bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FLOX® Combustion at High Power Density and High Flame Temperatures
Authors: Lammel Oliver , Schütz Harald , Schmitz Guido , Lückerath Rainer , Stöhr Michael , Noll Berthold , Aigner Manfred , Hase Matthias , Krebs Werner
Published: September 2010

In this contribution, an overview of the progress in the design of an enhanced FLOX® burner is given. A fuel flexible burner concept was developed to fulfill the requirements of modern gas turbines: high specific power density, high turbine inlet temperature, and low NOx emissions. The basis for the research work is numerical simulation. With the focus on pollutant emissions, a detailed chemical kinetic mechanism is used in the calculations. A novel mixing control concept, called HiPerMix®, and its application in the FLOX® burner are presented. In view of the desired operational conditions in a gas turbine combustor, this enhanced FLOX® burner was manufactured and experimentally investigated at the DLR test facility. In the present work, experimental and computational results are presented for natural gas and natural gas+hydrogen combustion at gas turbine relevant conditions and high adiabatic flame temperatures (up to Tad=2000 K). The respective power densities are PA=13.3 MW/m2 bar (natural gas (NG)) and PA=14.8 MW/m2 bar(NG+H2), satisfying the demands of a gas turbine combustor. It is demonstrated that the combustion is complete and stable and that the pollutant emissions are very low.
Mechanistic study of ultralow k-compatible carbon dioxide in situ photoresist ashing processes. II. Interaction with preceding fluorocarbon plasma ultralow k etching processes
Authors: Kuo Ming-Shu , Pal A. R. , Oehrlein G. S. , Hua Xuefeng
Published: September 2010

Process interactions between fluorocarbon (FC) plasma ultralow k (ULK) dielectrics etching followed by carbon dioxide (CO2) in situ photoresist (PR) ashing on ULK damage have been studied in a dual frequency, capacitively coupled plasma reactor. Introduction of ULK trench/via sidewall damage was simulated employing blanket ULK films by exposing them in a non-line-of-sight fashion in a small gap structure to the plasma environment. ULK damage was quantified using the dilute hydrofluoric acid (0.5%/15 s) selective etching method. CO2 in situ ashing processes showed a chamber memory effect due to prior FC plasma etching, significantly increasing damage of pristine ULK films. For ULK plasma etching/PR ashing process sequences, ULK material surfaces were modified by FC plasma etching prior to the CO2 plasma exposure. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy studies showed that the modifications consisted primarily of 1–2 nm FC coverage of the ULK. This FC deposit remained on the ULK surfaces during in situ CO2 processing and provided protection of the underlying ULK material. PR-patterned ULK structures were also processed employing the same processing conditions. The results obtained from the characterization of the resulting trench structures support the findings obtained with blanket films. CO2 in situ PR ashing processes performed at low pressure (10 mTorr) and enhanced by rf biasing provided a good combination of high PR stripping rate and low ULK damage introduction.
Platelet CD154 Potentiates Interferon-α Secretion by Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Duffau Pierre , Seneschal Julien , Nicco Carole , Richez Christophe , Lazaro Estibaliz , Douchet Isabelle , Bordes Cécile , Viallard Jean-François , Goulvestre Claire , Pellegrin Jean-Luc , Weil Bernard , Moreau Jean-François , Batteux Frédéric , Blanco Patrick
Published: September 2010

In the autoimmune disease lupus, platelets activated by self-antigens contribute to pathology by triggering the secretion of interferon from immune cells.
Molecular Profiling: Moving Away from Tumor Philately
Authors: Reis-Filho Jorge S. , Weigelt Britta , Fumagalli Debora , Sotiriou Christos
Published: September 2010

Cutting-edge technologies that deliver diverse molecular data may dramatically alter breast cancer characterization and treatment.
Overlap and Effective Size of the Human CD8
+
T Cell Receptor Repertoire
Authors: Robins Harlan S. , Srivastava Santosh K. , Campregher Paulo V. , Turtle Cameron J. , Andriesen Jessica , Riddell Stanley R. , Carlson Christopher S. , Warren Edus H.
Published: September 2010

Deep sequencing of the T cell receptor repertoires of seven healthy adults reveals that the adaptive immune system is far less diverse than expected and the person-to-person overlap is thousands of times larger.
Flavonoid content of Asphodelus ramosus (Liliaceae)
Authors: Reynaud J. , Lussignol M. , Flament M. M. , Becchi M.
Published: September 2010

In the course of a preliminary chemosystematic study of Asphodelus species, six flavonoids were first isolated and identified from A. ramosus subsp. ramosus var. ramosus. Only flavone structures were found. Two of them are rare C-glycoside structures and were observed only in the samples from one of the two geographic areas. So, flavonoids might be used as markers in the study of the Asphodelus genus organization. Key words: Asphodelus ramosus, Liliaceae, flavonoids, C-glycosylflavones, chemosystematics.
Competition of five native prairie grasses with Bromus inermis under three moisture regimes
Authors: Nernberg Dean , Dale Mark R. T.
Published: September 2010

We examined the effect of moisture on the competitive ability of five native grasses (Agropyron and Stipa) in competition with the non-native grass Bromus inermis Leyss. The plants were grown in large pots in growth rooms, and the moisture treatment was imposed by the frequency of watering. The competitive ability of the five native grasses, as measured by shoot biomass ratio, increased with reduced water availability, but even under the driest conditions, they competed poorly with B. inermis. The order of competitive ability found in this experiment did not match the order predicted from field observations based on the hypothesis of a strict reciprocal relationship between stress tolerance and competitive ability. Stipa viridula Trin. was the best competitor of the five, and Stipa curtiseta (A.S. Hitchc.) Barkworth was consistently the least competitive. The order of competitive ability was more variable when measured by the effect on Bromus than when measured by the effect on the native grasses themselves. The results suggest that tolerance of abiotic stress is less important than competitive exclusion in determining species distributions on environmental gradients Key words: competitive hierarchy, competitive reversal, transitivity.
Multiple-scale spatial distribution of the fungal epiphyll Scolecopeltidium on Trichilia spp. in two lowland moist tropical forests
Authors: Gilbert Gregory S. , Talaro Nicole , Howell Christine A. , Symstad Amy
Published: September 2010

The leaf-inhabiting fungus Scolecopeltidium mayteni (Micropeltaceae) is common on Trichilia tuberculata in lowland tropical forests on Barro Colorado Island, Panama, and on Trichilia moritzii in Corcovado National Park, Costa Rica. The sexual reproductive structures (ascomata) of the fungus have a clumped or random distribution on leaflet surfaces. The density of ascomata correlates well with the density of hyphae on the leaf surface and is a good indicator of the intensity of fungal colonization. Most of the variability in colonization is at a leaf-to-leaf level rather than among leaflets or among plants. Intensity of fungal colonization is directly related to the light environment of the leaflet or plant, but not to the density of hosts. The Scoiecopeitidium–Trichilia system is well suited for studies on ecological factors affecting host–fungal symbioses in natural plant communities. Key words: Trichilia luberculata, Trichilia moritzii, Loculoascomycete, density dependence, Panama. Costa Rica.
MATHEMATICAL MODELS OF RECEPTOR-MEDIATED TRANSPORT OF MORPHOGENS
Authors: KRZYŻANOWSKI PIOTR , LAURENÇOT PHILIPPE , WRZOSEK DARIUSZ
Published: September 2010

Two models of receptor-mediated morphogen transport in a biological tissue are proposed to investigate morphogen gradient formation. The first model concerns intracellular transport of morphogen molecules, while the second describes transport along the cell surface. Both models couple via diffusivity a quasilinear degenerate parabolic equation describing the transport of the morphogens with an ordinary differential equation describing reversible binding kinetics of receptors. A detailed study of the steady states is provided, together with numerical tests which compare the models with experimental data.
ISOGEOMETRIC COLLOCATION METHODS
Authors: AURICCHIO F. , DA VEIGA L. BEIRÃO , HUGHES T. J. R. , REALI A. , SANGALLI G.
Published: September 2010

We initiate the study of collocation methods for NURBS-based isogeometric analysis. The idea is to connect the superior accuracy and smoothness of NURBS basis functions with the low computational cost of collocation. We develop a one-dimensional theoretical analysis, and perform numerical tests in one, two and three dimensions. The numerical results obtained confirm theoretical results and illustrate the potential of the methodology.
MICROFLUIDIC DROPLET CONSISTENCY MONITORING AND ENCAPSULATED CELL DETECTION VIA LASER EXCITATION
Authors: TKACZYK ALAN H. , TKACZYK ERIC R. , NORRIS THEODORE B. , TAKAYAMA SHUICHI
Published: September 2010

Microfluidic droplets formed in emulsions are used in a variety of analytical techniques and hold great potential for future scientific and commercial applications. Our experiments present a microdroplet generation and consistency monitoring system with laser optics excitation and detection. We also demonstrate the detection of cancer cells encapsulated within aqueous microdroplets in continuous oil phase flow. The custom setup analyzes each droplet with sub-millisecond signal resolution and single photon accuracy, and is compatible with process-monitoring methods. To demonstrate the consistency of microdroplet generation over time, we measure and examine the mean frequency of aqueous plug-shaped droplet (microplug) formation in oil phase, as well as the mean length and interval between consecutive droplets. Two-channel optical monitoring allows for the simultaneous and independent inspection of both microdroplet generation and identification of green fluorescent protein-labeled cancer cells within the droplets. A precise, quantitative approach as utilized in these experiments may be helpful in the development of microfluidic concepts that require exacting reproducibility and would benefit from automated consistency monitoring techniques.
Age-related prolongation of phase I of V̇o2 on-kinetics in healthy humans
Authors: Mezzani Alessandro , Grassi Bruno , Giordano Andrea , Corrà Ugo , Colombo Silvia , Giannuzzi Pantaleo
Published: September 2010

Data are lacking regarding age-related modifications of phase I (PhI) of pulmonary V̇o2 on-kinetics during moderate-intensity exercise. We studied three groups (aged 20–30, 40–50, and 60–70 years) of 10 normal subjects, who underwent one incremental and four below-gas exchange threshold constant-power cardiopulmonary exercise tests. Data from constant-power tests were time-aligned and averaged, and the PhI-phase II transition (PhI-IItr) determined when a sharp decrease from baseline of respiratory exchange ratio occurred. The V̇o2 phase II time constant (τ) was obtained by an exponential fitting starting 1) from PhI-IItr (“experimental” fitting strategy) and 2) after 20 s from exercise onset (“fixed-duration” fitting strategy). Assuming estimated arterial-venous O2 concentration difference not to change with respect to resting value, cardiac output (CO) values at rest and PhI-IItr were obtained according to Fick's principle. Average pulmonary flow acceleration (AFA) during PhI was calculated as the ratio between CO increase during PhI and PhI duration. PhI duration was related to age ( r = 0.74, P < 0.0001), increasing from 21 ± 3 s to 27 ± 3 s to 32 ± 4 s in the 20–30, 40–50, and 60–70 age groups, respectively, and to AFA ( r = −0.60, P < 0.001), but not to CO increase during PhI. With respect to the experimental fitting strategy, the fixed-duration strategy overestimated V̇o2 phase II τ the more the higher the subject's age, with a lower goodness of fit in the 60–70 group (SE 0.035 vs. 0.056, P < 0.01). In conclusion, PhI duration is related to age in healthy male humans and is linked to CO acceleration—rather than to increase—during PhI. A significant overestimation of phase II τ thus may occur in healthy elderly subjects and patients with a pathologically induced longer PhI duration when fitting data where the PhI-PhIItr was not experimentally determined but assumed to be a set value (i.e., 20 s).
Selective Activation of Neuronal Targets With Sinusoidal Electric Stimulation
Authors: Freeman Daniel K. , Eddington Donald K. , Rizzo Joseph F. , Fried Shelley I.
Published: September 2010

Electric stimulation of the CNS is being evaluated as a treatment modality for a variety of neurological, psychiatric, and sensory disorders. Despite considerable success in some applications, existing stimulation techniques offer little control over which cell types or neuronal substructures are activated by stimulation. The ability to more precisely control neuronal activation would likely improve the clinical outcomes associated with these applications. Here, we show that specific frequencies of sinusoidal stimulation can be used to preferentially activate certain retinal cell types: photoreceptors are activated at 5 Hz, bipolar cells at 25 Hz, and ganglion cells at 100 Hz. In addition, low-frequency stimulation (≤25 Hz) did not activate passing axons but still elicited robust synaptically mediated responses in ganglion cells; therefore, elicited neural activity is confined to within a focal region around the stimulating electrode. Our results suggest that sinusoidal stimulation provides significantly improved control over elicited neural activity relative to conventional pulsatile stimulation.
Reflexive Limb Selection and Control of Reach Direction to Moving Targets in Cats, Monkeys, and Humans
Authors: Perfiliev Sergei , Isa Tadashi , Johnels Bo , Steg Göran , Wessberg Johan
Published: September 2010

When we reach for an object, we have to decide which arm to use and the direction in which to move. According to the established view, this is voluntarily controlled and programmed in advance in time-consuming and elaborate computations. Here, we systematically tested the motor strategy used by cats, monkeys, and humans when catching an object moving at high velocity to the left or right. In all species, targets moving to the right selectively initiated movement of the right forelimb and vice versa for targets moving to the left. Movements were from the start directed toward a prospective target position. In humans, the earliest onset of electromyographic activity from start of motion of the target ranged from 90 to 110 ms in different subjects. This indicates that the selection of the arm and specification of movement direction did not result from the subject's voluntary decision, but were determined in a reflex-like manner by the parameters of the target motion. As a whole the data suggest that control of goal-directed arm movement relies largely on an innate neuronal network that, when activated by the visual signal from the target, automatically guides the arm throughout the entire movement toward the target. In the view of the present data, parametric programming of reaching in advance seems to be superfluous.
Convergence Theorems for a Maximal Monotone Operator and a V‐Strongly Nonexpansive Mapping in a Banach Space
Authors: Manaka Hiroko
Published: September 2010

Let E be a smooth Banach space with a norm ∥·∥. Let V(x, y) = ∥x∥2 + ∥y∥2 − 2〈x, Jy〉 for any x, y ∈ E, where 〈·, ·〉 stands for the duality
pair and J is the normalized duality mapping. With respect to this bifunction
V(·, ·), a generalized nonexpansive mapping and a V‐strongly nonexpansive
mapping are defined in E. In this paper, using the properties of generalized
nonexpansive mappings, we prove convergence theorems for common zero
points of a maximal monotone operator and a V‐strongly nonexpansive mapping.
Oral Lesions and Lymphoproliferative Disorders
Authors: Castellarin P. , Pozzato G. , Tirelli G. , Di Lenarda R. , Biasotto M.
Published: September 2010

Lymphoproliferative disorders are heterogeneous malignancy characterized by the expansion of a lymphoid clone more or less differentiated. At the level of the oral cavity, the lymphoproliferative disorder can occur in various ways, most commonly as lymphoid lesions with extranodal externalization, but sometimes, oral lesions may represent a localization of a disease spread. With regard to the primary localizations of lymphoproliferative disorders, a careful examination of the head and neck, oral, and oropharyngeal area is necessary in order to identify suspicious lesions, and their early detection results in a better prognosis for the patient. Numerous complications have been described and frequently found at oral level, due to pathology or different therapeutic strategies. These complications require precise diagnosis and measures to oral health care. In all this, oral pathologists, as well as dental practitioners, have a central role in the treatment and long-term monitoring of these patients.
Acute Bilateral Ophthalmoparesis with Pupilary Areflexical Mydriasis in Miller-Fisher Syndrome Treated with Intravenous Immunoglobulin
Authors: Papanikolaou Theocharis , Gray Cath , Boothman Bernard , Naylor Gerald , Mariatos George
Published: September 2010

Miller-Fisher syndrome (MFS) is a rare condition characterized by the classical triad of ophthalmoplegia, ataxia, and areflexia (Fisher, 1956). It is considered a variant of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) with which it may overlap, or it can occur in more limited forms. We report a case of a thirty-five-year-old male who presented with a six-day history of diplopia, following a recent chest infection. On examination, he was found to have bilateral sixth nerve palsy, bilateral fourth nerve palsy, bilateral areflexical mydriasis, ataxia and total absence of reflexes. After excluding other conditions, a diagnosis of Miller-Fisher syndrome was made. The patient was administered intravenous immunoglobulin and made an uneventful recovery.
Lacrimal Gland Involvement in Lymphomatoid Granulomatosis and Review of the Literature
Authors: Pradeep Thanuja Gopal , Cannon Paul , Dodd Thomas , Selva Dinesh
Published: September 2010

Objective. To describe the clinicoradiological and histopathological findings in a case of lacrimal gland enlargement secondary to lymphomatoid granulomatosis (LG) and to review the literature.Design. Case report and systematic literature review.Methods. A 75-year-old woman presented with right ptosis. Computerised tomography showed lacrimal gland enlargement, and biopsy done was inconclusive. She subsequently developed pulmonary symptoms and underwent transbronchial biopsy that was diagnosed as LG. Pub Med and OVID databases were searched using the term “orbit/eye involvement in lymphomatoid granulomatosis”. Articles that predated the databases were gathered from current references.Results. The patient underwent lacrimal gland biopsy which revealed necrotic and inflamed tissue with no further categorisation but transbronchial biopsy helped in establishing the diagnosis of LG. On initiation of prednisolone and cyclophosphamide, her orbital lesion resolved but the patient died following massive pulmonary hemorrhage within a month of diagnosis.Conclusion. Ophthalmic involvement in LG is very rare. Varied presentations are due to central nervous system involvement, vasculitis, or infiltration of ocular or orbital structures. LG is an angiocentric and angiodestructive granulomatous disorder and can involve any tissue, thus accounting for the variable presentations reported in literature.
The Adsorption Properties ofBacillus atrophaeusSpore on Functionalized Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Cortes P. , Deng S. , Camacho L. , Smith G. B.
Published: September 2010

An equilibrium study ofBacillus atrophaeus(B.a) spores on functionalized Single-Wall Carbon Nanotubes (SWCNTs) has been performed in order to characterize the adsorption properties of the spores/nanotubes complex. The carbon nanotubes here investigated were subjected to a two-step purification and functionalization treatment in order to introduce chemical groups on their basal planes. The inclusion of carboxyl functional groups on the nanotubes was corroborated by Raman and infrared spectroscopy. These carboxyl groups appear to enhance the nanotube-B.a.interaction by reacting with the proteinaceous pili appendages present on the spore surface. The adsorption data demonstrate that bacillus spores diffuse faster on functionalized carbon nanotubes than on as-received and purified nanomaterials. Transmission Electron Microscopy also shows that the chemically treated nanotubes resulted in a swollen nano-network which seems to further enhance the bacillus adsorption due to a more extensive spore-nanotube contact area.
Uniqueness of Limit Cycles for a Class of CubicSystems with Two Invariant Straight Lines
Authors: Xie Xiangdong , Chen Fengde , Zhan Qingyi
Published: September 2010

A class of cubic systems with two invariant straight lines dx/dt = y(1 − x2),   dy/dt = −x + δy + nx2 + mxy + ly2 + bxy2. is studied. It is obtained that the focal quantities of O(0, 0) are, W0 = δ; if W0 = 0, then W1 = m(n + l); if W0 = W1 = 0, then W2 = −nm(b + 1); if W0 = W1 = W2 = 0, then O is a center, and it has been proved that the above mentioned cubic system has at most one limit cycle surrounding weak focal O(0, 0). This paper also aims to solve the remaining issues in the work of Zheng and Xie (2009).
Hepatectomy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Complicated by Vasculitis Flare
Authors: Abdi Zeinab , Krasnokutsky Svetlana , Rapkiewicz Amy , Saxena Amit , Villanueva Gerald , Sarpel Umut
Published: September 2010

Background. The hepatitis C virus is a major cause of hepatocellular carcinoma. Extrahepatic manifestations of hepatitis C include mixed cryoglobulinemia which can result in ischemic damage to multiple organs. The management of these sequelae in posthepatectomy patients is unclear. Case Report. A 49-year-old male with hepatitis C was found to have a 4 cm hepatocellular carcinoma on surveillance imaging. He underwent portal vein embolization followed by hepatectomy. His postoperative course was complicated by the development of splenic infarcts, small bowel ischemia, skin lesions, and liver damage. Findings of elevated cryocrit and elevated rheumatoid factor suggested the diagnosis of cryoglobulin-related vasculitis. The patient improved on supportive care. Conclusion. Cryoglobulinemia is associated with hepatitis C and may complicate the care of this patient population. The treatment of cryoglobulinemia posthepatectomy patients is complicated by concerns over how medications may affect the regenerating liver. Steroids should be used with caution in this setting. Summary. Brief report of hepatectomy complicated by vasculitis in the context of hepatocellular carcinoma secondary to hepatitis C addresses the management of mixed cryoglobulinemia in post-hepatectomy patients.
Text Messages as a Reminder Aid and Educational Tool in Adults and Adolescents with Atopic Dermatitis: A Pilot Study
Authors: Pena-Robichaux Venessa , Kvedar Joseph C. , Watson Alice J.
Published: September 2010

Optimal management of atopic dermatitis (AD) requires patients to adhere to self‐care behaviors. Technologies, such as cell phones, have been widely adopted in the USA and have potential to reinforce positive health behaviors. We conducted a pilot study with 25 adolescents and adults age 14 years and older [mean 30.5 yrs, SD 13.4] with AD. Daily text messages (TMs) that provided medication reminders and AD education were sent for six weeks to participants. Our goals were to (1) measure changes in pre‐ and posttest scores in treatment adherence, self‐care behaviors, disease severity, and quality of life and (2) assess the usability and satisfaction of the TM system. Significant improvements in treatment adherence, self‐care behaviors, skin severity, and quality of life (P ≤ .001.002, <.001, and .014, resp.) were noted postintervention. User feedback on the TM system was positive with 88% and 92% of participants reporting that the reminder TMs and educational TMs were helpful, respectively. In conclusion, study participants were receptive to using TMs as a reminder aid and educational tool. The positive trends observed are promising and lay the ground work for further studies needed to elucidate the full potential of this simple and cost‐effective intervention.
Controllable Assembly of Hydrophobic Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticle with mPEG-PLA Copolymer and Its Effect on MR Transverse Relaxation Rate
Authors: Xie Xuan , Zhang Chunfu
Published: September 2010

Assembly of individual superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPION) into cluster is an effective way to prepare MRI contrast agent with high relaxivity. In this study, we fabricated SPION clusters with different sizes and configurations by assembly of amphiphilic mPEG-PLA copolymer with hydrophobic SPION in aqueous solution. The evolution of cluster size and configuration with the amount of copolymer and the effect of cluster size on the transverse relaxivity was studied.T2relaxation rates of clusters with different sizes at iron concentration of 0.1 mM were compared with the theoretical predictions. We found that the relative amount of copolymer/SPION was crucial for the formation of SPION cluster. The transverse relaxivity of the condense SPION clusters (CSC) was size-dependent. The experimentally measuredT2relaxation rates of the clusters were lower than the theoretical predictions. In motional average regime (MAR) region,T2relaxation rates were more consistent with the theoretical values when transmission electron microscope (TEM) evaluated size was used. Therefore, for fabrication of SPION clusters with assembly of mPEG-PLA and hydrophobic SPION, delicate balance between the amount of copolymer and SPION should be pursued, and for comparison of experimentalT2relaxation rate with theoretical predictions, TEM evaluated size was more suitable.
Megacities as Sources for Pathogenic Bacteria in Rivers and Their Fate Downstream
Authors: Abraham Wolf-Rainer
Published: September 2010

Poor sanitation, poor treatments of waste water, as well as catastrophic floods introduce pathogenic bacteria into rivers, infecting and killing many people. The goal of clean water for everyone has to be achieved with a still growing human population and their rapid concentration in large cities, often megacities. How long introduced pathogens survive in rivers and what their niches are remain poorly known but essential to control water-borne diseases in megacities. Biofilms are often niches for various pathogens because they possess high resistances against environmental stress. They also facilitate gene transfers of antibiotic resistance genes which become an increasing health problem. Beside biofilms, amoebae are carriers of pathogenic bacteria and niches for their survival. An overview about our current understanding of the fate and niches of pathogens in rivers, the multitude of microbial community interactions, and the impact of severe flooding, a prerequisite to control pathogens in polluted rivers, is given.
Different Brain Network Activations Induced by Modulation and Nonmodulation Laser Acupuncture
Authors: Hsieh Chang-Wei , Wu Jih-Huah , Hsieh Chao-Hsien , Wang Qwa-Fun , Chen Jyh-Horng
Published: September 2010

The aim of this study is to compare the distinct cerebral activation with continued wave (CW) and 10 Hz‐modulated wave (MW) stimulation during low‐level laser acupuncture. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies were performed to investigate the possible mechanism during laser acupuncture stimulation at the left foot′s yongquan (K1) acupoint. There are 12 healthy right‐handed volunteers for each type of laser stimulation (10‐Hz‐Modulated wave: 8 males and 4 females; continued wave: 9 males and 3 females). The analysis of multisubjects in this experiment was applied by random‐effect (RFX) analysis. In CW groups, significant activations were found within the inferior parietal lobule, the primary somatosensory cortex, and the precuneus of left parietal lobe. Medial and superior frontal gyrus of left frontal lobe were also aroused. In MW groups, significant activations were found within the primary motor cortex and middle temporal gyrus of left hemisphere and bilateral cuneus. Placebo stimulation did not show any activation. Most activation areas were involved in the functions of memory, attention, and self‐consciousness. The results showed the cerebral hemodynamic responses of two laser acupuncture stimulation modes and implied that its mechanism was not only based upon afferent sensory information processing, but that it also had the hemodynamic property altered during external stimulation.
A Specific Need for CRKL in p210BCR-ABL–Induced Transformation of Mouse Hematopoietic Progenitors
Authors: Seo Ji-Heui , Wood Lisa J. , Agarwal Anupriya , O'Hare Thomas , Elsea Collin R. , Griswold Ian J. , Deininger Michael W.N. , Imamoto Akira , Druker Brian J.
Published: September 2010

CRKL (CRK-like) is an adapter protein predominantly phosphorylated in cells that express the tyrosine kinase p210BCR-ABL, the fusion product of a (9;22) chromosomal translocation causative for chronic myeloid leukemia. It has been unclear, however, whether CRKL plays a functional role in p210BCR-ABL transformation. Here, we show that CRKL is required for p210BCR-ABL to support interleukin-3–independent growth of myeloid progenitor cells and long-term outgrowth of B-lymphoid cells from fetal liver–derived hematopoietic progenitor cells. Furthermore, a synthetic phosphotyrosyl peptide that binds to the CRKL SH2 domain with high affinity blocks association of endogenous CRKL with the p210BCR-ABL complex and reduces c-MYC levels in K562 human leukemic cells as well as in mouse hematopoietic cells transformed by p210BCR-ABL or the imatinib-resistant mutant T315I. These results indicate that the function of CRKL as an adapter protein is essential for p210BCR-ABL–induced transformation. Cancer Res; 70(18); 7325–35. ©2010 AACR.
Neurotensin Receptor 1 Determines the Outcome of Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Alifano Marco , Souazé Frédérique , Dupouy Sandra , Camilleri-Broët Sophie , Younes Mohamad , Ahmed-Zaïd Sadi-Menad , Takahashi Takashi , Cancellieri Alessandra , Damiani Stefania , Boaron Maurizio , Broët Philippe , Miller Lance D. , Gespach Christian , Regnard Jean François , Forgez Patricia
Published: September 2010

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the role of the neurotensin/neurotensin receptor I (NTSR1) complex in non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) progression.

Experimental Design: The expression of neurotensin and NTSR1 was studied by transcriptome analysis and immunohistochemistry in two series of 74 and 139 consecutive patients with pathologic stage I NSCLC adenocarcinoma. The findings were correlated with clinic-pathologic features. Experimental tumors were generated from the malignant human lung carcinoma cell line A459, and a subclone of LNM35, LNM-R. The role of the neurotensin signaling system on tumor growth and metastasis was investigated by small hairpin RNA–mediated silencing of NTSR1 and neurotensin.

Results: Transcriptome analysis carried out in a series of 74 patients showed that the positive regulation of NTSR1 put it within the top 50 genes related with relapse-free survival. Immunohistochemistry revealed neurotensin- and NTSR1-positive staining in 60.4% and 59.7% of lung adenocarcinomas, respectively. At univariate analysis, NTSR1 expression was strongly associated with worse 5-year overall survival rate (P = 0.0081) and relapse-free survival (P = 0.0024). Multivariate analysis showed that patients over 65 years of age (P = 0.0018) and NTSR1 expression (P = 0.0034) were independent negative prognostic factors. Experimental tumor xenografts generated by neurotensin- and NTSR1-silenced human lung cancer cells revealed that neurotensin enhanced primary tumor growth and production of massive nodal metastasis via autocrine and paracrine regulation loops.

Conclusion: NTSR1 expression was identified as a potential new prognostic biomarker for surgically resected stage I lung adenocarcinomas, as NTSR1 activation was shown to participate in lung cancer progression. Clin Cancer Res; 16(17); 4401–10. ©2010 AACR.
Hypoxia Inducible Factor 1α and Hypoxia Inducible Factor 2α Play Distinct and Functionally Overlapping Roles in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Zhu Gui-quan , Tang Ya-ling , Li Ling , Zheng Min , Jiang Jian , Li Xiao-yu , Chen Si-xiu , Liang Xin-hua
Published: September 2010

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the functional difference between hypoxia inducible factor (HIF)-1α and HIF-2α in oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC).

Experimental Design: We evaluated the correlations between HIF-1α and HIF-2α expression and the clinical-pathologic characteristics of 97 patients with OSCC by immunohistochemical staining. OSCC cell lines transfected with lentivirus encoding short hairpin RNA against HIF-1α/2α were used to investigate the HIF-1α/2α–dependent target genes. Xenograft tumors in nude mice were established using cells affected by lentivirus, and tumor growth, angiogenesis, proliferation, and apoptosis were measured.

Results: HIF-1α expression was significantly associated with T stage (P = 0.004), lymph node involvement (P = 0.006), histologic differentiation (P = 0.013), and microvessel density (P = 0.014), whereas that of HIF-2α was associated with T stage (P = 0.011) and microvessel density (P = 0.005). Patients with positive HIF-1α nuclear staining had a significantly worse overall survival (P < 0.001) and disease-free survival (P < 0.001) than those with negative HIF-1α staining. When OSCC cells were cultured at 5% O2, only HIF-2α contributed to the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor. At 1% O2, vascular endothelial growth factor was regulated by both HIF-1α and HIF-2α, but glucose transporter 1, carbonic anhydrase 9, and urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor were regulated by HIF-1α rather than by HIF-2α. Knocking down HIF-1α or HIF-2α individually inhibited the xenograft tumor angiogenesis and growth, and knocking them down simultaneously revealed a better inhibitory effect than knocking down either unit alone.

Conclusions: HIF-1α and HIF-2α correlated with different clinical-pathologic parameters, stabilized at different oxygen levels, and regulated different genes in OSCC. However, both HIF-1α and HIF-2α showed promoting roles in tumor angiogenesis and growth, and therapeutic outcome may benefit from combined targeting of HIF-1α and HIF-2α. Clin Cancer Res; 16(19); 4732–41. ©2010 AACR.
Impact of a Statewide ST-Segment–Elevation Myocardial Infarction Regionalization Program on Treatment Times for Women, Minorities, and the Elderly
Authors: Glickman Seth W. , Granger Christopher B. , Ou Fang-Shu , O'Brien Sean , Lytle Barbara L. , Cairns Charles B. , Mears Greg , Hoekstra James W. , Garvey J. Lee , Peterson Eric D. , Jollis James G.
Published: September 2010

Background—

Prior studies have demonstrated differences in time to reperfusion for ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in women, minorities, and the elderly, relative to their counterparts. Regionalization has been shown to improve overall STEMI treatment times, but its impact on care differences among these important patient subgroups is unknown. The objective of this analysis was to assess the impact of a statewide system of STEMI care (The Reperfusion of Acute Myocardial Infarction in North Carolina Emergency Departments) on treatment times according to patient sex, race, and age.

Methods and Results—

STEMI treatment times were determined before (July 2005 to September 2005) and after (January 2007 to March 2007) a year-long implementation of coordinated regional treatment protocols. Times in the pre- and postintervention periods were compared by mixed-effects models. A total of 2063 STEMI patients were analyzed: 1140 at percutaneous coronary intervention hospitals and 923 at non–percutaneous coronary intervention hospitals. The Reperfusion of Acute Myocardial Infarction in North Carolina Emergency Departments was associated with significant improvements in treatment times in women and the elderly, including door-to-ECG, door-to-device, door-in–door-out, and door-to-needle times (all
P
<0.05). Temporal improvements in treatment times at percutaneous coronary intervention hospitals were not significantly different in blacks than in whites. There was a reduction in baseline treatment disparities in door-to-ECG times in women versus men (4.4-minute reduction in difference; 95% CI, −8.1 to −0.4;
P
=0.03). After Reperfusion of Acute Myocardial Infarction in North Carolina Emergency Departments, an age–treatment time gap persisted in the elderly, relative to younger patients.

Conclusions—

A statewide STEMI regionalization program was associated with comparable improvement in treatment times for female, black, and elderly patients compared with middle-aged, white male patients. Nevertheless, there remain opportunities to further narrow treatment differences, particularly among the elderly.
Frontostriatal Maturation Predicts Cognitive Control Failure to Appetitive Cues in Adolescents
Authors: Somerville Leah H. , Hare Todd , Casey B. J.
Published: September 2010

Adolescent risk-taking is a public health issue that increases the odds of poor lifetime outcomes. One factor thought to influence adolescents' propensity for risk-taking is an enhanced sensitivity to appetitive cues, relative to an immature capacity to exert sufficient cognitive control. We tested this hypothesis by characterizing interactions among ventral striatal, dorsal striatal, and prefrontal cortical regions with varying appetitive load using fMRI scanning. Child, teen, and adult participants performed a go/no-go task with appetitive (happy faces) and neutral cues (calm faces). Impulse control to neutral cues showed linear improvement with age, whereas teens showed a nonlinear reduction in impulse control to appetitive cues. This performance decrement in teens was paralleled by enhanced activity in the ventral striatum. Prefrontal cortical recruitment correlated with overall accuracy and showed a linear response with age for no-go versus go trials. Connectivity analyses identified a ventral frontostriatal circuit including the inferior frontal gyrus and dorsal striatum during no-go versus go trials. Examining recruitment developmentally showed that teens had greater between-subject ventral-dorsal striatal coactivation relative to children and adults for happy no-go versus go trials. These findings implicate exaggerated ventral striatal representation of appetitive cues in adolescents relative to an intermediary cognitive control response. Connectivity and coactivity data suggest these systems communicate at the level of the dorsal striatum differentially across development. Biased responding in this system is one possible mechanism underlying heightened risk-taking during adolescence.
From Ethnic Boundaries to Ethnic Penalties: Urban Economies and the Turkish Second Generation
Authors: Phalet Karen , Heath Anthony
Published: September 2010

From the perspective of segmented assimilation in the United States, a key question is whether the children of immigrant workers in European societies will experience socio-economic inclusion (“assimilation”) or exclusion (“segmentation”). This study focuses on the Turkish second generation in European cities as a critical case of ethnic segmentation. In particular, the analysis examines the role of urban contexts as moderators of “ethnic penalties” on socio-economic attainment. Using Census data, the authors find large net ethnic penalties for the Turkish second generation in the urban area of Brussels, where they make up the bottom end of the ethnic hierarchy. In comparison to the second generation living outside the urban area, however, they are more often in paid work, less rarely self-employed, and less totally excluded from high-end jobs. Our comparative findings run counter to common negative portrayals of post-industrial urban economies as a mobility trap for the children of immigrants. Instead, they suggest an upside to differential ethnic boundary dynamics in urban economic centers versus their national peripheries. To conclude, the authors discuss comparative implications for the fortunes of the second generation in European urban economies.
A Kinematic Approach to Determining the Optimal Actuator Sensor Architecture for Space Robots
Authors: Boning Peggy , Dubowsky Steven
Published: September 2010

Autonomous space robots will be required for such future missions as the construction of large space structures and repairing disabled satellites. These robots will need to be precisely controlled. However, factors such as manipulator joint/actuator friction and spacecraft attitude control thruster inaccuracies can substantially degrade control system performance. Sensor-based control algorithms can be used to mitigate the effects of actuator error, but sensors can add substantially to a space system’s weight, complexity, and cost, and reduce its reliability. Here, a method is presented to determine the sensor architecture that uses the minimum number of sensors that can simultaneously compensate for errors and disturbance in a space robot’s manipulator joint actuators, spacecraft thrusters, and reaction wheels. The placement and minimal number of sensors is determined by analytically structuring the system into “canonical chains” that consist of the manipulator links and spacecraft with force/torque sensors placed between the space robot’s spacecraft and its manipulators. These chains are combined to determine the number of sensors needed for the entire system. Examples of one- and two-manipulator space robots are studied and the results are validated by simulation.
Lymphocytic Adenohypophysitis and Adrenalitis in a Dog With Adrenal and Thyroid Atrophy
Authors: Adissu H. A. , Hamel-Jolette A. , Foster R. A.
Published: September 2010

A 4.5-year-old spayed female Great Pyrenees with hypothyroidism and hypoadrenocorticism had a slightly enlarged pituitary gland and bilaterally atrophic adrenal and thyroid glands. Lymphocytic adenohypophysitis and adrenalitis were found in which B lymphocytes and plasma cells dominated the adenohypophysitis but T cells dominated the adrenalitis. The thyroid gland had extensive follicular atrophy and collapse. The combination of primary hypothyroidism and hypoadrenocorticism resembles type II autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome or Schmidt syndrome in humans. Adenohypophysitis is rare in dogs and not reported in polyendocrine disease in animals.
Agnew’s General Strain Theory Reconsidered
Authors: Polizzi David
Published: September 2010

Since its inception, strain theory has attempted to explore the dynamic evoked between the process of goal identification and the process of goal acquisition as this relates to subsequent criminal behavior. Over the years of its development, strain theorists have attempted to broaden the initial scope of this perspective. Robert Agnew with his general strain theory has sought to introduce a variety of other factors relative to the experience of strain and the capacity they represent concerning subsequent criminal activity. However, these recent developments have not addressed until recently, and only in somewhat limited ways, the theoretical and methodologic implications and limits of this theoretical approach. This article proposes that the way in which Agnew’s formulation of general strain, particularly in its most recent conceptualization as story lines, fundamentally transforms the theoretical and methodological grounding of this approach but fails to offer a clearly articulated alternative theoretical perspective by which to conceptualize this “turn.” Phenomenology provides such an alternative perspective and helps to greatly expand our understanding of the human experience of strain.
Electromyographic Study of the Popliteus Muscle in the Dynamic Stabilization of the Posterolateral Corner Structures of the Knee
Authors: Schinhan Martina , Bijak Manfred , Unger Ewald , Nau Thomas
Published: September 2010

Background: The posterolateral corner of the knee consists of static and dynamic stabilizing structures. Knee injuries often include the posterolateral structures. The popliteus muscle-tendon unit is known as the major dynamic stabilizer of the posterolateral corner.

Hypothesis: The dynamic stabilization of the posterolateral structures of the knee via the popliteus muscle-tendon unit during a squatting exercise follows a constant activation pattern.

Study Design: Controlled laboratory study.

Methods: Within the pilot study, 6 volunteers performed 2 exercises to verify the electrode position scheme and to analyze cross-talk. In the main study 2 static exercises (standing and standing with knees flexed 90°) and 2 dynamic exercises (isolated popliteus muscle activation and squats) were recorded in 17 volunteers. Electromyograms were obtained of the popliteus, medial and lateral gastrocnemius, and quadriceps muscles. Knee angle-related muscle activity was recorded.

Results: In the pilot study it was assumed that the chosen electrode position allowed selective measurement of popliteus muscle activity. In the main study the mean popliteus onset angle was 43° ± 14° of flexion; activity lasted through the reversal point of the squat to 58° ± 21° of flexion during extension movement. Popliteus activity during all testing cycles revealed that the activity in the standing position is the smallest. The highest activity was recorded during the squat and the popliteus muscle-tendon unit exercise.

Conclusion: This study demonstrates an activation pattern of the popliteus muscle-tendon unit with high interindividual differences in the onset angles. A constant activation during the reversal phase of the squatting exercise could be observed.

Clinical Relevance: Reconstructive procedures of the posterolateral structures often include reconstruction of the popliteus muscle-tendon unit. Reconstructive procedures are usually done in a static manner, thus not addressing the dynamic stabilizing structure in a true functional way. The findings of the current study may be a useful contribution to the ongoing discussion of this topic.
Positioning and relating: Market boundaries and the slippery identity of the marketing object
Authors: Finch John , Geiger Susi
Published: September 2010

We propose a novel perspective on positioning by identifying goods and services first as market objects and then as marketing objects. As part of their normal marketing activities marketers position market objects and thereby provide means for other market actors to evaluate differences and similarities across an array of goods and services. Hence, marketers help disentangle goods and services in a market space, so formatting them as market objects. At the same time, marketers tend to make references to cultural and material dimensions in the worlds of producing and consuming goods and services, thereby re-entangling these market objects in the worlds beyond the market and re-formatting them as marketing objects. Drawing on an actor-network theoretical lens, we develop our argument to show that positioning refers to many ‘others’; producers and consumers as well as those objects which the market and its calculating frame ignore. We extend our reference beyond market objects through the marketing object to those others, which necessarily are poorly defined, and which suggest complex, contentious and rich alternatives to a market’s frames of calculation.