bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Labyrinth Seal and Pocket Damper Seal High Pressure Rotordynamic Test Data
Authors: Vannini Giuseppe , Cioncolini Stefano , Del Vescovo Giuseppe , Rovini Massimiliano
Published: September 2013

The current centrifugal compressor design for the oil & gas market is more and more challenging, and the presence of many competitors is pushing technology towards both a casing size reduction and a rotational speed increase. The first point is leading to an increase in the number of wheels per rotor (to do the same service), and the second point is forcing to cross two or even three rotor modes (hence a higher control of rotor damping is necessary). The two points together are leading to increase the rotor “flexibility ratio” (defined as the ratio between the maximum continuous speed and the first critical speed at infinite support stiffness according to API standard, and finally the rotordynamic stability is very much challenged. The centrifugal compressor's rotordynamic stability is strongly related to the internal seals' dynamic behavior, and for this reason, the authors' company decided several years ago to develop internally a high pressure seal test rig to measure internal seals stiffness and damping. The rig is now in operation, and in a previous paper the authors described its main capabilities, the applied identification procedures, and the preliminary test results captured for a long labyrinth seal (smooth rotor, straight toothed stator) tested up to 200 bar. This paper is intended to show more data for the same long Laby with special focus on some peculiar test as negative preswirl test, single frequency versus multifrequency test, offset versus centered seal test. The negative preswirl test shows a drastic change in the effective damping (from destabilizing to stabilizing) and provides a support in favor of the selection of swirl reversal devices at seals upstream. The multifrequency excitation test approach (based on the concurrent presence of several frequencies not multiples at each other) is compared with a single frequency excitation providing similar results and thus confirming the soundness of the multiple effects linear superimposition assumption. The effect of a static offset (simulating the real position of a rotor inside an annular seal) is also investigated proving that the relevant impact is negligible within the range of eccentricity explored (10% of seal clearance). Moreover, a pocket damper seal (PDS) with the same nominal diameter, clearance, and effective length has been tested (up to 300 bar) and compared with the Laby. As expected, the PDS shows both a higher effective stiffness and damping at the same test conditions, so the promising results already collected in a previous test campaign which was performed on a smaller scale and lower pressure test rig were mostly confirmed with the only exception for the effective damping crossover frequency which was lower than expected.
RANS Computations of MEXICO Rotor in Uniform and Yawed Inflow
Authors: Tsalicoglou Christina , Jafari Samira , Chokani Ndaona , Abhari Reza S.
Published: September 2013

Full Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) simulations of the flow in the near wake of a three-bladed horizontal-axis wind turbine are presented. The simulations, which are based on the model experiments in controlled conditions (MEXICO) experiment and include the complete rotor, nacelle, and tower show good agreement with experimental data, with 4% difference relative to measured flow properties. The flow properties in the near wake are detailed for both uniform and nonuniform flow conditions. The effects of increasing tip-speed ratio and a yawed inflow of 30 deg are studied. The full RANS simulations are used to support the development of an immersed wind turbine model at ETH Zurich. This model allows for modeling of the wake evolution and interactions in wind farms, for multiple turbines, with substantially reduced computational effort.
Al2O3 e-Beam Evaporated onto Silicon (100)/SiO2, by XPS
Authors: Madaan Nitesh , Kanyal Supriya S. , Jensen David S. , Vail Michael A. , Dadson Andrew E. , Engelhard Mark H. , Samha Hussein , Linford Matthew R.
Published: September 2013

We report the XPS characterization of a thin film of Al2O3 (35 nm) deposited via e-beam evaporation onto silicon (100). The film was characterized with monochromatic Al Kα radiation. An XPS survey scan, an Al 2p narrow scan, an O 1s narrow scan, and the valence band spectrum were collected. The Al2O3 thin film is used as a diffusion barrier layer for templated carbon nanotube (CNT) growth in the preparation of microfabricated thin layer chromatography plates.
Thermally Annealed Iron (Oxide) Thin Film on an Alumina Barrier Layer, by XPS
Authors: Madaan Nitesh , Kanyal Supriya S. , Jensen David S. , Vail Michael A. , Dadson Andrew E. , Engelhard Mark H. , Linford Matthew R.
Published: September 2013

Herein we show characterization of an Fe thin film on Al2O3 after thermal annealing under H2 using AlKα x-rays. The XPS survey spectrum, Fe 2p and O 1s narrow scans, and valence band regions are presented. The survey spectrum shows aluminum signals due to exposure of the underlying Al2O3 film during Fe nanoparticle formation.
Efficient time of arrival estimation in the presence of multipath propagation
Authors: Villemin Guilhem , Fossati Caroline , Bourennane Salah
Published: September 2013

Most of acoustical experiments face multipath propagation issues. The times of arrival of different ray paths on a sensor can be very close. To estimate them, high resolution algorithms have been developed. The main drawback of these methods is their need of a full rank spectral matrix of the signals. The frequential smoothing technique overcomes this issue by dividing the received signal spectrum into several overlapping sub-bands. This division yields a transfer matrix that may suffer rank deficiency. In this paper, a new criterion to optimally choose the sub-band frequencies is proposed. Encouraging results were obtained on real-world data.
Psychometric properties associated with perceived vocal roughness using a matching task
Authors: Eddins David A. , Shrivastav Rahul
Published: September 2013

A psychophysical matching paradigm has been used to better quantify voice quality under laboratory conditions. The goals of this study were to establish which of two candidate comparison stimuli would best ensure that the range of perceived vocal roughness could be adequately bracketed using a matching task and to provide a general solution to the problem of estimating vocal roughness. Psychometric functions for roughness matching indicated that a speech-like sawtooth-plus-noise complex (20 dB signal-to-noise ratio) amplitude modulated by a sinusoidal function raised to the 4th power yielded a comparison stimulus with a perceptual dynamic range well suited for roughness matching.
Waveform Tomography Reveals Channeled Flow at the Base of the Oceanic Asthenosphere
Authors: French Scott , Lekic Vedran , Romanowicz Barbara
Published: September 2013

Mapping Mantle Mixing

Mantle convection is the primary driving force for plate tectonics, but mantle convection also mixes material in the interior of Earth and controls heat flow from the core. The patterns of convection are often difficult to image directly with seismic waves—particularly on a global scale.

French
et al.

(p.
227
, published online 5 September) constructed a global tomographic model of the upper mantle and transition zone that is sensitive to changes in seismic velocity and anisotropy. The approach identifies elongated, horizontal structures in the upper mantle that are parallel to overlying plate motions. At greater depths, however, vertical plume-like structures extend from the lower mantle and disappear near the base of low velocity zones like those observed beneath Hawaii.
A Thylakoid-Located Two-Pore K
+
Channel Controls Photosynthetic Light Utilization in Plants
Authors: Carraretto Luca , Formentin Elide , Teardo Enrico , Checchetto Vanessa , Tomizioli Martino , Morosinotto Tomas , Giacometti Giorgio Mario , Finazzi Giovanni , Szabó Ildikó
Published: September 2013

pH Gradient in Light of Electroneutrality

Photosynthesis in plant chloroplasts depends on a proton gradient to convert light energy into adenosine triphosphate. Studying
Arabidopsis
,

Carraretto
et al.

(p.
114
, published online 5 September; see the Perspective by

Rochaix

) identified the potassium channel TPK3 in the stacked membranes of the chloroplast's thylakoids as key to sustaining the proton gradient. As the thylakoid lumen acidifies on exposure to light, electroneutrality derives from TPK3 activity. TPK3 was able to optimize chloroplast responses to light across a wide range of intensities. Plants lacking functional TPK3 appeared normal when grown at modest light levels, but at higher light levels, the plants showed disruptions in overall growth and in thylakoid organization.
The Complete Genome Sequence of Proteus mirabilis Strain BB2000 Reveals Differences from the P. mirabilis Reference Strain
Authors: Sullivan Nora L. , Septer Alecia N. , Fields Andrew T. , Wenren Larissa M. , Gibbs Karine A.
Published: September 2013

We announce the complete genome sequence for
Proteus mirabilis
strain BB2000, a model system for self recognition. This opportunistic pathogen contains a single, circular chromosome (3,846,754 bp). Comparisons between this genome and that of strain HI4320 reveal genetic variations corresponding to previously unknown physiological and self-recognition differences.
Complete Genome Sequence of the Broad-Host-Range Paenibacillus larvae Phage phiIBB_Pl23
Authors: Oliveira Ana , Melo Luís D. R. , Kropinski Andrew M. , Azeredo Joana
Published: September 2013

Paenibacillus larvaeis a Gram-positive bacterium that causes American foulbrood, an important disease in apiculture. We report the first complete genome sequence of aP. larvaephage, phiIBB_Pl23, isolated from a hive in northern Portugal. This phage belongs to the familySiphoviridae.
Draft Genome Sequence of Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris Strain ATCC 49025
Authors: Shemesh Moshe , Pasvolsky Ronit , Sela Noa , Green Stefan J. , Zakin Varda
Published: September 2013

Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris
is a spore-forming Gram-positive, thermo-acidophilic, nonpathogenic bacterium which contaminates commercial pasteurized fruit juices. The draft genome sequence for
A. acidoterrestris
strain ATCC 49025 is reported here, providing genetic data relevant to the successful adaptation and survival of this strain in its ecological niche.
Genome Sequences of Six Wheat-Infecting
Fusarium
Species Isolates
Authors: Moolhuijzen Paula M. , Manners John M. , Wilcox Stephen A. , Bellgard Matthew I. , Gardiner Donald M.
Published: September 2013

Fusarium
pathogens represent a major constraint to wheat and barley production worldwide. To facilitate future comparative studies of
Fusarium
species that are pathogenic to wheat, the genome sequences of four
Fusarium pseudograminearum
isolates, a single
Fusarium acuminatum
isolate, and an organism from the
Fusarium incarnatum-F. equiseti
species complex are reported.
Complete Genome Sequence of an Attenuated Duck Enteritis Virus Obtained by
In Vitro
Serial Passage
Authors: Yang Chenghuai , Li Junping , Li Qihong , Li Huijiao , Xia Yecai , Guo Xin , Yu Kangzhen , Yang Hanchun
Published: September 2013

Here, we present the complete genome sequence of an attenuated duck enteritis virus (DEV) obtained by serial chicken embryo passage. Compared with a virulent DEV, there is a serial deletion in unique long open reading frame 11 (LORF11) and unique long region 2 (UL2). This study will aid in further exploration of the molecular pathogenesis of DEV.
Draft Genome Sequence of Thermotoga maritima A7A Reconstructed from Metagenomic Sequencing Analysis of a Hydrocarbon Reservoir in the Bass Strait, Australia
Authors: Sutcliffe Brodie , Midgley David J. , Rosewarne Carly P. , Greenfield Paul , Li Dongmei
Published: September 2013

The draft genome sequence of
Thermotoga maritima
A7A was obtained from a metagenomic assembly obtained from a high-temperature hydrocarbon reservoir in the Gippsland Basin, Australia. The organism is predicted to be a motile anaerobe with an array of catabolic enzymes for the degradation of numerous carbohydrates.
Draft Genome Sequence of Pseudomonas pelagia CL-AP6, a Psychrotolerant Bacterium Isolated from Culture of Antarctic Green Alga
Pyramimonas gelidicola
Authors: Koh Hye Yeon , Jung Woongsic , Do Hackwon , Lee Sung Gu , Lee Jun Hyuck , Kim Hak Jun
Published: September 2013

Pseudomonas pelagia
CL-AP6, isolated from a culture of the Antarctic green alga
Pyramimonas gelidicola
, is a psychrotolerant bacterium. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of this strain, which may provide insights into the mutualistic interaction between microalgae and bacteria in sea ice, as well as the cold adaptation mechanisms of bacteria.
Eosinophilic cystitis: treatment with intravesical steroids and oral antihistamines
Authors: Zaman Shahriar Raj , Vermeulen Tersia L , Parry Jeremy
Published: September 2013

This is a case of eosinophilic cystitis in a 56-year-old indigenous Australian woman who presented with urosepsis on the background of a urinary tract infection unresponsive to oral antibiotics. After resolution of the urosepsis, she had persisting urinary retention and a cystoscopy/bladder biopsy suggested eosinophilic cystitis. After 1 month of intravesical hydrocortisone and oral loratadine, repeat cystoscopy showed vast improvement in the bladder lesions. This case further strengthens the use of intravesical steroids and oral antihistamines for the management of eosinophilic cystitis.
Relieving the burden: palliative centesis of an oedematous scrotal wall due to anasarca in end-stage heart failure
Authors: Sabar Ron , Safadi Wajdi
Published: September 2013

End-stage congestive heart failure is a leading diagnosis among hospice patients without cancer. As in terminally ill cancer patients; the aim of the treatment was to focus on palliation and maximum symptom relief. Anasarca, a widespread swelling of the skin because of effusion of fluid into the extracellular space, is a common sign in end-stage heart failure causing much pain and discomfort. We described a simple, safe, bed-side technique to alleviate the discomfort associated with massive scrotal oedema.
Uncontrolled hyperglycaemia: a reversible cause of hemichorea–hemiballismus
Authors: Bhagwat Nikhil M , Joshi Ameya S , Rao Gururaja , Varthakavi Premlata K
Published: September 2013

Hyperosmolar hyperglycaemic state (HHS) an acute complication of diabetes mellitus, can be associated with neurological involvement ranging from seizures, involuntary movements to reversible focal neurological deficits without any structural lesions. We report a 71-year-old woman, a known case of type 2 diabetes mellitus who presented with the sudden onset of hemichorea–hemiballismus. On investigations she had hyperglycaemia and urinary tract infection. Achievement of euglycemia with insulin therapy resolved the involuntary movements completely. This highlights the fact that HHS is an uncommon but easily treatable cause of recent onset unilateral hemichorea–hemiballismus.
Cryptococcal lymphadenitis: an unusual initial presentation of HIV infection
Authors: Dogbey Pia , Golden Marjorie , Ngo Nhu
Published: September 2013

Lymphadenopathy can occur at any stage of HIV infection, with multiple aetiologies including reactive, infectious and malignant. An accurate and timely diagnosis has obvious implications for treatment. We report cryptococcal lymphadenitis as the presenting manifestation of HIV infection. The diagnosis in our patient was eventually confirmed with a lymph node biopsy. Fine needle aspiration cytology has been shown to be a rapid and cost-effective method, which has been used in the diagnosis of lymphadenopathy in HIV infection, and could have been used to make an earlier diagnosis in our patient.
A novel treatment for management of a trapped placenta using intracervical nitroglycerin tablets
Authors: Rodgers Blake Conley , Pasternak Adam , Gray Richard
Published: September 2013

A 34-year-old gravida 2, para 1 woman delivered a viable male infant and developed retained placenta due to entrapment. A nitroglycerin tablet was used to relax the lower uterine segment and cervix, which allowed the placenta to pass through the cervix for delivery. The nitroglycerin tablet was placed in the cervix and held in place by the delivering physician as it dissolved. Soon after administration, the intact placenta delivered. The patient did not experience the typical side effects of headache, asymptomatic decrease in blood pressure, hypotension, palpitations or dizziness that can be associated with administration of nitroglycerin. We suspect that this novel localised route of nitroglycerin administration may be an effective management strategy to treat trapped placenta while minimising side effects. However, the outcomes of this treatment would require further study.
Infiltrating angiolipoma of the cheek
Authors: Shah Vandana S , Harish M , Patel Jayanti R , Shah Nidhi
Published: September 2013

Angiolipoma, spindle cell lipoma, myelolipoma, chondrolipoma and myxolipoma are histological variants of lipomas arising from fat tissue. Although angiolipoma is the most common tumour in the trunk and forearm, it occurs infrequently in the head and neck region. In this report we present a case of angiolipoma occurring in the buccal mucosa of a 33-year-old man. The patient had noticed a painless mass in his buccal mucosa for 2 months. The surgically removed tumour, measuring 4 × 4 cm in diameter was histologically evaluated. The tumour was composed of proliferations of mature fat cells and connective tissue containing many small blood vessels, which were evenly distributed.
Bilateral auricular classic Kaposi's sarcoma
Authors: Colletti Giacomo , Allevi Fabiana , Moneghini Laura , Rabbiosi Dimitri
Published: September 2013

In 2009, a 57-year-old man was referred to our maxillo facial surgery department for the appearance of a reddish-purplish swelling on his right helix. The lesion was more than 1 cm in length and did not show changes for 3 months. He was otherwise healthy, without any predisposing factors. The patient denied smoking, alcohol misuse and intravenous drug use. He had no family history of similar lesions or Kaposi's sarcoma . The lesion was completely excised and the surgical defect reconstructed with a local flap. In 2011 the same patient returned to our attention because of the appearance of a new lesion, similar to the first one on the other auricle. The lesion was completely removed. The same situation recurred in September 2012, when the patient presented a new little reddish-purplish swelling of 3 mm on the left helix. The lesion was excised. The patient has not reported further lesion at present.
Osteoma of temporomandibular joint: a rarity
Authors: Misra Neeta , Srivastava Saurabh , Bodade Pankaj R , Rastogi Vikalp
Published: September 2013

Osteoma is a benign tumour consisting of mature bone tissue. It is an uncommon lesion that occurs in the bones of the craniofacial complex. Only a few cases involving the temporomandibular joint have been reported. An osteoma of the left temporomandibular joint causing limited mouth opening in a 22-year-old man with CT findings revealing the unusual possibility in differential diagnosis of trismus.
Primary colorectal non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in a retropositive patient
Authors: Sadhu Sakshi , Prabhu Raghunath , Natarajan Arjun , Vaidya Kuldeep
Published: September 2013

A 43-year-old man known case of retropositive illness presented with abdomen pain of 15 days and loose stools for 10 days. Loose stools were foul smelling and blood stained. The patient was a known case of type 2 diabetes and retroviral illness on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). General physical examination was normal. On examination an irregular mass was palpable in the right iliac fossa and right flank. The mass was hard in nature; irregular with restricted mobility. There was no palpable liver or spleen. CT of the abdomen and pelvis revealed a well-defined heterogeneously enhancing hypodense mass lesion measuring 16×11.7×12 cm involving the ileocaecal region and extending medially and inferiorly to sigmoid colon and rectum. A colonoscopy showed a proliferative highly vascular mass 15 cm from anal verge at the rectosigmoid junction. Histopathology revealed sheets of neoplastic lymphoid cells in rectal wall suggestive of non-Hodgkins lymphoma.
Complex partial status epilepticus in a patient with Crohn's disease
Authors: Delgado Montserrat G , Vega Juan , Santamarta Elena , Caminal Luis
Published: September 2013

Few cases of Crohn's disease complicated with meningitis and epidural abscess have been described in literature. We present a case of a 42-year-old former smoker female patient diagnosed with Crohn's disease in September 1995 (with severe nutritional problems). On 20 February 2012, she was admitted due to a probable sepsis (without any previous treatment). After several days she developed a confusion syndrome (probable Wernicke's disease). On 5 March 2012, the patient presented with a febrile episode of 39°C. Two days later, the patient presented aphasia and paraparesis, and 3 days later she presented a complex partial status epilepticus. A lumbar puncture was performed and showed 131 leucocytes (63% granulocytes) and proteins 296.3. The abdominopelvic CT scan revealed a presacral collection that seem to extend cranially towards the lumbosacral spine. The lumbar MRI confirmed the lumbar epidural abscess secondary to the fistulisation of the presacral abscess.
Hypereosinophilic syndrome associated with ulcerative colitis presenting with recurrent Loeffler’s endocarditis and left ventricular thrombus treated successfully with immune suppressive therapy and anticoagulation
Authors: Koneru Srikanth , Koshy George , Sharp Colin , Khalafallah Alhossain A
Published: September 2013

We reported a case of a 28-year-old Caucasian woman with hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES) associated with ulcerative colitis who presented on separate occasions with Loeffler’s endocarditis. She was admitted in 2008 with fever, headache, confusion and visual loss. Diagnostic workup uncovered an eosinophilia of 3.1×109/L and major ECG abnormalities. Subsequent echocardiography revealed left ventricular wall motion abnormalities with mural thrombus. MRI brain scan showed multiple white matter lesions consistent with acute infarcts. She recovered rapidly with corticosteroids and anticoagulation. Four years later she re-presented with headache, fatigue and an eosinophilia of 13.4×109/L. This occurred 3 months after cessation of immunosuppression and within 12 months of total colectomy for fulminant ulcerative colitis. Echocardiography was suggestive of hypereosinophilic endomyocardial fibrosis with left ventricular thrombus. Anticoagulation and corticosteroids were resumed with good effect. This report highlights the findings, treatment and outcome of ulcerative colitis-associated HES manifesting as recurrent Loeffler’s endocarditis.
A silent cause of sudden cardiac death especially in sport: congenital coronary artery anomalies
Authors: Hill Sharleen F , Sheppard Mary N
Published: September 2013

Aim

To raise awareness of congenital coronary artery anomalies (CCAAs) as an important cause of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in athletes, we describe a cohort of the malignant subset. Defining the key anatomical features for the cardiologist and pathologist to be aware of and detailing a systematic approach to examining the coronary arteries at autopsy.

Methods

Retrospective non-case-controlled analysis of 2304 cases of SCD referred by pathologists between 1994 and January 2012.

Results

31 (1.3%) of the 2304 cases of SCD had CCAAs; 24 men (77%) and 7 women (23%), mean age 28 years (range 16 months–63 years). In 15 cases (48%), SCD occurred during or immediately after physical exertion. Cardiac symptoms were documented to have occurred in only seven patients (23%) prior to SCD. The anomaly had been identified by the referring pathologist in only 11 of the 31 cases (35%).

Conclusions

CCAAs are a rare and mostly benign entity, but a subset has the potential to be fatal without any forewarning. In a significant proportion of cases identified in this large cohort, the victim was under exertion at the time of death, highlighting the relevance of this anomaly to the sports and exercise medicine community.
Investigating clogging failure mechanisms of leachate extraction wells in landfills
Authors: Rees-White Tristan , Beaven Richard , Powrie William , Cole Darren
Published: September 2013

To help reduce leachate heads in lined and unlined landfills, vertical leachate abstraction wells are commonly used. The effectiveness of vertical wells in landfills is, however, often perceived to be poor and to deteriorate over time. To investigate possible reasons for this, a downwell closed-circuit television (CCTV) survey of 25 leachate wells was carried out. Observations revealed significant corrosion of steel well screens, although only within the permanently unsaturated zone. Within the saturated parts of the well, corrosion of the screen and clogging did not occur. No biological fouling was observed in any of the wells examined. Exhumation and examination of three steel well screens from a landfill demonstrated significant screen corrosion in the unsaturated zone, with up to a 6 mm loss in section. Within the saturated zone, the gravel pack from each well showed no evidence of biological clogging, but there was some invasion of the gravel by intermediate cover material in two wells that had been developed.
Heritability of immunological characteristics in Florida Scrub-Jays (Aphelocoma coerulescens)
Authors: Wilcoxen Travis E. , Boughton Raoul K. , Morgan Gina M. , Schoech Stephan J.
Published: September 2013

The degree to which immunological phenotype is under genetic control as opposed to plasticity in response to variable environmental conditions remains largely unknown in natural populations. We assessed different aspects of immune function in father–son pairs in Florida Scrub-Jays (Aphelocoma coerulescens (Bosc, 1795)), a species with high natal philopatry, to determine if the responses were heritable. Specifically, we examined heritability of the (i) heterophil to lymphocyte ratio, (ii) ability to kill the Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli in an in vitro challenge, and (iii) ability to kill the Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus in an in vitro challenge. The heritability (h2) of each of the three measures described above was estimated as twice the slope of the regression (2β) from the mean value for each measure for sons on the mean value of the same measure for the father. Heritability estimates were high for all measures: heterophil to lymphocyte ratios (h2 = 1.54 ± 0.31) and E. coli (h2 = 1.84 ± 0.12) and S. aureus (h2 = 1.13 ± 0.16) killing abilities. Our results show a strong correlation between father and son immune function, as well as the influential nature of genetic inheritance and potential environmental effects associated with high natal philopatry on physiology.
Maturation characteristics and life-history strategies of the Pacific lamprey, Entosphenus tridentatus
Authors: Clemens Benjamin J. , van de Wetering Stan , Sower Stacia A. , Schreck Carl B.
Published: September 2013

Lampreys (Petromyzontiformes) have persisted over millennia and now suffer a recent decline in abundance. Complex life histories may have factored in their persistence; anthropogenic perturbations in their demise. The complexity of life histories of lampreys is not understood, particularly for the anadromous Pacific lamprey, Entosphenus tridentatus Gairdner, 1836. Our goals were to describe the maturation timing and associated characteristics of adult Pacific lamprey, and to test the null hypothesis that different life histories do not exist. Females exhibited early vitellogenesis – early maturation stages; males exhibited spermatogonia – spermatozoa. Cluster analyses revealed an “immature” group and a “maturing–mature” group for each sex. We found statistically significant differences between these groups in the relationships between (i) body mass and total length in males; (ii) Fulton’s condition factor and liver lipids in males; (iii) the gonadosomatic index (GSI) and liver lipids in females; (iv) GSI and total length in females; (v) mean oocyte diameter and liver lipids; and (vi) mean oocyte diameter and GSI. We found no significant difference between the groups in the relationship of muscle lipids and body mass. Our analyses support rejection of the hypothesis of a single life history. We found evidence for an “ocean-maturing” life history that would likely spawn within several weeks of entering fresh water, in addition to the formerly recognized life history of spending 1 year in fresh water prior to spawning—the “stream-maturing” life history. Late maturity, semelparity, and high fecundity suggest that Pacific lamprey capitalize on infrequent opportunities for reproduction in highly variable environments.
A LOW POWER AND VARIATION-INSENSITIVE CURRENT-MODE SIGNALING SCHEME
Authors: WANG XINSHENG , HU YIZHE , HAN LIANG , LI JINGHU , WANG CHENXU , YU MINGYAN
Published: September 2013

Process and supply variations all have a large influence on current-mode signaling (CMS) circuits, limiting their application on the fields of high-speed low power communication over long on-chip interconnects. A variation-insensitive CMS scheme (CMS-Bias) was offered, employing a particular bias circuit to compensate the effects of variations, and was robust enough against inter-die and intra-die variations. In this paper, we studied in detail the principle of variation tolerance of the CMS circuit and proposed a more suitable bias circuit for it. The CMS-Bias with the proposed bias circuit (CMS-Proposed) can acquire the same variation tolerance but consume less energy, compared with CMS-Bias with the original bias circuit (CMS-Original). Both the CMS schemes were fabricated in 180 nm CMOS technology. Simulation and measured results indicate that the two CMS interconnect circuits have the similar signal propagation delay when driving signal over a 10 mm line, but the CMS-Proposed offers about 9% reduction in energy/bit and 7.2% reduction in energy-delay-product (EDP) over the CMS-Original. Simulation results show that the two CMS schemes only change about 5% in delay when suffering intra-die variations, and have the same robustness against inter-die variations. Both simulation and measurements all show that the proposed bias circuits, employing self-biasing structure, contribute to robustness against supply variations to some extent. Jitter analysis presents the two CMS schemes have the same noise performance.
A RIEMANN PROBLEM AT A JUNCTION OF OPEN CANALS
Authors: GOUDIABY MOUHAMADOU SAMSIDY , KREISS GUNILLA
Published: September 2013

We study a Riemann problem at a junction of a star-like network of open canals. The network is modeled as three canals and a junction where all canals come together. The flow in the network is subcritical and given by 1D Saint-Venant equations in each canal and special conditions at the junction. We consider the symmetric case where two of the canals are identical. First, we show that the linearized junction Riemann problem has always a unique solution. Second, we show that under certain condition, there is a unique solution to the nonlinear junction Riemann problem. There are also cases where there is no solution.
NEW DECAY RATES FOR A PROBLEM OF PLATE DYNAMICS WITH FRACTIONAL DAMPING
Authors: CHARÃO RUY COIMBRA , DA LUZ CLEVERSON ROBERTO , IKEHATA RYO
Published: September 2013

In this paper, we obtain decay rates for the total energy associated to the linear plate equation with effects of rotational inertia and a fractional damping term depending on a number θ ∈ [0, 1]. We observe that the dissipative structure of the equation with θ = 0 is of the regularity-loss type. This decay structure still remains true in the plate equation with a power of fractional damping θ > 0, but it becomes more weak when θ increase. This means that we can have an optimal decay estimate of solutions under an additional regularity assumption on the initial data. Our results generalize previous results by Luz and Charão and some of recent results due to Sugitani and Kawashima. We use a special method in the Fourier space which we developed in a previous work for the wave equation. So, our approach shows to be very effective to study decay properties for several problems in Rn.
COUPLING OF LIGHTHILL–WHITHAM–RICHARDS AND PHASE TRANSITION MODELS
Authors: GARAVELLO MAURO , PICCOLI BENEDETTO
Published: September 2013

This paper deals with coupling conditions between the classical Lighthill–Whitham–Richards model and a phase transition model. We propose two different definitions of solution at the interface between the two models. The first one corresponds to maximize the flux passing through the interface, while the second one imposes an additional constraint on the flux. We prove existence of solutions to the Cauchy problem with arbitrary initial data of bounded variation, by means of the wave-front tracking technique.
Issues and opportunities in urban forensic geology
Authors: Ruffell Alastair , Pirrie Duncan , Power Matthew R.
Published: September 2013

Geological trace evidence including, for example, soil, sand and rock dust has been examined using a wide range of analytical techniques. Whilst such materials are common in rural locations, in urban areas, such geological materials are often perceived to be restricted to parks, recreational areas, gardens and waste ground. However, both geological materials and the wide range of analytical methods used to characterize them are much more applicable to the whole urban environment than is generally realized, with the main differences being the types and amounts of sample analysed and the methods adopted. The range of geological applications can be summarized as those deployed at the broad (decimetres–kilometres) to small (millimetres–decimetres) scale. The broad spatial variation in soil, roadway, water, buildings materials, and wind- or water-borne particles can be contrasted with the variation in urban materials from dwellings to streets or gardens and parks, along with the micro-spatial and stratigraphical variation in each. In addition, geological principles and techniques that have not been used before can be applied to urban materials to provide comparisons of material that were not previously achievable, or to add a further proxy to established methods. The latter point is demonstrated with a case study using X-ray diffraction and QEMSCAN® of a criminal case where building plaster with peculiar qualities could be compared between a suspect's vehicle and plaster present along the escape route from a murder scene.
Hormone phase dependency of neural responses to chemoreflex-driven sympathoexcitation in young women using hormonal contraceptives
Authors: Usselman Charlotte W. , Luchyshyn Torri A. , Gimon Tamara I. , Nielson Chantelle A. , Van Uum Stan H. M. , Shoemaker J. Kevin
Published: September 2013

Hormone fluctuations in women may influence muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) in a manner dependent on the severity of the sympathoexcitatory stimulus. This study examined MSNA patterns at rest and during chemoreflex stimulation in low- (LH) vs. high-hormone (HH) phases of contraceptive use in healthy young women ( n = 7). We tested the hypothesis that MSNA would be greater in the HH phase at baseline and in response to chemoreflex stimulation. MSNA recordings were obtained through microneurography in LH and HH at baseline, during rebreathing causing progressive hypoxia and hypercapnia, and during a hypercapnic-hypoxic end-inspiratory apnea. Baseline MSNA burst incidence ( P = 0.03) and burst frequency ( P = 0.02) were greater in the HH phase, while MSNA burst amplitude distributions and hemodynamic measures were similar between phases. Rebreathing elicited increases in all MSNA characteristics from baseline ( P < 0.05), but was not associated with hormone phase-dependent changes to MSNA patterns. Apnea data were considered in two halves, both of which caused large increases in all MSNA variables from baseline in each hormone phase ( P < 0.01). Increases in burst incidence and frequency were greater in LH during the first half of the apnea ( P = 0.03 and P = 0.02, respectively), while increases in burst amplitude and total MSNA were greater in LH during the second half of the apnea ( P < 0.05). These results indicate that change in hormone phase brought on through use of hormonal contraceptives influences MSNA patterns such that baseline MSNA is greater in the HH phase, but responses to severe chemoreflex stimulation are greater in the LH phase.
Reabsorption atelectasis in a porcine model of ARDS: regional and temporal effects of airway closure, oxygen, and distending pressure
Authors: Derosa Savino , Borges João Batista , Segelsjö Monica , Tannoia Angela , Pellegrini Mariangela , Larsson Anders , Perchiazzi Gaetano , Hedenstierna Göran
Published: September 2013

Little is known about the small airways dysfunction in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). By computed tomography (CT) imaging in a porcine experimental model of early ARDS, we aimed at studying the location and magnitude of peripheral airway closure and alveolar collapse under high and low distending pressures and high and low inspiratory oxygen fraction (FIO2). Six piglets were mechanically ventilated under anesthesia and muscle relaxation. Four animals underwent saline-washout lung injury, and two served as healthy controls. Beyond the site of assumed airway closure, gas was expected to be trapped in the injured lungs, promoting alveolar collapse. This was tested by ventilation with an FIO2 of 0.25 and 1 in sequence during low and high distending pressures. In the most dependent regions, the gas/tissue ratio of end-expiratory CT, after previous ventilation with FIO2 0.25 low-driving pressure, was significantly higher than after ventilation with FIO2 1; with high-driving pressure, this difference disappeared. Also, significant reduction in poorly aerated tissue and a correlated increase in nonaerated tissue in end-expiratory CT with FIO2 1 low-driving pressure were seen. When high-driving pressure was applied or after previous ventilation with FIO2 0.25 and low-driving pressure, this pattern disappeared. The findings suggest that low distending pressures produce widespread dependent airway closure and with high FIO2, subsequent absorption atelectasis. Low FIO2 prevented alveolar collapse during the study period because of slow absorption of gas behind closed airways.
GPR116, an Adhesion G-Protein–Coupled Receptor, Promotes Breast Cancer Metastasis via the Gαq-p63RhoGEF-Rho GTPase Pathway
Authors: Tang Xiaolong , Jin Rongrong , Qu Guojun , Wang Xiu , Li Zhenxi , Yuan Zengjin , Zhao Chen , Siwko Stefan , Shi Tieliu , Wang Ping , Xiao Jianru , Liu Mingyao , Luo Jian
Published: September 2013

Adhesion G-protein–coupled receptors (GPCR), which contain adhesion domains in their extracellular region, have been found to play important roles in cell adhesion, motility, embryonic development, and immune response. Because most adhesion molecules with adhesion domains have vital roles in cancer metastasis, we speculated that adhesion GPCRs are potentially involved in cancer metastasis. In this study, we identified GPR116 as a novel regulator of breast cancer metastasis through expression and functional screening of the adhesion GPCR family. We found that knockdown of GPR116 in highly metastatic (MDA-MB-231) breast cancer cells suppressed cell migration and invasion. Conversely, ectopic GPR116 expression in poorly metastatic (MCF-7 and Hs578T) cells promoted cell invasion. We further showed that knockdown of GPR116 inhibited breast cancer cell metastasis in two mammary tumor metastasis mouse models. Moreover, GPR116 modulated the formation of lamellipodia and actin stress fibers in cells in a RhoA- and Rac1-dependent manner. At a molecular level, GPR116 regulated cell motility and morphology through the Gαq-p63RhoGEF-RhoA/Rac1 pathway. The biologic significance of GPR116 in breast cancer is substantiated in human patient samples, where GPR116 expression is significantly correlated with breast tumor progression, recurrence, and poor prognosis. These findings show that GPR116 is crucial for the metastasis of breast cancer and support GPR116 as a potential prognostic marker and drug target against metastatic human breast cancer. Cancer Res; 73(20); 6206–18. ©2013 AACR.
Nitric Oxide Production Upregulates Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling by Inhibiting Dickkopf-1
Authors: Du Qiang , Zhang Xinglu , Liu Quan , Zhang Xianghong , Bartels Christian E. , Geller David A.
Published: September 2013

Nitric oxide signaling plays complex roles in carcinogenesis, in part, due to incomplete mechanistic understanding. In this study, we investigated our discovery of an inverse correlation in the expression of the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and the Wnt/β-catenin regulator Dickkopf-1 (DKK1) in human cancer. In human tumors and animal models, induced nitric oxide synthesis increased Wnt/β-catenin signaling by negatively regulating DKK1 gene expression. Human iNOS (hiNOS) and DKK1 gene expression were inversely correlated in primary human colon and breast cancers, and in intestinal adenomas from Min (Apcmin/+) mice. Nitric oxide production by various routes was sufficient to decrease constitutive DKK1 expression, increasing Wnt/β-catenin signaling in colon and breast cancer cells and primary human hepatocytes, thereby activating the transcription of Wnt target genes. This effect could be reversed by RNA interference-mediated silencing of iNOS or treatment with iNOS inhibitors, which restored DKK1 expression and its inhibitory effect on Wnt signaling. Taken together, our results identify a previously unrecognized mechanism through which the nitric oxide pathway promotes cancer by unleashing Wnt/β-catenin signaling. These findings further the evidence that nitric oxide promotes human cancer and deepens insights in the complex control Wnt/β-catenin signaling during carcinogenesis. Cancer Res; 73(21); 6526–37. ©2013 AACR.
Immunoglobulin GM Allotypes as Effect Modifiers of Cytomegalovirus-Spurred Neuroblastoma
Authors: Pandey Janardan P.
Published: September 2013

An uncommon immunoglobulin GM (γ marker) genotype has been reported to be strongly associated with susceptibility to neuroblastoma, but the mechanism(s) underlying this association is not known. Increasing evidence implicates human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) in the pathogenesis of neuroblastoma. HCMV has evolved a large repertoire of sophisticated strategies to evade host immunosurveillance. Particular GM alleles modulate an immunoevasion strategy of HCMV and contribute to humoral immunity to HCMV epitopes, attributes that provide possible mechanistic explanations for their involvement in the etiopathogenesis of neuroblastoma and explain, at least partially, why a common virus causes/spurs an uncommon cancer. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 22(11); 1927–30. ©2013 AACR.
Consistent and Differential Genetic Aberrations between Esophageal Dysplasia and Squamous Cell Carcinoma Detected By Array Comparative Genomic Hybridization
Authors: Shi Zhi-Zhou , Shang Li , Jiang Yan-Yi , Hao Jia-Jie , Zhang Yu , Zhang Tong-Tong , Lin De-Chen , Liu Shu-Guang , Wang Bo-Shi , Gong Ting , Zhan Qi-Min , Wang Ming-Rong
Published: September 2013

Purpose: Our aim was to identify frequent genomic aberrations in both esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and esophageal dysplasia and to discover important copy number-driving genes and microRNAs (miRNA) in ESCC.

Experimental Design: We conducted array-based comparative genomic hybridization (array CGH) on 59 ESCC resection samples and 16 dysplasia biopsy samples. Expression of genes at 11q13.3 was analyzed by real-time PCR (RT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Integrated analysis was conducted to identify genes or miRNAs with copy number-expression correlations.

Results: Array CGH identified 11 amplifications and eight homozygous deletions in ESCC. Integrated analysis of array CGH data with matched gene expression microarray data showed that 90 overexpressed genes and 24 underexpressed genes were consistent with DNA copy number changes, including 12 copy number-driving miRNAs. In esophageal dysplasia, six gains, four losses, 12 amplifications, and four homozygous deletions were detected. Amplifications of 7p11.2 and 11q13.2–11q13.3 (CCND1) and homozygous deletion at 9p21.3 (CDKN2A) were consistent genomic changes in both dysplasia and carcinoma. ANO1 at 11q13.3 was overexpressed at the mRNA and protein levels in tumors, and higher mRNA expression was correlated with the copy number increase. In particular, ANO1 expression was elevated in moderate dysplasia compared with normal esophageal epithelium. IHC revealed that ANO1 overexpression was positively correlated with lymph node metastasis and advanced clinical stage. Knockdown of ANO1 significantly inhibited the proliferation of KYSE30 and KYSE510 cells.

Conclusion: Copy number aberrations in both esophageal dysplasia and ESCC may be useful as potential biomarkers for early detection. In addition, ANO1 may be a candidate target gene in esophageal tumorigenesis. Clin Cancer Res; 19(21); 5867–78. ©2013 AACR.
Can Stroma Reaction Predict Cancer Lethality?
Authors: Freeman Michael R. , Li Quanlin , Chung Leland W.K.
Published: September 2013

Stromal features in carcinomas may provide a relatively consistent means to stratify patients afflicted with solid tumors. Stroma-derived transcriptome signatures can now be used to make predictions about patient survival, suggesting the potential for their clinical application in precision medicine to predict disease progression and emergence of therapeutic resistance. Clin Cancer Res; 19(18); 4905–7. ©2013 AACR.
Tumor-Secreted LOXL2 Activates Fibroblasts through FAK Signaling
Authors: Barker Holly E. , Bird Demelza , Lang Georgina , Erler Janine T.
Published: September 2013

Cancer-associated fibroblasts enhance cancer progression when activated by tumor cells through mechanisms not yet fully understood. Blocking mammary tumor cell–derived lysyl oxidase-like 2 (LOXL2) significantly inhibited mammary tumor cell invasion and metastasis in transgenic and orthotopic mouse models. Here, we discovered that tumor-derived LOXL2 directly activated stromal fibroblasts in the tumor microenvironment. Genetic manipulation or antibody inhibition of LOXL2 in orthotopically grown mammary tumors reduced the expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). Using a marker for reticular fibroblasts, it was determined that expression of α-SMA was localized to fibroblasts recruited from the host tissue. This marker also revealed that the matrix present in tumors with reduced levels of LOXL2 was more scattered compared with control tumors which exhibited matrices with dense, parallel alignments. Importantly, in vitro assays revealed that tumor-derived LOXL2 and a recombinant LOXL2 protein induced fibroblast branching on collagen matrices, as well as increased fibroblast-mediated collagen contraction and invasion of fibroblasts through extracellular matrix. Moreover, LOXL2 induced the expression of α-SMA in fibroblasts grown on collagen matrices. Mechanistically, it was determined that LOXL2 activated fibroblasts through integrin-mediated focal adhesion kinase activation. These results indicate that inhibition of LOXL2 in tumors not only reduces tumor cell invasion but also attenuates the activation of host cells in the tumor microenvironment.

Implications: These findings reveal new insight into the mechanisms of fibroblast activation, a novel function of LOXL2, and further highlight the importance of generating LOXL2-targeted therapies for the prevention of tumor progression and metastasis. Mol Cancer Res; 11(11); 1425–36. ©2013 AACR.