bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non‐THC cannabinoids inhibit prostate carcinoma growth in vitro and in vivo: pro‐apoptotic effects and underlying mechanisms
Authors: De Petrocellis Luciano , Ligresti Alessia , Schiano Moriello Aniello , Iappelli Mariagrazia , Verde Roberta , Stott Colin G , Cristino Luigia , Orlando Pierangelo , Di Marzo Vincenzo
Published: May 2012

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Cannabinoid receptor activation induces prostate carcinoma cell (PCC) apoptosis, but cannabinoids other than Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which lack potency at cannabinoid receptors, have not been investigated. Some of these compounds antagonize transient receptor potential melastatin type‐8 (TRPM8) channels, the expression of which is necessary for androgen receptor (AR)‐dependent PCC survival.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

We tested pure cannabinoids and extracts from Cannabis strains enriched in particular cannabinoids (BDS), on AR‐positive (LNCaP and 22RV1) and ‐negative (DU‐145 and PC‐3) cells, by evaluating cell viability (MTT test), cell cycle arrest and apoptosis induction, by FACS scans, caspase 3/7 assays, DNA fragmentation and TUNEL, and size of xenograft tumours induced by LNCaP and DU‐145 cells.

KEY RESULTS

Cannabidiol (CBD) significantly inhibited cell viability. Other compounds became effective in cells deprived of serum for 24 h. Several BDS were more potent than the pure compounds in the presence of serum. CBD‐BDS (i.p.) potentiated the effects of bicalutamide and docetaxel against LNCaP and DU‐145 xenograft tumours and, given alone, reduced LNCaP xenograft size. CBD (1–10 µM) induced apoptosis and induced markers of intrinsic apoptotic pathways (PUMA and CHOP expression and intracellular Ca2+). In LNCaP cells, the pro‐apoptotic effect of CBD was only partly due to TRPM8 antagonism and was accompanied by down‐regulation of AR, p53 activation and elevation of reactive oxygen species. LNCaP cells differentiated to androgen‐insensitive neuroendocrine‐like cells were more sensitive to CBD‐induced apoptosis.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

These data support the clinical testing of CBD against prostate carcinoma.

LINKED ARTICLE This article is commented on by Pacher et al., pp. 76–78 of this issue. To view this commentary visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1476‐5381.2012.02121.x
Crawling is Associated with Mental Rotation Ability by 9‐Month‐Old Infants
Authors: Schwarzer Gudrun , Freitag Claudia , Buckel Rebecca , Lofruthe Annika
Published: May 2012

The present experiment examined whether 9‐month‐old infants’ mental rotation ability was related to their crawling ability. Forty‐eight 9‐month‐old infants were tested; half of them crawled for 7.1 weeks on average. Infants were habituated to a video of a simplified Shepard–Metzler object rotating back and forth through a 240° angle around the longitudinal axis of the object. Infants were tested with videos of the same object rotating through the previously unseen 120° angle and with the mirror image of that display. The results showed that the crawlers looked significantly longer at the mirror object than at the familiar object. The results support the interpretation that crawling experience is associated with 9‐month‐old infants’ mental rotation ability.
Clinical Significance of Induced Atrial Tachycardia After Termination of Longstanding Persistent Atrial Fibrillation Using a Stepwise Approach
Authors: NAGAMOTO YASUTSUGU , PARK JAE‐SEOK , TANUBUDI DANIEL , KO YIU‐KWAN , BAN JI‐EUN , KWAK JAE‐JIN , CHOI JONG‐IL , LIM HONG‐EUY , PARK SANG‐WEON , KIM YOUNG‐HOON
Published: May 2012

Induced Atrial Tachyarrhythmia During Atrial Fibrillation Ablation. Introduction: The utility of inducibility test of atrial tachycardia (AT) in patients with longstanding persistent atrial fibrillation (AF; LPAF) is unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the significance of induced AT and the impact of their ablation on the clinical outcome.

Methods:
In 194 patients with LPAF (>1 year) who underwent catheter ablation (pulmonary vein isolation with substrate ablation), an inducibility test was performed after AF termination.

Results:
AT was induced in 108 (56%) patients (induced AT group); neither AT nor AF was inducible in 37 (19%, noninduction group). During 39 ± 21 months, AT recurred in 30 patients (28%), AF in 19 (17%), and no arrhythmia in 56 (52%) among induced AT group, although there was a recurrence of AT in 9 (24%, P = 0.68), AF in 6 (16%, P = 0.85), and no arrhythmia in 22 (60%, P = 0.42) among noninduction group (P = NS). Note that 10 patients with repeated ablation in induced AT group revealed 8 different and 2 similar recurrent ATs compared to the induced ATs at first session. The mean cycle length of induced AT that terminated by ablation (271 ± 64 ms) was longer than that without (249 ± 58 ms, P < 0.05). In induced AT group, AT recurrence rate in patients who achieved AT termination by ablation was lower than those without termination (5% vs 36%, P < 0.05).

Conclusions:
ATs that are inducible after LPAF termination do not necessarily become clinical AT. However, patients who achieved noninducibility of AT by ablating slower cycle length of AT had better outcomes. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 23, pp. 1171–1178, November 2012)
Light‐activated nanofibre textiles exert antibacterial effects in the setting of chronic wound healing
Authors: Arenbergerova Monika , Arenberger Petr , Bednar Marek , Kubat Pavel , Mosinger Jiri
Published: May 2012

The maintenance of an aseptic environment for chronic wounds is one of the most challenging tasks in the wound‐healing process. Furthermore, the emergence of antibiotic‐resistant bacterial strains is on the rise, rendering conventional treatments less effective. A new antibacterial material consisting of a polyurethane Tecophilic™ nanofibre textile (NT) that was prepared by electrospinning and doped by a tetraphenylporphyrin (TPP) photosensitizer activated by visible light was tested for use in wound beds and bandages. In vitro experiments were performed to assess the antibacterial activity of the textile against three bacterial strains. Furthermore, the new textile was tested in 162 patients with chronic leg ulcers. A complete inhibition of in vitro growth of the three tested bacterial strains was observed on the surface of NTs that had been illuminated with visible light and was clinically demonstrated in 89 patients with leg ulcers. The application of the textiles resulted in a 35% decrease in wound size, as assessed via computer‐aided wound tracing. Wound‐related pain, which was estimated using a visual analogue scale, was reduced by 71%. The results of this trial reveal that the photoinactivation of bacteria through the photosensitized generation of short‐lived, highly reactive singlet oxygen O2(1Δg) results in relatively superficial antibacterial effects in comparison with standard antiseptic treatment options. Thus, such treatment does not interfere with the normal healing process. This method therefore represents a suitable alternative to the use of topical antibiotics and antiseptics and demonstrates potentially broad applications in medicine.
Betel‐quid and oral submucous fibrosis: a cross‐sectional study in Hunan province, China
Authors: Zhang Shan‐Shan , Li Wen‐Hui , Gao Yi‐Jun , Liu Zhi‐Wen , Liu Lin , Tang Jie‐Qing , Ling Tian‐You
Published: May 2012

J Oral Pathol Med (2012) 41: 748–754

Background:  The development of betel‐quid (BQ) processing industry in Hunan has increased the usage of this substance and may produce significant health consequences. However, the update data for the prevalence of BQ chewing and its effect on oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) are limited.

Methods:  A population‐based survey was conducted to investigate the prevalence of BQ chewing and OSF in Hunan. A questionnaire interview and an oral examination were conducted. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to study the effect of socio‐demographic characteristics on area‐specific behaviors of BQ chewing.

Results:  A total of 2356 subjects participated in this survey, with a 78.5% of response rate. The lifetime prevalence of BQ chewing was 16.2% (2.9% for ex‐chewers and 13.3% for current‐chewers). The findings from multivariate logistic regression model showed that a higher prevalence of this habit was among individuals who were males, urban residents, 15–49 years old, educated for 9–12 years, smokers, and drinkers. Male chewers occupied a fairly higher percentage of the combined use of tobacco and/or alcohol (86.1–87.5%) than the non‐chewers (50.6–56.7%). The overall prevalence of OSF was 1.0%. Compared with the subjects without OSF (1.7–23.2%), a significantly higher proportion of OSF patients were a current‐chewer (62.3% in men and 100.0% in women).

Conclusions:  BQ chewing is a vital risk factor for OSF in Hunan. A high prevalence of BQ chewing found among the younger cohort (15–49 years old) is an urgent warning for this oral premalignant disorder.
Changes in oral cytokeratin expression in HIV‐infected subjects with long‐term use of HAART
Authors: Nittayananta W , Mitarnun W , Talungchit S , Sriplung H
Published: May 2012

Oral Diseases (2012) 18, 793–801

Objectives:  The objectives of this study were to determine (i) the expression of oral cytokeratins (CKs) among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐infected subjects compared with non‐HIV controls, (ii) the oral CK expression in the subjects with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) compared with those without HAART, and (iii) factors associated with the expression of oral CKs.

Materials and methods:  Oral tissues from buccal mucosa were obtained by punched biopsy in HIV‐infected subjects with and without HAART, and non‐HIV individuals. The samples were processed for immunohistochemical studies of CK1, CK13, CK14, CK16, and involucrin. The staining intensity was scored and recorded. Logistic regression analysis and multi‐way ANOVA test were performed.

Results:  The expression of CK13, CK14, and CK16 was found to be significantly different between HIV‐infected subjects and non‐HIV individuals (P < 0.05). The expression of those CKs was also significantly different between those who were and were not on HAART (P < 0.05). No significant difference between the groups was observed regarding CK1 and involucrin.

Conclusions:  Oral epithelial cell differentiation as marked by the CK expression is affected by HIV infection and use of HAART. CKs may be the useful biomarkers to identify HIV‐infected subjects who are at risk of malignant transformation of the oral mucosa because of HIV infection and HAART.
Photophysical and Photodynamical Study of Fluoroquinolone Drug Molecule in Bile Salt Aggregates
Authors: Thakur Raina , Mallick Arabinda , Chakraborty Anjan
Published: May 2012

Photophysical properties of two widely used antibiotic fluoroquinolone drugs, namely Norfloxacin (NOR) and Ofloxacin (OFL) have been investigated in biomimicking environments formed by bile salts. Experimental results demonstrate that photophysical enhancement and fall of a particular prototropic species are sensitive to the excitation wavelength in bile salt aggregates. Excitation at shorter wavelengths reveals quenching of fluorescence of these fluoroquinolone with addition of sodium deoxycholate (NaDC), sodium taurocholate (NaTC) and sodium glycodeoxycholate (NaGDC). On the contrary, we observe a steady increase in the fluorescence intensity with a continuous redshift upon excitation at longer wavelength. The experimental results were rationalized in terms of the fact that, neutral and zwitterionic species of fluoroquinolone molecules in bile salt aggregates are selectively excited at shorter wavelength while the cationic form of fluoroquinolone molecules are excited at longer wavelength. The excess hydronium ions in the hydrophilic surface of bile salt aggregates convert the neutral species of NOR and OFL into cationic species causing an enhancement in the emission intensity. We found that NaGDC and NaTC because of the conjugate head group are more effective in converting the neutral species of fluoroquinolones into a cationic species than NaDC. The quenching order is in accordance with hydrophobicity indices of bile salt.
Prevalence, risk factors and clinical signs predictive for equine pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction in aged horses
Authors: MCGOWAN T. W. , PINCHBECK G. P. , MCGOWAN C. M.
Published: May 2012

Reasons for performing study: Equine pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) is an ageing‐related neurodegenerative disorder. The prevalence and risk factors for PPID using seasonally adjusted basal adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) concentrations in aged horses have not been previously reported.

Objectives: To determine the prevalence, risk factors and clinical signs predictive for PPID in a population of horses aged ≥15 years in Queensland, Australia.

Methods: Owner‐reported data was obtained using a postal questionnaire distributed to an equestrian group. A subgroup of surveyed owners were visited and a veterinary physical examination performed on all horses aged ≥15 years. Blood samples were analysed for basal plasma alpha melanocyte‐stimulating hormone (α‐MSH) and ACTH concentrations, routine haematology and selected biochemistry. Aged horses with elevations above seasonally adjusted cut‐off values for basal plasma ACTH were considered positive for PPID. Positive horses were compared with their aged counterparts to determine risk factors and clinical signs associated with PPID.

Results: Pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction was prevalent in aged horses (21.2%) despite owners infrequently reporting it as a known or diagnosed disease or disorder. Numerous clinical or historical signs were associated with an increased risk of PPID in the univariable model, but only age (odds ratio (OR) 1.18; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.11–1.25, P<0.001) and owner‐reported history of hirsutism (OR 7.80; 95% CI 3.67–16.57, P<0.001) remained in the final multivariable model. There were no routine haematological or biochemical variables supportive of a diagnosis of PPID.

Conclusions and potential relevance: Pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction occurs commonly in aged horses despite under‐recognition by owners. The increased risk of PPID with age supports that this is an ageing associated condition. Aged horses with clinical or historical signs consistent with PPID, especially owner‐reported hirsutism (delayed shedding and/or long hair coat), should be tested and appropriate treatment instituted.
Three-Dimensional Fracture Analysis of Circumferentially Cracked Boiler Tubes
Authors: Citirik E.
Published: May 2012

A comprehensive methodology is developed to understand and characterize the fracture behavior of circumferentially cracked boiler tubes in this study. Weld overlay is applied on the coal-fired boiler tubes in order to prevent the degradation of corrosive and erosive environment that the boiler tubes are exposed to in the power plants. Finite element modeling and analysis are employed for all of the computations including steady-state and transient stress intensity factor (SIF) calculations in this study. Circumferential cracking has been one of the failure modes in waterwall boiler tubes, which results in high maintenance and replacement costs. Thermomechanical stresses and corrosive environment are basically the two remarkable contributors that bring about this failure mode. The former one is investigated and quantified in this study in order to explain the fracture behavior of weld overlay coatings during the power plant operation. Periodic soot blowing operations cause cyclic transient thermomechanical stresses on the weld overlay coating that results in crack propagation and fatigue failure. Three-dimensional fracture analysis of circumferentially cracked boiler tubes is examined using enriched finite element method in this study. Transient temperatures and thermomechanical stresses are computed using ANSYS for five different periodic crack spacing values (h), which are 2, 4, 6, 10, and 20 mm in the axial direction. 3D fracture analysis was performed, and stress intensity factors were computed using FRAC3D, which is Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software developed at Lehigh University. The maximum stress intensity factor is obtained at the deepest penetration of the crack in the model which has the largest periodic axial crack spacing, h = 20 mm. The stress intensity factors due to welding residuals decrease as the axial crack spacing, h, decreases. The FEA methodology developed in this research would provide the engineers with the ability to understand the fracture problem and predict component life and improve the reliability of the weld overlay coated boiler tubes utilized in the power plants.
A Modified Weld Structure of Layered Urea Reactor Based on Stress Analysis and Leak Detection
Authors: Xu Shugen , Wang Weiqiang , Li Mengli
Published: May 2012

In this paper, a modified weld structure of the layered urea reactor has been provided. In the modified structure, new circumferential weld can improve the stress status of the urea reactor. It has the both advantage of separated and integrated layered pressure vessel. This modified design is based on the stress status analysis and the requirement of leak detection. In order to evaluate the modified structure, stresses of original and modified urea reactor shell with interlayer gaps were calculated via Finite element software ANSYS 12.0. The calculation result shows that the maximum stress of the modified structure is reduced obviously in the same condition, and the leak of liner also can be detected effectively.
Mechanical and Microstructural Characterization of Heat-Affected Zone Materials of Reactor Pressure Vessel
Authors: Katsuyama Jinya , Tobita Tohru , Nishiyama Yutaka , Onizawa Kunio
Published: May 2012

In order to provide the technical basis for the judgment of the needs of surveillance specimens of heat-affected zone (HAZ) in reactor pressure vessel (RPV) steels, we performed a research on the characterization of metallurgical and mechanical properties of the HAZ in RPV steels. The distributions of grain size and phases were drawn as a map based on temperature histories around HAZ obtained from welding simulation. Referring to the HAZ map, typical HAZ materials were made by simulating temperature histories including postweld heat treatment (PWHT) within the HAZ. Metallurgical and mechanical characteristics for those HAZ materials were compared with those of base metal. From the results, it is clear that mechanical properties of HAZ materials depend not on the prior austenitic grain size but mostly on the phases. Concerning on the fracture toughness in HAZ, HAZ materials close to weld metal indicated higher toughness than that of base metal due to mixed structure of martensite and lower-bainite, while HAZ materials close to base metal were equivalent or slightly lower toughness than that of base metal due to the same phase as base metal of upper-bainite.
Changes in Section XI, Repairs and Replacements (2007–2009)
Authors: Yonekawa Ronald A. , Gerlach Edward B.
Published: May 2012

Since the issue of the 2007 edition of Section XI, the changes have been of two categories. In the first category are a number of changes to paragraphs in IWA-4000 to fine tune and maintain the base code requirements. The second category contains some revisions and the issue of new code cases. In the text that follows, the code text revisions and revised and new cases (as issued in supplements 1–12) are described based on the addenda in which their approved actions were issued.
Creep Rupture Ductility of Creep Strength Enhanced Ferritic Steels
Authors: Kimura Kazuhiro , Sawada Kota , Kushima Hideaki
Published: May 2012

Creep rupture strength and ductility of creep strength enhanced ferritic steels of Grades 23, 91, 92, and 122 was investigated with particular emphasis on remarkable drop in the long-term. Large difference in creep rupture strength and ductility was observed on three heats of Grade 23 steels. Remarkable drop of creep rupture strength in the long-term of T91 was comparable to those of Grades 92 and 122. Remarkable drop in creep rupture ductility in a stress regime below 50% of 0.2% offset yield stress was observed on Grade T23 steel, however, that of Grade P23 steel did not indicate any degradation of creep rupture ductility. Higher creep rupture ductility of Grade P23 steel was considered to be caused by its lower creep strength than that of T23 steels. Creep rupture ductility of Grades 92 and 122 steels indicated rapid and drastic decrease with decrease in stress at 50% of 0.2% offset yield stress. Stress dependence of creep rupture ductility of Grades 92 and 122 steels was well described by a ratio of stress to 0.2% offset yield stress, regardless of temperature. On the other hand, large drop in creep rupture ductility of Grade 91 steel was observed only in the very low-stress regime at 650 °C. Alloying elements including impurities and changes in precipitates may influence on creep rupture ductility, however, remarkable drop in ductility of the steels cannot be explained by chemical composition and precipitates. High ductility in the high-stress regime above 50% of 0.2% offset yield stress should be provided by easy plastic deformation, and it has been concluded that a remarkable drop in ductility in the low-stress regime is derived from a concentration of creep deformation into a tiny recovered region formed at the vicinity of grain boundary.
Safe Life Estimation of Coke Drum in Service Environment
Authors: Li Zhen , Xue Zhou , Wang Xu , Li Fenkun
Published: May 2012

It is generally known that delayed coke drums are operated under severe conditions by cyclic heating and quenching operation. It makes them susceptible to thermal fatigue. Therefore, fatigue failures have been identified in the skirt to shell junctures. In this study, the high-temperature fatigue crack initiation (HTFCI) life, Ni, and high-temperature fatigue (HTF) life, Nf, have been experimentally determined under two kinds of load spectrum by using specimens of 14Cr1MoR steel plate butt-weld. Comparing two groups of experimental result, the interaction between fatigue and creep is not significant at the test temperature. Furthermore, the expressions of HTFCI life and HTF life of 14Cr1MoR steel plate butt-weld are presented by regression analysis of the test results. According to the ANSYS finite element numerical simulation, the maximum equivalent strain amplitude of the connection weld area between the coke drum body and the skirt is 0.0032619. Taking account of the fatigue life safety coefficient and the number of heating and cooling cycles of coke drum in a year, the analysis shows that the safe life of coke drum is about 18 years, but the fatigue cracks occur in 8.6 years. As a result, this approach can be used to evaluate the safe life of delayed coke drums and can help for the maintenance of the equipment.
Simulation of Ductile Fracture of Multiple Flaws
Authors: Suga Kazuhiro , Kikuchi Masanori , Kawasaki Shota
Published: May 2012

The effect of the interaction of multiple flaws on ductile fracture is studied numerically by Gurson’s constitutive equation. Based on experimental results, two parallel flaw and three parallel flaw problems are simulated. Flaw coalescence does not occur in some problems but does occur in other cases. In all cases, ductile fracture processes are obtained, and the results are compared with the experimental results. The fracture pattern and load-displacement curves agree well with the experimental results. The void growth term is found to be dominant for the coalescence of flaws. The slant flaw problem and the nonuniform length flaw problem are simulated and an evaluation method for the multiple flaws problem is discussed.
Design and Analysis of Buried Liquid Petroleum Gas Storage Bullets Supported on Multiple Saddles (PVP2010-25052)
Authors: Stefanovic Radoslav , Noman Yaser
Published: May 2012

The use of large, high pressure liquid petroleum gas (LPG) storage bullets has become a common, and often assumed safe, practice in the petrochemical industry. The Engineering Equipment and Materials Users Association (EEMUA) is an organization that has attempted to address design aspects related to mounded or buried bullets; Publication No. 190 published by the EEMUA (2000, Guide for the Design, Construction and Use of Mounded Horizontal Cylindrical Vessels for Pressurized Storage of LPG at Ambient Temperatures, EEMUA, London, England.) became a standard practice in the industry. However, the design recommended, and therefore addressed, by Publication 190 is for bullets directly supported by soil (i.e., without saddle supports). However, it has been noticed by the authors that many users are requesting these storage bullets be supported by saddles resting on foundations in order to minimize the chance of unexpected settling and any motion of the bullets underground. The large span of these bullets requires more than two saddles adding to the complexity of the design due to statically indeterminate construction, differential settlement, and uneven supports. This paper focuses on major issues related to the design of such bullets. First, the loads induced by mound weight, pressure due to mound, and the loads due to longitudinal thermal expansion and soil resistance to this expansion is analyzed. Next, a method for calculating the multiple saddle reactions and bending moments at spans and supports is provided. A simplified method for assessing the effect of differential settlement between saddles is proposed.
Soot Optical Properties in the Terahertz Spectra Domain
Authors: Wang Fei , Xu Ting , Qiang Zhishen , Huang Qunxing , Liu Dong , Yan Jianhua , Cen Kefa
Published: May 2012

For understanding and accurately modeling combustion, the important questions are what species are present in the flame, and the spatial distribution and temperature of these species. Traditional optical methods used only the electromagnetic waves in the wavelength region from the ultraviolet region up to the infrared. Terahertz time-domain spectroscopy technique can be used for the combustion research as a novel tool. However, for some sooty combustion environments, the strong absorption, spectral interference from soot scattering, and fluorescence from large molecules must be considered. The optical properties of soot in the terahertz domain are the main basic data for terahertz application. In this paper, the terahertz time-domain spectroscopy technique was used to study the optical properties of flame soot within 0.2–1.6 THz. The complex refractive indices of the soot were deduced by the fixed-point iteration method. In order to validate the results, the complex refractive indices of the soot from the four different fuel flames were deduced. It was found that the complex refractive indices in the terahertz domain of the soot from the different fuel flames are very close to each other. The comparisons of complex refractive indices between the visible–IR domain and the terahertz domain indicate that the value of absorption index in terahertz domain is smaller than in IR domain, which implies that the terahertz wave will penetrate the sooty flame with smaller absorption than the IR rays. The results can provide the basic optical data of flame soot for the application of terahertz time-domain spectroscopy technique in the optical combustion diagnostics and extend the optical combustion diagnostics application area.
Evaluation of Creep Strength Reduction Factors for Welded Joints of Modified 9Cr-1Mo Steel
Authors: Tabuchi Masaaki , Takahashi Yukio
Published: May 2012

Creep strength of welded joint for high Cr ferritic heat resisting steels decreases due to Type-IV failure in heat-affected zone (HAZ) during long-term use at high temperatures. In order to review the allowable creep strength of these steels, creep rupture data of base metals and welded joints have been collected, and long-term creep strength has been evaluated in the SHC (strength of high-chromium steel) committee in Japan. In the present paper, the creep rupture data of 370 points for welded joint specimens of modified 9Cr-1Mo steel (ASME Grade 91 steel) offered from seven Japanese companies and institutes were analyzed. These data clearly indicated that the creep strength of welded joints was lower than that of base metal due to Type-IV failure in HAZ at high temperatures. From the activities of this committee, it was concluded that the weld strength reduction factor (WSRF) should be taken into consideration for the design and residual life assessment of boiler components in fossil power plants. The committee recommended the WSRF for 100,000 h creep of Gr.91 steel as 0.85 at 575 °C, 0.75 at 600 °C, 0.74 at 625 °C, and 0.70 at 650 °C. The master curve for residual life assessment of Gr.91 steel welds using Larson-Miller parameter was also proposed.
Flow-Through Boiling of Isopentane in Structured-Porous Fins: Effects of System Parameters
Authors: Zhao Zenghui , Wirtz Richard A.
Published: May 2012

Metallic porous structures have proved to be effective in enhancing heat transfer due to the inherent characteristics such as high specific surface area and large pore densities. In this study, structured-porous fins were built from plain weaved copper wire mesh screens. Seven test articles were made, with pore hydraulic diameter varying from 214 μm to 48 μm. Boiling experiments were conducted with Isopentane, a highly wetting fluid, flowing through the porous fin. The tested system pressure varies from 2 bars to 5 bars, and the channel Reynolds number from 2000 to 10,000. Influences of system pressure, flow rate, and pore sizes (mesh number) on flow boiling performance were investigated. The mechanisms for the influences were discussed.
Failure Mode Analysis of Mobile Equipment Hydraulic Leaks
Authors: Awad Mahmoud I. , Alkelani Ali A.
Published: May 2012

Leaks in general and hydraulic leaks in specific are one of the major failure modes for mobile equipment. In-plant leak rates may range from 1% to 25%, while field leaks may range from 1% to 13% depending on the complexity of the system, assembly process, and parts quality. In this paper, the main potential leak causes are discussed and the performance of different types of fittings is compared, including JIC 37 flare fittings, O-ring boss seal, and O-ring face seal. Several potential improvement actions related to assembly process, torque specifications, and quality of manufactured fittings are proposed to reduce leaks. Among the many benefits leak reduction will result in improved customer safety and satisfaction, assembly down time reduction, cost and warranty reduction, and environmental impact reduction.
Constitutive Behavior of Ocular Tissues Over a Range of Strain Rates
Authors: Kim Wonsuk , Argento Alan , Rozsa Frank W. , Mallett Kaitlyn
Published: May 2012

The constitutive behavior of bovine scleral and corneal tissues is measured in tension and compression, at quasi-static and moderate strain rates. Experiments are conducted at strain rates up to about 50 strain per second by a pneumatic testing system developed to overcome noise and measurement difficulties associated with the time dependent test of low impedance materials. Results for the tissues at room and the natural bovine body temperatures are similar and indicate that ocular tissue exhibits nonlinear stiffening for increasing strain rates, a phenomena termed rate hardening. For example, at a tensile strain rate of 29/s, corneal tissue is found to develop 10 times the stress that it does quasi-statically at the same strain. Thus, conventional constitutive models will grossly underpredict stresses occurring in the corneo-scleral shell due to moderate dynamic events. This has implication to the accuracy of ocular injury models, the study of the stress field in the corneo-scleral shell for glaucoma research and tonometry measurements. The measured data at various strain rates is represented using the general framework of a constitutive model that has been used to represent biological tissue mechanical data. Here it is extended to represent the measured data of the ocular tissues over the range of tested strain rates. Its form allows for straightforward incorporation in various numerical codes. The experimental and analytical methods developed here are felt to be applicable to the test of human ocular tissue.
Elastic Characterization of Transversely Isotropic Soft Materials by Dynamic Shear and Asymmetric Indentation
Authors: Namani R. , Feng Y. , Okamoto R. J. , Jesuraj N. , Sakiyama-Elbert S. E. , Genin G. M. , Bayly P. V.
Published: May 2012

The mechanical characterization of soft anisotropic materials is a fundamental challenge because of difficulties in applying mechanical loads to soft matter and the need to combine information from multiple tests. A method to characterize the linear elastic properties of transversely isotropic soft materials is proposed, based on the combination of dynamic shear testing (DST) and asymmetric indentation. The procedure was demonstrated by characterizing a nearly incompressible transversely isotropic soft material. A soft gel with controlled anisotropy was obtained by polymerizing a mixture of fibrinogen and thrombin solutions in a high field magnet (B = 11.7 T); fibrils in the resulting gel were predominantly aligned parallel to the magnetic field. Aligned fibrin gels were subject to dynamic (20–40 Hz) shear deformation in two orthogonal directions. The shear storage modulus was 1.08 ± 0. 42 kPa (mean ± std. dev.) for shear in a plane parallel to the dominant fiber direction, and 0.58 ± 0.21 kPa for shear in the plane of isotropy. Gels were indented by a rectangular tip of a large aspect ratio, aligned either parallel or perpendicular to the normal to the plane of transverse isotropy. Aligned fibrin gels appeared stiffer when indented with the long axis of a rectangular tip perpendicular to the dominant fiber direction. Three-dimensional numerical simulations of asymmetric indentation were used to determine the relationship between direction-dependent differences in indentation stiffness and material parameters. This approach enables the estimation of a complete set of parameters for an incompressible, transversely isotropic, linear elastic material.
Electron beam excitation method to study gas phase during etch processes
Authors: Stephan Thamban P. L. , Padron-Wells Gabriel , Yun Stuart , Hosch Jimmy W. , Goeckner Matthew J.
Published: May 2012

In process optical emission spectroscopy (OES) measurements, excitation mechanisms as dictated by the process plasma can be complex to analyze optical signals quantitatively. Applications of a new electron beam excitation method demonstrate distinct merits for plasma process diagnostics and process control. The electron energy control attribute of the method provides the means to optimize and monitor specific species optical emission in process chemistries to achieve process control such as endpoint. The authors present gas phase results from photoresist ash and SiO2 etch using O2 and CF4/Ar discharges, respectively. The effluent density variations as measured with the e-beam method during process stages demonstrate process endpoint detection. Simultaneous measurements with FTIR spectroscopy and direct plasma OES is also presented for comparison.
Resource Letter ALIP–1: Active-Learning Instruction in Physics
Authors: Meltzer David E. , Thornton Ronald K.
Published: May 2012

This Resource Letter provides a guide to the literature on research-based active-learning instruction in physics. These are instructional methods that are based on, assessed by, and validated through research on the teaching and learning of physics. They involve students in their own learning more deeply and more intensely than does traditional instruction, particularly during class time. The instructional methods and supporting body of research reviewed here offer potential for significantly improved learning in comparison to traditional lecture-based methods of college and university physics instruction. We begin with an introduction to the history of active learning in physics in the United States, and then discuss some methods for and outcomes of assessing pedagogical effectiveness. We enumerate and describe common characteristics of successful active-learning instructional strategies in physics. We then discuss a range of methods for introducing active-learning instruction in physics and provide references to those methods for which there is published documentation of student learning gains.
Fizeau’s “aether-drag” experiment in the undergraduate laboratory
Authors: Lahaye Thierry , Labastie Pierre , Mathevet Renaud
Published: May 2012

We describe a simple realization of Fizeau’s “aether-drag” experiment. Using an inexpensive setup, we measure the phase shift induced by moving water in a laser interferometer and find good agreement with the relativistic prediction or, in the terms of 19th century physics, with Fresnel’s partial-drag theory. This appealing experiment, particularly suited for an undergraduate laboratory project, not only allows a quantitative measurement of a relativistic effect on a macroscopic system but also constitutes a practical application of important concepts of optics, data acquisition and processing, and fluid mechanics.
Quantum phase analysis with quantum trajectories: A step towards the creation of a Bohmian thinking
Authors: Sanz A. S. , Miret-Artés S.
Published: May 2012

We introduce a pedagogical discussion on Bohmian mechanics and its physical implications in connection with the important role played by the quantum phase in the dynamics of quantum processes. In particular, we focus on phenomena such as quantum coherence, diffraction, and interference, due to their historical relevance in the development of the quantum theory and their key role in a myriad of fundamental and applied problems of current interest.
Relevance of Bacteroidales and F-Specific RNA Bacteriophages for Efficient Fecal Contamination Tracking at the Level of a Catchment in France
Authors: Mauffret Aourell , Caprais Marie-Paule , Gourmelon Michèle
Published: May 2012

The relevance of three host-associated
Bacteroidales
markers (HF183, Rum2Bac, and Pig2Bac) and four F-specific RNA bacteriophage genogroups (FRNAPH I to IV) as microbial source tracking markers was assessed at the level of a catchment (Daoulas, France). They were monitored together with fecal indicators (
Escherichia coli
and enterococci) and chemophysical parameters (rainfall, temperature, salinity, pH, and turbidity) by monthly sampling over 2 years (
n
= 240 water samples) and one specific sampling following an accidental pig manure spillage (
n
= 5 samples). During the 2-year regular monitoring, levels of
E. coli
, enterococci, total F-specific RNA bacteriophages, and the general
Bacteroidales
marker AllBac were strongly correlated with one another and with Rum2Bac (
r
= 0.37 to 0.50,
P
< 0.0001). Their correlations with HF183 and FRNAPH I and II were lower (
r
= 0.21 to 0.29,
P
< 0.001 to
P
< 0.0001), and HF183 and enterococci were associated rather than correlated (Fisher's exact test,
P
< 0.01). Rum2Bac and HF183 enabled 73% of water samples that had ≥2.7 log
10
most probably number (MPN) of
E. coli
/100 ml to be classified. FRNAPH I and II enabled 33% of samples at this contamination level to be classified. FRNAPH I and II complemented the water sample classification obtained with the two
Bacteroidales
markers by an additional 8%. Pig2Bac and FRNAPH III and IV were observed in a small number of samples (
n
= 0 to 4 of 245). The present study validates Rum2Bac and HF183 as relevant tools to trace fecal contamination originating from ruminant or human waste, respectively, at the level of a whole catchment.
Enrichment of Microbial Electrolysis Cell Biocathodes from Sediment Microbial Fuel Cell Bioanodes
Authors: Pisciotta John M. , Zaybak Zehra , Call Douglas F. , Nam Joo-Youn , Logan Bruce E.
Published: May 2012

Electron-accepting (electrotrophic) biocathodes were produced by first enriching graphite fiber brush electrodes as the anodes in sediment-type microbial fuel cells (sMFCs) using two different marine sediments and then electrically inverting the anodes to function as cathodes in two-chamber bioelectrochemical systems (BESs). Electron consumption occurred at set potentials of −439 mV and −539 mV (versus the potential of a standard hydrogen electrode) but not at −339 mV in minimal media lacking organic sources of energy. Results at these different potentials were consistent with separate linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) scans that indicated enhanced activity (current consumption) below only ca. −400 mV. MFC bioanodes not originally acclimated at a set potential produced electron-accepting (electrotrophic) biocathodes, but bioanodes operated at a set potential (+11 mV) did not. CO
2
was removed from cathode headspace, indicating that the electrotrophic biocathodes were autotrophic. Hydrogen gas generation, followed by loss of hydrogen gas and methane production in one sample, suggested hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis. There was abundant microbial growth in the biocathode chamber, as evidenced by an increase in turbidity and the presence of microorganisms on the cathode surface. Clone library analysis of 16S rRNA genes indicated prominent sequences most similar to those of
Eubacterium limosum
(
Butyribacterium methylotrophicum
),
Desulfovibrio
sp. A2,
Rhodococcus opacus
, and
Gemmata obscuriglobus
. Transfer of the suspension to sterile cathodes made of graphite plates, carbon rods, or carbon brushes in new BESs resulted in enhanced current after 4 days, demonstrating growth by these microbial communities on a variety of cathode substrates. This report provides a simple and effective method for enriching autotrophic electrotrophs by the use of sMFCs without the need for set potentials, followed by the use of potentials more negative than −400 mV.
Influence of Adhesion and Bacteriocin Production by Lactobacillus salivarius on the Intestinal Epithelial Cell Transcriptional Response
Authors: O'Callaghan John , Buttó Ludovica F. , MacSharry John , Nally Kenneth , O'Toole Paul W.
Published: May 2012

Lactobacillus salivarius
strain UCC118 is a human intestinal isolate that has been extensively studied for its potential probiotic effects in human and animal models. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of
L. salivarius
UCC118 on gene expression responses in the Caco-2 cell line to improve understanding of how the strain might modulate intestinal epithelial cell phenotypes. Exposure of Caco-2 cells to UCC118 led to the induction of several human genes (
TNFAIP3
,
NFKBIA
, and
BIRC3
) that are negative regulators of inflammatory signaling pathways. Induction of chemokines (CCL20, CXCL-1, and CXCL-2) with antimicrobial functions was also observed. Disruption of the UCC118 sortase gene
srtA
causes reduced bacterial adhesion to epithelial cells. Transcription of three mucin genes was reduced significantly when Caco-2 cells were stimulated with the Δ
srt
A derivative of UCC118 compared to cells stimulated with the wild type, but there was no significant change in the transcription levels of the anti-inflammatory genes. UCC118 genes that were significantly upregulated upon exposure to Caco-2 cells were identified by bacterial genome microarray and consisted primarily of two groups of genes connected with purine metabolism and the operon for synthesis of the Abp118 bacteriocin. Following incubation with Caco-2 cells, the bacteriocin synthesis genes were transcribed at higher levels in the wild type than in the Δ
srtA
derivative. These data indicate that
L. salivarius
UCC118 influences epithelial cells both through modulation of the inflammatory response and by modulation of intestinal cell mucin production. Sortase-anchored cell surface proteins of
L. salivarius
UCC118 have a central role in promoting the interaction between the bacterium and epithelial cells.
Expression of Bacterial GshF in Pichia pastoris for Glutathione Production
Authors: Ge Shaolin , Zhu Taicheng , Li Yin
Published: May 2012

Conventionally, two consecutive enzymatic reactions catalyzed by γ-glutamylcysteine synthetase and glutathione synthetase are most commonly used for glutathione production. Here we demonstrate that bacterial bifunctional GshF can be used for glutathione production in a eukaryotic system without accumulation of the intermediate γ-glutamylcysteine.
Gene Cloning, Purification, and Characterization of a Novel Peptidoglutaminase-Asparaginase from Aspergillus sojae
Authors: Ito Kotaro , Matsushima Kenichiro , Koyama Yasuji
Published: May 2012

Glutaminase is an enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of
l
-glutamine to
l
-glutamate, and it plays an important role in the production of fermented foods by enhancing the umami taste. By using the genome sequence and expressed sequence tag data available for
Aspergillus oryzae
RIB40, we cloned a novel glutaminase gene (As
gahA
) from
Aspergillus sojae
, which was similar to a previously described gene encoding a salt-tolerant, thermostable glutaminase of
Cryptococcus nodaensis
(CnGahA). The structural gene was 1,929 bp in length without introns and encoded a glutaminase, AsGahA, which shared 36% identity with CnGahA. The introduction of multiple copies of As
gahA
into
A. oryzae
RIB40 resulted in the overexpression of glutaminase activity. AsGahA was subsequently purified from the overexpressing transformant and characterized. While AsGahA was located at the cell surface in submerged culture, it was secreted extracellularly in solid-state culture. The molecular mass of AsGahA was estimated to be 67 kDa and 135 kDa by SDS-PAGE and gel filtration chromatography, respectively, indicating that the native form of AsGahA was a dimer. The optimal pH of the enzyme was 9.5, and its optimal temperature was 50°C in sodium phosphate buffer (pH 7.0). Analysis of substrate specificity revealed that AsGahA deamidated not only free
l
-glutamine and
l
-asparagine but also C-terminal glutaminyl or asparaginyl residues in peptides. Collectively, our results indicate that AsGahA is a novel peptidoglutaminase-asparaginase. Moreover, this is the first report to describe the gene cloning and purification of a peptidoglutaminase-asparaginase.
Isolation of a Gene Responsible for the Oxidation of
trans
-Anethole to
para
-Anisaldehyde by Pseudomonas putida JYR-1 and Its Expression in Escherichia coli
Authors: Han Dongfei , Ryu Ji-Young , Kanaly Robert A. , Hur Hor-Gil
Published: May 2012

A plasmid, pTA163, in
Escherichia coli
contained an approximately 34-kb gene fragment from
Pseudomonas putida
JYR-1 that included the genes responsible for the metabolism of
trans
-anethole to protocatechuic acid. Three Tn
5
-disrupted open reading frame 10 (ORF 10) mutants of plasmid pTA163 lost their abilities to catalyze
trans
-anethole. Heterologously expressed ORF 10 (1,047 nucleotides [nt]) under a T7 promoter in
E. coli
catalyzed oxidative cleavage of a propenyl group of
trans
-anethole to an aldehyde group, resulting in the production of
para
-anisaldehyde, and this gene was designated
tao
(

t

rans
-
a
nethole
o
xygenase). The deduced amino acid sequence of TAO had the highest identity (34%) to a hypothetical protein of
Agrobacterium vitis
S4 and likely contained a flavin-binding site. Preferred incorporation of an oxygen molecule from water into
p
-anisaldehyde using
18
O-labeling experiments indicated stereo preference of TAO for hydrolysis of the epoxide group. Interestingly, unlike the narrow substrate range of isoeugenol monooxygenase from
Pseudomonas putida
IE27 and
Pseudomonas nitroreducens
Jin1, TAO from
P. putida
JYR-1 catalyzed isoeugenol,
O
-methyl isoeugenol, and isosafrole, all of which contain the 2-propenyl functional group on the aromatic ring structure. Addition of NAD(P)H to the ultrafiltered cell extracts of
E. coli
(pTA163) increased the activity of TAO. Due to the relaxed substrate range of TAO, it may be utilized for the production of various fragrance compounds from plant phenylpropanoids in the future.