bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Immunogenicity of the Tumor-Associated Antigenα-Fetoprotein Is Enhanced by a Fusion with a Transmembrane Domain
Authors: Tran Lucile , Judor Jean-Paul , Gauttier Vanessa , Geist Michel , Hoffman Chantal , Rooke Ronald , Vassaux Georges , Conchon Sophie
Published: February 2012

Aim. To investigate the ability of recombinant modified vaccinia virus Ankara (rMVA) vector to induce an immune response against a well-tolerated self-antigen.Methods. rMVA vectors expressing different form ofα-fetoprotein (AFP) were produced and characterized. Naïve mice were vaccinated with MVA vectors expressing the AFP antigen in either a secreted, or a membrane-bound, or an intracellular form. The immune response was monitored by an IFNΓ ELISpot assay and antibody detection.Results. Vaccination with the membrane-associated form of AFP induced a stronger CD8+T-cell response compared to the ones obtained with the MVA encoding the secreted or the intracellular forms of AFP. Moreover, the vaccination with the membrane-bound AFP elicited the production of AFP-specific antibodies.Conclusions. The AFP transmembrane form is more immunogenic. Expressing a membrane-bound form in the context of an MVA vaccination could enhance the immunogenicity of a self-antigen.
IQGAP Family Members in Yeast,Dictyostelium, and Mammalian Cells
Authors: Shannon Katie B.
Published: February 2012

IQGAPs are a family of scaffolding proteins with multiple domains, named for the IQ motifs and GTPase activating protein (GAP) related domains. Despite their GAP homology, IQGAP proteins act as effectors for GTP-bound GTPases of the Ras superfamily and do not stimulate GTP hydrolysis. IQGAPs are found in eukaryotic cells from yeast to human, and localize to actin-containing structures such as lamellipodia, membrane ruffles, cell-cell adhesions, phagocytic cups, and the actomyosin ring formed during cytokinesis. Mammalian IQGAPs also act as scaffolds for signaling pathways. IQGAPs perform their myriad functions through association with a large number of proteins including filamentous actin (F-actin), GTPases, calcium-binding proteins, microtubule binding proteins, kinases, and receptors. The focus of this paper is on recent studies describing new binding partners, mechanisms of regulation, and biochemical and physiological functions of IQGAPs in yeast, amoeba, and mammalian cells.
Pentacene-Based Thin Film Transistor with Inkjet-Printed Nanocomposite High-K Dielectrics
Authors: Liu Chao-Te , Lee Wen-Hsi , Su Jui-Feng
Published: February 2012

The nanocomposite gate insulating film of a pentacene-based thin film transistor was deposited by inkjet printing. In this study, utilizing the pearl miller to crumble the agglomerations and the dispersant to well stabilize the dispersion of nano-TiO2particles in the polymer matrix of the ink increases the dose concentration for pico-jetting, which could be as the gate dielectric film made by inkjet printing without the photography process. Finally, we realized top contact pentacene-TFTs and successfully accomplished the purpose of directly patternability and increase the performance of the device based on the nanocomposite by inkjet printing. These devices exhibited p-channel TFT characteristics with a high field-effect mobility (a saturation mobility of ̃0.58 cm2 V−1 s−1), a large current ratio (>103) and a low operation voltage (<6 V). Furthermore, we accorded the deposited mechanisms which caused the interface difference between of inkjet printing and spin coating. And we used XRD, SEM, Raman spectroscopy to help us analyze the transfer characteristics of pentacene films and the performance of OTFTs.
Adhesion and Cohesion
Authors: von Fraunhofer J. Anthony
Published: February 2012

The phenomena of adhesion and cohesion are reviewed and discussed with particular reference to dentistry. This review considers the forces involved in cohesion and adhesion together with the mechanisms of adhesion and the underlying molecular processes involved in bonding of dissimilar materials. The forces involved in surface tension, surface wetting, chemical adhesion, dispersive adhesion, diffusive adhesion, and mechanical adhesion are reviewed in detail and examples relevant to adhesive dentistry and bonding are given. Substrate surface chemistry and its influence on adhesion, together with the properties of adhesive materials, are evaluated. The underlying mechanisms involved in adhesion failure are covered. The relevance of the adhesion zone and its importance with regard to adhesive dentistry and bonding to enamel and dentin is discussed.
Podocyturia as a Diagnostic Marker for Preeclampsia amongst High-Risk Pregnant Patients
Authors: Jim Belinda , Jean-Louis Pascale , Qipo Andi , Garry David , Mian Samia , Matos Tulio , Provenzano Christopher , Acharya Anjali
Published: February 2012

Urinary podocyte (podocyturia) has been studied as a diagnostic marker for preeclampsia. We sought to validate its use in preeclampsia and in differentiating it from other high risk pregnancy states. We studied an obstetric population at high risk to develop preeclampsia (study group) and uncomplicated pregnancies (control group) by analyzing their urine sediment for podocytes within 24 hours of delivery. Podocytes were identified by immunohistochemistry using the podocyte-specific protein synaptopodin. Of the 56 patients who were enrolled, 29 patients were diagnosed with preeclampsia, 9 patients had hypertensive conditions such as chronic and gestational hypertension, 6 patients had Type I/II and gestational diabetes mellitus, 3 patients were classified as others, and 9 patients exhibited uncomplicated pregnancies. Podocyturia was identified in 11 out of 29 (38%) of patients with preeclampsia/eclampsia, 3 out of 9 (33%) with gestational and chronic hypertension, and 3 out of 6 (50%) with Type I/II and gestational diabetes mellitus. None of the 9 patients (0%) with uncomplicated pregnancies demonstrated podocyturia. The sensitivity and specificity of podocyturia for preeclampsia were found to be 38% and 70%. Our study showed that podocyturia does not appear to be a sensitive nor a specific marker to diagnose preeclampsia.
Pten Loss and RAS/MAPK Activation Cooperate to Promote EMT and Metastasis Initiated from Prostate Cancer Stem/Progenitor Cells
Authors: Mulholland David J. , Kobayashi Naoko , Ruscetti Marcus , Zhi Allen , Tran Linh M. , Huang Jiaoti , Gleave Martin , Wu Hong
Published: February 2012

PTEN loss or PI3K/AKT signaling pathway activation correlates with human prostate cancer progression and metastasis. However, in preclinical murine models, deletion of Pten alone fails to mimic the significant metastatic burden that frequently accompanies the end stage of human disease. To identify additional pathway alterations that cooperate with PTEN loss in prostate cancer progression, we surveyed human prostate cancer tissue microarrays and found that the RAS/MAPK pathway is significantly elevated in both primary and metastatic lesions. In an attempt to model this event, we crossed conditional activatable K-rasG12D/WT mice with the prostate conditional Pten deletion model. Although RAS activation alone cannot initiate prostate cancer development, it significantly accelerated progression caused by PTEN loss, accompanied by epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and macrometastasis with 100% penetrance. A novel stem/progenitor subpopulation with mesenchymal characteristics was isolated from the compound mutant prostates, which was highly metastatic upon orthotopic transplantation. Importantly, inhibition of RAS/MAPK signaling by PD325901, a mitogen–activated protein (MAP)–extracellular signal–regulated (ER) kinase (MEK) inhibitor, significantly reduced the metastatic progression initiated from transplanted stem/progenitor cells. Collectively, our findings indicate that activation of RAS/MAPK signaling serves as a potentiating second hit to alteration of the PTEN/PI3K/AKT axis, and cotargeting both the pathways is highly effective in preventing the development of metastatic prostate cancers. Cancer Res; 72(7); 1878–89. ©2012 AACR.
Proximal Fluid Proteome Profiling of Mouse Colon Tumors Reveals Biomarkers for Early Diagnosis of Human Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Fijneman Remond J.A. , de Wit Meike , Pourghiasian Maral , Piersma Sander R. , Pham Thang V. , Warmoes Marc O. , Lavaei Mehrdad , Piso Chloe , Smit Fiona , Delis-van Diemen Pien M. , van Turenhout Sietze T. , Terhaar sive Droste Jochim S. , Mulder Chris J.J. , Blankenstein Marinus A. , Robanus-Maandag Els C. , Smits Ron , Fodde Riccardo , van Hinsbergh Victor W.M. , Meijer Gerrit A. , Jimenez Connie R.
Published: February 2012

Purpose: Early detection of colorectal cancer (CRC) and its precursor lesions is an effective approach to reduce CRC mortality rates. This study aimed to identify novel protein biomarkers for the early diagnosis of CRC.

Experimental Design: Proximal fluids are a rich source of candidate biomarkers as they contain high concentrations of tissue-derived proteins. The FabplCre;Apc15lox/+ mouse model represents early-stage development of human sporadic CRC. Proximal fluids were collected from normal colon and colon tumors and subjected to in-depth proteome profiling by tandem mass spectrometry. Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and CHI3L1 human serum protein levels were determined by ELISA.

Results: Of the 2,172 proteins identified, quantitative comparison revealed 192 proteins that were significantly (P < 0.05) and abundantly (>5-fold) more excreted by tumors than by controls. Further selection for biomarkers with highest specificity and sensitivity yielded 52 candidates, including S100A9, MCM4, and four other proteins that have been proposed as candidate biomarkers for human CRC screening or surveillance, supporting the validity of our approach. For CHI3L1, we verified that protein levels were significantly increased in sera from patients with adenomas and advanced adenomas compared with control individuals, in contrast to the CRC biomarker CEA.

Conclusion: These data show that proximal fluid proteome profiling with a mouse tumor model is a powerful approach to identify candidate biomarkers for early diagnosis of human cancer, exemplified by increased CHI3L1 protein levels in sera from patients with CRC precursor lesions. Clin Cancer Res; 18(9); 2613–24. ©2012 AACR.
A Panel of Four miRNAs Accurately Differentiates Malignant from Benign Indeterminate Thyroid Lesions on Fine Needle Aspiration
Authors: Keutgen Xavier M. , Filicori Filippo , Crowley Michael J. , Wang Yongchun , Scognamiglio Theresa , Hoda Rana , Buitrago Daniel , Cooper David , Zeiger Martha A. , Zarnegar Rasa , Elemento Olivier , Fahey Thomas J.
Published: February 2012

Purpose: Indeterminate thyroid lesions on fine needle aspiration (FNA) harbor malignancy in about 25% of cases. Hemi- or total thyroidectomy has, therefore, been routinely advocated for definitive diagnosis. In this study, we analyzed miRNA expression in indeterminate FNA samples and determined its prognostic effects on final pathologic diagnosis.

Experimental Design: A predictive model was derived using 29 ex vivo indeterminate thyroid lesions on FNA to differentiate malignant from benign tumors at a tertiary referral center and validated on an independent set of 72 prospectively collected in vivo FNA samples. Expression levels of miR-222, miR-328, miR-197, miR-21, miR-181a, and miR-146b were determined using reverse transcriptase PCR. A statistical model was developed using the support vector machine (SVM) approach.

Results: A SVM model with four miRNAs (miR-222, miR-328, miR-197, and miR-21) was initially estimated to have 86% predictive accuracy using cross-validation. When applied to the 72 independent in vivo validation samples, performance was actually better than predicted with a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 86%, for a predictive accuracy of 90% in differentiating malignant from benign indeterminate lesions. When Hurthle cell lesions were excluded, overall accuracy improved to 97% with 100% sensitivity and 95% specificity.

Conclusions: This study shows that that the expression of miR-222, miR-328, miR-197, and miR-21 combined in a predictive model is accurate at differentiating malignant from benign indeterminate thyroid lesions on FNA. These findings suggest that FNA miRNA analysis could be a useful adjunct in the management algorithm of patients with thyroid nodules. Clin Cancer Res; 18(7); 2032–8. ©2012 AACR.
Polymorphisms in 1-Carbon Metabolism, Epigenetics and Folate-Related Pathologies
Authors: Stover Patrick J.
Published: February 2012

Folate-mediated 1-carbon metabolism is a network of interconnected metabolic pathways necessary for the synthesis of purine nucleotides, thymidylate and the remethylation of homocysteine to methionine. Disruptions in this pathway influence both DNA synthesis and stability and chromatin methylation, and result from nutritional deficiencies and common gene variants. The mechanisms underlying folate-associated pathologies and developmental anomalies have yet to be established. This review focuses on the relationships among folate-mediated 1-carbon metabolism, chromatin methylation and human disease, and the role of gene-nutrient interactions in modifying epigenetic processes.
Influence of Site Differences between Urban and Rural American and Central European Opioid-Dependent Pregnant Women and Neonatal Outcome Characteristics
Authors: Baewert Andjela , Jagsch Reinhold , Winklbaur Bernadette , Kaiser Gerda , Thau Kenneth , Unger Annemarie , Aschauer Constantin , Weninger Manfred , Metz Verena
Published: February 2012

Background: Multi-center trials enable the recruitment of larger study samples, although results might be influenced by site-specific factors. Methods: Site differences of a multi-center prospective double-blind, double-dummy randomized controlled trial (7 centers: Central Europe (Vienna)/USA (3 urban/3 rural centers)) comparing safety and efficacy of methadone and buprenorphine in pregnant opioid-dependent women and their neonates. Results: Urban US women had the highest rate of concomitant opioid (p = 0.050) and cocaine consumption (p = 0.003), the highest dropout rate (p = 0.001), and received the lowest voucher sums (p = 0.001). Viennese neonates had significantly higher Apgar scores 1 min (p = 0.001) and 5 min after birth (p < 0.001) and were more often born by cesarean section (p = 0.024). Rural US newborns had a significantly shorter neonatal abstinence syndrome treatment duration compared to Viennese and urban US sites (p = 0.006), in addition to other site-specific differences, suggesting a more severely affected group of women in the urban US sites. Conclusion: This clinical trial represents a role model for pharmacological treatment in this unique sample of pregnant women and demonstrates the clinical importance of considering site-specific factors in research and clinical practice.
CD24: A Novel Cancer Biomarker in Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Shi Yong , Gong Hong-Li , Zhou Liang , Tian Jie , Wang Yang
Published: February 2012

Purpose: To investigate the role of CD24 in tumor invasion and the clinical significance of its expression in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC). Procedures: CD24 expression was measured in Hep-2 cell lines and tumor and peritumoral tissues by quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot analysis. The role of CD24 in LSCC was investigated by CD24 depletion using small interfering RNA. Tumor tissue microarrays with samples from 102 LSCC patients were used to detect expression of CD24 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). Prognostic significance was assessed using Kaplan-Meier survival estimates and log-rank tests. Results: CD24 was overexpressed in the LSCC cell line and in tumor tissues. Depletion of CD24 caused a notable decrease in cell proliferation, migration and invasiveness in vitro. High CD24 expression was significantly associated with T clinic stage, lymph node metastasis and tumor size (p < 0.05). Patients suffering from LSCC recurrence had higher levels of CD24 protein than those without recurrence (p < 0.0001). The proportion of patients with high PCNA expression was significantly greater among patients with CD24+ LSCC than those with CD24– LSCC (p = 0.000). Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that CD24 was a significant predictor for overall survival. Conclusions: Overexpression of CD24 in LSCC is associated with invasiveness, metastatic potential and high tumor proliferation status. CD24 may be a promising strategy for the future treatment of LSCC metastasis and recurrence.
Circulation
Editors' Picks
Authors:   The Editors
Published: February 2012

The following articles are being highlighted as part of
Circulation's
Topic Review series. This series will summarize the most important manuscripts, as selected by the editors, published in
Circulation
and the
Circulation
subspecialty journals. The studies included in this article represent the most read articles published in 2010 and 2011 highlighting cardiovascular devices.
Responses of Shallow Cumulus Convection to Large-Scale Temperature and Moisture Perturbations: A Comparison of Large-Eddy Simulations and a Convective Parameterization Based on Stochastically Entraining Parcels
Authors: Nie Ji , Kuang Zhiming
Published: February 2012

Responses of shallow cumuli to large-scale temperature/moisture perturbations are examined through diagnostics of large-eddy simulations (LESs) of the undisturbed Barbados Oceanographic and Meteorological Experiment (BOMEX) case and a stochastic parcel model. The perturbations are added instantaneously and allowed to evolve freely afterward. The parcel model reproduces most of the changes in the LES-simulated cloudy updraft statistics in response to the perturbations. Analyses of parcel histories show that a positive temperature perturbation forms a buoyancy barrier, which preferentially eliminates parcels that start with lower equivalent potential temperature or have experienced heavy entrainment. Besides the amount of entrainment, the height at which parcels entrain is also important in determining their fate. Parcels entraining at higher altitudes are more likely to overcome the buoyancy barrier than those entraining at lower altitudes. Stochastic entrainment is key for the parcel model to reproduce the LES results. Responses to environmental moisture perturbations are quite small compared to those to temperature perturbations because changing environmental moisture is ineffective in modifying buoyancy in the BOMEX shallow cumulus case.

The second part of the paper further explores the feasibility of a stochastic parcel–based cumulus parameterization. Air parcels are released from the surface layer and temperature/moisture fluxes effected by the parcels are used to calculate heating/moistening tendencies due to both cumulus convection and boundary layer turbulence. Initial results show that this conceptually simple parameterization produces realistic convective tendencies and also reproduces the LES-simulated mean and variance of cloudy updraft properties, as well as the response of convection to temperature/moisture perturbations.
A Reanalysis of the 1944–53 Atlantic Hurricane Seasons—The First Decade of Aircraft Reconnaissance*
Authors: Hagen Andrew B. , Strahan-Sakoskie Donna , Luckett Christopher
Published: February 2012

The main historical archive of all tropical storms, subtropical storms, and hurricanes in the North Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico from 1851 to the present is known as the Atlantic hurricane database (HURDAT), which is the fundamental database for meteorological, engineering, and financial studies of these cyclones. Previous work has demonstrated that a reanalysis of HURDAT is necessary because it contains many random errors and systematic biases. The Atlantic Hurricane Reanalysis Project is an ongoing effort to correct the errors in HURDAT and to make HURDAT as accurate a database as possible with utilization of all available data. For this study, HURDAT is reanalyzed for the period 1944–53, the first decade of the “aircraft reconnaissance era.” The track and intensity of each existing tropical cyclone in HURDAT are reassessed, and previously unrecognized tropical cyclones are discovered, analyzed, and recommended to the HURDAT Best Track Change Committee for inclusion into HURDAT (existing tropical cyclones may be removed from the database as well if analyses indicate evidence that no tropical storm existed). Changes to the number of tropical storms, hurricanes, major hurricanes, accumulated cyclone energy, and U.S. landfalling hurricanes are recommended for most years of the decade. Estimates of uncertainty in the reanalyzed database for the decade are also provided.
Hydrologic Sensitivities of Colorado River Runoff to Changes in Precipitation and Temperature*
Authors: Vano Julie A. , Das Tapash , Lettenmaier Dennis P.
Published: February 2012

The Colorado River is the primary water source for much of the rapidly growing southwestern United States. Recent studies have projected reductions in Colorado River flows from less than 10% to almost 50% by midcentury because of climate change—a range that has clouded potential management responses. These differences in projections are attributable to variations in climate model projections but also to differing land surface model (LSM) sensitivities. This second contribution to uncertainty—specifically, variations in LSM runoff change with respect to precipitation (elasticities) and temperature (sensitivities)—are evaluated here through comparisons of multidecadal simulations from five commonly used LSMs (Catchment, Community Land Model, Noah, Sacramento Soil Moisture Accounting model, and Variable Infiltration Capacity model) all applied over the Colorado River basin at ⅛° latitude by longitude spatial resolution. The annual elasticity of modeled runoff (fractional change in annual runoff divided by fractional change in annual precipitation) at Lees Ferry ranges from two to six for the different LSMs. Elasticities generally are higher in lower precipitation and/or runoff regimes; hence, the highest values are for models biased low in runoff production, and the range of elasticities is reduced to two to three when adjusted to current runoff climatology. Annual temperature sensitivities (percent change in annual runoff per degree change in annual temperature) range from declines of 2% to as much as 9% per degree Celsius increase at Lees Ferry. For some LSMs, small areas, primarily at midelevation, have increasing runoff with increasing temperature; however, on a spatial basis, most sensitivities are negative.
Ensemble Statistics for Diagnosing Dynamics: Tropical Cyclone Track Forecast Sensitivities Revealed by Ensemble Regression
Authors: Gombos Daniel , Hoffman Ross N. , Hansen James A.
Published: February 2012

Ensemble regression (ER) is a simple linear inverse technique that uses correlations from ensemble model output to make inferences about dynamics, models, and forecasts. ER defines a multivariate regression operator in the principal component subspaces of ensemble forecasts and analyses of atmospheric fields. ER uses the ensemble members of a predictor and a predictand field as training samples to compute the ensemble anomaly (with respect to the ensemble mean of the predictand field) with which a dynamically relevant ensemble anomaly (with respect to the ensemble mean of the predictor field) is linearly related. Specifically, an ER operator defined by the Japan Meteorological Agency’s ensemble forecast 500-hPa geopotential height and 1000-hPa potential vorticity is used to show that Supertyphoon Sepat’s (2007) track strongly covaried with the position and strength of the antecedent steering subtropical high to its northeast and the trough to its northwest. The case study illustrates how ER can identify, in real time, the dynamical processes that are particularly relevant for operational forecasters to make specific forecasting decisions and can help researchers to infer physical relationships from multivariate statistical sensitivities.
An Objective Methodology for Configuring and Down-Selecting an NWP Ensemble for Low-Level Wind Prediction
Authors: Lee Jared A. , Kolczynski Walter C. , McCandless Tyler C. , Haupt Sue Ellen
Published: February 2012

Ensembles of numerical weather prediction (NWP) model predictions are used for a variety of forecasting applications. Such ensembles quantify the uncertainty of the prediction because the spread in the ensemble predictions is correlated to forecast uncertainty. For atmospheric transport and dispersion and wind energy applications in particular, the NWP ensemble spread should accurately represent uncertainty in the low-level mean wind. To adequately sample the probability density function (PDF) of the forecast atmospheric state, it is necessary to account for several sources of uncertainty. Limited computational resources constrain the size of ensembles, so choices must be made about which members to include. No known objective methodology exists to guide users in choosing which combinations of physics parameterizations to include in an NWP ensemble, however. This study presents such a methodology.

The authors build an NWP ensemble using the Advanced Research Weather Research and Forecasting Model (ARW-WRF). This 24-member ensemble varies physics parameterizations for 18 randomly selected 48-h forecast periods in boreal summer 2009. Verification focuses on 2-m temperature and 10-m wind components at forecast lead times from 12 to 48 h. Various statistical guidance methods are employed for down-selection, calibration, and verification of the ensemble forecasts. The ensemble down-selection is accomplished with principal component analysis. The ensemble PDF is then statistically dressed, or calibrated, using Bayesian model averaging. The postprocessing techniques presented here result in a recommended down-selected ensemble that is about half the size of the original ensemble yet produces similar forecast performance, and still includes critical diversity in several types of physics schemes.
Investigation of Microphysical Processes Occurring in Organized Convection during NAME
Authors: Rowe Angela K. , Rutledge Steven A. , Lang Timothy J.
Published: February 2012

A major objective of the North American Monsoon Experiment (NAME) was to quantify microphysical processes within convection occurring near the steep topography of northwestern Mexico. A previous study compared examples of isolated convection using polarimetric radar data and noted a dependence on mixed-phase processes via drop freezing and subsequent riming growth along the coastal plain and western slopes, with an even greater role of melting ice in rainfall production over the highest terrain. Despite the higher frequency of these isolated cells compared to organized convective systems, the latter were responsible for 75% of rainfall. Therefore, this study seeks to evaluate the role of mesoscale organization on microphysical processes and describes the evolution of these systems as a function of topography.

Similar to isolated convection, both warm-rain and ice-based processes played important roles in producing intense rainfall in organized convection. Although similarities existed between cell types, organized convection was typically deeper and contained greater ice mass, which melted and contributed to the development of outflow boundaries. As convection organized along the slopes, these boundaries spread over the lower terrain, converging with diurnally driven upslope flow, thus allowing for the generation of new convection and propagation toward the coast. Once over lower elevations, additional warm-cloud depth contributed to intense rainfall and allowed for continued ice production. This, along with the development of rear inflow in the trailing stratiform region, led to further development of convective outflow, similar to organized systems in the tropics and midlatitudes.
Ballistic impact damage of biaxial multilayer knitted composite
Authors: Zhu Lvtao , Sun Baozhong , Hu Hong , Gu Bohong
Published: February 2012

This paper reports ballistic impact properties of a biaxial multilayer warp knitted basalt/vinyl ester composite from experimental and finite element analysis approach. In experimental, the ballistic perforation tests were conducted to obtain the energy absorption and impact damage of the composite plate penetrated under cylindro-ogive steel projectile (Type 56 in China Military Standard). In finite element analysis approach, a unit-cell model of the biaxial multilayer warp knitted composite has been developed based on the microstructure of the biaxial multilayer warp knitted composite. Critical damage area failure criterion was combined in the unit-cell model to determine the composite damage. A user-defined subroutine vectorized user defined material law was written to define the composite constitutive equation and failure criterion under impact. Incorporated with commercial finite element software package ABAQUS/Explicit, impact damage and energy absorption of the composite plate were calculated. Numerical predictions are compared with the experimental observations in terms of impact damage and energy absorption. We hope such an effort could be extended to the ballistic protection design of knitted composite.
Thermo-mechanical properties of 5-harness satin fabric composites
Authors: Khoun Loleï , Challagulla Krishna , Hubert Pascal
Published: February 2012

The use of woven textile reinforcements in composite structures increased significantly in the past decades due to their interesting properties over unidirectional fibres. Therefore, the prediction of the thermo-mechanical properties of woven fabric composites is essential from a design and manufacturing standpoint. A micromechanical approach based on finite element method that utilizes three-dimensional unit cell was applied to predict the effective properties of a periodic woven fabric composite material. Using the resin processing properties models such as cure kinetics, shrinkage, glass transition temperature and elastic modulus models, the development of the periodic woven fabric composite material thermo-mechanical properties, as the cure progresses was predicted. The residual strains and stresses generated in the composite unit cell during the cure were also predicted and linked with the development of the material properties. The effective properties of the cured woven fabric composite material were compared to the one of an equivalent cross-ply composite material to verify the validity of neglecting the fibre waviness while modelling woven fabric composite.
Modeling of the simultaneous process of wet spinning-grafting of bast fibers using artificial neural networks
Authors: Grigoriu Aurelia , Racu Cristina , Diaconescu Rodica Mariana , Grigoriu Ana-Maria
Published: February 2012

In this study we present the way in which the monochlorotriazinyl-β-cyclodextrin can be grafted on to bast fibers simultaneously with their wet spinning. The modeling of the process was realized by mechanical and chemical processing at different wet spinning-grafting parameters (concentration of β-cyclodextrin and speed of the material in the impregnation stage). The neural modeling of the studied process constitutes the main objective of this paper. In order to obtain physico-mechanical characteristics adequate for a bleached hemp yarn and an optimum grafting degree for the ulterior inclusion operation, it is necessary to establish a soaking time between 20 and 30 s and a solution concentration of 60 g/l monochlorotriazinyl-β-cyclodextrin.
Ballistic performance of p-aramid fabrics impregnated with shear thickening fluid; Part II – Effect of fabric count and shot location
Authors: Park Jong Lyoul , Yoon Byung Il , Paik Jong Gyu , Kang Tae Jin
Published: February 2012

The objective of this research was to characterize the ballistic performance of p-aramid fabrics impregnated with shear thickening fluid (STF) focusing on the fabric count and shot location. Panels made of fabrics with different fabric counts were tested against 9 mm bullets at 436 m/s for body armor application. Panels with higher fabric count dissipated a higher fraction of the given impact energy through tensile dissipation and this led to a lower backface signature. The decrease in backface signature value by the hybridization of neat and STF impregnated fabrics was smaller for panels of densely woven fabric due to the larger difference in the warp and weft crimp ratios. Shot location affected the ballistic limit value ( V50), as well as the BFS value of the panels, where both values increased as the shot location approached the edge. The energy transferred to the backing material upon an impact was calculated based on the weight dropping test results, where the dent volume was proportional to the impact velocity.
Relationships of cotton fiber properties to ring-spun yarn quality on selected High Plains cottons
Authors: Faulkner William Brock , Hequet Eric F , Wanjura John , Boman Randal
Published: February 2012

Cotton fiber properties play an important role in determining spinning performance but explain only a portion of the variability in final yarn quality parameters. This research investigates relationships between ring-spun yarn quality and fiber properties (measured using the High Volume Instrument (HVI) and Advanced Fiber Information System (AFIS)) given additional information on harvest method and cultivar. Seventy-six samples of commercially grown cotton representing five cultivars from six locations across the Texas High Plains were collected over three years. Carded 14.5 tex (40 Ne) ring-spun yarns were produced and tested for various yarn quality characteristics. Principal component analysis and partial least squares regression were used to determine relationships between fiber and yarn properties. Neither harvest method nor cultivar explained a significant portion of yarn quality variability beyond that captured by HVI and AFIS results. Yarn work-to-break was highly correlated to fiber bundle elongation, which is not currently reported in official cotton classing reports.
Going Back to the Street: Revisiting Lipsky’s Street-level Bureaucracy
Authors: Rowe Mike
Published: February 2012

This article reviews Lipsky's Street-level Bureaucracy, a classic work of central importance to the discipline and teaching of public administration. The paper argues that Lipsky's portrayal of the dilemmas faced by front line workers challenges us to focus on the ethical, professional and personal development of student-practitioners.
The Prevailing Skills Crisis in South Africa
Authors: Davids Bradley , Esau Michelle
Published: February 2012

This article examines the skills development strategy of the City of Cape Town, a metropolitan government located in the Western Cape Province in South Africa. The strategy is largely integrated in nature and embraces the principles of Strategic Human Resources Development – an approach essentially borrowed from the private sector. In developing societies such as South Africa, the primary criticism is that the peculiar challenges prevailing in these societies make importation of “developed world models” highly complex and problematic. More specifically, the implementation of private sector models is even more complex when applied in public sector institutions. Therefore, this article critically examines the skills strategy of the City, its key components, and challenges confronting successful implementation in an effort to understand whether the Strategy is viable and appropriate in addressing the skills crisis confronting many municipalities in South Africa. The methodology is primarily qualitative and relies on both primary and secondary data sources.
Testing the effects of Δ9-THC and D-cycloserine on extinction of conditioned fear in humans
Authors: Klumpers Floris , Denys Damiaan , Kenemans J Leon , Grillon Christian , van der Aart Jasper , Baas Johanna MP
Published: February 2012

Preclinical evidence implicates several neurotransmitter systems in the extinction of conditioned fear. These results are of great interest, because the reduction of acquired fear associations is critical in therapies for anxiety disorders. We tested whether findings with respect to the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) and cannabinoid receptor (CB) systems in animals carry over to healthy human subjects. To that end, we administered selected doses of D-cycloserine (partial NMDA receptor agonist, 250 mg), delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC, CB1 receptor agonist, 10 mg), or placebo prior to the extinction session of a 3-day conditioning protocol. D-cycloserine did not affect within-session extinction, or the retention of extinction in healthy human participants, in contrast with patient data but in line with previous reports in healthy volunteers. During extinction training, Δ9-THC reduced conditioned skin conductance responses, but not fear-potentiated startle. This effect was not retained at the retention test 2 days later, suggesting it was dependent on acute effects of the drug. Our findings implicate that facilitation of the CB1 or NMDA system with the substances used in this study does not affect conditioned fear extinction lastingly in healthy humans. The apparent discrepancy between these findings and the results from (pre-)clinical trials is discussed in terms of room for improvement in these systems in healthy volunteers, and the lack of specificity of THC as a CB1 agonist.
The Matilda Effect in science: Awards and prizes in the US, 1990s and 2000s
Authors: Lincoln Anne E. , Pincus Stephanie , Koster Janet Bandows , Leboy Phoebe S.
Published: February 2012

Science is stratified, with an unequal distribution of research facilities and rewards among scientists. Awards and prizes, which are critical for shaping scientific career trajectories, play a role in this stratification when they differentially enhance the status of scientists who already have large reputations: the ‘Matthew Effect’. Contrary to the Mertonian norm of universalism – the expectation that the personal attributes of scientists do not affect evaluations of their scientific claims and contributions – in practice, a great deal of evidence suggests that the scientific efforts and achievements of women do not receive the same recognition as do those of men: the ‘Matilda Effect’. Awards in science, technology, engineering and medical (STEM) fields are not immune to these biases. We outline the research on gender bias in evaluations of research and analyze data from 13 STEM disciplinary societies. While women’s receipt of professional awards and prizes has increased in the past two decades, men continue to win a higher proportion of awards for scholarly research than expected based on their representation in the nomination pool. The results support the powerful twin influences of implicit bias and committee chairs as contributing factors. The analysis sheds light on the relationship of external social factors to women’s science careers and helps to explain why women are severely underrepresented as winners of science awards. The ghettoization of women’s accomplishments into a category of ‘women-only’ awards also is discussed.
Arab American Women, Mental Health, and Feminism
Authors: Kakoti Sally A.
Published: February 2012

Research on the mental health needs of and services for Arab American women from a feminist lens has been limited. Through a review of the literature, this article briefly describes Arab American women, their mental health needs, and the mental health services available to them from a feminist viewpoint. The literature cited in this article covers a 20-year period and, in addition to feminism, draws on such disciplines as anthropology, ethnic studies, medicine, psychiatry, and religious studies. On the basis of the literature review, it is recommended that culturally competent mental health practice integrate a feminist lens with Arab American women clients.
Holding Their Feet to the Fire
Authors: Sharp Elaine B. , Mullinix Kevin
Published: February 2012

This article focuses on four policies that a number of cities are using to make businesses more accountable for the development subsidies that they receive (cost–benefit analysis, effectiveness measurement, performance agreements, and clawback clauses). Using data from International City Management Association’s 2009 Economic Development Survey supplemented with Census Bureau data, three explanations for variation in city governments’ adoption of these policies are tested: economic need, governmental capacity, and political context. The results reveal very limited support for economic need–type explanations while strongly underscoring the importance of governmental capacity. Further, stark contrast with existing work on the topic, political context is shown to be important in multiple respects: The existence of lower class opportunity regimes and citizen opposition are both strongly linked with the use of at least two of these accountability policies, but this is conditioned by the city’s form of government.
Fluid, solid and fluid–structure interaction simulations on patient-based abdominal aortic aneurysm models
Authors: Kelly Sinead , O’Rourke Malachy
Published: February 2012

This article describes the use of fluid, solid and fluid–structure interaction simulations on three patient-based abdominal aortic aneurysm geometries. All simulations were carried out using OpenFOAM, which uses the finite volume method to solve both fluid and solid equations. Initially a fluid-only simulation was carried out on a single patient-based geometry and results from this simulation were compared with experimental results. There was good qualitative and quantitative agreement between the experimental and numerical results, suggesting that OpenFOAM is capable of predicting the main features of unsteady flow through a complex patient-based abdominal aortic aneurysm geometry. The intraluminal thrombus and arterial wall were then included, and solid stress and fluid–structure interaction simulations were performed on this, and two other patient-based abdominal aortic aneurysm geometries. It was found that the solid stress simulations resulted in an under-estimation of the maximum stress by up to 5.9% when compared with the fluid–structure interaction simulations. In the fluid–structure interaction simulations, flow induced pressure within the aneurysm was found to be up to 4.8% higher than the value of peak systolic pressure imposed in the solid stress simulations, which is likely to be the cause of the variation in the stress results. In comparing the results from the initial fluid-only simulation with results from the fluid–structure interaction simulation on the same patient, it was found that wall shear stress values varied by up to 35% between the two simulation methods. It was concluded that solid stress simulations are adequate to predict the maximum stress in an aneurysm wall, while fluid–structure interaction simulations should be performed if accurate prediction of the fluid wall shear stress is necessary. Therefore, the decision to perform fluid–structure interaction simulations should be based on the particular variables of interest in a given study.
Biomechanical assessment of surgical repair of the mitral valve
Authors: Al-Atabi Mushtak , Espino Daniel M , Hukins David WL , Buchan Keith G
Published: February 2012

Repair of the mitral valve is defined (loosely) as a procedure that alters the valve structure, without replacement, enabling the natural valve itself to continue to perform under the physical conditions to which it is exposed. As the mitral valve is driven by flow and pressure, it should be feasible to analyse and assess its function, failure and repair as a mechanical system. This article reviews the current state of mechanical evaluation of surgical repairs of the failed mitral valve of the heart. This review describes the anatomy and physiology of the mitral valve, followed by the failure of the mitral valve from a mechanical point of view. The surgical methods used to repair failed valves are introduced, while the use of engineering analysis to aid understanding of mitral valve repair is also reviewed. Finally, a section on recommendations for development and future uses of engineering techniques to surgical repair are presented.
Export-led Growth in India and the Role of Liberalisation
Authors: Paul Biru Paksha , Das Anupam
Published: February 2012

The literature on export-led growth in India is voluminous but inconclusive. This study re-examines the export–output relationship over the 1960–2009 period, and finds strong evidence of export-led growth for India. While there is no long-run cointegration relationship between India’s exports and output, tests of causality and impulse responses show a significant positive impact of export growth on output growth in the short run. Autoregressive models of India’s output growth also reveal the significant role of export growth over the same period. This result remains robust regardless of testing exports with different measures of output. The short-run impact of export on output, however, becomes insignificant in all types of estimation once the sample is reduced to the pre-liberalisation era from 1960 to 1991. Hence, liberalisation appears to have significantly contributed to export-led growth in India. We work with quarterly data as well over the liberalisation regime from 1996Q2 to 2010Q4 and find consistent results on export-led growth for India. Thus, export-led growth appears to be a liberalisation phenomenon for India. These findings have implications for other developing economies that aspire to grow fast but confront dilemmas with trade liberalisation policy.

JEL Classification: F41, F43, C32, O53
Financial Stability Reports (FSR) of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), March and December, 2010: A Critical Review with a Long-term Perspective
Authors: Singh Gurbachan
Published: February 2012

This article considers two aspects in the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) first set of reports on financial stability. First, the reports fear sudden and large flows of foreign capital, and rightly so. However, the focus of policy makers has been on foreign exchange reserves and on capital controls to some extent. This article explores the use of an additional instrument—the international credit line. Second, this article reconsiders the reasons for the correlation between stock prices and capital flows. There is some misunderstanding in the interpretation of the evidence. Finally, it is suggested that the government should gradually move in the direction of ‘prescription financial products’ to contain excessive volatility in financial markets.

JEL Classification: F33, F41 and G01
Developments in the efficiency of the Malaysian banking sector: the impacts of financial disruptions and exchange rate regimes
Authors: Sufian Fadzlan , Habibullah Muzafar Shah
Published: February 2012

In the mid-1990s, East Asian countries have experienced severe financial crisis that were followed by deep economic downturns. A variety of methodologies have been used to explain the Asian financial crisis. However, the impact of the Asian financial crisis of 1997 on the efficiency of the banking sector has not been studied yet. The present article attempts to provide new empirical evidence on the efficiency of the Malaysian banking sector around the Asian financial crisis. The efficiency estimates of individual banks are evaluated by using the non-parametric data envelopment analysis (DEA) method. The results indicate that the foreign banks have exhibited higher technical efficiency compared to their domestic bank counterparts. However, the results suggest that the foreign banks were severely affected by the Asian financial crisis, implying that the foreign banks are not insulated from unexpected events like the Asian financial crisis of 1997.