bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MUC1 Oncoprotein Blocks Death Receptor–Mediated Apoptosis by Inhibiting Recruitment of Caspase-8
Authors: Agata Naoki , Ahmad Rehan , Kawano Takeshi , Raina Deepak , Kharbanda Surender , Kufe Donald
Published: August 2008

Stimulation of the death receptor superfamily induces the activation of caspase-8 and thereby the apoptotic response. The MUC1 oncoprotein is aberrantly overexpressed by diverse human malignancies and inhibits stress-induced apoptosis. The present results show that MUC1 blocks activation of caspase-8 and apoptosis in the response of malignant cells to tumor necrosis factor α, tumor necrosis factor–related apoptosis-inducing ligand, and Fas ligand. The results show that MUC1 associates constitutively with caspase-8. The MUC1 cytoplasmic domain (MUC1-CD) binds directly to the caspase-8 p18 fragment upstream to the catalytic Cys360 site. The results also show that MUC1-CD binds to Fas-associated death domain (FADD) at the death effector domain. In nonmalignant epithelial cells, MUC1 interacts with caspase-8 and FADD as an induced response to death receptor stimulation. The functional significance of these interactions is supported by the demonstration that MUC1 competes with caspase-8 for binding to FADD and blocks recruitment of caspase-8 to the death-inducing signaling complex. These findings indicate that MUC1 is of importance to the physiologic regulation of caspase-8 activity and that overexpression of MUC1, as found in human malignancies, could contribute to constitutive inhibition of death receptor signaling pathways. [Cancer Res 2008;68(15):6136–44]
Rat Prolactinoma Cell Growth Regulation by Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Ligands
Authors: Vlotides George , Siegel Emily , Donangelo Ines , Gutman Shiri , Ren Song-Guang , Melmed Shlomo
Published: August 2008

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) regulates pituitary development, hormone synthesis, and cell proliferation. Although ErbB receptor family members are expressed in pituitary tumors, the effects of EGF signaling on pituitary tumors are not known. Immunoprecipitation and Western blot confirmed EGF receptor (EGFR) and p185c-neu protein expression in GH3 lacto-somatotroph but not in adrenocorticotropic hormone–secreting AtT20 pituitary tumor cells. EGF (5 nmol/L) selectively enhanced baseline (∼4-fold) and serum-induced (>6-fold) prolactin (PRL) mRNA levels, whereas gefitinib, an EGFR antagonist, suppressed serum-induced cell proliferation and Pttg1 expression, blocked PRL gene expression, and reversed EGF-mediated somatotroph-lactotroph phenotype switching. Downstream EGFR signaling by ERK, but not phosphoinositide-3-kinase or protein kinase C, mediated the gefitinib response. Tumors in athymic mice implanted s.c. with GH3 cells resulted in weight gain accompanied by increased serum PRL, growth hormone, and insulin growth factor 1. Gefitinib decreased tumor volumes and peripheral hormone levels by ∼30% and restored normal mouse body weight patterns. Mice treated with gefitinib exhibited decreased tumor tissue ERK1/2 phosphorylation and down-regulated tumor PRL and Pttg1 mRNA abundance. These results show that EGFR inhibition controls tumor growth and PRL secretion in experimental lacto-somatotroph tumors. EGFR inhibitors could therefore be useful for the control of PRL secretion and tumor load in prolactinomas resistant to dopaminergic treatment, or for those prolactinomas undergoing rare malignant transformation. [Cancer Res 2008;68(15):6377–86]
Targeting Cancer Stem Cells through L1CAM Suppresses Glioma Growth
Authors: Bao Shideng , Wu Qiulian , Li Zhizhong , Sathornsumetee Sith , Wang Hui , McLendon Roger E. , Hjelmeland Anita B. , Rich Jeremy N.
Published: August 2008

Malignant gliomas are lethal cancers that display striking cellular heterogeneity. A highly tumorigenic glioma tumor subpopulation, termed cancer stem cells or tumor-initiating cells, promotes therapeutic resistance and tumor angiogenesis. Therefore, targeting cancer stem cells may improve patient survival. We interrogated the role of a neuronal cell adhesion molecule, L1CAM, in glioma stem cells as L1CAM regulates brain development and is expressed in gliomas. L1CAM+ and CD133+ cells cosegregated in gliomas, and levels of L1CAM were higher in CD133+ glioma cells than normal neural progenitors. Targeting L1CAM using lentiviral-mediated short hairpin RNA (shRNA) interference in CD133+ glioma cells potently disrupted neurosphere formation, induced apoptosis, and inhibited growth specifically in glioma stem cells. We identified a novel mechanism for L1CAM regulation of cell survival as L1CAM knockdown decreased expression of the basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor Olig2 and up-regulated the p21WAF1/CIP1 tumor suppressor in CD133+ glioma cells. To determine if targeting L1CAM was sufficient to reduce glioma stem cell tumor growth in vivo, we targeted L1CAM in glioma cells before injection into immunocompromised mice or directly in established tumors. In each glioma xenograft model, shRNA targeting of L1CAM expression in vivo suppressed tumor growth and increased the survival of tumor-bearing animals. Together, these data show that L1CAM is required for maintaining the growth and survival of CD133+ glioma cells both in vitro and in vivo, and L1CAM may represent a cancer stem cell–specific therapeutic target for improving the treatment of malignant gliomas and other brain tumors. [Cancer Res 2008;68(15):6043–8]
Radiation-Mediated Up-Regulation of Gene Expression from Replication-Defective Adenoviral Vectors: Implications for Sodium Iodide Symporter Gene Therapy
Authors: Hingorani Mohan , White Christine L. , Zaidi Shane , Merron Andrew , Peerlinck Inge , Gore Martin E. , Nutting Christopher M. , Pandha Hardev S. , Melcher Alan A. , Vile Richard G. , Vassaux Georges , Harrington Kevin J.
Published: August 2008

Purpose: To assess the effects of external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) on adenoviral-mediated transgene expression in vitro and in vivo and to define an optimal strategy for combining sodium iodide symporter (NIS)–mediated 131I therapy with EBRT.

Experimental Design: Expression of reporter genes [NIS, green fluorescent protein (GFP), β-galactosidase (lacZ), and luciferase (Luc)] from replication-deficient adenoviruses was assessed in tumor cell lines under basal conditions and following irradiation. The effects of viral multiplicity of infection (MOI) and EBRT dose on the magnitude and duration of gene expression were determined. In vivo studies were done with Ad-CMV-GFP and Ad-RSV-Luc.

Results: EBRT increased NIS, GFP, and β-galactosidase expression in colorectal, head and neck, and lung cancer cells. Radiation dose and MOI were important determinants of response to EBRT, with greatest effects at higher EBRT doses and lower MOIs. Radiation exerted both transductional (through increased coxsackie-adenoviral receptor and integrin αv) and nontransductional effects, irrespective of promoter sequence (CMV, RSV, hTR, or hTERT). Analysis of the schedule of EBRT followed by viral infection revealed maximal transduction at 24 hours. Radiation maintained increasing radioiodide uptake from Ad-hTR-NIS over 6 days, in direct contrast to reducing levels in unirradiated cells. The effects of EBRT in increasing and maintaining adenovirus-mediated transgene expression were also seen in vivo using GFP- and luciferase-expressing adenoviral vectors.

Conclusions: Radiation increased the magnitude and duration of NIS gene expression from replication-deficient adenoviruses. The transductional effect is maximal at 24 hours, but radioiodide uptake is maintained at an elevated level over 6 days after infection.
Prospective Study of the Accuracy of EGFR Mutational Analysis by High-Resolution Melting Analysis in Small Samples Obtained from Patients with Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Fukui Tomoya , Ohe Yuichiro , Tsuta Koji , Furuta Koh , Sakamoto Hiromi , Takano Toshimi , Nokihara Hiroshi , Yamamoto Noboru , Sekine Ikuo , Kunitoh Hideo , Asamura Hisao , Tsuchida Takaaki , Kaneko Masahiro , Kusumoto Masahiko , Yamamoto Seiichiro , Yoshida Teruhiko , Tamura Tomohide
Published: August 2008

Purpose: Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations, especially in-frame deletions in exon 19 (DEL) and a point mutation in exon 21 (L858R), predict gefitinib sensitivity in patients with non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In this study, we verified the accuracy of EGFR mutation analysis in small samples by high-resolution melting analysis (HRMA), which is a rapid method using PCR amplification with a dye to analyze the melting curves in NSCLC.

Experimental Design: We designed a prospective study to compare the sensitivity and specificity of HRMA and DNA sequencing with laser capture microdissection. Eligible patients with lung lesions were screened by bronchoscopy or percutaneous needle biopsy to histologically confirm the diagnosis, followed by surgical resection of the NSCLC. Small diagnostic specimens were analyzed for EGFR mutations by HRMA, and the surgically resected specimens were examined for mutations by HRMA and DNA sequencing.

Results: The analyses for EGFR mutations were conducted in 52 eligible cases of the 92 enrolled patients. EGFR mutations were detected in 18 (34.6%) patients. The results of HRMA from surgically resected specimens as well as DNA sequencing revealed 100% sensitivity and specificity. On the other hand, the sensitivity and specificity of HRMA from the small diagnostic specimens were 83.3% and 100%, respectively.

Conclusions: In this study, we showed that HRMA is a highly accurate method for detecting DEL and L858R mutations in patients with NSCLC, although it is necessary to consider the identification of patients with a false-negative result when the analysis is conducted using small samples.
Telomere Maintenance in Laser Capture Microdissection–Purified Barrett's Adenocarcinoma Cells and Effect of Telomerase Inhibition In vivo
Authors: Shammas Masood A. , Qazi Aamer , Batchu Ramesh B. , Bertheau Robert C. , Wong Jason Y.Y. , Rao Manjula Y. , Prasad Madhu , Chanda Diptiman , Ponnazhagan Selvarangan , Anderson Kenneth C. , Steffes Christopher P. , Munshi Nikhil C. , De Vivo Immaculata , Beer David G. , Gryaznov Sergei , Weaver Donald W. , Goyal Raj K.
Published: August 2008

Purpose: The aims of this study were to investigate telomere function in normal and Barrett's esophageal adenocarcinoma (BEAC) cells purified by laser capture microdissection and to evaluate the effect of telomerase inhibition in cancer cells in vitro and in vivo.

Experimental Design: Epithelial cells were purified from surgically resected esophagi. Telomerase activity was measured by modified telomeric repeat amplification protocol and telomere length was determined by real-time PCR assay. To evaluate the effect of telomerase inhibition, adenocarcinoma cell lines were continuously treated with a specific telomerase inhibitor (GRN163L) and live cell number was determined weekly. Apoptosis was evaluated by Annexin labeling and senescence by β-galactosidase staining. For in vivo studies, severe combined immunodeficient mice were s.c. inoculated with adenocarcinoma cells and following appearance of palpable tumors, injected i.p. with saline or GRN163L.

Results: Telomerase activity was significantly elevated whereas telomeres were shorter in BEAC cells relative to normal esophageal epithelial cells. The treatment of adenocarcinoma cells with telomerase inhibitor, GRN163L, led to loss of telomerase activity, reduction in telomere length, and growth arrest through induction of both the senescence and apoptosis. GRN163L-induced cell death could also be expedited by addition of the chemotherapeutic agents doxorubicin and ritonavir. Finally, the treatment with GRN163L led to a significant reduction in tumor volume in a subcutaneous tumor model.

Conclusions: We show that telomerase activity is significantly elevated whereas telomeres are shorter in BEAC and suppression of telomerase inhibits proliferation of adenocarcinoma cells both in vitro and in vivo.
Acid Sphingomyelinase Promotes Lipoprotein Retention Within Early Atheromata and Accelerates Lesion Progression
Authors: Devlin Cecilia M. , Leventhal Andrew R. , Kuriakose George , Schuchman Edward H. , Williams Kevin Jon , Tabas Ira
Published: August 2008

Objective—

The key initial step in atherogenesis is the subendothelial retention of apolipoprotein B–containing lipoproteins. Acid sphingomyelinase (acid SMase), an enzyme present extracellularly within the arterial wall, strongly enhances lipoprotein retention in model systems in vitro, and retained lipoproteins in human plaques are enriched in ceramide, a product of SMase. We now sought to test a direct causative role for acid SMase in lipoprotein retention and atherogenesis in vivo.

Methods and Results—

We studied atherogenesis and lipoprotein retention in
Asm
−/−
versus
Asm
+/+
mice on the
Apoe
−/−
and
Ldlr
−/−
backgrounds.
Asm
−/−
;
Apoe
−/−
mice had a ≈40% to 50% decrease in early foam cell aortic root lesion area compared with
Asm
+/+
;
Apoe
−/−
mice (
P
<0.05) despite no difference in plasma cholesterol or lipoproteins. To assay lipoprotein retention in vivo, the two groups of mice were injected with fluorescently labeled
Apoe
−/−
lipoproteins. Early foam cell lesions of
Asm
−/−
;
Apoe
−/−
mice showed a striking 87% reduction in lipoprotein trapping (
P
<0.0001) compared with
Asm
+/+
;
Apoe
−/−
lesions. Similar results were obtained with
Ldlr
−/−
mice, including an 81% reduction in lipoprotein retention within
Asm
−/−
;
Ldlr
−/−
lesions compared with
Asm
+/+
;
Ldlr
−/−
lesions (
P
<0.0005).

Conclusions—

These findings support a causal role for acid SMase in lipoprotein retention and lesion progression and provides further support for the response-to-retention model of atherogenesis.
Functional Analysis of the Components of the Right Ventricle in the Setting of Tetralogy of Fallot
Authors: Bodhey Narendra K. , Beerbaum Philipp , Sarikouch Samir , Kropf Siegfried , Lange Peter , Berger Felix , Anderson Robert H. , Kuehne Titus
Published: August 2008

Background—

Anatomic and functional observations suggest that the right ventricle (RV) can be analyzed in terms of its inlet, apical trabecular, and outlet components. Our study was designed to evaluate the regional adaptation of these components to different conditions of loading, with additional analysis of the surgical techniques used for primary repair.

Methods and Results—

We studied prospectively 45 patients with tetralogy of Fallot (age, 20.5�8.1 years) and 24 control subjects (age, 20.1�5.8 years). All subjects were studied by using cardiac MRI. End-diastolic (EDV), end-systolic (ESV), stroke volumes (SV), and ejection fraction (EF) were determined for the overall RV and separately for its inlet, apical trabecular, and outlet components. The patients had pulmonary regurgitant fractions of 33.2�11.1%, and RV peak-systolic pressures of 40.7�16.1 mm Hg. In controls, the apical trabecular component EDV was 51.5�11.1 mL/m
2
(54.3�6.8% of the total RV EDV), ESV was 19.2�6.3 mL/m
2
(47.6�10.5% of RV ESV), and SV was 32.3�6.9 mL/m
2
(58.9�6.6% of RV SV), resulting in an EF of 63.1�7.7%. When considering all patients, the apical trabecular component took up the greatest part of the overload, having an EDV of 76.5�18.1 mL/m
2
, and an ESV of 31.6�12.8 mL/m
2
, reflecting an increase of 49 and 67% over controls, respectively (
P
<0.001). EF was 59.7�10.7%, and was maintained at control levels (
P
=0.132). In controls, the outlet had considerable ejecting force, with an EF of 54.8�9.1%, whereas it was decreased in the patients with tetralogy (EF=28.5�11.9%). There was significant increase of ESV (
P
<0.001), but not of EDV, with EF decreased by 45% (
P
<0.001). The inlet was not significantly affected by overload. The surgical technique did not significantly affect any measured parameter for any component.

Conclusions—

In patients with tetralogy of Fallot, subsequent to surgical correction, the individual components of the RV respond in characteristic fashion to RV overload.
Calcium Phosphate Crystals Induce Cell Death in Human Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells
Authors: Ewence Alexandra E. , Bootman Martin , Roderick H. Llewelyn , Skepper Jeremy N. , McCarthy Geraldine , Epple Matthias , Neumann Markus , Shanahan Catherine M. , Proudfoot Diane
Published: August 2008

Vascular calcification is associated with an increased risk of myocardial infarction; however, the mechanisms linking these 2 processes are unknown. Studies in macrophages have suggested that calcium phosphate crystals induce the release of proinflammatory cytokines; however, no studies have been performed on the effects of calcium phosphate crystals on vascular smooth muscle cell function. In the present study, we found that calcium phosphate crystals induced cell death in human aortic vascular smooth muscle cells with their potency depending on their size and composition. Calcium phosphate crystals of approximately 1 μm or less in diameter caused rapid rises in intracellular calcium concentration, an effect that was inhibited by the lysosomal proton pump inhibitor, bafilomycin A1. Bafilomycin A1 also blocked vascular smooth muscle cell death suggesting that crystal dissolution in lysosomes leads to an increase in intracellular calcium levels and subsequent cell death. These studies give novel insights into the bioactivity of calcified deposits and suggest that small calcium phosphate crystals could destabilize atherosclerotic plaques by initiating inflammation and by causing vascular smooth muscle cell death.
Synergistic Effect of an Endothelin Type A Receptor Antagonist, S-0139, With rtPA on the Neuroprotection After Embolic Stroke
Authors: Zhang Rui Lan , Zhang Chunling , Zhang Li , Roberts Cindi , Lu Mei , Kapke Alissa , Cui Yisheng , Ninomiya Mitsuyoshi , Nagafuji Toshiaki , Albala Bruce , Zhang Zheng Gang , Chopp Michael
Published: August 2008

Background and Purpose—

Using a model of embolic stroke, the present study tested the hypothesis that blockage of endothelin-1 with S-0139, a specific endothelin type A receptor (ET
A
) antagonist, enhances the neuroprotective effect of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA) by suppressing molecules that mediate thrombosis and blood brain barrier (BBB) disruption induced by ischemia and rtPA.

Methods—

Rats (n=104) subjected to embolic middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion were randomly divided into 1 of 4 infusion groups with 26 rats per group: (1) the control group in which rats were administered saline, (2) the monotherapy rtPA group in which rtPA was intravenously administered at a dose of 10 mg/kg 4 hours after MCA occlusion, (3) the monotherapy S-0139 group in which S-0139 was intravenously given 2 hours after MCA occlusion, and (4) the combination of rtPA +S-0139 group in which S-0139 and rtPA were given 2 and 4 hours after MCA occlusion, respectively. Measurements of infarct volume and parenchymal hemorrhage, behavioral outcome, and immunostaining were performed on rats euthanized 1 and 7 days after stroke.

Results—

The combination therapy of S-0139 and rtPA significantly (
P
<0.01) reduced infarct volume (24.8±0.9% versus 33.8±1.5% in control) and hemorrhagic area (7.1±6.1 μm
2
versus 36.5±19.2 μm
2
in control) and improved functional recovery compared with control saline-treated animals. Immunostaining analysis revealed that the combination therapy had the synergistically suppressed ischemia- and rtPA-induced ICAM-1, protease-activated receptor 1 (PAR-1), as well as accumulation of platelets in cerebral microvessels. Furthermore, the combination treatment synergistically reduced loss of laminin, ZO1, and occludin in cerebral vessels.

Conclusions—

These data suggest that S-0139 provides the neuroprotection by suppressing ischemia- and rtPA-triggered molecules that evoke thrombosis and BBB disruption.
Computational Predictions on the Receptive Fields and Organization of V2 for Shape Processing
Authors: Sit Yiu Fai , Miikkulainen Risto
Published: August 2008

It has been more than 40 years since the first studies of the secondary visual cortex (V2) were published. However, no concrete hypothesis on how the receptive field of V2 neurons supports general shape processing has been proposed to date. Using a computational model that follows the principle of self-organization, we advance two hypotheses in this letter: (1) typical V2 orientation-selective receptive field contains a primary orientation and a secondary orientation component, forming a corner, a junction, or a cross; and (2) V2 columns with the same primary orientation form contiguous domains, divided into subdomains that prefer different secondary orientations. The first hypothesis is consistent with existing experimental evidence, and both hypotheses can be tested with current techniques in animals. In this manner, computational modeling can be used to provide verifiable predictions that eventually allow us to understand the role of V2 in visual processing.
A 5-yr 40-km-Resolution Global Climatology of Superrefraction for Ground-Based Weather Radars
Authors: Lopez Philippe
Published: August 2008

The propagation of electromagnetic waves emitted from ground-based meteorological radars is determined by the stratification of the atmosphere. In extreme superrefractive situations characterized by strong temperature inversions or strong vertical gradients of moisture, the radar beam can be deflected toward the ground (ducting or trapping). This phenomenon often results in spurious returned echoes and misinterpretation of radar images such as erroneous precipitation detection. In this work, a 5-yr global climatology of the frequency of superrefractive and ducting conditions and of trapping-layer base height has been produced using refractivity computations from ECMWF temperature, moisture, and pressure analyses at a 40-km horizontal resolution. The aim of this climatology is to better document how frequent such events are, which is a prerequisite for fully benefiting from radar data information for the multiple purposes of model validation, precipitation analysis, and data assimilation. First, the main climatological features are summarized for the whole globe: high- and midlatitude oceans seldom experience superrefraction or ducting whereas tropical oceans are strongly affected, especially in regions where the trade wind inversion is intense and lying near the surface. Over land, seasonal averages of superrefraction (ducting) frequencies reach 80% (40%) over tropical moist areas year-round but remain below 40% (15%) in most other regions. A particular focus is then laid on Europe and the United States, where extensive precipitation radar networks already exist. Seasonal statistics exhibit a pronounced diurnal cycle of ducting occurrences, with averaged frequencies peaking at 60% in summer late afternoon over the eastern half of the United States, the Balkans, and the Po Valley but no ducts by midday. Similarly high ducting frequencies are found over the southwestern coast of the United States at night. A potentially strong reduction of ducting occurrences with increased radar height (especially in midlatitude summer late afternoon) is evidenced by initiating refractivity vertical gradient computations from either the lowest or the second lowest model level. However, installing radar on tall towers also brings other problems, such as a possible amplification of sidelobe clutter echoes.
On the Origin of the Standardization Sensitivity in RegEM Climate Field Reconstructions*
Authors: Smerdon Jason E. , Kaplan Alexey , Chang Diana
Published: August 2008

The regularized expectation maximization (RegEM) method has been used in recent studies to derive climate field reconstructions of Northern Hemisphere temperatures during the last millennium. Original pseudoproxy experiments that tested RegEM [with ridge regression regularization (RegEM-Ridge)] standardized the input data in a way that improved the performance of the reconstruction method, but included data from the reconstruction interval for estimates of the mean and standard deviation of the climate field—information that is not available in real-world reconstruction problems. When standardizations are confined to the calibration interval only, pseudoproxy reconstructions performed with RegEM-Ridge suffer from warm biases and variance losses. Only cursory explanations of this so-called standardization sensitivity of RegEM-Ridge have been published, but they have suggested that the selection of the regularization (ridge) parameter by means of minimizing the generalized cross validation (GCV) function is the source of the effect. The origin of the standardization sensitivity is more thoroughly investigated herein and is shown not to be associated with the selection of the ridge parameter; sets of derived reconstructions reveal that GCV-selected ridge parameters are minimally different for reconstructions standardized either over both the reconstruction and calibration interval or over the calibration interval only. While GCV may select ridge parameters that are different from those that precisely minimize the error in pseudoproxy reconstructions, RegEM reconstructions performed with truly optimized ridge parameters are not significantly different from those that use GCV-selected ridge parameters. The true source of the standardization sensitivity is attributable to the inclusion or exclusion of additional information provided by the reconstruction interval, namely, the mean and standard deviation fields computed for the complete modeled dataset. These fields are significantly different from those for the calibration period alone because of the violation of a standard EM assumption that missing values are missing at random in typical paleoreconstruction problems; climate data are predominantly missing in the preinstrumental period when the mean climate was significantly colder than the mean of the instrumental period. The origin of the standardization sensitivity therefore is not associated specifically with RegEM-Ridge, and more recent attempts to regularize the EM algorithm using truncated total least squares could theoretically also be susceptible to the problems affecting RegEM-Ridge. Nevertheless, the principal failure of RegEM-Ridge arises because of a poor initial estimate of the mean field, and therefore leaves open the possibility that alternative methods may perform better.
Artificial Skill due to Predictor Screening
Authors: DelSole Timothy , Shukla Jagadish
Published: August 2008

This paper shows that if predictors are selected preferentially because of their strong correlation with a prediction variable, then standard methods for validating prediction models derived from these predictors will be biased. This bias is demonstrated by screening random numbers and showing that regression models derived from these random numbers have apparent skill, in a cross-validation sense, even though the predictors cannot possibly have the slightest predictive usefulness. This result seemingly implies that random numbers can give useful predictions, since the sample being predicted is separate from the sample used to estimate the regression model. The resolution of this paradox is that, prior to cross validation, all of the data had been used to evaluate correlations for selecting predictors. This situation differs from real-time forecasts in that the future sample is not available for screening. These results clarify the fallacy in assuming that if a model performs well in cross-validation mode, then it will perform well in real-time forecasts. This bias appears to afflict several forecast schemes that have been proposed in the literature, including operational forecasts of Indian monsoon rainfall and number of Atlantic hurricanes. The cross-validated skill of these models probably would not be distinguishable from that of a no-skill model if prior screening were taken into account.
Determination of Yarn Interlacing Frequency of Triangular Interlacing Nozzles through a Compressible Flow Simulation
Authors: Chau Shiu-Wu , Liao Wen-Lin
Published: August 2008

A numerical approach to predict the yarn interlacing frequency of triangular interlacing nozzle is discussed in this paper. The inviscid, compressible flow field inside air nozzles is computed through solving the steady continuity, momentum and energy equations with a finite volume method. A mathematical model for the prediction of yarn interlacing frequency of air nozzle is proposed, which is determined by the vorticity strength, air density, yarn density and yarn feed speed. The influences of inlet size, inlet pressure and inlet angle on the yarn interlacing frequency of an air nozzle series are studied. The numerical results are validated by experimental measurements and show good prediction accuracy for yarn interlacing frequency. The shock interaction inside the expansion chamber explains the nonlinear behavior of the yarn interlacing frequency curve under various operation conditions. For air nozzles only differing in their inlet diameter, an optimal size of inlet diameter can be attained for a given pressure. Insufficient or excessive size of inlet opening leads to a weak interaction of shock surface inside the expansion chamber, and results in a lower number of knots per unit length. For a given nozzle, an optimal inlet pressure can be obtained, which yields the largest yarn interlacing frequency per unit pressure. A minor increase in the yarn interlacing frequency is achieved for the inlet pressure greater than the critical pressure because the upper-lower shock surface has been completely developed. For air nozzles only differing in their inlet angle, an optimal inlet angle can be found at a given pressure, which seems insensitive to the inlet pressure. The proposed approach is proven to be effective and accurate in predicting the yarn interlacing frequency of air-jet nozzles, and also very promising for the design of air-jet interlacing nozzles to evaluate yarn interlacing frequency under different working conditions.
The Use of Textile Materials to Design Wearable Microstrip Patch Antennas
Authors: Hertleer Carla , Tronquo Anneleen , Rogier Hendrik , Van Langenhove Lieva
Published: August 2008

So-called “wearable textile systems” are intended to improve the quality of life by enhancing the wearer's functionalities. Garments having the ability to monitor biosignals and communicate with the environment can, for example, provide continuous information about a person's state of health. These data can be valuable medical input, but also in emergency operations such as fire extinguishing, it can be a tool to decide on the operability of the fire fighter. However, wireless communication with the environment requires antennas. When preserving textile properties such as flexibility and comfort is an issue, antennas should be made fully integratable into garments and, thus, manufactured from textile material. This paper shows the feasibility of the use of textile materials in the design of antennas working in the dedicated 2.45 GHz frequency range. We used a commercial electromagnetic field simulator to design microstrip patch antennas fabricated from both conductive (electrotextiles) and nonconductive textile material. For the antenna and the ground plane, readily available electrotextiles were assessed: FlecTron®, Shieldit™ Super and Zelt , while a fleece fabric was used for the antenna substrate. We found that such antenna prototypes had an efficiency of more than 75 %, which was comparable to conventional non-textile antennas. This research is an initial step in designing textile antennas and paves the way for a new generation of communicating garments.
A Study of the Twisted Strength of the Whirled Airflow in Murata Vortex Spinning
Authors: Zhuanyong Zou  , Longdi Cheng  , Wenliang Xue  , Jianyong Yu
Published: August 2008

In Murata vortex spinning, the highspeed whirled airflow twists the open-end trailing fibers converged at the inlet of the hollow spindle into a yarn. The twisted strength acting on the vortex spun yarn by the whirled airflow was investigated by an analytical model based on simulating the flow field inside the nozzle block. The results showed that the twisted strength acting on the vortex spun yarn by the vortex could be regarded as the following functions: (1) the number of jet orifices, the jet angle, the inner diameter of the jet orifice and the nozzle block; (2) the distance from the inlet of the nozzle block to the inlet of the hollow spindle; (3) the projecting height of open-trail-end fibers twined over the top exterior of the hollow spindle; (4) the vortex spun yarn diameter; and (5) the velocity at exit of the jet orifice (i.e. corresponding to nozzle pressure). Increasing the velocity at exit of the jet orifice increased the strength twisted by the whirled airflow. The strength twisted by the whirled airflow increased with decreasing inlet diameter of the nozzle block, and was enhanced with increasing outer diameter of the hollow spindle. The strength twisted by the whirled airflow was weaker when the distance from the inlet of the nozzle block to the inlet of the hollow spindle was bigger. The numerical results validated the effectiveness of the analytical model.
Torque Due to Applied Tension in Ring-spun Yarns
Authors: Phillips David G.
Published: August 2008

A previous study showed that the torque in worsted wool yarns could be measured directly when the yarns were in the form of a hank under tension and that the torque could be split into two components, (a) the torque due to the applied tension and (b) the intrinsic torque at zero tension. This approach was applied to analyze the torque due to tension for a wide range of ring-spun worsted wool yarns of different structural parameters including yarn count, yarn twist and fiber diameter. The torque due to tension was measured on unsteamed and steamed yarns in dry and wet conditions and the data analyzed by applying mechanical models of yarn torque to estimate the yarn packing fraction. By using an effective linear density to evaluate the torque data, an estimate of the packing fraction of 0.63 allowed prediction of the torque in worsted wool yarns prepared from 18 to 24 micrometer diameter fibers across a wide range of yarn counts (16—80 tex) and wet and dry test conditions, and this approach was tested on some representative commercial wool worsted yarns. The effect of setting of worsted wool yarns on the torque due to applied load and the packing fraction was also identified and setting was shown to have little effect on the yarn torque due to tension.
Comparison of Ballistic Performance and Energy Absorption Capabilities of Woven and Unidirectional Aramid Fabrics
Authors: Karahan Mehmet
Published: August 2008

This study investigated and compared the performance of ballistic protection panels formed with 100% woven and 100% unidirectional nonwoven para-aramid fabrics at different fabric ply numbers. For this purpose, Twaron CT 710 type woven para-aramid fabric panels and K-Flex unidirectional nonwoven para-aramid fabric panels (which were formed by using Kevlar 129 yarns) of different ply numbers were subjected to ballistic tests according to NIJ standards. Ballistic performance of the test samples was determined by measuring trauma depth and trauma diameter. The energy absorbed by fabric layers and the energy transmitted to the back of fabric layers were calculated from trauma depth and trauma diameter values. It was shown that the unidirectional fabric panels absorbed around 12.5—16.5% more energy than woven fabric panels for the unit panel weight.
Modern Applications of Nanotechnology in Textiles
Authors: Sawhney A.P.S. , Condon B. , Singh K.V. , Pang S.S. , Li G. , Hui David
Published: August 2008

Nanotechnology (NT) deals with materials 1 to 100 nm in length. At the National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI), NT is defined as the understanding, manipulation, and control of matter at the above-stated length, such that the physical, chemical, and biological properties of the materials (individual atoms, molecules, and bulk matter) can be engineered, synthesized, and altered to develop the next generation of improved materials, devices, structures, and systems. NT at the molecular level can be used to develop desired textile characteristics, such as high tensile strength, unique surface structure, soft hand, durability, water repellency, fire retardancy, antimicrobial properties, and the like. Indeed, advances in NT have created enormous opportunities and challenges for the textile industry, including the cotton industry. The focus of this paper is to summarize recent applications of NT as they relate to textile fibers, yarns, and fabrics.
Adolescents' Exposure to Sexually Explicit Internet Material, Sexual Uncertainty, and Attitudes Toward Uncommitted Sexual Exploration
Authors: Peter Jochen , Valkenburg Patti M.
Published: August 2008

The link between adolescents' exposure to sexual media content and their sexual socialization has hardly been approached from an identity development framework. Moreover, existing research has largely ignored the role of adolescents' exposure to sexually explicit Internet material in that association. This study introduces two characteristics of adolescents' sexual self—sexual uncertainty and attitudes toward sexual exploration—and investigates these characteristics as potential correlates of adolescents' exposure to sexually explicit Internet material. Drawing from a sample of 2,343 Dutch adolescents aged 13 to 20, the authors find that more frequent exposure to sexually explicit Internet material is associated with greater sexual uncertainty and more positive attitudes toward uncommitted sexual exploration (i.e., sexual relations with casual partners/friends or with sexual partners in one-night stands). The findings call for more attention to adolescents' exposure to sexually explicit material on the Internet and identity-related issues.
Encountering and Overcoming Small-City Problems
Authors: Buse Dieter K.
Published: August 2008

During the nineteenth century, Bremen enhanced its economic viability through a series of engineering feats, but struggled with the social problems brought on by urban growth. The most notable technical challenge was maintaining access to the North Sea and Atlantic via the silt-prone Weser River. Through the purchase of land for an outport (Bremerhaven) and a series of dredging operations headed by Ludwig Franzius, Bremen was able to preserve its position as a viable northern European port. But as the city's population grew, it proved less capable in dealing with the social and political challenges associated with urban growth. Its quasi-feudal political structure, which insulated elites from democratic pressures, made it difficult for the city to address housing and other social issues. Demands from the Social Democratic Party and other reformers ultimately undermined the city's elite and contributed to the city's loss of autonomy during the twentieth century.
Pressure transient identification of depleted appliance trap seals: a sinusoidal wave technique
Authors: Kelly DA , Swaffield JA , Jack LB , Campbell DP , Gormley M.
Published: August 2008

Depleted appliance trap seals were shown to be a causal factor in the spread of the SARS virus at the Amoy Gardens housing complex in Hong Kong in 2003. This serious health risk has emphasised the requirement for an effective maintenance regime to ensure trap seals do not again facilitate the spread of infection and disease. This paper introduces a remote and non-invasive technique to identify depleted trap seals through analysis of the system response to an applied sinusoidal pressure wave. The pressure signal will be analysed in both the time domain and the frequency domain to determine system status. Results obtained from laboratory experiments will be used to confirm the practicality of this technique while a Method of Characteristic based numerical model will validate the methodology.

Practical application: The transients generated within the building drainage system as a result of normal system operation continue to pose a threat to the integrity of the appliance trap seal. The technique outlined in this paper will help to quickly identify defective trap seals to ensure that cross-contamination is minimised. However, it is important that this transient-based technique does not itself introduce an additional risk to trap integrity. A sinusoidal pressure wave offers a completely non-invasive testing option that will not only be of great advantage to facility managers but also to the building users due to the reduced risk of cross-contamination.
Suitability of time domain reflectometry for monitoring moisture in building materials
Authors: Phillipson MC , Baker PH , Davies M. , Ye Z. , Galbraith GH , McLean RC
Published: August 2008

Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR) has been used since the 1980s for measuring the moisture content of soils. The principle of TDR is based on measuring the reflection time of an electromagnetic signal sent down a set of waveguides that are inserted into the material. This paper reports research work examining the suitability of TDR for measuring the moisture content of building materials. Results suggest that TDR is an effective way of monitoring relative changes in the moisture content. Measurement of absolute moisture content is more complicated as it requires a calibration function, and the existing empirical relationships used in the soil sciences consistently overestimate the moisture content. A semi-empirical calibration relationship has been found to offer a better approach to absolute moisture content evaluation with TDR.

Practical application: This paper reports research work examining the suitability of TDR for application to the measurement of the moisture content of building materials. It finds that TDR can rapidly identify changes in the relative moisture content and may therefore be suited to monitoring the long-term moisture behaviour of a building material in situ. Application of the technique to the measurement of the absolute moisture content is more difficult; further work is needed to address the accuracy of absolute measurements.
Investigating the effect of indoor water canal on the cooling load estimation and condensation issues of Venetian Macao
Authors: Lu L. , Han J. , Yang HX
Published: August 2008

This paper reports the influence of the presence of a water canal on the cooling load calculation for an air-conditioned recreation centre in Macao, and investigates the condensation issue of lower floor ceiling caused by the relatively low temperature of canal water. Different canal surface water activities (water activity factor) cause different evaporation rates of canal water and result in the changes of cooling load. It is found that the design of the large indoor water canal leads to the increase of design cooling load of the upper floor of the centre, for example 304 kW (when water temperature is 20°C and surface activity factor equals 1, which is the function of evaporation rate), and condensation of the lower floor ceiling under canal occurs after an operation break of the air-conditioning system. To minimise the cooling load increase due to the presence of a water canal, the water activity of the canal should be lowered as much as possible, and several energy saving measures are recommended. Furthermore, to avoid the possible condensation phenomena and issue of water drop from the ceiling under the canal, the air humidity of the space under the water canal should be controlled strictly according to the design conditions.

Practical application: Heat and mass transfer between the large water surface and the air-conditioned space results in the change of space cooling load in the spaces with large indoor water canal. The influences of the presence of the water canal, due to its evaporation and heat loss, on the cooling load estimation of the space should be investigated for accurately evaluating the cooling load and properly sizing the air conditioning systems in such types of buildings with large interior water facilities. As the evaporation rate changes due to the water activity level of the canal, the change of cooling load should be estimated considering the water activity levels.

On the other hand, for the air-conditioned spaces under the canal, there is the arising issue of condensation due to the low temperature of the canal water. Condensation will occur when the external surface temperature of canal wall is lower than the dew point temperature of the nearby air. The process of the possible condensation issues of the lower floor has been analysed and recommendations are proposed according to the simulation results. This paper is useful in the design of air conditioning system for such types of complexes.
Fail or Flourish? Cognitive Appraisal Moderates the Effect of Solo Status on Performance
Authors: White Judith B.
Published: August 2008

When everyone in a group shares a common social identity except one individual, the one who is different from the majority has solo status. Solo status increases one's visibility and performance pressure, which may result in stress. Stress has divergent effects on performance, and individuals' response to stressful situations is predicted by their cognitive appraisal (challenge or threat) of the situation. Two experiments test the hypothesis that cognitive appraisal moderates the effect of solo status on performance. Experiment 1 finds that at relatively high appraisal levels (resources exceed demands), solo status improves men's and women's performance; at relatively low appraisal levels, solo status hurts performance. Experiment 2 replicates this effect for solo status based on minimal group assignment. Results suggest that for individuals who feel challenged and not threatened by their work, it may help to be a solo.
Incident-simulating device with wireless control for extracorporeal circulation crisis management drills
Authors: Momose N , Tomizawa Y
Published: August 2008

Incidents during extracorporeal circulation (ECC) may lead to serious consequences, and troubleshooting exercises are becoming more important. We developed an incident-simulation device operated by remote control for ECC crisis management drills, and evaluated its efficacy at a seminar for perfusionists. This compact device consists of a transmitter and a receiving system and is run by dry batteries without a personal computer. A 4-channel radio-control system is used as the transmitter, and four servomotors placed in a box as the receiving system. To simulate occlusion of 3/8” arterial and venous lines, two servomotors with a rod rotate and the rod compresses the tube. The tilt angle of the stick and the servomotor rotation are in proportion, so that the degree of occlusion is controlled. As a result, the tube lumen becomes “stenotic” and then occluded, depending on the rotation. To cut off the power, the other two servomotors, with a relay system, work as a breaker. When the rod of the servomotor rotates, a micro-switch is turned off. The present device is able to increase perfusion pressure quickly and to simulate inadequate venous drainage quietly. At a seminar for perfusionists, an instructor manipulated the transmitter to create incidents and the participants handled the events effectively. In conclusion, incidents created by this device were perceived as similar to real ECC crises and this device may be useful and educationally effective when used in crisis management drills for perfusionists and trainees.