bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Oxytocin down‐regulates mesenteric afferent sensitivity via the enteric OTR/nNOS/NO/KATP pathway in rat
Authors: Li J. , Xue B. , Han T. , Huang K. , Gong L. , Ma X. , Liu K. , Cui S. , Zhang M. , Kunze W. , Liu C. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractBackgroundOxytocin plays an analgesic role in modulation of nociception and pain. Most work to date has focused on the central mechanisms of oxytocin analgesia, but little is known about whether peripheral mechanisms are also involved.MethodsThe mesenteric afferent discharge was recorded in vitro. The expressions of oxytocin receptor (OTR) and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) in longitudinal muscle myenteric plexus (LMMP) was identified by immunofluorescence.Key ResultsOxytocin per se had no effect on the jejunal mesenteric afferent discharge, however, it markedly attenuated the bradykinin‐ or distention‐evoked increase of mesenteric afferent discharge, which was mimiced by the nitric oxide (NO) donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP). Pretreatment of either NOS inhibitor L‐NAME or NPLA largely reduced the inhibitory effect of oxytocin on bradykinin‐evoked mesenteric afferent discharge. Such effect, to a large extent, was also alleviated by N‐and P‐type voltage‐dependent calcium channel antagonists or KATP blocker glibenclamide. In addition, immunofluorescence studies show strong colocalization of OTR with nNOS in LMMP of the rat jejunum.Conclusions & InferencesOxytocin down‐regulates the mesenteric afferent sensitivity through nNOS‐NO‐KATP pathway. Our findings may reveal a new peripheral mechanism for oxytocin analgesia.
Geometric morphometric analysis applied to theropod tracks from the Lower Cretaceous (Berriasian) of Spain
Authors: Castanera Diego , Colmenar Jorge , Sauqué Víctor , Canudo José I. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractGeometric morphometric methods applied to theropod tracks from the Huérteles Formation (Berriasian, Spain) are here shown to be invaluable for drawing comparisons between theropod tracks with different preservation modes (true tracks, shallow undertracks and natural casts) or differing in the preservation of anatomical features (e.g. digital pads). Principal components analysis and thin‐plate spline methods can quantitatively distinguish between the broad groups of tracks in a sample and establish the main differences between them. These methods offer a promising approach for estimating ichnodiversity, achieved by evaluating just the morphology of the tracks independent of other factors such as size. The theropod tracks of the Huérteles Formation can be classified into two broad groups: minute‐to‐medium‐sized gracile theropod tracks (Kalohipus bretunensis) and medium‐to‐large‐sized robust theropod tracks (Iberosauripus). The presence of a third group of more gracile medium‐to‐large‐sized theropod tracks (Megalosauripus) cannot be proven with certainty on the basis of the current data. These results indicate that the theropod ichnodiversity of the Huérteles Formation is probably lower than that estimated by means of conventional methods alone (e.g. qualitative description of the tracks) and that many of the described theropod morphotypes may represent extramorphological or ontogenetic variations of other morphotypes.
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support after pediatric orthotopic heart transplantation
Authors: Su Jennifer A. , Kelly Robert B. , Grogan Tristan , Elashoff David , Alejos Juan C. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractMechanical circulatory support has been used for more than 30 yr to allow the heart to recover from ischemia and injury. There are limited pediatric data, however, on the efficacy of ECMO in the setting of post‐transplantation support for primary graft dysfunction or rejection. Data from all patients at our university‐affiliated, tertiary care children's hospital who underwent OHT between 1998 and 2010 and required subsequent ECMO support were analyzed. The primary outcome measure was survival to hospital discharge. Two hundred and three pediatric patients underwent OHT between 1998 and 2010 at our institution. Twenty‐nine of these patients experienced post‐transplantation cardiac failure requiring ECMO support, 18 of whom survived to hospital discharge (62%). Survival in the rejection and allograft vasculopathy group was 75%, and survival in patients with primary graft failure was 53% after ECMO support (p = 0.273). Patient survival to hospital discharge was not associated with ischemic time or duration of ECMO. ECMO provides hemodynamic support in the setting of cardiac failure and can be used successfully after pediatric OHT for primary graft dysfunction or rejection.
Conditions for view invariance in the neural response to visual symmetry
Authors: Makin Alexis D. J. , Rampone Giulia , Bertamini Marco 
Published: October 2014

AbstractSymmetry detection is slow when patterns are distorted by perspective, perhaps due to a time‐consuming normalization process, or because discrimination relies on remaining weaker regularities in the retinal image. Participants viewed symmetrical or random dot patterns, either in a frontoparallel or slanted plane (±50°). One group performed a color discrimination task, while another performed a regularity discrimination task. We measured a symmetry‐related event‐related potential (ERP), beginning around 300 ms. During color discrimination, the ERP was reduced for slanted patterns, indexing only the remaining retinal structure. During regularity discrimination, the same ERP was view invariant, and identical for frontoparallel or slanted presentation. We conclude that normalization occurs rapidly during active symmetry discrimination, while symmetry‐sensitive networks respond only to regularity in the retinal image when people are attending to other features.
EU Legislation to Reduce Carbon Emissions from Cars: Intergovernmental or Supranational Policy Making?
Authors: Gulbrandsen Lars H. , Christensen Anne Raaum 
Published: October 2014

AbstractThis article examines the making and implementation of the 2009 European Union (EU) regulation on cars and CO2 emissions (Regulation [EC] No 443/2009). As the first legally binding measure to target the CO2 emissions of passenger cars, this regulation represents a milestone in EU efforts to reduce the climate impacts of road transport. The analysis draws on two central theoretical perspectives on EU policy making: liberal intergovernmentalism and supranationalism. Both offer important insights, but their explanatory power varies with the policy‐making phase in focus. The analysis shows that the Commission and the car industry were instrumental in shaping what eventually became an industry‐friendly regulation applicable in all EU countries. However, far from being a case of closed negotiations between the industry and the Commission, Germany and other EU countries defending the interest of manufacturers of high‐emission vehicles made use of their powers during the decision‐making phase and succeeded in watering down the Commission's proposal.
Cladistic analysis of Omalodini Kryzhanovskij (Coleoptera: Histeridae: Histerinae)
Authors: LEIVAS FERNANDO W. T. , BICHO CARLA L. , ALMEIDA LÚCIA M. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractAccording to the current Histeridae classification, Omalodini is composed of 100 species described in 12 genera distributed in the Neotropical, Afrotropical, Afrotemperate and Oriental regions: Asolenus Lewis; Atribalus Bickhardt; Blypotehus Vienna, Ebonius Lewis; Lewisister Bickhardt; Notolister Lewis; Omalodes Erichson, divided in Omalodes (Omalodes), O. (Diplogrammicus) Lewis and O. (Cornillus) Lewis; Perfidolenus Vienna; Rhypochares Marseul; Scapomegas Lacordaire; Sphyracus Marseul; Theropatina Mazur. Our aims were to test the monophyly of Omalodini, using cladistic analysis, and propose a hypothesis of the phylogeny of the tribe. The matrix was composed of 49 terminal taxa (34 from the ingroup and 15 from the outgroup) and 131 characters of the adult morphology. The data were analysed under equal weights and implied weights. In both analyses, Omalodini represents a polyphyletic group and the trees obtained from equal weights analysis (two most parsimonious trees) were chosen in order to recover the tribe's monophyly. We recognize three lineages in Omalodini: Ebonius, undescribed genus and Omalodes, being supported by six transformations (Ebonius + (undescribed genus + Omalodes)). The sister group of Omalodini was defined as a clade composed of Histerini, Platysomatini and Hololeptini. The subgenera of Omalodes were not resolved consistently under different implied weight analyses. It is necessary to emphasize that Omalodes (Omalodes) comprises the largest group of Omalodini and requires an analysis with better sampling for more precise resolution of the internal phylogeny of the genus. The groups excluded a posteriori from Omalodini, Theropatina, Asolenus, Atribalus, Blypotehus, Lewisister, Notolister, Perfidolenus, Rhypochares, Sphyracus and Scapomegas, could not be allocated to any of the existing tribes of Histerinae.
Peritoneal dialysis vs. haemodialysis in the management of paediatric acute kidney injury in Kano, Nigeria: a cost analysis
Authors: Obiagwu Patience N. , Abdu Aliyu 
Published: October 2014

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the cost of the dialytic management of paediatric acute kidney injury in a low‐income country.MethodsAll children under the age of 15 years, who had either peritoneal dialysis or haemodialysis for acute kidney injury in Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital over a 1‐year period, were studied. The average cost of each dialysis modality was estimated.ResultsOf 20 children, who had dialysis for acute kidney injury, 12 (60%) had haemodialysis and 8 (40%) had peritoneal dialysis. The mean cost for haemodialysis exceeded that of peritoneal dialysis ($363.33 vs. $311.66, t = 1.04, P = 0.313) with the mean cost of consumables significantly accounting for most of the cost variation ($248.49 vs. $164.73, t = 2.91, P = 0.009). Mean costs of nephrologist visit and nursing were not found to be significant.ConclusionPeritoneal dialysis is the less costly alternative for managing acute kidney injury in children in our environment.
The proportion and trend of human immunodeficiency virus infections associated with men who have sex with men from Chinese voluntary blood donors: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Lu Jinxin , Xu Junjie , Reilly Kathleen Heather , Li Yongze , Zhang Christiana Meng , Jiang Yongjun , Geng Wenqing , Wang Lunan , Shang Hong 
Published: October 2014

BackgroundHuman immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐positive cases associated with men who have sex with men (MSM) have rapidly increased over the past years. The objective of this study is to comprehensively evaluate the proportions, changing trends, and geographical distribution of MSM‐associated HIV cases from Chinese voluntary blood donors by systematically reviewing the available literature.Study Design and MethodsMajor English and Chinese research databases were searched for studies reporting study locations, study years, the number of HIV infections among blood donors, and the number of HIV‐positive donations associated with MSM in China. The proportion estimates were calculated; subgroup analyses and test for time trend were performed using software of comprehensive meta‐analysis.ResultsThirty‐four studies met eligibility criteria. The pooled proportion of HIV‐positive donations associated with MSM from 2001 to 2012 was 36.5% (95% confidence interval, 29.6%‐44.1%). The epidemic was found to be more severe in northeast and north China compared to south China (59.6%; 55.0% vs. 3.8%, respectively). The proportion showed a significantly increasing trend over the study period (10.3% in 2001‐2005; 38.6% in 2006‐2009; and 47.6% in 2010‐2012; trend test chi‐square = 16.42, p < 0.001).ConclusionThe relatively high proportion of MSM‐ associated HIV‐positive donors is of concern. Efficient and effective measures focused on public education and improving knowledge of blood safety are needed to prevent this at‐risk population from seeking HIV testing through blood donation. It is also imperative to expand the scope of postdonation nucleic acid testing to shorten the window period to improve blood supply safety in China.
Power Generation From Thermal Transpiration Based Pumping Devices
Authors: Zeng Pingying , Wang Kang , Falkenstein-Smith Ryan , Ahn Jeongmin , Ronney Paul D. 
Published: October 2014

This study examines the successful development of a combustion-driven thermal transpiration-based combustor and a self-sustaining gas pump system having no moving parts and using readily storable hydrocarbon fuel. A stacked configuration was then integrated into the combustor creating a self-sustaining power generation system. In recent years, power generation devices employing hydrocarbon fuels rather than electrochemical storage as energy feedstock have been studied extensively due to the much higher energy densities of hydrocarbon fuels than the best available batteries. While many devices have been proposed including internal combustion engines and gas turbines, they all require the use of air to obtain a higher energy density so that only one reactant (fuel) need be carried. Thermal transpiration was accomplished by meeting two essential conditions: (1) gas flow in the transitional or molecular regime using glass microfiber filters as transpiration membranes and (2) a temperature gradient through the membrane using catalytic combustion downstream of the membrane. A cubic combustor was designed to house the thermal transpiration membrane and develop into a self-sustaining gas pump system. Fuel/Air would feed through an inlet into a mixing chamber that would flow into the thermal guard containing the thermal transpiration membrane. The thermal guard was developed from a high thermal conductivity stainless steel made into a cubic formation by using a 3D printing process. This configuration allowed both fuel and air to be transpired through the membrane meaning it was not possible for any reactant flow to occur as a result of the fuel supply pressure and only the membrane could draw reactants into the device.
In addition to pumping, a single-chamber solid-oxide fuel cell (SC-SOFC) was incorporated into combustion driven thermal transpiration pumps to convert chemical or thermal energy into electrical energy for a self-contained portable power generation system. Experiments showed that transpiration pumps with larger porosity and larger overall size exhibited better performance, though membrane pore size had little effect. These results were quantitatively consistent with theoretical predictions. By exploiting the temperature and fuel/oxygen concentrations within the transpiration pump, the SOFC achieved a maximum power density of 40 mW/cm2. Despite being far lower than necessary for a power source to be competitive with batteries, this preliminary study signifies an on-going positive efficiency that has potential for improvement through optimizing SOFC technology.
Large Scale Energy Storage Using MW-Size PEM Electrolysis
Authors: Anderson Everett B. , Ayers Katherine E. , Dalton Luke , Schiller Mark 
Published: October 2014

With the ever-increasing addition of wind and solar renewable energy to the traditional electric grid, the need for energy storage also grows. A recent study projects the value of energy storage for wind and solar integration worldwide to exceed $30 Billion by 2023 [1]. Hydrogen from electrolysis is a promising technology for renewable energy capture as it has the capability to store massive amounts of energy in a relatively small volume. In addition, electrolysis can also provide ancillary services to the grid such as frequency regulation and load shifting resulting in multiple value streams. The hydrogen produced can alternatively be injected into the natural gas pipeline (thus making that energy carrier more green), in the production of high value chemicals such as ammonia, in upgrading of methanization-produced biogas, or used as a transportation fuel.
Europe in particular has been committed to these pathways and making heavy investment in both materials research and system design and development as well as technology demonstration. In Germany, hydrogen is looked upon as a key part of the energy storage solution under “Energiewende,” their national sustainable energy transition plan. Hydrogen provides a unique link between the electric and gas grid infrastructures (often referred to as “Power-to-Gas”). Germany is also considered the global leader in biogas energy generation, with 18,244 GWh of generation in 2012 forecasted to grow to 28,265 GWh by 2025 [2].
Water electrolysis has benefits over other hydrogen generation technologies due to the lack of carbon footprint when integrated with a renewable source of energy. Specifically, proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysis is a promising technology for hydrogen generation applications because of the lack of corrosive electrolytes, small footprint, and ability to generate at high pressure, requiring only water and an energy source. Several companies have already announced plans to develop megawatt (MW) commercial scale PEM electrolysis units in the 2014–2015 timeframe for these applications. There have also been recent announcements of large scale renewable energy storage project based on electrolysis.
Fuel Composition Transients in Fuel Cell Turbine Hybrid for Polygeneration Applications
Authors: Harun Nor Farida , Tucker David , Adams Thomas A. 
Published: October 2014

Transient impacts on the performance of solid oxide fuel cell / gas turbine (SOFC/GT) hybrid systems were investigated using hardware-in-the-loop simulations (HiLS) at a test facility located at the U.S. Department of Energy, National Energy Technology Laboratory. The work focused on applications relevant to polygeneration systems which require significant fuel flexibility. Specifically, the dynamic response of implementing a sudden change in fuel composition from syngas to methane was examined. The maximum range of possible fuel composition allowable within the constraints of carbon deposition in the SOFC and stalling/surging of the turbine compressor system was determined.
It was demonstrated that the transient response was significantly impact the fuel cell dynamic performance, which mainly drives the entire transient in SOFC/GT hybrid systems. This resulted in severe limitations on the allowable methane concentrations that could be used in the final fuel composition when switching from syngas to methane. Several system performance parameters were analyzed to characterize the transient impact over the course of two hours from the composition change.
Developing a Two-Dimensional Model of a Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell in FreeFem++
Authors: Aiyejina Ararimeh , Marquez Andres , Sastry M. K. S. 
Published: October 2014

This work presents the use of non-commercial software for the design and development of a multiphysics model for some aspects of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell’s (PEMFC) operation and performance. Developing the model this way gives users greater freedom to adjust and improve upon the model than with common commercial modeling software packages. By using the non-commercial partial differential equation (PDE) solver FreeFem++, which utilizes a high-level programming language based on C++, we developed a model in which the set of equations representing the mechanisms that govern PEMFC operation and the algorithms for solving it can be freely tweaked, updated or overhauled by users.
We discuss our choice of software and describe the advantages and limitations of our modeling approach, such as the flexibility provided by its open nature at the cost of added programming complexity compared to commercial packages. We also note how the geometry of the cell being modeled can easily be controlled through a set of user-defined parameters, or scripted to change for successive model runs as part of an optimization procedure or sensitivity analysis. We present results from a two-dimensional model for the cathode side in order to demonstrate the practicality of this approach.
Evaluation of Cathode Air Flow Transients in a SOFC/GT Hybrid System Using Hardware in the Loop Simulation
Authors: Zhou Nana , Yang Chen , Tucker David 
Published: October 2014

Thermal management in the fuel cell component of a direct fired solid oxide fuel cell gas turbine (SOFC/GT) hybrid power system, especially during an imposed load transient, can be improved by effective management and control of the cathode air mass flow. The response of gas turbine hardware system and the fuel cell stack to the cathode air mass flow transient was evaluated using a hardware-based simulation facility designed and built by the U.S. Department of Energy, National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL).
The disturbances of the cathode air mass flow were accomplished by diverting air around the fuel cell system through the manipulation of a hot-air bypass valve in open loop experiments. The dynamic responses of the SOFC/GT hybrid system were studied in this paper.
The evaluation included distributed temperatures, current densities, heat generation and losses along the fuel cell over the course of the transient along with localized temperature gradients. The reduction of cathode air mass flow resulted in a sharp decrease and partial recovery of the thermal effluent from the fuel cell system in the first 10 seconds. In contrast, the turbine rotational speed did not exhibit a similar trend. The collection of distributed fuel cell and turbine trends obtained will be used in the development of controls to mitigate failure and extend life during operational transients.
Next Generation Hydrogen Production Systems Using Proton Exchange Membrane Electrolysis
Authors: Colella Whitney G. , James Brian D. , Moton Jennie M. , Ramsden Todd G. , Saur Genevieve 
Published: October 2014

This article details analysis of hydrogen (H2) production based on polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) electrolysis. This work identifies primary constraints to the success of this production pathway, primary cost drivers, and remaining Research and Development (R&D) challenges. This research assesses the potential to meet U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) H2 production and delivery (P&D) cost goals of $2 to $4/gasoline gallon equivalent (dispensed, untaxed) by 2020. Pathway analysis is performed using the DOE’s main H2A modeling tool, namely, the H2A Production model, which encapsulates the standard methods of energy, emissions, and cost analysis developed by DOE’s H2 and fuel cell technology teams. PEM electrolysis production pathways are analyzed for a distributed, forecourt H2 production system of 1,500 kilograms (kg) of H2 per day, and for a central, large, plant size H2 production system of 50,000 kg H2/day, for both current and future cases. The analysis is based in part on data from a technical and economic survey completed by four different PEM electrolyzer companies.
Model results indicate that, for PEM electrolysis, the primary cost drivers are the electricity expenditures to run the electrolyzer and the capital cost of the electrolyzer. In the future within the electrolyzer system, the balance of plant is expected to be a greater source of cost than the electrolyzer stack due to stack reductions facilitated by operation at higher current densities whereas the balance of plant remains similarly sized for the given flow. This balance between size and cost of the stack versus balance of plant could also increase difficulties in meeting efficiency improvements in the future. The H2 cost reduction is estimated to be greater moving from a Current case to a Future case, compared with moving from a Forecourt case to a Central case.