bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A study of lubrication mechanisms using two-phase fluids with porous bearing materials
Authors: Nikas G K , Sayles R S
Published: September 2008

A potential, novel lubrication mechanism involving two-phase fluids and porous bearing materials is examined in this study both theoretically and experimentally. Lubricating oils with a secondary particulate phase have been considered operating in oil-saturated porous media with the elements of the particulate phase acting as one-way valves on the pores, blocking and unblocking them, depending on the direction of contact load. The goal is to enhance the lubrication, mainly in starved contacts and in some ‘difficult’ applications, as for example in big end bearings for marine engines. The theoretical part of this work deals with the mathematical analysis of an oil-saturated, porous slab, in contact with a solid sphere and lubricated with a two-phase oil containing thin and soft platelets. The problem is analysed using Biot's theory of consolidation in porous media. A subsequent study deals with the effects of the maximum contact load, size, and number of pores of the porous medium, elastic modulus of the medium, and the viscosity of the oil used to carry the particulate phase, on the lubrication performance of the system. Furthermore, a rig was built to study the concept on a macroscale and the results are reported in the paper. Both the theoretical and the experimental work gave good indications that the concept works, at least in some cases. Potential problems with application of this lubrication mechanism have also been identified and are briefly discussed in the paper.
An evaluation of the explicit finite-element method approach for modelling dense flows of discrete grains in a Couette shear cell
Authors: Kabir M A , Jasti V K , Higgs C F , Lovell M R
Published: September 2008

Granular flows are complex materials that are composed of discrete solid particles that can display gaseous, liquid, and/or solid behaviour under various conditions. Consequently, tribologists have studied them for their ability to carry loads and/or accommodate sliding surface velocities. Because of the highly non-linear behaviour of granular materials, their behaviour is difficult to predict. One new modelling approach that holds promise in simulating the behaviour of these particulate materials is the explicit finite-element method (FEM). The explicit FEM is a computational modelling approach capable of capturing dynamic, transient events, such as collisions and particle—particle interactions of grains in granular flows. This paper presents an explicit FEM simulation of a dense flow of steel particles in a rough gravity-free Couette shear cell with no externally applied load. Parametric tests of this cell are also carried out by varying the height of the shear cell and the types of known granular materials sheared in the cell. Subsequently, a final evaluation of the explicit FEM approach is conducted by simulating a dense flow of sheared titanium oxide (TiO2) powder in the shear cell and comparing it to a similar simulation done using the discrete-element method (DEM) approach. In this comparison, the velocity of the flow in the DEM cell is larger, whereas the FEM and DEM solid fraction distributions are almost identical in the core regions of the shear cells. The merits of the FEM and DEM approaches are presented in light of the results shown in this work.
Effect of particle and surface properties on granular lubrication flow
Authors: Higgs C F , Tichy J
Published: September 2008

The present modelling study is motivated by experimental shear cell studies of flowing beads. A previous companion study detailed the granular kinetic lubrication continuum modelling methodology and presented selected results. The previous results focused on the effect of the load and surface sliding velocity (or equivalently the shear rate for a fixed gap) on velocity profile, solid volume fraction profile, as well as global variables such as the surface slip velocity and shear stress. The effects of other important variables, namely, particle—particle and wall—particle coefficients of restitution, surface roughness, and granular temperature are now examined. Most predictions of the model seem to be consistent with physical reasoning, e.g. the wall slip is reduced due to roughness, and temperature (particle energy) is increased by wall elasticity. However, unanticipated non-monotonic trends were exhibited, such as the variation of slip velocity with particle—particle collisional dissipation. The predicted trends of the model agree reasonably well with experimental results on the load-carrying capacity of sheared granules considering there were no fitting parameters used.
On the effect of enduring contact on the flow and thermal characteristics in powder lubrication
Authors: Elkholy K N , Khonsari M M
Published: September 2008

The effect of the enduring contact and the true temperature are investigated for a granular lubricant sheared between two parallel plates. The appropriate equations are derived including both the enduring contact as well as the inelastic collision between the granules. The characteristics of the flow are investigated in a ‘transitional regime’ where both kinetic-collision effect and enduring contact exist concurrently. The results of this paper reveal that the effect of enduring contact between granules is very important and must be considered especially at low operating speeds and when dealing with high solid volume fractions, which is typically the case when dealing with granular lubrication. Moreover, the enduring contact shows a definite effect on the true temperature.
Effect of particle size dispersion on granular lubrication regimes
Authors: Iordanoff I , Elkholy K , Khonsari M M
Published: September 2008

This article is devoted to the study of granular flow regimes undergoing shear in a parallel-plate configuration with particular interest in granule dispersion. Both experimental and numerical investigations are carried out. Experimental investigations are conducted in a shear cell consisting of two parallel discs that contain the granular media. One disc is fixed, whereas the other rotates to shear the media. A normal force is imposed, and the gap is measured. Numerical investigations are based on simulations that use discrete element method (DEM), which allows local investigation of the flow across the gap. This article focuses on the effect of a mixture of size to the flow regime observed when shear velocity increases. The imposed loads on the granular media are weak, and thus, it is expected that the granular regime will pass from a quasi-static regime to a kinetic one. It is found that the granule mixture has a major influence on the normal displacement (lift) between the discs, whereas the effect on the measured friction coefficient is less pronounced. Numerical investigations are in agreement with experimental measurements, provided that the important parameters such as the local contact condition, i.e. the coefficient of restitution and the local friction coefficient, are properly specified. For the simulations presented, the coefficient of restitution and local coefficient of friction are 0.9 and 0.3, respectively. The results of an extensive set of simulations are presented to study the effect of change in the local friction coefficient and coefficient of restitution. For a low value of restitution coefficient (0.7), it is shown that all the media thickness is sheared when the proportion of large granules tends to 50 per cent, although only one part of the whole thickness is sheared when the proportion of large granules tends to 0. For a higher value of restitution coefficient (0.9), the transition from dense to kinetic regime occurs for a higher shear velocity when the granule sizes are the same. In this case, a high level of vibration is observed at low velocities both experimentally and numerically. Numerical simulations confirm that these vibrations can be analysed as stick—slip phenomena. Results show that the coefficient of restitution has no effect at low speeds (dense regime), but has a pronounced effect at high speeds (kinetic regime). This result is in accordance with the previous studies. The local coefficient of friction has a high effect when it varies from 0 to 0.3 and low effect when it is above 0.3. This also confirms previous studies.
The Alkylation of Naphthalene over One-Dimensional Fourteen-Membered Ring Zeolites. The Influence of Zeolite Structure and Alkylating Agent on the Selectivity for Dialkylnaphthalenes
Authors: Sugi Yoshihiro , Maekawa Hiroyoshi , Naiki Hiroaki , Komura Kenichi , Kubota Yoshihiro
Published: September 2008

The alkylation, i.e., isopropylation, s-butylation, and t-butylation, of naphthalene (NP) was examined over one-dimensional fourteen-membered (14-MR) zeolites: CIT-5 (CFI), UTD-1 (DON), and SSZ-53 (SFH), and compared to the results over H-mordenite (MOR) to elucidate how zeolite structure and alkylating agent play roles in the shape-selective catalysis. The β,β-selectivities (for β,β-dialkylnaphthalene (2,6- and 2,7-dialkylnaphthalenes, β,β-DAN)) and the 2,6-selectivities (for 2,6-DAN) were varied with the types of zeolite and of alkylating agent. MOR gave high β,β-selectivities in the all alkylations in the range of 150–300 °C. However, the 14-MR zeolites, CFI, DON, and SFH, gave much lower β,β-selectivities in the isopropylation: bulky and less stable α,β- and α,α-diisopropylnaphthalenes (α,β-DIPN: 1,3-, 1,5-, and 1,7-DIPN); α,α-DIPN (1,4- and 1,5-DIPN) were predominantly obtained under kinetic control at low temperatures, and stable and less bulky β,β-DIPN were formed under thermodynamic control at high temperatures. The β,β-selectivities were higher than 95% over CFI in the s-butylation, and increased from 50–60% at 150 °C to 75% at 300 °C over DON and SFH, respectively. They were almost 100% in the t-butylation over all zeolites. The alkylation over MOR occurred with high 2,6-selectivities in the range of 150–250 °C: 60% for the isopropylation, 80% for the s-butylation, and 95% for the t-butylation. CFI, DON, and SFH gave the 2,6-selectivities in the range of 5–30% in the isopropylation, 65%, 55%, and 50%, respectively, in the s-butylation, and higher than 80% in the t-butylation. These different features are explained by the discrimination of the least bulky DAN isomers from the other isomers by steric restriction with the zeolite channels at the transition states: β,β-DAN from the DAN isomers, and 2,6-DAN from β,β-DAN. The bulkiness of alkylating agent also enhances the discrimination of the isomers, particularly, between 2,6- and 2,7-DAN. The β,β- and 2,6-selectivities are synergistically governed by the zeolite channel and the bulkiness of alkylating agents.
Buchbesprechungen
Authors: Müller Dirk
Published: September 2008

Buchkritik über: Trunte, N. H., Minima Graeca. Eine Einführung in das Griechische für Slavisten in 15 Lektionen. München: Otto Sagner, 2007. (=Slavistische Beiträge, 456, hrsg. von Peter Rehder) 366 S. ISBN 978-3-87690-986-8
Fertilization differently affects the levels of cyclin B1 and M-phase promoting factor activity in maturing and metaphase II mouse oocytes
Authors: Ajduk Anna , Ciemerych Maria A , Nixon Victoria , Swann Karl , Maleszewski Marek
Published: September 2008

Fertilization affects levels of cyclin B1 and M-phase promoting factor (MPF) activity in maturing and metaphase II mouse oocytes in two distinct ways. In metaphase II oocytes, it leads to a Ca2+-dependent, continuous degradation of cyclin B1 and inactivation of cyclin dependent kinase (CDC2A)–cyclin B1 complex (MPF). In this paper, we show that neither mono- nor polyspermic fertilization of prometaphase I and metaphase I oocytes triggered degradation of cyclin B1. However, polyspermic fertilization of prometaphase I oocytes led to a transient decrease in MPF activity that lasted for 2 h. The inactivation of MPF in polyspermic prometaphase I oocytes did not depend on the fertilization-induced increase in the cytoplasmic concentration of free Ca2+ ions, but was caused, at least in part, by dephosphorylation of CDC2A at threonine 161 (Thr161). We found that polyspermic fertilization did not affect glutathione levels in prometaphase I oocytes, and concluded that the decrease in MPF activity and dephosphorylation of CDC2A at Thr161 in polyspermic prometaphase I oocytes were not caused by a change in the redox status of the cell induced by an introduction of excessive amount of sperm protamines. Instead, we propose that inactivation of MPF activity in polyspermic maturing oocytes is caused by a change in nucleo-cytoplasmic ratio that leads to a ‘titration’ of kinases and phosphatases responsible for keeping MPF in an active state. This idea is supported by the finding that oocytes fused with thymocytes rather than spermatozoa also showed a transient decrease in MPF activity.
Exchange Transfusion Using Peripheral Vessels Is Safe and Effective in Newborn Infants
Authors: Chen Hsiao-Neng , Lee Meng-Luen , Tsao Lon-Yen
Published: September 2008

OBJECTIVES. The purpose of this study was to compare the efficiency and safety of exchange transfusion by using peripheral arteries and veins with that of conventional exchange transfusion via the umbilical vein in treating neonatal pathologic hyperbilirubinemia.

PATIENTS AND METHODS. We retrospectively reviewed the medical charts of all neonates who had undergone exchange transfusion at our institution from January 1995 to December 2006. Causes of jaundice, efficiency of exchange transfusion in lowering serum bilirubin concentrations, adverse events, and outcomes were recorded. Data were compared between neonates who had undergone exchange transfusion via the peripheral arteries and veins method and those who had undergone exchange transfusion via the umbilical vein method. Data were also compared between stable neonates (body weight > 1500 g without medical problems other than jaundice) and unstable neonates.

RESULTS. A total of 123 exchange-transfusion procedures were performed in 102 neonates in the 12-year study period: 24 were performed via the umbilical vein method and 99 via the peripheral vessels method. A total of 87 procedures were performed in 75 stable neonates and 36 in 27 unstable neonates. There was no significant difference in reduction of serum bilirubin level from circulation or the duration of procedures between the 2 methods. Eight neonates died before discharge, but none of the deaths seem to have been attributable to the exchange-transfusion procedure. Severe adverse events occurred more commonly in the umbilical vein group than the peripheral arteries and veins group in the stable neonates. All of the severe and minor events resolved completely without noticeable sequelae before discharge.

CONCLUSIONS. Exchange transfusion using peripheral arteries and veins is efficient and effective in reducing serum bilirubin from circulation and is associated with few adverse events. This method should be considered for all neonates requiring exchange transfusion for treatment of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia.
Prevention of Influenza: Recommendations for Influenza Immunization of Children, 2008–2009
Authors:   Committee on Infectious Diseases
Published: September 2008

The purpose of this statement is to update current recommendations for routine use of influenza vaccine in children and adolescents, which originally were published in a comprehensive format in Pediatrics in April 2008.
Digital Literacies Go to School: Potholes and Possibilities
Authors: O'Brien David , Scharber Cassandra
Published: September 2008

Oftentimes it seems that education, as an institution, is populated by persons who work to preserve practices of the past and who do not depend upon or explore the advantages of digital literacies. Digital literacies, however, are here to stay—they are at the core of new literacies—and educators should consider how to best weave together old, new, and future literacies so that young people leave school literate in the ways of school and the ways of the world.

يبدو كثيراً من الأحيان أنّ التعليم كمؤسّسة يؤهله الناس الذين يعملون من أجل الحفاظ على ممارسات الماضي ولا يعتمدون أو يستكشفون فوائد معرفة القراءة والكتابة عن طريق الأجهزة الرقمية وإنما هذه الطريق ستبقى إلى الأبد—فإنّها في لب طرق معرفة القراءة والكتابة الجديدة—ومن المفروض أن يفكِّر المعلِّمون في إيجاد أحسن طريق لجمع معارف القراءة والكتابة القديمة والجديدة والمستقبلة كي يتخرّج الصغار من المدارس واعين المناهج المدرسية والعالمية.

教育常常好像是一个制度，置身其中的人都为保存以往的教育实践而工作，不依靠或不去探求数码读写能力的好处。然而，数码读写能力是存在的，也会一直存在的¾¾数码读写能力就是存在于新读写能力的核心里¾¾教育工作者应该考虑采用最好的方法把旧的、新的，和未来的读写能力编成一起，让年青人离开学校后，能具备学校所要求的读写能力及外面世界所要求的读写能力。

On considère souvent que l'école, en tant qu'institution, est peuplée de gens qui travaillent à conserver des pratiques du passé et qui ne tiennent pas compte ou n'explorent pas les avantages des lectures‐écritures numériques. Les lectures‐écritures numériques pourtant sont appelées à durer — elles sont au cœur des nouvelles formes de lecture‐écriture — et les enseignants devraient réfléchir à la meilleure façon de tisser les anciennes, les nouvelles, et les futures formes de lecture‐écriture de telle sorte que les jeunes sortent de l'école en étant lettrés de la façon dont l'école l'entend, mais aussi de la façon dont le monde le conçoit.

Зачастую создается впечатление, что система образования как институт государства и общества населена людьми, которые делают все возможное, чтобы сохранить методы прошлого, и совершенно не желают применять или исследовать возможности цифровых технологий в обучении. Однако цифровая грамотность вошла в нашу жизнь прочно и надолго, и педагогам следует задуматься о том, как лучше всего сочетать старую и новую грамотность, а также виды грамотности, которые появятся в ближайшем будущем. Только так молодые люди выйдут из школы готовыми к жизни в современном мире.

A menudo, parece que el magisterio, como institución, está poblado por personas interesadas en mantener las prácticas del pasado y que no dependen de, ni exploran, las ventajas de las culturas digitales. Las culturas digitales, sin embargo, no van a desaparecer—son la base de las culturas nuevas—y los educadores deben considerar cómo mejor integrar las culturas establecidas, nuevas y del futuro para que los jóvenes salgan de la escuela sabiendo cómo funcionar en la escuela y en el mundo de afuera.
A Wiki for Classroom Writing
Authors: Morgan Brian , Smith Richard D.
Published: September 2008

Wikis can be a very useful addition to any classroom. They are engaging to students, easy to use, and focus on literacy whenever students genuinely interact with them. Wikipedia, the online encyclopedia (www.wikipedia.org), is the most famous example of a wiki. But today, teachers and students are beginning to engage with this technology more and more, creating a variety of wiki types, which are engaging to students, easy to use, and focus on literacy whenever students genuinely interact with them.

قد تكون الويكيات تكملة مفيدة لأي صفّ فإنها شيِّقة للطلاّب وسهلة الاستخدام ومركّزة على معرفة القراءة والكتابة كلما يتعامل معها الطلاّب بجدية. فإنّ موسوعة يكيبيديا الحرة على الشكبة العالمية www.wikipedia.org أشهر مثال على الويكيات ولكن اليوم صار الأساتذة والطلاّب يشتغلون مع هذه التقنية أكثر فأكثر كي يخلقوا عدة أنواع من الويكيات التي تجذب الطلاّب وتسهل الاستخدام وتركّز على معرفة القراءة والكتابة كلما يتعاملون معها بجدية.

维基可以作为任何教室里一种很有用的附加教学活动。每当学生与维基认真地互动时，维基能吸引学生的学习兴趣，容易使用，又能集中于读写能力的培养。维基百科─网上百科全书 (www.wikipedia.org)─就是最著名的一个维基例子。然而，现今教师与学生正开始深入了解这信息科技，并创制出多样化的维基教学活动。每当学生与这些教学活动认真地互动时，这些维基教学活动能吸引学生的学习兴趣，容易使用，又能集中于读写能力的培养。

Les wikis peuvent être un très utile complément dans n'importe quelle classe. Ils sont séduisants pour les élèves, faciles à utiliser, et centrent l'attention sur la lecture‐écriture chaque fois que les élèves interagissent véritablement avec eux. Wikipédia, l'encyclopédie en ligne (www.wikipedia.org), est l'exemple de wiki le plus célèbre. Aujourd'hui, les enseignants et les élèves commencent à s'investir de plus en plus dans cette technologie, en créant différents types de wikis, séduisants pour les élèves, faciles à utiliser, et centrant l'attention sur la lecture‐écriture chaque fois que les élèves interagissent véritablement avec eux.

Так называемые “вики”, то есть различные он‐лайн ресурсы, развиваемые самими пользователями – очень полезное дополнение к любому уроку. Это занимательные и легкие в использовании источники информации, взаимодействуя с которыми ученики неизменно совершенствуют уровень грамотности. Википедия, или он‐лайн энциклопедия (www.wikipedia.org; www.wikipedia.ru), самый известный “вики”‐ресурс. Но сегодня и учителя, и сами школьники все шире знакомятся с этой технологией, создавая разнообразные “вики”. И всякий раз это расширяет список доступных им видов грамотности и благоприятно влияет на ее общий уровень.

Wikis pueden ser de gran beneficio en cualquier salón de clase. Los wikis atraen a los estudiantes, son fáciles de utilizar, y enfocan a los estudiantes en el aprendizaje cada vez que interactúan genuinamente con ellos. Wikipedia, la enciclopedia en la red (www.wikipedia.org), es el ejemplo más conocido de un wiki. Hoy día, los maestros y los estudiantes participan más y más en esta tecnología, creando una variedad de tipos wiki, que atraen a los estudiantes, son fáciles de usar, y los enfoca en el aprendizaje al interactuar genuinamente con ellos.
Multicultural Literature That Brings People Together
Authors: Steiner Stan F. , Nash Claudia Peralta , Chase Maggie
Published: September 2008

The authors review numerous books that feature multiple cultures within the story or illustrations. Their belief is that this mosaic of cultures is an accurate reflection of our changing world.

يراجع المؤلفون عدّة كتب تتمثّل فيها ثقافات متعددة ضمن القصّة أو الصور. ويعتقدون أن فسيفساء الثقافات هذه مرآة صادقة لعالمنا المتغيّر.

本文作者审阅了无数有关多元文化的书籍。在这些书籍中，无论是在故事里或插图中都凸显了对多元文化的描述。本文作者相信，这种交织了多种不同文化的描述，正确地反映了我们不断变化的世界。

Les auteurs passent en revue de nombreux livres qui présentent des cultures différentes par le récit ou par l'illustration. Pour eux, cette mosaïque de cultures est un bon reflet de monde en plein changement qui est le nôtre.

Авторы рассматривают многочисленные книги, где в текстах или иллюстрациях присутствует множество разнообразных культур. Авторы полагают, что эта мозаика культур является точным отражением нашего изменчивого мира.

Los autores examinan numerosos libros que presentan varias culturas como parte del cuento o las ilustraciones. Su creencia es que este mosaico de culturas es una reflexión acertada de nuestro mundo cambiante.
Reading Tests as a Genre Study
Authors: Hornof Michelle
Published: September 2008

By viewing standardized reading tests as a unique genre that could be taught, the author designed a two‐week genre study for her reading workshop. The article describes how she planned, taught, and reflected on the unit. This genre study resolved some of the dilemmas she faced around preparing students for mandated testing.

لقد صمّمت الكاتبة دراسة النوع مدتها أسبوعان من خلال النظرة إلى امتحانات القراءة القياسية كنوع خاصّ صالح للتعليم لورشتها القرائية. وتصف المقالة كيف الكاتبة خطّطت ودرّست وفكّرت تأمليّا في الوحدة. وقد حلت دراسة النوع هذه بعض الإشكاليات التي واجهت الكاتبة في إعداد الطلاّب لامتحان إجباريّ.

本文作者认为，标准化阅读测验卷是一种独特的，而又可以用来教导学生的体裁。因此，本文作者为她的阅读工作坊，设计了一个为期两周的体裁研习单元。本文描述她如何计划、施教，与反思该单元的教学。在该体裁研习单元的教学过程中，本文作者解决了一些她在帮助学生应付规定试时所面对的困难。

En considérant les tests de lecture standardisés comme un genre spécifique susceptible d'être enseigné, l'auteur a planifié une étude de genre sur deux semaines dans son atelier de lecture. L'article décrit comment elle a prévu, enseigné et pensé cette spécificité. L'étude de genre a résolu certaines des difficultés qu'elle rencontrait pour préparer les élèves aux tests officiels.

Предлагается рассматривать стандартные проверки чтения как некий уникальный жанр текста, которому следует обучать отдельно. Для этой цели, в рамках читательского семинара, автор разработала двухнедельный курс для усвоения данного жанра. В статье описано планирование курса, его проведение и итоговые размышления автора. Работа над тестом как над особым жанром текста помогла автору разрешить некоторые дилеммы, перед которыми она неизбежно оказывалась, вынужденно готовя учеников к стандартному тестированию.

Considerando los exámenes estándar de lectura como si fueran un género aparte que se puede enseñar, la autora diseñó un estudio de género de dos semanas para su taller de lectura. El artículo describe cómo ella planeó, enseñó, y meditó sobre la unidad. Este estudio de género resolvió algunos de los dilemas que ella enfrentó al preparar a los estudiantes para tomar exámenes requeridos por ley.
Effects of Aerobic Exercise Training in Anemic Cancer Patients Receiving Darbepoetin Alfa: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Courneya Kerry S. , Jones Lee W. , Peddle Carolyn J. , Sellar Christopher M. , Reiman Tony , Joy Anil A. , Chua Neil , Tkachuk Linda , Mackey John R.
Published: September 2008

Background.

Anemia in patients with solid tumors is a common problem that is associated with impaired exercise capacity, increased fatigue, and lower quality of life (QoL). Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) have been shown to improve these outcomes; however, it is unknown if additional benefits can be achieved with aerobic exercise training.

Methods.

We conducted a single-center, prospective, randomized, controlled trial in 55 mild-to-moderately anemic patients with solid tumors. Patients were randomized to either darbepoetin alfa alone (DAL, n = 29) or darbepoetin alfa plus aerobic exercise training (DEX; n = 26). The DEX group performed aerobic exercise training three times per week at 60%–100% of baseline exercise capacity for 12 weeks. The primary endpoint was QoL assessed by the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–Anemia scale. Secondary endpoints were fatigue, cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2peak), hemoglobin (Hb) response, and darbepoetin alfa dosing.

Results.

Intention-to-treat analyses indicated significant improvements in QoL and fatigue in both groups over time but there were no between-group differences. The DEX group had a significantly greater VO2peak than the DAL group (mean group difference, +3.0 ml/kg per minute; 95% confidence interval, 1.2–4.7; p = .001) and there were borderline significant differences in favor of the DEX group for Hb response and darbepoetin alfa dosing.

Conclusions.

Aerobic exercise training did not improve QoL or fatigue beyond the established benefits of DAL but it did result in favorable improvements in exercise capacity and a more rapid Hb response with lower dosing requirements. Our results may be useful to clinicians despite the more recent restrictions on the indications for ESAs.
Gefitinib in Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: Does It Deserve a Second Chance?
Authors: Stinchcombe Thomas E. , Socinski Mark A.
Published: September 2008

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, the reader will be able to: Discuss the data on the patient populations enrolled and the efficacy of erlotinib and gefitinib in the BR.21 and ISEL trials, respectively, and the potential reasons for the differing results of the two trials.Assess the results of recent phase III trials that have compared EGFR TKI therapy with cytotoxic chemotherapy.Describe the data to date from phase II clinical trials of EGFR TKI therapy in clinically or molecularly enriched patient populations.

CME This article is available for continuing medical education credit CME at CME.TheOncologist.com

There has been intense investigation into the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) as a therapeutic target in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Currently there are two EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors, erlotinib and gefitinib, approved for the treatment of advanced NSCLC. In a phase III trial (BR.21), treatment with erlotinib resulted in a statistically significant improvement in overall survival in patients who had experienced progression after one or two previous chemotherapy treatments in comparison with best supportive care (BSC). In contrast, in the Iressa Survival Evaluation in Lung Cancer (ISEL) trial, treatment with gefitinib did not result in a statistically significant improvement in overall survival time in comparison with BSC in patients who had received one or two previous chemotherapy treatments and were refractory to or intolerant of the previous chemotherapy. After the results of the ISEL trial, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration restricted the use of gefitinib, and gefitinib was effectively removed from routine clinical practice within the U.S. However, gefitinib was approved in other countries and clinical trials investigating gefitinib continued. Recently the Iressa Non-small cell lung cancer Trial Evaluating REsponse and Survival against Taxotere (INTEREST) trial met the primary endpoint of demonstrating noninferiority in terms of overall survival for gefitinib (250 mg daily) in comparison with docetaxel (75 mg/m2 every 3 weeks). Patients treated with gefitinib experienced a lower rate of treatment-related toxicity and higher rate of improvement in quality of life. Results of recent gefitinib trials have been provocative, and suggest a role for gefitinib in the treatment of advanced NSCLC.
Therapeutic Application of Noncytotoxic Molecular Targeted Therapy in Gliomas: Growth Factor Receptors and Angiogenesis Inhibitors
Authors: Idbaih Ahmed , Ducray François , Sierra Del Rio Monica , Hoang-Xuan Khê , Delattre Jean-Yves
Published: September 2008

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, the reader should be able to: Describe the key molecular pathways involved in the oncogenesis and angiogenesis of gliomas.Discuss the current use of targeted therapies in gliomas.Explain the clinical challenges in the future development of these agents.

CME This article is available for continuing medical education credit at CME.TheOncologist.com

Growth factor receptors and angiogenesis play major roles in the oncogenesis of gliomas. Over the last several years, several noncytotoxic molecular targeted therapies have been developed against growth factor receptors and tumor angiogenesis. In gliomas, two main anti–growth factor receptor strategies have been evaluated in phase I/II clinical trials: (a) small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and (b) monoclonal antibodies that target growth factors or growth factor receptors other than vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Up to now, few glioma patients have responded to small TKIs (0%–14%) or monoclonal antibodies (three case reports) delivered as a single agent. Greater doses, combined therapies, as well as the identification of molecular biomarkers predictive of response and resistance are important in order to optimize drug delivery and improve efficacy.

Antiangiogenic therapies are promising for the treatment of gliomas. Thalidomide and metronomic chemotherapy were the first antiangiogenic strategies evaluated, but they have shown only modest activity. Recent studies of bevacizumab, an anti-VEGF antibody, and irinotecan, a topoisomerase I inhibitor, have demonstrated a high response rate, suggesting that targeted antiangiogenic therapies may play a significant role in the management of high-grade gliomas in the future. However, the toxicity profiles of these agents are not fully defined and the radiological evaluation of possible tumor response is challenging. Clinical evaluation of several VEGF receptor TKIs is currently ongoing; one of these inhibitors, cediranib, has already demonstrated interesting activity as a single agent. The integrin inhibitor cilengitide represents another promising strategy.
Consensus Conference: Multimodality Management of Early- and Intermediate-Stage Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Bordoni Rodolfo
Published: September 2008

Surgery is the mainstay of treatment in early- and intermediate-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), yet recurrences are frequent. Studies have documented the benefits of chemotherapy administered after resection, but a number of questions remain regarding how overall outcomes can be further improved. To provide the oncology community with direction on these issues, a consensus conference of leading experts in the NSCLC field was held at the Fifth Annual Atlanta Lung Cancer Symposium on October 25–27, 2007.

The available scientific literature is presented and when such literature is lacking, clinical experience is provided to support the following conclusions. Preoperative staging should be done in accordance with the National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines, but endoscopic fine needle aspiration of enlarged mediastinal nodes can be used, and if histology is positive for malignancy, mediastinoscopy can be avoided. Neoadjuvant systemic therapy is not generally recommended but can be considered to downstage an unresectable patient. There is currently no role for preoperative radiation or chemoradiation. Adjuvant systemic therapy is not recommended for stage IA and IB patients; however, adverse prognostic factors are acceptable reasons to consider adjuvant systemic therapy in the latter. Adjuvant systemic therapy is recommended for stage IIA, IIB, and IIIA patients, consistent with recent American Society of Clinical Oncology guidelines. A cisplatin-based regimen should be started within 60 days after surgery, but if relatively contraindicated, carboplatin is an acceptable alternative. Adjuvant radiation therapy is not recommended for N0 and N1 patients, but is used in N2 patients to decrease local recurrence.
The Role of Complement in the Mechanism of Action of Rituximab for B-Cell Lymphoma: Implications for Therapy
Authors: Zhou Xuhui , Hu Weiguo , Qin Xuebin
Published: September 2008

Rituximab, a genetically engineered chimeric monoclonal antibody specifically binding to CD20, was the first antibody approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of cancer. Rituximab significantly improves treatment outcome in relapsed or refractory, low-grade or follicular B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). However, there are also some challenges for us to overcome: why ∼50% of patients are unresponsive to rituximab in spite of the expression of CD20, and why some responsive patients develop resistance to further treatment. Although the antitumor mechanisms of rituximab are not completely understood, several distinct antitumor activities of rituximab have been suspected, including complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC), antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), apoptosis, and direct growth arrest. To counteract resistance to rituximab therapy, several strategies have been developed to: (a) augment the CDC effect by increasing CD20 expression, heteroconjugating rituximab to cobra venom factor and C3b, and inhibiting membrane complement regulatory protein, especially CD59, function; (b) enhance the ADCC effect through some immunomodulatory cytokines and CR3-binding β-glucan; and (c) reduce the apoptotic threshold or induce apoptotic signaling on the tumor. Extensive studies indicate that rituximab combined with these approaches is more effective than a single rituximab approach. Herein, the mechanism of action of and resistance to rituximab therapy in B-cell NHL, in particular, the involvement of the complement system, are extensively reviewed.
Experimental pile subjected to long duration thrusts owing to a moving slope
Authors: Frank R. , Pouget P.
Published: September 2008

An instrumented pipe pile has been installed in an unstable slope to measure long-duration P–Δy lateral reaction curves. After outlining the main features of the experiment, results are given over a period of 16 years. These comprise the soil movements, the pile displacements, the bending moments and the reaction pressures. A Ménard pressuremeter method and a self-boring pressuremeter method are used to predict the P–Δy reaction curves, which are then used in a numerical model to derive the overall pile behaviour. The results are compared with measured pile displacements and bending moments and show that the pile displacements and bending moments calculated by the numerical model are markedly overestimated.
Calibrations of a high-suction tensiometer
Authors: Lourenço S. D. N. , Gallipoli D. , Toll D. G. , Augarde C. E. , Evans F. D. , Medero G. M.
Published: September 2008

High-suction tensiometers are able to measure suctions up to 2 MPa. Direct calibration at such high suctions requires the imposition of negative water pressures, which are difficult to achieve using facilities commonly available in soil mechanics laboratories. For this reason, tensiometers are usually calibrated in the positive pressure range, and such calibration is subsequently extrapolated to negative pressures. This paper examines different experimental techniques to assess the accuracy of such extrapolation. Any error in the calibration process would be directly reflected in the measured values of suction, and might be particularly significant (in relative terms) for the measurement of low suctions. In addition, the results of this study show that calibration in the positive range is affected both by the physical configuration of the tensiometer during calibration and by aspects of its design. The paper concludes that linear extrapolation of the calibration from the positive to the negative range is sufficiently accurate provided that calibration is done under conditions that closely match the conditions in which the tensiometer will be used. Owing to structural differences between tensiometers, and also to suction-induced ‘calibration hysteresis', at least one check on the accuracy of the extrapolated calibration equation over a range of negative pressure should be performed, even if at low values of suction.
Computer modelling of the computed radiographic inspection of wall loss flaws in pipes for image simulation and POD prediction
Authors: Burch S F , Stow B A
Published: September 2008

Within the oil and gas industry, there is increasing use of computed radiography (CR) for the in-service inspection of pipes for wall loss flaws such as corrosion and erosion. Within the HOIS joint industry programme, a major project is underway to develop a recommended practice for
this application of CR. This is being underpinned by the development of a computer model for CR image simulation and prediction of probability of detection (POD). The overall approach follows that developed previously for the POD modelling of the ultrasonic corrosion mapping technique.The
CR model described in this paper differs from others developed elsewhere in that it has a relatively simple physical/mathematical basis, and does not require special interfaces to 3-D CAD packages. This allows the model to run in only a few minutes on a typical current PC. The results from
the model are compared with those from an experimental POD trial. Results are also given from a sensitivity study to identify and quantify the main parameters which influence POD under different inspection conditions.
Development of a procedure for the ultrasonic examination of 9% nickel LNG storage tank welds using phased array technology
Authors: Chardome V , Verhagen B
Published: September 2008

During construction of 9% nickel LNG tanks, weld examination is often done by conventional radiography. This paper presents the development of a procedure for the semi-automated ultrasonic examination using phased array technology in lieu of radiography.
A connectionist model for lock coil rope fault prediction
Authors: Basak D , Pal S , Basak P , Palit D , Patranabis D Chandra
Published: September 2008

In this paper, a neural network-based method of wire rope fault prediction in a system is proposed. This method is developed based on past observations on various wire rope parameters for lock coil rope, for example number of rope used in the system, period of test, number of faults, etc. To capture the data from various systems, with a view to improving the prediction accuracy, we have designed a multi-layer perceptron network (MLP) to realise better performance.
General Transfer Functions for Multiphase Flow in Fractured Reservoirs
Authors: Lu Huiyun , Di Donato Ginevra , Blunt Martin J.
Published: September 2008

We propose a physically motivated formulation for the matrix/fracture transfer function in dual-porosity and dual-permeability reservoir simulation. The approach currently applied in commercial simulators (Barenblatt et al. 1960; Kazemi et al. 1976) uses a Darcy-like flux from matrix to fracture, assuming a quasisteady state between the two domains that does not correctly represent the average transfer rate in a dynamic displacement. On the basis of 1D analyses in the literature, we find expressions for the transfer rate accounting for both displacement and fluid expansion at early and late times. The resultant transfer function is a sum of two terms: a saturation-dependent term representing displacement and a pressure-dependent term to model fluid expansion. The transfer function is validated through comparison with 1D and 2D fine-grid simulations and is compared to predictions using the traditional Kazemi et al. (1976) formulation. Our method captures the dynamics of expansion and displacement more accurately.
Dynamics of Vertical Displacement in Porous Media Associated With CO2 Sequestration
Authors: Riaz A. , Tchelepi H. A.
Published: September 2008

The problem of CO2 sequestration in geologic formations is analyzed from a fundamental perspective. In order to clearly understand the first order behavior of the system, the mechanisms of trapping, dissolution and chemical reactions are not accounted for. The analysis is concerned with the post-injection period when the CO2 plume rises due to buoyancy. Characteristics of the plume for a 1D problem show that a pair of shocks moving in opposite directions is produced at the top end. The downward moving shock interacts with the bottom end of the plume resulting in a decrease in the maximum value of the CO2 saturation. High accuracy numerical simulations are employed to understand the 2D mechanisms of plume evolution in terms of the viscosity ratio and the capillary number. 2D results show that the plume rises to significantly lower depth, in shorter times, as compared to the 1D problem. This behavior is governed by the 2D velocity field around the plume that additionally leads to spanwise wave interactions and results in a faster decrease of the maximum CO2 saturation. The initial dimensions of the plume have a strong influence on the time scales of the wave interactions. The maximum upward velocity that is generated due to buoyancy is closely related to the maximum saturation and decays rapidly to very small values with a decrease in saturation. In the case where the viscosity of CO2 is a tenth of the viscosity of the surrounding fluid, the plume rises up about 500 m in 700 yrs. Our results provide an upper bound on the maximum rise distance and the sequestration time for the problem involving trapping and dissolution. Comparison with experimental results show that the buoyancy velocity obtained from our results is of the same order as observed in the experiments.
Chemical-Demulsifier Development Based on Critical-Electric-Field Measurements
Authors: Beetge J. H. , Horne B. O.
Published: September 2008

Resolution of water-and-oil emulsions is critical to the oilfield industry. A wide variety of undesirable emulsions are formed during the production, handling, and processing of crude oil. Although various methods are used, dehydration of crude oils is achieved mostly by gravitational sedimentation, normally at elevated temperatures and with the addition of chemical demulsifiers.

The quantitative evaluation of emulsion stability by a critical-electric-field (CEF) technique was developed to play a significant role in chemical-demulsifier research. It was found that the CEF technique is useful not only in the evaluation of water-in-oil-emulsion stability, but also in studying the mechanisms of stabilization and demulsification.

A method was developed to study the mechanism of emulsion stabilization in terms of flocculation and coalescence behavior of a crude-oil emulsion. The effect of chemical demulsifiers on emulsion stability was evaluated in terms of the method developed in this study. By following this approach, it is possible to determine the relative amount of energy required for both flocculation and coalescence in the presence of a chemical demulsifier.
Evaluation of Weed Management Practices for Rain‐Fed Safflower Production in a Semiarid Mediterranean Environment
Authors: Yau S. K. , Haidar M. A.
Published: September 2008

Since safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) has slow early growth, effective early weed control is essential. The objective of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of various nonchemical and chemical practices for weed management in rain‐fed safflower. Field experiments were performed for three production years in the Bekaa Valley of Lebanon. Six weed management practices were tested: delayed sowing, delayed sowing with interrow cultivation, normal sowing with interrow cultivation, preemergence herbicide, hand weeding, and the normal sowing weedy check. Averaged over 1999–2000 and 2000–2001, weeds were absent with herbicide application and there were as few as <4 weed plants m−2 in delayed sowing with interrow cultivation and hand weeding. Interrow cultivation under normal sowing, herbicide application, and hand weeding gave higher safflower seed and straw yields than the weedy check. Over the three production years, only interrow cultivation under normal sowing and hand weeding produced higher safflower seed and straw yields than the weedy check. In conclusion, interrow cultivation under normal sowing could be considered the best practice; application of pendimethalin and pronamide was also superior to delay sowing.
Variability of Soil Properties, Early Phosphorus and Potassium Uptake, and Incidence of Pests and Weeds in Relation to Soybean Grain Yield
Authors: Sawchik Jorge , Mallarino Antonio P.
Published: September 2008

Successful crop management requires understanding relationships between site characteristics and crop yield. We studied intercorrelations among soil and crop properties using factor analysis (FA) and principal components analysis (PCA), and their relationships with soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] within‐field yield variability. Site variables (22) measured on 0.2‐ha cells of 12‐ to 20‐ha areas of five Iowa fields were: elevation; soil texture; extractable nutrients; incidence of soybean cyst nematode (Heterodera glycines) (SCN), diseases, and weeds; soybean dry weight (DW), height, and P and K uptake at V5; plant height at R5; and grain yield. Agronomic interpretations of interrelationships among site variables were more straightforward for FA than for PCA. The factors conditions for early growth and nutrient uptake and intrinsic soil properties were present in all fields, plant P and K availability was present in three fields, and the factor soybean pests, weeds or plant growth was present in the other fields. Factor analysis and PCA accounted for 62 to 64% of the yield variability in the field with the largest yield CV (30%) and 5 to 35% in the other fields (CV 2.8 to 5.9%). Two factors related significantly to yield in two fields (plant P and K availability and intrinsic soil properties) while others were specific to one field. Factor analysis identified groups of interrelated site variables, showed how they accounted for yield variability, and showed that single measurements seldom account for most yield variation in a field.