bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on the Microstructure and Texture of 3003 Aluminum Sheets Rolled by Laser-Textured Roll
Authors: Cai Chunbo , Ji Zesheng , Zhang Huajun , Wang Guojun
Published: May 2009

In order to improve the surface quality and formability of 3003 aluminum alloy sheet, laser-textured rolls are used in cold rolling. The influences of the cold rolling procedures with conventional and laser-textured rolls on the evolution of microstructure and texture were studied by the means of microstructural observations and X-ray texture analysis. Experimental results show that the microstructures are similar besides the samples rolled with laser-textured rolls containing a relatively larger amount of shear bands. The sheets deformed with conventional rolls have developed the typical rolling textures of FCC metals, which consist of Bs, Cu, and S components. However, the rolling textures of the sheets rolled with laser-textured rolls are comparatively weak, and the shear texture {001}〈110〉 is developed on the surface layer, but not observed in the intermediate layer of the sheet. The intensity of the rotated cube orientation increases with the increase of rolling reduction and then decreases after 90% rolling reduction.
MicroRNA Profiling and Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Liu Xiqiang , Chen Zugen , Yu Jinsheng , Xia James , Zhou Xiaofeng
Published: June 2009

Head and neck/oral cancer (HNOC) is a devastating disease. Despite advances in diagnosis and treatment, mortality rates have not improved significantly over the past three decades. Improvement in patient survival requires a better understanding of the disease progression so that HNOC can be detected early in the disease process and targeted therapeutic interventions can be deployed. Accumulating evidence suggests that microRNAs play important roles in many human cancers. They are pivotal regulators of diverse cellular processes including proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, survival, motility, and morphogenesis. MicroRNA expression patterns may become powerful biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis of HNOC. In addition, microRNA therapy could be a novel strategy for HNOC prevention and therapeutics. Recent advances in microRNA expression profiling have led to a better understanding of the cancer pathogenesis. In this review, we will survey recent technological advances in microRNA profiling and their applications in defining microRNA markers/targets for cancer prediction, diagnostics, treatment, and prognostics. MicroRNA alterations that consistently identified in HNOC will be discussed, such as upregulation of miR-21, miR-31, miR-155, and downregulation of miR-26b, miR-107, miR-133b, miR-138, and miR-139.
Optimal Solutions of Multiproduct Batch Chemical Process Using Multiobjective Genetic Algorithm with Expert Decision System
Authors: Mokeddem Diab , Khellaf Abdelhafid
Published: June 2009

Optimal design problem are widely known by their multiple performance measures that are often competing with each other. In this paper, an optimal multiproduct batch chemical plant design is presented. The design is firstly formulated as a multiobjective optimization problem, to be solved using the well suited non dominating sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA‐II). The
NSGA‐II have capability to achieve fine tuning of variables in determining a set of non
dominating solutions distributed along the Pareto front in a single run of the algorithm.
The NSGA‐II ability to identify a set of optimal solutions provides the decision‐maker DM
with a complete picture of the optimal solution space to gain better and appropriate choices.
Then an outranking with PROMETHEE II helps the decision‐maker to finalize the selection
of a best compromise. The effectiveness of NSGA‐II method with multiojective optimization problem is illustrated through two carefully referenced examples.
Low Profile, Dual-Polarised Antenna for Aeronautical and Land Mobile Satcom
Authors: Shelley Martin , Pearson Robert , Vazquez Javier
Published: June 2009

High data rate communications on the move is fastly becoming a major application area for satellite systems using Ku- and higher frequency bands. The ground terminal antenna used in such systems has a profound impact on the system capabilities and is constrained in many often conflicting ways. While simple reflector systems offer the lowest cost solution, there is a widespread need for low profile antennas to minimize the antenna visual signature and to satisfy aesthetic and transportation requirements. It is often considered that the use of such antennas will compromise the system performance.
Expression of the K303R Estrogen Receptor-α Breast Cancer Mutation Induces Resistance to an Aromatase Inhibitor via Addiction to the PI3K/Akt Kinase Pathway
Authors: Barone Ines , Cui Yukun , Herynk Matthew H. , Corona-Rodriguez Arnoldo , Giordano Cinzia , Selever Jennifer , Beyer Amanda , Andò Sebastiano , Fuqua Suzanne A.W.
Published: June 2009

Aromatase inhibitors (AI) are rapidly becoming the first choice for hormonal treatment of estrogen receptor-α (ERα)–positive breast cancer in postmenopausal women. However, de novo and acquired resistance frequently occurs. We have previously identified a lysine to arginine transition at residue 303 (K303R) in ERα in premalignant breast lesions and invasive breast cancers, which confers estrogen hypersensitivity and resistance to tamoxifen treatment. Thus, we questioned whether resistance to AIs could arise in breast cancer cells expressing the ERα mutation. As preclinical models to directly test this possibility, we generated K303R-overexpressing MCF-7 cells stably transfected with an aromatase expression vector. Cells were stimulated with the aromatase substrate, androstenedione, with or without the AI anastrozole (Ana). We found that Ana decreased androstenedione-stimulated growth of wild-type cells, whereas K303R-expressing cells were resistant to the inhibitory effect of Ana on growth. We propose that a mechanism of resistance involves an increased binding between the mutant receptor and the p85α regulatory subunit of phosphatidylinositol-3-OH kinase (PI3K), leading to increased PI3K activity and activation of protein kinase B/Akt survival pathways. Inhibition of the selective “addiction” to the PI3K/Akt pathway reversed AI resistance associated with expression of the mutant receptor. Our findings suggest that the K303R ERα mutation might be a new predictive marker of response to AIs in mutation-positive breast tumors, and that targeting the PI3K/Akt pathway may be a useful strategy for treating patients with tumors resistant to hormone therapy. [Cancer Res 2009;69(11):4724–32]
Murine Th Clones Confer Late Asthmatic Response upon Antigen Challenge
Authors: Ohtomo Takayuki , Kaminuma Osamu , Kitamura Noriko , Suko Matsunobu , Kobayashi Noriaki , Mori Akio
Published: June 2009

Background: Helper T (Th) cells are deeply involved in the pathophysiology of bronchial asthma, such as eosinophilic inflammation, bronchial hyperresponsiveness and remodeling. However, it is still unclear how Th cells contribute to airflow limitation, another cardinal feature of bronchial asthma. Method: Unprimed BALB/c mice were transferred with ovalbumin (OVA)-reactive Th clones. Pulmonary function was monitored using a Buxco BioSystem Plethysmograph before and after OVA challenge. Results: When Th-transferred mice were challenged with OVA, enhanced pause (Penh), an indicator of airflow limitation was significantly increased 6 and 24 h after challenge, while no response was observed 30 min after challenge. Neither bovine serum albumin, an irrelevant antigen, challenge on Th-transferred mice nor OVA challenge on Th-non-transferred mice caused airway responses. Conclusion: Th cells conferred antigen-induced airflow limitation to unprimed mice.
Intratracheal Delivery of Hepatocyte Growth Factor Directly Attenuates Allergic Airway Inflammation in Mice
Authors: Okunishi Katsuhide , Sasaki Oh , Okasora Takahiro , Nakagome Kazuyuki , Imamura Mitsuru , Harada Hiroaki , Matsumoto Taku , Tanaka Ryoichi , Yamamoto Kazuhiko , Tabata Yasuhiko , Dohi Makoto
Published: June 2009

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) has an important role in many biological events such as angiogenesis and cell proliferation, as well as anti-fibrotic and anti-apoptotic effects. In addition, we found that HGF suppresses antigen-induced immune responses in the airway by suppressing dendritic cell functions, using a HGF-producing plasmid vector. In the present study, we examined whether delivery of the HGF protein in the lung attenuates allergic airway inflammation in a mouse model. Generally, HGF is rapidly cleared from organs. So, to achieve the efficient delivery of HGF, we prepared a slow-releasing form by mounting recombinant human (rh) HGF protein in biodegradable gelatin hydrogels. BALB/c mice were immunized and then challenged with ovalbumin (OVA) to induce eosinophilic airway inflammation. Intratracheal delivery of a very small amount of gelatin-coupled rhHGF (0.3 μg) just once before the inhalation of OVA significantly suppressed eosinophilic airway inflammation. In addition, cytokine production in thoracic lymph nodes and the antigen-presenting capacity of lung CD11c+ cells were reduced. In contrast, delivery of 1.0 μg of rhHGF did not exhibit any significantly suppressive effect. These results suggest that the controlled release of rhHGF protein can suppress antigen-induced allergic immune responses in the lung. Therefore, HGF could be a novel therapeutic option for asthma.
PI3Kγ Differentially Regulates FcεRI-Mediated Degranulation and Migration of Mast Cells by and toward Antigen
Authors: Endo Daisuke , Gon Yasuhiro , Nunomura Satoshi , Yamashita Kyoko , Hashimoto Shu , Ra Chisei
Published: June 2009

Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) has been recognized as an important downstream effector of high-affinity receptor for IgE (FcεRI) signaling in mast cells, but little is known about the isoform specificity of PI3Ks on the FcεRI-mediated migration toward the antigen (Ag). In the present study, we explored the role of PI3Kγ on mast cell migration. The treatment of bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMCs) with a PI3Kγ inhibitor, AS605240, significantly repressed FcεRI-induced degranulation and migration. The culture supernatants of wild-type mast cells stimulated with IgE and Ag attracted FcεRIβ–/– mast cells which did not express FcεRI on their cell surface, indicating that the migration appears to be dependent on an autocrine/paracrine secretion of soluble factors from the mast cells. Adenosine, which is produced by mast cells, showed a strong activity to attract mast cells. Pertussis toxin (PTX) significantly inhibited the migration toward both the supernatant and adenosine. The supernatant from mast cells pretreated with wortmannin (Wort) and stimulated with IgE and Ag still exhibited the activity as chemoattractant, while the BMMCs pretreated with Wort did not migrate toward the supernatant. Although PTX significantly reduced the activation of AKT/PKB and migration, PTX had no effects on degranulation. These results suggest that PI3Kγ activation through PTX-sensitive G-protein-coupled receptor as a secondary response of FcεRI cross-linking regulates FcεRI-mediated mast cell migration toward the Ag, while simultaneously activated PI3Kγ through a PTX-insensitive pathway might have an effect on degranulation.
Evaluation of Cysteinyl Leukotriene-Induced Contraction of Human Cultured Bronchial Smooth Muscle Cells
Authors: Kitamura Noriko , Kaminuma Osamu , Ohtomo Takayuki , Kiyokawa Nobutaka , Kobayashi Noriaki , Suko Matsunobu , Mori Akio
Published: June 2009

Background: Cysteinyl leukotrienes (cysLTs) are major mediators involved in bronchial asthma, particularly bronchial constriction. However, a contractile response of human bronchial smooth muscle cells (hBSMCs) to cysLTs has not been well characterized at cellular level. Methods: A contraction assay using collagen gel embedded with cultured hBSMCs was established to analyze contractile responses at cellular level. Contractile responses to several constrictors including cysLTs were evaluated in 6-day cultured gels with varying fetal bovine serum (FBS) concentrations. Results: Removal of FBS from the culture for the designated time periods resulted in increased contractile responses. CysLT-induced contraction of the gel became more pronounced and reproducible. CysLT1R expression on the hBSMCs was significantly increased by the removal of FBS. Conclusion: Contractile responses of hBSMCs to cysLTs can be evaluated at cellular level for the first time. This experimental system may be useful for the in vitro evaluation and future development of cysLTs antagonists.
Murine Model of Hypereosinophilic Syndromes/Chronic Eosinophilic Leukemia
Authors: Yamada Yoshiyuki , Cancelas Jose A. , Rothenberg Marc E.
Published: June 2009

Hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES) includes heterogeneous hematological disorders that are characterized by distinctive blood and tissue eosinophilia. In addition to classical HES criteria, the World Health Organization proposed a set of criteria that distinguish chronic eosinophilic leukemia (CEL) from HES. As such, the fusion gene FIP1L1/PDGFRA was found as a cause of CEL in a significant proportion of patients initially diagnosed as having HES. Several investigations have tried to dissect the mechanism of leukemogenesis; eosinophilia and signaling induced by FIP1L1/PDGFRα in cell lines, bone marrow mast cells, primary human eosinophils and in murine myeloproliferative disorder models. In this review, we introduce the current knowledge on the relationship between FIP1L1/PDGFRα and cell signaling, eosinophil proliferation, survival and activation and mastocytosis specially focusing on the evidence learned from murine models.
Soluble CD40 Ligand, Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1 and Thrombin-Activatable Fibrinolysis Inhibitor-1-Antigen in Normotensive Type 2 Diabetic Subjects without Diabetic Complications
Authors: Yener Serkan , Comlekci Abdurrahman , Akinci Baris , Demir Tevfik , Yuksel Faize , Ozcan Mehmet Ali , Bayraktar Firat , Yesil Sena
Published: June 2009

Objective: To evaluate subclinical inflammation and fibrinolysis in low-risk type 2 diabetic subjects and to assess the efficacy of metformin and rosiglitazone in this group. Subjects and Methods: Sixty-one normotensive, normoalbuminuric type 2 diabetic subjects without diabetes-related complications were included in a 4-week standardization period with glimepiride. After the standardization period, 21 subjects were excluded and the remaining 40 were randomly divided into two groups matched for age, gender, body mass index and disease duration. The first group (n = 20) received metformin (1,700 mg/day), the second group (n = 20) rosiglitazone (4 mg/day) for 12 weeks. Patients with low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol higher than 130 mg/dl at the beginning of the randomization period were treated with simvastatin (maximum dose 20 mg/day). Twenty-three healthy controls were also recruited. Cytokine measurements were performed with ELISA kits. Results: Baseline plasma plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) level of type 2 diabetic subjects was significantly elevated (p = 0.038), but baseline levels of soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L) and thrombin-activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor-1 (TAFI) antigen did not differ from healthy controls. Twelve weeks of metformin or rosiglitazone therapy did not cause significant changes in sCD40L, PAI-1 and TAFI antigen levels. In simvastatin-treated subjects (n = 9) significant reductions of PAI-1 were achieved (p = 0.028), while sCD40L and TAFI-Ag did not differ from baseline values. Conclusion: Our results showed that nonobese diabetic patients at low cardiovascular risk had similar levels of subclinical markers of inflammation and fibrinolysis as matched healthy controls. Neither metformin nor rosiglitazone caused marked changes in sCD40L, PAI-1 and TAFI antigen levels. A subset of patients who received simvastatin showed a modest decrease in PAI-1 level and could contribute to beneficial vasculoprotective effect of the drug in type 2 diabetics.
Comparison of Serum CA 19.9, CA 125 and CEA Levels with Severity of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Bulut I. , Arbak P. , Coskun A. , Balbay O. , Annakkaya A.N. , Yavuz O. , Gülcan E.
Published: June 2009

Objective: To investigate serum levels of CA 19.9, CA 125 and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) in patients with different stages of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Patients and Methods: Fifty-three consecutive patients (50 males, 3 females, mean age 67.6 ± 10.1 years) with COPD were included in this study. Serum levels of CA 19.9, CA 25 and CEA were determined by the chemiluminescent immunometric method. Based on values obtained from pulmonary function tests, the patients were divided into 3 groups: moderate (21), severe (18) and very severe (14). Data were analyzed with a Kruskal-Wallis one-way analysis of variance test and Mann-Whitney U test. Results: The mean serum levels of CA 125 and CA 19.9 were significantly higher in patients with very severe COPD (p = 0.013 and p = 0.017, respectively) than in patients with severe and moderate COPD (p < 0.05). Patients with cor pulmonale had significantly high mean serum levels of CEA, CA 19.9 and CA 125 (p < 0.05). Patients using a long-acting β-agonist and theophylline showed significantly higher mean serum levels of CA 125 than patients who were not (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Data showed that the increased serum tumor markers in patients with COPD might be due to the severity of COPD, medication and cor pulmonale.
Vacuum Ether Elution of Red Blood Cell-Bound Antibodies – A Fast Modification of the Rubin’s Ether Elution Technique
Authors: Beck K.-H. , Eichler H. , Kretschmer V.
Published: June 2009

Background: The complete evaporation of the ether from the eluates derived from Rubin’s ether elution technique takes at least 1 h in a 37 °C water bath, preferably followed by overnight incubation in the refrigerator. A fast modification of this technique was developed. Materials and Methods: The ether was evaporated by water aspiration. Administration of vacuum evaporation takes only 10 min for the complete elimination of the ether. Determination of the eluted antibodies was performed by indirect antiglobulin test (tube technique). We compared the eluates of 103 patients who had positive direct anti-globulin tests. Agglutination intensity was scored from 0 to 4. Results: 84 eluates were negative in both techniques. 15 eluates showed a positive reaction with corresponding agglutination scores in both methods. 4 samples showed different results: Two of them became positive only with one method, each. In one case, the probe obtained by vacuum ether elution (VE) reacted one degree weaker than the probe derived from conventional ether elution (CE). In the fourth case, only 1 of 2 antigen-positive cells had a positive reaction with the VE probe in contrast to that of the CE. Conclusion: The results obtained with both methods did not differ significantly. Ether evaporation by administration of vacuum seems to be a fast and easy modification which can be carried out with a simple equipment and in a short time.
Heme Oxygenase 1 Determines Atherosclerotic Lesion Progression Into a Vulnerable Plaque
Authors: Cheng Caroline , Noordeloos Annemarie M. , Jeney Viktoria , Soares Miguel P. , Moll Frans , Pasterkamp Gerard , Serruys Patrick W. , Duckers Henricus J.
Published: June 2009

Background—

The molecular regulation for the transition from stable to vulnerable plaque remains to be elucidated. Heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) and its metabolites have been implicated in the cytoprotective defense against oxidative injury in atherogenesis. In this study, we sought to assess the role of HO-1 in the progression toward plaque instability in carotid artery disease in patients and in a murine model of vulnerable plaque development.

Methods and Results—

Atherectomy biopsy from 112 patients with clinical carotid artery disease was collected and stratified according to characteristics of plaque vulnerability. HO-1 expression correlated closely with features of vulnerable human atheromatous plaque (
P
<0.005), including macrophage and lipid accumulation, and was inversely correlated with intraplaque vascular smooth muscle cells and collagen deposition. HO-1 expression levels correlated with the plaque destabilizing factors matrix metalloproteinase-9, interleukin-8, and interleukin-6. Likewise, in a vulnerable plaque model using apolipoprotein E
−/−
mice, HO-1 expression was upregulated in vulnerable versus stable lesions. HO-1 induction by cobalt protoporphyrin impeded lesion progression into vulnerable plaques, indicated by a reduction in necrotic core size and intraplaque lipid accumulation, whereas cap thickness and vascular smooth muscle cells were increased. In contrast, inhibition of HO-1 by zinc protoporphyrin augmented plaque vulnerability. Plaque stabilizing was prominent after adenoviral transduction of HO-1 compared with sham virus–treated animals, providing proof that the observed effects on plaque vulnerability were HO-1 specific.

Conclusions—

Here we demonstrate in a well-defined patient group and a murine vulnerable plaque model that HO-1 induction reverses plaque progression from a vulnerable plaque to a more stable phenotype as part of a compensatory atheroprotective response.
Impact of Percutaneous Device Implantation for Closure of Patent Foramen Ovale on Valve Insufficiencies
Authors: Wöhrle Jochen , Kochs Matthias , Spiess Jochen , Nusser Thorsten , Hombach Vinzenz , Merkle Nico
Published: June 2009

Background—

In patients with percutaneous device implantation for closure of patent foramen ovale (PFO), a 10% incidence of new or worsened aortic regurgitation within 12 months has been reported with echocardiography. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging is a powerful noninvasive tool to quantify volume and fraction of valve insufficiencies. We studied the acute and long-term impact of percutaneous device implantation for PFO closure on valve insufficiencies in cardiac magnetic resonance imaging.

Methods and Results—

Sequential cardiac magnetic resonance imaging studies were performed in 102 patients with cryptogenic ischemic events. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging was performed before PFO closure, the day after device implantation, and at 12 months of follow-up. There was no difference in volumetric and hemodynamic parameters before PFO closure compared with 12 months of follow-up. With a cutoff for relevant regurgitation fraction of 5%, there were no statistically significant differences in regurgitation fraction of the semilunar and atrioventricular valves. The median fraction of aortic valve insufficiency was 3.9% (interquartile range [IQR] 2.0% to 5.1%) before PFO closure, 5.4% (IQR 4.1% to 5.9%) after device implantation, and 4.3% (IQR 3.3% to 6.0%) at 12 months of follow-up. The size and type of the occluder had no impact on aortic valve insufficiency. Median regurgitation fraction for the pulmonary valve was 3.6% (IQR 2.4% to 6.7%) before intervention, 7.3% (IQR 5.1% to 8.2%) after occluder implantation and 5.8% (IQR 4.8% to 7.4%) at 12 months of follow-up. Values for the mitral valve were 3.1% (IQR 1.4% to 6.0%), 5.5% (IQR 3.5% to 7.3%), and 3.8% (IQR 1.5% to 7.9%) and for the tricuspid valve were 5.4% (IQR 0.1% to 8.8%), 5.8% (IQR 1.4% to 9.2%), and 6.0% (IQR 1.1% to 8.4%), respectively.

Conclusions—

Percutaneous PFO closure with device implantation has no impact on valve insufficiencies as determined by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging.
Cooperative Activation of
Npr1
Gene Transcription and Expression by Interaction of Ets-1 and p300
Authors: Kumar Prerna , Pandey Kailash N.
Published: June 2009

The objective of the present study was to gain insight into the cooperative roles of Ets-1 and p300 in transcriptional regulation and expression of the
Npr1
gene (coding for guanylyl cyclase-A/natriuretic peptide receptor-A). Overexpression of Ets-1 and p300 in mouse mesangial cells increased
Npr1
promoter activity by 12-fold, natriuretic peptide receptor-A mRNA levels by 5-fold, and ANP-dependent intracellular accumulation of cGMP by 26-fold. Knockdown of Ets-1 and p300 expression by small interfering RNA inhibited
Npr1
gene transcription by 90%. Sequential chromatin immunoprecipitation assay demonstrated a direct physical association between p300 and Ets-1 on binding to the
Npr1
promoter, suggesting that a physical interaction between Ets-1 and p300 is important to enhance
Npr1
gene transcription. Mutant p300 lacking histone acetyltransferase activity did not show a functional effect with Ets-1, suggesting that histone acetyltransferase activity of p300 is required for the cooperative interaction in modulating
Npr1
gene transcription. Overexpression of wild-type adenovirus E1A significantly decreased the
Npr1
promoter activity by 40%, whereas mutant E1A, which is incapable of binding to p300, did not show any effect. The results indicate that
Npr1
gene transcription is critically controlled by histone acetyltransferase p300 and Ets-1. The present findings should yield important insights into the molecular signaling governing
Npr1
gene transcription, an important regulator in the control of hypertension and cardiovascular events.
Changes in Sensory Evoked Responses Coincide with Rapid Improvement in Speech Identification Performance
Authors: Alain Claude , Campeanu Sandra , Tremblay Kelly
Published: June 2009

Perceptual learning is sometimes characterized by rapid improvements in performance within the first hour of training (fast perceptual learning), which may be accompanied by changes in sensory and/or response pathways. Here, we report rapid physiological changes in the human auditory system that coincide with learning during a 1-hour test session in which participants learned to identify two consonant vowel syllables that differed in voice onset time. Within each block of trials, listeners were also presented with a broadband noise control stimulus to determine whether changes in auditory evoked potentials were specific to the trained speech cue. The ability to identify the speech sounds improved from the first to the fourth block of trials and remained relatively constant thereafter. This behavioral improvement coincided with a decrease in N1 and P2 amplitude, and these learning-related changes differed from those observed for the noise stimulus. These training-induced changes in sensory evoked responses were followed by an increased negative peak (between 275 and 330 msec) over fronto-central sites and by an increase in sustained activity over the parietal regions. Although the former was also observed for the noise stimulus, the latter was specific to the speech sounds. The results are consistent with a top–down nonspecific attention effect on neural activity during learning as well as a more learning-specific modulation, which is coincident with behavioral improvements in speech identification.
A Global Climatology of Temperature and Water Vapor Variance Scaling from the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder
Authors: Kahn Brian H. , Teixeira João
Published: June 2009

A global climatology of height-resolved variance scaling within the troposphere is presented using derived temperature (T) and water vapor (q) profiles from the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS). The power-law exponent of T variance scaling approaches 1.0 outside of the tropics at scales >500–800 km, but it is closer to 0.3 at scales <500 km, similar to exponents obtained from aircraft campaigns, numerical modeling, and theoretical studies. The T exponents in the tropics at all scales become less than 0.3, with a similar pattern observed within the boundary layer in some extratropical regions. For q, the variance scaling differs substantially from T with exponents near 0.5–0.6 in parts of the tropics and subtropics with little to no scale break, showing some consistency with a very limited set of aircraft and satellite studies. Scaling differences as a function of land and ocean, altitude, and cloudy- and clear-sky scenes are quantified. Both T and q exponents indicate peak magnitudes in the midtroposphere and reductions are observed near the boundary layer and upper troposphere. Seasonal variations of T and q scaling reveal a stronger seasonal cycle over land than ocean, especially for T at large length scales. While the zonal variations of T and q exponents vary significantly for scales <500 km, the seasonal variations are much smaller in magnitude. The exponents derived from AIRS could eventually be extrapolated to smaller scales in the absence of additional scale breaks <150 km to provide useful information for constraining subgrid-scale cloud parameterizations.
LMODEL: A Satellite Precipitation Methodology Using Cloud Development Modeling. Part II: Validation
Authors: Hsu Kuo-lin , Bellerby Tim , Sorooshian S.
Published: June 2009

A new satellite-based rainfall monitoring algorithm that integrates the strengths of both low Earth-orbiting (LEO) and geostationary Earth-orbiting (GEO) satellite information has been developed. The Lagrangian Model (LMODEL) algorithm combines a 2D cloud-advection tracking system and a GEO data–driven cloud development and rainfall generation model with procedures to update model parameters and state variables in near–real time. The details of the LMODEL algorithm were presented in Part I. This paper describes a comparative validation against ground radar rainfall measurements of 1- and 3-h LMODEL accumulated rainfall outputs. LMODEL rainfall estimates consistently outperform accumulated 3-h microwave (MW)-only rainfall estimates, even before the more restricted spatial coverage provided by the latter is taken into account. In addition, the performance of LMODEL products remains effective and consistent between MW overpasses. Case studies demonstrate that the LMODEL provides the potential to synergize available satellite data to generate useful precipitation measurements at an hourly scale.
Parent Involvement Is Associated With Early Success in Obesity Treatment
Authors: Heinberg Leslie J. , Kutchman Eve M. , Berger Nathan A. , Lawhun Sarah A. , Cuttler Leona , Seabrook Rita C. , Horwitz Sarah M.
Published: June 2009

Objective: The study examined the influence of parent involvement and family factors on body mass index (BMI) change in a pediatric obesity treatment program. Methods: A total of 104 children and their caregivers were examined during a 12-week obesity intervention. Participants (mean age = 11.42 years; SD = 2.83) and their caregivers completed measures of family environment and depression prior to enrollment. Children’s BMI and parental involvement were rated weekly during the intervention. Logistic regressions were conducted to examine the role of sociodemographic factors, family characteristics, and parent involvement on weight. Results: Children with the lowest parent involvement were less likely to lose any weight or have clinically significant (≥2 kg) weight loss. Demographics and family factors did not predict BMI change. Parent involvement related to ethnicity, absences and physical activity. Conclusions: Parental involvement may be helpful in identifying who is likely to do well in a weight loss program.
Cultural Dialogues of Agency and Transcendence
Authors: Muhwati Itai
Published: June 2009

This article is concerned with the advancement of critical arguments aimed at enhancing African people’s chances of survival through a conscientious exegesis of selected Shona and Ndebele proverbial instruments. Based on the teachings of Afrocentricity, it trains the African intellectual eye to rediscover life-affirming and life-furthering discursive agendas that find expression in African people’s traditions. It is through such a reconnection and recollection that African people possibly become increasingly aware that they are part of a tradition that is informed by, and in fact built around, the philosophies of transcendence and agency as the sine qua non and modus operandi of meaningful existence. Both agency and transcendence are inextricably linked to African people’s endeavors to diversify channels and options in life, because such consequent diversification is an inescapable condition for rehumanization and survival. Such proverbial thought should also provide a theory of life that guides both creativity and literary practice.
Self-Efficacy in African American Adolescent Males Living in Urban Public Housing
Authors: Nebbitt Von
Published: June 2009

African American adolescent males are one of our nation's most vulnerable populations. They lag behind their female counterparts in education, labor market participation, and career development. Several studies have found self-efficacy (e.g., an individual's beliefs in their capabilities to produce a desired result) improves the life chances for this vulnerable population of youth. Using a sample of 213 African American adolescent males from urban public housing living in two large cities, this article assesses the role of individual, social, and community correlates in promoting or inhibiting self-efficacy in African American adolescent males. Univariate, bivariate, and sequential regression analyses were employed. The sample reported a mean age of 15.5 (SD = 2.5) years. Self-efficacy was positively correlated to attitudes toward deviance, maternal support, maternal supervision, paternal support, and social cohesion. The regression model explained 32% of the variance in self-efficacy. Parents' behavior explained most of the variants in self-efficacy. It should be noted, however, that increases in community cohesion was associated with the largest increase in self-efficacy. Implications for practice are discussed.
Does the Market Respond to an Endorsement of Social Responsibility? The Role of Institutions, Information, and Legitimacy
Authors: Doh Jonathan P. , Howton Shawn D. , Howton Shelly W. , Siegel Donald S.
Published: June 2009

A consensus has emerged in the burgeoning literature on corporate social responsibility (CSR) that “virtuous” firms are often rewarded by the marketplace. Unfortunately, the mechanisms through which those rewards materialize are not well understood. Furthermore, it is difficult for managers and investors to know whether a company is actually engaged in responsible behavior. Thus, many stakeholders rely on institutional assessments of a firm’s social practices to inform their own judgments about that company’s CSR reputation. In this article, we draw on institutional theory and research on reputation and legitimacy to investigate the relationship between institutional endorsements (and repudiation) of CSR and firm financial performance. Our empirical results indicate that institutional intermediaries influence market assessments of a firm’s social responsibility and highlight the importance of the legitimacy-conferring function of expert bodies in understanding the relationship between social and financial performance. Our findings also illustrate the delicate interplay among different social performance assessments, reputation, and measures of financial and operating performance such that operating performance may serve as an advanced indicator of social performance and one type of social performance assessment may temper market reactions to another.
Review of groundwater contamination hazard rating systems for old landfills
Authors: Raj Kumar Singh  , Datta Manoj , Arvind Kumar Nema
Published: June 2009

A large number of old uncontrolled landfills exist in developing countries. These are potentially harmful to the environment, especially with respect to groundwater contamination, and therefore, are in need of appropriate control and remedial measures. However, due to resource constraints, such measures are to be undertaken in a phased manner. An appropriate landfill hazard rating system that can evaluate relative groundwater contamination hazard of different sites is a useful tool for site ranking in order to set priorities. This paper reviews 18 existing hazard rating systems that follow the index function approach. Nine systems that are best representative of the existing systems, have been applied to six hazardous waste landfills as well as six municipal solid waste landfills. When used for ranking hazardous waste landfills, some systems such as HRS-1990, ERPHRS, WARM and RSS respond well whereas others like DRASTIC, NCS, NPC system and JENV system show a clustering effect. However, these rating systems do not perform well when applied to old municipal solid waste landfills. Even the HRS-1990, which is observed to be the most sensitive among all rating systems, exhibits some shortcomings. Improvements have been suggested in the waste quantity factor values of HRS-1990 to make it suitable for old municipal solid waste landfills. The improved system is observed to provide superior results in comparison with the existing systems, making it appropriate for use as a tool for ranking of old landfills in need of remediation and control measures.
Holocord Spinal Epidural Abscess
Authors: Sekhar Ghosh Partha , Loddenkemper Tobias , Buitrago Blanco Manuel , Marks Michelle , Sabella Camille , Ghosh Debabrata
Published: June 2009

Spinal epidural abscess is rare in infants and leads to major permanent neurological deficits if the condition is left untreated. Holocord epidural abscess is extremely rare. We report a patient with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus septicemia presenting with pneumonia, retroperitoneal abscess, and epidural abscess. A 7-month-old previously healthy girl presented with fever, irritability, tachypnea for 4 days and decreased movement of the right lower limb for 1 day. Magnetic resonance imaging of the spine demonstrated an extensive epidural abscess from second cervical to fifth lumbar vertebrae without osteomyelitis or discitis. The epidural abscess was treated with intravenous antibiotics for 6 weeks. At 3 months follow-up, no neurological deficits were present. Only a few case reports of holocord epidural abscess in children have been published. We present a case of conservatively treated holocord spinal abscess in an infant.
US Assessments of Japanese Ground Warfare Tactics and the Army's Campaigns in the Pacific Theatres, 1943—1945: Lessons Learned and Methods Applied
Authors: Ford Douglas
Published: June 2009

The article examines the evolution of US intelligence assessments of the Imperial Japanese Army's tactical methods during the Pacific War, and explains how the resulting perceptions influenced the development of American doctrine for fighting the Japanese. It argues that US evaluations of the Japanese were characterized primarily by the need to gain a realistic understanding of enemy fighting capabilities, coupled with a realization of the need to improve the army's techniques for fighting a successful campaign.
Service-Learning and Negotiation
Authors: Kenworthy Amy L.
Published: June 2009

Negotiation is one of the most popular elective business courses offered across tertiary educational programs today. Yet, in many undergraduate and graduate programs, the “practice” of negotiation takes place solely through role-plays and simulations. The purpose of this article is to provide a “how to” template for negotiation instructors who are interested in extending their students’ experiences beyond the sole use of in-class role-plays and simulations into the real world. The project described in this article is a semester-long, undergraduate service-learning group consulting project that has been used and refined over an 8-year period.
Control of Lateral Vibrations and Slopes at Desired Locations Along Vibrating Beams
Authors: Foda M.A. , Alsaif K.
Published: June 2009

In the present paper we develop an exact approach to annihilate lateral vibrations and slopes at chosen locations in a vibrating beam subjected to an external excitation. The proposed scheme allows certain chosen points anywhere along the beam to remain stationary with zero slopes without using any rigid supports. This is beneficial because it would allow sensitive instruments to be placed near or at these points where the transverse vibrations and tilting are eliminated. In addition, when the locations of these desired points are in the vicinity of one another, it is possible to specify a region of nearly zero amplitude and zero slope, thus drastically reducing the level of vibration in that segment of the structure and preventing its rotation. This will be achieved by attaching a set of translational and/or rotational oscillators with calculated parameters at arbitrary selected locations along the beam. The proposed procedure develops an exact analytical scheme for choosing the required oscillators’ parameters utilizing the dynamic Green’s functions. An experimental setup, in which the vibrations of a clamped—clamped beam are measured using a laser vibrometer, was designed and the experimental measurements are compared with the analytical results. Sample of illustrative examples has been considered to verify the proposed method.
Mathematical Modeling in Cardiac Surgery: Helping Clinical Trials Answer the Question
Authors: Poullis Michael , Poole Robert
Published: June 2009

Mathematical modeling, based on fundamental principles from engineering may help clinical trial design, aiding in answering problems that remain in cardiac surgery, such as management of carotid artery stenosis in patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), hematocrit during CPB, adequacy of oxygen delivery during CPB, adequacy of blood pressure management during CPB, filtration during bypass for renal failure, bypass circuit pacification, carbon dioxide wound insufflation and neurological events, and pulsatile to nonpulsatile flow during CPB. In addition, mathematical modeling may help explain deficiencies of previous work that have failed to clarify what to do.
Can Heterogeneity of Chronic Sickle-Cell Disease Pain Be Explained by Genomics? A Literature Review
Authors: Adegbola Maxine A.
Published: June 2009

This literature review explores the potential of genomics to explain, or at least contribute to the discussion about, heterogeneity in chronic pain in sickle-cell disease (SCD). Background: Adults with SCD, a single-gene disorder, are living longer than in years past, yet report being burdened by chronic pain. With only a few studies on chronic pain in this population, the epidemiology is unclear. However, research in the area of pain genetics continues to advance since the conclusion of the Human Genome Project. Two pain susceptibility genes, catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) and cytochrome P450, have, to date, been discovered that can increase individual susceptibility to the development of chronic pain. Method: A search was conducted in PubMed, CINAHL, and EBSCO using the terms ``sickle cell,'' ``chronic pain,'' ``polymorphism,'' ``genetics,'' ``pain genetics,'' ``human,'' ``adult,'' ``association studies,'' and ``pain susceptibility genes'' to search for articles published between 1970 and 2008. Findings: Chronic pain generally is more prevalent and severe than previously reported, and individuals with SCD report daily pain. The genomic era has made it possible for scientists to identify pain susceptibility genes that contribute to variability in the interindividual experience of chronic pain. Conclusion: Nurses are well positioned to generate and translate genomic research, thus improving care delivery. Such research may lead to the identification of polymorphisms associated with pain sensitivity in individuals with SCD.
Cyclic hydrostatic pressure and cotton particles stimulate synthesis by human lung macrophages of cytokines in vitro
Authors: Lewis Sarah , Singh Dave , Evans Carol E
Published: June 2009

Background

Inhalation of particulates is a leading cause of the development of lung diseases and current understanding of the complex relationship between lung metabolism and airborne particulates is incomplete. It is well established that mechanical load is important in the development of the lung and in lung cell differentiation. The interaction between particle exposure and physical forces on alveolar macrophages is a physiologically relevant issue, but as yet understudied. This study examines the effect of cyclic hydrostatic pressure and cotton particles on synthesis of cytokines by human alveolar macrophages.

Methods

Alveolar macrophages were obtained from patients with lung disease, either from lavage samples or from lung tissue resection. The commonly used cell line THP-1 was included in the experiments. Cell cultures were exposed to cotton particles and/cyclic hydrostatic pressure (3 or 5 psi); control cultures were exposed to medium only. TNFα, IL-1β and IL-6 were assayed in the culture media using specific ELISAs. Cells were characterized using morphology and markers specific for macrophages (Jenner/Giemsa staining, CD14 and CD68).

Results

Exposure to cotton particles stimulated cytokine synthesis by macrophages from all three sources; exposure to cyclic hydrostatic pressure alone did not stimulate cytokine synthesis significantly. However, the combination of both particles and cyclic hydrostatic pressure increased the simulation of cytokine synthesis still further. Cell characterization demonstrated that the large majority of cells had a macrophage morphology and were positive for CD14 and CD68.

Conclusion

These data suggest an interaction between cyclic hydrostatic pressure and particulate exposure, which increases alveolar macrophage cytokine production. This interaction was only observed at the higher cyclic hydrostatic pressure. However, in patient samples, there was considerable variation in the amount by which secretion of an individual cytokine increased and there was also variation in the mechanosensitivity of cells from the three different sources. Cyclic hydrostatic pressure, therefore, may be an important modulator of the response of alveolar macrophages to cotton particles, but the source of the cells may be a confounding factor which demands further investigation.
Serpin genes AtSRP2 and AtSRP3 are required for normal growth sensitivity to a DNA alkylating agent in Arabidopsis
Authors: Ahn Joon-Woo , Atwell Brian J , Roberts Thomas H
Published: June 2009

Background

The complex responses of plants to DNA damage are incompletely understood and the role of members of the serpin protein family has not been investigated. Serpins are functionally diverse but structurally conserved proteins found in all three domains of life. In animals, most serpins have regulatory functions through potent, irreversible inhibition of specific serine or cysteine proteinases via a unique suicide-substrate mechanism. Plant serpins are also potent proteinase inhibitors, but their physiological roles are largely unknown.

Results

Six Arabidopsis genes encoding full-length serpins were differentially expressed in developing seedlings and mature tissues. Basal levels of AtSRP2 (At2g14540) and AtSRP3 (At1g64030) transcripts were highest in reproductive tissues. AtSRP2 was induced 5-fold and AtSRP3 100-fold after exposure of seedlings to low concentrations of methyl methanesulfonate (MMS), a model alkylating reagent that causes DNA damage. Homozygous T-DNA insertion mutants atsrp2 and atsrp3 exhibited no differential growth when mutant and wild-type plants were left untreated or exposed to γ-radiation or ultraviolet light. In contrast, atsrp2 and atsrp3 plants exhibited greater root length, leaf number and overall size than wild-type plants when exposed to MMS. Neither of the two serpins was required for meiosis. GFP-AtSRP2 was localized to the nucleus, whereas GFP-AtSRP3 was cytosolic, suggesting that they target different proteinases. Induction of cell cycle- and DNA damage-related genes AtBRCA1, AtBARD1, AtRAD51, AtCYCB1;1 and AtCYCD1;1, but not AtATM, was reduced relative to wild-type in atsrp2 and atsrp3 mutants exposed to MMS.

Conclusion

Expression of specific serpin genes (AtSRP2 and AtSRP3 in Arabidopsis) is required for normal responses of plants following exposure to alkylating genotoxins such as MMS.