bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic Efficacy and Prognostic Value of Serum Procalcitonin Concentration in Patients With Suspected Sepsis
Authors: Ruiz-Alvarez M.J. , García-Valdecasas S. , De Pablo R. , Sanchez García M. , Coca C. , Groeneveld T.W. , Roos A. , Daha M.R. , Arribas I.
Published: December 2008

Background: Procalcitonin is released in response to bacterial infection and it is not released in Inflammatory and viral diseases.

Objective: To show the diagnostic efficacy and prognostic value of procalcitonin for sepsis.

Methods: A consecutive series of 103 patients with suspected sepsis were admitted to the intensive care unit over a 2-year period. During the first 24 hours of the admission procalcitonin, C-reactive protein, and complement proteins were determined. The diagnostic efficacy was tested with predictive values, likelihood ratios, receiver operating characteristic curves, and multiple logistic regression. The association of procalcitonin with mortality was assessed by the Multivariate Cox proportional hazards model.

Results: Procalcitonin had a better positive likelihood ratio than C-reactive protein —2.2 (95% confidence interval: 1.3-3.7) versus 1.1 (95% confidence interval: 0.9-1.2). Sequential Organ Failure Assessment yielded the highest discriminative value, with an area under the curve of 0.82 (95% confidence interval: 0.73-0.92), followed by procalcitonin (0.81; 95% confidence interval: 0.72-0.89). Multivariate regression analysis showed procalcitonin (adjusted odds ratio: 3.8; 95% confidence interval: 1.2-11.8) and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score (adjusted odds ratio: 5.3; 95% confidence interval: 1.4-19.9) as the only variables independently associated with infection. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that procalcitonin was not independently associated with mortality.

Conclusions: The diagnostic accuracy of procalcitonin was higher than C-reactive protein and complement proteins. Procalcitonin in combination with Sequential Organ Failure Assessment was useful to diagnose infection. C-reactive protein, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score, age, and gender showed to be helpful to improve the prediction of mortality risk, but not procalcitonin.
Changes in the Monitoring and Oversight Practices of Not-for-Profit Hospital Governing Boards 1989-2005
Authors: Alexander Jeffrey A. , Lee Shoou-Yih D. , Wang Virginia , Margolin Frances S.
Published: December 2008

Despite the legal and practical importance of monitoring and oversight of management by hospital governing boards, there is little empirical evidence of how hospital boards fulfill these roles and the extent to which these practices have changed over time. We utilize data from three national surveys of hospital governance to examine how oversight and monitoring practices in public and private not-for-profit (NFP) hospital boards have changed over time. Findings suggest that board relations with CEOs in NFP hospitals display important but potentially contradictory patterns. On the one hand, NFP hospital boards appear to be exercising more stringent oversight of management and hospital performance. On the other hand, management is more actively involved with governance matters with less separation of board and management. This general pattern varies by the dimension of oversight and monitoring practice and by specific characteristics of NFP hospitals.
Using Systematic Measurement to Target Consumer Activation Strategies
Authors: Hibbard Judith H.
Published: December 2008

Current policy directions place high expectations on consumers, pressing them to adopt new roles and behaviors. The price of failing to meet these expectations will be high for the individual, for the care delivery system, and for the society as a whole. Yet there is limited support in place to help consumers meet these expectations. The article reviews the major approaches used to stimulate consumer engagement in health and health care. The concept of activation is explored as a possible organizing construct for informing strategies to increase consumer involvement in health. Illustrative data are presented that show how activation levels are associated with engaging in specific health behaviors. The strategy of measuring activation and calibrating both the type and the amount of support for consumers is discussed as a way to improve current approaches. Tailoring activation to the individual, group, and community level is also explored.
Efficacy of a Vitamin/Nutriceutical Formulation for Moderate-stage to Later-stage Alzheimer's disease: A Placebo-controlled Pilot Study
Authors: Remington Ruth , Chan Amy , Paskavitz James , Shea Thomas B.
Published: December 2008

Recent studies demonstrated efficacy of a vitamin/ nutriceutical formulation (folate, vitamin B12, alpha-tocopherol, S-adenosyl methionine, N-acetyl cysteine, and acetyl-L-carnitine) for mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. Herein, we tested the efficacy of this formulation in a small cohort of 12 institutionalized patients diagnosed with moderate-stage to later-stage Alzheimer's disease. Participants were randomly separated into treatment of placebo groups. Participants receiving the formulation demonstrated a clinically significant delay in decline in the Dementia Rating Scale and clock-drawing test as compared to those receiving placebo. Institutional caregivers reported approximately 30% improvement in the Neuropyschiatric Inventory and maintenance of performance in the Alzheimer's Disease Cooperative Study—Activities of Daily Living for more than 9 months. This formulation holds promise for delaying the decline in cognition, mood, and daily function that accompanies the progression of Alzheimer's disease, and may be particularly useful as a supplement for pharmacological approaches during later stages of this disorder. A larger trial is warranted.
An Examination of Research Methods in Mathematics Education (1995-2005)
Authors: Hart Lynn C. , Smith Stephanie Z. , Swars Susan L. , Smith Marvin E.
Published: December 2008

This mixed methods examination of 710 research articles in mathematics education published in six prominent educational journals during the period 1995-2005 finds that 50% of the studies used qualitative methods only, 21% used quantitative methods only, and 29% mixed qualitative and quantitative methods in various ways. Although the number of mixed methods articles show some variation year to year and journal to journal, there is no discernible trend in the aggregate across this time period for the collection of journals studied. Issues explored include defining research categories and subsequently categorizing studies, balance and dominance between quantitative and qualitative strands, and integration within conclusions.
Regulation of multiple myeloma survival and progression by CD1d
Authors: Spanoudakis Emmanouil , Hu Ming , Naresh Kikkeri , Terpos Evangelos , Melo Valeria , Reid Alistair , Kotsianidis Ioannis , Abdalla Saad , Rahemtulla Amin , Karadimitris Anastasios
Published: December 2008

Down-regulation of conventional human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I and II molecules from the surface of tumor cells is an important mechanism for tumor immune evasion, survival, and progression. Whether CD1d, a nonconventional, glycolipid-presenting HLA class I–like molecule instructing the function of the immunoregulatory invariant NKT cells can affect tumor cell survival is not known. Here we show that CD1d is highly expressed in premalignant and early myeloma, but with disease progression its expression is reduced and eventually in advanced stages and myeloma cell lines is lost altogether, suggesting that CD1d impacts negatively on myeloma cell survival. Consistent with this, engagement of CD1d by anti-CD1d monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) induces cell death of myeloma cell lines with restored CD1d expression and primary myeloma cells. Cell death induced by monoclonal antibody engagement of CD1d is associated with overexpression of proapoptotic Bax and mitochondrial membrane potential loss but it is caspase-activation independent; in addition, it requires the cytoplasmic tail but not the Tyr residue critical for lysosomal sorting of CD1d. Finally, anti-CD1d cooperates with antimyeloma agents in the killing of myeloma cells. Thus, this work provides evidence linking a novel function of CD1d in the regulation of cell death with tumor survival and progression in humans.
Improved machine learning method for analysis of gas phase chemistry of peptides
Authors: Gehrke Allison , Sun Shaojun , Kurgan Lukasz , Ahn Natalie , Resing Katheryn , Kafadar Karen , Cios Krzysztof
Published: December 2008

Background

Accurate peptide identification is important to high-throughput proteomics analyses that use mass spectrometry. Search programs compare fragmentation spectra (MS/MS) of peptides from complex digests with theoretically derived spectra from a database of protein sequences. Improved discrimination is achieved with theoretical spectra that are based on simulating gas phase chemistry of the peptides, but the limited understanding of those processes affects the accuracy of predictions from theoretical spectra.

Results

We employed a robust data mining strategy using new feature annotation functions of MAE software, which revealed under-prediction of the frequency of occurrence in fragmentation of the second peptide bond. We applied methods of exploratory data analysis to pre-process the information in the MS/MS spectra, including data normalization and attribute selection, to reduce the attributes to a smaller, less correlated set for machine learning studies. We then compared our rule building machine learning program, DataSqueezer, with commonly used association rules and decision tree algorithms. All used machine learning algorithms produced similar results that were consistent with expected properties for a second gas phase mechanism at the second peptide bond.

Conclusion

The results provide compelling evidence that we have identified underlying chemical properties in the data that suggest the existence of an additional gas phase mechanism for the second peptide bond. Thus, the methods described in this study provide a valuable approach for analyses of this kind in the future.
MFS transportome of the human pathogenic yeast Candida albicans
Authors: Gaur Manisha , Puri Nidhi , Manoharlal Raman , Rai Versha , Mukhopadhayay Gauranga , Choudhury Devapriya , Prasad Rajendra
Published: December 2008

Background

The major facilitator superfamily (MFS) is one of the two largest superfamilies of membrane transporters present ubiquitously in bacteria, archaea, and eukarya and includes members that function as uniporters, symporters or antiporters. We report here the complete transportome of MFS proteins of a human pathogenic yeastCandida albicans.

Results

Computational analysis ofC. albicansgenome enabled us to identify 95 potential MFS proteins which clustered into 17 families using Saier's Transport Commission (TC) system. Among these SP, DHA1, DHA2 and ACS represented major families consisting of 22, 22, 9 and 16 members, respectively. Family designations inC. albicanswere validated by subjectingSaccharomyces cerevisiaegenome to TC system. Based on the published available genomics/proteomics data, 87 of the putative MFS genes ofC. albicanswere found to express either at mRNA or protein levels. We checked the expression of the remaining 8 genes by using RT-PCR and observed that they are not expressed under basal growth conditions implying that either these 8 genes are expressed under specific growth conditions or they may be candidates for pseudogenes.

Conclusion

Thein silicocharacterisation of MFS transporters inCandida albicansgenome revealed a large complement of MFS transporters with most of them showing expression. Considering the clinical relevance ofC. albicansand role of MFS members in antifungal resistance and nutrient transport, this analysis would pave way for identifying their physiological relevance.
Comparative genomic analysis of carbon and nitrogen assimilation mechanisms in three indigenous bioleaching bacteria: predictions and validations
Authors: Levicán Gloria , Ugalde Juan A , Ehrenfeld Nicole , Maass Alejandro , Parada Pilar
Published: December 2008

Background

Carbon and nitrogen fixation are essential pathways for autotrophic bacteria living in extreme environments. These bacteria can use carbon dioxide directly from the air as their sole carbon source and can use different sources of nitrogen such as ammonia, nitrate, nitrite, or even nitrogen from the air. To have a better understanding of how these processes occur and to determine how we can make them more efficient, a comparative genomic analysis of three bioleaching bacteria isolated from mine sites in Chile was performed. This study demonstrated that there are important differences in the carbon dioxide and nitrogen fixation mechanisms among bioleaching bacteria that coexist in mining environments.

Results

In this study, we probed that both Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans and Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans incorporate CO2 via the Calvin-Benson-Bassham cycle; however, the former bacterium has two copies of the Rubisco type I gene whereas the latter has only one copy. In contrast, we demonstrated that Leptospirillum ferriphilum utilizes the reductive tricarboxylic acid cycle for carbon fixation. Although all the species analyzed in our study can incorporate ammonia by an ammonia transporter, we demonstrated that Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans could also assimilate nitrate and nitrite but only Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans could fix nitrogen directly from the air.

Conclusion

The current study utilized genomic and molecular evidence to verify carbon and nitrogen fixation mechanisms for three bioleaching bacteria and provided an analysis of the potential regulatory pathways and functional networks that control carbon and nitrogen fixation in these microorganisms.
Structure and regulation of MARK, a kinase involved in abnormal phosphorylation of Tau protein
Authors: Timm Thomas , Marx Alexander , Panneerselvam Saravanan , Mandelkow Eckhard , Mandelkow Eva-Maria
Published: December 2008

Protein kinases of the MARK family phosphorylate tau protein in its repeat domain and thereby regulate its affinity for microtubules and affect the aggregation of tau into Alzheimer paired helical filaments. We are searching for low molecular weight compounds to interfere with the activity of MARK and its pathways. Here we summarize structural features of MARK and cellular pathways of regulation.
The feasibility of measuring the activation of the trunk muscles in healthy older adults during trunk stability exercises
Authors: Hanada Edwin Y , Hubley-Kozey Cheryl L , McKeon Melissa D , Gordon Sarah A
Published: December 2008

Background

As the older adult population increases, the potential functional and clinical burden of trunk muscle dysfunction may be significant. An evaluation of risk factors including the impact of the trunk muscles in terms of their temporal firing patterns, amplitudes of activation, and contribution to spinal stability is required. Therefore, the specific purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of measuring the activation of trunk muscles in healthy older adults during specific leg exercises with trunk stabilization.

Methods

12 asymptomatic adults 65 to 75 years of age were included in the study. Participants performed a series of trunk stability exercises, while bilateral activation of abdominal and back extensor muscles was recorded by 24 pairs of Meditrace™ surface electrodes. Maximal voluntary isometric contractions (MVIC) were performed for electromyographic (EMG) normalization purposes. EMG waveforms were generated and amplitude measures as a percentage of MVIC were calculated along with ensemble average profiles. 3D kinematics data were also recorded, using an electromagnetic sensor placed at the left lateral iliac crest. Furthermore, a qualitative assessment was conducted to establish the participant's ability to complete all experimental tasks.

Results

Excellent quality abdominal muscle activation data were recorded during the tasks. Participants performed the trunk stability exercises with an unsteady, intermittent motion, but were able to keep pelvic motion to less than 10°. The EMG amplitudes showed that during these exercises, on average, the older adults recruited their abdominal muscles from 15–34% of MVIC and back extensors to less than 10% of MVIC. There were similarities among the abdominal muscle profiles. No participants reported pain during the testing session, although 3 (25%) of the participants reported delayed onset muscle soreness during follow up that was not functionally limiting.

Conclusion

Older adults were able to successfully complete the trunk stability protocol that was developed for younger adults with some minor modifications. The collected EMG amplitudes were higher than those reported in the literature for young healthy adults. The temporal waveforms for the abdominal muscles showed a degree of synchrony among muscles, except for the early activation from the internal oblique prior to lifting the leg off the table.
Benchmarking the quality of breast cancer care in a nationwide voluntary system: the first five-year results (2003–2007) from Germany as a proof of concept
Authors: Brucker Sara Y , Schumacher Claudia , Sohn Christoph , Rezai Mahdi , Bamberg Michael , Wallwiener Diethelm ,   the Steering Committee
Published: December 2008

Background

The main study objectives were: to establish a nationwide voluntary collaborative network of breast centres with independent data analysis; to define suitable quality indicators (QIs) for benchmarking the quality of breast cancer (BC) care; to demonstrate existing differences in BC care quality; and to show that BC care quality improved with benchmarking from 2003 to 2007.

Methods

BC centres participated voluntarily in a scientific benchmarking procedure. A generic XML-based data set was developed and used for data collection. Nine guideline-based quality targets serving as rate-based QIs were initially defined, reviewed annually and modified or expanded accordingly. QI changes over time were analysed descriptively.

Results

During 2003–2007, respective increases in participating breast centres and postoperatively confirmed BCs were from 59 to 220 and from 5,994 to 31,656 (> 60% of new BCs/year in Germany). Starting from 9 process QIs, 12 QIs were developed by 2007 as surrogates for long-term outcome. Results for most QIs increased. From 2003 to 2007, the most notable increases seen were for preoperative histological confirmation of diagnosis (58% (in 2003) to 88% (in 2007)), appropriate endocrine therapy in hormone receptor-positive patients (27 to 93%), appropriate radiotherapy after breast-conserving therapy (20 to 79%) and appropriate radiotherapy after mastectomy (8 to 65%).

Conclusion

Nationwide external benchmarking of BC care is feasible and successful. The benchmarking system described allows both comparisons among participating institutions as well as the tracking of changes in average quality of care over time for the network as a whole. Marked QI increases indicate improved quality of BC care.
Membrane androgen receptor activation triggers down-regulation of PI-3K/Akt/NF-kappaB activity and induces apoptotic responses via Bad, FasL and caspase-3 in DU145 prostate cancer cells
Authors: Papadopoulou Natalia , Charalampopoulos Ioannis , Anagnostopoulou Vasileia , Konstantinidis Georgios , Föller Michael , Gravanis Achilleas , Alevizopoulos Konstantinos , Lang Florian , Stournaras Christos
Published: December 2008

Background

Recently we have reported membrane androgen receptors-induced apoptotic regression of prostate cancer cells regulated by Rho/ROCK/actin signaling. In the present study we explored the specificity of these receptors and we analyzed downstream effectors controlling survival and apoptosis in hormone refractory DU145-prostate cancer cells stimulated with membrane androgen receptor-selective agonists.

Results

Using membrane impermeable conjugates of serum albumin covalently linked to testosterone, we show here down-regulation of the activity of pro-survival gene products, namely PI-3K/Akt and NF-κB, in DU145 cells. Testosterone-albumin conjugates further induced FasL expression. A FasL blocking peptide abrogated membrane androgen receptors-dependent apoptosis. In addition, testosterone-albumin conjugates increased caspase-3 and Bad protein activity. The actin cytoskeleton drug cytochalasin B and the ROCK inhibitor Y-27632 inhibited FasL induction and caspase-3 activation, indicating that the newly identified Rho/Rock/actin signaling may regulate the downstream pro-apoptotic effectors in DU145 cells. Finally, other steroids or steroid-albumin conjugates did not interfere with these receptors indicating testosterone specificity.

Conclusion

Collectively, our results provide novel mechanistic insights pointing to specific pro-apoptotic molecules controlling membrane androgen receptors-induced apoptotic regression of prostate cancer cells and corroborate previously published observations on the potential use of membrane androgen receptor-agonists as novel anti-tumor agents in prostate cancer.
Avascular necrosis of humeral head in an elderly patient with tuberculosis: a case report
Authors: Agarwal Renu , Gupta Ruchika , Singh Sompal , Gupta Kusum , Kudesia Madhur
Published: December 2008

Introduction

Osteonecrosis (avascular necrosis) is known to be caused by high-dose corticosteroid therapy, alcoholism and rarely by infections. However, a tubercular etiology of this condition is very rare. A review of the literature yielded only a few cases of polyarticular tuberculosis with osteonecrosis in immunosuppressed individuals. No case of monoarticular tubercular osteonecrosis diagnosed by aspiration cytology was found. Since tuberculosis is a curable disease, an early and accurate diagnosis is essential.

Case presentation

A 60-year-old Indian man presented with diffuse swelling and pain in the left shoulder for the previous 6 months. A computed tomography scan of the left shoulder revealed crescentic lucency in the humeral head, suggestive of osteonecrosis. Fine needle aspiration cytology smears from the swelling showed features of an acute suppurative lesion. Stain for acid-fast bacillus was positive and thus, a final clinico-pathological diagnosis of osteonecrosis of humeral head with tubercular etiology was rendered. The patient was initiated on anti-tuberculous therapy with symptomatic improvement in his condition.

Conclusion

Osteonecrosis, a debilitating disease, may rarely occur due to tuberculosis, especially in endemic areas. Fine needle aspiration cytology is an effective and inexpensive modality for an early diagnosis of the tubercular etiology of osteonecrosis.
Circadian and dark-pulse activation of orexin/hypocretin neurons
Authors: Marston Oliver J , Williams Rhîannan H , Canal Maria M , Samuels Rayna E , Upton Neil , Piggins Hugh D
Published: December 2008

Temporal control of brain and behavioral states emerges as a consequence of the interaction between circadian and homeostatic neural circuits. This interaction permits the daily rhythm of sleep and wake, regulated in parallel by circadian cues originating from the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) and arousal-promoting signals arising from the orexin-containing neurons in the tuberal hypothalamus (TH). Intriguingly, the SCN circadian clock can be reset by arousal-promoting stimuli while activation of orexin/hypocretin neurons is believed to be under circadian control, suggesting the existence of a reciprocal relationship. Unfortunately, since orexin neurons are themselves activated by locomotor promoting cues, it is unclear how these two systems interact to regulate behavioral rhythms. Here mice were placed in conditions of constant light, which suppressed locomotor activity, but also revealed a highly pronounced circadian pattern in orexin neuronal activation. Significantly, activation of orexin neurons in the medial and lateral TH occurred prior to the onset of sustained wheel-running activity. Moreover, exposure to a 6 h dark pulse during the subjective day, a stimulus that promotes arousal and phase advances behavioral rhythms, activated neurons in the medial and lateral TH including those containing orexin. Concurrently, this stimulus suppressed SCN activity while activating cells in the median raphe. In contrast, dark pulse exposure during the subjective night did not reset SCN-controlled behavioral rhythms and caused a transient suppression of neuronal activation in the TH. Collectively these results demonstrate, for the first time, pronounced circadian control of orexin neuron activation and implicate recruitment of orexin cells in dark pulse resetting of the SCN circadian clock.
Frequent PTEN genomic alterations and activated phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase pathway in basal-like breast cancer cells
Authors: Marty Bérengère , Maire Virginie , Gravier Eléonore , Rigaill Guillem , Vincent-Salomon Anne , Kappler Marion , Lebigot Ingrid , Djelti Fathia , Tourdès Audrey , Gestraud Pierre , Hupé Philippe , Barillot Emmanuel , Cruzalegui Francisco , Tucker Gordon C , Stern Marc-Henri , Thiery Jean-Paul , Hickman John A , Dubois Thierry
Published: December 2008

Introduction

Basal-like carcinomas (BLCs) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 overexpressing (HER2+) carcinomas are the subgroups of breast cancers that have the most aggressive clinical behaviour. In contrast to HER2+ carcinomas, no targeted therapy is currently available for the treatment of patients with BLCs. In order to discover potential therapeutic targets, we aimed to discover deregulated signalling pathways in human BLCs.

Methods

In this study, we focused on the oncogenic phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway in 13 BLCs, and compared it with a control series of 11 hormonal receptor negative- and grade III-matched HER2+ carcinomas. The two tumour populations were first characterised by immunohistochemistry and gene expression. The PI3K pathway was then investigated by gene copy-number analysis, gene expression profiling and at a proteomic level using reverse-phase protein array technology and tissue microarray. The effects of the PI3K inhibition pathway on proliferation and apoptosis was further analysed in three human basal-like cell lines.

Results

The PI3K pathway was found to be activated in BLCs and up-regulated compared with HER2+ tumours as shown by a significantly increased activation of the downstream targets Akt and mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin). BLCs expressed significantly lower levels of the tumour suppressor PTEN and PTEN levels were significantly negatively correlated with Akt activity within that population. PTEN protein expression correlated significantly with PTEN DNA copy number and more importantly, reduced PTEN DNA copy numbers were observed specifically in BLCs. Similar to human samples, basal-like cell lines exhibited an activation of PI3K/Akt pathway and low/lack PTEN expression. Both PI3K and mTOR inhibitors led to basal-like cell growth arrest. However, apoptosis was specifically observed after PI3K inhibition.

Conclusions

These data provide insight into the molecular pathogenesis of BLCs and implicate the PTEN-dependent activated Akt signalling pathway as a potential therapeutic target for the management of patients with poor prognosis BLCs.
Adeno-Associated Virus–Mediated Human C-Reactive Protein Gene Delivery Causes Endothelial Dysfunction and Hypertension in Rats
Authors: Guan Hongjing , Wang Peihua , Hui Rutai , Edin Matthew L , Zeldin Darryl C , Wang Dao Wen
Published: December 2008

Background: Prospective studies have shown that C-reactive protein (CRP) is a predictor of hypertension. Because of confounding variables, a causal linkage between CRP and hypertension has not been clearly shown. We investigated whether high circulating concentrations of human CRP can induce hypertension in rats.

Methods: We administered a single intravenous injection of adeno-associated virus–green fluorescent protein (AAV-GFP) or AAV-hCRP and measured blood pressure. Using ELISA, we measured serum hCRP, serum endothelin 1 (ET-1), and urine cGMP, and we measured serum nitric oxide (NO) using the Griess method. We recorded heart rate, maximum pressure, arterial elastance, mean aortic pressure, cardiac output, and maximum rate of rise in left ventricular pressure (dP/dt max).

Results: A single injection of AAV-hCRP resulted in efficient and sustained hCRP expression and led to increased blood pressure 2 months after gene transfer that persisted for another 2 months. This effect was associated with decreased NO production, as demonstrated by decreased serum NO concentration and urinary cGMP excretion, and impairment of endothelial-dependent vascular relaxation. CRP transduction also increased expression of angiotensin type 1 receptor, ET-1, and endothelin type A receptor, decreased expression of angiotensin type 2 receptor and endothelial NO synthase in thoracic aortas, and increased arterial stiffness. Ex vivo studies indicated a similar detrimental effect of CRP that was reversed by the NO donor.

Conclusion: AAV vector–mediated CRP expression resulted in hypertension mediated through reduced NO production and subsequent alteration in ET-1 and renin-angiotensin system activation. Impaired arterial elasticity may also contribute to CRP-induced hypertension. These results support a causal role for CRP in the pathogenesis of hypertension.
Micromechanics of creep and relaxation of wood. A review COST Action E35 2004–2008: Wood machining – micromechanics and fracture
Authors: Navi Parviz , Stanzl-Tschegg Stefanie
Published: December 2008

Wood, like all polymeric materials, shows viscoelastic behaviour. The time dependent behaviour of wood depends on material anisotropy, temperature, moisture and stresses. To predict the behaviour of wood, numerous mathematical models have been developed largely relying on experimental results. In this paper, time dependent viscoelastic behaviour of wood is reviewed under constant and cyclic climatic conditions, separately. More emphasis is given on results obtained in recent years on the behaviour of thin wood tissues, single fibres, thermo-viscoelasticity of wood, influence of hemicelluloses and the modelling of the effect of transient moisture at the molecular level on the mechanical response.
A Review of Photofission Measurements
Authors: Williamson TG
Published: December 2008

Fission reactions used as threshold detectors for fast neutron dosimetry can also be induced by gamma-ray photons. In the environment near a water reactor pressure vessel there are neutron-capture gamma rays with energies above the photofission threshold. Many measurements have been made of photofission cross sections in the energy region near the threshold of these reactions. These measurements are reviewed.
Effects of Soil Characteristics on Corrosion
Authors: Chaker V , Palmer JD
Published: December 2008

Description

Innovative methods of testing are old corrosion problems. Includes a statistical formula to consider the synergistic effect of the different parameters of soils.
Computerization and Networking of Materials Data Bases
Authors: Glazman JS , Rumble JR
Published: December 2008

Description

General information on national and international projects to integrate and harmonize data systems. Specific databases discussed on engineering plastics, composites, corrosion, welding information, ceramics, and tribology.
Metal Matrix Composites: Testing, Analysis, and Failure Modes
Authors: Johnson WS
Published: December 2008

Description

Reviews continuous fiber reinforced metal matrix composites. 14 papers on testing techniques, analysis approaches, and descriptions of various failure processes.
Product Testing with Consumers for Research Guidance
Authors: Wu LS
Published: December 2008

Description

How consumers can be included in the product development process. Peer-reviewed papers in 3 sections:

• Approaches to Research Guidance Testing

• Processes for Research Guidance Testing

• Qualitative Research Guidance Testing.
Variable-Amplitude Load Models for Fatigue Damage and Crack Growth
Authors: Veers PS , Winterstein SR , Nelson DV , Cornell CA
Published: December 2008

Load models for fatigue analysis and testing are tailored to the level of complexity required for the application. Random variable models are developed and applied to analyses in which load sequence effects can be neglected. Conventional narrow-band load peak and range distributions are applied to crack initiation and growth. It is shown that narrow-band load models provide useful, conservative life estimates for general Gaussian loadings. Distributions of significant peaks and ranges for wide-band loadings are developed empirically through simulations with racetrack filtering. An efficient “sequential” simulation technique is introduced for continuous generation of both narrow- and wide-band random loads. Based on a simplified crack closure model, simulations of crack growth suggest that sequence effects are most influential when any or a combination of the following are present: larger ratios of crack opening stress to maximum applied stress, lower values of applied tensile mean stress, smaller values of yield stress and crack growth coefficient. When sequence effects are present, the regularity of the spacing between tensile overloads can be important. In particular, assumption of regularly spaced overloads can be nonconservative.
Pesticide Formulations and Application Systems: International Aspects 9th Volume
Authors: Hazen JL , Hovde DA
Published: December 2008

Description

24 papers in 5 categories:

• International Aspects

• Formulation Efficacy

• Formulation Testing

• Application Systems: Devices

• Application Systems: Deposition Studies.

A useful reference for those involved in the formulation, manufacture, application and registration of agricultural chemicals.
Flammability and Sensitivity of Materials in Oxygen-Enriched Atmospheres: Fourth Volume
Authors: Stoltzfus J , Stradling J , Benz F
Published: December 2008

Description

STP 1040 presents 22 peer reviewed papers on the special hazards associated with the use of oxygen. It is the only reference containing recent literature on flammability and compatibility of materials in oxygen, design of oxygen components and systems, test method development and evaluation.
Mode II Delamination Fracture Toughness of Unidirectional Graphite/Epoxy Composites
Authors: Corleto CR , Bradley WL
Published: December 2008

The mode II delamination fracture toughness of a ductile and a brittle unidirectional graphite/epoxy composite has been studied using the end-notched flexure (ENF) test and the end-loaded split laminate (ELS) test. The stress field in the vicinity of the crack tip of a split laminate beam under mode I and mode II (ELS test) conditions has been determined by means of a finite-element analysis. Also, the micromechanics of mode II fracture have been studied during in situ and postmortem observations of the fracture process. Both the ENF and ELS tests give similar values for GIIc. However, because elastic material behavior is assumed in the analysis, the GIIc results for a ductile composite are somewhat uncertain because permanent deformation is observed. The ELS test provides a pure shear stress state in the vicinity of the crack tip. The formation of hackles in composites made with brittle resins provides a more tortuous path for the crack leading to an increased resistance to delamination under mode II conditions compared to mode I. However, extensive resin deformation and yielding play a more significant role in the fracture resistance for mode II loading of composites made using a rubber-toughened epoxy.
Accreditation Practices for Inspections, Tests, and Laboratories
Authors: Schock HE
Published: December 2008

Description

Introduces you to laboratory accreditation and its use in national and international trade. Lists many ASTM standards, international guides, and other publications relating to laboratory accreditation, the assessment of laboratories, quality systems, and associated test methods. 13 papers in 4 sections:

• General Concerns for Laboratory Accreditation

• Laboratory Accreditation Programs, and Techniques

• Related Contributions to Laboratory Accreditations

• and Laboratory Accreditation in International Commerce
Corrosion of Steel in Portland Cement Concrete: Fundamental Studies
Authors: Locke CE
Published: December 2008

Corrosion of steel in portland cement concrete occurs when the outside influences change the composition of the pore solution. This paper provides an overview of the information available from the literature and work done in the University of Oklahoma laboratories on this corrosion problem so important to the transportation system in the United States.

Steel is passive in the high pH environment present in portland cement pore solution. Until recently, this pore solution was thought to be saturated calcium hydroxide, but now some work has shown it is more like potassium and sodium hydroxides. The work using presses to express pore solutions with subsequent analysis is described.

Chloride ions can penetrate the passive film, cause the steel potential to shift, and result in corrosion. The nature of the chloride ion affects the severity of the corrosion problem. Chloride ion, which diffuses into hardened concrete will initiate corrosion at a smaller amount than that required to initiate corrosion with chloride ion mixed in the concrete. In addition the cation will affect the amount of chloride required for corrosion problems. Calcium chloride seems to be more aggressive than sodium chloride. These results will be compared to pore solution analyses, which indicate the chloride binding capacity of the portland cement changes with the type chloride ion also.

Some data on the effect of portland cement analysis on the corrosion behavior will also be given.

This paper shows that the pore solution composition can be used to explain the corrosion behavior of steel in concrete. Better understanding of these facts can lead to development of better corrosion control measures for this very costly problem.
The National Materials Property Data Network, Inc.—A Cooperative National Approach to Reliable Performance Data
Authors: Kaufman JG
Published: December 2008

In response to the critical need identified by a number of expert studies, the National Materials Property Data Network, Inc. was established to provide engineers and scientists with easy on-line access to worldwide sources of reliable, well-documented, numeric/factual material property data. A pilot MPD Network from Stanford University, is now on-line. It is based upon the MIST technology developed jointly by the National Bureau of Standards (NBS) and the Department of Energy (DOE). The status of that pilot system and future plans for the MPD Network are described herein, along with a number of other data base activities that are complementary to or being developed cooperatively with the Network.
European Activities Towards the Integration and Harmonization of Materials Data Systems
Authors: Kröckel H , Steven G
Published: December 2008

In a follow-up to three previous actions plans, the Commission of the European Communities (CEC) at present operates a five-year “Program for the Development of the Specialized Information Market in Europe” (1984–88). This program aims in particular at improving the market conditions for information services to ensure their commercial viability and at developing specialized information products and services that are innovative and unique.

For the practical execution of the program, the CEC has defined a number of priority areas, one of which is factual materials data banks. The central activity of this area, the Materials Data Banks Demonstrator Program, aims at the joint demonstration of a pilot network accessible in all member countries of the European Community (EC) linking a number of European on-line data banks. A central user guidance system, which is under development, facilitates data-base location, access, and searching, and provides translation support.

The participating data banks are, by their origin, heterogeneous in structure, operational features, and language. The demonstrator program therefore is accompanied by harmonization efforts that address operational, linguistic, and terminology issues of the system. The progress of these supporting projects is of particular relevance to the present international activities on standardization for materials data systems.

A code of practice harmonizing the operational features of data bases joining the demonstrator program has been developed and come into force. A multilingual terminology project collects terms and definitions used by the cooperating data bases to establish a multilingual dictionary covering an estimated 2000 concepts. These activities refer to existing international standards wherever possible and foster exchange and harmonization with similar activities organized in other parts of the world.
Field Experience with Dispersants for Oil Spills on Land
Authors: Paddock A
Published: December 2008

When oil spills onto coastal water of the United States or leaks reach the inland waters, an elaborate set of U.S. federal and state regulations comes into effect under the National Contingency Plan (NCP). Ironically, when an oil discharge is confined to land alone, very few regulations exist. Although spills on land are quite frequent, they do not arouse the news media nor even local regulators, and the oil is often left in place. Dispersants, up to now not widely used, offer an economical and environmentally preferred option compared to other actions that might be taken.

Although the use of dispersants for oil spills on land has never been regulated under the NCP, spillers have been reluctant to use them on land as a result of the possible rainfall runoff into controlled waters. Under the NCP (Subpart H) revised as of 20 Nov. 1985, however, the attributes of a dispersant on land can now be considered along with the existing techniques of burning, plowing under, or hauling away.

Dispersants specifically formulated for use on contaminated soil have been on the market for over ten years. The first criterion for such a dispersant is that it must be compatible and effective with freshwater. Many of the most common dispersants on the market are for use on saltwater only. Other dispersant characteristics to be considered are emulsion stability and rapid biodegradability. Results of actual field experience on a wide variety of soil types, land uses, and topographies indicate that dispersant use on land can be effective.
Dispersant Use Considerations
Authors: Lavache ML
Published: December 2008

The development of dispersant use guidelines and decision-making criteria are complex interagency activities. The use of dispersants as an oil spill response option in United States' waters occurs as the result of a decision process established by the National Contingency Plan (NCP), a federal regulation. The NCP requires a recommendation from the federal predesignated On-Scene Coordinator (OSC) to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) representative to the Regional Response Team (RRT). The recommendation is simultaneously made to State RRT representative(s) whenever state(s') waters are affected. The approval necessary for dispersant use is concurrence with the OSC's recommendation by the EPA RRT representative and, as appropriate, the State RRT representative(s). The U.S. Departments of Commerce (DOC) and the Interior (DOI) have related authorities and are also RRT member agencies. The NCP recommends that EPA and state RRT representatives consult with their DOC and DOI counterparts, as appropriate, during the decision process. Such consultation may become mandatory following a pending revision of the NCP, and where federal trusteeship interests are involved.
Measurements on Natural Dispersion
Authors: Delvigne GAL
Published: December 2008

In the case of an oil spill, knowledge is needed of the natural dispersion behavior of the oil in the particular situation for decision making on the application of chemical dispersants. Small-scale and full-scale laboratory measurements were performed on the natural dispersion rate Q, droplet size distribution d0(f), and intrusion depth zi for a surface oil slick broken up by breaking waves and the breakup of submerged oil (submerged spill) in a turbulent ambience. Empirical relations were derived for Q, d0(f), and zi as a function of oil type, weathering state, oil layer thickness, breaking wave energy, temperature, and water salinity.
Tropical Oil Pollution Investigations in Coastal Systems (Tropics): The Effects of Untreated and Chemically Dispersed Prudhoe Bay Crude Oil on Mangroves, Seagrasses, and Corals in Panama
Authors: Ballou TG , Dodge R , Hess S , Knap A
Published: December 2008

A multidisciplinary long-term field experiment was conducted to evaluate the use of chemical dispersants as a means of reducing adverse environmental effects of oil spills in nearshore, tropical waters. Three study sites whose intertidal and subtidal components consisted of mangroves, seagrass beds, and coral reefs were studied in detail before, during, and after exposure to untreated crude oil or chemically dispersed oil. This study was intended to simulate an unusually high, worst-case exposure level of dispersed oil and a moderate exposure level of untreated oil. The third site served as an untreated reference site. Assessments were made of the distribution and extent of contamination by hydrocarbons over time, and the short- and long-term effects on survival, abundance, and growth of the dominant flora and fauna of each habitat. The whole, untreated oil had severe, long-term effects on survival of mangroves and associated fauna and relatively minor effects on seagrasses, corals, and associated organisms. Chemically dispersed oil caused declines in the abundance of corals, sea urchins, and other reef organisms; reduced coral growth rate in one species; and had minor or no effects on seagrasses and mangroves. Conclusions were drawn from these results with respect to decision making at the site of the actual spills based upon trade-offs on the consequences of dispersing or not dispersing the oil.
Dispersed Oil Effects on Tropical Nearshore Ecosystems
Authors: Thorhaug A
Published: December 2008

Tropical and subtropical critical habitats are generally more fragile and slower to recover than temperate ones in which the environmental standards and guidelines are made. Fisheries nurseries are found immediately adjacent to shore in seagrass in the tropics, unlike temperate zones where fisheries are most frequently offshore and much of the adult fish catch is in this coastal region (the exceptions are a few highly migrating fish such as tuna). Studies have dealt with oil effects on corals and mangroves; fewer have dealt with seagrass. Very few studies have looked at dispersed oil on any of these habitats. The single dispersant used for mangroves and corals and the primary dispersant in seagrass studies was Corexit 9527, which showed no mortality on subtropical and tropical habitat species between 1 to 50 ppm (1:20 dispersant-to-oil dilution) for short (4 to 6 h) time periods. Higher concentrations of dispersed oil tested on seagrasses showed ranked sensitivity. Other dispersants have only been tested on seagrasses. Ranked sensitivity from nontoxic to very toxic appeared as in animal testing. The time of exposure and concentration of dispersants are important to increasing toxicity effects. Four species of corals were tested to Corexit 9527 1 to 50 ppm. Little difference in response was yet apparent. For mangroves, only the Western Atlantic red mangrove has been reported for the single dispersant Corexit 9527. (This manuscript was prepared in June 1987 when some ongoing experimental mangrove data were not yet published.) The Indo-Pacific basin critical habitat species and Arabian Red Sea species need similar testing for “safe limits.” Field testing of various dispersants is necessary. Regulators and planners must stop using the generic “dispersants” in oil spill contingency planning and name a nontoxic substance tested in their ecosystems since some dispersants are toxic and others are not. We must establish a network to disseminate recent work.