bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seroprevalence of HIV, Hepatitis B, and Syphilis Among Pregnant Women at the General Hospital, Guatemala City, 2005-2009
Authors: Samayoa Blanca , Anderson Matthew Robert , Alonso Pacheco Karla Patricia , Lee Carol , Pittard Alicia , Soltren Alex , Barrios Matos Ingrid , Arathoon Eduardo
Published: September 2010

Background: Sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening in pregnancy provides an excellent opportunity for secondary prevention. Objective: To document the epidemiology of HIV, hepatitis B, and syphilis among pregnant women at a Guatemalan national hospital. Results: From 2004 to 2009, 118 (0.76%) of 15 563 of women tested in the prenatal clinic had HIV infection, 29 (0.22%) of 13 028 women tested had hepatitis B virus infection, and 78 (0.60%) of 13 027 had a positive test for syphilis. From August 1, 2007 through December 31, 2009, 29 482 women were tested in the obstetrical emergency room. A total of 63 were HIV positive (0.21%), 48 had hepatitis B (0.16%), and 196 had syphilis (0.66%). Of the 9196 births between August 2007 and July of 2008, 33 (0.36%) were to HIV-infected mothers. Conclusion: These 3 STIs were uncommon in our population and did not increase in incidence during the study period. HIV maternal-to-child transmission (MTCT) prevention programs were feasible in our setting.
Lifestyle and the Respiratory Health of Children
Authors: Shephard Roy J.
Published: September 2010

This article offers a review of the potential influences of personal lifestyle on respiratory health in children, looking at both healthy individuals and those with respiratory disorders. As with many aspects of health, regular physical activity, an appropriate diet, and avoidance of obesity and cigarette smoke all contribute to optimal development of the healthy child. An active lifestyle is associated with greater static and dynamic lung volumes, greater efficiency of the ventilatory process, and an optimization of breathing patterns. The risk of upper respiratory infections is also reduced in those maintaining a moderate level of physical activity. Maternal smoking during pregnancy, as well as active and passive smoking, all have an adverse influence on lung function in the child, the largest effects being on dynamic lung volumes. The risk of developing asthma seems reduced in children who maintain a normal body mass and are physically active. A program of graded physical activity is of therapeutic value in a number of established respiratory conditions, including asthma, cystic fibrosis, and ventilatory impairment from neuromuscular disorders. Exercise carries a slight risk of fatalities from asthma and anaphylactic reactions. In designing an optimal physical activity program, it is also important to guard against the hazards of deep oronasal breathing, including the precipitation of bronchospasm by the inhalation of cold, dry air and pollens; an increased exposure to atmospheric pollutants (reducing and oxidant smog, fine and ultra-fine particulates, and carbon monoxide); and possible long-term dangers from chlorine derivatives in the atmosphere of indoor swimming pools.
From fractal to multifractal super fibres and wool fibres with exceptional mechanical properties
Authors: Li Y. , Yin Y. J. , Fan Q. S. , Yang F.
Published: September 2010

From the concept of fractal superfibre with fractal cross-section, multifractal superfibre with multifractal cross-section is introduced in the present paper. Various single fractal sets, e.g. three, seven- and eleven-circle fractal sets, have combined to form double fractal sets, e.g. three-/seven-circle fractal set and three-/eleven-circle fractal set. The fractal dimensions of the double fractal and multifractal sets are calculated. By taking the double fractal superfibre as an idealised model of fibre reinforced bar, the authors estimate its strength, stiffness and fracture energy. The theory can best describe the exceptional mechanical properties of the wool fibre.
Bubble electrospinning method for preparation of aligned nanofibre mat
Authors: Liu Y. , Ren Z.-F. , He J.-H.
Published: September 2010

In the present work, the authors suggest two methods using the bubble electrospinning to fabricate the aligned nanofibres by changing the collector electrode from a traditional metal plate into a single thin cylindrical metal electrode or two thin cylindrical metal electrodes respectively to collect the produced nanofibres. In the both cases, the aligned nanofibres are fabricated successfully.
Adhesion performance of TiN coating with amorphous NiTi alloy interlayer onto 316L stainless biosteel deposited by sputtering process
Authors: Abubakar T. , Rahman M. , Dowling D. P. , Stokes J. , Hashmi M. S. J.
Published: September 2010

In the present study, TiN coatings were deposited with and without NiTi interlayer onto 316L stainless steel substrates to observe the effect of amorphous NiTi layer on the adhesion properties of TiN coatings. The deposition technique was carried out at a temperature (100–150°C) without any substrate heating to form the amorphous NiTi coating, using the closed field unbalanced magnetron sputtering system. The qualitative and quantitative adhesion properties of TiN coatings with and without amorphous NiTi interlayer were measured using the Rockwell C test, the scratch test and the pull-off test. This research demonstrates how the amorphous NiTi interlayer improved the adhesion of TiN coating when a thickness of the NiTi interlayer applied was equal to 0·5 μm. A thin layer of amorphous NiTi coating was shown to exert a significant influence over the adhesion performance of the TiN coatings and demonstrating its suitability for the tribological applications.
Follicular dendritic cell–dependent drug resistance of non-Hodgkin lymphoma involves cell adhesion–mediated Bim down-regulation through induction of microRNA-181a
Authors: Lwin Tint , Lin Jianhong , Choi Yong Sung , Zhang Xinwei , Moscinski Lynn C. , Wright Kenneth L. , Sotomayor Eduardo M. , Dalton William S. , Tao Jianguo
Published: September 2010

Follicular dendritic cells (FDCs), an essential component of the lymph node microenvironment, regulate and support B-lymphocyte differentiation, survival, and lymphoma progression. Here, we demonstrate that adhesion of mantle cell lymphoma and other non-Hodgkin lymphoma cells to FDCs reduces cell apoptosis and is associated with decreased levels of the proapoptotic protein, Bim. Bim down-regulation is posttranscriptionally regulated via up-regulation of microRNA-181a (miR-181a). miR-181a overexpression decreases, whereas miR-181a inhibition increases Bim levels by directly targeting Bim. Furthermore, we found that cell adhesion–up-regulated miR-181a contributes to FDC-mediated cell survival through Bim down-regulation, implicating miR-181a as an upstream effector of the Bim-apoptosis signaling pathway. miR-181a inhibition and Bim upregulation significantly suppressed FDC-mediated protection against apoptosis in lymphoma cell lines and primary lymphoma cells. Thus, FDCs protect B-cell lymphoma cells against apoptosis, in part through activation of a miR-181a–dependent mechanism involving down-regulation of Bim expression. We demonstrate, for the first time, that cell-cell contact controls tumor cell survival and apoptosis via microRNA in mantle cell and other non-Hodgkin lymphomas. Regulation of microRNAs by B-cell–FDC interaction may support B-cell survival, representing a novel molecular mechanism for cell adhesion–mediated drug resistance and a potential therapeutic target in B-cell lymphomas.
A novel form of human STAT1 deficiency impairing early but not late responses to interferons
Authors: Kong Xiao-Fei , Ciancanelli Michael , Al-Hajjar Sami , Alsina Laia , Zumwalt Timothy , Bustamante Jacinta , Feinberg Jacqueline , Audry Magali , Prando Carolina , Bryant Vanessa , Kreins Alexandra , Bogunovic Dusan , Halwani Rabih , Zhang Xin-Xin , Abel Laurent , Chaussabel Damien , Al-Muhsen Saleh , Casanova Jean-Laurent , Boisson-Dupuis Stéphanie
Published: September 2010

Autosomal recessive STAT1 deficiency is associated with impaired cellular responses to interferons and susceptibility to intracellular bacterial and viral infections. We report here a new form of partial STAT1 deficiency in 2 siblings presenting mycobacterial and viral diseases. Both carried a homozygous missense mutation replacing a lysine with an asparagine residue at position 201 (K201N) of STAT1. This mutation causes the abnormal splicing out of exon 8 from most STAT1 mRNAs, thereby decreasing (by ∼ 70%) STAT1 protein levels. The mutant STAT1 proteins are not intrinsically deleterious, in terms of tyrosine phosphorylation, dephosphorylation, homodimerization into γ-activating factor and heterotrimerization into ISGF-3, binding to specific DNA elements, and activation of the transcription. Interestingly, the activation of γ-activating factor and ISGF3 was impaired only at early time points in the various cells from patient (within 1 hour of stimulation), whereas sustained impairment occurs in other known forms of complete and partial recessive STAT1 deficiency. Consequently, delayed responses were normal; however, the early induction of interferon-stimulated genes was selectively and severely impaired. Thus, the early cellular responses to human interferons are critically dependent on the amount of STAT1 and are essential for the appropriate control of mycobacterial and viral infections.
BAALC and ERG expression levels are associated with outcome and distinct gene and microRNA expression profiles in older patients with de novo cytogenetically normal acute myeloid leukemia: a Cancer and Leukemia Group B study
Authors: Schwind Sebastian , Marcucci Guido , Maharry Kati , Radmacher Michael D. , Mrózek Krzysztof , Holland Kelsi B. , Margeson Dean , Becker Heiko , Whitman Susan P. , Wu Yue-Zhong , Metzeler Klaus H. , Powell Bayard L. , Kolitz Jonathan E. , Carter Thomas H. , Moore Joseph O. , Baer Maria R. , Carroll Andrew J. , Caligiuri Michael A. , Larson Richard A. , Bloomfield Clara D.
Published: September 2010

BAALC and ERG expression levels are prognostic markers in younger (< 60 years) cytogenetically normal acute myeloid leukemia (CN-AML) adults; their prognostic impact in older (≥ 60 years) patients requires further investigation. We evaluated pretreatment expression of BAALC and ERG in 158 de novo patients treated on cytarabine/daunorubicin-based protocols. The patients were also characterized for other established molecular prognosticators. Low BAALC and ERG expression levels were associated with better outcome in univariable and multivariable analyses. Expression levels of both BAALC and ERG were the only factors significantly associated with overall survival upon multivariable analysis. To gain biological insights, we derived gene expression signatures associated with BAALC and ERG expression in older CN-AML patients. Furthermore, we derived the first microRNA expression signatures associated with the expression of these 2 genes. In low BAALC expressers, genes associated with undifferentiated hematopoietic precursors and unfavorable outcome predictors were down-regulated, whereas HOX genes and HOX-gene–embedded microRNAs were up-regulated. Low ERG expressers presented with down-regulation of genes involved in the DNA-methylation machinery, and up-regulation of miR-148a, which targets DNMT3B. We conclude that in older CN-AML patients, low BAALC and ERG expression associates with better outcome and distinct gene and microRNA expression signatures that could aid in identifying new targets and novel therapeutic strategies for older patients.
Stimulus and mechanisms of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction
Authors: Anderson S.D. , Kippelen P.
Published: September 2010

Educational aims

To describe the stimulus for exercise-induced bronchoconstriction.

To describe the different mechanisms whereby this stimulus may act to cause the airways to narrow in asthmatics and athletes.

To describe the relevance of the stimulus and mechanism to protocols to diagnose exercise-induced bronchoconstriction.

To describe the inflammatory mediators involved in exercise-induced bronchoconstriction.

To describe how and why airway injury could contribute to the pathogenesis of airway hyperresponsiveness and exercise-induced bronchoconstriction in athletes.

The stimulus for exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) is the loss of water by humidifying large volumes of air during exercise. The mechanism for EIB relates to the thermal and osmotic effects of water loss. The thermal theory proposes that EIB is a vascular event comprising vasoconstriction during exercise followed by rapid rewarming and a reactive hyperaemia at the end of exercise. The osmotic theory proposes that water loss induces an increase in osmolarity in the airways, which causes the release of mediators that cause bronchial smooth muscle to contract. Increased vascular permeability and leakage are common to both theories.
Field and laboratory exercise challenges for identifying exercise-induced bronchoconstriction
Authors: Rundell K.W. , Sue-Chu M.
Published: September 2010

Educational aims

To define necessary conditions for a successful exercise challenge.

To provide operational procedures for performing an exercise challenge in the laboratory or the field for the identification of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction.

To compare positive and negative attributes of each challenge.

To provide spirometric cut-off criteria for positive challenge tests.

Exercise challenge tests are often used for identification of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB). Optimal test conditions are: absolute humidity of <10 mg H2O per L; exercise intensity resulting in a sustained increase in minute ventilation to 14–21 times the forced expiratory volume in 1 s or heart rate (HR) to 80–90% of the estimated maximal HR; and exercise duration of 6–8 min. Variability in fitness level and age necessitate individualisation of the exercise protocol. Field tests are subject to variability in test conditions and may have poorer repeatability than laboratory tests that require expensive equipment. However, either challenge test can be employed for the diagnosis of EIB in conjunction with a critical clinical assessment.
Global transcriptional profiles of beating clusters derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells and embryonic stem cells are highly similar
Authors: Gupta Manoj K , Illich Damir J , Gaarz Andrea , Matzkies Matthias , Nguemo Filomain , Pfannkuche Kurt , Liang Huamin , Classen Sabine , Reppel Michael , Schultze Joachim L , Hescheler Jürgen , Šarić Tomo
Published: September 2010

Background

Functional and molecular integrity of cardiomyocytes (CMs) derived from induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells is essential for their use in tissue repair, disease modelling and drug screening. In this study we compared global transcriptomes of beating clusters (BCs) microdissected from differentiating human iPS cells and embryonic stem (ES) cells.

Results

Hierarchical clustering and principal component analysis revealed that iPS-BCs and ES-BCs cluster together, are similarly enriched for cardiospecific genes and differ in expression of only 1.9% of present transcripts. Similarly, sarcomeric organization, electrophysiological properties and calcium handling of iPS-CMs were indistinguishable from those of ES-CMs. Gene ontology analysis revealed that among 204 genes that were upregulated in iPS-BCs vs ES-BCs the processes related to extracellular matrix, cell adhesion and tissue development were overrepresented. Interestingly, 47 of 106 genes that were upregulated in undifferentiated iPS vs ES cells remained enriched in iPS-BCs vs ES-BCs. Most of these genes were found to be highly expressed in fibroblasts used for reprogramming and 34% overlapped with the recently reported iPS cell-enriched genes.

Conclusions

These data suggest that iPS-BCs are transcriptionally highly similar to ES-BCs. However, iPS-BCs appear to share some somatic cell signature with undifferentiated iPS cells. Thus, iPS-BCs may not be perfectly identical to ES-BCs. These minor differences in the expression profiles may occur due to differential cellular composition of iPS-BCs and ES-BCs, due to retention of some genetic profile of somatic cells in differentiated iPS cell-derivatives, or both.
Epstein-Barr virus-encoded EBNA1 enhances RNA polymerase III-dependent EBER expression through induction of EBER-associated cellular transcription factors
Authors: Owen Thomas J , O'Neil John D , Dawson Christopher W , Hu Chunfang , Chen Xiaoyi , Yao Yunhong , Wood Victoria HJ , Mitchell Louise E , White Robert J , Young Lawrence S , Arrand John R
Published: September 2010

Background

Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)-encoded RNAs (EBERs) are non-polyadenylated RNA molecules transcribed from the EBV genome by RNA polymerase III (pol III). EBERs are the most abundant viral latent gene products, although the precise mechanisms by which EBV is able to achieve such high levels of EBER expression are not fully understood. Previously EBV has been demonstrated to induce transcription factors associated with EBER expression, including pol III transcription factors and ATF-2. We have recently demonstrated that EBV-encoded nuclear antigen-1 (EBNA1) induces cellular transcription factors, and given these findings, we investigated the role of EBNA1 in induction of EBER-associated transcription factors.

Results

Our data confirm that in epithelial cells EBNA1 can enhance cellular pol III transcription. Transient expression of EBNA1 in Ad/AH cells stably expressing the EBERs led to induction of both EBER1 and EBER2 and conversely, expression of a dominant negative EBNA1 led to reduced EBER expression in EBV-infected Ad/AH cells. EBNA1 can induce transcription factors used by EBER genes, including TFIIIC, ATF-2 and c-Myc. A variant chromatin precipitation procedure showed that EBNA1 is associated with the promoters of these genes but not with the promoters of pol III-transcribed genes, including the EBERs themselves. Using shRNA knock-down, we confirm the significance of both ATF-2 and c-Myc in EBER expression. Further, functional induction of a c-Myc fusion protein led to increased EBER expression, providing c-Myc binding sites upstream of EBER1 were intact. In vivo studies confirm elevated levels of the 102 kD subunit of TFIIIC in the tumour cells of EBV-positive nasopharyngeal carcinoma biopsies.

Conclusions

Our findings reveal that EBNA1 is able to enhance EBER expression through induction of cellular transcription factors and add to the repertoire of EBNA1's transcription-regulatory properties.
Hepatitis C virus infection in Brazilian long-distance truck drivers
Authors: Freitas Nara R , Teles Sheila A , Matos Marcos A , Lopes Carmen LR , Reis Nádia RS , Espírito-Santo Márcia P , Lampe Elisabeth , Martins Regina MB
Published: September 2010

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a global public health problem. Long-distance truck drivers live apart from their family for long periods of time, a lifestyle that favors at-risk behaviors such as unprotected sex with multiple partners and illicit drug use. As data concerning HCV infection in this population are still rare, this paper aims to investigate the prevalence, genotypes/subtypes, and the factors associated with HCV infection in long-distance truck drivers in Brazil. A cross-sectional survey was carried out with 641 Brazilian long-truck drivers who were recruited at a major truck stop located at kilometer 1,296 of the BR-153 highway, which is considered to be one of the longest roads in Brazil. All individuals were interviewed, and their serum samples were tested for the presence of antibodies to HCV (anti-HCV) by ELISA and immunoblot. Anti-HCV positive samples were tested for HCV RNA by PCR amplification of the 5' NC and NS5B regions and were genotyped using the LiPA assay and nucleotide sequencing, respectively. Factors associated with HCV infection were identified with logistic regression. The prevalence of HCV infection was 1.4% (95% CI: 0.7-2.8). History of blood transfusion, sharing of personal hygiene tools, illicit drug use and HBV status were factors independently associated with HCV infection in the study population. HCV RNA was detected in 8/9 anti-HCV positive samples, in which genotypes 1 (n = 3), 2 (n = 2), and 3 (n = 3) were determined by LiPA. Using phylogenetic tree analysis of the NS5B region, subtypes 1a (n = 1), 1b (n = 2), 2b (n = 2) and 3a (n = 3) were identified. These data show that the prevalence of HCV infection among Brazilian truck drivers was similar to that observed for the general population. History of blood transfusion, sharing of personal hygiene tools, illicit drug use and HBV status were predictors of HCV infection. The HCV genotypes/subtypes identified in the study population are consistent with those circulating in Brazil.
Laparoscopic treatment of biliary peritonitis following nonoperative management of blunt liver trauma
Authors: Marzano Ettore , Rosso Edoardo , Oussoultzoglou Elie , Collange Olivier , Bachellier Philippe , Pessaux Patrick
Published: September 2010

Introduction

Nonoperative management (NOM) of hemodynamically stable patients with blunt hepatic injuries is considered the current standard of care. However, it is associated with several in-hospital complications. In selected cases laparoscopy could be proposed as diagnostic and therapeutic means.

Case report

A 28 years-old male was admitted in the Emergency Unit following a motor vehicle crash. CT-scan showed an isolated stade II hepatic injury at the level of the segment IV. Firstly a NOM was decided. Laparoscopic exploration was then performed at day 4 due to a biliary peritonitis. Intraoperative trans-cystic duct cholangiography showed a biliary leaks of left hepatic biliary tract, involving sectioral pedicle to segment III. Cholecystectomy, trans-cystic biliary drainage, application of surgical tissue sealing patch and abdominal drainage were performed. Postoperative outcome was uneventful, with fast patient recovery.

Conclusion

Laparoscopy has gained a role as diagnostic and therapeutic means in treatment of complications following NOM of blunt liver trauma. This approach seems feasible and safety, with satisfactory postoperative outcome.
First-line single agent treatment with gefitinib in patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer
Authors: Yin Yong-Mei , Geng Yi-Ting , Shao Yong-Feng , Hu Xiao-Li , Li Wei , Shu Yong-Qian , Wang Zhao-Xia
Published: September 2010

Background

Lung cancer is a malignant carcinoma which has the highest morbidity and mortality in Chinese population. Gefitinib, a tyrosine kinase (TK) inhibitor of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), displays anti-tumor activity. The present data regarding first-line treatment with single agent gefitinib against non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in Chinese population are not sufficient.

Purpose

To assess the efficacy and toxicity of gefitinib in Chinese patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), a study of single agent treatment with gefitinib in Chinese patients was conducted.

Methods

45 patients with advanced NSCLC were treated with gefitinib (250 mg daily) until the disease progression or intolerable toxicity.

Results

Among the 45 patients, 15 patients achieved partial response (PR), 17 patients experienced stable disease (SD), and 13 patients developed progression disease (PD). None of the patients achieved complete response (CR). The tumor response rate and disease control rate was 33% and 71.1%, respectively. Symptom remission rate was 72.5%, and median remission time was 8 days. Median overall survival and median progression-free survival was 15.3 months and 6.0 months, respectively. The main induced toxicities by gefitinib were skin rash and diarrhea (53.3% and 33.3%, respectively). The minor induced toxicities included dehydration and pruritus of skin (26.7% and 22.2%, respectively). In addition, hepatic toxicity and oral ulceration occurred in few patients (6.7% and 4.4%2, respectively).

Conclusions

Single agent treatment with gefitinib is effective and well tolerated in Chinese patients with advanced NSCLC.
A case‐series study to explore the efficacy of foot orthoses in treating first metatarsophalangeal joint pain
Authors: Welsh Brian J , Redmond Anthony C , Chockalingam Nachiappan , Keenan Anne‐Maree
Published: September 2010

Background

First metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint pain is a common foot complaint which is often considered to be a consequence of altered mechanics. Foot orthoses are often prescribed to reduce 1st MTP joint pain with the aim of altering dorsiflexion at propulsion. This study explores changes in 1st MTP joint pain and kinematics following the use of foot orthoses.

Methods

The effect of modified, pre‐fabricated foot orthoses (X‐line®) were evaluated in thirty‐two patients with 1st MTP joint pain of mechanical origin. The primary outcome was pain measured at baseline and 24 weeks using the pain subscale of the foot function index (FFI). In a small sub‐group of patients (n = 9), the relationship between pain and kinematic variables was explored with and without their orthoses, using an electromagnetic motion tracking (EMT) system.

Results

A significant reduction in pain was observed between baseline (median = 48 mm) and the 24 week endpoint (median = 14.50 mm, z = ‐4.88, p < 0.001). In the sub‐group analysis, we found no relationship between pain reduction and 1st MTP joint motion, and no significant differences were found between the 1st MTP joint maximum dorsiflexion or ankle/subtalar complex maximum eversion, with and without the orthoses.

Conclusions

This observational study demonstrated a significant decrease in 1st MTP joint pain associated with the use of foot orthoses. Change in pain was not shown to be associated with 1st MTP joint dorsiflexion nor with altered ankle/subtalar complex eversion. Further research into the effect of foot orthoses on foot function is indicated.
Intensive care diaries reduce new onset post traumatic stress disorder following critical illness: a randomised, controlled trial
Authors: Jones Christina , Bäckman Carl , Capuzzo Maurizia , Egerod Ingrid , Flaatten Hans , Granja Cristina , Rylander Christian , Griffiths Richard D ,   the RACHEL group
Published: September 2010

Introduction

Patients recovering from critical illness have been shown to be at risk of developing Post Traumatic Stress disorder (PTSD). This study was to evaluate whether a prospectively collected diary of a patient's intensive care unit (ICU) stay when used during convalescence following critical illness will reduce the development of new onset PTSD.

Methods

Intensive care patients with an ICU stay of more than 72 hours were recruited to a randomised controlled trial examining the effect of a diary outlining the details of the patients ICU stay on the development of acute PTSD. The intervention patients received their ICU diary at 1 month following critical care discharge and the final assessment of the development of acute PTSD was made at 3 months.

Results

352 patients were randomised to the study at 1 month. The incidence of new cases of PTSD was reduced in the intervention group compared to the control patients (5% versus 13%, P = 0.02).

Conclusions

The provision of an ICU diary is effective in aiding psychological recovery and reducing the incidence of new PTSD.

Trial registration

NCT00912613.
Tutorial on seismic interferometry: Part 1 — Basic principles and applications
Authors: Wapenaar Kees , Draganov Deyan , Snieder Roel , Campman Xander , Verdel Arie
Published: September 2010

Seismic interferometry involves the crosscorrelation of responses at different receivers to obtain the Green’s function between these receivers. For the simple situation of an impulsive plane wave propagating along the [Formula: see text]-axis, the crosscorrelation of the responses at two receivers along the [Formula: see text]-axis gives the Green’s function of the direct wave between these receivers. When the source function of the plane wave is a transient (as in exploration seismology) or a noise signal (as in passive seismology), then the crosscorrelation gives the Green’s function, convolved with the autocorrelation of the source function. Direct-wave interferometry also holds for 2D and 3D situations, assuming the receivers are surrounded by a uniform distribution of sources. In this case, the main contributions to the retrieved direct wave between the receivers come from sources in Fresnel zones around stationary points. The main application of direct-wave interferometry is theretrieval of seismic surface-wave responses from ambient noise and the subsequent tomographic determination of the surface-wave velocity distribution of the subsurface. Seismic interferometry is not restricted to retrieving direct waves between receivers. In a classic paper, Claerbout shows that the autocorrelation of the transmission response of a layered medium gives the plane-wave reflection response of that medium. This is essentially 1D reflected-wave interferometry. Similarly, the crosscorrelation of the transmission responses, observed at two receivers, of an arbitrary inhomogeneous medium gives the 3D reflection response of that medium. One of the main applications of reflected-wave interferometry is retrieving the seismic reflection response from ambient noise and imaging of the reflectors in the subsurface. A common aspect of direct- and reflected-wave interferometry is that virtual sources are created at positions where there are only receivers without requiring knowledge of the subsurface medium parameters or of the positions of the actual sources.
From reflection elements to structure — A look at the history of data interpretation
Authors: Helbig Klaus
Published: September 2010

Traditionally, input acquired in the field consisted of the original paper records; output submitted to the client consisted of structural sections and depth-contour maps of selected interfaces. Before the introduction of magnetic recording, it was common practice to do the conversion in the field office. Tools for this conversion ranged from slide rules and desk calculators to wavefront charts. These tools were based on the geometry of rays in media where velocity is a function of depth only. The detailed algorithms underlying the conversion were often developed in the exploration companies and — originally — were carefully guarded. But at least the underlying principles were exchanged throughout the industry through books, journal articles, and presentations at meetings, such as noted in nearly 300 references in C. H. Dix’s Seismic Prospecting for Oil (1952) . The techniques of data acquisition and data interpretation have changed considerably, but the underlying principles of ray geometry are the same. Therefore, many new methods are based on ideas formulated in the early times of the industry.
Interpretation of AVO anomalies
Authors: Foster Douglas J. , Keys Robert G. , Lane F. David
Published: September 2010

We investigate the effects of changes in rock and fluid properties on amplitude-variation-with-offset (AVO) responses. In the slope-intercept domain, reflections from wet sands and shales fall on or near a trend that we call the fluid line. Reflections from the top of sands containing gas or light hydrocarbons fall on a trend approximately parallel to the fluid line; reflections from the base of gas sands fall on a parallel trend on the opposing side of the fluid line. The polarity standard of the seismic data dictates whether these reflections from the top of hydrocarbon-bearing sands are below or above the fluid line. Typically, rock properties of sands and shales differ, and therefore reflections from sand/shale interfaces are also displaced from the fluid line. The distance of these trends from the fluid line depends upon the contrast of the ratio of P-wave velocity [Formula: see text] and S-wave velocity [Formula: see text]. This ratio is a function of pore-fluid compressibility and implies that distance from the fluid line increases with increasing compressibility. Reflections from wet sands are closer to the fluid line than hydrocarbon-related reflections. Porosity changes affect acoustic impedance but do not significantly impact the [Formula: see text] contrast. As a result, porosity changes move the AVO response along trends approximately parallel to the fluid line. These observations are useful for interpreting AVO anomalies in terms of fluids, lithology, and porosity.
Seismic inversion for reservoir properties combining statistical rock physics and geostatistics: A review
Authors: Bosch Miguel , Mukerji Tapan , Gonzalez Ezequiel F.
Published: September 2010

There are various approaches for quantitative estimation of reservoir properties from seismic inversion. A general Bayesian formulation for the inverse problem can be implemented in two different work flows. In the sequential approach, first seismic data are inverted, deterministically or stochastically, into elastic properties; then rock-physics models transform those elastic properties to the reservoir property of interest. The joint or simultaneous work flow accounts for the elastic parameters and the reservoir properties, often in a Bayesian formulation, guaranteeing consistency between the elastic and reservoir properties. Rock physics plays the important role of linking elastic parameters such as impedances and velocities to reservoir properties of interest such as lithologies, porosity, and pore fluids. Geostatistical methods help add constraints of spatial correlation, conditioning to different kinds of data and incorporating subseismic scales of heterogeneities.
Reducing Cancer Costs and Improving Quality Through Collaboration With Payers: A Proposal From the Florida Society of Clinical Oncology
Authors: Marsland Thomas , Robbins Gerald , Marks Alan , Cassell Robert , Philips Dorothy Green , King Kristen
Published: September 2010

One of Florida's largest private payers has retained an outside consulting firm to develop a program to reduce cancer care spending, which could seriously limit the ability of oncology practices in Florida to provide quality care to their patients.
The Dinosaur Is Extinct: The Demise of Solo Medical Oncology Practice in the United States
Authors: Keech John A.
Published: September 2010

Evolution is brought about by subtle environmental pressures over time or by a cataclysmic extinction event. The latter is the case for the solo medical oncologist, with the event being the Medicare Modernization Act of 2003.
Coverage Policy Development for Personalized Medicine: Private Payer Perspectives on Developing Policy for the 21-Gene Assay
Authors: Trosman Julia R. , Van Bebber Stephanie L. , Phillips Kathryn A.
Published: September 2010

A challenge of personalized medicine is the limited clinical evidence for many personalized medicine technologies. Here, the strategies private payers use to develop coverage policy for personalized medicine are described using the example of the 21-gene assay in breast cancer.
How to Implement Change in Practice
Authors: Gesme Dean , Wiseman Marian
Published: September 2010

Learn what it takes to overcome the status quo and implement change because stagnation can jeopardize the future of your practice.
Ethical Challenges: Oncologists' Role in Immigrant Health Care
Authors: Jepson Victoria A. , Cox John V. , Peppercorn Jeffrey
Published: September 2010

As health care and immigration policies evolve, oncologists may be faced with challenges regarding care for undocumented immigrants, and must stay abreast of changes in federal and state legal statutes as well as medical ethics guidelines.
A role for the dynamin-like protein Vps1 during endocytosis in yeast
Authors: Rooij Iwona I. Smaczynska-de , Allwood Ellen G. , Aghamohammadzadeh Soheil , Hettema Ewald H. , Goldberg Martin W. , Ayscough Kathryn R.
Published: September 2010

Dynamins are a conserved family of proteins involved in membrane fusion and fission. Although mammalian dynamins are known to be involved in several membrane-trafficking events, the role of dynamin-1 in endocytosis is the best-characterised role of this protein family. Despite many similarities between endocytosis in yeast and mammalian cells, a comparable role for dynamins in yeast has not previously been demonstrated. The reported lack of involvement of dynamins in yeast endocytosis has raised questions over the general applicability of the current yeast model of endocytosis, and has also precluded studies using well-developed methods in yeast, to further our understanding of the mechanism of dynamin function during endocytosis. Here, we investigate the yeast dynamin-like protein Vps1 and demonstrate a transient burst of localisation to sites of endocytosis. Using live-cell imaging of endocytic reporters in strains lacking vps1, and also electron microscopy and biochemical approaches, we demonstrate a role for Vps1 in facilitating endocytic invagination. Vps1 mutants were generated, and analysis in several assays reveals a role for the C-terminal self-assembly domain in endocytosis but not in other membrane fission events with which Vps1 has previously been associated.
Stromal fibroblasts from the interface zone of human breast carcinomas induce an epithelial–mesenchymal transition-like state in breast cancer cells in vitro
Authors: Gao Ming-Qing , Kim Baek Gil , Kang Suki , Choi Yoon Pyo , Park Hangran , Kang Kyu Sub , Cho Nam Hoon
Published: September 2010

Fibroblasts were extracted from tissue in tumor burden zones, distal normal zones and interface zones between tumor and normal tissue of human breast carcinomas, and the corresponding fibroblasts were designated as cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), normal zone fibroblasts (NFs) and interface zone fibroblasts (INFs). The crosstalk between three types of fibroblasts and breast cancer cells was evaluated using an in vitro direct co-culture model. We found that INFs grew faster and expressed higher levels of fibroblast activation protein than did NFs and CAFs. Compared with CAFs and NFs, INFs grown with breast cancer cells were significantly more effective in inducing an epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in cancer cells, as indicated by induction of vimentin and N-cadherin and downregulation of E-cadherin. This EMT process was also accompanied by activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and modulation of membrane-type 1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP) expression. Additionally, INFs promoted breast cell migration to a larger extent compared with NFs and CAFs. Taken together, these findings indicate that INFs isolated from the tumor interface zone exhibited more robust biological modulatory activity than did NFs and CAFs isolated from normal and tumor zones of the same tumor tissue, suggesting that the interface zone of the tumor represents a dynamic region vital to tumor progression.
Drosophila I-Rhybrid dysgenesis is associated with catastrophic meiosis and abnormal zygote formation
Authors: Orsi Guillermo A. , Joyce Eric F. , Couble Pierre , McKim Kim S. , Loppin Benjamin
Published: September 2010

The Drosophila I-R type of hybrid dysgenesis is a sterility syndrome (SF sterility) associated with the mobilization of the I retrotransposon in female germ cells. SF sterility results from a maternal-effect embryonic lethality whose origin has remained unclear since its discovery about 40 years ago. Here, we show that meiotic divisions in SF oocytes are catastrophic and systematically fail to produce a functional female pronucleus at fertilization. As a consequence, most embryos from SF females rapidly arrest their development with aneuploid or damaged nuclei, whereas others develop as non-viable, androgenetic haploid embryos. Finally, we show that, in contrast to mutants affecting the biogenesis of piRNAs, SF egg chambers do not accumulate persistent DNA double-strand breaks, suggesting that I-element activity might perturb the functional organization of meiotic chromosomes without triggering an early DNA damage response.
An Investigation on Rollover Prevention Systems: Unified Chassis Control versus Electronic Stability Control with Active Anti-Roll Bar
Authors: Yim S-J , Yoon J-Y , Cho W-K , Yi K-S
Published: September 2010

This paper describes an investigation into rollover prevention systems. Two chassis control systems are compared with respect to rollover prevention. The first system is the unified chassis control system that consists of electronic stability control (ESC) with differential braking, longitudinal speed control, and continuous damping control. The second system is an active anti-roll bar combined with ESC with differential braking. The capabilities of these systems to control lateral acceleration and roll motion are evaluated and investigated through simulations. The lateral acceleration, the roll angle, and the rollover index are adopted as a comparison measure. The simulations are performed to identify the advantages and limitations of these systems.
The Determination of Vehicle Speeds from Delta-V in Two Vehicle Planar Collisions
Authors: Neades J , Smith R
Published: September 2010

The change of a vehicle's velocity, delta-V (Δ v), due to an impact is often calculated and used in the scientific investigation of road traffic collisions. In isolation, however, this figure does not yield any information concerning the actual velocities of the vehicles and such information is often of prime concern to those investigating collisions. In this paper a method is developed which uses the change in velocity sustained by a vehicle in a planar collision to estimate the velocities of the vehicle before and after a collision. The key equations are derived from conservation of momentum, conservation of energy, and restitution. As with the calculation of Δ v, the method requires an initial estimate of the principal directions of force. The pre- and post-impact angles of the vehicles' velocities can be used to obtain better estimates of the principal directions of force and of the coefficient of restitution. In collisions where it is difficult to analyse the vehicles' post-impact motion, this method provides a way to estimate the actual speeds of vehicles. To demonstrate the method, it is used to analyse one of the RICSAC collisions. The results of an analysis of other staged collisions illustrate the accuracy of the method.
Multi-zone modelling of partially premixed low-temperature combustion in pilot-ignited natural-gas engines
Authors: Krishnan S R , Srinivasan K K
Published: September 2010

Detailed results from a multi-zone phenomenological simulation of partially premixed advanced-injection low-pilot-ignited natural-gas low-temperature combustion are presented with a focus on early injection timings (the beginning of (pilot) injection (BOI)) and very small diesel quantities (2–3 per cent of total fuel energy). Combining several aspects of diesel and spark ignition engine combustion models, the closed-cycle simulation accounted for diesel autoignition, diesel spray combustion, and natural-gas combustion by premixed turbulent flame propagation. The cylinder contents were divided into an unburned zone, several pilot fuel zones (or ‘packets’) that modelled diesel evaporation and ignition, a flame zone for natural-gas combustion, and a burned zone. The simulation predicted the onset of ignition, cylinder pressures, and heat release rate profiles satisfactorily over a wide range of BOIs (20–60° before top dead centre (before TDC)) but especially well at early BOIs. Strong coupling was observed between pilot spray combustion in the packets and premixed turbulent combustion in the flame zone and, therefore, the number of ignition centres (packets) profoundly affected flame combustion. The highest local peak temperatures (greater than 2000 K) were observed in the packets, while the flame zone was much cooler (about 1650 K), indicating that pilot diesel spray combustion is probably the dominant source of engine-out emissions of nitrogen oxide (NO x). Further, the 60° before TDC BOI yielded the lowest average peak packet temperatures (about 1720 K) compared with the 20° before TDC BOI (about 2480 K) and 40° before TDC BOI (about 2700 K). These trends support experimental NO x trends, which showed the lowest NO x emissions for the 60°, 20°, and 40° before TDC BOIs in that order. Parametric studies showed that increasing the intake charge temperature, pilot quantity, and natural-gas equivalence ratio all led to higher peak heat release rates and hotter packets but the pilot quantity and intake temperature affected the potential for NO x formation to a greater extent.
Experimental Study of Transient Nitric Oxide, Smoke, and Combustion Noise Emissions during Acceleration of an Automotive Turbocharged Diesel Engine
Authors: Rakopoulos C D , Dimaratos A M , Giakoumis E G
Published: September 2010

The control of transient emissions from turbocharged diesel engines is an important objective for automotive manufacturers, since newly produced engines must meet the stringent criteria concerning exhaust emissions levels as dictated by the legislated Transient Cycles Certification. In the current study, experimental tests are conducted on an automotive, turbocharged diesel engine in order to investigate the formation mechanism of nitric oxide, smoke, and combustion noise emissions under various acceleration schedules experienced during daily driving conditions. To this aim, a fully instrumented test bed was set up in order to capture the development of key engine and turbocharger variables during the transient events. Analytical diagrams are provided to explain the behaviour of emissions development in conjunction with turbocharger and governor/fuel pump response. Turbocharger lag was found to be the main cause for the emission spikes during all test cases examined, with the engine calibration playing a vital role. The analysis was extended with a quasi-steady approximation of transient emissions using steady-state maps, in order to highlight the effect of dynamic engine operation on pollutants and combustion noise emissions.
On Engine-to-Slip Modelling for Motorcycle Traction Control Design
Authors: Massaro M , Lot R , Cossalter V
Published: September 2010

Tyre and transmission characteristics affect engine-to-slip dynamics which are essential when it comes to traction control design. This paper uses different tyre/transmission physical models to assess the modelling features which are essential for an accurate description of the plant. Three different single-wheel models are presented and analysed in order to find the simplest, yet reliable, model for the description of the engine-to-slip dynamics. The models are a single-wheel model with a rigid tyre and a rigid transmission, a single-wheel model with a flexible tyre, and a single-wheel model which features a compliant tyre and a sprocket absorber. Analytic expressions for all models' transfer functions are given, and models are compared to each other and with road tests to prove their reliability. Finally, the effect of longitudinal acceleration on engine-to-slip dynamics is analysed and discussed.