bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prognostic Value of Routine Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Assessment of Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction and Myocardial Damage
Authors: Klem Igor , Shah Dipan J. , White Richard D. , Pennell Dudley J. , van Rossum Albert C. , Regenfus Matthias , Sechtem Udo , Schvartzman Paulo R. , Hunold Peter , Croisille Pierre , Parker Michele , Judd Robert M. , Kim Raymond J.
Published: September 2011

Background—

Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) is considered the reference standard for assessment of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and myocardial damage. However, few studies have evaluated the relationship between CMR findings and patient outcome, and of these, most are small and none multicenter. We performed an international, multicenter study to assess the prognostic importance of routine CMR in patients with known or suspected heart disease.

Methods and Results—

From 10 centers in 6 countries, consecutive patients undergoing routine CMR assessment of LVEF and myocardial damage by cine and delayed-enhancement imaging (DE-CMR), respectively, were screened for enrollment. Clinical data, CMR protocol information, and findings were collected at all sites and submitted to the data coordinating center for verification of completeness and analysis. The primary end point was all-cause mortality. A total of 1560 patients (age, 59±14 years; 70% men) were enrolled. Mean LVEF was 45±18%, and 1049 (67%) patients had hyperenhanced tissue (HE) on DE-CMR indicative of damage. During a median follow-up time of 2.4 years (interquartile range, 1.2, 2.9 years), 176 (11.3%) patients died. Patients who died were more likely to be older (
P
<0.0001), have coronary disease (
P
=0.004), have lower LVEF (
P
<0.0001), and have more segments with HE (
P
<0.0001). In multivariable analysis, age, LVEF, and number of segments with HE were independent predictors of mortality. Among patients with near-normal LVEF (≥50%), those with above-median HE (>4 segments) had reduced survival compared to patients with below- or at-median HE (
P
=0.02).

Conclusions—

Both LVEF and amount of myocardial damage as assessed by routine CMR are independent predictors of all-cause mortality. Even in patients with near-normal LVEF, significant damage identifies a cohort with a high risk for early mortality.
I Seek the Nerves under Your Skin: A “Fast” Interactive Artwork
Authors: Marshall Joe , Chamberlain Alan , Benford Steve
Published: September 2011

I Seek the Nerves under Your Skin is a wearable audio artwork that is experienced by people running while wearing a special jacket and headphones. This artwork encourages people to run increasingly fast, pushing themselves physically and mentally, which mirrors the intense, crescendoing performance of a poet heard on the headphones. This article discusses the challenges of designing and deploying an artwork that is experienced at high speeds.
Cornucopia: The Concept of Digital Gastronomy
Authors: Zoran Amit , Coelho Marcelo
Published: September 2011

The authors present a new concept of digital gastronomy—Cornucopia, a futuristic cooking methodology based on digital technologies. They discuss how they have merged kitchen tools with science fiction and actual technologies to create this new design space for gastronomy. The Virtuoso Mixer, the Digital Fabricator and the Robotic Chef were conceptualized to enable more flexibility and control over each of the most important elements of cooking: mixing ingredients, modeling food shapes and transforming edible matter from one state to another. The authors discuss related work and ideas, present their designs and propose their vision for the emerging design space of digital gastronomy.
Changes in the Extratropical Storm Tracks in Response to Changes in SST in an AGCM
Authors: Graff Lise Seland , LaCasce J. H.
Published: September 2011

A poleward shift in the extratropical storm tracks has been identified in observational and climate simulations. The authors examine the role of altered sea surface temperatures (SSTs) on the storm-track position and intensity in an atmospheric general circulation model (AGCM) using realistic lower boundary conditions.

A set of experiments was conducted in which the SSTs where changed by 2 K in specified latitude bands. The primary profile was inspired by the observed trend in ocean temperatures, with the largest warming occurring at low latitudes. The response to several other heating patterns was also investigated, to examine the effect of imposed gradients and low- versus high-latitude heating. The focus is on the Northern Hemisphere (NH) winter, averaged over a 20-yr period.

Results show that the storm tracks respond to changes in both the mean SST and SST gradients, consistent with previous studies employing aquaplanet (water only) boundary conditions. Increasing the mean SST strengthens the Hadley circulation and the subtropical jets, causing the storm tracks to intensify and shift poleward. Increasing the SST gradient at midlatitudes similarly causes an intensification and a poleward shift of the storm tracks. Increasing the gradient in the tropics, on the other hand, causes the Hadley cells to contract and the storm tracks to shift equatorward. Consistent shifts are seen in the mean zonal velocity, the atmospheric baroclinicity, the eddy heat and momentum fluxes, and the atmospheric meridional overturning circulation. The results support the idea that oceanic heating could be a contributing factor to the observed shift in the storm tracks.
Will There Be a Significant Change to El Niño in the Twenty-First Century?
Authors: Stevenson Samantha , Fox-Kemper Baylor , Jochum Markus , Neale Richard , Deser Clara , Meehl Gerald
Published: September 2011

The El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) response to anthropogenic climate change is assessed in the following 1° nominal resolution Community Climate System Model, version 4 (CCSM4) Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 5 (CMIP5) simulations: twentieth-century ensemble, preindustrial control, twenty-first-century projections, and stabilized 2100–2300 “extension runs.” ENSO variability weakens slightly with CO2; however, various significance tests reveal that changes are insignificant at all but the highest CO2 levels. Comparison with the 1850 control simulation suggests that ENSO changes may become significant on centennial time scales; the lack of signal in the twentieth- versus twenty-first-century ensembles is due to their limited duration. Changes to the mean state are consistent with previous studies: a weakening of the subtropical wind stress curl, an eastward shift of the tropical convective cells, a reduction in the zonal SST gradient, and an increase in vertical thermal stratification take place as CO2 increases. The extratropical thermocline deepens throughout the twenty-first century, with the tropical thermocline changing slowly in response. The adjustment time scale is set by the relevant ocean dynamics, and the delay in its effect on ENSO variability is not diminished by increasing ensemble size. The CCSM4 results imply that twenty-first-century simulations may simply be too short for identification of significant tropical variability response to climate change. An examination of atmospheric teleconnections, in contrast, shows that the remote influences of ENSO do respond rapidly to climate change in some regions, particularly during boreal winter. This suggests that changes to ENSO impacts may take place well before changes to oceanic tropical variability itself become significant.
Analysis of the tension course of polyester monofilaments characterized by a variable cross-section field
Authors: Krucińska Izabella , Chrzanowski Michal
Published: September 2011

Analysis of the literature indicates that there is no method to forecast the course of the stress-strain curve of monofilaments characterized by variable cross-section fields. Knowledge of the tension course is crucial for predicting the durability of monofilaments often used in technical applications. Therefore, it was decided to conduct a study to show that it is feasible to describe the course of tensioning irregular polyester monofilaments on the basis of a modified rheological link model and the theory of the monofilament internal irregularity effect on elongation. A comparison of both the theoretical and experimental curves indicates that the proposed rheological model allowed us to calculate the theoretical curve, and to reliably anticipate the behaviour of irregular monofilaments during tension. In all the tested cases, the coefficient of curvilinear correlation exceeded 0.95, and it was higher than 0.99 for the majority of the analysed curves.
Housing Market Equilibrium (almost) without Vacancies
Authors: Thalmann Philippe
Published: September 2011

The Swiss housing market is characterised by an extraordinarily low vacancy rate, generally in the vicinity of 1 per cent. Is the Swiss housing market permanently in a condition of severe shortage? This paper uses both a standard non-accelerating rent inflation rate of vacancy approach and a new perception-based approach to answer this question. The available evidence confirms that a vacancy rate of 1–1.5 per cent is indeed sufficient for the Swiss housing market to be in equilibrium, provided only dwellings that are not only unoccupied but also actually offered for rent or purchase are counted (which makes this rate not easily comparable with other countries). The standard equilibrium vacancy rate approach suggests that even lower rates are sufficient in more densely built places whereas the approach based on perceptions makes no difference. This suggests that the dwellings listed by people who wish to move reduce the pressure on rents but not the feeling of housing shortage.
Methodological Considerations in Using Complex Survey Data
Authors: Hahs-Vaughn Debbie L. , McWayne Christine M. , Bulotsky-Shearer Rebecca J. , Wen Xiaoli , Faria Ann-Marie
Published: September 2011

Complex survey data are collected by means other than simple random samples. This creates two analytical issues: nonindependence and unequal selection probability. Failing to address these issues results in underestimated standard errors and biased parameter estimates. Using data from the nationally representative Head Start Family and Child Experiences Survey (FACES; 1997 and 2000 cohorts), three diverse multilevel models are presented that illustrate differences in results depending on addressing or ignoring the complex sampling issues. Limitations of using complex survey data are reported, along with recommendations for reporting complex sample results.
Comparison of object-level grasp controllers for dynamic dexterous manipulation
Authors: Wimböck Thomas , Ott Christian , Albu-Schäffer Alin , Hirzinger Gerd
Published: September 2011

Object-level control of a dexterous robot hand provides an intuitive high-level interface to solve fine manipulation tasks. In the past, many algorithms were proposed based on a weighted pseudoinverse of the grasp map. In a different approach, Stramigioli introduced a virtual-object based controller – called an Intrinsically Passive Controller (IPC). These controllers are reviewed and compared. A new controller that is similar to the IPC but using a virtual frame rather than a virtual object is subsequently proposed. The controllers are compared with respect to their object force distribution, the extendability to N fingers, the ease of specifying the object-level impedance and grasp forces, the dimensionality of the coupling springs, the internal controller dynamics, and the computational effort. Controllers for robotic hands usually implement only stiffness controllers and do not program the damping. We address how to choose and implement damping as a function of the desired object-level stiffness and the effective hand–object inertia. The evaluation reveals the dynamic effects of fast motions, which should not be neglected for the design of grasp controllers in practice. The application of the controllers to the torque-controlled DLR Hand II is employed to compare their effectiveness in experiments.
Flame tip traveling in boundary layer flow with flammable mixture along fuel-soaked ground
Authors: Ishida Hiroki
Published: September 2011

From the point of view of a fundamental study on flame propagation along ground soaked with high volatile liquid fuels, the effect of an entrained flammable mixture by airflow toward theignition location on traveling of a flame tip along the fuel-spillage area was studied. The thickness of flammable mixture layer is about one tenth of that of velocity boundary layer ofthe airflow. After the onset of ignition, the flame tip travels through the thin flammable mixture layer in the airflow with large velocity gradient. The effect of airflow velocity on the traveling of flame tip (both of upstream and downstream) was investigated. The dependence of the flame tip traveling on the airflow velocity is classified into some regions by the ratio of the airflow velocity about 1 mm above the ground surface to the flame propagation velocity with no surrounding airflow. The critical airflow velocity for the blowoff of flame tip (upstream and downstream) strongly depends on the quantity of flammable mixture entrained toward the ignition location by the airflow.
Omethoate modulates some oxidant/antioxidant parameters in frogs (Rana ridibunda Pallas)
Authors: Özkol Halil , Tuluce Yasin , Celik Ismail , Isık Ismail
Published: September 2011

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of an organophosphorus insecticide omethoate (OM), on certain oxidative stress biomarkers (malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione- S-transferase (GST), glutathione reductase (GR), catalase (CAT)) in tongue, lung, stomach and muscle tissues of adult frogs ( Rana ridibunda Pallas). Animals were exposed to 10 and 20 parts per million dosages of OM for 24, 48, 72 or 96 h. According to the results, MDA level increased significantly in lung and stomach tissues. GSH content fluctuated in lung and muscle while it elevated in tongue and stomach tissues. With regard to antioxidant enzymes (GST, GR and CAT), their activities reduced in tongue, while they increased in lung and fluctuated in stomach and muscle tissues. It can be concluded that exposure of frogs to OM are characterized by increased MDA levels and fluctuated enzyme activities and GSH contents. This may reflect the potential role of these parameters as useful biomarkers for assessment of OM toxicity.
Development of chitosan/ dicarboxylic acid hydrogels as wound dressing materials
Authors: Ching Ting Tsao  , Chih Hao Chang  , Yu Dar Li  , Ming Fung Wu  , Chun Pin Lin  , Jin Lin Han  , Szu Hsien Chen  , Kuo Huang Hsieh
Published: September 2011

Two different dicarboxylic acids (glutamic acid and succinic acid), instead of acetic acid, were used simultaneously as solubilizing and crosslinking agents in the preparation of chitosan-based hydrogel. Sustained, homogeneous and transparent hydrogels were formed with amide linkage formations. X-ray diffraction and Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR) were used to examine the crystal structure and chemical composition of chitosan/glutamic acid (C/G) hydrogel and chitosan/ succinic acid (C/S) hydrogel, respectively. The in vitro cell cultures confirmed that the amine group was effective in promoting cell affinity. Histological examinations revealed that reepithelialization and regeneration of tissue was achieved 50% faster by dressing the wound with the C/G hydrogels. This chitosan/dicarboxylic acid hydrogel system has potential as wound dressing material.
A study of filtering techniques for areal surface topography assessment
Authors: Dobrzański P , Pawlus P
Published: September 2011

This paper reports an investigation of digital filtering of areal stratified surface textures. The Gaussian robust filtering technique was established, several typical robust weight functions were adopted and the valley suppression Rk filter of surface topography was also included. The results for areal surface topographies of symmetric ordinate distribution filtering were analysed and compared with those obtained after using the Gaussian regression filter. In these cases the waviness and roughness parameters after using Gaussian and other filters should be similar. The computer-generated areal surfaces that had triangular scratches and measured stratified surfaces were also subjected to filtering. The surface roughness distortion and computation time were compared. Based on the comparison results, some digital filters are recommended.
Study on electron beam butt welding of austenitic stainless steel 304 plates and its input–output modelling using neural networks
Authors: Jha M N , Pratihar D K , Dey V , Saha T K , Bapat A V
Published: September 2011

Butt welding of austenitic stainless steel 304 plates was carried out using an electron beam. Experiments were conducted for various combinations of input process parameters determined according to central composite design. Three input parameters, namely accelerating voltage, beam current, and welding speed were considered during the experiments. The weld-bead parameters, namely bead width and its depth of penetration, and weld strength in terms of yield strength and ultimate tensile strength, were measured as the responses of the process. Input–output modelling of this process was carried out in the forwards direction using regression analysis, a back-propagation neural network (BPNN), and a genetic algorithm-tuned neural network (GANN). Reverse mapping of this process was also attempted using the BPNN and GANN-based approaches, although the same could not be done from the obtained regression equations. The GANN was found to outperform the other two approaches in forward mapping. In reverse mapping also, GANN was seen to perform better than BPNN. The reason for this could have been that the back-propagation algorithm of the BPNN was replaced by a genetic algorithm in the GANN.
Transient free-convective flow through a vertical porous annulus
Authors: Jha B K , Joseph S B , Ajibade A O
Published: September 2011

A numerical study is reported to investigate the transient free-convective flow through a vertical porous annulus. A closed-form solution is also presented for temperature, velocity, skin friction, and rate of heat transfer for the steady fully developed flow. During the course of numerical computation, an excellent agreement was found between steady state solutions with transient solutions at large values of time. It is also seen that steady state temperature and velocity are independent of Prandtl number in the absence of suction/injection, while dependent on Prandtl number in the presence of suction/injection.
Energy consumption and carbon footprint of high-speed rail projects: Using CAHSR and FHSR as examples
Authors: Wang X C , Sanders L
Published: September 2011

During the past 2 years, high-speed rail (HSR) has become a popular concept in the United States partially because of its perceived environmental benefits. Many states are competing for HSR funding after the federal government made HSR a domestic priority. Of course, the allocation of funding is subject to many constraints. Among them, one of the necessary considerations should be the environmental efficiency of each HSR line. Using the proposed lines in California (CAHSR) and Florida (FLHSR) as examples, this article details a method that can be used to assess the life-cycle energy usage and carbon emission efficiency for new HSR lines. Ridership is forecasted based on data from existing HSR lines, and energy and emissions are analysed with the Economic Input–Output–Life-Cycle Analysis tool. Calculation shows that the construction of CAHSR is more environmentally efficient primarily due to its higher ridership predictions.
Globalization, corporate nationalism and Japanese cultural intermediaries: Representation of bukatsu through Nike advertising at the global–local nexus
Authors: Kobayashi Koji
Published: September 2011

This article examines the corporate re-imagining of ‘the nation’ by focusing on the representation of Japanese school sporting culture, bukatsu, through Nike advertising in Japan. Bukatsu serves an important site for the analysis of cultural globalization because it is located not only at the global–local nexus but also at the intersection of Japanese traditional principles, youth culture and sporting practice. Using a multiple-method approach including contextual and textual analyses, along with interviews with advertising personnel, the article reveals that values, experiences and identities of the local cultural intermediaries play a key role in reflexive, yet subjective, incorporation of bukatsu lifestyle within a television commercial in Japan. Thus, it is argued that the subjectivity and reflexivity of the local cultural intermediaries need to be considered as key constituents for representation of national identity within the discourse of corporate nationalism. Overall, the article highlights the complex, interdependent and reflexive relationship between the global and the local by examining links between the ‘glocal’ advertising representation and Japanese sporting identity within the ‘circuit of culture’ (du Gay et al., 1997).
Aero-Structural Optimization of Morphing Airfoils for Adaptive Wings
Authors: Molinari G. , Quack M. , Dmitriev V. , Morari M. , Jenny P. , Ermanni P.
Published: September 2011

The design of an airfoil structure involves the disciplines of aerodynamics and structural mechanics, both of which are considered in the design methodology presented in this article. The approach described in this article starts from a requirement formulation based on a time-series of spanwise lift distributions on a morphing wing, representing the mission profile of the aircraft as a whole. This allows to specify goals based directly on aerodynamic performances instead of prescribing fixed geometrical shapes. Using the aero-structural analysis tool presented here, together with a parametrization representing the airfoil outer shape as well as its mechanical properties, allows the formulation of a combined aero-structural optimization problem. Promising aerodynamic and structural morphing performances have been obtained by applying the method to a morphing concept using Dielectric Elastomers (DEs) as actuators. Although the coupled physics are considered and a detailed material model has been used, results can be obtained within reasonable computational time by parallel evaluation of the candidate solutions. Improved aerodynamic performances have been obtained using this concurrent coupled method, in comparison to a sequential aerodynamic and structural optimization.
Modeling and experimental analysis of the hyperelastic thin film nitinol
Authors: Chun Youngjae , Lin Po-Yu , Chang Hsin-Yun , Emmons Michael C. , Mohanchandra K.P. , Levi Daniel S. , Carman Gregory P.
Published: September 2011

Many flexible electronic devices or endovascular biomedical devices require large deformation; however, potential materials produce limited elastic response, that is, 10% when 400% is required. In this article, a finite element model is used to design a hyperelastic thin film nitinol structure containing geometric fenestrations. The hyperelastic response is dependent upon geometric factors that produce buckling. Parametric studies provide the influence-specific parameters have on buckling load. These results are used to select three designs to manufacture and test. Experimental results indicate that elongations greater than 700% are possible.
Meaning Making
Authors: Ching Shirley S. Y. , Martinson Ida M. , Wong Thomas K. S.
Published: September 2011

Based on a study exploring the phenomenon of coping among Hong Kong Chinese women afflicted with breast cancer, from diagnosis to completion of treatment, we report the findings on meaning making by the informants. Using the grounded theory method, we conducted 35 interviews with 24 women suffering from breast cancer. Among them, we followed and interviewed 5 women thrice, from diagnosis to 3 months after completion of treatment. We noted the evolution of reframing as the key category in the adjustment process through which the women identified meaning at different points of time in the cancer experience, to achieve different outcomes. Chinese women identified a sustaining force from minimizing social disturbance during treatment. The integration of cancer into their lives after completion of treatment was achieved through positive transformation in their philosophy of life and social relationships. Nurses should aim to understand the cancer patients’ interpretation of the situation, explore personally meaningful sustaining forces, and reflect on their cancer experience.
Failure Mechanism of Crack on Oxide–Alloy Interface: An Elastic–Plastic Analysis
Authors: Zhou Honggang , Cherkaoui Mohammed
Published: September 2011

Spallation failure of oxide scale in high-temperature environment, usually occurring at the oxide–alloy interface, primarily originates from the interfacial defects such as cracks. At the same time, the substrate alloy usually experience plastic deformation during high-temperature oxidation process. In this study, we extend our previous work on stress-diffusion interaction in the oxidation of Fe–Cr alloys by including the inelastic deformation of alloys and use it to study the growth mechanism of a crack lying along oxide–alloy interface. The results predict that the plasticity of alloy helps to prevent the crack from growing. It is also found that faster diffusion of species will lead to higher level of interfacial failure driving force. Reduction of Cr ion diffusion in oxide by introduction of the reactive element in the alloy will help to prevent interfacial crack growth.
Bearing system health condition monitoring using a wavelet cross-spectrum analysis technique
Authors: Liu Jie , Wang Wilson , Ma Fai
Published: September 2011

Rolling-element bearings are widely used in rotary machinery systems. Accordingly, a reliable bearing fault detection technique is critically needed in industries to prevent the machinery system's performance degradation, malfunction, or even catastrophic failures. Bearing fault detection, however, still remains a very challenging task because most of the bearing fault related signatures are non-stationary. In this paper, a wavelet cross-spectrum (WCS) technique is proposed to tackle the challenge of feature extraction from these non-stationary signatures for bearing fault detection. The vibration signals are first analyzed by a wavelet transform to demodulate primary representative features; the periodic features are then enhanced by cross-correlating the resulting wavelet coefficient functions over several contributive neighboring wavelet bands. A Jarque-Bera statistic index is suggested for the bandwidth selection. The effectiveness ofthe proposed technique is examined by a series of experimental tests corresponding to different bearing conditions. Test results show that the developed WCS technique is an effective signal processing approach for not only stationary but also non-stationary feature extraction and analysis, and it can be applied effectively for bearing fault detection.
Technological intimacy: Re-engaging with gender and technology in the global factory
Authors: Cross Jamie
Published: September 2011

This article reflects on the place of technology in the ethnography of global manufacturing and puts relationships with tools and machines back into debates about the production of gender in transnational labour processes. Much ethnography of the global factory, I argue, has over-determined or underexplored worker engagements with their immediate material environment, with implications for the role of technology in the production of gendered persons and selves. This article outlines a different approach, derived from theories of technology as performance or technique, to explore the relationship between Telugu masculinity and machines on the floor of a large diamond factory in one of India’s special economic zones. In doing so it opens new dialogue between the ethnography of work and labour and the social study of technology.
Modelling of heat transfer in internal combustion engines with variable density effect
Authors: Keum S , Park H , Babajimopoulos A , Assanis D N , Jung D
Published: September 2011

Heat transfer is one of the major factors affecting the performance, efficiency, and emissions of internal combustion engines. As convection heat transfer is dominant in engine heat transfer, accurate modelling of the boundary layer heat transfer is required. In engine computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations, the wall function approach has been widely used to model the near-wall flow and temperature field. The present paper suggests a modified wall function approach to model heat transfer in internal combustion engines. Special emphasis has been placed on introducing the effect of variable density and variable viscosity in the model formulation. A non-dimensional temperature corrector is suggested to incorporate the variable density effect on the wall function approach. The suggested model is applied in KIVA-3V and is validated against experimental data of a homogeneous charge compression-ignition engine, showing improved predictions for pressure and emissions compared with the standard wall function model.
Apoptosis induced by avian H5N1 virus in human monocyte-derived macrophages involves TRAIL-inducing caspase-10 activation
Authors: Ekchariyawat Peeraya , Thitithanyanont Arunee , Sirisinha Stitaya , Utaisincharoen Pongsak
Published: September 2011

Avian influenza virus H5N1 is a potentially fatal disease not only in birds, but also in humans. The virus is able to induce apoptosis in many cell types including macrophages and dendritic cells. In the present study, we demonstrated that TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) is involved in apoptosis-associated mechanisms of apoptosis downstream of the TRAIL receptor in H5N1 virus-infected human monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs). Activation of caspase-10 was also observed in avian virus H5N1-infected MDMs. In the presence of caspase-10 inhibitor, Z-AEVD-FMK, the activation of Bid and a release of apoptotic-inducing factor (AIF) from mitochondria were markedly reduced, resulting in a significant decrease of apoptotic cells which suggested the involvement of caspase-10 activation in mitochondria leakage. Furthermore, neutralizing Ab against TRAIL significantly reduced caspase-10 activities, which paralleled with a decrease in the number of apoptotic cells. Together, this study demonstrated that apoptosis in avian virus H5N1-infected MDMs was induced by TRAIL-activated caspase-10, resulting in the activation of Bid and the release of AIF from mitochondria.
Simulation study for investment decisions on the EcoBoost camshaft machining line
Authors: Ladbrook J , Tjahjono B , Oakes E , de Sanabria Sales R R , de Rueda A G , Lizarazu U , Temple C
Published: September 2011

Design/redesign of manufacturing systems is a complex, risky, and expensive task. Ford Motor Company’s Valencia Engine Plant faces this challenge as it plans to upgrade its machining and assembly lines to introduce the new EcoBoost engines. The research project described in this paper aimed to support the transition process particularly at the camshaft machining line by using simulation modelling techniques. A series of experiments was carried out using the simulation model developed, and recommendations were proposed based on the results of these experiments to support the decision as to where to invest on the line. The outcomes from the research project indicated that investment is required in terms of increasing the capacity of two bottleneck operations through retooling and improving the conveyor routing logic in one key area.
Cytokinetically quiescent (G0/G1) human multiple myeloma cells are susceptible to simultaneous inhibition of Chk1 and MEK1/2
Authors: Pei Xin-Yan , Dai Yun , Youssefian Leena E. , Chen Shuang , Bodie Wesley W. , Takabatake Yukie , Felthousen Jessica , Almenara Jorge A. , Kramer Lora B. , Dent Paul , Grant Steven
Published: September 2011

Effects of Chk1 and MEK1/2 inhibition were investigated in cytokinetically quiescent multiple myeloma (MM) and primary CD138+ cells. Coexposure to the Chk1 and MEK1/2 inhibitors AZD7762 and selumetinib (AZD6244) robustly induced apoptosis in various MM cells and CD138+ primary samples, but spared normal CD138− and CD34+ cells. Furthermore, Chk1/MEK1/2 inhibitor treatment of asynchronized cells induced G0/G1 arrest and increased apoptosis in all cell-cycle phases, including G0/G1. To determine whether this regimen is active against quiescent G0/G1 MM cells, cells were cultured in low-serum medium to enrich the G0/G1 population. G0/G1–enriched cells exhibited diminished sensitivity to conventional agents (eg, Taxol and VP-16) but significantly increased susceptibility to Chk1 ± MEK1/2 inhibitors or Chk1 shRNA knock-down. These events were associated with increased γH2A.X expression/foci formation and Bim up-regulation, whereas Bim shRNA knock-down markedly attenuated lethality. Immunofluorescent analysis of G0/G1–enriched or primary MM cells demonstrated colocalization of activated caspase-3 and the quiescent (G0) marker statin, a nuclear envelope protein. Finally, Chk1/MEK1/2 inhibition increased cell death in the Hoechst-positive (Hst+), low pyronin Y (PY)–staining (2N Hst+/PY−) G0 population and in sorted small side-population (SSP) MM cells. These findings provide evidence that cytokinetically quiescent MM cells are highly susceptible to simultaneous Chk1 and MEK1/2 inhibition.
Sex differences in resident immune cell phenotype underlie more efficient acute inflammatory responses in female mice
Authors: Scotland Ramona S. , Stables Melanie J. , Madalli Shimona , Watson Peter , Gilroy Derek W.
Published: September 2011

Females are protected against mortality arising from severe sepsis; however, the precise mechanisms that confer this survival advantage in females over males are unclear. Resident leukocytes in resting tissues have a significant influence on circulating cytokine levels and recruitment of blood leukocytes during acute inflammatory responses. Whether the phenotype of resident leukocytes is distinct in females is unknown. In the present study, we show that the numbers of leukocytes occupying the naive peritoneal and pleural cavities is higher in female than in male mice and rats, comprising more T and B lymphocytes and macrophages. The altered immune cell composition of the female peritoneum is controlled by elevated tissue chemokine expression. Female resident macrophages also exhibit greater TLR expression and enhanced phagocytosis and NADPH oxidase–mediated bacterial killing. However, macrophage-derived cytokine production is diminished by proportionally more resident immunomodulatory CD4+ T lymphocytes. Ovarian hormones regulate macrophage phenotype, function, and numbers, but have no significant impact on T-lymphocyte populations in females. We have identified a fundamental sex difference in phenotype of resident leukocytes. We propose that the distinct resident leukocyte population in females allows aggressive recognition and elimination of diverse infectious stimuli without recruitment of circulating neutrophils or excessive cytokine production.
Analysis of injury death trends among women in Macheng City, China, 1984-2008
Authors: Hu Yang , Wu Li , Yu Xiang , Zhang Dekai , Liu Xiaoxian , Wang Youjie
Published: September 2011

Background

There are few studies on trends in injury death rates in China during the recent decades of tremendous change in this society. This paper examined trends in injury mortality rates among women aged 15 years or older in Macheng City from 1984-2008.

Methods

Data on injury deaths in women from 1984 to 2008 were obtained from the Death Registry System in Macheng City. Injuries were classified using the International Classification of Diseases (ICD), 9th and 10th editions.

Results

The average overall injury death rate of women aged 15 or older was 87.6/100,000 in Macheng City from 1984-2008. Injuries were the leading cause of death for women aged 15-44 and the fourth cause of death for all women during this period. The all-cause injury mortality rate decreased from 149.01 per 100,000 population in 1984 to 32.90 per 100,000 population in 2008 for women. Road traffic injury (RTI) was the only injury for which the mortality rate increased dramatically from 1984 (1.35 per 100,000) to 2008 (4.63 per 100,000). For all age groups, suicide was the leading cause of injury death. For women aged 15 to 64, RTI and drowning were the second and third leading causes of injury deaths, respectively.

Conclusions

The injury mortality rate for women aged 15 years or older decreased by 77.92% from 1984-2008. In contrast, RTI deaths increased sharply in the 2000s compared with the 1980s. Although the suicide rate decreased dramatically, it was still the leading cause of injury death for women. Research is needed to identify risk factors contributing to the increase in RTI and decrease in suicides.
Musculoskeletal ultrasound in pediatric rheumatology
Authors: Tok Fatih , Demirkaya Erkan , Özçakar Levent
Published: September 2011

Although musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS) has emerged as an indispensible tool among physicians involved in musculoskeletal medicine in the last two decades, only recently has it become more attractive to pediatric rheumatologists. Thereafter, the use of MSUS in pediatric rheumatology has started to increase. Yet, an ever-growing body of literature shows parity and even superiority of MSUS when compared to physical examination and other imaging modalities.

MSUS is suitable for examination of children of all ages and it has certain advantages over other imaging modalities; as it is cheaper, mobile, instantly accessible bedside, easy to combine with clinical assessment (interactivity) and non-invasive. It does not require sedation, which facilitates repetitive examinations. Assessment of multiple locations is possible during the same session. Agitation is rarely a problem and small children can be seated in their parents' lap or they can even play while being examined.
Generation and Characterization of an Advillin-Cre Driver Mouse Line
Authors: Zurborg Sandra , Piszczek Agnieszka , Martínez Conception , Hublitz Philip , Banchaabouchi Mumna Al , Moreira Pedro , Perlas Emerald , Heppenstall Paul A
Published: September 2011

Progress in the somatosensory field has been restricted by the limited number of genetic tools available to study gene function in peripheral sensory neurons. Here we generated a Cre-driver mouse line that expresses Cre-recombinase from the locus of the sensory neuron specific gene Advillin. These mice displayed almost exclusive Cre-mediated recombination in all peripheral sensory neurons. As such, the Advillin-Cre-driver line will be a powerful tool for targeting peripheral neurons in future investigations.
Identification of Sodium Channel Isoforms That Mediate Action Potential Firing in Lamina I/II Spinal Cord Neurons
Authors: Hildebrand Michael E , Mezeyova Janette , Smith Paula L , Salter Michael W , Tringham Elizabeth , Snutch Terrance P
Published: September 2011

Background:

Voltage-gated sodium channels play key roles in acute and chronic pain processing. The molecular, biophysical, and pharmacological properties of sodium channel currents have been extensively studied for peripheral nociceptors while the properties of sodium channel currents in dorsal horn spinal cord neurons remain incompletely understood. Thus far, investigations into the roles of sodium channel function in nociceptive signaling have primarily focused on recombinant channels or peripheral nociceptors. Here, we utilize recordings from lamina I/II neurons withdrawn from the surface of spinal cord slices to systematically determine the functional properties of sodium channels expressed within the superficial dorsal horn.

Results:

Sodium channel currents within lamina I/II neurons exhibited relatively hyperpolarized voltage-dependent properties and fast kinetics of both inactivation and recovery from inactivation, enabling small changes in neuronal membrane potentials to have large effects on intrinsic excitability. By combining biophysical and pharmacological channel properties with quantitative real-time PCR results, we demonstrate that functional sodium channel currents within lamina I/II neurons are predominantly composed of the NaV1.2 and NaV1.3 isoforms.

Conclusions:

Overall, lamina I/II neurons express a unique combination of functional sodium channels that are highly divergent from the sodium channel isoforms found within peripheral nociceptors, creating potentially complementary or distinct ion channel targets for future pain therapeutics.
FSTL5 Is a Marker of Poor Prognosis in Non-WNT/Non-SHH Medulloblastoma
Authors: Remke Marc , Hielscher Thomas , Korshunov Andrey , Northcott Paul A. , Bender Sebastian , Kool Marcel , Westermann Frank , Benner Axel , Cin Huriye , Ryzhova Marina , Sturm Dominik , Witt Hendrik , Haag Daniel , Toedt Grischa , Wittmann Andrea , Schöttler Anna , von Bueren André O. , von Deimling Andreas , Rutkowski Stefan , Scheurlen Wolfram , Kulozik Andreas E. , Taylor Michael D. , Lichter Peter , Pfister Stefan M.
Published: September 2011

Purpose

Integrated genomics approaches have revealed at least four distinct biologic variants of medulloblastoma: WNT (wingless), SHH (sonic hedgehog), group C, and group D. Because of the remarkable clinical heterogeneity of group D tumors and the dismal prognosis of group C patients, it is vital to identify molecular biomarkers that will allow early and effective treatment stratification in these non-WNT/non-SHH tumors.

Patients and Methods

We combined transcriptome and DNA copy-number analyses for 64 primary medulloblastomas. Bioinformatic tools were used to discover marker genes of molecular variants. Differentially expressed transcripts were evaluated for prognostic value in the screening cohort. The prognostic power of follistatin-like 5 (FSTL5) immunopositivity was tested for 235 nonoverlapping medulloblastoma samples on two independent tissue microarrays.

Results

Comprehensive analyses of transcriptomic and genetic alterations delineate four distinct variants of medulloblastoma. Stable subgroup separation was achieved by using the 300 transcripts that varied the most. Distinct expression patterns of FSTL5 in each molecular subgroup were confirmed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Immunopositivity of FSTL5 identified a large cohort of patients (84 of 235 patients; 36%) at high risk for relapse and death. Importantly, more than 50% of non-WNT/non-SHH tumors displayed FSTL5 negativity, delineating a large patient cohort with a good prognosis who would otherwise be considered intermediate or high-risk on the basis of current molecular subgrouping.

Conclusion

FSTL5 expression denoted a dismal prognosis both within and across medulloblastoma subgroups. The addition of FSTL5 immunohistochemistry to existing molecular stratification schemes constitutes a reliable and cost-effective tool for prognostication in future clinical trials of medulloblastoma.
A BEN-domain-containing protein associates with heterochromatin and represses transcription
Authors: Sathyan Kizhakke M. , Shen Zhen , Tripathi Vidisha , Prasanth Kannanganattu V. , Prasanth Supriya G.
Published: September 2011

In eukaryotes, higher order chromatin structure governs crucial cellular processes including DNA replication, transcription and post-transcriptional gene regulation. Specific chromatin-interacting proteins play vital roles in the maintenance of chromatin structure. We have identified BEND3, a quadruple BEN domain-containing protein that is highly conserved amongst vertebrates. BEND3 colocalizes with HP1 and H3 trimethylated at K9 at heterochromatic regions in mammalian cells. Using an in vivo gene locus, we have been able to demonstrate that BEND3 associates with the locus only when it is heterochromatic and dissociates upon activation of transcription. Furthermore, tethering BEND3 inhibits transcription from the locus, indicating that BEND3 is involved in transcriptional repression through its interaction with histone deacetylases and Sall4, a transcription repressor. We further demonstrate that BEND3 is SUMOylated and that such modifications are essential for its role in transcriptional repression. Finally, overexpression of BEND3 causes premature chromatin condensation and extensive heterochromatinization, resulting in cell cycle arrest. Taken together, our data demonstrate the role of a novel heterochromatin-associated protein in transcriptional repression.
Feminism and Economics
Authors: Nelson Julie A
Published: September 2011

Recent feminist theorizing about gender and science could improve economic practice. The usual definitions of the subject matter, models, methods, and pedagogy of economics, while often perceived as value-free and impartial, contain distinct masculine biases. The alternative is not a ‘feminine’ economics, not a ‘female’ economics, but an economics in which practitioners of either sex make use of the widest range of appropriate methods in studying the subject of economic provisioning. Examples are given of work in which gender conformity has not been a defining factor, as well as work in which gender biases are apparent.
The Impact of Immigrants on Host Country Wages, Employment and Growth
Authors: Friedberg Rachel M , Hunt Jennifer
Published: September 2011

The popular belief that immigrants have a large adverse impact on the wages and employment opportunities of the native-born population of the receiving country is not supported by the empirical evidence. A 10 percent increase in the fraction of immigrants in the population reduces native wages by 0-1 percent. Even those natives who are the closest substitutes with immigrant labor do not suffer significantly as a result of increased immigration. There is no evidence of economically significant reductions in native employment. The impact on natives’ per capita income growth depends crucially on the immigrants’ human capital levels.
Are Your Wages Set in Beijing?
Authors: Freeman Richard B
Published: September 2011

The economic troubles of less-skilled workers in the United States. and OECD-Europe during a period of rising manufacturing imports from third world countries has created a debate about whether, in a global economy, wages or employment are determined by the global rather than domestic labor-market conditions. One side argues that trade is all that matters; another side, that trade does not matter at all. The author rejects these polar views; empirical analysis has found modest but real trade effects in displacement of less-skilled labor and declines in the price of goods produced by low-skilled workers.
The Monetary Transmission Mechanism: An Empirical Framework
Authors: Taylor John B
Published: September 2011

This paper provides an overview of the monetary transmission mechanism describing the impact of changes in monetary policy on real GDP. Changes in financial market prices--including long-term interest rates and exchange rates--are the main vehicle for the transmission of policy. The framework incorporates rational expectations and policy rules. It is empirical and appears to fit the facts well.
Symposium on the Monetary Transmission Mechanism
Authors: Mishkin Frederic S
Published: September 2011

Understanding of monetary transmission mechanisms is crucial to answering a broad range of questions. These transmission mechanisms include interest-rate effects, exchange-rate effects, other asset price effects, and the so-called credit channel. This introduction to the symposium provides an overview of the main types of monetary transmission mechanisms found in the literature and a perspective on how the papers in the symposium relate to the overall literature and to each other.