bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abstract SY08-02: Markers of caspase activation in cells and serum
Authors: Wells James A.
Published: July 2012

The final and hoped for outcome for treatment with cancer drugs is selective apoptosis of cancer cells. However, despite the low response rates to cancer drugs patients do not discover this until months after treatment has begun. Apoptosis is rapid process which is often induced within 24 hours of drug treatment. The hallmark of apoptosis is the activation of caspases, cysteine proteases that are specific for cleaving target proteins after aspartic acid. We have developed a novel proteomics technology that allows us to tag and enrich for caspase-cleaved proteins during apoptosis (Mahrus et al (2008) Cell, 134, 866-876. “Global Sequencing of Proteolytic Cleavage Sites in Apoptosis by Specific Labeling of Protein N Termini”). We have been characterizing the apoptotic products of caspase cleavage in a variety of cell lines and in human serum with the view that this information can be used to monitor apoptosis during cancer drug treatment. These and other studies in a variety of cancer cell lines showed that upwards of 1000 proteins are cleaved by caspases during apoptosis. However, in any given cell line we find there are fewer than 500 targets because of differences in expression patterns between cell types. Thus, while many targets are in common from one cell line to another, many are unique. We have developed single-reaction monitoring (SRM) methods to identify these products in serum. We are beginning to identify specific apoptotic products in leukemia patients treated with various cancer drugs. These studies and the prospects for using these as apoptotic markers to assist in cancer drug treatment will be discussed.

Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr SY08-02. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-SY08-02
Abstract SY11-01: Knockout mouse models for sirtuins: Genome integrity, metabolism, and cancer
Authors: Deng Chuxia , Kim Hyun-Seok , Vassilopoulos Athanassios , Wang Rui-Hong , Lahusen Tyler , Xiao Zhen , Xu Xiaoling , Li Cuiling , Veenstra Timothy D. , Ji Junfang , Wang Xin-Wei , Park Seong-Hoon , Gius David
Published: July 2012

In budding yeast, Sir2 is a NAD+-dependent histone deacetylase that plays a role in chromatin silencing, longevity and genomic stability. In mammals, sirtuins exist as a family of 7 members (SIRT1-7) that deacetylate histones and many nonhistone proteins. Currently, all sirtuins have been knocked out by gene targeting, and the mutant mice suffer various abnormalities in cell growth, apoptosis, neurological behavior, adaptation to calorie restriction, organ metabolism and function, and/or premature aging, highlighting critical roles of sirtuins in these biological processes. Of note, mice carrying mutations of SIRT1, SIRT2 or SIRT3 also developed cancers, predominantly in the mammary glands and the liver that are accompanied by genomic instability and/or abnormal energy metabolism. Our further analysis revealed distinct role of these siruins in maintaining genome integrity. SIRT1 mutant cells displayed altered histone modification, impaired DNA damage response, and reduced ability to repair DNA damage [1]; SIRT3 mutant cells had increased stress-induced superoxide levels and genomic instability [2]; and SIRT2 loss primarily affects mitotic functions. We found that SIRT2 plays a role in maintaining normal mitosis progression through modulating expression levels of several mitotic regulators, including Aurora-A and -B. Loss of SIRT2, consequently, causes centrosome amplification, aneuploidy, and mitotic catastrophe. SIRT2-deficient mice initially develop normally, however, suffer mammary tumors and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) when they become old. These data highlight how accurate maintenance of genomic integrity is critical for the suppression of tumorigenesis. Finally, we found that human breast cancer and HCC exhibit reduced levels of SIRT1-3. These results implicate SIRT1-3 as tumor suppressors in these organs.

References:

1. Wang RH, Sengupta K, Li C. et al. Impaired DNA damage response, genome instability, and tumorigenesis in SIRT1 mutant mice. Cancer Cell. 2008; 14: 312-323.

2. Kim HS, Patel K, Muldoon-Jacobs K. et al. SIRT3 is a mitochondria-localized tumor suppressor required for maintenance of mitochondrial integrity and metabolism during stress. Cancer Cell. 2010; 17: 41-52.

Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr SY11-01. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-SY11-01
Lipid Effects of Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor-Δ Agonist GW501516 in Subjects With Low High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol
Authors: Olson Eric J. , Pearce Gregory L. , Jones Nigel P. , Sprecher Dennis L.
Published: July 2012

Objective—

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-δ–induced upregulation in skeletal muscle fatty acid oxidation would predict the modulation of lipid/lipoproteins.

Methods and Results—

GW501516 (2.5, 5.0, or 10.0 mg) or placebo was given for 12 weeks to patients (n=268) with high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol <1.16 mmol/L. Fasting lipids/apolipoproteins (apos), insulin, glucose, and free fatty acid were measured; changes from baseline were calculated and assessed. A second smaller exploratory study (n=37) in a similar population was conducted using a sequence of 5 and 10 mg dosing for the assessment of lipoprotein particle concentration. GW501516 demonstrated HDL cholesterol increases up to 16.9% (10 mg) and apoA-I increases up to 6.6%. Reductions were observed in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (−7.3%), triglycerides (−16.9%), apoB (−14.9%), and free fatty acids (−19.4%). The exploratory study showed significant reductions in the concentration of very LDL (−19%), intermediate-density lipoprotein (−52%), and LDL (−14%, predominantly a reduction in small particles), whereas the number of HDL particles increased (+10%; predominantly medium and large HDL).

Conclusion—

GW501516 produced significant changes in HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, apoA1, and apoB. Fewer very LDL and larger LDL support a transition toward less atherogenic lipoprotein profiles. These data are consistent with peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-δ being a potentially important target for providing cardiovascular protection in metabolic syndrome-like patients.
Vascular Hypoxic Preconditioning Relies on TRPV4-Dependent Calcium Influx and Proper Intercellular Gap Junctions Communication
Authors: Rath Géraldine , Saliez Julie , Behets Gaëtane , Romero-Perez Miguel , Leon-Gomez Elvira , Bouzin Caroline , Vriens Joris , Nilius Bernd , Feron Olivier , Dessy Chantal
Published: July 2012

Objective—

We investigated the impact of hypoxia-reoxygenation on endothelial relaxation and aimed to clarify the role of transient receptor potential cation channels V4 (TRPV4) and gap junctions in the protective effect associated with hypoxic preconditioning on the vascular function.

Methods and Results—

By mimicking ischemia-reperfusion in C57BL/6 male mice in vivo, we documented a reduced NO-mediated relaxation and an increased endothelium-derived hyperpolarization (EDH[F])-mediated relaxation. Hypoxic preconditioning, however, restored NO relaxation and further improved the EDH(F) response. We also examined specifically 2 major effectors of the EDH(F) pathway, transient receptor potential cation channels V4 and connexins. We found that in endothelial cells, expression and activity of transient receptor potential cation channels V4 were increased by hypoxic stimuli independently of preconditioning which was interestingly associated with an increase of structural caveolar component caveolin-1 at membrane locations. Gap junctions, however, seemed to directly support EDH(F)-driven preconditioning as connexin 40 and connexin 43 expression increased and as in vivo carbenoxolone treatment completely inhibited the EDH(F) pathway and significantly reduced the protection afforded by preconditioning for the concomitant NO-mediated relaxation.

Conclusion—

Our work provides evidence on how transient receptor potential cation channels V4 and connexins might participate in preserving vasorelaxation under hypoxia and restoring the NO-mediated pathway in hypoxic preconditioning conditions pointing out caveolae as a common signaling location.
Vascular Smooth Muscle Emilin-1 Is a Regulator of Arteriolar Myogenic Response and Blood Pressure
Authors: Litteri Gaia , Carnevale Daniela , D’Urso Alessandra , Cifelli Giuseppe , Braghetta Paola , Damato Antonio , Bizzotto Dario , Landolfi Alessandro , Ros Francesco Da , Sabatelli Patrizia , Facchinello Nicola , Maffei Angelo , Volpin Dino , Colombatti Alfonso , Bressan Giorgio M. , Lembo Giuseppe
Published: July 2012

Objective—

Emilin-1 is a protein of elastic extracellular matrix involved in blood pressure (BP) control by negatively affecting transforming growth factor (TGF)-β processing.
Emilin1
null mice are hypertensive. This study investigates how Emilin-1 deals with vascular mechanisms regulating BP.

Methods and Results—

This study uses a phenotype rescue approach in which Emilin-1 is expressed in either endothelial cells or vascular smooth muscle cells of transgenic animals with the
Emilin1

−/−

background. We found that normalization of BP required Emilin-1 expression in smooth muscle cells, whereas expression of the protein in endothelial cells did not modify the hypertensive phenotype of
Emilin1

−/−

mice. We also explored the effect of treatment with anti-TGF-β antibodies on the hypertensive phenotype of
Emilin1

−/−

mice, finding that neutralization of TGF-β in
Emilin1
null mice normalized BP quite rapidly (2 weeks). Finally, we evaluated the vasoconstriction response of resistance arteries to perfusion pressure and neurohumoral agents in different transgenic mouse lines. Interestingly, we found that the hypertensive phenotype was coupled with an increased arteriolar myogenic response to perfusion pressure, while the vasoconstriction induced by neurohumoral agents remained unaffected. We further elucidate that, as for the hypertensive phenotype, the increased myogenic response was attributable to increased TGF-β activity.

Conclusion—

Our findings clarify that Emilin-1 produced by vascular smooth muscle cells acts as a main regulator of resting BP levels by controlling the myogenic response in resistance arteries through TGF-β.
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor–Induced Osteopontin Expression Mediates Vascular Inflammation and Neointima Formation via Flt-1 in Adventitial Fibroblasts
Authors: Li Xiao-Dong , Chen Jing , Ruan Cheng-Chao , Zhu Ding-Liang , Gao Ping-Jin
Published: July 2012

Objective—

Adventitia acts as an active participant in vascular inflammation but the precise mechanism underlying adventitia–mediated vascular inflammation is not fully understood. In this study, we sought to determine whether vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) regulates osteopontin (OPN) expression through Flt-1 in adventitial fibroblasts (AFs) to mediate vascular inflammation and neointima formation.

Methods and Results—

In primary cultured AFs, VEGF increased intracellular and secreted OPN expression in a time- and dose-dependent manner, which was effectively suppressed by a specific anti-Flt-1 hexapeptide. Interestingly, VEGF treatment of AFs enhanced the capability of AF-conditioned medium to stimulate macrophages chemotaxis, and this effect was attenuated after blockade of OPN from AF-conditioned medium. Furthermore, perivascular delivery of anti-Flt-1 peptide preferentially concentrated in the adventitia resulted in a decrease of neointima formation after balloon injury in carotid arteries. The inhibition of neointima formation was preceded by significant reduction of VEGF and OPN expression with concurrent macrophage infiltration into adventitia after injury. Activation of extracellular signal–regulated kinase 1/2 pathway was involved in OPN upregulation and macrophage chemotaxis.

Conclusion—

These results demonstrate that VEGF/Flt-1 signaling plays a significant role in vascular inflammation and neointima formation by regulating OPN expression in AFs and provide insight into Flt-1 as a potential therapeutic target for vascular diseases.
Outcome and Complications After Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Therapy in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Schinkel Arend F.L. , Vriesendorp Pieter A. , Sijbrands Eric J.G. , Jordaens Luc J.L.M. , ten Cate Folkert J. , Michels Michelle
Published: July 2012

Background—

Previous observational studies demonstrated that patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy at risk for sudden cardiac death (SCD) may benefit from implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) therapy. A complete overview of outcome and complications after ICD therapy is currently not available. This study pools data from published studies on outcome and complications after ICD therapy in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Methods and Results—

A PubMed database search returned 27 studies on 16 cohorts reporting outcome and complications after ICD therapy in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. In case of >1 publications on a particular cohort, the publication with the largest number of patients was included in the meta-analysis. ICD interventions, complications, and mortality rates were extracted, pooled, and analyzed. There were 2190 patients (mean age, 42 years; 38% women), most of whom (83%) received an ICD for primary prevention of SCD. Risk factors for SCD were left ventricular wall thickness ≥30 mm (20%), family history of SCD (43%), nonsustained ventricular tachycardia (46%), syncope (41%), and abnormal blood pressure response (25%). During the 3.7-year follow-up, the annualized cardiac mortality rate was 0.6%, the noncardiac mortality rate was 0.4%, and the appropriate ICD intervention rate was 3.3%. The annualized inappropriate ICD intervention rate was 4.8% and the annualized ICD-related complication rate was 3.4%.

Conclusions—

This meta-analysis demonstrates a low cardiac and noncardiac mortality rate after ICD therapy in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Appropriate ICD intervention occurred at a rate of 3.3%/year, thereby, most probably, preventing SCD. Inappropriate ICD intervention and complications are not uncommon.
Time-Dependent Test Characteristics of Head Computed Tomography in Patients Suspected of Nontraumatic Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: Backes Daan , Rinkel Gabriel J.E. , Kemperman Hans , Linn Francisca H.H. , Vergouwen Mervyn D.I.
Published: July 2012

Background and Purpose—

A recent study suggested that in patients with acute headache suspicious of nontraumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis is not needed to rule out SAH if head CT performed ≤6 hours after ictus is negative. Before implementation in daily practice, these results need replication. Therefore, we investigated test characteristics of head CT in patients with a clinical suspicion of SAH.

Methods—

Patients suspicious of SAH and a normal level of consciousness presenting to our tertiary care hospital between 2005 and 2012 were included. All patients had a head CT interpreted by experienced neuroradiologists and CSF spectrophotometry if head CT was negative or inconclusive. We determined test characteristics with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for nontraumatic SAH of head CT performed ≤6 or >6 hours after onset of headache.

Results—

Sensitivity of head CT ≤6 hours after ictus (n=137) was 98.5% (95% CI, 92.1%–100%), diagnosing all patients with aneurysmal and perimesencephalic SAH, but not with a cervical arteriovenous malformation. Sensitivity of head CT performed >6 hours after ictus (n=113) was 90.0% (95% CI, 76.3–97.2). After exclusion of patients with an atypical presentation without headache, sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value, and positive predictive value of head CT ≤6 hours were all 100%.

Conclusions—

In patients presenting with acute headache and a normal head CT ≤6 hours after ictus, as interpreted by experienced neuroradiologists, there is no added value of CSF analysis. In patients with an atypical presentation without headache and in patients presenting >6 hours after ictus, CSF analysis is still indicated.
Coherent Interdecadal Variability of Tropical Cyclone Rainfall and Seasonal Rainfall in Taiwan during October
Authors: Chen Jau-Ming , Chen Hui-Shan , Liu Jin-Shuen
Published: July 2012

By separating total rainfall into tropical cyclone (TC) rainfall caused by TC passage and seasonal rainfall associated with moisture transport of prevailing seasonal flows, this study examines the interdecadal variability of these two rainfall components in Taiwan during fall. It is found that interdecadal variability of TC rainfall and seasonal rainfall tends to vary coherently in October. This coherent interdecadal rainfall mode features islandwide patterns in Taiwan and evident interdecadal oscillations. The associated large-scale regulating processes for the positive phase are characterized by warm sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies in the northern South China Sea and the western North Pacific, which in turn induce an anomalous anticyclonic circulation over the subtropical western Pacific to the east of Taiwan. On the western boundary of this anomalous anticyclone, anomalous southeasterly flows enhance mean moisture transport from the tropical western Pacific into Taiwan. Seasonal rainfall increases in Taiwan with stronger anomalies on the windward side over eastern Taiwan. Warm SST anomalies and accompanying large-scale convergence, ascendance, and positive relative vorticity anomalies provide favorable conditions for more TC formation in the Philippine Sea. More TCs tend to move along the western boundary of the anomalous anticyclone to cross the northern Philippines toward eastern Taiwan or toward the open oceans southwest of Taiwan. Taiwan is influenced by enhanced TC activity to have more TC rainfall with the largest anomalies being in the eastern parts.
Long-Term Variation of the Principal Mode of Boreal Spring Hadley Circulation Linked to SST over the Indo-Pacific Warm Pool
Authors: Feng Juan , Li Jianping , Xie Fei
Published: July 2012

The variability of the boreal spring [March–May (MAM)] Hadley circulation (HC) is investigated, focusing on the long-term variation of the first principal mode for 1951–2008, which is an equatorially asymmetric mode (AM) with the rising branch located around 10°S. This mode explains about 70% of the variance of the MAM HC and shows an obvious upward trend and thus contributes to the strengthening of the MAM HC. The robust warming trends of sea surface temperature (SST) over the Indo-Pacific warm pool (IPWP) play an essential role in the variations of the MAM HC. When SST over the IPWP is warm, anomalous meridional circulation is induced with descending branches located in regions 30°–20°S and 5°–15°N and rising motion located near 10°S. The anomalous rising south of the equator is due to the inhomogeneous warming of SST over the IPWP. SST within the IPWP in the Southern Hemisphere shows a larger warming trend than that in the Northern Hemisphere. The position of the anomalous convergence associated with SST variations over the IPWP is aligned with the maximum meridional gradient of zonal mean SST, resulting in an equatorially asymmetric meridional circulation. This point is further established in theoretical analyses. However, the meridional SST gradient within the IPWP shows a decreasing trend, suggesting the associated anomalous meridional circulation intensifies, which in turn explains the strengthening of the MAM HC. Under this scenario, the accompanied descent in the regions of 30°–20°S and 5°–15°N is enhanced, implying a frequent drought in these regions during MAM.
The Effects of Simulated Hearing Loss on Speech Recognition and Walking Navigation
Authors: Weatherless Rachel A. , Fedele Paul D. , Kehring Kathy L. , Letowski Tomasz R.
Published: July 2012

Objective:

The objective was to assess whether a concurrent but independent navigation task exacerbates the effects of hearing loss on speech recognition and whether hearing loss degrades performance of the navigation task during the concurrent but independent listening task.

Background:

Navigation performance and speech comprehension both decrease when a driver follows hard-to-hear concurrent verbal instructions. It remains unknown how much both tasks would be affected when performed concurrently, if tasks were independent.

Method:

Participants performed a listening task by responding to Callsign Acquisition Test (CAT) stimuli at three simulated hearing levels. For each hearing level, one trial was performed with the participant standing still and another trial was performed while navigating a path in a virtual environment using a handheld map. In one more trial, participants navigated a path with no CAT. The proportion of call signs correctly repeated and the total time required to walk the path were measured.

Results:

CAT scores showed an expected negative effect of hearing loss. Concurrent navigation produced an even larger decrease in CAT score. Hearing loss caused a slight but not significant decrease in navigation task performance.

Conclusion:

A person with hearing loss may communicate less effectively while walking than predicted on the basis of hearing loss alone. The hearing loss, however, does not significantly decrease walking performance in a simple navigation task.

Application:

Obtained results may guide soldier performance modeling and requirements for communication systems used during physical activity when a soldier’s hearing becomes compromised during dismounted combat operations.
How therapeutic communities work: Specific factors related to positive outcome
Authors: Pearce Steve , Pickard Hanna
Published: July 2012

Background:

Therapeutic communities (TCs) are becoming increasingly widespread as a form of treatment for entrenched mental health problems, particularly addictions and personality disorders, and are equally used in educational, prison and learning disability settings. Despite growing evidence for their effectiveness, little research has been conducted to establish how TCs work to produce positive outcomes. We hypothesize that there are two specific factors that in combination contribute to TC effectiveness: the promotion of a sense of belongingness and the capacity for responsible agency. Although both factors are found in other therapeutic approaches and are important to the psychosocial aspects of psychiatric care more generally, we argue that their combination, extent and emphasis are unique to TCs.

Material:

Drawing on social and experimental psychology, we: (1) review research on a sense of belongingness and the capacity for responsible agency; (2) establish the mechanisms by which TCs appear to promote them; (3) draw lessons for TC practice; and (4) suggest why they may contribute to positive outcome.

Discussion:

A sense of belongingness is correlated with improved self-esteem and overall well-being. The capacity for responsible agency is central to behavioural change. TCs are typically used in fields where positive outcome requires both personal growth and behavioural change. We suggest that TCs are uniquely placed to demand such growth and change of their members because the sense of belongingness engendered by TC methods protects against the risks engendered by this demand.

Conclusion:

Empirically informed, evidence-driven research is necessary to understand how TCs work and how TC practice can be improved. This understanding may offer lessons for the improvement of psychosocial aspects of psychiatric care more generally.
Preparation and thermal stability of poly(methyl methacrylate)/rice husk silica/triphenylphosphine nanocomposites: assessment of degradation mechanism using model-free kinetics
Authors: Arora Sanjiv , Kumar Mahender , Kumar Mahesh
Published: July 2012

Nanostructured silica powder was prepared from rice husk ( Oryza sativa), an outer covering of rice. Silica was characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. The silica powder thus prepared was treated with stearic acid for the surface modification. The modified silica was utilized to prepare poly(methyl methacrylate)/modified silica composite films at 1, 5 and 10 wt% loadings by solution casting method, which promises the preparation of homogeneous composites. For comparative analyses, composite films were also made using unmodified silica. Distribution of silica particles in composite film was checked using scanning electron microscopy. Thermal analysis of the samples was carried out using thermogravimetric analyzer followed by model–free multiple–heating rate kinetics. The onset degradation temperature of poly(methyl methacrylate)/silica (modified) composites is found higher than both pure poly(methyl methacrylate) and corresponding poly(methyl methacrylate)/silica (unmodified) composites. This study also reveals the effect of a phosphorus flame retardant additive, triphenylphosphine, on the thermal degradation and flammability behavior of poly(methyl methacrylate) and poly(methyl methacrylate)/silica (modified).
Evaluation of mechanical behavior of chemically modified Borassus fruit short fiber/unsaturated polyester composites
Authors: Reddy K Obi , Shukla Mukul , Maheswari C Uma , Rajulu A Varada
Published: July 2012

Natural fine fibers were extracted from Borassus fruits belonging to the Arecaceae family. To improve the surface, these fibers were treated with aq NaOH solution. Composites were prepared by the hand lay up process using both the untreated and alkali-treated Borassus fine fibers as reinforcement and unsaturated polyester resin as matrix. The effect of a coupling agent and alkali treatment of fibers on tensile, flexural and impact properties of the composites was studied. The mechanical properties and interfacial bonding were found to improve when surface modified fibers were employed in the composites. This is due to the improvement of chemical bonding between the treated fibres and polyester matrix as also supported by Fourier transform infrared results. Water absorption by the different composite types was also found to be negligible.
Use of recycled carbon fibre as a heating element
Authors: Pang EJX , Pickering SJ , Chan A , Wong KH
Published: July 2012

The paper describes the development of a heating element material using recycled carbon fibre. The recycled carbon fibre was first characterised in terms of length and then manufactured into a non-woven sheet using a wet paper-making procedure. A heating fabric was subsequently created by sandwiching the non-woven sheet between adhesive Teflon sheets. Factors affecting the fabric heating performance and its usability such as binder content, durability, electrical conductivity and mechanical strength were investigated. The fabric electrical conductivity was around 2.8 × 103 S m−1 and was capable to withstand up to 3000 double folds under durability test. The robust and flexible fabric is potentially ideal for usage in various heating garment applications as well as for food packaging and delivery systems.
Meso/macro-scale finite element model for forming process of woven fabric reinforcements
Authors: Tavana R , Najar S Shaikhzadeh , Abadi M Tahaye , Sedighi M
Published: July 2012

A meso/macro-scale finite element model is developed to analyze the three-dimensional forming process of woven fabric reinforcements. The yarns of reinforcements are considered as a transversely isotropic linear elastic material. The cross section and extrusion path of yarns are obtained by taking photographs from experimental samples. The present model evaluates the relative slippage and rotation at the crossover points of weft and warp, local stress and strain distributions in yarns at large deformation for different weave patterns. The meso/macro-scale finite element model is implemented to analyze the hemispherical forming of woven fabric and the results are compared to the experimental studies performed in the present study to verify the numerical procedure. Parametric study is conducted using the verified model to investigate the effects of blank holder load and different weave geometries. To evaluate the fiber rupture during forming process, the maximum axial stress is evaluated in the parametric study. Results show that the maximum tensile stress increases by the blank holder load and the twill 2/1 weave pattern has the highest maximum yarn tensile stress at the same forming conditions considered for fabrics with different weave patterns.
Early Temperament in Japan, the United States, and Russia
Authors: Slobodskaya Helena R. , Gartstein Maria A. , Nakagawa Atsuko , Putnam Samuel P.
Published: July 2012

The present study addressed differences in infant and toddler temperament, utilizing translations of the Infant Behavior Questionnaire–Revised (IBQ-R) and the Early Childhood Behavior Questionnaire (ECBQ), for children growing up in the United States, Russia, and Japan. Results indicated a number of significant differences in higher-order dimensions and fine-grained components of early temperament between the three cultural groups. U.S. children scored higher for Surgency and related traits, compared to Japanese and Russian children; Negative Affectivity showed the opposite pattern of cross-cultural differences, wherein Japanese children received the highest scores from their caregivers. In addition, Japanese infants and toddlers scored lower for Effortful Control. Significant Culture × Age interactions indicated that patterns of cross-cultural differences in different age groups varied across and within the three higher-order dimensions. Surgency, as well as positive affect to both low and high levels of intensity, showed a consistent pattern of decreasing cultural differences with age.
The Natural History of Dental Caries Lesions
Authors: Ferreira Zandoná A. , Santiago E. , Eckert G.J. , Katz B.P. , Pereira de Oliveira S. , Capin O.R. , Mau M. , Zero D.T.
Published: July 2012

Dental caries is a ubiquitous disease affecting all age groups and segments of the population. It is known that not all caries lesions progress to cavitation, but little is known regarding the progression pattern of caries lesions. This study’s purpose was to evaluate the natural history of dental caries using a standardized, visually based system, the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS). The study population consisted of 565 consenting children, who were enrolled and examined at baseline and at regular intervals over 48 months with ICDAS and yearly bitewing radiographs. Of these, 338 children completed all examinations. Not all lesions cavitated at the same rate, differing by surface type and baseline ICDAS severity score and activity status. With increasing severity, the percentage of lesions progressing to cavitation increased: 19%, 32%, 68%, and 66% for ICDAS scores 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. Lesions on occlusal surfaces were more likely to cavitate, followed by buccal pits, lingual grooves, proximal surfaces, and buccal and lingual surfaces. Cavitation was more likely on molars, followed by pre-molars and anterior teeth. Predictors of cavitation included age, gender, surfaces and tooth types, and ICDAS severity/activity at baseline. In conclusion, characterization of lesion severity with ICDAS can be a strong predictor of lesion progression to cavitation.
Large-scale neuro-modeling for understanding and explaining some brain-related chaotic behavior
Authors: Calitoiu Dragos , Oommen B John , Nussbaum Doron
Published: July 2012

Numerous studies, and in particular the works of Freeman and others, have shown the possible relevance of chaos to various functions of the brain. The verification of these claims has mostly been experimental in nature, since a formal mathematical analysis is often intractable because of the sheer magnitude of the number (billions) of neurons in the brain. Consequently, a formal analysis of such models has only been achieved for ‘small-scale systems’ of neural networks (NNs). As opposed to this, the aim of this paper is to understand how we can model the brain as a so-called ‘large-scale system’ for analyzing various neurological conditions such as epilepsy, schizophrenia, etc. In particular, we explore a large-scale NN model suitable for the piriform cortex which is acclaimed for its chaotic behavior from clinical experiments. In addition, the piriform cortex is easy to model because it appears to be ‘almost independent’ of other portions of the brain. To achieve this, we describe its behavior by moving the analysis from the time space into the phase space of the electroencephalogram (EEG) signals. Although the model of the piriform cortex contains hundreds of variables, we utilize the concept that useful information can be extracted from a single EEG signal which, in turn, can be perceived as a time series computed from the artificial electrodes. Indeed, this transformation, i.e. from the time space of a time series to its corresponding phase space, is considered mandatory to extract the nonlinear characteristics related with chaos. By studying the piriform cortex model in this manner, we demonstrate that we can generate certain desirable phenomena by modifying some of the underlying control parameters. More specifically, we investigate the problem of density and strength, the problem of connectivity and the problem of stimulus frequency, and show their relevance to neurological conditions such as epilepsy and schizophrenia.
Modeling of statistical data sources based on measured network traffic
Authors: Fras Matjaž , Mohorko Jože , Čučej Žarko
Published: July 2012

In the process of network traffic modeling, for simulation purposes, there is often a need for statistical description of traffic data sources. Usually, the network traffic is measured by capturing packets at a physical level. Normally, the estimation of statistical description of traffic data sources cannot be derived directly from such captured packets traffic. For that reason, we have researched for simpler solutions, which are based on the estimation of statistical processes of traffic data sources from the measured packet network traffic. We have developed the estimation methods, which allow the estimation of suitable probability distribution functions and their parameters of stochastic processes of traffic data sources. Statistical distributions of network traffic processes, such as data lengths process and data inter-arrival time, are important since they can be used for modeling of network traffic in simulation tools. For that reason, the estimation method is firstly developed, which mimics the defragmentation process. This method allows an estimation of distributions of data source network traffic processes and their parameters for captured packet traffic.

During further testing, this method shows some limitations, especially for the process of data lengths. For that reason, we have developed a new estimation method with the approach described in this paper in further detail. In the new estimation method, which is called estimation method based on histogram comparison (EMHC), we use the opposite concept where distribution of data lengths is transformed by a developed analytical model to a packet size’s histogram. The latter is further compared to a packet size histogram of captured packet traffic. The optimization method is used to find such distribution parameters of the data length process that cause minimal discrepancies between the histogram of captured packets and the estimated packet size histogram. To estimate the discrepancy between two histograms, a well-known χ2 test is used, which is modified by a weighting function that considers, beside packet frequencies, the packet lengths as well. The proposed algorithm and method are confirmed through validations and experiments in a simulation tool.
Foreign Direct Investment and International Migration to Dutch Cities
Authors: van der Waal Jeroen
Published: July 2012

This article assesses separately the push/pull-factor explanations in Sassen’s theory on migration from newly industrialising countries to cities in OECD countries. The push-factor explanation argues that foreign direct investments spawn migration flows to the country from which these investments stem. The pull-factor explanation revolves around demand for low-skilled workers in cities due to the clustering of advanced producer services. It is found that Dutch investment flows indeed function as a push factor for migration to Dutch cities, but that the local settlement of immigrants is not related to the clustering of advanced producer services.
Environmental Values and the So-Called True Ecotourist
Authors: Perkins Helen E. , Brown Peter R.
Published: July 2012

Scientific understanding about the motivations and behavior of so-called true ecotourists remains incomplete. This study examined the relationship between core values and tourists’ interest in tourism where nature is the focus of the experience, as well as their commitment to environmental conservation and protection. The empirical basis for this research involved a survey of 258 tourists holidaying on the Gold Coast in Australia. This study found that biospheric or biocentric values, focusing on the intrinsic worth of nature, are strongly associated with particular interest in ecotourism, tourism-specific pro-environmental attitudes, and commitment to environmental protection. Conversely, egoistic values, concerned primarily with self-interest, are associated with less interest in nature tourism, greater interest in hedonistic-type tourism activities, and less consumer support for environmental conservation and protection. The authors discuss evidence for the particular importance of values-based research in developing a theoretically grounded model of demand for ecotourism-type experiences.
A new approach for measurement of pitch, roll and yaw angles based on a circular feature
Authors: Liu Lei , Zhao Zhimin
Published: July 2012

This paper presents a simple, yet very effective approach to measure the three types of rotation angles by the method of imaging analysis. This approach is suitable for many actual applications, such as head pose tracking, vehicle monitoring, robotic operation, etc. In this paper, a circular feature is fixed on the object, which can do the rotational motion. By measuring the rotational angles of the circular feature based on perspective projection, we can obtain the object’s rotational angles. We deduce the computation methods of the pure pitch, roll and yaw angles. Then we propose the methods of computing the pitch, roll and yaw angles in complex situations, which are different from the computation methods of pure pitch, roll and yaw angles. Based on the approach proposed in this paper, some experiments are conducted and the results show that the approach can achieve good performance when the rotation angles are in the scope of ±90°.
A Cupric Silver Histochemical Analysis of Domoic Acid Damage to Olfactory Pathways Following Status Epilepticus in a Rat Model for Chronic Recurrent Spontaneous Seizures and Aggressive Behavior
Authors: Tiedeken Jessica A. , Muha Noah , Ramsdell John S.
Published: July 2012

The amnesic shellfish toxin, domoic acid, interferes with glutamatergic pathways leading to neuronal damage, most notably causing memory loss and seizures. In this study, the authors utilized a recently developed rat model for domoic acid–induced epilepsy, an emerging disease appearing in California sea lions weeks to months after poisoning, to identify structural damage that may lead to a permanent epileptic state. Sprague Dawley rats were kindled with several low hourly intraperitoneal doses of domoic acid until a state of status epilepticus (SE) appears. This kindling approach has previously been shown to induce a permanent state of epileptic disease in 96% animals within 6 months. Three animals were selected for neurohistology a week after the initial SE. An amino cupric silver staining method using neutral red counterstain was used on every eighth 40 µm coronal section from each brain to highlight neural degeneration from the olfactory bulb through the brain stem. The most extensive damage was found in the olfactory bulb and related olfactory pathways, including the anterior/medial olfactory cortices, endopiriform nucleus, and entorhinal cortex. These findings indicate that damage to olfactory pathways is prominent in a rat model for domoic acid–induced chronic recurrent spontaneous seizures and aggressive behavior.
Aquatic exercise in a chest-high pool for hormone therapy-induced arthralgia in breast cancer survivors: a pragmatic controlled trial
Authors: Cantarero-Villanueva I , Fernández-Lao C , Caro-Morán E , Morillas-Ruiz J , Galiano-Castillo N , Díaz-Rodríguez L , Arroyo-Morales M
Published: July 2012

Objective:

To investigate the impact of aquatic exercise on pressure pain threshold in breast cancer survivors with hormone therapy-associated arthralgia.

Design:

Single-blind, controlled trial.

Setting:

Two major metropolitan hospitals and a Sport and Spa Club in Granada, Spain.

Subjects:

Forty women aged 29–71 years with stage I–III breast cancer who reported arthralgia.

Intervention:

Patients were allocated alternately to either aquatic exercise in a chest-high pool or usual care while on the waiting list; control patients received treatment later. The two-month hydrotherapy intervention consisted of 24 sessions 3 days per week. Each session included 5 minutes of warm-up, 15–20 minutes of aerobic exercise, 15 minutes of mobility exercise and 20 minutes of recovery techniques.

Main measures:

Pressure pain threshold at neck, shoulder, hand and leg were evaluated as primary outcomes. Cancer-related fatigue, as measured by the Piper Fatigue Scale, body mass index and waist circumference were secondary outcomes. A 2 × 2 repeated-measure ANCOVA was used in this study.

Results:

No adverse events or development of worsening of pain was observed. Almost all the participants in the intervention group (89%) adhered to the hydrotherapy programme. Participants experienced a decrease in pressure pain threshold measured in neck, hand, shoulder and leg, as measured by algometry pressure, and waist circumference; all P < 0.05. Cancer-related fatigue ( P = 0.06) and body mass index ( P = 0.42) did not show significant improvement.

Conclusions:

These data suggest that hydrotherapy in a chest-high pool may reduce the pain threshold and waist circumference in breast cancer survivors with hormone therapy-associated arthralgia.
Endogeneity in Prison Risk Classification
Authors: Shermer Lauren O’Neill , Bierie David M. , Stock Amber
Published: July 2012

Security designation tools are a key feature of all prisons in the United States, intended as objective measures of risk that funnel inmates into security levels—to prison environments varying in degree of intrusiveness, restriction, dangerousness, and cost. These tools are mostly (if not all) validated by measuring inmates on a set of characteristics, using scores from summations of that information to assign inmates to prisons of varying security level, and then observing whether inmates assumed more risky did in fact offend more. That approach leaves open the possibility of endogeneity—that the harsher prisons are themselves bringing about higher misconduct and thus biasing coefficients assessing individual risk. The current study assesses this potential bias by following an entry cohort of inmates to more than 100 facilities in the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) and exploiting the substantial variation in classification scores within a given prison that derive from systematic overrides of security-level designations for reasons not associated with risk of misconduct. By estimating pooled models of misconduct along with prison-fixed effects specifications, the data show that a portion of the predictive accuracy thought associated with the risk-designation tool used in BOP was a function of facility-level contamination (endogeneity).
Pharmacist Credentialing in Pain Management and Palliative Care
Authors: Juba Katherine M.
Published: July 2012

A credential is documented evidence of a pharmacist’s qualifications; while credentialing is the method used to acquire, confirm, determine, and document a pharmacist’s qualifications to practice. Voluntary credentials are important in clinical pharmacy specialties to ensure proficiency in caring for patients with complex pharmacotherapy needs. This article discusses current and future pharmacy pain management and palliative care credentialing opportunities. Pharmacists wishing to pursue voluntary pain management and palliative care credentialing may elect to take a multidisciplinary pain credentialing exam offered by the American Society of Pain Educators (ASPE) or American Academy of Pain Management (AAPM) and/or complete an American Society of Health System Pharmacists (ASHP) Postgraduate Year 2 (PGY2) pain management and palliative care pharmacy residency. A palliative care credentialing exam is not currently available to pharmacists. Efforts are underway within the pharmacy profession to standardize the board certification process, design a pain and palliative certificate program, and create a specialty pain management and palliative care board certification examination.
The enigma of the brain and its place as cause, character and pretext in the imaginary of dementia
Authors: Blum Alan
Published: July 2012

An analysis of the collective engagement with the disease known as Alzheimer’s and the dementia reputed of it reveals recourse to a socially standardized formula that attributes causal agency to the brain in the absence of clinching knowledge. I propose that what Baudrillard calls the model of molecular idealism stipulates such a neurological view of determinism in order to provide caregivers with reassurance in the face of the perplexing character of dementia and the depressing reactions to mortality that it brings to the surface.
Preparation and properties of high-performance polyethersulfone composites reinforced by modified silicon nitride
Authors: Dai Zhongming , Zhu Shiyang , Liu Shanyou , Guan Shaowei
Published: July 2012

Si3N4 fillers were added to polyethersulfone (PES) using the solution mixing and ball-mill mixing methods to increase the thermal conductivity. 3-Aminpropyltriethoxysilane was used as a coupling agent for the surface modification of the Si3N4 particles. The morphology, thermal stability, mechanical properties, and thermal conductivity of the Si3N4/PES composites were then studied in detail. The dispersion of the Si3N4 particles into the matrix resin was higher in ball-mill mixing than in solution mixing. As the Si3N4 content increased, the coefficient of thermal expansion of the composites gradually decreased, whereas the Vickers hardness and thermal conductivity increased. At 19 vol.% Si3N4, the thermal conductivities of the composites via ball-mill mixing and solution mixing reached 0.677 and 0.7 W/m·k, respectively.
Newton iterative method for potential flow problems based on variational principle and finite element type solution
Authors: Huang Dian-Gui , Wu Guoqing
Published: July 2012

In this article, a new method is presented for simulation of incompressible flow field, which is called Newton iteration based on variational finite element method. Meanwhile, underlying theories and general steps in the solution procedure using this method have been described in detail. In order to validate this method, incompressible simulations on the flowfield around a circular cylinder were conducted. The achieved results were then compared with existing analytic solutions and good agreements have been obtained. In addition, the incompressible flow around an aerofoil was also calculated using both the proposed method and the conventional variational finite element method. It was found that the results obtained by the two methods were exactly the same; however, this proposed method can significantly improve the computational efficiency.