bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chmp 1A is a mediator of the anti-proliferative effects of All-trans Retinoic Acid in human pancreatic cancer cells
Authors: Li Jing , Orr Brandon , White Kayla , Belogortseva Natalia , Niles Richard , Boskovic Goran , Nguyen Hanh , Dykes Ava , Park Maiyon
Published: February 2009

Background

We recently have shown that Charged multivesicular protein/Chromatin modifying protein1A (Chmp1A) functions as a tumor suppressor in human pancreatic tumor cells. Pancreatic cancer has the worst prognosis of all cancers with a dismal 5-year survival rate. Preclinical studies using ATRA for treating human pancreatic cancer suggest this compound might be useful for treatment of pancreatic cancer patients. However, the molecular mechanism by which ATRA inhibits growth of pancreatic cancer cells is not clear. The objective of our study was to investigate whether Chmp1A is involved in ATRA-mediated growth inhibition of human pancreatic tumor cells.

Results

We performed microarray studies using HEK 293T cells and discovered that Chmp1A positively regulated Cellular retinol-binding protein 1 (CRBP-1). CRBP-1 is a key regulator of All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) through ATRA metabolism and nuclear localization. Since our microarray data indicates a potential involvement of Chmp1A in ATRA signaling, we tested this hypothesis by treating pancreatic tumor cells with ATRA in vitro. In the ATRA-responsive cell lines, ATRA significantly increased the protein expression of Chmp1A, CRBP-1, P53 and phospho-P53 at serine 15 and 37 position. We found that knockdown of Chmp1A via shRNA abolished the ATRA-mediated growth inhibition of PanC-1 cells. Also, Chmp1A silencing diminished the increase of Chmp1A, P53 and phospho-P53 protein expression induced by ATRA. In the ATRA non-responsive cells, ATRA did not have any effect on the protein level of Chmp1A and P53. Chmp1A over-expression, however, induced growth inhibition of ATRA non-responsive cells, which was accompanied by an increase of Chmp1A, P53 and phospho-P53. Interestingly, in ATRA responsive cells Chmp1A is localized to the nucleus, which became robust upon ATRA treatment. In the ATRA-non-responsive cells, Chmp1A was mainly translocated to the plasma membrane upon ATRA treatment.

Conclusion

Collectively our data provides evidence that Chmp1A mediates the growth inhibitory activity of ATRA in human pancreatic cancer cells via regulation of CRBP-1. Our results also suggest that nuclear localization of Chmp1A is important in mediating ATRA signaling.
Gene expression in primate liver during viral hemorrhagic fever
Authors: Djavani Mahmoud , Crasta Oswald R , Zhang Yan , Zapata Juan Carlos , Sobral Bruno , Lechner Melissa G , Bryant Joseph , Davis Harry , Salvato Maria S
Published: February 2009

Background

Rhesus macaques infected with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) provide a model for human Lassa fever. Disease begins with flu-like symptoms and progresses rapidly with fatal consequences. Previously, we profiled the blood transcriptome of LCMV-infected monkeys (M. Djavani et al J. Virol. 2007) showing distinct pre-viremic and viremic stages that discriminated virulent from benign infections. In the present study, changes in liver gene expression from macaques infected with virulent LCMV-WE were compared to gene expression in uninfected monkeys as well as to monkeys that were infected but not diseased.

Results

Based on a functional pathway analysis of differentially expressed genes, virulent LCMV-WE had a broader effect on liver cell function than did infection with non-virulent LCMV-Armstrong. During the first few days after infection, LCMV altered expression of genes associated with energy production, including fatty acid and glucose metabolism. The transcriptome profile resembled that of an organism in starvation: mRNA for acetyl-CoA carboxylase, a key enzyme of fatty acid synthesis was reduced while genes for enzymes in gluconeogenesis were up-regulated. Expression was also altered for genes associated with complement and coagulation cascades, and with signaling pathways involving STAT1 and TGF-β.

Conclusion

Most of the 4500 differentially expressed transcripts represented a general response to both virulent and mild infections. However, approximately 250 of these transcripts had significantly different expression in virulent infections as compared to mild infections, with approximately 30 of these being differentially regulated during the pre-viremic stage of infection. The genes that are expressed early and differently in mild and virulent disease are potential biomarkers for prognosis and triage of acute viral disease.
The role of RNA folding free energy in the evolution of the polymerase genes of the influenza A virus
Authors: Brower-Sinning Rachel , Carter Donald M , Crevar Corey J , Ghedin Elodie , Ross Ted M , Benos Panayiotis V
Published: February 2009

Background

The influenza A virus genome is composed of eight single-stranded RNA segments of negative polarity. Although the hemagglutinin and neuraminidase genes are known to play a key role in host adaptation, the polymerase genes (which encode the polymerase segments PB2, PB1, PA) and the nucleoprotein gene are also important for the efficient propagation of the virus in the host and for its adaptation to new hosts. Current efforts to understand the host-specificity of the virus have largely focused on the amino acid differences between avian and human isolates.

Results

Here we show that the folding free energy of the RNA segments may play an equally important role in the evolution and host adaptation of the influenza virus. Folding free energy may affect the stability of the viral RNA and influence the rate of viral protein translation. We found that there is a clear distinction between the avian and human folding free energy distributions for the polymerase and the nucleoprotein genes, with human viruses having substantially higher folding free energy values. This difference is independent of the amino acid composition and the codon bias. Furthermore, the folding free energy values of the commonly circulating human viruses tend to shift towards higher values over the years, after they entered the human population. Finally, our results indicate that the temperature in which the cells grow affects infection efficiency.

Conclusions

Our data suggest for the first time that RNA structure stability may play an important role in the emergence and host shift of influenza A virus. The fact that cell temperature affects virus propagation in mammalian cells could help identify those avian strains that pose a higher threat to humans.
IFN-γ-indoleamine-2,3 dioxygenase acts as a major suppressive factor in 4-1BB-mediated immune suppression in vivo
Authors: Kim Young H , Choi Beom K , Kang Woo J , Kim Kwang H , Kang Sang W , Mellor Andrew L , Munn David H , Kwon Byoung S
Published: February 2009

It has been reported that 4-1BB triggering in vivo selectively suppressed the recall response of staphylococcal enterotoxin A (SEA)-specific CD4+ T cells, in which CD8+ T-derived TGF-β was involved. Here, we have examined an alternative mechanism for the 4-1BB-mediated CD4+ T suppression, as the neutralization of TGF-β is only effective in rescuing the SEA-specific recall response at high cellular concentrations. We show that this selective suppression of CD4+ T cells by 4-1BB triggering in vivo is mediated mainly by induction of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) in an IFN-γ-dependent manner. SEA-specific CD4+ T responses were suppressed partly by TGF-β-expressing CD8+ T cells, particularly CD11c+CD8+ T cells, but strongly inhibited by dendritic cells (DCs) expressing IDO. IFN-γ that increased IDO in DCs was produced primarily from CD11c+CD8+ T cells, which were expanded selectively by 4-1BB stimulation. CD4+, CD8+, and plasmacytoid DCs exerted a similar suppressive activity toward the SEA-specific CD4+ T cells. Neutralization of IFN-γ or IDO activity in vivo largely reversed the 4-1BB-mediated CD4+ T suppression. Collectively, these data indicate that 4-1BB-dependent suppression of SEA-specific CD4+ T responses was mediated mainly by IFN-γ-dependent IDO induction and partially by TGF-β.
Transgenic zebrafish reporter lines reveal conserved Toll-like receptor signaling potential in embryonic myeloid leukocytes and adult immune cell lineages
Authors: Hall Chris , Flores Maria Vega , Chien Annie , Davidson Alan , Crosier Kathryn , Crosier Phil
Published: February 2009

The immune response of a host to an invading pathogen is dependent on the capacity of its immune cell compartment to recognize highly conserved pathogen components using an ancient class of pattern recognition receptors known as Toll-like receptors (TLRs). Initiation of TLR-mediated signaling results in the induction of proinflammatory cytokines that help govern the scale and duration of any ensuing response. Specificity for TLR signaling is, in part, a result of the differential recruitment of intracellular adaptor molecules. Of these, MyD88 is required for the majority of TLR signaling. Zebrafish have been shown to possess TLRs and adaptor molecules throughout early development, including MyD88, strongly suggesting conservation of this ancient defense mechanism. However, information about which embryonic cells/tissues possess this conserved signaling potential is lacking. To help define which embryonic cells, in particular, those of the innate immune system, have the potential for MyD88-dependent, TLR-mediated signaling, we generated transgenic reporter lines using regulatory elements of the myd88 gene to drive the fluorescent reporters enhanced GFP and Discosoma red fluorescent protein 2 within live zebrafish. These lines possess fluorescently marked cells/tissues consistent with endogenous myd88 expression, including a subset of myeloid leukocytes. These innate immune cells were confirmed to express other TLR adaptors including Mal, trif, and Sarm. Live wound-healing and infection assays validated the potential of these myd88-expressing leukocytes to participate in immune responses. These lines will provide a valuable resource for further resolving the contribution of MyD88 to early vertebrate immunity.
Requirement for Sun1 in the expression of meiotic reproductive genes and piRNA
Authors: Chi Ya-Hui , Cheng Lily I. , Myers Tim , Ward Jerrold M. , Williams Elizabeth , Su Qin , Faucette Larry , Wang Jing-Ya , Jeang Kuan-Teh
Published: February 2009

The inner nuclear envelope (NE) proteins interact with the nuclear lamina and participate in the architectural compartmentalization of chromosomes. The association of NE proteins with DNA contributes to the spatial rearrangement of chromosomes and their gene expression. Sun1 is an inner nuclear membrane(INM) protein that locates to telomeres and anchors chromosome movement in the prophase of meiosis. Here, we have created Sun1–/– mice and have found that these mice are born and grow normally but are reproductively infertile. Detailed molecular analyses showed that Sun1–/– P14 testes are repressed for the expression of reproductive genes and have no detectable piRNA. These findings raise a heretofore unrecognized role of Sun1 in the selective gene expression of coding and non-coding RNAs needed for gametogenesis.
Performance evaluation of a high-speed jetting dispenser actuated by a ring-type piezostack
Authors: Nguyen Q H , Choi S B
Published: February 2009

This article presents performance results of a new type of jetting dispenser driven by a ring-type piezostack actuator. The proposed dispenser can provide a very small dispensing dot size of a low viscous adhesive, from 50 to 500 cp, at a high dispensing flowrate in semiconductor packaging processes. After describing the mechanism and operational principle of the dispenser, a mathematical model of the system is derived by considering behaviours of the piezostack, the actuating spring, the dispensing needle, and the adhesive fluid dynamics. In the modelling, a lumped parameter method is applied to model the adhesive, for which the rheological property is approximately expressed by the Bingham model. The governing equation of the dispensing system is then derived by integrating the structural model with the fluid model. Based on the proposed model, the jetting dispenser is designed and manufactured. The dispensing performances such as dot size and dispensing flowrate are then evaluated from both the proposed model and experimental investigation. Subsequently, a method to control the dispensing flowrate is proposed and applied to the proposed dispenser to achieve the desired dispensing amount.
Development of advanced textile materials: Natural fibre composites, anti-microbial, and flame-retardant fabrics
Authors: Papaspyrides C D , Pavlidou S , Vouyiouka S N
Published: February 2009

The current trend in textiles is to move away from traditional uses and seek for increased complexity and ‘intelligence’ in terms of applications, so as to include them in the group of advanced materials, along with metal, ceramics, and polymers. Intensive research is in progress, following a multi-directed scheme where two key sectors can be distinguished: textiles structures and functionality. Representative examples of these two approaches are herein discussed regarding their applications, potentials, and challenges. Namely, the cases of natural-fibre-reinforced composites, and of anti-microbial and flame-retardant textiles are concisely described, highlighting the major issues.
An investigation of mixture formation and in-cylinder combustion processes in direct injection diesel engines using group-hole nozzles
Authors: Gao J , Matsumoto Y , Namba M , Nishida K
Published: February 2009

Mixture properties of the transient fuel spray injected by group-hole nozzles were quantitatively studied in a constant volume chamber via the laser absorption scattering (LAS) technique, and compared with conventional single-hole nozzles. Specific areas investigated included non-evaporating and evaporating ambient conditions, and the conditions of free spray and spray impinging on a flat wall. The particular emphasis was on the effect of one of the key parameters of the group-hole nozzle structure, namely, the interval between orifices. Subsequently, in-cylinder ignition and combustion processes were investigated by direct flame visualization in a single-cylinder optical research engine using the group-hole nozzle and the standard multi-hole nozzle, together with heat release analysis. Results show that the group-hole nozzle can produce a smaller Sauter mean diameter (SMD) of droplets under the non-evaporating condition. Under the evaporating condition, for the free spray cases, there exists a trade-off between the fuel evaporation and the spray penetration in the application of the group-hole nozzle. With the increase in interval between orifices, the ratio of evaporation increases, but the spray tip penetration decreases. For the spray impinging on a flat wall, the group-hole nozzle can enhance the spray tip penetrations to some extent compared with the single-hole nozzles. Flame images taken in a direct injection optical engine show that the enhancement of the fuel atomization and evaporation by the group-hole nozzle may contribute to a decrease in overall flame luminosity level, suggesting reduced soot formation in diesel engines.
Biological Gender Differences, Absenteeism, and the Earnings Gap
Authors: Ichino Andrea , Moretti Enrico
Published: February 2009

In most countries, women are absent from work more frequently than men. Using personnel data, we find that the absences of women below the age of 45 follow a 28-day cycle, while the absences of men and of women over the age of 45 do not. We interpret this as evidence that the menstrual cycle increases female absenteeism. To investigate the effect on women's earnings, we use a simple model of statistical discrimination. Consistent with the model, we find absenteeism has a more negative effect on men's earnings and this difference declines with seniority. The increased absenteeism induced by the 28-day cycle explains at least 14 percent of the earnings gender differential. (JEL J16, J22, J31)
Labor Supply Responses to Large Social Transfers: Longitudinal Evidence from South Africa
Authors: Ardington Cally , Case Anne , Hosegood Victoria
Published: February 2009

We quantify the labor supply responses of prime-aged adults to the presence of pensioners in their households, using longitudinal data collected in South Africa. We compare households and individuals before and after pension receipt and pension loss, which allows us to control for a host of unobservable household and individual characteristics that may determine labor market behavior. We find large cash transfers to the elderly lead to increased employment among prime-aged adults, which occurs primarily through labor migration. The pension's impact is attributable to the increase in household resources it represents, which can be used to stake migrants until they become self-sufficient, and to the presence of pensioners who can care for small children, which allows prime-aged adults to look for work elsewhere. (JEL H23, H55, I38, J22, O15)
Culture: An Empirical Investigation of Beliefs, Work, and Fertility
Authors: Fernández Raquel , Fogli Alessandra
Published: February 2009

We study culture by examining the work and fertility behavior of second-generation American women. Culture is proxied with past female labor force participation and total fertility rates from the woman's country of ancestry. The values of these variables capture not only economic and institutional conditions but also the country's preferences and beliefs regarding women's roles. Since the women live in the United States, only the belief and preference components are potentially relevant. We show that the cultural proxies have positive significant explanatory power even after controlling for education and spousal characteristics, and we demonstrate that the results are unlikely to be explained by unobserved human capital. JEL: J13, J16, J22, J24, Z13
Assessing Strategic Risk
Authors: Aumann R. J , Dreze J. H
Published: February 2009

In recent decades, subjective probabilities have been increasingly applied to an adversary's choices in strategic games (SGs). In games against nature (GANs), the subjective probability of a state can be elicited from lotteries yielding utility 1 if that state obtains, 0 otherwise. But in SGs, making such a lottery available changes the game, and so the players' incentives. Here, we propose a definition of subjective probabilities in SGs that uses actually available strategies only. The definition applies also to GANs where the decision maker's options are restricted. The probabilities that emerge need not be unique, but expected utilities are unique. (JEL D81)
A PCR-based platform for microRNA expression profiling studies
Authors: Wang Xiaowei
Published: February 2009

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are newly identified small noncoding RNA molecules that play important regulatory roles in many biological processes. Changes in miRNA expression are associated with a variety of normal physiological processes as well as with human diseases including cancer. Thus, one important way to characterize miRNA function is to identify changes in miRNA expression profiles. To date, microarrays are the most widely used technique for miRNA expression profiling analysis. However, there are major limitations when microarrays are applied to miRNA profiling studies. Here we report a new PCR-based assay platform for miRNA expression profiling analysis. The primers associated with these miRNA assays were designed using a novel bioinformatics algorithm that has incorporated many primer selection features for improved assay specificity, sensitivity, and homogeneity. The primer design algorithm has been extensively validated experimentally and has been shown to have robust performance for the measurement of miRNA expression in a variety of biological samples at a low cost.
An Exploratory Look at the Relationship Between Materialistic Values and Goals and Type A Behaviour
Authors: Saunders Shaun A. , Allen Michael W. , Pozzebon Kay
Published: February 2009

Previous research in Australia has inferred that materialism and its possession-defined ‘Success’ subtheme described by Richins and Dawson (1992) has characteristics in common with specific Type A behaviour including competitiveness and aggression. Given that Australian materialists appear to have similar inclinations to their North American counterparts, assumptions by the latter that materialism and Type A behaviour fall under the same cultural value of work and wealth might also be applicable in Australia. Hence, the present study aims to explore the relationship between materialism and Type A behaviour, with psychometric measures of each administered to 193 Australian participants. Scores on Materialism were positively correlated with Type A behaviours, while the Success subscale was only significantly correlated with the second Type A item, assessing competitiveness. However, while materialistic pursuits might provide a culturally sanctioned outlet for competitive behaviours deriving from existing Type A personalities, it could also be argued that contemporary consumer society encourages such behaviours.
The Heritability of Attitude Toward Economic Risk
Authors: Zhong Songfa , Chew Soo Hong , Set Eric , Zhang Junsen , Xue Hong , Sham Pak C. , Ebstein Richard P. , Israel Salomon
Published: February 2009

The propensity to take risk underpins a wide variety of decision-making behavior, ranging from common ones such as asking for directions and trying out a new restaurant to more substantial economic decisions involving, for instance, one's investment or career. Despite the fundamental role of risk attitude in the economy, its genetic basis remains unknown. Using an experimental economics protocol combined with a classical twin strategy, we provide the first direct evidence of the heritability of economic risk attitude, at 57%. We do not find a significant role for shared environmental effects, a common observation in behavioral genetics that is contrary to commonly held views in economics. Our findings complement recent neuroeconomic studies in enhancing the understanding of the neurobiological basis of risk taking.
Social justice agency in the landscape architecture studio: an action research approach
Authors: Baptist Karen Wilson , Nassar Hala F
Published: February 2009

In landscape architecture education we often make reference to passion, to imagination and to rigour as desirable attributes in our students. But what of cultivating a capacity to care? Lynn Davies, in Building a Civic Culture Post-Conflict, urges educators to initiate a new normality
of cooperation (Davies 2004, p. 243), where students are challenged to take on roles as active citizens who will challenge social injustice (Davies 2004, p. 229). In our discussions regarding the application of Davies' work to landscape architecture, we anticipated that memorial sites, because
of their strong social, political, symbolic and emotional associations, would provide a transformative means of introducing students to critical issues that affect the human experience of public space. Moreover, we anticipated that the educational value of these sites could be intensified
through the application of peace pedagogy. Employing a practical action research methodology we critically reflect upon the impact of the successes and failures of a landscape architecture design studio conceived in the spirit of a social action agenda of peace and commemoration.
The invasion of Iraq and the mythology of international law
Authors: Collins Barry
Published: February 2009

Although opposition to the Iraq war often relies on legal argument, the illegality of the invasion is not always easy to prove in international law. The sense of the war's illegality was fuelled by the failure of the United States and the United Kingdom to obtain Security Council sanction prior to the invasion. However, this argument is too simple, and the interpreters of law have generally fallen into two camps; those who supported the invasion tend to see the war as legal, and vice versa for opponents of the invasion. This essay examines the legal arguments for and against the war, and comes to the conclusion that international law is often given a normative status in political debate that it does not deserve. Despite its shortcomings, the author argues for a commitment to the utopian potential of international law, even if this potential is not realizable.
Interregional rivalry cloaked in Iraqi Arab nationalism and Iran secular nationalism, and Shiite ideology
Authors: Farzaneh Mateo Mohammad
Published: February 2009

To understand the contemporary IranianIraqi connection, it is important to look at their relationship dating back to the Classical Era. With Iran (the Achaemenid Persia) extending its control over the territory today known as Iraq since 550 BC, and with Iraq trying to influence Iranian
politics since General Qasim's nationalist coup in 1958 and Saddam Hussayn's invasion of Iran in 1980, the two neighbours show a constant aspiration for more hegemony in the region. This article argues that Iran influences Iraq for its own political, cultural and economic gains, while Iraq
influences Iran because of a general failure of Arab nationalist ideologies and the desire to become a power broker in the Persian Gulf region. To do that the following examines Islamic political activism in Iraq; focuses on Ayatullah Khomeini's connection with his Iraqi counterparts during
his exile there; and takes a look at the Shah's surveillance of Iranian Communists and their support by the Iraqi government after 1958, as evidenced in the newly released SAVAK documents.
Living through war, sanctions and occupation: the voices of Iraqi women
Authors: Ismael Jacqueline S , Ismael Shereen T
Published: February 2009

What is the impact of almost a decade of war (IraqIran war), followed by 13 years of sanctions and then an occupation that is now in its fifth year? Ask women, as we did in a research project initiated in 2004 that asked Iraqi women to reflect on the course of turbulence and change
in Iraq over their lifetimes. Invariably, we found, they focused on the Iraqi household, a level of analysis seldom addressed in all the literature on Iraq generated over the last decade or so which generally focuses on the macro level of institutional change, not the micro level of household
change. Because of the centrality of the household in the social and cultural construction of Iraqi society, the assessment of change at the household level is central to any assessment of the impact of turbulence on Iraqi society. This essay is based on analysis of interviews with Iraqi women
conducted between 2005 and 2007. Nested in a grounded theory methodology, the interviews were conducted face-to-face. Intended to be in-depth, unstructured and open-ended, the interviews focused on exploring significant events in the women's lives.
Failures (and successes?) of neoliberal economic policy in Iraq
Authors: Abboud Samer
Published: February 2009

Arguments for the total overhaul of the Iraqi economy were grounded in neoliberal justifications and erroneous claims that the economy was moribund, inefficient and burdened by endemic corruption and thus, in need of rapid liberalization. The transition to a fully liberalized economy
was implemented by Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA) officials with little regard for how decades of war and sanctions had shaped the Iraqi economy and the consequences this would have on post-invasion economic policy. The multiple failures of the CPA's neoliberal economic policies originate
in this fundamental misreading of the economy and the disregard of specific economic patterns that had developed over the previous decades. Critical evaluation of these phases suggests that economic policy has largely failed to initiate sustained development, reconstruction or rehabilitation
of the economy as a result of economic planners' fundamental misunderstanding of the Iraqi economy at the time of the invasion. These failures are the consequences of ideologically-driven policies that emasculated existing state structures, institutions and policy capacities. Furthermore,
economic policy has perpetuated and, indeed, deepened the structural dependency of the Iraqi economy on oil revenues rather than generating economic diversification.
Displacing the Gods? Agency and Power in Adaptations of Ancient History and Myth
Authors: Price Stuart
Published: February 2009

This article considers the ways in which ancient cultures are represented within contemporary cinematic narrative. The study uses the notion of attribution as its starting point, and focuses on two recent cinematic adaptations, Snyder's 300 (2007) and Petersen'sTroy(2004). Attribution is defined as the retrospective assignation of particularsensibilities and beliefsto ancient cultures. The directors and/or authors who generate perspectives on the past may not appreciate the exact provenance of the traditions from which they have drawn their material.Displacing the Gods? examines some of the historical and literary antecedents of modern attitudes, in order to place cinematic accounts of Thermopylae and Troy in a more objective context. The second major feature of the enquiry concerns the ways in which power oragencyis assigned to the various characters and forces within the films studied. Particular reference is made to the distinction between human and divine activity, and the evident need to offer rational explanations of events while reinforcing the view that ancient Greek societies were driven by religious superstition.
Relationships Between Key ASTM Test Methods Determined on Concrete and Concrete-Equivalent-Mortar Mixtures
Authors: Assaad Joseph J. , Harb Jacques , Chakar Elie
Published: February 2009

Concrete batching requires considerable amounts of materials, energy, and time for testing. This highlights the importance of using alternative easier approaches based on mortars to simplify and speed up the experimental testing programs. This paper seeks to establish relationships between responses of ASTM Test Methods conducted on concrete and concrete-equivalent-mortar (CEM). Different series of mixtures having various cement contents of 300, 350, 400, and 450 kg/m3 and water-to-cement ratios of 0.4, 0.45, 0.5, 0.55, and 0.6 were tested. Test results showed that the CEM approach can adequately predict the slump, slump variations, water reduction, air content, setting time, and compressive strength of concrete with coefficients of correlation (R2) greater than 0.86. Conversely, moderate relationships were obtained when correlating the flexural strength and length change responses of concrete to those determined on CEM. This was mainly attributed to variations in the specimen dimensions and effect of the interfacial transition zone resulting from the presence of coarse aggregates.
A Prospective Study of Injuries in NCAA Intercollegiate Ice-Hockey Goaltenders
Authors: LaPrade Robert F. , Wijdicks Coen A. , Spiridonov Stanislav I.
Published: February 2009

While relatively well protected and padded, ice-hockey goaltenders are at risk for impact injuries. There is little information regarding the incidence and mechanism of intercollegiate ice-hockey goaltender injuries. We prospectively studied all NCAA ice-hockey goaltender injuries through the Injury Surveillance System. We analyzed the seasons prospectively starting in 2000–2001 and through 2006–2007. Injury rates were calculated per 1000 player games. The overall rate of NCAA men’s ice-hockey goaltender injuries was 0.5/1000 player games. Fifty-six men’s ice-hockey goaltender injuries resulted in further time loss from practices or games. Thirteen injuries resulted in time loss of 1 to 2 days, 18 resulted in time loss of 3–5 days, 10 injuries resulted in time loss of 6–9 days, and 10 injuries resulted in 10 or more days of time loss from competition. The overall rate of NCAA women’s ice-hockey goaltender injuries was 0.72/1000 player games. The most common injuries were nine knee ligament injuries, five on-ice concussions, and four shoulder injuries. Overall, women sustained 23 time-loss game injuries. Five of these resulted in further loss of on-ice practice/game times of 1 day, eight resulted in 3–5 days of time loss, two resulted in 6–9 days of time loss, and seven injuries resulted in 10 or more days of time loss. Further understanding of the etiology of these on-ice goaltender-player contact injuries should assist in the development of possible interventions to reduce the incidence of NCAA ice-hockey goaltender injuries. The current Injury Surveillance System has shortcomings and does not provide us with enough information to evaluate the effectiveness of goalie equipment and the impact that possible rule changes would have on the game. This paper is the first step in analyzing all participants in hockey with anticipation for future rule and equipment optimization and subsequent injury reduction.
Microbes in Fuel: An Overview with a Naval Perspective
Authors: Neihof RA
Published: February 2009

A brief review of the history of microbial contamination of distillate hydrocarbon fuels is followed by a discussion of the major fungal and bacterial genera responsible and the conditions necessary for their proliferation. Microorganisms cause problems because they promote corrosion, and their physical presence leads to plugging of coalescers, filters, and orifices and the malfunction of fuel system gages. Interactions among different microbial fuel contaminants may enhance or inhibit their growth, and simple changes in conditions in the aqueous medium, such as pH, might be exploited as a means of controlling microbial growth. New biocides are available that promise to control microbial fuel contaminants at very low concentrations and in the presence of fuel tank sludge.
Identification and Control of Microbial Growth in Fuel Handling Systems
Authors: Swift ST
Published: February 2009

The primary goal of a fuel handling system is the delivery of clean and dry fuel to the customer. Microbial growth has been implicated in a number of problems such as tank corrosion, filter plugging, and deactivation of filter/coalescers. Therefore, the identification and elimination of microbial growth in fuel handling systems is very important. This paper discusses, through the use of two examples, the identification of microbial growth in samples from fuel handling systems. A simple flow chart system for isolating and characterizing the particular microbial contaminants, bacteria, fungus, and sulfate reducing bacteria, is presented. The characterization of sediments by solvent separation is also discussed. Finally, the current techniques for prevention of microbial growth in fuel handling systems are discussed. The results of a field test of a water-bottoms biocide treatment of a fuel storage tank are presented.
Additives for Middle Distillate and Kerosine Fuels
Authors: Henry CP
Published: February 2009

The benefits achievable from stabilizer additives and the effects of other additives on stability properties are discussed. Antioxidants, metal deactivators, and dispersants are used to improve the stability of middle distillate fuels; the range of benefits obtained and factors that affect performance are discussed. Different antioxidants are used in jet fuels to prevent formation of peroxides. Metal deactivators are used in all fuel types to prevent oxidation catalysis by dissolved metal salts. The effects of other additives including corrosion inhibitors, electrical conductivity additives, and cetane improver are considered.
Distillate Fuel: Contamination, Storage, and Handling
Authors: Chesneau HL , Dorris MM
Published: February 2009

Description

Covers types and effects of fuel contamination, prediction and detection of contamination problems in distillate fuels, and prevention techniques and procedures in delaing with contaminated fuel systems. Combines actual field experiences and solutions with laboratory work. A practical approach to dealing with fuel contamination problems.

For fuel producers, distributors, and end-users.
Progress in Analytical Luminescence
Authors: Eastwood D , Cline-Love LJ
Published: February 2009

Description

Presents advances in luminescence research to spectroscopic and analytical chemist. Covers a wide range of topics, from chromatographic applications, to analytical procedures of biochemical and medical interest, to solution kinetics and the latest advances in instrumentation.
Experimental Freshwater Microcosm Biodegradability Study of Butyl Benzyl Phthalate
Authors: Adams WJ , Renaudette WJ , Doi JD , Stepro MG , Tucker MW , Kimerle RA , Franklin BB , Nabholz JV
Published: February 2009

A 30-day freshwater microcosm study was conducted to measure the biodegradability of butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP) in water and sediment. Microcosms were designed to simulate the flow rate, water to sediment surface ratio, and environmental conditions of the Illinois River. Water and undisturbed sediment cores were brought into the laboratory from the Illinois River and placed in 53-L all-glass microcosms. BBP was tested at 10 and 100 μg/L and at 100 μg/L sterilized with five replicates at each concentration. BBP was added to each microcosm three times per week at one half the initial dose. The microcosms were sealed to trap radiolabeled carbon dioxide (14C-CO2) for purposes of assessing mineralization and obtaining a mass balance on each microcosm. Uniformly ring-labeled 14C-BBP was used as the test material and analyses were performed for parent BBP as well as for carbon-14 (14C) intermediates.

The results of this study indicated that BBP was readily degraded in both water and sediment. The estimated half-life in water for primary degradation was typically two days or less. Mineralization of BBP did occur, with an average of 10.4% of the total BBP dosed in each microcosm trapped as 14CO2. Concentrations of BBP on the sediments were lower than predicted from sediment partition coefficients. (200 to 600 μg/kg) and ranged from 7 to 23 μg/kg. Both the sediment and water analyses showed that the majority of the 14C activity detected was not BBP. The transient appearance of primary metabolites was observed, however, the preponderance of 14C remaining in solution was not BBP.

A mass balance of each component (water, sediment, carbon dioxide, and so forth) in each microcosm indicated that 78.2% of the total amount of 14C-BBP added to the microcosms could be accounted for. Approximately 50% of the mass remained as 14C metabolites in the water, and only 1.8% and <0.1% were found as 14C and parent BBP, respectively, on the sediment. The remainder of the 14C-BBP was found on the glass, in silicone joints and stoppers, in evolved CO2, or was removed by water sampling.

The collective data indicate that BBP should not be a persistent chemical in freshwater aquatic environments.
Case Study of a Marine Discharge: Comparison of Effluent and Receiving Water Toxicity
Authors: Schimmel SC , Thursby GB , Heber MA , Chammas MJ
Published: February 2009

An on-site investigation was conducted in northeast Florida to evaluate the toxicity of a pulp and paper mill discharge and to determine whether there was any receiving water toxicity associated with that discharge. The species tested included the macroalga Champia parvula, the mysid Mysidopsis bahia, and two fish species, Cyprinodon variegatus and Menidia beryllina. All methods evaluated the critical, sensitive life stages and estimated chronic toxicity. Test results indicated that effluent effect concentrations were approximately 1% for the two most sensitive species (mysids and the macroalga) and 32% for the least sensitive (C. variegatus). Receiving waters adjacent to the discharge were sampled and tested daily over a seven-day period. Water samples collected at stations closest to the discharge were toxic to the macroalga, and the effect concentrations (estimated by a previous dye study) were consistent with those determined in the effluent tests. In addition, the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) Duluth Laboratory conducted on-site chemical fractionation studies using the freshwater crustacean, Ceriodaphnia reticulata. Results of these studies indicated that unionized ammonia was the primary toxic component of the effluent. Data in this case study, from the suite of methods developed (or modified) at EPA's Narragansett Laboratory, appear suitable for the derivation of toxicity-based National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permits for the marine environment.
An Apparatus for Exposing Estuarine Aquatic Organisms to Toxicants in Constant and Fluctuating Salinity Regimes
Authors: Voyer RA , Sinnett JC , Modica G
Published: February 2009

A programmable control system for salinity has been developed and coupled with a flow-through toxicant exposure system. The resulting apparatus allows study of influences of constant and fluctuating salinity regimes on responses of estuarine organisms exposed to selected pollutants.

Constant and fluctuating salinity profiles available through use of the system (a) may be selected to range from fresh water to full-strength ambient seawater values; (b) are automatically repeatable, allowing long-term study; (c) are reproducible, thus permitting replication of treatment combinations over time and sequential testing of several species at a common salinity regime; and (d) can be quickly and easily modified or substituted for by another profile.
Errors in the Use of the Accelerated Bioconcentration Test
Authors: Stehly GR , Hayton WL
Published: February 2009

The accelerated bioconcentration test is commonly used in aquatic toxicology to calculate the bioconcentration factor (BCF) for waterbprne xenobiotics. This method assumes that when aquatic organisms accumulate chemicals, they behave as a single compartment with the chemical coming to an equilibrium between the organism compartment and the water. Experiments have shown, however, that for many lipophilic substances, the aquatic organism must be modeled as two or more compartments to characterize the accumulation process adequately. We studied the errors associated with the estimation of the BCF when the accelerated test is applied to substances that require two compartments to represent the fish.

Body level/time data for xenobiotic uptake and depuration were simulated using the computer simulation program Minidynamo. The aquatic organism was modeled as two compartments; the amount of xenobiotic in the organism was a biexponential function of time; that is, for the uptake phase, X = Ae-αt + Be-βt where X is the amount in the organism, t is time, and A, B, α, and β are constants. These data sets were then fitted using NONLIN, an iterative nonlinear least-squares computer program, to the single-compartment model of the accelerated bioconcentration test to determine the apparent uptake and depuration rate constants, k1 and k2, and to estimate the apparent BCF from their ratio. The larger the ratio of the 0 time intercepts of the two components of the biexponential curve, A/B, the larger was the error in estimating BCF. Estimates for the uptake rate constant, k1, were generally good but 10 to 30% smaller than the actual values, while the depuration rate constant, k2, was poorly estimated, even for cases where BCF was accurately estimated. In extreme cases, the calculated BCF was less than 5% of the actual BCF. Testing for fit to multicompartmental models and knowledge of multicompartmental characteristics and the infusion input can aid in reducing errors involved in estimates of BCF, k2, and k2 by the accelerated bioconcentration test.
Anisotropy and In-Situ Vane Tests
Authors: Silvestri V , Aubertin M
Published: February 2009

This paper presents the results of a field investigation carried out to determine the undrained shear strength of a sensitive clay deposit. The tests were performed by means of a Nilcon vane borer in Louiseville, Quebec, Canada. In order to study the possible anisotropic nature of the undrained shear strength, the apparatus was equipped with both rectangular-shaped and diamond-shaped vanes. The rectangular vanes had a height/diameter ratio that varied between 0.5 and 2.0. The diamond-shaped vanes had their blades cut at an angle that varied between 30° and 60° with respect to the horizontal. The results of the tests carried out with the rectangular vanes indicate that the undrained shear strength in the vertical plane Suv is lower than the undrained shear strength in the horizontal plane Suh. Thus, the value of the degree of strength anisotropy, defined as Suh/Suv, varies between 1.14 and 1.41. For the diamond-shaped vanes, the inferred strengths are intermediate between Suh and Suv. In addition, an elliptical failure criterion is found to adequately describe the observed response.
Analysis of a Vane Test Based on Effective Stress
Authors: Karube D , Shibuya S , Baba T , Kotera Y
Published: February 2009

A laboratory investigation has been made into rate effect on undrained strengths of a reconstituted clay. A “cylinder shear” apparatus has been developed recently to examine shear characteristics of the vane test in a simplified manner. A suite of laboratory tests has been carried out with this apparatus that included pore-pressure measurements on the shear surface. A series of laboratory vane tests has also been performed to be compared with those results. These test results allowed an interpretation to be made of the vane test rate effect in terms of effective stress and within the framework of the original Cam clay model. The undrained strength anisotropy of the clay was also examined in tests in which specimens from the same block sample, but cut out with different angles relative to the plane of sedimentation, were sheared in a direct shear device.
Initial Stage Hardening Characteristics of Marine Clay Improved Cement
Authors: Tsutsumi T , Tanaka Y , Tanaka T
Published: February 2009

Laboratory vane shear strength tests were conducted in order to study the various characteristics of the initial hardening stages of treated soils, such as the influence of moderate heat portland cement (MP) and blast-furnace slag (slag) mixture ratios, regional differences in marine clays, the influence of the quantity of additive to the slow hardening cement, and the influence of the water/cement ratio, and so forth, with respect to slow hardening cement, which is considered suitable for operations by the deep mixing method of soil stabilization in Japan. The results were that when the quantity of MP in the mixture is decreased, the shear strength of the treated soil decreases. The progress of hardening is closely related to the reactivity of the clay. The influence of the quantity of additives appears after hardening has progressed to a certain extent. When the water/cement ratio is increased, the shear strength decreases. Such characteristics were made clear, and it also became clear that the vane shear strength test is the most suitable method for studying these initial stage hardening characteristics.
Comparison of Field Vane, CPT, and Laboratory Strength Data at Santa Barbara Channel Site
Authors: Quiros GW , Young AG
Published: February 2009

A comprehensive geotechnical study was performed at a site in the Santa Barbara Channel, CA, where soils are predominately slightly overconsolidated Pleistocene clays. Undrained shear strength data at the site were acquired by (1) in-situ vane testing; (2) in-situ static cone penetration testing; (3) conventional laboratory testing consisting of unconsolidated, undrained triaxial compression and miniature vane; and (4) SHANSEP testing. The conventional laboratory and stress history and normalized soil engineering properties (SHANSEP) testing were performed on samples recovered by pushing 76-mm outside diameter (OD) thin-walled tubes. This paper compares, in detail, strength data obtained by the different testing procedures (in-situ tests and laboratory tests) and recommends the procedures that yield consistent and reliable undrained strength data for offshore foundation design.