bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The relationship between prosodic perception, phonological awareness and vocabulary in emergent literacy
Authors: Beattie Rachel L. , Manis Franklin R.
Published: November 2011

Studies have begun to focus on what skills contribute to the development of phonological awareness, an important predictor of reading attainment. One of these skills is the perception of prosody, which is the rhythm, tempo and stress of a language. To examine whether prosodic perception contributes to phonological awareness prior to reading tuition, we assessed 49 prereaders. Using confirmatory factor analysis, we found that measures of prosodic perception and phonological awareness loaded onto separate factors. Our regression analyses revealed that prosodic perception accounted for significant variance after partialling out definitional vocabulary and memory for digits, but not after accounting for receptive vocabulary. Based on the independence of prosodic perception from definitional vocabulary, we concluded that prosodic perception contributes to the development of phonological awareness indirectly through receptive vocabulary, by improving speech‐processing skills, but independently of semantic knowledge. Further studies should examine the role of prosody in children at risk of later reading difficulties.
The restricted likelihood ratio test for autoregressive processes
Authors: Chen Willa W. , Deo Rohit S.
Published: November 2011

The restricted likelihood is known to produce estimates with significantly less bias in AR(p) models with intercept and/or trend. In AR(1) models, the corresponding restricted likelihood ratio test (RLRT), unlike the t‐statistic or the usual LRT, has been recently shown to be well approximated by the chi‐square distribution even close to the unit root, thus yielding confidence intervals with good coverage properties. In this article, we extend this result to AR(p) processes of arbitrary order p by obtaining the expansion of the RLRT distribution around that of the limiting chi‐squared and showing that the error is bounded even as the unit root is approached. Next, we investigate the correspondence between the AR coefficients and the partial autocorrelations, which is well known in the stationary region, and extend to the more general situation of potentially multiple unit roots. In the case of one positive unit root, which is of most practical interest, the resulting parameter space is shown to be the bounded p‐dimensional hypercube (−1, 1] × (−1, 1)p−1. This simple parameter space, in addition with a stable algorithm that we provide for computing the restricted likelihood, allows its easy computation and optimization as well as construction of confidence intervals for the sum of the AR coefficients. In simulations, the RLRT intervals are shown to have not only near exact coverage in keeping with our theoretical results, but also shorter lengths and significantly higher power against stationary alternatives than other competing interval procedures. An application to the well‐known Nelson–Plosser data yields RLRT based intervals that can be markedly different from those in the literature.
Exploiting natural variation to uncover candidate genes that control element accumulation in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Conn Simon J. , Berninger Philipp , Broadley Martin R. , Gilliham Matthew
Published: November 2011

The plant ionome varies both inter‐ and intraspecifically despite the highly conserved roles for particular elements across the plant kingdom. Element storage requires transport across the plasma membrane and commonly deposition within the central vacuole. Therefore, tonoplast transport characteristics can be highly influential in controlling the plant ionome. As a result, individual cell types of the same plant, each with unique transcriptomes and vacuolar proteomes, can display very different elemental profiles. Here we address the use of natural variation in Arabidopsis thaliana for identifying genes involved in elemental accumulation. We present a conceptual framework, exploiting publicly available leaf ionomic and transcriptomic data across 31 Arabidopsis accessions, that promises to accelerate conventional forward genetics approaches for candidate gene discovery. Utilizing this framework, we identify numerous genes with documented roles in accumulation of calcium, magnesium and zinc and implicate additional candidate genes. Where appropriate, we discuss their role in cell‐specific elemental accumulation. Currently, this framework could represent an alternate approach for identifying genes suitable for element biofortification of plants. Integration of additional cell‐specific and whole‐plant ‘omics’ datasets across Arabidopsis accessions under diverse environmental conditions should enable this concept to be developed into a scalable and robust tool for linking genotype and phenotype.
Fetal endoscopic myelomeningocele closure preserves segmental neurological function
Authors: VERBEEK RENATE J , HEEP AXEL , MAURITS NATALIA M , CREMER REINHOLD , HOVING EELCO W , BROUWER OEBELE F , VAN DER HOEVEN JOHANNES H , SIVAL DEBORAH A
Published: November 2011

Aim  Our aim was to compare the effect of prenatal endoscopic with postnatal myelomeningocele closure (fetally operated spina bifida aperta [fSBA]) versus neonatally operated spina bifida aperta [nSBA]) on segmental neurological leg condition.

Method  Between 2003 and 2009, the fetal surgical team (Department of Obstetrics, University of Bonn, Germany) performed 19 fetal endoscopic procedures. Three procedures resulted in fetal death, three procedures were interrupted by iatrogenic hemorrhages and 13 procedures were successful. We matched each successfully treated fSBA infant with another nSBA infant of the same age and level of lesion, resulting in 13 matched pairs (mean age 14mo; SD 16mo; f/m=1.6; female‐16, male‐10). Matched fSBA and nSBA pairs were compared in terms of segmental neurological function and leg muscle ultrasound density (MUD). We also determined intraindividual difference in MUD (dMUD) between myotomes caudal and cranial to the myelomeningocele (reflecting neuromuscular damage by the myelomeningocele) and compared dMUD between fSBA and nSBA infants. Finally, we correlated dMUD with segmental neurological function.

Results  We found that, on average, the fSBA group were born at a lower gestational age than the nSBA group (median 32wks [range 25–34wks] vs 39wks [34–41wks]; p=0.001) and experienced more complications (chorioamnionitis, premature rupture of the amniotic membranes, oligohydramnios, and infant respiratory distress syndrome necessitating intermittent positive‐pressure ventilation). Neurological function was better preserved after fSBA than after nSBA (median motor and sensory gain of two segments; better preserved knee‐jerk [p=0.006] and anal [p=0.032] reflexes). The dMUD was smaller in fSBA than in nSBA infants (mean difference 24, 95% confidence interval [CI] 15–33; p<0.05), which was associated with better preserved segmental muscle function.

Interpretation  Fetal endoscopic surgery is associated with spinal segmental neuroprotection, but it results in more complications. Before considering clinical implementation of fetal endoscopic myelomeningocele closure as standard care, the frequency of complications should be appropriately reduced and results assessed in larger groups over a longer period of time.
The Human‐Environment Dialog in Award‐winning Children’s Picture Books*
Authors: Williams J. Allen , Podeschi Christopher , Palmer Nathan , Schwadel Philip , Meyler Deanna
Published: November 2011

Picture books often play an important role in childhood socialization. Given the seriousness of environmental problems, we ask how natural, modified, and built environments have been portrayed in children’s books. To answer this question, we analyze the 296 books receiving Caldecott awards from 1938 to 2008. Two possibilities are explored with respect to content change. Growing concern about critical environmental problems, such as decline in biodiversity and deforestation, may have led to an increase in illustrations and stories about wild animals and the natural environment. Alternatively, the increasing isolation of people from the natural world may have resulted in a decline in the perceived relevance of these environmental issues and resulted in fewer stories and depictions. Our findings support the isolation hypothesis. There have been significant declines in depictions of natural environments and animals while built environments have become much more common. These findings suggest that today’s generation of children are not being socialized, at least through this source, toward an understanding and appreciation of the natural world and the place of humans within it.
Thiocolchicoside a semi‐synthetic derivative of the Glory Lily: a new weapon to fight metastatic bone resorption?
Authors: Micheau Olivier , Dufour Florent , Walczak Henning
Published: November 2011

Metastatic bone disease is a serious clinical complication for the treatment of patients with advanced cancer, but few therapeutic options are currently available. Bisphosphonates are an established standard care for these patients, but new treatments are now emerging, including the use of monoclonal antibodies targeting the RANK ligand. In this issue of the BJP, Reuter et al. provide evidence that thiocolchicoside, a semi‐synthetic derivative of the naturally occurring colchicoside, extracted from the seeds of Gloriosa superba (Liliaceae), prevented osteoclactogenesis by suppressing RANK ligand‐mediated NF‐κB activation. Thiolcolchicoside may thus represent an attractive therapeutic option for the management of bone metastatic disease.

LINKED ARTICLE This article is a commentary on Reuter et al., pp. 2127–2139 of this issue. To view this paper visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1476‐5381.2011.01702.x
The electro‐mechanical window in anaesthetized guinea pigs: a new marker in screening for Torsade de Pointes risk
Authors: Guns P‐J , Johnson DM , Van Op den bosch J , Weltens E , Lissens J
Published: November 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE QT prolongation is commonly used as a surrogate marker for Torsade de Pointes (TdP) risk of non‐cardiovascular drugs. However, use of this indirect marker often leads to misinterpretation of the realistic TdP risk, as tested compounds may cause QT prolongation without evoking TdP in humans. A negative electro‐mechanical (E‐M) window has recently been proposed as an alternative risk marker for TdP in a canine LQT1 model. Here, we evaluated the E‐M window in anaesthetized guinea pigs as a screening marker for TdP in humans.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH The effects of various reference drugs and changes in body temperature on the E‐M window were assessed in instrumented guinea pigs. The E‐M window was defined as the delay between the duration of the electrical (QT interval) and mechanical (QLVPend) systole.

KEY RESULTS Drugs with known TdP liability (quinidine, haloperidol, domperidone, terfenadine, thioridazine and dofetilide), but not those with no TdP risk in humans (salbutamol and diltiazem) consistently decreased the E‐M window. Interestingly, drugs with known clinical QT prolongation, but with low risk for TdP (amiodarone, moxifloxacin and ciprofloxacin) did not decrease the E‐M window. Furthermore, the E‐M window was minimally affected by changes in heart rate or body temperature.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS A decreased E‐M window was consistently observed with drugs already known to have high TdP risk, but not with drugs with low or no TdP risk. These results suggest that the E‐M window in anaesthetized guinea pigs is a risk marker for TdP in humans.
Presurgical language mapping in children with epilepsy: Clinical usefulness of functional magnetic resonance imaging for the planning of cortical stimulation
Authors: de Ribaupierre Sandrine , Fohlen Martine , Bulteau Christine , Dorfmüller Georg , Delalande Olivier , Dulac Olivier , Chiron Catherine , Hertz‐Pannier Lucie
Published: November 2011

Purpose:  Presurgical language mapping in dominant hemisphere epilepsy to evaluate the risk of postoperative deficit is particularly difficult in children. Extraoperative invasive cortical stimulation can show some areas critical to language, but not all of them, due to scarce sampling, poor cooperation, cortical immaturity, or network reorganization, whereas functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) displays entire networks involved in, but not necessarily critical to, language. In a homogeneous series of children with epilepsy, we compared the contributions of language fMRI and depth electrode stimulations to optimize language mapping.

Methods:  Eight children (7.5–15.5 years) with left frontal or temporal epilepsy underwent language fMRI and language stimulation with depth electrodes as part of their comprehensive presurgical workup. fMRI data collected during sentence generation were analyzed using statistical parametric mapping (SPM2) (false discovery rate [FDR] p < 0.05). Bipolar stimulations were performed during language production tasks. By coregistering fMRI and postimplantation computed tomography (CT) images, we were able to directly compare the cortical areas identified by both investigations.

Key Findings:  fMRI during sentence generation robustly showed activation in the whole perisylvian regions with little reorganization (left hemisphere dominant in 7). Of the 184 electrode contacts tested for language, only 8 were positive (language disruption) in three of the seven patients with periictal language impairment and left language dominance. All of the positive contacts colocalized with an fMRI activated cluster, that is, fMRI did not miss any region critical to language (sensitivity = 100%). However, 54 of the 176 negative contacts were within activated clusters (low specificity).

Significance:  In children with epilepsy, the sensitivity of fMRI during sentence generation allows for the detection of all critical regions displayed by cortical stimulation within the large perisylvian language network, but with a low specificity. It is, therefore, useful to optimize the placement of intracranial electrodes when language mapping is necessary. Systematic planning of the electrode placement according to language fMRI maps should increase the yield of extraoperative cortical stimulation, which appears rather low in children when compared to adults.
Directions in modelling partial migration: how adaptation can cause a population decline and why the rules of territory acquisition matter
Authors: Kokko Hanna
Published: November 2011

Modelling of partial migration in birds has progressed from simple graphical representations to sophisticated analyses that use evolutionary invasion analysis to determine how the success of the two strategies (stay year round on the breeding grounds, or migrate) can become frequency dependent. Here I build two models to relax two assumptions commonly made in models and often violated in nature: that individuals do not vary in any trait other than their migratory propensity, and that the prior residence effect (which grants priority access of good habitats to non‐migrants) operates at maximum strength. The same framework can incorporate and merge aspects of various hypotheses proposed to explain partial migration (dominance, body size, arrival timing, and limited foraging opportunities), and shows that either small (subdominant) or large (dominant) individuals may emerge as the more likely migrants; the latter case occurs when it is easy for socially dominant migrants to win back prime breeding locations upon their arrival. The dynamics of territory acquisition is shown to be an important and understudied topic, as variations in the relative importance of prior residency versus resource holding power can shift a population from complete migration to complete year‐round residency. These models also highlight exceptions to a tacit assumption in discussions of evolution of migration under climate change, which is that populations can decline if genetic adaptation or phenotypic plasticity do not occur fast enough. Competition can also yield the opposite pattern where adaptation itself leads to a population decline.
The ecology and evolution of partial migration
Authors: Chapman Ben B. , Brönmark Christer , Nilsson Jan‐Åke , Hansson Lars‐Anders
Published: November 2011

Partial migration, where populations of animals are composed of a mixture of resident and migratory individuals, is a widespread phenomenon in nature. It has been reported to occur in all major vertebrate groups, and can have significant ecological consequences. Here we give an overview of the ecology and evolution of partial migration in animals. We firstly review the different types of partial migration, and assess the ecological drivers responsible for driving individual differences in migratory tendency within populations. A variety of factors can be important in promoting the evolution of partial migration, including competition for resources or breeding opportunities, predation risk and intraspecific niche diversity. Often various factors act synergistically to create complex patterns of movement polymorphism within populations. The question of how partial migration is maintained over evolutionary timescales is also addressed. Whilst many theoretical considerations of partial migration utilise an evolutionary stable state (ESS) paradigm, empirical evidence for this is lacking. Rather the evidence suggests that partial migration is mostly condition dependent, and the optimum outcome for an individual is dependent upon its phenotype. What determines whether an individual follows a migratory or resident strategy is discussed in light of new theory and empirical data which supports the idea that environmentally responsive genetic thresholds are important across a range of species, from birds to fish, in proximately shaping migratory tendency. Finally we espouse our vision of how partial migration research will develop in the future, and suggest a number of exciting directions that studies into migratory dimorphism may take in the coming years.
Short telomeres in an oral precancerous lesion: Q‐FISH analysis of leukoplakia
Authors: Aida Junko , Kobayashi Takanori , Saku Takashi , Yamaguchi Masatsune , Shimomura Naotaka , Nakamura Ken‐Ichi , Ishikawa Naoshi , Maruyama Satoshi , Cheng Jun , Poon Steven S. S. , Sawabe Motoji , Arai Tomio , Takubo Kaiyo
Published: November 2011

J Oral Pathol Med (2012) 41: 372–378

Objectives:  A precancerous condition is a lesion that, if left untreated, leads to cancer or can be induced to become malignant. In the oral region, leukoplakia is a lesion that has been regarded as precancerous. In cases of oral carcinoma, we have frequently noticed that a type of leukoplakia histologically demonstrating hyper‐orthokeratosis and mild atypia (ortho‐keratotic dysplasia; OKD) is often associated with carcinoma, either synchronously or metachronously. Therefore, we consider OKD‐type leukoplakia to be a true precancerous lesion.

Materials and Methods:  In an attempt to clarify the relationship between OKD as a precancerous condition in the oral mucosa and telomere length, we estimated telomere lengths in this type of leukoplakia using quantitative fluorescence in situ hybridization, and also quantified the frequency of anaphase–telophase bridges (ATBs) in comparison with squamous cell carcinoma in situ (CIS) and the background tissues of CIS and OKD.

Results:  Ortho‐keratotic dysplasia was frequently associated with squamous cell carcinoma (45.0%) and showed significantly shorter telomeres than normal control epithelium, CIS, or the background of CIS or OKD. The frequency of ATBs was much higher in OKD than in control epithelium or CIS.

Conclusion:  Ortho‐keratotic dysplasia appears to be frequently associated with carcinoma, chromosomal instability, and excessively shortened telomeres, not only in the lesion itself but also in the surrounding background. Therefore, when this type of leukoplakia is recognized in the oral region, strict follow‐up for oral squamous cell carcinoma is necessary, focusing not only on the areas of leukoplakia, but also the surrounding background.
Progesterone Modulates the Expression of Interleukin‐6 in Cultured Term Human Uterine Cervical Fibroblasts
Authors: Kim Min‐Gyun , Shim Jae‐Yoon , Pak Jhang Ho , Jung Bok‐Kyung , Won Hye‐Sung , Lee Pil‐Ryang , Kim Ahm
Published: November 2011

Citation Kim M‐G, Shim J‐Y, Pak JH, Jung B‐K, Won H‐S, Lee P‐R, Kim A. Progesterone modulates the expression of interleukin‐6 in cultured term human uterine cervical fibroblasts. Am J Reprod Immunol 2012; 67: 369–375

Problem  The preventative value of progesterone in preterm labor has been recently recognized, especially when it is administered via vaginal suppository. This study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of progesterone on interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) production in human uterine cervical fibroblasts (UCFs) treated with lipopolysaccharides (LPS).

Method of study  Human uterine cervical tissue was obtained at term, prior to the onset of labor, during the scheduled cesarean section or cesarean hysterectomy. Primary UCF cultures were established and confirmed by immunohistochemistry. IL‐6 mRNA and protein expressions were examined by reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, respectively.

Results  Lipopolysaccharides stimulation induced a clear time‐ and dose‐dependent increase in IL‐6 mRNA and protein levels in UCFs (P < 0.05). Progesterone treatment significantly attenuated LPS‐induced increases in IL‐6 mRNA and protein expressions in UCFs (P < 0.05). Estrogen exposure had no effect on LPS‐induced IL‐6 up‐regulation and did not modulate the effects of progesterone.

Conclusion  Our preliminary results suggest that vaginal progesterone might prevent spontaneous preterm labor through a mechanism involving anti‐inflammatory effects on UCFs, particularly suppression of IL‐6 production.
Edinburgh 1910 and the Genesis of the IRM
Authors: Stanley Brian
Published: November 2011

The International Review of Missions broke new ground as a periodical designed for mission executives and missionaries throughout the English‐speaking world. It was intended to be a means of international exchange of ideas and information within the new discipline of “missionary science.” This article assesses three aspects of its intended role during its first decade: its purpose to make the study of missions a scientific and experimental discipline, its limits related to Edinburgh 1910's focus on Protestant work “among non‐Christian peoples,” and its function of promoting a new ecumenical spirit among different missionaries and thinkers of different nations. The formation of the International Missionary Council (IMC) can be interpreted as a fruit of the IRM's intent to create an ecumenical missionary outlook that was genuinely international in character.
For the Sun Heats Up Again
Authors: Chavez Quispe Maria
Published: November 2011

Motivated by the centenary of the IRM, this article is a reflection from an indigenous perspective. Indigenous Peoples’ experience with mission movements is vast, complex and varied, depending on the context. The mission of God has always been in relation to the original peoples of the land, who have been part of the church even when these relations have been neither fair nor harmonious. Indigenous Peoples have been persecuted, demonized and excluded, as well as assimilated and westernized in order to survive, but now they are not only arising again as peoples but raising up the importance of indigenous spiritual perspectives and theological reflection. Dialogue with indigenous wisdom and theologies was mandated by the 2006 assembly of the WCC, but that necessitates recognizing and welcoming “otherness” and revisiting syncretism.
Toward a Missiology That Begins with Creation
Authors: Mor Coorilos Geevarghese
Published: November 2011

In the face of the environmental crises that threaten all of life, I first review how the WCC focus on creation emerged. I then explore what it would mean for mission theology to turn to God in creation, moving from a dominating to a kenotic “down to earth” missiology that is rooted in the earthliness of creation, there finding God's grace and healing. This is especially poignant for Dalit and Indigenous People in India who are considered of the earth (mud), and for the tilling and keeping of creation that is our biblical mandate.
Safety and efficacy of cetuximab combined with chemotherapy in Chinese patients with advanced non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Si Xiaoyan , Zhang Li
Published: November 2011

Background:  The aim of this study was to evaluate safety and efficacy of cetuximab combined with chemotherapy in Chinese patients with advanced non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods:  A retrospective analysis of clinical data was conducted in patients who were given cetuximab combined with chemotherapy in the department of respiratory medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital between June 2008 and July 2011. All patients signed the informed consent, and consented to offer clinical information.

Results:  Twenty‐two patients were enrolled in this study. Nine patients were alive up to analysis, and the longest survival was 28.9 months. The objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), median progression free survival (PFS), and estimated least median overall survival (OS) were 36.4%, 59.1%, 5.3 months and 10.1 months, respectively. Results for the 16 patients treated as first line setting were 50.0%, 62.5%, 6.0 months and 10.1 months, respectively. The common adverse events included skin toxicity (14, 63.6%), alanine aminotransferase elevation (7, 31.8%), hematological toxicity (5, 22.7%), allergy (1, 4.5%) and fever (5, 22.7%).

Conclusion:  Cetuximab combined with chemotherapy for Chinese patients with advanced NSCLC had promising ORR, DCR, and PFS, especially in the first line subgroup. Serious adverse events had low incidence and were manageable.
Heat Transfer Committee and Turbomachinery Committee Best Paper of 1996 Award: The Path to Predicting Bypass Transition
Authors: Mayle R. E. , Schulz A.
Published: November 2011

A theory is presented for calculating the fluctuations in a laminar boundary layer when the free stream is turbulent. The kinetic energy equation for these fluctuations is derived and a new mechanism is revealed for their production. A methodology is presented for solving the equation using standard boundary layer computer codes. Solutions of the equation show that the fluctuations grow at first almost linearly with distance and then more slowly as viscous dissipation becomes important. Comparisons of calculated growth rates and kinetic energy profiles with data show good agreement. In addition, a hypothesis is advanced for the effective forcing frequency and free-stream turbulence level that produce these fluctuations. Finally, a method to calculate the onset of transition is examined and the results compared to data.
Experimental Study of Tip Clearance Losses and Noise in Axial Turbomachines and Their Reduction
Authors: Kameier F. , Neise W.
Published: November 2011

An experimental study is described to investigate the negative effects of the tip clearance gap on the aerodynamic and acoustic performance of axial turbomachines. In addition to the increased broadband levels reported in the literature when the tip clearance is enlarged, significant level increases were observed within narrow frequency bands below the blade passing frequency. Measurements of the pressure and velocity fluctuations in the vicinity of the blade tips reveal that the tip clearance noise is associated with a rotating flow instability at the blade tip, which in turn is only present under reversed flow conditions in the tip clearance gap. A turbulence generator inserted into the tip clearance gap is found to be effective in eliminating the tip clearance noise and in improving the aerodynamic performance.
Development of Blade Profiles for Low-Pressure Turbine Applications
Authors: Curtis E. M. , Hodson H. P. , Banieghbal M. R. , Denton J. D. , Howell R. J. , Harvey N. W.
Published: November 2011

This paper describes a program of work, largely experimental, which was undertaken with the objective of developing an improved blade profile for the low-pressure turbine in aero-engine applications. Preliminary experiments were conducted using a novel technique. An existing cascade of datum blades was modified to enable the pressure distribution on the suction surface of one of the blades to be altered. Various means, such as shaped inserts, an adjustable flap at the trailing edge, and changing stagger were employed to change the geometry of the passage. These experiments provided boundary layer and lift data for a wide range of suction surface pressure distributions. The data were then used as a guide for the development of new blade profiles. The new blade profiles were then investigated in a low-speed cascade that included a set of moving bars upstream of the cascade of blades to simulate the effect of the incoming wakes from the previous blade row in a multistage turbine environment. Results are presented for two improved profiles that are compared with a datum representative of current practice. The experimental results include loss measurements by wake traverse, surface pressure distributions, and boundary layer measurements. The cascades were operated over a Reynolds number range from 0.7 × 105 to 4.0 × 105. The first profile is a “laminar flow” design that was intended to improve the efficiency at the same loading as the datum. The other is a more highly loaded blade profile intended to permit a reduction in blade numbers. The more highly loaded profile is the most promising candidate for inclusion in future designs. It enables blade numbers to be reduced by 20 percent, without incurring any efficiency penalty. The results also indicate that unsteady effects must be taken into consideration when selecting a blade profile for the low-pressure turbine.
Film Cooling From Spanwise-Oriented Holes in Two Staggered Rows
Authors: Ligrani P. M. , Ramsey A. E.
Published: November 2011

Adiabatic effectiveness and iso-energetic heat transfer coefficients are presented from measurements downstream of film-cooling holes inclined at 30 deg. with respect to the test surface in spanwise/normal planes. With this configuration, holes are spaced 3d apart in the spanwise direction and 4d in the streamwise direction in two staggered rows. Results are presented for an injectant to free-stream density ratio near 1.0, and injection blowing ratios from 0.5 to 1.5. Spanwise-averaged adiabatic effectiveness values downstream of the spanwise/normal plane holes are significantly higher than values measured downstream of simple angle holes for x/d < 25–70(depending on blowing ratio) when compared for the same normalized streamwise location, blowing ratio, and spanwise and streamwise hole spacings. Spanwise-averaged iso-energetic Stanton number ratios range between 1.0 and 1.41, increase with blowing ratio at each streamwise station, and show little variation with streamwise location for each value of blowing ratio tested.
Heat Transfer Coefficients Over a Flat Surface With Air and CO2 Injection Through Compound Angle Holes Using a Transient Liquid Crystal Image Method
Authors: Ekkad S. V. , Zapata D. , Han J. C.
Published: November 2011

This paper presents the detailed heat transfer coefficients over a flat surface with one row of injection holes inclined streamwise at 35 deg for three blowing ratios (M = 0.5–2.0). Three compound angles of 0, 45, and 90 deg with air (D.R. = 0.98) and CO2 (D.R. = 1.46) as coolants were tested at an elevated free-stream turbulence condition (Tu ≈ 8.5 percent). The experimental technique involves a liquid crystal coating on the test surface. Two related transient tests obtained detailed heat transfer coefficients and film effectiveness distributions. Heat transfer coefficients increase with increasing blowing ratio for a constant density ratio, but decrease with increasing density ratio for a constant blowing ratio. Heat transfer coefficients increase for both coolants over the test surface as the compound angle increases from 0 to 90 deg. The detailed heat transfer coefficients obtained using the transient liquid crystal technique, particularly in the near-hole region, will provide a better understanding of the film cooling process in gas turbine components.
Effects of Rib Arrangements on Pressure Drop and Heat Transfer in a Rib-Roughened Channel With a Sharp 180 deg Turn
Authors: Mochizuki S. , Murata A. , Fukunaga M.
Published: November 2011

The objective of this study was to investigate, through experiments, the combined effects of a sharp 180 deg turn and rib patterns on the pressure drop performance and distributions of the local heat transfer coefficient in an entire two-pass rib-roughened channel with a 180 deg turn. The rib pitch-to-equivalent diameter ratio P/de was 1.0, the rib-height-to-equivalent diameter ratio e/de was 0.09, and the rib angle relative to the main flow direction was varied from 30 ∼ 90 deg with an interval of 15 deg. Experiments were conducted for Reynolds numbers in the range 4000 ∼ 30,000. It was disclosed that, due to the interactions between the bend-induced secondary flow and the rib-induced secondary flow, the combination of rib patterns in the channel before and after the turn causes considerable differences in the pressure drop and heat transfer performance of the entire channel.
An electromagnetic navigation system for transbronchial interventions with a novel approach to respiratory motion compensation
Authors: Gergel Ingmar , Hering Jan , Tetzlaff Ralf , Meinzer Hans‐Peter , Wegner Ingmar
Published: November 2011

Purpose:

Bronchoscopic interventions, such as transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA), are commonly performed procedures to diagnose and stage lung cancer. However, due to the complex structure of the lung, one of the main challenges is to find the exact position to perform a biopsy and to actually hit the biopsy target (e.g., a lesion). Today, most interventions are accompanied by fluoroscopy to verify the position of the biopsy instrument, which means additional radiation exposure for the patient and the medical staff. Furthermore, the diagnostic yield of TBNA is particularly low for peripheral lesions.

Methods:

To overcome these problems the authors developed an image‐guided, electromagnetic navigation system for transbronchial interventions. The system provides real time positioning information for the bronchoscope and a transbronchial biopsy instrument with only one preoperatively acquired computed tomography image. A twofold respiratory motion compensation method based on a particle filtering approach allows for guidance through the entire respiratory cycle. In order to evaluate our system, 18 transbronchial interventions were performed in seven ventilated swine lungs using a thorax phantom.

Results:

All tracked bronchoscope positions were corrected to the inside of the tracheobronchial tree and 80.2% matched the correct bronchus. During regular respiratory motion, the mean overall targeting error for bronchoscope tracking and TBNA needle tracking was with compensation on 10.4 ± 1.7 and 10.8 ± 3.0 mm, compared to 14.4 ± 1.9 and 13.3 ± 2.7 mm with compensation off. The mean fiducial registration error (FRE) was 4.2 ± 1.1 mm.

Conclusions:

The navigation system with the proposed respiratory motion compensation method allows for real time guidance during bronchoscopic interventions, and thus could increase the diagnostic yield of transbronchial biopsy.
A new water‐equivalent 2D plastic scintillation detectors array for the dosimetry of megavoltage energy photon beams in radiation therapy
Authors: Guillot Mathieu , Beaulieu Luc , Archambault Louis , Beddar Sam , Gingras Luc
Published: November 2011

Purpose:

The objective of this work is to present a new 2D plastic scintillation detectors array (2D‐PSDA) designed for the dosimetry of megavoltage (MV) energy photon beams in radiation therapy and to characterize its basic performance.

Methods:

We developed a 2D detector array consisting of 781 plastic scintillation detectors (PSDs) inserted into a plane of a water‐equivalent phantom. The PSDs were distributed on a 26 × 26 cm2 grid, with an interdetector spacing of 10 mm, except for two perpendicular lines centered on the detection plane, where the spacing was 5 mm. Each PSD was made of a 1 mm diameter by 3 mm long cylindrical polystyrene scintillating fiber coupled to a clear nonscintillating plastic optical fiber. All of the light signals emitted by the PSDs were read simultaneously with an optical system at a rate of one measurement per second. We characterized the performance of the optical system, the angular dependency of the device, and the perturbation of dose distributions caused by the hundreds of PSDs inserted into the phantom. We also evaluated the capacity of the system to monitor complex multileaf collimator (MLC) sequences such as those encountered in step‐and‐shoot intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) plans. We compared our results with calculations performed by a treatment planning system and with measurements taken with a 2D ionization chamber array and with a radiochromic film.

Results:

The detector array that we developed allowed us to measure doses with an average precision of better than 1% for cumulated doses equal to or greater than 6.3 cGy. Our results showed that the dose distributions produced by the 6‐MV photon beam are not perturbed (within ±1.1%) by the presence of the hundreds of PSDs located into the phantom. The results also showed that the variations in the beam incidences have little effect on the dose response of the device. For all incidences tested, the passing rates of the gamma tests between the 2D‐PSDA and the treatment planning system were higher than 97.5% when the standard clinical tolerances of 3% or 3 mm were used. Excellent agreement was obtained between the doses measured and calculated when we used the 2D‐PSDA for monitoring a MLC sequence from a step‐and‐shoot IMRT plan.

Conclusions:

We demonstrated the feasibility of using a large number of PSDs in a new 2D‐PSDA for the dosimetry of MV energy photon beams in radiation therapy. The excellent precision, accuracy, and low angular dependence of the device indicate that such a prototype could potentially be used as a high‐accuracy quality assurance tool for IMRT and arc therapy patient plan verification. The homogeneity and water‐equivalence of the prototype we built suggest that this technology could be extended to multiple detection planes by arranging the fibers into more complex orientations, opening the possibility for 3D dosimetry with PSDs.
High Prevalence of Azole-Resistant Aspergillus fumigatus in Adults with Cystic Fibrosis Exposed to Itraconazole
Authors: Burgel Pierre-Régis , Baixench Marie-Thérèse , Amsellem Michaël , Audureau Etienne , Chapron Jeanne , Kanaan Reem , Honoré Isabelle , Dupouy-Camet Jean , Dusser Daniel , Klaassen Corné H. , Meis Jacques F. , Hubert Dominique , Paugam André
Published: November 2011

Aspergillus fumigatus
is the most frequent fungus found in the sputum of cystic fibrosis (CF) subjects. Itraconazole is prescribed for allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) or
Aspergillus
bronchitis in CF subjects. We hypothesized that
A. fumigatus
isolates in the sputum of CF subjects with previous exposure to itraconazole was associated with higher prevalence of azole resistance. From June 2010 to April 2011, sputum samples from adult CF subjects at Cochin University Hospital (France) were examined systematically for the detection of
A. fumigatus
. MICs of
A. fumigatus
isolates against azoles were screened using Etest, and reduced susceptibility to azoles was confirmed using the CLSI broth microdilution method.
A. fumigatus
was isolated from the sputum of 131/249 (52.6%) adult CF subjects, and 47/131 (35.9%) subjects had received previous treatment with itraconazole. Reduced
A. fumigatus
susceptibility to itraconazole (MIC, ≥2 mg/liter) was confirmed in 6/131 (4.6%) subjects. All 6 isolates also had reduced susceptibility to posaconazole (MIC, ≥0.5 mg/liter), and 3/6 isolates had reduced susceptibility to voriconazole (MIC, ≥2 mg/liter). Mutations in the
cyp51A
gene were detected at positions previously implicated to cause resistance in 5 isolates. Azole-resistant
A. fumigatus
isolates were found in 5/25 (20%) subjects exposed to itraconazole within the previous 3 years. High rates of azole-resistant
A. fumigatus
isolates were present in adult CF subjects and were associated with recent itraconazole exposure. Although the clinical implications of these findings will require further studies, the cautious use of itraconazole in adult CF subjects can be recommended.
Efficacy of Synthetic Peptides RP-1 and AA-RP-1 against Leishmania Species
In Vitro
and
In Vivo
Authors: Erfe Marie Crisel B. , David Consuelo V. , Huang Cher , Lu Victoria , Maretti-Mira Ana Claudia , Haskell Jacquelyn , Bruhn Kevin W. , Yeaman Michael R. , Craft Noah
Published: November 2011

Host defense peptides are naturally occurring molecules that play essential roles in innate immunity to infection. Based on prior structure-function knowledge, we tested two synthetic peptides (RP-1 and AA-RP-1) modeled on the conserved, microbicidal α-helical domain of mammalian CXCL4 platelet kinocidins. These peptides were evaluated for efficacy against
Leishmania
species, the causative agents of the group of diseases known as leishmaniasis.
In vitro
antileishmanial activity was assessed against three distinct
Leishmania
strains by measuring proliferation, metabolic activity and parasite viability after exposure to various concentrations of peptides. We demonstrate that micromolar concentrations of RP-1 and AA-RP-1 caused dose-dependent growth inhibition of
Leishmania
promastigotes. This antileishmanial activity correlated with rapid membrane disruption, as well as with a loss of mitochondrial transmembrane potential. In addition, RP-1 and AA-RP-1 demonstrated distinct and significant
in vivo
antileishmanial activities in a mouse model of experimental visceral leishmaniasis after intravenous administration. These results establish efficacy of RP-1 lineage synthetic peptides against
Leishmania
species
in vitro
and after intravenous administration
in vivo
and provide further validation of proof of concept for the development of these and related systemic anti-infective peptides targeting pathogens that are resistant to conventional antibiotics.
Baseline
In Vitro
Activities of the Antimalarials Pyronaridine and Methylene Blue against Plasmodium falciparum Isolates from Kenya
Authors: Okombo John , Kiara Steven M. , Mwai Leah , Pole Lewa , Ohuma Eric , Ochola Lynette Isabella , Nzila Alexis
Published: November 2011

We have analyzed the
in vitro
activities of pyronaridine and methylene blue against 59
Plasmodium falciparum
isolates from Kenya in association with polymorphisms in
Pfcrt
(codon 76),
Pfmdr1
(codon 86), and
Pfnhe
(full sequence). The median inhibitory concentrations that kill 50% of parasites were 13.5 and 3.3 nM for pyronaridine and methylene blue, respectively. Their activities were not associated with polymorphisms in these genes. The drugs' high
in vitro
activities indicate that they would be efficacious against Kenyan isolates
in vivo
.
Efficacy of Daptomycin versus Vancomycin in an Experimental Model of Foreign-Body and Systemic Infection Caused by Biofilm Producers and Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis
Authors: Domínguez-Herrera J. , Docobo-Pérez F. , López-Rojas R. , Pichardo C. , Ruiz-Valderas R. , Lepe J. A. , Pachón J.
Published: November 2011

Staphylococcus epidermidis
is a frequent cause of device-associated infections. In this study, we compared the efficacy of daptomycin versus vancomycin against biofilm-producing methicillin-resistant
S. epidermidis
(MRSE) strains in a murine model of foreign-body and systemic infection. Two bacteremic biofilm-producing MRSE strains were used (SE284 and SE385). The MIC of daptomycin was 1 mg/liter for both strains, and the MICs of vancomycin were 4 and 2 mg/liter for SE284 and for SE385, respectively. The
in vitro
bactericidal activities of daptomycin and vancomycin were evaluated by using time-kill curves. The model of foreign-body and systemic infection of neutropenic female C57BL/6 mice was used to ascertain
in vivo
efficacy. Animals were randomly allocated into three groups (
n
= 15): without treatment (controls) or treated with daptomycin at 50 mg/kg/day or vancomycin at 440 mg/kg/day.
In vitro
, daptomycin showed concentration-dependent bactericidal activity, while vancomycin presented time-dependent activity. In the experimental
in vivo
model, daptomycin and vancomycin decreased liver and catheter bacterial concentrations (
P
< 0.05) and increased the survival and the number of sterile blood cultures (
P
< 0.05) using both strains. Daptomycin produced a reduction in the bacterial liver concentration higher than 2.5 log
10
CFU/g compared to vancomycin using both strains, with this difference being significant (
P
< 0.05) for infection with SE385. For the catheter bacterial concentrations, daptomycin reduced the concentration of SE284 3.0 log
10
CFU/ml more than did vancomycin (
P
< 0.05). Daptomycin is more effective than vancomycin for the treatment of experimental foreign-body and systemic infections by biofilm-producing methicillin-resistant
S. epidermidis
.
The Treatment Response of Chronically Hepatitis C Virus-Infected Patients Depends on Interferon Concentration but Not on Interferon Gene Expression in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells
Authors: François Catherine , Coulouarn Cédric , Descamps Véronique , Castelain Sandrine , Brochot Etienne , Baron Agnès , Duchaussoy Isabelle , Capron Dominique , Nguyen-Khac Eric , Duverlie Gilles
Published: November 2011

The current treatment of chronic hepatitis C is based on pegylated alpha interferon (PEG-IFN-α) and ribavirin. The aim of this study was to identify biological and clinical variables related to IFN therapy that could predict patient outcome. The study enrolled 47 patients treated with PEG-IFN and ribavirin combined therapy. The interferon concentration was measured in serum by a bioassay. The expression of 93 interferon-regulated genes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells was quantified by real-time quantitative reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) before and after 1 month of treatment. The interferon concentration in the serum was significantly lower in nonresponders than in sustained virological responders. Moreover, a significant correlation was identified between interferon concentration and interferon exposition as well as body weight. The analysis of interferon-inducible genes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells among the genes tested did not permit the prediction of treatment outcome. In conclusion, the better option seems to be to treat patients with weight-adjusted PEG-IFN doses, particularly for patients with high weight who are treated with PEG-IFN-α2a. Although the peripheral blood mononuclear cell samples are the easiest to obtain, the measurement of interferon-inducible genes seems not be the best strategy to predict treatment outcome.
Symptomatic Hyperbilirubinemia Secondary to Dapsone-Induced Hemolysis and Atazanavir Therapy
Authors: East Jeff , Blanton Lucas Scott
Published: November 2011

The antiretroviral agent atazanavir is associated with mild asymptomatic hyperbilirubinemia. We report two cases of symptomatic hyperbilirubinemia attributed to atazanavir in conjunction with the
Pneumocystis jirovecii
pneumonia prophylaxis agent dapsone. Symptoms and laboratory evidence of hemolysis resolved upon discontinuation of dapsone, enabling successful antiretroviral therapy. Symptomatic hyperbilirubinemia due to hemolytic anemia is a potential adverse event when using the combination of atazanavir and dapsone in the treatment of patients with the human immunodeficiency virus.