bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“Am I Getting It or Not?” The Practices Involved in “Trying to Consume” a New Technology
Authors: Ziamou Paschalina (Lilia) , Gould Stephen , Venkatesh Alladi
Published: January 2012

In recent years, high rates of failure of technology‐based products have spurred interest in understanding the psychological and sociological barriers to consumer learning of technological innovations. The main focus of this research was to examine the learning process and consumers’ coping mechanisms when they encounter technological innovations. A study was designed to understand the learning process in real time as consumers engaged in a set of activities associated with the novel interface. The goal was to investigate how consumers cope with high levels of complexity during their initial interactions with a technology‐based product and how their coping strategies may hinder the learning process.

Verbal protocol measures were used in order to understand the consumer's learning process as he or she interacts with a technology‐based product in real time. They were told that they would have to think aloud while performing certain tasks and that their thoughts would be recorded for further analysis. The personal digital assistant (PDA) with handwriting recognition as its interface was chosen for this study. The main task for the participants was to learn how to use Graffiti writing—i.e., the product's handwriting recognition software. We proceeded to a thematic analysis in which interpretations were generated by the researchers going back and forth between the transcribed texts, the developing interpretation, the new interface itself, and also the relevant literature.

The results suggest that the new product's interface serves to structure the consumer's learning process even as he or she responds in relatively unstructured ways. The findings identify three basic factors that interfere with the learning process during consumers’ initial interactions with a technological innovation: interface and functionality practices, social influence, and causal attributions. Specifically, the results suggest that in designing technology‐based products there is a gap between the levels of know‐how between the manufacturer and the user. The challenge for manufacturers is to understand the consumer's learning experience and coping strategies and provide mechanisms that would make the transition easy and intuitive. This could be achieved by incorporating into the new interface some degree of flexibility that will allow consumers to modify tasks based on their preferences, or by including indicators that will provide feedback to the user. Furthermore, in the context of communication strategies, in order to minimize the negative impact that prior knowledge and social influence may have on learning, marketers could communicate specific steps describing how to use the new interface.
The use of hydroxocobalamin in the Schilling test
Authors: Wallis J. , Clark D. M. , Bain B. J.
Published: January 2012

Hydroxocobalamin and cyanocobalamin have been compared as the ‘flushing dose’ in the Schilling test. In healthy, haematologically normal subjects excretion of the test dose was greater following a hydroxocobalamin flushing dose than following a cyanocobalamin flushing dose, and to a lesser extent this was also true in patients requiring investigation. There were occasional discrepant results, but in general it appears that, although reference values differ, hydroxocobalamin is a suitable replacement for cyanocobalamin in the Schilling test.
A THREAD IN THE LABYRINTH: RETURNING TO MELANIE KLEIN'S CONCEPT OF PROJECTIVE IDENTIFICATION
Authors: Buckingham Linda
Published: January 2012

abstract

This is an attempt to clarify the confusions which, I argue, have accumulated in the uses and meanings of the term ‘projective identification’. As a remedy, I propose a return to Melanie Klein's original concept which focuses on the mental activity of the person in whose mind the projective identification takes place. I cover the early territory of Klein's definition and Bion's alteration of this, with its sole focus on PI as a communication which is dealt with in various ways by its object. Thomas Ogden followed his example. This narrowed the field opened by Klein. The confusions caused at this time persist today and render the concept less useful than it could be. I distinguish between projections and projective identifications. Further, I discuss five main types of projective identification and try to show that only one of these is evocatory; that is, only one involves a responding object.

I hope to show that the concept, as devised by Klein, has a family of uses, all of which can be grasped fairly easily if we concentrate on the state of mind of the subject ‘owning’ the projective identification. While evocatory PIs, which affect their objects and prompt certain responses, are part of the therapeutic process, other types of PI are equally important although harder to grasp.
Development of conserved microsatellite markers of high cross‐species utility in bat species (Vespertilionidae, Chiroptera, Mammalia)
Authors: JAN CAMILLE , DAWSON DEBORAH A. , ALTRINGHAM JOHN D. , BURKE TERRY , BUTLIN ROGER K.
Published: January 2012

Comparative ecological and behavioural studies of the widespread and diverse Vespertilionidae, which comprise almost 400 of the 1100 bat species, have been limited by the availability of markers. The potential of new methods for developing conserved microsatellite markers that possess enhanced cross‐species utility has recently been illustrated in studies of birds. We have applied these methods to develop enhanced microsatellite markers for vespertilionid bats, in particular for the genus Myotis (103 species). We compared published bat microsatellites with their homologues in the genome sequence of the little brown bat, Myotis lucifugus, to create consensus sequences that were used to design candidate primer sets. Primer sets were then tested for amplification and polymorphism in 22 species of bat from nine of the largest families (including 11 Vespertilionidae). Of 46 loci tested, 33 were polymorphic, on average, in each of seven Myotis species tested, 20 in each of four species in other vespertilionid genera, and two in 11 nonvespertilionid species.
Construing contexts: Problems and prospects of George Kelly's personal construct psychology
Authors: Blowers Geoffrey H. , O'Connor Kieron P.
Published: January 2012

Kelly's concept of man is that of a scientist formulating hypotheses about the world and revising them in the light of their predictive utility. His position is one of subjective realism by which each of us interprets the world according to personal dimensions termed constructs. Establishing knowledge about how others construe the world is made possible in clinical situations by recourse to two Kellyan methods: the character sketch and the role construct repertory test. The former relies on clinical observation, the latter on statistical sophistication. This divergence in methods has led to an ideological split in the following that Kelly spawned, which need not, however, be a barrier to clinical research in this field. Although not all cognitive therapists are constructivists, they share with the latter the desire to look for core patterns underlying individual maladaptive thoughts and actions. Kelly's methods can be applied to the functional analysis favoured by cognitive behaviourists, with clinical gains resulting from the quicker access this provides to personal meaning. But cognitive psychology's schematic approach to organization is a challenge to Kelly's, which conceives of everyday experience solely in terms of the logical nature of construing. Some constraints and assumptions of Kelly's dialectical logic may be avoided by adopting a more phenomenological approach to construing.
Modified Personal Questionnaire Rapid Scaling Technique for measuring delusional beliefs
Authors: Cliffe Michael , Possamai Anne , Mulhall David
Published: January 2012

The view of delusions as discrete and discontinuous phenomena is changing. Intensity of conviction in delusional belief has been used as a dependent variable in therapeutic attempts at belief modification. It has been measured using rating scales and developments of Shapiro's Personal Questionnaire (PQ) technique. The use of Mulhall's Personal Questionnaire Rapid Scaling Technique (PQRST) has not been reported in this context. The paper reports no new clinical data but describes a modified PQRST for measuring intensity of belief conviction, suitable for clients who cannot understand the PQ technique and easily administered by ward staff.
Recognition memory for words and faces following unilateral temporal lobectomy
Authors: Morris Robin G. , Abrahams Sharon , Polkey Charles E.
Published: January 2012

The study tested the ability of the Warrington Recognition Memory Test (1984) to discriminate between patients with left and right temporal lobe lesions. Forty‐seven patients who had undergone unilateral temporal lobectomy (TL) (23 right‐ and 24 left‐sided operations) were tested on the two components of the test, recognition memory for words (RMW) and recognition memory for faces (RMF). The results show that the right TL group were significantly worse than the left TL group on RMF. Conversely, the left TL group were significantly worse on the RMW test, confirming earlier results relating to material‐specific deficits in long‐term memory following TL. The RMF test was relatively sensitive and specific in detecting significant impairments associated with right TL, but the RMW proved much less sensitive to the effects of left TL. RMW and RMF discrepancy scores were found not to discriminate well between the two groups of patients.
A New Runaway Speed Limiter for Kaplan Turbines
Authors: Voaden G. H.
Published: January 2012

The object of the paper is to show that the maximum runaway speed of a Kaplan turbine can be reduced, from 2.5 to 3.0 times normal, inherently common for this type, to a maximum value of less than 1.85 thus substantially reducing the cost of the generator. This is accomplished by means of a dependable “Runaway Speed Limiter” recently developed. The paper sets forth the basic principles involved and the confirmation of these principles by laboratory and field tests. It discusses several ways of utilizing these principles and leads to the selection of the preferred type on the basis of reliability. It then gives examples of applications of the selected type of Runaway Speed Limiter to new Kaplan units and results of the field tests available to date.
The Radial Turbine, for Low Specific Speeds and Low Velocity Factors
Authors: Knoernschild E. M.
Published: January 2012

The main factors which influence radial-turbine performance are discussed. After a short description of the losses in radial turbines, the concept of the diffusion parameter is introduced. It is shown how the turbine geometry influences performance and, in particular, the reaction. The influence of a variation of the reaction on performance of radial turbines with high and low specific speed is discussed. Three-dimensional effects appear especially in the exducer region of the turbine. They may contribute to backflow and to a distorted distribution of the meridional velocity. The basic approach to improving turbines in the range of low-velocity factors and low specific speed is indicated. It appears that an attempt to reach impulse conditions in radial turbines is difficult, and only a rather small efficiency improvement can be expected. The approach to be taken in adapting a turbine design to low-specific-speed operation is pointed out, and the deterioration of the blade loading pattern due to such a reduction of the specific speed is shown.
Vibration of Water-Turbine Draft Tubes
Authors: Murakami Mitsukiyo
Published: January 2012

The vibration in the draft tube of a water turbine is most severe when the turbine is running on part load. This is caused principally by the vortex core of whirling water in the draft tube. The theoretical and experimental investigations of the frequency and force of periodic vibration caused by the vortex core are described, and there is clarification of the draft-tube surge caused by vibration due to the vortex core.
Thermal Instability in High-Speed Gearing
Authors: Welch W. P. , Boron J. F.
Published: January 2012

Thermal-expansion effects in gearing have usually been considered from a steady-state point of view. A theory of thermal instability is developed which takes into account the tendency of the thermal effects to be regenerative. This theory provides an adequate and complete explanation for several previously unexplained cases of tooth failure in high-speed high-horsepower reduction gears. Experimental verification of the theory is presented and some of the conditions for avoiding thermal instability are described.
Dissimilarity Laws in Centrifugal Pumps and Blowers
Authors: Stepanoff A. J. , Stahl H. A.
Published: January 2012

Two kinds of dissimilarities are discussed: (a) Planned dissimilarities between the different hydraulic types as expressed by the performance specific speed; (b) deviation from geometrical similarity which is “forced” to accommodate some special condition at the same performance specific speed. Experience has shown that irrespective of a continuous variation of the design element of a consistent row of hydraulic types of impellers, there are certain factors or criteria which remain constant for different specific speeds. The best known of these is the suction specific speed. From the second group of dissimilarities the most common examples are mismatched impellers and cases. In solving such problems the designer’s judgment is based on a knowledge of causes and effects in selecting certain design elements to meet the desired performance, because these follow certain rules which are “laws” of Nature. The object of this paper is to review the most common of these laws as applied to dissimilar pumps and blowers.
Scaling Behavior of Superheater Tube Alloys in ASME High Temperature Steam Research Tests at 1100–1500 F
Authors: Eberle F. , Anderson C. H.
Published: January 2012

The scales formed on seven ferritic and ten austenitic types of commercial tubing presently in use and of potential future use for superheater service were examined after 6, 12, and 18 months’ exposure to air and to flowing steam of 2000 psi at temperatures of 1100, 1200, 1350, and 1500 F. The effect of temperature and time of exposure on the adherence, thermal-shock resistance, thickness, structure, and chemical composition of the scales was investigated and the relative resistance to scaling of the various alloys evaluated.
The Effect of Corrosion by Steam at 1100–1500 F Upon the Heat Transfer Through Superheater Tube Alloys
Authors: Solberg H. L. , Brock J. E. , Rebello W. J.
Published: January 2012

Heat-transfer tests were made on tubular specimens of ferritic and austenitic types of superheater alloys which had been exposed to high-temperature steam for periods of 6, 12, or 18 months for the purpose of determining the effect of corrosion by steam. Specimens of scaled tubes and new tubes of the same alloy were machined externally to the same dimensions and surfaces, were mounted in similar heat exchangers, and were tested in series under such conditions that the only difference was in the scaled inner surface of the corroded tube and the bright, smooth, honed inner surface of the clean tube. The heat transfer through ferritic tubes was reduced by as much as fifteen per cent for the temperatures and exposure periods reported upon. The thin, dense scale on the austenitic alloys increased the heat transfer over that of the clean tube by as much as eight per cent, probably because of the increased roughness of the corroded surface.
Enameled Cold End Surface for Low Temperature Service
Authors: Grames L. D. , Huffcut H. W.
Published: January 2012

A search for a relatively inexpensive material for combined acid resistance and ease of cleaning pointed to the use of porcelain enamel on a low-cost base metal. These specially formulated porcelain enamels have resisted acid attack, thereby prolonging the service life of the element, thus opening the avenue for lowering exit-gas temperatures and improving boiler efficiency.
Cavitation Criterion for Dissimilar Centrifugal Pumps
Authors: Stepanoff A. J. , Stahl H. A.
Published: January 2012

A method is presented of expressing Net Positive Suction Head for centrifugal pumps in terms of the impeller design elements as they appear in the inlet velocity triangle. The procedure is applicable to pumps of different specific speeds, of different suction specific speeds, and to pumps having impellers of either the overhung type or with a shaft through the eye. The suggested relationship represents another “dissimilarity law” to supplement those previously discussed by the authors [1].
Metallurgical Factors Influencing Hot Ductility of Austenitic Steel Piping at Weld Heat-Affected Zone Temperatures
Authors: Cullen T. M. , Freeman J. W.
Published: January 2012

The variable hot ductility of wholly austenitic Type 347 steel was found to be associated with the variable temperature of formation of a liquid phase (liquation temperature) in the microstructure of the steel. In wholly austenitic materials a low liquation temperature leads to poor hot ductility. The liquation temperature of the steel was determined to be a function of its columbium, carbon, and nitrogen contents. When ferrite is present in the steel, poor hot ductility can also occur as a result of the crack sensitivity of the two-phased structure.
The Influence of Coal Rank on the Burning Times of Single Captive Particles
Authors: Essenhigh R. H.
Published: January 2012

Measurements of volatile and residue burning times of captive coal particles have shown them to vary in proportion to the square of the initial particle diameter; this was true for each of 10 coals tested. For the volatiles, the measured constant of proportionality was found to be independent of coal rank when allowance was made for swelling, the burning rate apparently being controlled by the diffusional rate of volatile escape through a porous matrix of fixed carbon. For the residues, the experimental “square-law” relation confirms Nusselt’s prediction; and agreement between predicted and experimental values of the proportionality constant was found to be good. An apparent rank dependence, showing shorter burning times with less fixed carbon, was simply a consequence of there being less fixed carbon to burn. There was no influence of rank-dependent “reactivity.” The relevance of the results to flames is also discussed.
A Procedure for Solution of Gas-Turbine and Other Combustion Heat-Balance Problems With Predetermined Airflow
Authors: Foster-Pegg R. W.
Published: January 2012

The generally used boiler efficiency concept is not convenient when combustion air is not varied in direct proportion to fuel. This situation may arise, for example, if combustion is being performed in gases exhausted by a gas turbine and the flow of these gases is determined by the requirement to carry a definite load on the gas turbine. This paper outlines a method of calculation alternative to the normal boiler efficiency method whereby the heat content in effluent gases from a combustion process such as stack gases may be divided into losses associated with the combustion air and a loss proportional to fuel. Some heat-balance calculations of a hypothetical cycle are included in an Appendix to demonstrate use of the method.
Hydrogen Damage to No. 2 Boiler at Armstrong Power Station
Authors: Cook R. H.
Published: January 2012

This paper documents the history of hydrogen damage to a large central station steam-generating unit. The nature and extent of the damage are discussed, and the inspection techniques used to detect damaged areas are described. Boiler operation, chemistry of boiler water, feedwater treatment, and other influencing factors are also discussed.
Flow With Losses
Authors: Benedict R. P. , Carlucci N. A.
Published: January 2012

Even when one is willing to estimate the various loss coefficients in a given system, it is not always an easy matter to determine the flow rate and/or the total pressure drop across the system. Heretofore, a tedious trial-and-error approach (at the least) has been indicated, and this has often been based on a Darcy approximation which is questionable under certain conditions. In this paper we present, for compressible and constant-density flows with losses, the developments of exact, albeit simplified, numerical and graphical solutions which are free from all iterative procedures. Comparisons are drawn between these exact analytical solutions and several Darcy approximations. Sample problems are given to illustrate the graphical and tabular solutions as presented here.
Gas-Side Corrosion in Coal and Oil-Fired Utility Units
Authors: Mount C. L. , Wiedersum G. C.
Published: January 2012

Case histories are presented of gas-side corrosion that has occurred in the seven steam generating units with 1000 F or higher superheat and reheat temperatures erected by the authors’ company since 1953. In four of the units, corrosion has made expensive repairs necessary. Several methods of preventing or minimizing this tube wastage have been tried, but a completely satisfactory solution to the problem is yet to be found.
Solar Energy Collection With Evacuated Tubes
Authors: Speyer E.
Published: January 2012

Engineering and economic considerations are given for nontracking solar energy collectors where the absorbing surface is insulated by an evacuated space. Each collector is a long glass tube, about two in. in dia, silvered in the lower portion. The selectively blackened conduit through which liquid flows is suspended within the evacuated tube, passing through the tube wall at only one end. Prototype tubular collectors were built, and tested when evacuated and when air-filled. The measured efficiencies at different temperatures are given, and the data fitted by empirical equations. Costs per tube and per Btu are given together with an indication of applicability to solar air conditioning. Mass production of these collectors will depend on the indicated demand.
The Derivation of a Formula for the Thermal Loading of Certain Internal-Combustion Engines
Authors: Whitehouse N. D.
Published: January 2012

One limit on the output of a highly rated supercharged diesel engine is the thermal loading imposed by combustion on the walls of the combustion chamber; that is, on the piston, cylinder head, valves, and liner wall. The test readings usually available, whether on works test or in the field are not sufficient for any direct comparison of thermal loading for engines of the same type operating under different site conditions, at different loads and/or with different turbocharger matches. Various factors involved in thermal loading owing to combustion are assessed by cycle and heat-transfer calculations using a digital computer. An approximate formula is derived, for one type of engine, that enables a rapid comparison to be made using the normally available test information. Experimental values for piston temperature obtained by thermocouple measurement on engines in development tests are plotted against the “heat loading factor” obtained from this formula. It is concluded that the formula provides a useful guide for use during development and for nonstandard conditions in service generally.
Solar Energy Progress Report—1965
Authors: Yellott J. I.
Published: January 2012

Spectacular successes in space for helioelectric systems using silicon solar batteries and a gradual emergence into economic significance of heliothermal processes on earth are the outstanding achievements which are discussed in this fourth biennial Progress Report. Solar batteries, still far too expensive for any but the most specialized applications here on earth, have become the standard sources of power for satellites and space probes. In Japan, Africa, Australia, Israel, and many of the Mediterranean nations, solar water heaters are now competitive with electric and fuel-burning heaters, while solar stills capable of supplying drinking water for entire towns are now being built on many Greek islands. Some progress is reported for mechanical power systems, but the goal of a simple, low-cost replacement for primitive muscle-powered pumps has not yet been achieved. Because of the importance of the space program to the nation’s economy, this report deals at some length with satellite power problems. Life-support systems based on solar energy will soon be equally important, since algae culture for oxygen recovery and solar still techniques for water regeneration are being studied for use in the lengthy space missions which are now being contemplated.
Condenser Tube Materials for Seawater Service
Authors: Niederberger R. B.
Published: January 2012

The results of a series of investigations to assess the performance of a variety of alloys in small experimental condenser configurations at seawater velocities of 10 to 20 fps are summarized. They demonstrate that the addition of 1 percent aluminum increases the maximum velocity limits of copper-nickel alloys to 12–15 fps. Stainless steels, nickel alloys, and titanium are satisfactory for use at velocities of 20 fps, but many of these would be susceptible to pitting and/or crevice corrosion under stagnant conditions.
A FOUR-VARIABLE INDEX POLYNOMIAL INVARIANT OF LONG VIRTUAL KNOTS
Authors: IM YOUNG HO , LEE SANG YOUL
Published: January 2012

We introduce a four-variable index polynomial invariant of long virtual knots that is non-trivial for many long virtual knots, but is trivial for classical knots so that it is an extension of a one-variable index polynomial invariant introduced in [A polynomial invariant of long virtual knots, European J. Combin.30 (2009) 1289–1296]. We give various properties of this polynomial and examples. Also, we use this polynomial invariant for long virtual knots to distinguish virtual knots, and we obtain a polynomial invariant for long flat virtual knots which is very useful to determine whether long flat virtual knots are invertible or not.
THE STRUCTURE OF THE SPACE OF AFFINE KÄHLER CURVATURE TENSORS AS A COMPLEX MODULE
Authors: BROZOS-VÁZQUEZ M. , GILKEY P. , NIKČEVIĆ S.
Published: January 2012

In dimension m ≥ 4, results of Strichartz decompose the space 𝔄 of affine curvature tensors as a direct sum of 3 modules in the real setting and results of Bokan give a corresponding finer decomposition of 𝔄 in the Riemannian setting as the direct sum of 8 irreducible modules. In dimension m ≥ 8, results of Matzeu and Nikčević decompose the space 𝔎 of affine Kähler curvature tensors as the direct sum of 12 irreducible modules in the Hermitian setting (i.e. given an auxiliary inner product which is invariant under the given almost complex structure). In this paper, we decompose 𝔎 as a direct sum of six irreducible modules in the complex setting in dimension m ≥ 8. Corresponding decompositions into fewer modules are given in dimension m = 4 and m = 6.
Palaeocene uplift and subsidence events in the Scotland–Shetland and North Sea region and their relationship to the Iceland Plume
Authors: Mudge David C. , Jones Stephen M.
Published: January 2012

This paper documents stratigraphic evidence for Palaeocene uplift and subsidence events in the Scotland–Shetland and North Sea region, and considers whether these were generated by the initiating Iceland Plume. The Palaeocene succession in the North Sea contains two types of stratigraphic surface. The high-gamma mudstone represents a maximum flooding event associated with marine transgression. The unconformity surface is overlain by sandstone, reworked chalk or tuff, and represents submarine or subaerial erosion and missing section. Biostratigraphic dating allows these surfaces to be correlated throughout the basin, where they occur within a suite of shelf, slope and basinal sedimentary rocks. At least 14 short duration (0.1–0.3 Ma), unconformity–maximum flooding couplets are recognized within the Danian to lowest Ypresian interval, which lasted from 65 to 54 Ma. These uplift–subsidence cycles may have been caused by episodic plume-related magmatic injection near the Moho and associated fluctuations in dynamic support. Alternatively, the short-term cycles may reflect a eustatic control. Regional mapping of the 14 events is required to confirm the relative importance of plume-related and eustatic events.
Contrasting models of temperate carbonate sedimentation in a small Mediterranean embayment: the Pliocene Carboneras Basin, SE Spain
Authors: MartÍn José M. , Braga Juan C. , Aguirre Julio , Betzler Christian
Published: January 2012

Temperate carbonates consisting of bioclastic (bryozoan–bivalve–coralline algal) packstones to rudstones formed in the Carboneras Basin, a small embayment of the Mediterranean Sea in SE Spain, during the early Pliocene. Transgressive systems tract carbonate deposits exhibit three distinct sedimentary styles, with contrasting lithofacies patterns and stratal-geometry arrangements. Palaeotopography and local hydrodynamic conditions were the major factors controlling sedimentation. On the steep northern margin, affected by southeasterly wind-driven storms, a prograding platform (distally steepened ramp) with well-marked, platform-slope clinoforms developed. Bivalves extensively colonized the outer platform, and rhodolith pavements covered its edge. Coarse-grained, bioclastic sediments were frequently removed from the platform by storms and redeposited on the platform slope. On the southern margin of the basin, longshore currents driven by southeasterly winds hydrodynamically accumulated carbonate particles to form a spit-platform, on top of which some shoals developed. These shoals were dismantled from time to time by the northern storms, and the sediment was redeposited on the lee-side slope of the spit-platform. On the gentle and protected western margin, oyster banks and rhodolith pavements colonized the inner-ramp environment whereas coralline algal–bryozoan–bivalve bioconstructions formed on the outer ramp. This example shows that several sedimentary styles of temperate carbonate deposition can coexist in a single basin.
Provenance constraints from detrital zircon U–Pb ages in the NW Iberian Massif: implications for Palaeozoic plate configuration and Variscan evolution
Authors: Catalán José R.MartÍnez , FernÁndez-SuÁrez Javier , Jenner George A. , Belousova Elena , Montes AlejandroDÍez
Published: January 2012

Detrital zircons from pre-orogenic Upper Ordovician to Devonian low-grade metasedimentary rocks have been dated by laser ablation–inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA–ICP-MS) to: (1) constrain the variations of zircon age populations within the autochthonous sequences of NW Iberia; (2) compare U–Pb detrital zircon ages with previous data; (3) test the hypothesis of the Armorica microplate as a peri-Gondwanan terrane separated from Gondwana. The similarity in the ages of detrital zircons found in the Palaeozoic samples studied here to those published for the Upper Proterozoic, Lower Cambrian and Lower Ordovician sediments of NW Iberia argues against the separation of Armorica, and points to a common source area for all of the Palaeozoic detrital formations of NW Iberia, the West African craton and the surrounding Pan-African belts. LA–ICP-MS U–Pb dating of zircons from a synorogenic flysch preserved in klippen in the core of a syncline establishes a maximum depositional age for this deposit as Early Namurian. This age is also a maximum age limit for thrusting and refolding in this part of the Iberian Massif. Correlation of the zircon age populations with published ages confirms the link between the emplacement of the allochthonous complexes of NW Iberia and synorogenic sedimentation.
Further evidence for the development of photic-zone euxinic conditions during Mesozoic oceanic anoxic events
Authors: Pancost Richard D. , Crawford Neal , Magness Simon , Turner Andy , Jenkyns Hugh C. , Maxwell James R.
Published: January 2012

Periods in Earth history characterized by extensive organic carbon deposition, so-called oceanic anoxic events (OAEs), are the subject of considerable scrutiny. Insight into the extent of anoxic conditions in the water column has been provided by the reported occurrence of derivatives of isorenieratene, a carotenoid found only in green sulphur bacteria and thus indicative of photic-zone euxinia (i.e. a water column containing free H
2
S), in North Atlantic deep-sea sediments deposited during the Cenomanian–Turonian boundary OAE2 (Bonarelli Event). In this study, we have used the distributions of chlorophyll and bacteriochlorophyll degradation products, maleimides (1-
H
-pyrrole-2,5-diones) and high molecular weight porphyrins, to examine further the Cenomanian–Turonian boundary OAE2 as well as other OAEs of the early Toarcian (Posidonienschiefer Event) and early Aptian (Selli Event). In particular, methyl isobutyl (Me,
i
-Bu) maleimide, on structural grounds, appears to be diagnostic of green sulphur bacteria. This compound occurs in five of seven examined marls that record the early Toarcian OAE (Marche–Umbria, Italy), further expanding the geographical range of Toarcian sediments where evidence for photic-zone euxinic conditions has been found. Me,
i
-Bu maleimide occurs in three of six black shales spanning the Livello Selli (Marche–Umbria, Italy), the type locality for the Aptian OAE1a, providing the first evidence for photic-zone euxinic conditions during this event. With respect to the Cenomanian–Turonian OAE, maleimide evidence for photic-zone euxinic conditions was found in all the North Atlantic sites investigated, including those characterized by relatively organic-lean sediments, several Tethyan sites and one site off western Australia. These data indicate that euxinic conditions were common in the water column during Mesozoic oceanic anoxic events.
Depolymerization of cortical actin inhibits UT-A1 urea transporter endocytosis but promotes forskolin-stimulated membrane trafficking
Authors: Xu Gang , Su Hua , Carter Conner B. , Fröhlich Otto , Chen Guangping
Published: January 2012

The cytoskeleton participates in many aspects of transporter protein regulation. In this study, by using yeast two-hybrid screening, we identified the cytoskeletal protein actin as a binding partner with the UT-A1 urea transporter. This suggests that actin plays a role in regulating UT-A1 activity. Actin specifically binds to the carboxyl terminus of UT-A1. A serial mutation study shows that actin binding to UT-A1's carboxyl terminus was abolished when serine 918 was mutated to alanine. In polarized UT-A1-MDCK cells, cortical filamentous (F) actin colocalizes with UT-A1 at the apical membrane and the subapical cytoplasm. In the cell surface, both actin and UT-A1 are distributed in the lipid raft microdomains. Disruption of the F-actin cytoskeleton by latrunculin B resulted in UT-A1 accumulation in the cell membrane as measured by biotinylation. This effect was mainly due to inhibition of UT-A1 endocytosis in both clathrin and caveolin-mediated endocytic pathways. In contrast, actin depolymerization facilitated forskolin-stimulated UT-A1 trafficking to the cell surface. Functionally, depolymerization of actin by latrunculin B significantly increased UT-A1 urea transport activity in an oocyte expression system. Our study shows that cortical F-actin not only serves as a structural protein, but directly interacts with UT-A1 and plays an important role in controlling UT-A1 cell surface expression by affecting both endocytosis and trafficking, therefore regulating UT-A1 bioactivity.
Mammographic Breast Density and Breast Cancer: Evidence of a Shared Genetic Basis
Authors: Varghese Jajini S. , Thompson Deborah J. , Michailidou Kyriaki , Lindström Sara , Turnbull Clare , Brown Judith , Leyland Jean , Warren Ruth M.L. , Luben Robert N. , Loos Ruth J. , Wareham Nicholas J. , Rommens Johanna , Paterson Andrew D. , Martin Lisa J. , Vachon Celine M. , Scott Christopher G. , Atkinson Elizabeth J. , Couch Fergus J. , Apicella Carmel , Southey Melissa C. , Stone Jennifer , Li Jingmei , Eriksson Louise , Czene Kamila , Boyd Norman F. , Hall Per , Hopper John L. , Tamimi Rulla M. , Rahman Nazneen , Easton Douglas F.
Published: January 2012

Percent mammographic breast density (PMD) is a strong heritable risk factor for breast cancer. However, the pathways through which this risk is mediated are still unclear. To explore whether PMD and breast cancer have a shared genetic basis, we identified genetic variants most strongly associated with PMD in a published meta-analysis of five genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and used these to construct risk scores for 3,628 breast cancer cases and 5,190 controls from the UK2 GWAS of breast cancer. The signed per-allele effect estimates of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) were multiplied with the respective allele counts in the individual and summed over all SNPs to derive the risk score for an individual. These scores were included as the exposure variable in a logistic regression model with breast cancer case–control status as the outcome. This analysis was repeated using 10 different cutoff points for the most significant density SNPs (1%–10% representing 5,222–50,899 SNPs). Permutation analysis was also conducted across all 10 cutoff points. The association between risk score and breast cancer was significant for all cutoff points from 3% to 10% of top density SNPs, being most significant for the 6% (2-sided P = 0.002) to 10% (P = 0.001) cutoff points (overall permutation P = 0.003). Women in the top 10% of the risk score distribution had a 31% increased risk of breast cancer [OR = 1.31; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.08–1.59] compared with women in the bottom 10%. Together, our results show that PMD and breast cancer have a shared genetic basis that is mediated through a large number of common variants. Cancer Res; 72(6); 1478–84. ©2012 AACR.
DNA Methylation Profiling Defines Clinically Relevant Biological Subsets of Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Walter Kim , Holcomb Thomas , Januario Tom , Du Pan , Evangelista Marie , Kartha Nithya , Iniguez Leonardo , Soriano Robert , Huw Ling , Stern Howard , Modrusan Zora , Seshagiri Somasekar , Hampton Garret M. , Amler Lukas C. , Bourgon Richard , Yauch Robert L. , Shames David S.
Published: January 2012

Purpose: Non–small cell lung cancers (NSCLC) comprise multiple distinct biologic groups with different prognoses. For example, patients with epithelial-like tumors have a better prognosis and exhibit greater sensitivity to inhibitors of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) pathway than patients with mesenchymal-like tumors. Here, we test the hypothesis that epithelial-like NSCLCs can be distinguished from mesenchymal-like NSCLCs on the basis of global DNA methylation patterns.

Experimental Design: To determine whether phenotypic subsets of NSCLCs can be defined on the basis of their DNA methylation patterns, we combined microfluidics-based gene expression analysis and genome-wide methylation profiling. We derived robust classifiers for both gene expression and methylation in cell lines and tested these classifiers in surgically resected NSCLC tumors. We validate our approach using quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR and methylation-specific PCR in formalin-fixed biopsies from patients with NSCLC who went on to fail front-line chemotherapy.

Results: We show that patterns of methylation divide NSCLCs into epithelial-like and mesenchymal-like subsets as defined by gene expression and that these signatures are similarly correlated in NSCLC cell lines and tumors. We identify multiple differentially methylated regions, including one in ERBB2 and one in ZEB2, whose methylation status is strongly associated with an epithelial phenotype in NSCLC cell lines, surgically resected tumors, and formalin-fixed biopsies from patients with NSCLC who went on to fail front-line chemotherapy.

Conclusions: Our data show that patterns of DNA methylation can divide NSCLCs into two phenotypically distinct subtypes of tumors and provide proof of principle that differences in DNA methylation can be used as a platform for predictive biomarker discovery and development. Clin Cancer Res; 18(8); 2360–73. ©2012 AACR.
Effects of Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation Therapy on Chronic Pelvic Pain
Authors: Gokyildiz Sule , Kizilkaya Beji Nezihe , Yalcin Onay , Istek Ayse
Published: January 2012

Objective: This research is a prospective study which was designed to determine the effects of percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) therapy on the quality of life and sexual life of patients with chronic pelvic pain (CPP). Methods: The sample consisted of an experimental group (n = 12) and a control group (n = 12), in total 24 patients. The experimental group was treated with PTNS once a week (in total 12 sessions), while the control group received routine intervention. Results: The pain frequency and intensity in women who underwent PTNS decreased considerably. Women had less pain during sexual intercourse after PTNS. We determined in our study that PTNS improved the quality of life of women with CPP by decreasing the intensity of pain and contributed to a more comfortable performance of their daily activities. Conclusions: PTNS is a type of treatment which contributes to the quality of life of women with CPP by decreasing the intensity of pain.
Mineralocorticoid Receptor Blockade in Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Bomback Andrew S. , Klemmer Philip J.
Published: January 2012

Mineralocorticoid receptor blockers (MRBs) have proven highly successful in the treatment of congestive heart failure and resistant hypertension. In contrast, their use in chronic kidney disease (CKD) has lagged due to the concern of hyperkalemia and, possibly, because of the incorrect assumption that traditional therapy with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and/or angiotensin receptor blockers consistently reduce aldosterone activity in all patients. Low-dose MRB therapy may offer additional antihypertensive and unique anti-inflammatory benefits in select CKD populations.
Spectral Energy Dissipation due to Surface Wave Breaking
Authors: Romero Leonel , Melville W. Kendall , Kleiss Jessica M.
Published: January 2012

A semiempirical determination of the spectral dependence of the energy dissipation due to surface wave breaking is presented and then used to propose a model for the spectral dependence of the breaking strength parameter b, defined in the O. M. Phillips’s statistical formulation of wave breaking dynamics. The determination of the spectral dissipation is based on closing the radiative transport equation for fetch-limited waves, measured in the Gulf of Tehuantepec Experiment, by using the measured evolution of the directional spectra with fetch, computations of the four-wave resonant interactions, and three models of the wind input source function. The spectral dependence of the breaking strength is determined from the Kleiss and Melville measurements of the breaking statistics and the semiempirical spectral energy dissipation, resulting in b = b(k, cp/u*), where k is the wavenumber and the parametric dependence is on the wave age, cp/u*. Guided by these semiempirical results, a model for b(k, cp/u*) is proposed that uses laboratory data from a variety of sources, which can be represented by b = a(S − S0)n, where S is a measure of the wave slope at breaking, a is a constant, S0 is a threshold slope for breaking, and 2.5 < n < 3 is a power law consistent with inertial wave dissipation scaling and laboratory measurements. The relationship between b(S) in the laboratory and b(k) in the field is based on the relationship between the saturation and mean square slope of the wave field. The results are discussed in the context of wind wave modeling and improved measurements of breaking in the field.
Evaluating Satellite-Based Cloud Persistence and Displacement Nowcasting Techniques over Complex Terrain
Authors: Guillot Eric M. , Vonder Haar Thomas H. , Forsythe John M. , Fletcher Steven J.
Published: January 2012

The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) sensor aboard the Terra and Aqua satellites allows roughly for the same region of Earth to be sampled twice in a nowcasting time frame. Using the MODIS cloud mask at 5-km resolution and radiosonde data, cloud nowcasting methods were evaluated from December 2008 through November 2009 over Utah and southwestern Wyoming (207 cases), a region with a variety of terrain. The hypothesis that a combination of persistence and displacement techniques (i.e., a hybrid technique) in regions of complex terrain should yield a better forecast than either method alone is tested; clouds forced by complex terrain often appear to persist along topographic barriers. A new forecast skill evaluation method is introduced, designed to equate correct cloudy and correct clear areas. The persistence nowcasting method demonstrated the highest skill [as much as 10% critical success index improvement (CSI) over other methods]. However, all nowcasting techniques performed similarly during the summer months (~65% CSI). It is concluded that cloud nowcasts at 5-km resolution over complex terrain in the forecast area, using no model wind or moisture data, do not improve upon a persistence nowcast. However, because these basic nowcasting methods are computationally fast, educated decisions on minute to hour time scales can be made nearly instantaneously.
CIN85 is required for Cbl-mediated regulation of antigen receptor signaling in human B cells
Authors: Niiro Hiroaki , Jabbarzadeh-Tabrizi Siamak , Kikushige Yoshikane , Shima Takahiro , Noda Kumiko , Ota Shun-ichiro , Tsuzuki Hirofumi , Inoue Yasushi , Arinobu Yojiro , Iwasaki Hiromi , Shimoda Shinji , Baba Eishi , Tsukamoto Hiroshi , Horiuchi Takahiko , Taniyama Tadayoshi , Akashi Koichi
Published: January 2012

The aberrant regulation of B-cell receptor (BCR) signaling allows unwanted B cells to persist, thereby potentially leading to autoimmunity and B-cell malignancies. Casitas B-lineage lymphoma (Cbl) proteins suppress BCR signaling; however, the molecular mechanisms that control Cbl function in human B cells remain unclear. Here, we demonstrate that CIN85 (c-Cbl interacting protein of 85 kDa) is constitutively associated with c-Cbl, Cbl-b, and B-cell linker in B cells. Experiments using CIN85-overexpressing and CIN85-knockdown B-cell lines revealed that CIN85 increased c-Cbl phosphorylation and inhibited BCR-induced calcium flux and phosphorylation of Syk and PLCγ2, whereas it did not affect BCR internalization. The Syk phosphorylation in CIN85-overexpressing and CIN85-knockdown cells was inversely correlated with the ubiquitination and degradation of Syk. Moreover, CIN85 knockdown in primary B cells enhanced BCR-induced survival and growth, and increased the expression of BcLxL, A1, cyclin D2, and myc. Following the stimulation of BCR and Toll-like receptor 9, B-cell differentiation- associated molecules were up-regulated in CIN85-knockdown cells. Together, these results suggest that CIN85 is required for Cbl-mediated regulation of BCR signaling and for downstream events such as survival, growth, and differentiation of human B cells.