reasonable transformation mechanism is proposed correspondingly. Electrochemical measurements demonstrate that the active NiCo2O4 exhibits a high specific capacitance (697.2 F g-1 at 1 A g-1) with excellent rate performance (81.7% capacity retention at 20 A g-1) and cycling stability (only 6.4% loss after 3000 cycles).
A Current-Independent Constant Anode Voltage Loss Using Sm-Doped Ceria Electrolytes in SOFCs
Authors: Miyashita Tomofumi
Published: September 2014

Numerous approaches have been used to solve the transport equation that describes a solid-oxide fuel cell with mixed ionic and electronic conductors, such as Sm-doped ceria. Typically, the open circuit voltage is calculated using Wagner’s equation. By accounting for the polarization voltage losses, the open circuit voltage can be calculated. However, electrodes degrade over time, and the open circuit voltage cannot be calculated during electrode degradation because the open circuit voltage remains unchanged. The current work proposes a solution to this problem using a current-independent constant anode voltage loss. The denial of large leakage currents does not deny the Wagner-Schmalzried method when a large current-independent constant anode voltage loss occurs. Furthermore, the importance of this voltage loss is discussed.
Lithium Manganese Rich Transition Metal Oxide as Cathode Material for Lithium Ion Batteries
Authors: Lu Wenquan , Wu Qingliu , Johnson Christopher S. , Gosztola D , Maroni Victor A. , Liu Yuzi , Dees Dennis W.
Published: September 2014

Electrochemical characterization of lithium and manganese rich composite (xLi2MnO3-yLiMO2) cathode material (LMR-NMC) reveals that the Li2MnO3-derived component after initial charge process is continuously oxidized throughout the entire charge process. However, this component only makes the capacity contribution as the operating potential is below 3.6 V (vs. Li/Li+) during the discharge process. This irreversible redox reaction results into the voltage hysteresis. Structural investigation, such as by XRD confirms an irreversible charge and discharge process. In this work, the impact of cut-off voltage on the LMR-NMC performance was investigated. The voltage fading rate was lessened by lowering the cut-off voltage.
Contact Resistance at PEM-PEM Interfaces: Charged Fluid Flow between Nanochannels
Authors: Kimmerle Sven-Joachim , Ladipo Kehinde , Novruzi Arian , Berg Peter
Published: September 2014

For hydrogen fuel cells running at low temperature, a single polymer electrolyte membrane could be fabricated from several layers of ionomer, each with specific properties so as to optimize the functionality of the overall membrane. However, an ohmic resistance between interfaces of two joint polymer electrolyte membranes is observed for which a theoretical explanation is missing. In this contribution, a new model for the charged fluid flow in and between ionomer nanochannels is established and investigated numerically. Employing a statistical analysis over an ensemble of nanochannel connections, the model provides a possible explanation for this interfacial resistance.
Fabrication and Characterization of a Gd0.2Ce0.8O2−δ–Sm0.5Sr0.5CoO3-δ Composite Cathode for an Intermediate-Temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cell
Authors: Kao Wei-Xin , Lin Tai-Nan , Cheng Shih-Wei
Published: September 2014

The anode supported solid oxide fuel cell of yittria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) based electrolyte with cell structure of NiO-YSZ | YSZ | Gd0.2Ce0.8O2-δ (GDC) | GDC-Sm0.5Sr0.5CoO3
−
d (SSC), is investigated. The SEM results show that the YSZ thin film is dense and the thickness is 5 mm. The maximum power densities are 608 and 104 mWcm-2 at the temperatures of 800 and 600 oC, respectively. The cell has been operated for long term test and the results show that the anode porosity is critical for the stability of the cell performance. The results of the variation of the contact pressure between the current collectors and the cell show that its effect on the performance efficiency is intensively enhanced at the high current density region.
Ceria Diffusion and Electrical Properties on Lanthanum Doped Strontium Titanate
Authors: Yao-Ming Wang , Lin Chia-Hsin , Sheu Ching-Iuan , Hung Ying-Chang , Chang Horng-Yi
Published: September 2014

The Ce component was coated on the as-prepared La0.3Sr0.7TiO3 (LST) particles. The lattice of LST did not change with the amount of Ce-coating after 1300-1400°C sintering in air but distortion occurred for the Ce-LST sintered at the temperature of 1500°C. The Ce diffusion into LST lattice to affect the lattice distortion was also observed for sintering at 1400°C in activated carbon atmosphere. The 1.5 and 3.0 mol% Ce coatings exhibited slightly lower conductivities than LST without Ce-coating under the 95%Ar+5%H2 atmosphere. The conductivity decreased significantly when the Ce-coating was too high such as 6 mol%. The Ce-LST anode increased the power performance of half-cell compared with the LST anode without Ce-coating. A suitable Ce-coating could behave high power density of the half-cell 3.0 mol% Ce-LST/LSBC. Thus, the Ce coating on LST could enhance the electrical properties of LST/LSBC cell due to the effect of Ce species diffusion into LST structure.
Ethanol Electro-Oxidation in an Alkaline Medium Using the Nanostructured Platinum-Nickel Electrocatalysts
Authors: Tamasauskaite-Tamasiunaite Loreta , Balciunaite Aldona , Zabielaite Ausrine , Vaiciuniene Jurate , Juskenas Remigijus , Selskis Algirdas , Norkus Eugenijus
Published: September 2014

A series of Pt-Ni thin layers with different Pt loadings were deposited onto titania flat and nanotube arrayed surfaces by electroless deposition of Ni onto the mentioned surfaces and their subsequent partial displacement by Pt upon immersion into the H2PtCl6 solution. Well-adherent platinum-coated nickel films with nm-scaled particles were formed on the titania flat and nanotube arrayed surfaces. The morphology and composition of the prepared catalysts were characterized by means of FESEM, EDAX, XRD and ICP-OES. The electrochemical behavior of the prepared catalysts was examined by means of cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry. It has been determined that the prepared Pt(Ni)/TiO2-NTs and Pt(Ni)/TiO2-flat catalysts exhibited a higher electrocatalytic activity towards the electro-oxidation of ethanol as compared to that on pure Pt.
Development of New Nanostructured Au/Co/Cu and Au/CoB/Cu Catalysts and Studies of Their Catalytic Activity
Authors: Sukackiene Zita , Balciunaite Aldona , Tamasauskaite-Tamasiunaite Loreta , Pakstas Vidas , Selskis Algirdas , Norkus Eugenijus
Published: September 2014

A simple way to prepare effective catalysts with low Au loadings for the oxidation of borohydride is presented herein. Gold-cobalt and gold-cobalt-boron catalysts were deposited on the copper surface (denoted as Au/Co/Cu and Au/CoB/Cu) via the galvanic displacement technique. The morphology and composition of the fabricated catalysts have been characterized using Field-Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy, Energy Dispersive X-ray Analysis and X-ray diffraction. The electrochemical behavior of the fabricated Au/Co/Cu and Au/CoB/Cu catalysts with the different Au loadings was examined towards the oxidation of BH4
– ions in an alkaline medium by means of cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry. It has been determined that the Au/Co/Cu and Au/CoB/Cu catalysts exhibit a significantly higher electrocatalytic activity and stability towards the electrooxidation of BH4
– ions in an alkaline medium as compared to that of bare Au, Co/Cu and CoB/Cu.
Amphiphilic Block Copolymer Containing Quaternary Ammonium Cation for Anion Exchange Membrane
Authors: Li Yifan , Herring Andrew M , Knauss Daniel M
Published: September 2014

Amphiphilic block copolymers are excellent materials for potential alkaline anion exchange membrane (AAEM) application. In this study, a new synthetic pathway was investigated for copolymerization of polybutadiene-b-poly(vinylbenzyl trimethyl ammonium chloride) (PB-b-P[VBTMA][Cl]). This amphiphilic diblock copolymer synthesis first involved formation of benzyloxyamine functionalized polybutadiene by using 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-(2-bromo-1-phenylethoxy) piperidine to terminate living anionic polymerization of butadiene in cyclohexane at room temperature, and then the nitroxide-functionalized polybutadiene acted as a macroinitiator to polymerize vinylbenzyl chloride (VBC) by nitroxide mediate polymerization at 125°C in the bulk. Polybutadiene-b-pol(vinylbenzyl chloride) (PB-b-PVBC) was sequentially quaternized by trimethylamine gas in chloroform. Gel permeation chromatography (GPC) clearly showed the increase in molecular weight of PB-b-PVBC diblock copolymer, and the PB-b-PVBC was also characterized by the 1H NMR spectroscopy. Infrared spectroscopy confirmed the formation of quaternary ammonium cation. Finally, PB-b-P[VBTMA][Cl] was solvent cast in a chloroform/methanol co-solvent mixture, this solvent processability extend utility of PB-b-P[VBTMA][Cl] in AAEM application.
Preparation of Potential Protonic Conductor Yttria Doped Hafnia by Using the Modified Solid State Reaction Method
Authors: Bu Junfu , Jönsson Pär G. , Zhao Zhe
Published: September 2014

A pure and well crystalized yttrium doped hafnium oxide Hf0.69Y0.31O2-δ (YSH) is obtained by using a modified solid state reaction method, where a water-based milling medium and freeze drying are implemented to reduce the agglomeration. The mean sizes of the YSH powder, which is obtained through a traditional alcohol-based milling method, is more than 1 um. However, the powder size can be reduced to 100 nm by using the water-based milling method. In addition, the calcination temperature can be lowered 200 ℃ to get a pure phase by using the water-based milling method, compared to the alcohol-based milling method. The relative density of YSH ceramic materials can reach to 97.5% by conventional sintering at 1650 ℃ after during 10 h.
The Effect of Surface State on Electrochemical Behaviors of Iron in Slightly Alkaline Solutions
Authors: Chen Junjie , Lu Zhanpeng , Xiao Qian , Xia Xiaofeng , Xia Shuang , Yao Meiyi , Zhou Bangxin
Published: September 2014

The effect of prior cathodic polarization (PCP) treatment on the nature of the surface state and electrochemical behavior of iron in dilute bicarbonate solutions were studied. PCP treatment could cause a transition of open circuit state of iron from passive state to active dissolution state. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy for iron in test solutions at open circuit state was significantly lower after the PCP treatment. Without PCP treatment, iron was in passive state and no obvious active–passive transition could be observed on anodic polarization curves in bicarbonate solutions with sulfate ion concentration less than 0.5 mol/L. After the PCP treatment, iron was in active dissolution state, and all anodic polarization curves exhibited active-passive transition characteristics.
The Electrochemical Behavior of A508III Low Alloy Steel in Simulated Pressurized Water Reactor Primary Water Solutions
Authors: Xiao Qian , Lu Zhanpeng , Chen Junjie , Xia Xiaofeng
Published: September 2014

The corrosion and electrochemical behavior of A508III low alloy steel in boric acid solutions with or without LiOH at 25 °C and 70 °C were studied by weightloss measurements and electrochemical measurements. Depending on the solution composition and the resultant pH, A508III low alloy steel could be in active dissolution state or in passive state. These results were consistent with the potential-pH diagram. Increasing temperature or boric acid concentration of solutions accelerated the corrosion rates and electrochemical processes. Corrosion rates decreased with the addition of LiOH. Adding LiOH in H3BO3 solutions increased the current densities at relatively high anodic potentials, which had a complex effect on electrochemical impedance spectroscopy.
Influence of Static Magnetic Field on Microbiologically Induced Corrosion of Cu-Zn Alloy in SRB Culture Medium
Authors: Chen Bi , Liu Hong Wei , Wu Ya Nan , Qin Shuang , Liu Hong Fang
Published: September 2014

Sulphate-reducing bacteria (SRB) have been known as one of the key microbes in the microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) process. In the paper, the corrosion behavior of Cu-Zn alloy in SRB culture media by SRB biofilms under a 200mT static magnetic field (SMF) was investigated using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and x-ray photoelectron spectrum (XPS). The open circuit potential (OPC) was generally much more negative in the presence of SMF. After 14 days immersion, the number of SRB in biofilm with SMF were 4.5 ×103 cells/cm2 and without SMF were 1.0 ×108 cells/cm2, which showed that SMF decreased the sessile SRB and triggered SRB biofilm dispersion. SEM, EDAX and XPS demonstrated that in presence of SMF, the protect film was compact and the corrosion products were mainly Cu2O, Cu2S and very little Cu(II)X, which were very different from the corrosion products without SMF mainly Cu(II)X. The EIS of samples which were cultured in inoculated SRB media in the presence and absence of SMF were tested. At the same time, the applied SMF accumulating the compact protective products film that deposited on the surface of the Cu-Zn alloy. Thus, SMF mitigated both biofouling and MIC can be controlled.
Loss of Fine Airborne Particles Flowing through the Tubes of Different Materials
Authors: Liu Yuyu , Kamiya H , Ohuchi Azuma , Li Y Y
Published: September 2014

Long-term exposure to airborne particles may cause potential damage to human health. Until now, many monitoring instruments have been developed, but the loss of airborne particles within the measurement systems has rarely been mentioned. This work was to investigate the loss of particles (10~487nm) when they flowed through stainless, Nylon, Teflon and Tygon tubes, respectively, with carrier gas. Number concentrations of the airborne particles were observed with a Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer (SMPS). Results show that the difference of the size distribution of particles that were generated by electrically heating and flowed through stainless, Nylon and Teflon tubes was less significant, but the number concentrations were all higher than that through Tygon one. While monitoring indoor airborne particles, no significant particle loss could be observed no matter what tube we used. Tube hardness and the temperature of the carrier gas are considered to be two important factors that influence the losses of airborne particles.
Direct Borohydride Fuel Cell with Bipolar Membrane for Waste Water Treatment
Authors: Nikoleishvili Paata , Kveselava Valentina , Tsutsumia Gigla , Gorelishvili Giorgi , Kurtanidze Rusudan , Sharabidze Daviti
Published: September 2014

New original a direct borohydrid fuel cell divided by bipolar membrane with H2O2 co-generation was development. It was established that application of bipolar membrane enables to keep constant pH in catholyte within 2.5-3.2 limits, which allowed us to carry out treatment of water polluted by organic compounds in fuel cell catholyte by electro-Fenton and photo-electro-Fenton methods. The electromotive force of borohydrid fuel cell is 1.1 V. Most efficient methods was photo-electro-Fenton, which enabled to decrease COD (start COD = 500 ppm) of catholytes containing phenol, valsaren, BI-58 and valsaciper to 30, 11, 9 and 3 ppm, correspondingly after 180 min treatment. At the increase of catholyte temperature from 200C to 400C in the same period phenol COD fell to 5 ppm.
Treatment of Diluted Solutions of Methylene Blue by Adsorption Coupled with Electrochemical Regeneration: A Comparative Study of Three Adsorbants
Authors: Bouaziz Ines , Hamza Morched , Abdelhedi Ridha , Savall André , Groenen Serrano Karine
Published: September 2014

The electrochemical regeneration of methylene blue-saturated adsorbents has been assessed in this work. This study compares the performances of activated carbon, Nyex®1000 and sawdust. Isotherms of adsorption were investigated and the maximum adsorption capacity was compared. The maximum adsorption capacity obtained for MB onto the virgin sawdust reached 25 mg/g which is 11.4 times lower than the one obtained onto activated carbon. The electrochemical regeneration efficiency, under the same experimental conditions, of the activated carbon and Nyex®1000 were significantly less than 100% while in the case of sawdust, this efficiency increased after each adsorption. This study confirmed that the coupling adsorption onto sawdust and electrochemical degradation is a potential technique for the efficient elimination of low concentration organic dyes from waste water.
Thermal Analysis Methods for Design of Composite Materials with Complex Structure
Authors: Jaworski Nazariy , Farmaga Ihor , Matviykiv Oleh , Lobur Mykhaylo , Spiewak Piotr , Ciupinski Lukasz , Kurzydlowski Krzysztof J.
Published: September 2014

The aim of this work is the development of universal discrete models of composite materials, which can take into account their complex structure, and allow one to solve heat transfer problem as well as calculate effective thermal conductivity coefficient of those materials.
Impaired enteroendocrine development in intestinal-specificIslet1mouse mutants causes impaired glucose homeostasis
Authors: Terry Natalie A. , Walp Erik R. , Lee Randall A. , Kaestner Klaus H. , May Catherine Lee
Published: September 2014

Enteroendocrine cells secrete over a dozen different hormones responsible for coordinating digestion, absorption, metabolism, and gut motility. Loss of enteroendocrine cells is a known cause of severe congenital diarrhea. Furthermore, enteroendocrine cells regulate glucose metabolism, with the incretin hormones glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) playing critical roles in stimulating insulin release by pancreatic β-cells. Islet1 (Isl1) is a LIM-homeodomain transcription factor expressed specifically in an array of intestinal endocrine cells, including incretin-expressing cells. To examine the impact of intestinal Isl1 on glycemic control, we set out to explore the role of intestinal Isl1 in hormone cell specification and organismal physiology. Mice with intestinal epithelial-specific ablation of Isl1 were obtained by crossing Villin-Cre transgenic animals with mice harboring a Isl1loxPallele ( Isl1intmodel). Gene ablation of Isl1 in the intestine results in loss of GLP-1, GIP, cholecystokinin (CCK), and somatostatin-expressing cells and an increase in 5-HT (serotonin)-producing cells, while the chromogranin A population was unchanged. This dramatic change in hormonal milieu results in animals with lipid malabsorption and females smaller than their littermate controls. Interestingly, when challenged with oral, not intraperitoneal glucose, the Isl-1 intestinal-deficient animals ( Isl1int) display impaired glucose tolerance, indicating loss of the incretin effect. Thus the Isl1intmodel confirms that intestinal biology is essential for organism physiology in glycemic control and susceptibility to diabetes.
Respiratory mechanical effects of surgical pneumoperitoneum in humans
Authors: Loring Stephen H. , Behazin Negin , Novero Aileen , Novack Victor , Jones Stephanie B. , O'Donnell Carl R. , Talmor Daniel S.
Published: September 2014

Pneumoperitoneum for laparoscopic surgery is known to stiffen the chest wall and respiratory system, but its effects on resting pleural pressure in humans are unknown. We hypothesized that pneumoperitoneum would raise abdominal pressure, push the diaphragm into the thorax, raise pleural pressure, and squeeze the lung, which would become stiffer at low volumes as in severe obesity. Nineteen predominantly obese laparoscopic patients without pulmonary disease were studied supine (level), under neuromuscular blockade, before and after insufflation of CO2to a gas pressure of 20 cmH2O. Esophageal pressure (Pes) and airway pressure (Pao) were measured to estimate pleural pressure and transpulmonary pressure (Pl = Pao − Pes). Changes in relaxation volume (Vrel, at Pao = 0) were estimated from changes in expiratory reserve volume, the volume extracted between Vrel, and the volume at Pao = −25 cmH2O. Inflation pressure-volume (Pao-Vl) curves from Vrel were assessed for evidence of lung compression due to high Pl. Respiratory mechanics were measured during ventilation with a positive end-expiratory pressure of 0 and 7 cmH2O. Pneumoperitoneum stiffened the chest wall and the respiratory system (increased elastance), but did not stiffen the lung, and positive end-expiratory pressure reduced Ecw during pneumoperitoneum. Contrary to our expectations, pneumoperitoneum at Vrel did not significantly change Pes [8.7 (3.4) to 7.6 (3.2) cmH2O; means (SD)] or expiratory reserve volume [183 (142) to 155 (114) ml]. The inflation Pao-Vl curve above Vrel did not show evidence of increased lung compression with pneumoperitoneum. These results in predominantly obese subjects can be explained by the inspiratory effects of abdominal pressure on the rib cage.
High Content Imaging and Analysis Enable QuantitativeIn SituAssessment of CYP3A4 Using Cryopreserved Differentiated HepaRG Cells
Authors: Ranade Aarati R. , Wilson Melinda S. , McClanahan Amy M. , Ball Andrew J.
Published: September 2014

High-throughput imaging-based hepatotoxicity studies capable of analyzing individual cellsin situhold enormous promise for drug safety testing but are frequently limited by a lack of sufficient metabolically competent human cells. This study examined cryopreserved HepaRG cells, a human liver cell line which differentiates into both hepatocytes and biliary epithelial cells, to determine if these cells may represent a suitable metabolically competent cellular model for novel High Content Analysis (HCA) applications. Characterization studies showed that these cells retain many features characteristic of primary human hepatocytes and display significant CYP3A4 and CYP1A2 induction, unlike the HepG2 cell line commonly utilized for HCA studies. Furthermore, this study demonstrates that CYP3A4 induction can be quantified via a simple image analysis-based method, using HepaRG cells as a model system. Additionally, data demonstrate that the hepatocyte and biliary epithelial subpopulations characteristic of HepaRG cultures can be separated during analysis simply on the basis of nuclear size measurements. Proof of concept studies with fluorescent cell function reagents indicated that further multiparametric image-based assessment is achievable with HepaRG. In summary, image-based screening of metabolically competent human hepatocyte models cells such as HepaRG offers novel approaches for hepatotoxicity assessment and improved drug screening tools.
Serum Prolidase Activity and Oxidative Stress in Diabetic Nephropathy and End Stage Renal Disease: A Correlative Study with Glucose and Creatinine
Authors: Verma Akhilesh Kumar , Chandra Subhash , Singh Rana Gopal , Singh Tej Bali , Srivastava Shalabh , Srivastava Ragini
Published: September 2014

Association of oxidative stress and serum prolidase activity (SPA) has been reported in many chronic diseases. The study was aimed at evaluating the correlation of glucose and creatinine to SPA and oxidative stress in patients with diabetic nephropathy (DN) and end stage renal disease (ESRD) concerned with T2DM. 50 healthy volunteers, 50 patients with T2DM, 86 patients with DN, and 43 patients with ESRD were considered as control-1, control-2, case-1, and case-2, respectively. Blood glucose, creatinine, SPA, total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant status (TAS), and oxidative stress index (OSI) were measured by colorimetric tests. SPA, TOS, and OSI were significantly increased in case-1 and case-2 than control-1 and control-2, while TAS was significantly decreased(P<0.001). Blood glucose was linearly correlated to SPA, TOS, TAS, and OSI in control-2, case-1 and case-2(P<0.001). Serum creatinine was linearly correlated with SPA, TOS, TAS and OSI in control-2 and case-1(P<0.001). In case-2, serum creatinine was significantly correlated with SPA only(P<0.001). Thus, the study concluded that SPA and oxidative stress significantly correlated with blood glucose and creatinine. SPA, TOS, TAS, and OSI can be used as biomarkers for diagnosis of kidney damage.
Temperament and Eating Attitudes in an Adolescent Community Sample: A Brief Report
Authors: Marzola Enrica , Fassino Secondo , Amianto Federico , Abbate-Daga Giovanni
Published: September 2014

Objective. Temperament traits like high harm avoidance (HA) have been proposed as putative risk factors for the development of eating disorders (EDs). We aimed at studying the relationship between temperament and eating attitudes on a large community sample of adolescents. Method. We recruited 992 high school students aged 14–18. In addition to measuring body mass index (BMI), participants were asked to complete the temperament and character inventory and the food frequency questionnaire. Results. Sixty-two percent of the sample reported overeating, 22.8% reported normal eating, and 15.2% reported under eating. Under and normal eaters had higher BMI than that of over eaters. Harm avoidance was found to be significantly higher in those participants with lower eating intakes whilst novelty seeking was found to be higher in over eaters. Conclusion. An interesting association between temperament (high HA) and food approach (under eating) emerged. Longitudinal studies are needed to evaluate whether these traits represent a risk factor for the development of EDs.
Analysis of Shop Floor Performance through Discrete Event Simulation: A Case Study
Authors: Ng Yeong Wei , Ren Jie Joshua Chan , Kamaruddin Shahrul
Published: September 2014

Shop floor performance management is a method to ensure the effective utilization of people, processes, and equipment. Changes in the shop floor might have a positive or negative effect on production performance. Therefore, optimal shop floor operation is required to enhance shop floor performance and to ensure the long-term efficiency of the production process. This work presents a case study of a semiconductor industry. The punching department is modeled to investigate the effect of changes in the shop floor on production performance through discrete event simulation. The effects on the throughput rate, machine utilization, and labor utilization are studied by adjusting the volume of parts, number of operators, and flow pattern of parts in a series of models. Simulation results are tested and analyzed by using analysis of variance (ANOVA). The best model under changes in the shop floor is identified during the exploration of alternative scenarios.
The Nonsignaling Extracellular Spacer Domain of Chimeric Antigen Receptors Is Decisive forIn VivoAntitumor Activity
Authors: Hudecek Michael , Sommermeyer Daniel , Kosasih Paula L. , Silva-Benedict Anne , Liu Lingfeng , Rader Christoph , Jensen Michael C. , Riddell Stanley R.
Published: September 2014

The use of synthetic chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) to redirect T cells to recognize tumor provides a powerful new approach to cancer immunotherapy; however, the attributes of CARs that ensure optimal in vivo tumor recognition remain to be defined. Here, we analyze the influence of length and composition of IgG-derived extracellular spacer domains on the function of CARs. Our studies demonstrate that CD19-CARs with a long spacer from IgG4 hinge-CH2-CH3 are functional in vitro but lack antitumor activity in vivo due to interaction between the Fc domain within the spacer and the Fc receptor–bearing myeloid cells, leading to activation-induced T-cell death. We demonstrate that in vivo persistence and antitumor effects of CAR-T cells with a long spacer can be restored by modifying distinct regions in the CH2 domain that are essential for Fc receptor binding. Our studies demonstrate that modifications that abrogate binding to Fc receptors are crucial for CARs in which a long spacer is obligatory for tumor recognition as shown here for a ROR1-specific CAR. These results demonstrate that the length and composition of the extracellular spacer domain that lacks intrinsic signaling function can be decisive in the design of CARs for optimal in vivo activity. Cancer Immunol Res; 3(2); 125–35. ©2014 AACR.
Glucocorticoids in Early Rheumatoid Arthritis: Are the Benefits of Joint-Sparing Effects Offset by the Adverse Effect of Osteoporosis? The Effects on Bone in the Utrecht Study and the CAMERA-II Study
Authors: Jacobs Johannes W.G. , Bijlsma Johannes W.J. , van Laar Jacob M.
Published: September 2014

This paper reviews the clinical effects on bone of 10 mg of prednisone daily in early rheumatoid arthritis, given for 2 years in the Utrecht Study and in the second CAMERA (Computer- Assisted Management in Early Rheumatoid Arthritis) Study, and addresses the question whether there were joint-sparing effects and whether these were offset by adverse effects, especially osteoporosis. We conclude that a 2-year adjunct treatment with 10 mg of prednisone daily increases the benefits of disease-modifying antirheumatic drug therapy and has joint-sparing properties, even if added to the tight control methotrexate-based strategy aiming for remission. Importantly, with good control of inflammation and adequate use of calcium, vitamin D and bisphosphonates - according to national or international guidelines - steroid-induced osteoporosis is rare over 2 years.
Outcomes of Acute Retrograde Type A Aortic Dissection With an Entry Tear in Descending Aorta
Authors: Kim Joon Bum , Choo Suk Jung , Kim Wan Kee , Kim Ho Jin , Jung Sung-Ho , Chung Cheol Hyun , Lee Jae Won , Song Jae-Kwan
Published: September 2014

Background—

Optimal management strategy of acute aortic dissection (AD) with retrograde extension from entry tear in the descending aorta into the ascending aorta remains undetermined.

Methods and Results—

Of the 538 patients who were diagnosed as having acute AD from 1999 through 2011, 49 patients (37 men; 52.5±13.1 years) were identified as having entry tear in the descending aorta with retrograde extension of AD into the ascending aorta. Sixteen patients who were clinically stable with thrombosed false lumen in the ascending aorta were treated medically (MED group), whereas 33 patients underwent aortic replacement (SURG group) on an intention-to-treat basis. In the MED group, 1 patient was converted to urgent aortic surgery and 2 patients underwent endovascular stent grafting in the descending aorta during the initial hospitalization. The early (30-day or in-hospital) mortality rates were 0% and 9.1% in the MED and SURG group, respectively (
P
=0.54). Follow-up was complete in all patients (median, 61.4 months; Q1–Q3, 28.2–99.1 months). The 5-year 100% survival rate in the MED group was higher than that in the SURG group (81.2±7.0%;
P
=0.080), in the surgically treated patients with antegrade type A AD (74.5±2.8%;
P
=0.038), and in the patients with type B AD (75.3±3.3%;
P
=0.045). Aortic event–free survival at 5 years was 52.7±14.8% and 69.6±8.0% in the MED and SURG groups, respectively (
P
=0.98).

Conclusions—

Patients with acute retrograde type A AD showed a more favorable prognosis than patients with antegrade AD. In selected patients with retrograde type A AD, excellent outcomes could be achieved with initial medical management combined with timely interventions.
Kelvin Waves around Antarctica
Authors: Kusahara Kazuya , Ohshima Kay I.
Published: September 2014

The Southern Ocean allows circumpolar structure and the Antarctic coastline plays a role as a waveguide for oceanic Kelvin waves. Under the cyclic conditions, the horizontal wavenumbers and frequencies for circumpolarly propagating waves are quantized, with horizontal wavenumbers 1, 2, and 3, corresponding to periods of about 32, 16, and 11 h, respectively. At these frequencies, westward-propagating signals are detected in sea level variation observed at Antarctic coastal stations. The occurrence frequency of westward-propagating signals far exceeds the statistical significance, and the phase speed of the observed signal agrees well with the theoretical phase speed of external Kelvin waves. Therefore, this study concludes that the observed, westward-propagating sea level variability is a signal of the external Kelvin waves of wavenumbers 1, 2, and 3 around Antarctica. A series of numerical model experiments confirms that Kelvin waves around Antarctica are driven by surface air pressure and that these waves are excited not only by local forcing over the Southern Ocean, but also by remote forcing over the Pacific Ocean. Sea level variations generated over the Pacific Ocean can travel to the western side of the South American coast and cross over Drake Passage to the Antarctic continent, constituting a part of the Kelvin waves around Antarctica.
The Effect of Contralateral Submaximal Contraction on the Development of Biceps Brachii Muscle Fatigue
Authors: Zwambag Derek P. , Brown Stephen H. M.
Published: September 2014

Objective:

The aim of this study was to determine if a submaximal contraction in the contralateral limb affected the fatigability of the dominant limb.

Background:

Muscle fatigue is a known risk factor for musculoskeletal injury; however, it is unknown whether a submaximal contraction in the nondominant limb, such as for stabilizing a tool or load, affects the rate of development of fatigue, potentially increasing risk of injury. Current ergonomic assessments of injury risk do not involve consideration of submaximal contralateral demands. It was hypothesized that increased neuromuscular drive and active muscle mass during bilateral contractions would increase fatigability.

Method:

Twelve males isometrically maintained a 30% unilateral contraction and a 30% dominant + 15% nondominant bilateral contraction until failure on two different collection days, separated by 7 days.

Results:

No statistically significant differences were found for time to task failure ( p = .6204), decrease in maximal force ( p = .1698), or alterations in electromyography amplitude ( p = .7223) or frequency ( p = .3292) between unilateral and bilateral conditions.

Conclusion:

The hypothesis that the addition of a lesser submaximal isometric contraction would increase fatigability was rejected.

Application:

These findings indicate that in ergonomic settings, muscle fatigability can be estimated by the more demanding task and do not need to be complicated by lesser submaximal contractions in the opposing limb.
Cooperative output feedback tracking control for multi-agent consensus with time-varying delays and switching topology
Authors: Jiang Yulian , Liu Jianchang , Wang Shenquan
Published: September 2014

This paper investigates the consensus tracking problem for leader-following multi-agent systems with general dynamics. The agents that are at most critically unstable and with time-varying delays and arbitrary switching topology are considered in our work. A novel framework for cooperative tracking control with time-varying input delay and communication delay under switching topology is constructed. The distributed observer-based tracking protocol is proposed for desired tracking based on the truncated predictor feedback method, algebraic graph theory and Riccati equation. Moreover, we design the observer gain and feedback gain independent of each other. A simulation example is provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposed method.
Differential Personality Correlates of Early Adolescents’ Bullying-Related Outsider and Defender Behavior
Authors: Pronk Jeroen , Olthof Tjeert , Goossens Frits A.
Published: September 2014

This study investigated personality correlates of early adolescents’ tendency to either defend victims of bullying or to avoid involvement in bullying situations. Participants were 591 Dutch fifth- and sixth-grade students ([Formula: see text] = 11.42 years). Hierarchical regression models were run to predict these students’ peer-reported defender and outsider behavior by their self-reported Big Five and Reinforcement Sensitivity scores. Agreeableness (i.e., politeness) positively predicted both behaviors. Emotional stability (i.e., impulse control) positively and extraversion (i.e., dominance) negatively predicted only outsider behavior. Finally, punishment sensitivity positively and reward sensitivity negatively predicted only outsider behavior. While agreeableness seems conducive to executing provictim interventions, lacking in dominance and a strong impulse control make actively avoiding involvement in bullying situations more likely. The latter also holds for early adolescents who are afraid of punishment and unresponsive to rewards. The findings suggest that antibullying interventions aiming at promoting defending in outsiders need to take the influence of personality into account.
Ethical Use of Social Media to Facilitate Qualitative Research
Authors: Lunnay Belinda , Borlagdan Joseph , McNaughton Darlene , Ward Paul
Published: September 2014

Increasingly, qualitative health researchers might consider using social media to facilitate communication with participants. Ambiguity surrounding the potential risks intrinsic to social media could hinder ethical conduct and discourage use of this innovative method. We used some core principles of traditional human research ethics, that is, respect, integrity, and beneficence, to design our photo elicitation research that explored the social influences of drinking alcohol among 34 underage women in metropolitan South Australia. Facebook aided our communication with participants, including correspondence ranging from recruitment to feeding back results and sharing research data. This article outlines the ethical issues we encountered when using Facebook to interact with participants and provides guidance to researchers planning to incorporate social media as a tool in their qualitative studies. In particular, we raise the issues of privacy and confidentiality as contemporary risks associated with research using social media.
Thermal buckling and natural vibration of a rectangular thin plate with in-plane stick-slip-stop boundaries
Authors: Cui Defu , Hu Haiyan
Published: September 2014

This study is devoted to analyzing the thermal buckling behavior and natural vibration characteristics of a uniformly heated rectangular thin plate with two adjacent in-plane frictional sliding edges. These sliding edges are initially at a stick status under the friction forces, and may slightly slip due to the thermal expansion of the plate until the sliding edges contact the stops, i.e. the bounds of the clearances. In the study, both temperature dependencies of material properties and friction coefficients are taken into consideration. For each case, the explicit equations for the buckling temperature rise and the natural frequencies of the plate are derived. Then, some parametric studies are made to reveal the influences of both normal forces and clearances on the critical buckling temperature rise and the natural vibration characteristics of the plate. The results show that both normal forces and clearances have significant influences on the critical buckling temperature rise and the natural frequencies of the plate, especially for the square plate, which has repeated natural frequencies. These results enable one to adjust the normal forces and the clearances in design in order to improve the mechanical performance of a heated rectangular thin plate.
Distributed impulsive containment control for second-order multi-agent systems with multiple leaders
Authors: Liu Jun , Zhou Jin
Published: September 2014

This paper considers the problem of distributed containment control for second-order multi-agent systems via impulsive control, here both multiple stationary and dynamic leader cases under a directed network topology that characterizes the interaction among the leaders and the followers are addressed. Two distributed impulsive containment control protocols for such system are proposed, where each agent only exchanges position information with its neighbors and updates its velocity state in the form of an abrupt jumps setting. For the stationary leader case, a necessary and sufficient condition is presented to achieve the containment control task, while for the dynamical leader case, a sufficient criterion is derived to regulate all followers to access the dynamic convex hull formed by the dynamic leaders. Finally, numerical examples are given to illustrate the theoretical results.