bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fabrication of Flexible MoS2 Thin‐Film Transistor Arrays for Practical Gas‐Sensing Applications
Authors: He Qiyuan , Zeng Zhiyuan , Yin Zongyou , Li Hai , Wu Shixin , Huang Xiao , Zhang Hua
Published: July 2012

By combining two kinds of solution‐processable two‐dimensional materials, a flexible transistor array is fabricated in which MoS2 thin film is used as the active channel and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) film is used as the drain and source electrodes. The simple device configuration and the 1.5 mm‐long MoS2 channel ensure highly reproducible device fabrication and operation. This flexible transistor array can be used as a highly sensitive gas sensor with excellent reproducibility. Compared to using rGO thin film as the active channel, this new gas sensor exhibits much higher sensitivity. Moreover, functionalization of the MoS2 thin film with Pt nanoparticles further increases the sensitivity by up to ∼3 times. The successful incorporation of a MoS2 thin‐film into the electronic sensor promises its potential application in various electronic devices.
Influence of Laves Phase Precipitation and Coarsening on High‐Temperature Strength of Ferritic Stainless Steels
Authors: Nabiran Nilofar , Weber Sebastian , Theisen Werner
Published: July 2012

Downsizing trends in the design of internal combustion engines require ferritic steels with greater strength at elevated temperatures. One method of improving the high‐temperature strength is precipitation hardening with intermetallic phases such as the Laves phase. Thermodynamic calculations show, that the elements Nb and Si contribute to the Laves phase formation strongly. In this work, the influence of intermetallic precipitates on the mechanical properties of three different ferritic FeCr stainless steels was investigated and compared to a reference material. The three main hardening mechanisms – precipitation–hardening, grain refinement, and solid‐solution strengthening – were studied with appropriate alloy compositions and thermo mechanical treatment. Investigations were performed with uniaxial compression tests of samples aged isothermally at 900°C for up to 1440 h. It is shown that, the solid solution effect of Mo and W increases the high‐temperature strength about 40%, also after long‐term annealing. The contribution of the Laves phase precipitates on the high‐temperature strength is rather small due to their rapid coarsening.
Research on Microstructure and Mechanical Property of S30432 Supreheater Pipe Aged at 700°C
Authors: Du Jinfeng , Liang Jun , Zhao Huichuan , Sun Biao
Published: July 2012

The microstructure and performance of S30432 supreheater pipe were investigated before and after it is aged 3000 h at 700°C. A lot of twins disappeared after aging, M23C6 particles precipitated along the grain boundary and MX particles precipitated near the dislocation. After the endurance experiment of the aged pipe, M23C6 precipitations with the size of about 50 nm pinned dislocations and the cavity appeared on the grain boundary. The aged S30432 supreheater pipe showed the ductile fracture. Increasing temperature made the inter‐granular fracture transfer the quasi‐cleavage fracture and the equiaxed morphology change the parabola morphology. The strength of the untreated specimen decreased with the temperature increasing. The hardness and the impact energy of the aged specimen were larger than those of the untreated specimen. Tensile strength and elongation of untreated specimen were larger than that of aged specimen.
Developing a construct‐based assessment to examine students' analogical reasoning around physical models in Earth Science
Authors: Rivet Ann E. , Kastens Kim A.
Published: July 2012

In recent years, science education has placed increasing importance on learners' mastery of scientific reasoning. This growing emphasis presents a challenge for both developers and users of assessments. We report on our effort around the conceptualization, development, and testing the validity of an assessment of students' ability to reason around physical dynamic models in Earth Science. Building from the research literature on analogical mapping and informed by the current perspectives on learning progressions, we present a three‐tiered construct describing the increasing sophistication of students' analogical reasoning around the correspondences and non‐correspondences between models and the Earth System: at the level of entities (Level 1), configurations in space or relative motion of entities (Level 2), and the mechanism or cause for observed phenomena (Level 3). Grounded in a construct‐centered design approach, we describe our process for developing assessments in order to examine and validate this construct, including how we selected topics and models, designed items, and developed outcome spaces. We present the specific example of one assessment centered on moon phases, which was administered to 164 8th and 9th grade Earth Science students as a pre/postmeasure. Two hundred ninety‐four responses were analyzed using a Rasch modeling approach. Item difficulties and student proficiency scores were calculated and analyzed regarding their relative performance with respect to the three levels of the construct. The analysis results provided initial evidence in support of the construct as conceived, with students displaying a range of analogical reasoning spanning all three construct levels. It also identified problematic items that merit further examination. Overall, the assessment has provided us the opportunity to better describe and frame the cognitive uses of models by students during learning situations in Earth Science. Implications for instruction and future directions for research in this area are discussed. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 49: 713–743, 2012
Large eddy simulation of dynamically controlled wind turbines in an offshore environment
Authors: Storey R. C. , Norris S. E. , Stol K. A. , Cater J. E.
Published: July 2012

Accurate modelling of transient wind turbine wakes is an important component in the siting of turbines within wind farms because of wake structures that affect downwind turbine performance and loading. Many current industry tools for modelling these effects are limited to empirically derived predictions. A technique is described for coupling transient wind modelling with an aero‐elastic simulation to dynamically model both turbine operation and wake structures. The important feature of this approach is a turbine model in a flow simulation, which actively responds to transient wind events through the inclusion of controller actions such as blade pitching and regulation of generator torque. The coupled nature of the aero‐elastic/flow simulation also allows recording of load and control data, which permits the analysis of turbine interaction in multiple turbine systems. An aero‐elastic turbine simulation code and a large eddy simulation (LES) solver using an actuator disc model were adapted for this work. Coupling of the codes was implemented with the use of a software framework to transfer data between simulations in a synchronous manner. A computationally efficient simulation was developed with the ability to model turbines exhibiting standard baseline control operating in an offshore environment. Single and multiple wind turbine instances were modelled in a transient flow domain to investigate wake structures and wake interaction effects. Blade loading data were analysed to quantify the increased fluctuating loads on downwind turbines. The results demonstrate the successful implementation of the coupled simulation and quantify the effect of the dynamic‐turbine model. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Left-right symmetry at LHC and precise 1-loop low energy data
Authors: Chakrabortty J. , Gluza J. , Sevillano R. , Szafron R.
Published: July 2012

Abstract

Despite many tests, even the Minimal Manifest Left-Right Symmetric Model (MLRSM) has never been ultimately confirmed or falsified. LHC gives a new possibility to test directly the most conservative version of left-right symmetric models at so far not reachable energy scales. If we take into account precise limits on the model which come from low energy processes, like the muon decay, possible LHC signals are strongly limited through the correlations of parameters among heavy neutrinos, heavy gauge bosons and heavy Higgs particles. To illustrate the situation in the context of LHC, we consider the “golden” process pp → e
+
N . For instance, in a case of degenerate heavy neutrinos and heavy Higgs masses at 15 TeV (in agreement with FCNC bounds) we get σ(pp → e
+
N ) > 10 fb at
$$ \sqrt {s} = 14\,{\text{TeV}} $$
which is consistent with muon decay data for a very limited W
2 masses in the range (3008 GeV, 3040 GeV). Without restrictions coming from the muon data, W
2 masses would be in the range (1.0 TeV, 3.5 TeV). Influence of heavy Higgs particles themselves on the considered LHC process is negligible (the same is true for the light, SM neutral Higgs scalar analog). In the paper decay modes of the right-handed heavy gauge bosons and heavy neutrinos are also discussed. Both scenarios with typical see-saw light heavy neutrino mixings and the mixings which are independent of heavy neutrino masses are considered. In the second case heavy neutrino decays to the heavy charged gauge bosons not necessarily dominate over decay modes which include only light, SM-like particles.
Characterisation of the T cell and dendritic cell repertoire in a murine model of mucopolysaccharidosis I (MPS I)
Authors: Archer Louise D , Langford‐Smith Kia J , Critchley William R , Bigger Brian W , Fildes James E
Published: July 2012

Background

Mucopolysaccharidosis I (MPS I) is a metabolic disorder caused by α‐L‐Iduronidase (IDUA) deficiency, resulting in lysosomal accumulation of heparan (HS) and dermatan sulphate (DS). This has been reported in microglia, yet currently the effect of IDUA deficiency on T cells and dendritic cells (DC) and their functionality in disease pathogenesis remains unclear.

Methods

Peripheral blood was collected from 3 month old C57BL/6 MPS I (n = 11) and wildtype (WT) (n = 6) mice. T cell and DC phenotype and functional characteristics were identified by flow cytometry.

Results

MPS I mice exhibited a reduction in DC (p = <0.001) along with CD8+ cytotoxic (p = 0.01) and CD4+ T helper (p = 0.032) cells, compared to WT controls. MPS I DC displayed a significant decrease in cell surface CD123 (p = 0.02) and CD86 (p = 0.006) expression. Furthermore, CD45RB expression was significantly reduced on T helper cells in the MPS I population (p = 0.019).

Conclusion

We report a reduction in circulating DC and T cells in the MPS I mouse; indicative of adaptive immune dysfunction. DC reduction may occur in response to down‐regulation of the IL‐3 receptor (CD123), necessary for DC survival. We also report down‐regulation of cell surface CD86, a molecule required for T cell co‐stimulation. T helper cell down‐regulation of CD45RB is redolent of an anti‐inflammatory phenotype with poor proliferative capacity. The definitive causes of our findings and the consequences and role that these findings play in the pathogenesis of MPS are unclear, but may be in response to lysosomal storage of unmetabolized HS and DS.
Interacting mindreaders
Authors: Butterfill Stephen A.
Published: July 2012

Could interacting mindreaders be in a position to know things which they would be unable to know if they were manifestly passive observers? This paper argues that they could. Mindreading is sometimes reciprocal: the mindreader’s target reciprocates by taking the mindreader as a target for mindreading. The paper explains how such reciprocity can significantly narrow the range of possible interpretations of behaviour where mindreaders are, or appear to be, in a position to interact. A consequence is that revisions and extensions are needed to standard theories of the evidential basis of mindreading. The view also has consequences for understanding how abilities to interact combined with comparatively simple forms of mindreading may explain the emergence, in evolution or development, of sophisticated forms of social cognition.
The role of osteoblast cells in the pathogenesis of unicameral bone cysts
Authors: Aarvold Alexander , Smith James O. , Tayton Edward R. , Edwards Caroline J. , Fowler Darren J. , Gent Edward D. , Oreffo Richard O. C.
Published: July 2012

Purpose

The pathogenesis of unicameral bone cysts (UBCs) remains largely unknown. Osteoclasts have been implicated, but the role of osteoblastic cells has, to date, not been explored. This study investigated the pathophysiology of UBCs by examining the interactions between the cyst fluid and human bone marrow stromal cells (hBMSCs) and the effect of the fluid on osteogenesis.

Methods

Fluid was aspirated from two UBCs and analysed for protein, electrolyte and cytokine levels. Graded concentrations of the fluid were used as culture media for hBMSCs to determine the effects of the fluid on hBMSC proliferation and osteogenic differentiation. The fibrocellular lining was analysed histologically and by electron microscopy.

Results

Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining of hBMSCs that were cultured in cyst fluid demonstrated increased cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation compared to basal media controls. Biochemical analysis of these hBMSCs compared to basal controls confirmed a marked increase in DNA content (as a marker of proliferation) and ALP activity (as a marker of osteogenic differentiation) which was highly significant ( p < 0.001). Osteoclasts were demonstrated in abundance in the cyst lining. The cyst fluid cytokine profile revealed levels of the pro-osteoclast cytokines IL-6, MIP-1α and MCP-1 that were 19×, 31× and 35× greater than those in reference serum.

Conclusions

Cyst fluid promoted osteoblastic growth and differentiation. Despite appearing paradoxical that the cyst fluid promoted osteogenesis, osteoblastic cells are required for osteoclastogenesis through RANKL signalling. Three key cytokines in this pathway (IL-6, MIP-1α, MCP-1) were highly elevated in cyst fluid. These findings may hold the key to the pathogenesis of UBCs, with implications for treatment methods.
Resource Efficiency of Settlement Structures: Terms, Conceptual Implications and Connecting Factors to the Resilience Debate
Authors: Schiller Georg , Blum Andreas , Behnisch Martin
Published: July 2012

Sustainable development, the great challenge of the twentyfirst century, requires a long-term economic use of valuable, increasingly scarce resources: land, materials, and energy. In Germany, a large share of resources is used for buildings and the related infrastructure; therefore the development of settlements is of crucial relevance in this context. Despite this utilization of resources, questions concerning resource efficiency have predominantly focused on consumer goods. Due to the specific nature of the topic “built environment”, we have to consider that the concepts used and the results gained so far are not directly applicable for an analysis of settlement structures. From the perspective of spatial sciences, foundational orientation becomes necessary against this backdrop. This paper systematically introduces basic concepts for resource efficiency, starting with the separate concepts of “resources”, “efficiency”, and “built environment”. Building on these, an integrated concept, “resource efficiency of the built environment”, is outlined before some limitations of an efficiency perspective are brought forth. Among several challenges, the criticism of the static nature of classical efficiency concepts stands out. In contrast to efficiency considerations for short-term consumer goods with a defined benefit, in the case of the “built environment” efficiency analyses have to deal with a considerable degree of uncertainty, due to the longer life span of the “product”. This especially refers to possibly changing users’ expectations and demand preferences. Reflecting on these conceptual restrictions, initial considerations are presented for discussion, outlining to what extent the concept of “resilience” might be suitable for the extension and improvement of an efficiency-driven analysis of the built environment.
Coping and depressive symptoms in adolescents with a chronic medical condition: A search for intervention targets
Authors: Kraaij Vivian , Garnefski Nadia
Published: July 2012

The aim of the present study was to find relevant coping factors for the development of psychological intervention programs for adolescents with a chronic medical condition. A wide range of coping techniques were studied, including cognitive coping, behavioral coping and goal adjustment coping. A total of 176 adolescents participated. They were contacted through social networking websites or Internet forums and through schools for children with a physical disability. Several cognitive and behavioral coping strategies and goal adjustment were found to be related to symptoms of depression. The cognitive coping strategies had the strongest influence on depressive symptoms. Especially self‐blame, rumination and catastrophizing seemed to be important factors. If these findings can be confirmed, they could contribute to the focus and content of intervention programs for adolescents with a chronic medical condition.
A Tribute to Professor Roger A. Layton
Authors: Lazer William
Published: July 2012

My reflections are focused on Roger Layton as a professional colleague and gentleman rather than on his research contributions. They deal first with my early interactions with him in the 1960s and 70s, in the USA and Australia, and show the impact Roger had on my thinking and indirectly on the international posture of the American Marketing Association (AMA) through my AMA involvement. Second are reflections about our more recent collaboration as co-authors of a Hospitality Marketing book which reflects Roger's thinking about marketing thought, its role, and activities.
An Empirical Investigation of the Relationship between Personality Traits, Prestige Sensitivity, and Fashion Consciousness of Generation Y in Australia
Authors: Casidy Riza
Published: July 2012

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between the personality traits of Generation Y consumers, their degree of fashion consciousness, and prestige sensitivity in the context of fashion brands. Data were collected using a convenience sampling method involving university students. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed and 251 usable responses were returned with the sample falling between the ages of 18–25. The results revealed that certain personality traits were found to be significantly associated with fashion consciousness and prestige sensitivity. Furthermore, fashion consciousness was found to perform a mediating role in the relationship between personality traits and prestige sensitivity. Personality traits were found to perform an important role in affecting people's attitude towards prestige fashion brands. It is crucial for marketers to understand the significance of certain personality traits on fashion consciousness and prestige sensitivity to enhance the effectiveness of brand appeals. This study has extended the scope of personality research in marketing by utilising the Big Five construct to examine the phenomenon of fashion consciousness and prestige sensitivity among Gen Y consumers.
Organizational Learning and CRM Success: A Model for Linking Organizational Practices, Customer Data Quality, and Performance
Authors: Peltier James W. , Zahay Debra , Lehmann Donald R.
Published: July 2012

A high quality customer database is a cornerstone of successful interactive marketing strategies and tactics. Based on the notion that customer data quality is not only a technical but also an organizational problem, this study develops and tests an organizational learning framework of the relationship between organizational processes, customer data quality and firm performance. The findings show that high quality customer data impact both customer and business performance and that the most important driver of customer data quality comes from the executive suite. A large portion of the impact of organizational culture on performance is mediated by customer data quality and data sharing. The results support the presence of a hierarchy of effects for enhancing data quality that runs from organizational learning (committed to a shared vision for CRM data), to cross-functional learning (marketing/IT cooperation, marketing/IT integration) to functional learning (data sharing).
Cerebrospinal fluid markers for Alzheimer's disease in a cognitively healthy cohort of young and old adults
Authors: Paternicò Donata , Galluzzi Samantha , Drago Valeria , Bocchio‐Chiavetto Luisella , Zanardini Roberta , Pedrini Laura , Baronio Manuela , Amicucci Giovanni , Frisoni Giovanni B.
Published: July 2012

Background

Low amyloid β42 (Aβ42) and high total tau and phosphorylated tau (p‐tau) concentrations in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) are biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease (AD), reflecting brain deposition of amyloid plaques and tangles. Age and apolipoprotein E allele E4 are two strong risk factors for AD, but few data are still available on their effect on CSF markers in normal aging.

Objective

To study the effect of age on CSF Aβ42, total tau, and p‐tau levels in a well‐characterized group of cognitively normal subjects.

Methods

CSF Aβ42 levels of 81 subjects (27% female, 53 ± 15.3 years, range: 21–88) were determined with sandwich enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay; of these, total tau and p‐tau levels were measured in 61 (75%) and 42 (52%) cases, respectively. A linear regression analysis between age and CSF markers was carried out on the whole sample and separately in apolipoprotein E allele ε4 carriers and noncarriers.

Results

The median levels of all markers were significantly different between young (<65 years) and old (≥65 years) subjects (Aβ42: P = .03; tau: P = .02; p‐tau: P = .002; tau/Aβ42: P = .004; p‐tau/Aβ42: P = .03). The association of marker levels with age was confirmed in linear regression models, where a positive relationship with age was observed for total tau (B = 2.3; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.89 to 3.7; P = .002), p‐tau (B = 0.5; 95% CI: 0.1 to 0.9; P = .02), and tau/Aβ42 ratio (B = 0.006; 95% CI: 0.002 to 0.01; P = .002). No subjects showed abnormal tau, whereas 19% showed abnormal CSF Aβ42 concentrations.

Conclusion

In cognitively normal subjects, the concentrations of CSF biomarkers of AD are associated with age. Further longitudinal studies could clarify whether Aβ42 low levels represent a preclinical AD biomarker.
Knowledge creation in consumer research: Multiple routes, multiple criteria
Authors: Lynch John G. , Alba Joseph W. , Krishna Aradhna , Morwitz Vicki G. , Gürhan‐Canli Zeynep
Published: July 2012

The modal scientific approach in consumer research is to deduce hypotheses from existing theory about relationships between theoretic constructs, test those relationships experimentally, and then show “process” evidence via moderation and mediation. This approach has its advantages, but other styles of research also have much to offer. We distinguish among alternative research styles in terms of their philosophical orientation (theory‐driven vs. phenomenon‐driven) and their intended contribution (understanding a substantive phenomenon vs. building or expanding theory). Our basic premise is that authors who deviate from the dominant paradigm are hindered by reviewers who apply an unvarying set of evaluative criteria. We discuss the merits of different styles of research and suggest appropriate evaluative criteria for each.
Modality specific alterations of esophageal sensitivity caused by longstanding diabetes mellitus
Authors: Brun Jan , Brock Christina , Frøkjær Jens B. , Söfteland Eirik , Simrén Magnus , Gregersen Hans , Drewes Asbjørn M.
Published: July 2012

Background

Abnormal visceral sensory function has been demonstrated in patients with diabetes mellitus and diabetic autonomic neuropathy seems to be involved in the development and progression of gastrointestinal tract dysfunction. The possibility of multimodal (e.g. mechanical, electrical, thermal and chemical) stimulation in, e.g. the esophagus has developed visceral pain research. The major advantage is involvement of distinctive receptors, various sensory nerves and different pain pathways mimicking clinical pain that favours investigation of central pain mechanisms involved in allodynia and hyperalgesia. Hence the rationale of the presents study was to explore the nervous system by assessment of esophageal sensitivity to multimodal stimulations.

Methods

Throughout an euglycemic clamp, 31 healthy volunteers (age 44.3 ± 10.6 (mean ± SD) years; 11men) and 31 patients (age 46.3 ± 11.7 years; 10 men) with insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (duration 31.3 ± 13.1 years) were included in the study. By use of a multimodal oesophageal probe, sensitivity to heat, mechanical distension and electrical stimulation was assessed in the lower oesophagus.

Results

For heat stimulation patients had increased sensitivity in the sensory range with shorter stimulus duration until pain tolerance threshold (122 ± 3.8 sec vs. 136 ± 3.7 sec; p = 0.006) and larger area under the temperature curve (2380 ± 1847 vs. 1409 ± 1450; p = 0.03). There were no differences between groups for mechanical stimulation (maximum pressure (39 ± 57mmHg vs. 24 ± 48mmHg; p = 0.3; maximum volume 59 ± 21ml vs. 62 ± 25 ml; p = 0.56). As an overall finding, patients tolerated higher electrical stimulation intensities (p = 0.02), dominated by discrimination in the sensory range: At sensory detection threshold (VAS1) 21.1 ± 12.4 mA vs. 16.3 ± 5.5 mA (p = 0.03); at moderate sensation (VAS3) 27.5 ± 13.3 mA vs. 21.5 ± 5.0 mA (p = 0.03) however at pain detection threshold (VAS5) 31.6 ± 13.1mA vs. 28.8 ± 5.2 mA; the trend was insignificant (p = 0.3).

Conclusion

Patients with insulin dependent diabetes mellitus had modality-specific alterations of esophageal sensitivity. Heat stimulation activates selectively mucosal receptors whereas on the contrary electrical stimulation depolarizes the free nerve endings non-selectively. Hence, due to the different sensitivity profile, the esophageal neuropathy is most likely a result of both peripheral and central neuropathy caused by longstanding diabetic neuronal damage.
Recovery after a lumbar disc herniation is dependent on a gender and OPRM1 Asn40Asp genotype interaction
Authors: Olsen M.B. , Jacobsen L.M. , Schistad E.I. , Pedersen L.M. , Rygh L.J. , Røe C. , Gjerstad J.
Published: July 2012

Background/aims

The μ-opioid receptor (OPRM1) is the major target of endogenous opioid peptides and opioid analgesic agents. An important single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in this gene is the functional SNP, rs1799971, leading to a substitution of asparagine (Asn) to aspartic acid (Asp) at codon 40 in exon 1. Previous studies have suggested that this SNP may give different phenotypes in males and females. In the present study we therefore investigated whether the OPRM1 Asn40Asp SNP, grouped by gender, could predict clinical outcome regarding progression of pain intensity and disability in patients with discogenic low back pain and sciatica.

Methods

Patients (n = 252) with lumbar disc herniation and sciatic pain, all European-caucasian, were recruited from Oslo University Hospital Ullevål and Haukeland University Hospital. Blood samples were drawn, genomic DNA isolated and the OPRM1 Asn40Asp SNP was detected by TaqMan methodology. Pain intensity and functional consequences were rated on a visual analogue scale (VAS), by McGill Sensory and by Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) over a 12 months period (inclusion, 6 weeks, 6 months and 12 months).

Results

The genotype */Asp was associated with more pain in women, but seemed to protect the men from pain after lumbar disc herniation. Wildtype Asn/Asn women and men reported similar pain ratings. Analysis of the recovery for the four groups; women Asn/Asn, women */Asp, men Asn/Asn and men */Asp, showed that the */Asp women had a significantly slower recovery, i.e., pain intensity over time than the */Asp men (VAS activity score p = 0.002, McGill sense score p = 0.021, ODI p = 0.205, rmANOVA including covariates smoke, treatment and age with p ≤ 0.1).

Conclusion

The present data suggest that the OPRM1 Asp variant increases the pain intensity in women, but have the opposite effect on men the first year after a disc herniation.
SNP in TNFα T308G is predictive for persistent postoperative pain following inguinal hernia surgery
Authors: Kalliomäki Maija , Lind Anne-Li , Grönbladh Alfhild , Gunnarsson Ulf , Sandblom Gabriel , Gordh Torsten , Nyberg Fred
Published: July 2012

Aim of investigation

Persistent postoperative pain of some extent is seen in about 20% of patients after surgical operations, while 80% heal without chronic pain. The type of chronic pain that arises is mainly neuropathic, and is suggested to be in part regulated by genetic factors.

In order to study the possible involvement of some candidate genes suggested to be involved in the processing of pain (BDNF, CACNA2D2, ORPM1, GRIK 3, GCH1 and TNF-α ), we performed a genetic association study in a well characterized clinical material of patients that had undergone surgery for inguinal hernia (n = 189). Of those 94 had developed a persistent postoperative pain state when investigated 2–3 years following the operation. The control group (n = 95) had undergone the same surgical procedure, and were pain free at follow up.

Methods

Genomic DNA was extracted from blood samples and genotyped by the Handy Bio-strand method and the TaqMan assay.

Results

The patients with persistent postoperative pain that had homozygous SNP in the TNF-α gene displayed increased risk of persistent postoperative pain with an odds risk of 2.42, compared the pain free controls. None of the other of the investigated genes were associated with significant risk of development of chronic pain following surgery.

Conclusion

The expression of TNF-α shows a significant impact on the risk of developing chronic pain after surgery. Further experimental and clinical studies are needed in order to fine map the TNF-α effect and to address underlying mechanisms.
Chronic pain in thoracotomy
Authors: Springer J.S. , Johnsen B. , Hojsgaard A. , Jensen T.S. , Nikolajsen L.
Published: July 2012

Background/aims

Chronic pain is frequent after thoracotomy (Wildgaard et al., 2009; Guastella et al., 2011). According to a recent Danish study with a follow-up period of 22 months, 33% of the patients developed pain after thoracotomy, and 4–12% of the patients experienced severe pain (Wildgaard et al., 2011). The mechanisms underlying chronic pain after surgery are not fully known, but several risk factors have been identified, e.g. intraoperative nerve damage and acute postoperative pain (Kehlet et al., 2006). A few studies have suggested a correlation between nerve damage during surgery and the development of pain after thoracotomy (Benedetti et al., 1997, 1998; Rogers et al., 2002). We plan to investigate if intraoperative nerve damage is responsible for the development of pain and sensory abnormalities after thoracotomy.

Methods

Sixty individuals with normal sensibility on the thorax will be included preoperatively. Motor and sensory nerve conduction studies (NCS) will be performed during surgery. Post-surgical follow-up with questionnaires and bilaterally Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST) on the thorax will be performed according to the protocol of the German Research Network on Neuropathic Pain (DFNS). Before implementing the neurophysiological measurements in humans, they have been tested in pigs.

Results

Neurophysiological measurements in pigs have shown that it is possible to do NCSs on both motor and sensory intercostal nerves, suggesting that measurements are possible in humans. Inclusion of patients is pending.

Conclusion

The preliminary results will be presented at the congress.
The variability in thermal threshold-assessments in post-thoracotomy pain syndrome
Authors: Wildgaard Kim , Ringsted Thomas K. , Kehlet Henrik , Werner Mads U.
Published: July 2012

Background/aims

Quantitative sensory testing (QST) is a reference method in characterization of neuropathic pain components. Variability data on thermal thresholds have been presented for a number of diseases, but not for patients with persistent post-surgical pain. Thus, the objectives of the present study were to assess the day-to-day variation, but also topographic variability in thermal threshold assessments in post-thoracotomy pain syndrome (PTPS) patients. The variability in thermal thresholds between pre-specified sites, on the surgical and the non-surgical side were compared to each other and to the area of maximum pain.

Patients and methods

Fourteen PTPS patients were included. Dynamic sensory mapping was performed with a 25 °C metal roller (cool). Within the area of cool sensory dysfunction on the surgical side (thorax), 4 peripheral locations were marked including the maximum pain area. Similarly 4 identical peripheral but contralateral sites on the non-surgical side were also marked. Warmth detection threshold (WDT), cool detection threshold (CDT) and heat pain threshold (HPT) were assessed on day1 and day2, separated by 12 days for all marked locations.

Results

Comparisons of test-retest thermal assessments (day 1–day 2), did not demonstrate any significant intra-side differences. The 99% confidence intervals for WDT ranged between 32.6 and 46.6°C, for CDT between 20.2–30.5 °C and for HPT between 37.9–51.5 °C. Within-patient and between-patient variances consisted of 5 to 28% and 73 to 95%, respectively of the total variance. Side-to-side comparisons displayed higher thresholds on the surgical side

Conclusion

In patients with PTPS, different statistical methods indicated an excessively high variability in thermal thresholds, in particular for between-patient variance. This may suggest an advantage in using patients as ‘self-controls’ for assessment of thermal thresholds. However, due to the low within-patient variance, our study could still demonstrate highly significantly increases in thermal detection thresholds, within the area of cool sensory dysfunction, on the surgical side compared to the contralateral side. Also, static and dynamic assessments of thermal perception seem to indicate considerable wide-spread loco-regional changes on the side of surgery, an important finding when deciding where to assess thermal thresholds.
Fifty-Three Hours of Total Sleep Deprivation Has No Effect on Rewarming From Cold Air Exposure
Authors: Esmat Tiffany A. , Clark Katherine E. , Muller Matthew D. , Juvancic-Heltzel Judith A. , Glickman Ellen L.
Published: July 2012

Objective

Sleep deprivation and cold air exposure are both experienced in occupational and military settings but the combined effects of these 2 stressors is unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of 53 hours of total sleep deprivation on thermoregulation during the rewarming phase (25°C air) after acute cold air exposure (10°C air).

Methods

Eight young men underwent 2 trials in which they either received 7 hours of sleep at night or were totally sleep deprived. On 3 consecutive mornings, the subjects underwent 2 hours of cold air exposure followed by 2 hours of rewarming. Rectal temperature, mean skin temperature, oxygen consumption, and thermal sensation were measured.

Results

Rewarming from acute cold air exposure caused a decline in rectal temperature (∼0.5°C) each day but this was not different between subjects who were totally sleep deprived and subjects who received 7 hours of sleep at night. During this same period, mean skin temperature increased (from ∼22°C to 27°C), oxygen consumption decreased (from ∼7 to 4 mL·kg−1·min−1), and the participants felt warmer.

Conclusions

Under the conditions of the present study, sleep-deprived persons are not at a greater risk for a decline in rectal temperature (ie, a hypothermic afterdrop) during rewarming from cold air.
Cognitive Behavioural Analysis System of Psychotherapy for Treatment-Resistant Depression: Adaptation to a Group Modality
Authors: Sayegh Liliane , Locke Kenneth D. , Pistilli Daniele , Penberthy J. Kim , Chachamovich Eduardo , McCullough James P. , Turecki Gustavo
Published: July 2012

Studies researching psychotherapeutic interventions for treatment-resistant depression (TRD) are quite new to the field. The Cognitive Behavioural Analysis System of Psychotherapy (CBASP) is the only model developed specifically to treat the chronically depressed patient. While empirical evidence indicates that CBASP is an effective treatment for chronic depression, little is known about its adaptation to a group modality. Treating these patients in a group approach would have the added benefits of being cost-effective and providing in vivo previously avoided interpersonal situations for practising social skills and role-plays. This single arm study asks whether CBASP adapted to a group modality can be effective. All patients received 12 CBASP group therapy sessions with two to four individual preparatory sessions before the group. Our results suggest that CBASP group treatment demonstrated positive effects on patient outcomes. Specifically, patients showed significant decreases in symptoms of depression and the use of emotion-oriented coping, as well as increases in overall social adjustment and interpersonal self-efficacy when compared to pretreatment levels. However, patients did not achieve normative levels in these areas by the end of treatment. These pilot results are encouraging and support further study of the effectiveness of CBASP group treatment with a control group.
The Rise and Fall of War Crimes Trials
Authors: Smith Charles Anthony
Published: July 2012

This book is the first comprehensive analysis of the politics of war crimes trials. It provides a systematic and theoretically rigorous examination of whether these trials are used as tools for political consolidation or whether justice is their primary purpose. The consideration of cases begins with the trial of Charles I of England and goes through the presidency of George W. Bush, including the trials of Saddam Hussein and those arising from the War on Terror. The book concludes that political consolidation is the primary concern of these trials - a point that runs contrary to the popular perception of the trials and their stated justification. Through the consideration of war crimes trials, this book makes a contribution to our understanding of power and conflict resolution and illuminates the developmental path of war crimes tribunals.
Acoustic and hydrodynamic analysis of the flow around an aerofoil with trailing-edge serrations
Authors: Jones L. E. , Sandberg R. D.
Published: July 2012

Direct numerical simulations of the flow around a NACA-0012 aerofoil are conducted, employing an immersed boundary method to represent flat-plate trailing-edge extensions both with and without serrations. Properties of the turbulent boundary layer convecting over the trailing edge are similar for both cases. For cases with serrations, the trailing-edge noise produced by the flow over the aerofoil is observed to decrease in amplitude, and the frequency interval over which the noise reduction occurs differs depending on the serration length. The directivity and spanwise coherence of the trailing-edge noise appears largely unaffected by the serrations. The hydrodynamic behaviour in the vicinity of the trailing-edge extensions is investigated. The streamwise discontinuity imparted upon the turbulent flow by the straight trailing edge can clearly be observed in statistical quantities, whereas for the serrated case no spanwise homogeneous discontinuities are observed. The trailing-edge serrations appear to break up the larger turbulent structures convecting into the wake, and to promote the development of horseshoe vortices originating at the serrations themselves.
Spectral broadening and flow randomization in free shear layers
Authors: Wu Xuesong , Tian Feng
Published: July 2012

It has been observed experimentally that when a free shear layer is perturbed by a disturbance consisting of two waves with frequencies ${\omega }_{0} $ and ${\omega }_{1} $, components with the combination frequencies $(m{\omega }_{0} \pm n{\omega }_{1} )$ ($m$ and $n$ being integers) develop to a significant level thereby causing flow randomization. This spectral broadening process is investigated theoretically for the case where the frequency difference $({\omega }_{0} \ensuremath{-} {\omega }_{1} )$ is small, so that the perturbation can be treated as a modulated wavetrain. A nonlinear evolution system governing the spectral dynamics is derived by using the non-equilibrium nonlinear critical layer approach. The formulation provides an appropriate mathematical description of the physical concepts of sideband instability and amplitude–phase modulation, which were suggested by experimentalists. Numerical solutions of the nonlinear evolution system indicate that the present theory captures measurements and observations rather well.
Adaptation to benzalkonium chloride and ciprofloxacin affects biofilm formation potential, efflux pump and haemolysin activity of Escherichia coli of dairy origin
Authors: Pagedar Ankita , Singh Jitender , Batish Virender K.
Published: July 2012

The present study investigates the effect of adaptive resistance to ciprofloxacin (Cip) and benzalkonium chloride (BC) on biofilm formation potential (BFP), efflux pump activity (EPA) and haemolysin activity of Escherichia coli isolates of dairy origin. All the isolates, irrespective of antimicrobial susceptibility, developed significant adaptive resistance (P < 0·05). All the resistant phenotypes (antibiotic resistant: AR; & biocide resistant: BR) were stronger biofilm former and post-adaptation, an insignificant change was observed in their BFP. Whereas, post-adaptation, non-resistant isolates (antibiotic non-resistant: ANR; biocide non-resistant: BNR) transformed from poor or moderate to strong biofilm formers. Post-adaptive percentage increase in EPA was highly significant in non-resistant categories (P < 0·01) and significant at P < 0·05 in BR category. Interestingly, post-adaptive increase in EPA in BR isolates was more than that in AR yet, the latter exhibited greater adaptive resistance than the former. These findings indicated prevalence of some other specific resistance mechanism/s responsible for adaptive resistance against Cip. Strain specific variations were observed for stability of adaptive resistance and haemolysin activity for all the categories. Our findings especially in reference to post-adaptation upgradation of BFP status of non-resistant isolates seems to be providing an insight into the process of conversion of non-resistant isolate into resistant ones with enhanced BFP. These observations emphasize the serious implications of sub-lethal residual levels of antimicrobials in food environments and suggest a role of food chain in emergence of antimicrobial resistances.
Energetic electron generation by magnetic reconnection in laboratory laser-plasma interactions
Authors: DONG Q.-L. , YUAN D.-W. , WANG S.-J. , LI Y. T. , LIU X. , JIANG S. E. , DING Y. K. , DU K. , YU M.-Y. , HE X.-T. , TANG Y. J. , ZHU J. Q. , ZHAO G. , SHENG Z.-M. , ZHANG J.
Published: July 2012

The magnetic reconnection (MR) configuration was constructed by using two approaching laser-produced plasma bubbles. The characteristics of the MR current sheet were investigated. The driving energy of the laser pulse affects the type of the current sheet. The experiments present “Y-type” and “X-type” current sheets for larger and smaller driving energy, respectively. The energetic electrons were found to be well-collimated. The formation and ejection of plasmoid from the “Y-type” current sheet was expected to enhance the number of accelerated electrons.
A Provisional Reading of Rousseau's Reveries of the Solitary Walker
Authors: Gourevitch Victor
Published: July 2012

Rousseau speaks of his last work, The Reveries of the Solitary Walker, as an informal record of conversations of his soul with itself in its quest for his—our—naturel purged of artifice and convention. In the course of these conversations he addresses many of the problems that he explores in his other writings: man's place in the scheme of things, hence God, divine justice, immortality; freedom; the contrasts between the active, citizen life and the circumscribed, solitary life; what we owe to our fellows and what we owe to ourselves; amour-propre, shame, and amour de soi; the conditions for individual happiness, its kinds, and how they might (or might not) compose with public happiness. However, in the Reveries he addresses these problems from an explicitly nonpolitical perspective. While he says that he did not reduce his reflections—meditations, reveries—about them to a system, his account of them is remarkably comprehensive and carefully crafted.
The Critical Function of Genealogy in the Thought of J.-J. Rousseau
Authors: Neuhouser Frederick
Published: July 2012

This paper examines the kind of genealogical project Rousseau undertakes in the Discourse on the Origins of Inequality. It explains what it is for Rousseau to discover the “origins” of inequality and examines the normative implications of such an account, especially the relation his genealogical claims have to his critique of society. After arguing that the Discourse singles out l'amour propre as the psychological source of inequality, the paper reconstructs Rousseau's account of the origin of inequality and its criteria for judging the legitimacy of inequalities. It also highlights similarities among Rousseau's use of genealogy and later genealogical projects, such as Nietzsche's.
NONPARAMETRIC COINTEGRATING REGRESSION WITH NNH ERRORS
Authors: Wang Qiying , Xiang Rachel Wang Ying
Published: July 2012

This paper studies a nonlinear cointegrating regression model with nonlinear nonstationary heteroskedastic error processes. We establish uniform consistency for the conventional kernel estimate of the unknown regression function and develop atwo-stage approach for the estimation of the heterogeneity generating function.
ORACLE EFFICIENT VARIABLE SELECTION IN RANDOM AND FIXED EFFECTS PANEL DATA MODELS
Authors: Kock Anders Bredahl
Published: July 2012

This paper generalizes the results for the Bridge estimator of Huang, Horowitz, and Ma (2008) to linear random and fixed effects panel data models which are allowed to grow in both dimensions. In particular, we show that the Bridge estimator isoracle efficient. It can correctly distinguish between relevant and irrelevant variables and the asymptotic distribution of the estimators of the coefficients of the relevant variables is the same as if only these had been included in the model, i.e. as if an oracle had revealed the true model prior to estimation.

In the case of more explanatory variables than observations we prove that the Marginal Bridge estimator can asymptotically correctly distinguish between relevant and irrelevant explanatory variables if the error terms are Gaussian. Furthermore, a partial orthogonality condition of the same type as in Huang et al. (2008) is needed to restrict the dependence between relevant and irrelevant variables.