bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Eye position effects in saccadic adaptation
Authors: Havermann Katharina , Zimmermann Eckart , Lappe Markus
Published: July 2011

Saccades are used by the visual system to explore visual space with the high accuracy of the fovea. The visual error after the saccade is used to adapt the control of subsequent eye movements of the same amplitude and direction in order to keep saccades accurate. Saccadic adaptation is thus specific to saccade amplitude and direction. In the present study we show that saccadic adaptation is also specific to the initial position of the eye in the orbit. This is useful, because saccades are normally accompanied by head movements and the control of combined head and eye movements depends on eye position. Many parts of the saccadic system contain eye position information. Using the intrasaccadic target step paradigm, we adaptively reduced the amplitude of reactive saccades to a suddenly appearing target at a selective position of the eyes in the orbitae and tested the resulting amplitude changes for the same saccade vector at other starting positions. For central adaptation positions the saccade amplitude reduction transferred completely to eccentric starting positions. However, for adaptation at eccentric starting positions, there was a reduced transfer to saccades from central starting positions or from eccentric starting positions in the opposite hemifield. Thus eye position information modifies the transfer of saccadic amplitude changes in the adaptation of reactive saccades. A gain field mechanism may explain the eye position dependence found.
Cholinergic modulation of working memory activity in primate prefrontal cortex
Authors: Zhou Xin , Qi Xue-Lian , Douglas Kristy , Palaninathan Kathini , Kang Hyun Sug , Buccafusco Jerry J. , Blake David T. , Constantinidis Christos
Published: July 2011

The prefrontal cortex, a cortical area essential for working memory and higher cognitive functions, is modulated by a number of neurotransmitter systems, including acetylcholine; however, the impact of cholinergic transmission on prefrontal activity is not well understood. We relied on systemic administration of a muscarinic receptor antagonist, scopolamine, to investigate the role of acetylcholine on primate prefrontal neuronal activity during execution of working memory tasks and recorded neuronal activity with chronic electrode arrays and single electrodes. Our results indicated a dose-dependent decrease in behavioral performance after scopolamine administration in all the working memory tasks we tested. The effect could not be accounted for by deficits in visual processing, eye movement responses, or attention, because the animals performed a visually guided saccade task virtually error free, and errors to distracting stimuli were not increased. Performance degradation under scopolamine was accompanied by decreased firing rate of the same cortical sites during the delay period of the task and decreased selectivity for the spatial location of the stimuli. These results demonstrate that muscarinic blockade impairs performance in working memory tasks and prefrontal activity mediating working memory.
Decorrelation of cortical inputs and motoneuron output
Authors: Negro Francesco , Farina Dario
Published: July 2011

Oscillations in the primary motor cortex are transmitted through the corticospinal tract to the motoneuron pool. This pathway is believed to produce an effective and direct command from the motor cortex to the spinal motoneurons for the modulation of the force output. In this study, we used a computational model of a population of motoneurons to investigate the factors that can influence the transmission of the cortical input to the output of motoneurons, since it can be quantified by coherence analysis. The simulations demonstrated that, despite the nonlinearity of the motoneurons, oscillations present in the cortical input are transmitted to the output of the motoneuron pool at the same frequency. However, the interference introduced by the nonlinearity of the system increases the variability of the oscillations in output, introducing spectral lines whose frequency depends on the input frequencies and the motoneuron discharge rates. Moreover, an additional source of synaptic input common to all motoneurons but independent from the corticospinal component decorrelates the cortical input and motoneuron output and, thus, decreases the magnitude of the estimated coherence, even if the effective cortical drive does not change. These results indicate that the corticospinal input can effectively be sampled by a small population of motoneurons. However, the transmission of a corticospinal drive to the motoneuron pool is influenced by the nonlinearity of the spiking processes of the active motoneurons and by synaptic inputs common to the motoneuron population but independent from the cortical input.
A Novel Learning Scheme for Chebyshev Functional Link Neural Networks
Authors: Dehuri Satchidananda
Published: July 2011

A hybrid learning scheme (ePSO‐BP) to train Chebyshev Functional Link Neural Network (CFLNN) for classification is presented. The proposed method is referred as hybrid CFLNN (HCFLNN). The HCFLNN is a type of feed‐forward neural networks which have the ability to transform the nonlinear input space into higher
dimensional‐space where linear separability is possible. Moreover, the proposed HCFLNN combines the best attribute of particle swarm optimization (PSO), back propagation learning (BP learning), and functional link neural networks (FLNNs). The proposed method eliminates the need of hidden layer by expanding the input patterns using Chebyshev orthogonal polynomials. We have shown its effectiveness of classifying the unknown pattern using the publicly available datasets obtained from UCI repository. The computational results are then compared with functional link neural network (FLNN) with a generic basis functions, PSO‐based FLNN, and EFLN. From the comparative study, we observed that the performance of the HCFLNN outperforms FLNN, PSO‐based FLNN, and EFLN in terms of classification accuracy.
Rhinoplasty and Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
Authors: Murrell George L.
Published: July 2011

An increasing number of patients are opting for combining sinus surgery and cosmetic rhinoplasty. The author has been performing rhinoplasty with FESS since April of 1990. The technique and equipment used in early cases is much different than that used in more recent surgeries. Specific advances include high definition monitor, intraoperative navigation system, and powered dissecting instruments. The benefits of these advances are illustrated by a review of the more recent cases performed by the author. Combined rhinoplasty and FESS can be performed with good results (functional and cosmetic) and minimal complications. Advances in sinus surgery technique and equipment have made the procedure safer, faster, more precise, and more comfortable.
Chitosan Derivatives/Calcium Carbonate Composite Capsules Prepared by the Layer-by-Layer Deposition Method II Stabilization of the Shell by Crosslinking
Authors: Sasaki Takashi , Mizuuchi Hiroto , Sakurai Kensuke
Published: July 2011

The layer-by-layer deposition method is utilized to prepare rodlike core/shell capsules. Chitosan (polycation) and chitosansulfate (polyanion) were alternatively deposited on the surface of calcium carbonate whisker (rodlike particle). The thickness of the obtained shells ranged from 26 to 42 nm. After the deposition, the shell was treated with diisocyanate to form crosslink between the chitosan or chitosansulfate chains in order to stabilize the deposited shell. The obtained shell crosslinked rodlike capsules were successfully converted to hollow particles by immersing them into hydrochloric acid due to the enhanced shell stability, whereas from noncrosslinked shells, no hollow capsules were yielded: the shell was removed by dissolution in hydrochloric acid. It is revealed that the crosslinking reactivity is higher for 1,6-diisocyanatehexane than for tolylene 2,4-diisocyanate, suggesting that the reactivity depends on the size and flexibility of the crosslinking molecule.
A Note on Stability of an Operator Linear Equation of the Second Order
Authors: Brzdȩk Janusz , Jung Soon-Mo
Published: July 2011

We prove some Hyers‐Ulam stability results for an operator linear equation of the second order that is patterned on the difference equation, which defines the Lucas sequences (and in particular the Fibonacci numbers). In this way, we obtain several results on stability of some linear functional and differential and integral equations of the second order and some fixed point results for a particular (not necessarily linear) operator.
Integrated Approach for a Knowledge-Based Process Layout for Simultaneous 5-Axis Milling of Advanced Materials
Authors: Klocke F. , Bergs T. , Busch M. , Rohde L. , Witty M. , Cabral G. F.
Published: July 2011

Advanced materials, like nickel-based alloys, gain importance in turbomachinery manufacturing, where creating complex surfaces constitute a major challenge. However, milling strategies that provide high material removal rates at acceptable tooling costs demand optimized tool geometry and process parameter selection. In this paper, a description of circular milling is given, focusing on resulting engagement conditions. Regarding this, a test bench was designed to investigate the chip formation process in an analogy milling process. Furthermore, the methodology for the approach in the analogy process was developed. Results of a first test run in Inconel 718 verify the presented approach.
Nanobiosensor for Detection and Quantification of DNA Sequences in Degraded Mixed Meats
Authors: Ali M. E. , Hashim U. , Mustafa S. , Che Man Y. B. , Yusop M. H. M. , Kashif M. , Dhahi Th. S. , Bari M. F. , Hakim M. A. , Latif M. A.
Published: July 2011

A novel class of nanobiosensor was developed by integrating a 27-nucleotideAluIfragment of swine cytochrome b (cytb) gene to a 3-nm diameter citrate-tannate coated gold nanoparticle (GNP). The biosensor detected 0.5% and 1% pork in raw and 2.5-h autoclaved pork-beef binary admixtures in a single step without any separation or washing. The hybridization kinetics of the hybrid sensor was studied with synthetic andAluIdigested real pork targets from moderate to extreme target concentrations and a sigmoidal relationship was found. Using the kinetic curve, a convenient method for quantifying and counting target DNA copy number was developed. The accuracy of the method was over 90% and 80% for raw and autoclaved pork-beef binary admixtures in the range of 5–100% pork adulteration. The biosensor probe identified a target DNA sequence that was several-folds shorter than a typical PCR-template. This offered the detection and quantitation of potential targets in highly processed or degraded samples where PCR amplification was not possible due to template crisis. The assay was a viable alternative approach of qPCR for detecting, quantifying and counting copy number of shorter size DNA sequences to address a wide ranging biological problem in food industry, diagnostic laboratories and forensic medicine.
Profit and Risk under Subprime Mortgage Securitization
Authors: Petersen M. A. , Mukuddem-Petersen J. , De Waal B. , Senosi M. C. , Thomas S.
Published: July 2011

We investigate the securitization of subprime residential mortgage loans into structured
products such as subprime residential mortgage‐backed securities (RMBSs) and collateralized
debt obligations (CDOs). Our deliberations focus on profit and risk in a discrete‐time framework
as they are related to RMBSs and RMBS CDOs. In this regard, profit is known to be
an important indicator of financial health. With regard to risk, we discuss credit (including
counterparty and default), market (including interest rate, price, and liquidity), operational (including
house appraisal, valuation, and compensation), tranching (including maturity mismatch
and synthetic) and systemic (including maturity transformation) risks. Also, we consider certain
aspects of Basel regulation when securitization is taken into account. The main hypothesis of
this paper is that the SMC was mainly caused by the intricacy and design of subprime mortgage
securitization that led to information (asymmetry, contagion, inefficiency, and loss) problems,
valuation opaqueness and ineffective risk mitigation. The aforementioned hypothesis is verified
in a theoretical‐ and numerical‐quantitative context and is illustrated via several examples.
Valuation of Inflation‐Linked Annuities in a Lévy Market
Authors: Mataramvura Sure
Published: July 2011

We study the problem of pricing an inflation adjusted annuity in a forward rates market with jumps. Since the market will be incomplete, we use the minimal fq‐martingale measure Qq which we use for computing discounted expectations. We give explicit results for Qq together with explicit results for the price of the annuity.
Approximation of Analytic Functions by Bessel′s Functions of Fractional Order
Authors: Jung Soon-Mo
Published: July 2011

We will solve the inhomogeneous Bessel′s differential equation , where ν is a positive nonintegral number and apply this result for
approximating analytic functions of a special type by the Bessel
functions of fractional order.
Comparative Evaluation of the Reticulocyte Hemoglobin Content Assay When Screening for Iron Deficiency in Elderly Anemic Patients
Authors: Karlsson Torbjörn
Published: July 2011

The aim of this study was to evaluate sensitivity and specificity for reticulocyte hemoglobin content (CHr) compared to other hematimetric and biochemical iron parameters, in particular, mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), when screening for iron deficiency in elderly anemic patients. Bone marrow staining negative for iron was used as the gold standard criterion for iron deficiency anemia (IDA). Sensitivity and specificity for CHr, soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR), soluble transferrin receptor/log ferritin (TfR-F index), ferritin, MCH, and transferrin saturation were determined. The best cut-off point for CHr was 30.5 pg corresponding to a sensitivity and specificity of 93% and 69% for IDA, respectively. For MCH, a sensitivity of 93% and a specificity of 86%, respectively, correspond to an optimal cut-off of 28.5 pg. Analysis of CHr was not superior to MCH with respect to sensitivity and specificity when screening for IDA in elderly anemic patients.
Assessing the Left Ventricular Systolic Function at the Bedside: The Role of Transpulmonary Thermodilution-Derived Indices
Authors: Aguilar Gerardo , Belda F. Javier , Ferrando Carlos , Jover José Luis
Published: July 2011

Evaluating the systolic function of the left ventricle (LV) is important in the hemodynamic management of the critically ill patients with circulatory failure. Echocardiography is considered the standard monitor for estimating the LV function at the bedside in the intensive care unit. However, it requires a trained operator and is not a real-time monitoring tool. For monitoring of the systolic function, the pulmonary artery catheter has been the gold standard for a long time. However, now there are alternatives to this device, with transpulmonary thermodilution being one of them. This paper provides an overview of the usefulness of the transpulmonary thermodilution-derived indices for assessing systolic function at the bedside.
Adiponectinemia Is Associated with Uricemia but Not with Proinflammatory Status in Women with Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Simão Andréa Name Colado , Lozovoy Marcell Alysson Batisti , Simão Tathiana Name Colado , Morimoto Helena Kaminami , Dichi Isaias
Published: July 2011

Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a cluster of glucose intolerance, hypertension, and dyslipidemia with visceral fat accumulation. This study was undertaken to assess which components of metabolic syndrome (MS), including uric acid and proinflammatory markers, are related to adiponectin levels in overweight and obese women with MS. Ninety-one women (60 with MS and 31 controls) were assessed in relation to classical and inflammatory parameters of MS. In comparison to controls, patients with MS showed significant differences in parameters that are typically associated with MS and in inflammatory markers. Fibrinogen, CRP, and C3 were positively, whereas albumin was inversely correlated with abdominal adiposity and insulin resistance. Adiponectin was inversely correlated with waist circumference and uric acid levels. Activities of adiponectin and proinflammatory markers are not correlated in overweight and obese women with MS. In addition to abdominal adiposity, uric acid may be implicated in a decrease of adiponectin in MS patients.
A Novel ALK Secondary Mutation and EGFR Signaling Cause Resistance to ALK Kinase Inhibitors
Authors: Sasaki Takaaki , Koivunen Jussi , Ogino Atsuko , Yanagita Masahiko , Nikiforow Sarah , Zheng Wei , Lathan Christopher , Marcoux J. Paul , Du Jinyan , Okuda Katsuhiro , Capelletti Marzia , Shimamura Takeshi , Ercan Dalia , Stumpfova Magda , Xiao Yun , Weremowicz Stanislawa , Butaney Mohit , Heon Stephanie , Wilner Keith , Christensen James G. , Eck Michel J. , Wong Kwok-Kin , Lindeman Neal , Gray Nathanael S. , Rodig Scott J. , Jänne Pasi A.
Published: July 2011

Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI), including crizotinib, are effective treatments in preclinical models and in cancer patients with ALK-translocated cancers. However, their efficacy will ultimately be limited by the development of acquired drug resistance. Here we report two mechanisms of ALK TKI resistance identified from a crizotinib-treated non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patient and in a cell line generated from the resistant tumor (DFCI076) as well as from studying a resistant version of the ALK TKI (TAE684)–sensitive H3122 cell line. The crizotinib-resistant DFCI076 cell line harbored a unique L1152R ALK secondary mutation and was also resistant to the structurally unrelated ALK TKI TAE684. Although the DFCI076 cell line was still partially dependent on ALK for survival, it also contained concurrent coactivation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling. In contrast, the TAE684-resistant (TR3) H3122 cell line did not contain an ALK secondary mutation but instead harbored coactivation of EGFR signaling. Dual inhibition of both ALK and EGFR was the most effective therapeutic strategy for the DFCI076 and H3122 TR3 cell lines. We further identified a subset (3/50; 6%) of treatment naive NSCLC patients with ALK rearrangements that also had concurrent EGFR activating mutations. Our studies identify resistance mechanisms to ALK TKIs mediated by both ALK and by a bypass signaling pathway mediated by EGFR. These mechanisms can occur independently, or in the same cancer, suggesting that the combination of both ALK and EGFR inhibitors may represent an effective therapy for these subsets of NSCLC patients. Cancer Res; 71(18); 6051–60. ©2011 AACR.
MRI of Tumor-Associated Macrophages with Clinically Applicable Iron Oxide Nanoparticles
Authors: Daldrup-Link Heike E. , Golovko Daniel , Ruffell Brian , DeNardo David G. , Castaneda Rosalinda , Ansari Celina , Rao Jianghong , Tikhomirov Grigory A. , Wendland Michael F. , Corot Claire , Coussens Lisa M.
Published: July 2011

Purpose: The presence of tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) in breast cancer correlates strongly with poor outcome. The purpose of this study was to develop a clinically applicable, noninvasive diagnostic assay for selective targeting and visualization of TAMs in breast cancer, based on magnetic resonanceI and clinically applicable iron oxide nanoparticles.

Experimental Design: F4/80-negative mammary carcinoma cells and F4/80-positive TAMs were incubated with iron oxide nanoparticles and were compared with respect to magnetic resonance signal changes and iron uptake. MMTV-PyMT transgenic mice harboring mammary carcinomas underwent nanoparticle-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) up to 1 hour and 24 hours after injection. The tumor enhancement on MRIs was correlated with the presence and location of TAMs and nanoparticles by confocal microscopy.

Results: In vitro studies revealed that iron oxide nanoparticles are preferentially phagocytosed by TAMs but not by malignant tumor cells. In vivo, all tumors showed an initial contrast agent perfusion on immediate postcontrast MRIs with gradual transendothelial leakage into the tumor interstitium. Twenty-four hours after injection, all tumors showed a persistent signal decline on MRIs. TAM depletion via αCSF1 monoclonal antibodies led to significant inhibition of tumor nanoparticle enhancement. Detection of iron using 3,3′-diaminobenzidine-enhanced Prussian Blue staining, combined with immunodetection of CD68, localized iron oxide nanoparticles to TAMs, showing that the signal effects on delayed MRIs were largely due to TAM-mediated uptake of contrast agent.

Conclusion: These data indicate that tumor enhancement with clinically applicable iron oxide nanoparticles may serve as a new biomarker for long-term prognosis, related treatment decisions, and the evaluation of new immune-targeted therapies. Clin Cancer Res; 17(17); 5695–704. ©2011 AACR.
Exploring Breast Cancer Estrogen Disposition: The Basis for Endocrine Manipulation
Authors: Lønning Per E. , Haynes Ben P. , Straume Anne H. , Dunbier Anita , Helle Hildegunn , Knappskog Stian , Dowsett Mitch
Published: July 2011

Although normal breast tissue and breast cancer estrogens are known to be elevated compared with plasma estrogen levels, the mechanism behind this phenomenon has been an issue of debate for 2 decades. If local estrogen aromatization were to be confirmed as the main estrogen source in breast cancer tissue, tissue-specific inhibition of estrogen production, avoiding systemic side effects, would become a potentially attractive option for breast cancer treatment and prevention. Based on recent results from our groups exploring tissue estrogens, together with estrogen-synthesizing and estrogen-regulated gene expression levels, we propose a new model to explain elevated breast tissue estrogen levels. Although local estrogen production may be important, the local contribution is overruled by rapid plasma-to-tissue equilibration, including active uptake of circulating estrogens or enhanced tissue binding. As for breast cancer tissue levels, elevated levels of estradiol may be explained to a large extent by estrogen receptor binding and local conversion of estrone into estradiol. This model indicates that effective suppression of benign and malignant tissue estrogens as a treatment for ER+ breast cancer requires systemic suppression and will not be markedly affected by local enzyme targeting. Clin Cancer Res; 17(15); 4948–58. ©2011 AACR.
Dual Kinase Inhibition of EGFR and HER2 Overcomes Resistance to Cetuximab in a Novel In Vivo Model of Acquired Cetuximab Resistance
Authors: Quesnelle Kelly M. , Grandis Jennifer R.
Published: July 2011

Purpose: Acquired resistance to cetuximab, a chimeric epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)–targeting monoclonal antibody, is a widespread problem in the treatment of solid tumors. The paucity of preclinical models has limited investigations to determine the mechanism of acquired therapeutic resistance, thereby limiting the development of effective treatments. The purpose of this study was to generate cetuximab-resistant tumors in vivo to characterize mechanisms of acquired resistance.

Experimental Design: We generated cetuximab-resistant clones from a cetuximab-sensitive bladder cancer cell line in vivo by exposing cetuximab-sensitive xenografts to increasing concentrations of cetuximab, followed by validation of the resistant phenotype in vivo and in vitro using invasion assays. A candidate-based approach was used to examine the role of HER2 on mediating cetuximab resistance both in vitro and in vivo.

Results: We generated a novel model of cetuximab resistance, and, for the first time in the context of EGFR-inhibitor resistance, we identified increased phosphorylation of a C-terminal fragment of HER2 (611-CTF) in cetuximab-resistant cells. Afatinib (BIBW-2992), an irreversible kinase inhibitor targeting EGFR and HER2, successfully inhibited growth of the cetuximab-resistant cells in vitro. When afatinib was combined with cetuximab in vivo, we observed an additive growth inhibitory effect in cetuximab-resistant xenografts.

Conclusions: These data suggest that the use of dual EGFR-HER2 kinase inhibitors can enhance responses to cetuximab, perhaps in part due to downregulation of 611-CTF. This study conducted in a novel in vivo model provides a mechanistic rationale for ongoing phase I clinical trials using this combination treatment modality. Clin Cancer Res; 17(18); 5935–44. ©2011 AACR.
Bevacizumab in the Treatment of Advanced, Non-Squamous Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: An Evidence-Based Approach
Authors: Tassinari Davide , Sartori Sergio , Papi Maximilian , Drudi Fabrizio , Castellani Cinzia , Carloni Federica , Tombesi Paola , Lazzari-Agli Luigi
Published: July 2011

Background: To assess the efficacy and safety of bevacizumab-containing regimens in the treatment of advanced, chemotherapy-naive, non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) on the basis of the two registrative trials [ECOG E4599 trial and BO17704 (AVAiL) trial]. Methods: A pooled analysis of the two trials was performed using a random effect model, and the results were summarized as number-needed-to-treat (NNT) and number-needed-to-harm (NNH). A 2-step analysis was performed. The primary analysis included only the patients treated with bevacizumab 15 mg/kg in the experimental arm, whereas the secondary analysis (with descriptive aim) included the patients treated with bevacizumab 15 mg/kg or those treated with bevacizumab 7.5 mg/kg in the experimental arm. The 1-year survival and 6-month progression-free rates were assumed as indexes of efficacy, and grade III–IV side effects were assumed as index of safety in both analyses. Results: 1,921 patients were potentially eligible for the pooled analysis and were included in the secondary analysis, whereas 1,576 patients were included in the primary analysis. A large heterogeneity was documented for both 6-month progression-free interval (I2 = 88.164%, p = 0.004) and overall survival (I2 = 73.541, p = 0.052). The absolute risk reduction of 1-year death and 6-month progression were 3.3% (95% CI = –6.5 to 13.2%, p = 0.507), with a NNT = 30; and 15.2% (95% CI = 0.07–29.6%, p = 0.04), with a NNT = 6 (both in favor of the bevacizumab-containing regimens), respectively. The absolute risk of treatment-related death was 2.4% (95% CI = 0.8–3.9%, p = 0.003), with a NNH = 41 against the bevacizumab-containing regimens; that of bleeding was 3.3% (95% CI = 1.6–4.9%, p < 0.001), with a NNH = 30; that of hypertension was 6.6% (95% CI = 4.6–8.6%, p < 0.001), with a NNH = 15; that of proteinuria was 2.1% (95% CI = 0.3–3.8%, p = 0.024), with a NNH = 47; that of neutropenia was 7.3% (95% CI = 3.2–11.4%, p < 0.001), with a NNH = 13; that of thrombocytopenia was 1.5% (95% CI = 0.2–2.7%, p = 0.021), with a NNH = 66. No significant differences were observed in the efficacy and the safety analysis when all the patients treated with bevacizumab 7.5 mg/kg and 15 mg/kg were included into the pooled analysis. Conclusion: Adding bevacizumab to standard chemotherapy in the treatment of advanced, chemotherapy-naive, non-squamous NSCLC seems to favor a modest improvement in the main outcomes, with a significant worsening of the safety profile. These data suggest caution in the generalized use of bevacizumab-containing regimens in the treatment of advanced, chemotherapy-naive, non-squamous NSCLC.
Sexually Transmitted Infections and Sexual Practices among Injecting Drug Users in Harm Reduction Centers in Catalonia
Authors: Folch Cinta , Casabona Jordi , Brugal M. Teresa , Majó Xavier , Esteve Anna , Meroño Mercè , Gonzalez Victoria ,   REDAN Study Group
Published: July 2011

Background: The objectives of the study were to estimate the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae and sexual risk practices, and to identify factors associated with infection by C. trachomatis/N. gonorrhoeae. Methods: Injecting drug users were interviewed at harm reduction centers and biological samples were collected to estimate the prevalence of C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae. Results: The prevalence of C. trachomatis was 2.3%, and this was higher among immigrants (3.6%); the prevalence of N. gonorrhoeae was 0.7% (no differences between Spanish-born and immigrants). Respondents aged ≤25 years had a higher risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) (OR 3.39), as did women (OR 3.08). Also associated with having an STI were not having registered employment (OR 4.70), injecting drugs daily (OR 4.21), and having unprotected sex with a stable partner (OR 3.37). Conclusion: Although the prevalence of STIs observed is low, scant condom use makes it necessary for prevention programs to include messages related to sexual risk practices, especially among young people and women.
Ifosfamide, Carboplatin and Etoposide in Recurrent Malignant Glioma
Authors: Schäfer N. , Tichy J. , Thanendrarajan S. , Kim Y. , Stuplich M. , Mack F. , Rieger J. , Simon M. , Scheffler B. , Boström J. , Steinbach J.P. , Herrlinger U. , Glas M.
Published: July 2011

After failure of temozolomide, there is no established standard salvage chemotherapy for patients with recurrent glioblastoma (GBM). Two phase II trials combining ifosfamide, carboplatin and etoposide chemotherapy (ICE) showed favorable results. We therefore applied the ICE protocol to 13 patients (10 GBM, 3 anaplastic astrocytomas). Partial or complete remissions were not observed. None of the 13 patients survived progression-free for 6 months. Our retrospective analysis suggests that the ICE regimen is not effective in patients with recurrent high-grade glioma if applied at second or third relapse.
Everolimus-Eluting Versus Sirolimus-Eluting Stents
Authors: de Waha Antoinette , Dibra Alban , Byrne Robert A. , Ndrepepa Gjin , Mehilli Julinda , Fusaro Massimiliano , Laugwitz Karl-Ludwig , Massberg Steffen , Schömig Albert , Kastrati Adnan
Published: July 2011

Background—

The aim of the study was to compare the outcomes after placement of the everolimus-eluting stent (EES; Xience V) and the sirolimus-eluting stent (SES; Cypher) in patients with coronary artery disease. The second-generation EES is currently one of the most commonly used drug-eluting stents in clinical practice. Although it has clearly been shown superior to paclitaxel-eluting stents, its relative merits against SES have been less extensively assessed.

Methods and Results—

We identified 5 eligible randomized trials comparing EES with SES in 7370 patients. The primary end point was major adverse cardiac events. Secondary end points were cardiac death, myocardial infarction, repeat revascularization, and the composite of definite and probable stent thrombosis. Overall hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated for EES versus SES for each of the end points. No heterogeneity across the trials was observed regarding the primary and secondary end points. The risk of major adverse cardiac events (HR, 0.91 [95% CI, 0.77 to 1.08];
P
=0.28), cardiac death (HR, 1.02 [95% CI, 0.73 to 1.41];
P
=0.92), myocardial infarction (HR, 0.97 [95% CI, 0.66 to 1.35];
P
=0.76), repeat revascularization (HR, 0.85 [95% CI, 0.68 to 1.07];
P
=0.16), and composite of definite and probable stent thrombosis (HR, 0.79 [95% CI, 0.49 to 1.27],
P
=0.33) were not significantly different between EES and SES.

Conclusions—

This meta-analysis did not show significant differences between EES and SES in terms of clinical efficacy and safety. Future studies with longer follow-up are needed to better define the relative merits of these drug-eluting stents.
Ice Crystal Linear Growth Rates from −20° to −70°C: Confirmation from Wave Cloud Studies
Authors: Bailey Matthew , Hallett John
Published: July 2011

As a result of recent comprehensive laboratory and field studies, many details have been clarified concerning atmospheric ice crystal habits below −20°C as a function of temperature, ice supersaturation, air pressure, and growth history. A predominance of complex shapes has been revealed that is not reflected in most models, with symmetric shapes often incorrectly emphasized. From the laboratory study, linear (maximum dimension), projected area, and volume growth rates of complex and simple habits have been measured under simulated atmospheric conditions for temperatures from −20° to −70°C. Presently, only a few in situ cases of measured ice crystal growth rates are available for comparison with laboratory results. Observations from the Interaction of Aerosol and Cold Clouds (INTACC) field study of a well-characterized wave cloud at −24°C are compared with the laboratory results using a simple method of habit averaging to derive a range of expected growth rates. Laboratory results are also compared with recently reported wave cloud results from the Ice in Clouds Experiment–Layer Clouds (ICE-L) study between −20° and −32°C, in addition to a much colder wave cloud at −65°C. Considerable agreement is observed in these cases, confirming the reliability of the laboratory measurements. This is the first of two companion papers that compare laboratory growth rates and characteristics with in situ measurements, confirming that the laboratory results effectively provide a predictive capability for cloud particle and particle ensemble growth.
Accelerated Changes of Environmental Conditions on the Tibetan Plateau Caused by Climate Change
Authors: Zhong Lei , Su Zhongbo , Ma Yaoming , Salama Mhd. Suhyb , Sobrino José A.
Published: July 2011

Variations of land surface parameters over the Tibetan Plateau have great importance on local energy and water cycles, the Asian monsoon, and climate change studies. In this paper, the NOAA/NASA Pathfinder Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) Land (PAL) dataset is used to retrieve the land surface temperature (LST), the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), and albedo, from 1982 to 2000. Simultaneously, meteorological parameters and land surface heat fluxes are acquired from the 40-yr European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) Re-Analysis (ERA-40) dataset and the Global Land Data Assimilation System (GLDAS), respectively. Results show that from 1982 to 2000 both the LST and the surface air temperature increased on the Tibetan Plateau (TP). The rate of increase of the LST was 0.26±0.16 K decade−1 and that of the surface air temperature was 0.29 ± 0.16 K decade−1, which exceeded the increase in the Northern Hemisphere (0.054 K decade−1). The plateau-wide annual mean precipitation increased at 2.54 mm decade−1, which indicates that the TP is becoming wetter. The 10-m wind speed decreased at about 0.05±0.03 m s−1 decade−1 from 1982 to 2000, which manifests a steady decline of the Asian monsoon wind. Due to the diminishing ground–air temperature gradient and subdued surface wind speed, the sensible heat flux showed a decline of 3.37 ± 2.19 W m−2 decade−1. The seasonal cycle of land surface parameters could clearly be linked to the patterns of the Asian monsoon. The spatial patterns of sensible heat flux, latent heat flux, and their variance could also be recognized.
Detection of Atmospheric Changes in Spatially and Temporally Averaged Infrared Spectra Observed from Space
Authors: Kato Seiji , Wielicki Bruce A. , Rose Fred G. , Liu Xu , Taylor Patrick C. , Kratz David P. , Mlynczak Martin G. , Young David F. , Phojanamongkolkij Nipa , Sun-Mack Sunny , Miller Walter F. , Chen Yan
Published: July 2011

Variability present at a satellite instrument sampling scale (small-scale variability) has been neglected in earlier simulations of atmospheric and cloud property change retrievals using spatially and temporally averaged spectral radiances. The effects of small-scale variability in the atmospheric change detection process are evaluated in this study. To simulate realistic atmospheric variability, top-of-the-atmosphere nadir-view longwave spectral radiances are computed at a high temporal (instantaneous) resolution with a 20-km field-of-view using cloud properties retrieved from Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) measurements, along with temperature humidity profiles obtained from reanalysis. Specifically, the effects of the variability on the necessary conditions for retrieving atmospheric changes by a linear regression are tested. The percentage error in the annual 10° zonal mean spectral radiance difference obtained by assuming linear combinations of individual perturbations expressed as a root-mean-square (RMS) difference computed over wavenumbers between 200 and 2000 cm−1 is 10%–15% for most of the 10° zones. However, if cloud fraction perturbation is excluded, the RMS difference decreases to less than 2%. Monthly and annual 10° zonal mean spectral radiances change linearly with atmospheric property perturbations, which occur when atmospheric properties are perturbed by an amount approximately equal to the variability of the10° zonal monthly deseasonalized anomalies or by a climate-model-predicted decadal change. Nonlinear changes in the spectral radiances of magnitudes similar to those obtained through linear estimation can arise when cloud heights and droplet radii in water cloud change. The spectral shapes computed by perturbing different atmospheric and cloud properties are different so that linear regression can separate individual spectral radiance changes from the sum of the spectral radiance change. When the effects of small-scale variability are treated as noise, however, the error in retrieved cloud properties is large. The results suggest the importance of considering small-scale variability in inferring atmospheric and cloud property changes from the satellite-observed zonally and annually averaged spectral radiance difference.
A Model Study of the Air–Sea Interaction Associated with the Climatological Aspects and Interannual Variability of the South Asian Summer Monsoon Development
Authors: Lau Ngar-Cheung , Nath Mary Jo
Published: July 2011

The climatological characteristics and interannual variations of the development of the South Asian summer monsoon (SASM) in early summer are studied using output from a 200-yr simulation of a coupled atmosphere–ocean general circulation model (CM2.1). Some of the model results are compared with corresponding observations. Climatological charts of the model and observational data at pentadal intervals indicate that both the precipitation and SST signals exhibit a tendency to migrate northward. Enhanced monsoonal precipitation at a given site is accompanied by a reduction in incoming shortwave radiation and intensification of upward latent heat flux, and by oceanic cooling.

An extended empirical orthogonal function analysis is used to identify the dates for initiation of the northward march of SASM in individual summers. It is noted that early monsoon development prevails after the mature phase of La Niña events, whereas delayed development occurs after El Niño.

Sensitivity experiments based on the atmospheric component of CM2.1 indicate that the effects of SST forcings in the tropical Pacific (TPAC) and Indian Ocean (IO) on monsoon development are opposite to each other. During El Niño events, the atmospheric response to remote TPAC forcing tends to suppress or postpone monsoon development over South Asia. Conversely, the warm SST anomalies in IO, which are generated by the “atmospheric bridge” mechanism in El Niño episodes, lead to accelerated monsoon development. The net result of these two competing effects is an evolution scenario with a timing that is intermediate between the response to TPAC forcing only and the response to IO forcing only.
Observations of Wintertime U.S. West Coast Precipitating Systems with W-Band Satellite Radar and Other Spaceborne Instruments
Authors: Matrosov Sergey Y.
Published: July 2011

The potential of CloudSat W-band radar for observing wintertime storms affecting the West Coast of North America is evaluated. Storms having high hydrological impact often result from landfalls of “atmospheric rivers” (“ARs”), which are the narrow elongated regions of water vapor transport from the tropics. CloudSat measurements are used for retrievals of rain rate R and cloud ice water path (IWP) along the satellite ground track over ocean and land. These retrievals present quasi-instantaneous vertical cross sections of precipitating systems with high-resolution information about hydrometeors. This information is valuable in coastal areas with complex terrain where observations with existing instrumentation, including ground-based radars, are limited. CloudSat reflectivity enhancements [i.e., bright band (BB)] present a way to estimate freezing levels, indicating transitions between rainfall and snowfall. CloudSat estimates of these levels were validated using data from radiosonde soundings and compared to model and microwave sounder data. Comparisons of CloudSat retrievals of rain rates with estimates from ground-based radars in the areas where measurements from these radars were available indicated an agreement within retrieval uncertainties, which were around 50%. The utility of CloudSat was illustrated for case studies of pronounced AR events at landfall and over ocean. Initial analysis of CloudSat crossings of ARs during the 2006/07 season were used for rainfall regime prevalence assessment. It indicated that stratiform rain, which often had BB features, warm rain, and mixed rain were observed with about 26%, 24%, and 50% frequency. Stratiform regions generally had higher rain rates. Significant correlation (~0.72) between mean values of IWP and rain rate was observed for stratiform rainfall.
The Impact of Airmass Boundaries on the Propagation of Deep Convection: A Modeling-Based Study in a High-CAPE, Low-Shear Environment
Authors: Houston Adam L. , Wilhelmson Robert B.
Published: July 2011

A suite of experiments conducted using a cloud-resolving model is examined to assess the role that preexisting airmass boundaries can play in regulating storm propagation. The 27 May 1997 central Texas tornadic event is used to guide these experiments. The environment of this event was characterized by multiple preexisting airmass boundaries, large CAPE, and weak vertical shear.

Only the experiments with preexisting airmass boundaries produce back-building storm propagation (storm motion in opposition to the mean wind). When both the cold front and dryline are present, storm maintenance occurs through the quasi-continuous maintenance of a set of long-lived updrafts and not through discrete updraft redevelopment. Since the cold front is not required for back building, it is clear that back building in this environment does not require quasi-continuous updraft maintenance. The back-building storm simulated with both the cold front and dryline is found to be anchored to the boundary zipper (the intersection of the cold front and dryline). However, multiple preexisting airmass boundaries are not required for back building since experiments with only a dryline also support back building. A conceptual model of back building and boundary zippering is developed that highlights the important role that preexisting boundaries can play in back-building propagation.
Evaluation of Tools Used for Monitoring and Forecasting Flash Floods in the United States
Authors: Gourley Jonathan J. , Erlingis Jessica M. , Hong Yang , Wells Ernest B.
Published: July 2011

This paper evaluates, for the first time, flash-flood guidance (FFG) values and recently developed gridded FFG (GFFG) used by the National Weather Service (NWS) to monitor and predict imminent flash flooding, which is the leading storm-related cause of death in the United States. It is envisioned that results from this study will be used 1) to establish benchmark performance of existing operational flash-flood prediction tools and 2) to provide information to NWS forecasters that reveals how the existing tools can be readily optimized. Sources used to evaluate the products include official reports of flash floods from the NWS Storm Data database, discharge measurements on small basins available from the U.S. Geological Survey, and witness reports of flash flooding collected during the Severe Hazards Analysis and Verification Experiment. Results indicated that the operational guidance values, with no calibration, were marginally skillful, with the highest critical success index of 0.20 occurring with 3-h GFFG. The false-alarm rates fell and the skill improved to 0.34 when the rainfall was first spatially averaged within basins and then reached 50% of FFG for 1-h accumulation and exceeded 3-h FFG. Although the skill of the GFFG values was generally lower than that of their FFG counterparts, GFFG was capable of detecting the spatial variability of reported flash flooding better than FFG was for a case study in an urban setting.
Wispy Communities
Authors: Fine Gary Alan , van den Scott Lisa-Jo
Published: July 2011

Building on Benedict Anderson’s concept of “imagined communities,” we apply the term to a class of social locations that we term wispy communities. By wispy communities, we refer to social ties that exist within evanescent, limited micro-publics—worlds of action that are temporary, limited in time and space, and have the potential of being displaced by more insistent identities. We divide occasions into events and gatherings, and then divide gatherings into macro-groups (“nations,” such as Woodstock or Burning Man) and micro-groups (“fests,” including focused groups, such as the Lebowski Fest). A wispy community is a distinctive form of local affiliation that underscores both the communal features of occasions and their evanescent quality. In such communities relations are frequently intense, but after their conclusion relations slip into latent memory, available to be retrieved under proper circumstances.
Micro-mechanical prediction of UD laminates behavior under combined compression up to failure: influence of matrix degradation
Authors: Feld Nicolas , Allix Olivier , Baranger Emmanuel , Guimard Jean-Mathieu
Published: July 2011

This article aims to model the behavior of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer laminates up to failure and predict the corresponding energy absorption, under mixed loadings involving compression. In Guimard JM, Allix O, Pechnik N and Thévenet P. [Statistical energy and failure analysis of CFRP compression behavior using a uniaxial microbuckling model. J Compos Mater 2007; 41: 2807–2828], a simplified 2D micro-model has been used in order to assess the influence of the fiber misalignment parameters on the micro-structural compression behavior, both in terms of critical stresses and dissipated energies. This article goes further by introducing the influence of a shear pre-stress and by considering an inelastic and damageable constitutive behavior for the matrix and not only an inelastic one as it is done in the literature. Together with fiber waviness, these three parameters are proven to be critical for the simulation of the kinking phenomenon. Particularly, the main effect of the damageable behavior of the matrix is to avoid unrealistically high hardening of the epoxy. This affects the results significantly and allows a better correlation of the model with experimental data. It is shown, by a statistical analysis, that failure stresses are sensitive to both shear pre-stresses and fiber waviness. Dissipated energies and kink-band size are found to be affected by a shear pre-stress as well but rather less sensitive to fiber waviness.