bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extraction From Coffee Beans Using the Underwater Shock Wave
Authors: Takemoto A. , Maehara H. , Watanabe T. , Itoh S.
Published: August 2009

The coffee beverage widely liked all over the world as articles of taste is extracted from roasted and milled coffee beans. The aroma with volatility compounds is a feature of coffee. A lot of extraction methods of coffee were researched. In this research, the underwater shock wave loading was tried to the roasted coffee bean to improve the extraction efficiency. The coffee extracted from the hot water by the filter method after the underwater shock wave loading compared the amounts of the extraction by the freeze-drying processing. In addition, extracted the volatility compounds were compared by the gas chromatography analysis. As a result, the change in the content of an excellent effect of the extraction and a volatility compound was confirmed.
Application of Fuzzy Mathematics Theory in Determination of Acceptable Failure Probability
Authors: Zhang Guang-Li , Zhao Xin-Wei , Luo Jin-Heng , Zhang Hua , Li He-Lin
Published: August 2009

The acceptable failure probability of different gas pipeline should differ as a result of their severity degree of pipeline failure consequence. In this paper, several influencing factors to the pipeline acceptable probability were analyzed and a method for the determination of the severity degree of gas pipeline failure consequence is proposed. According to the fuzzy mathematics theory, the method of calculating the corresponding acceptable failure probability of a certain gas pipeline on the basis of severity degree of its failure consequence is established.
Development of New Material Testing Apparatus in High-Pressure Hydrogen and Evaluation of Hydrogen Gas Embrittlement of Metals
Authors: Fukuyama Seiji , Imade Masaaki , Yokogawa Kiyoshi
Published: August 2009

A new type of apparatus for material testing in high-pressure gas of up to 100 MPa was developed. The apparatus consists of a pressure vessel and a high-pressure control system that applies the controlled pressure to the pressure vessel. A piston is installed inside a cylinder in the pressure vessel, and a specimen is connected to the lower part of the piston. The load is caused by the pressure difference between the upper room and the lower room separated by the piston, which can be controlled to a loading mode by the pressure valves of the high-pressure system supplying gas to the vessel. Hydrogen gas embrittlement (HGE) and internal reversible hydrogen embrittlement (IRHE) of austenitic stainless steels and iron- and nickel-based superalloys used for high-pressure hydrogen storage of fuel cell vehicle were evaluated by conducting tensile tests in 70 MPa hydrogen. Although the HGE of these metals depended on modified Ni equivalent, the IRHE did not. The HGE of austenitic stainless steels was larger than their IRHE; however, the HGE of superalloys was not always larger than their IRHE. The effects of the chemical composition and metallic structure of these materials on the HGE and IRHE were discussed. The HGE of austenitic stainless steels was examined in 105 MPa hydrogen. The following were identified; SUS304: HGE in stage II, solution-annealed SUS316: HGE in stage III, sensitized SUS316: HGE in stage II, SUS316L: HGE in FS, SUS316LN: HGE in stage III and SUS310S: no HGE.
Spencer Bush: A Creative Force for Review and Synthesis for Codes and Standards
Authors: Prager Martin
Published: August 2009

Spencer Bush was an energetic and creative synthesizer of technology into effective practices and thereby made unique and lasting contributions for more effective Codes and Standards. Dr. Bush’s participation in ASME, PVRC and international activities are discussed.
Scoping Analyses of Parameterized Cool-Down Transients Associated With Reactor Shutdown
Authors: Dickson T. L. , EricksonKirk M. T.
Published: August 2009

The current regulations, as set forth by the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), to insure that light-water nuclear reactor pressure vessels (RPVs) maintain their structural integrity when subjected to planned startup (heat-up) and shutdown (cool-down) transients are specified in Appendix G to 10 CFR Part 50, which incorporates by reference Appendix G to Section XI of the ASME Code. The technical basis for these regulations contains many aspects that are now broadly recognized by the technical community as being unnecessarily conservative. During the past decade, the NRC conducted the interdisciplinary Pressurized Thermal Shock (PTS) Re-evaluation Project that established a technical basis to support a risk-informed revision to current PTS regulations (10CFR Part 50.61). Once the results of the PTS reevaluation are incorporated into a revision of the 10 CFR 50 guidance on PTS, it is anticipated that the regulatory requirements for the fracture toughness of the RPV required to withstand a PTS event (accidental loading) will in some cases be less restrictive than the current requirements of Appendix G to 10 CFR Part 50, which apply to normal operating conditions. This logical inconsistency occurs because the new PTS guidelines will be based on realistic models and inputs whereas existing Appendix G requirements contain known and substantial conservatisms. Consequently, a goal of current NRC research is to derive a technical basis for a risk-informed revision to the current requirements of Appendix G to 10 CFR Part 50 in a manner that is consistent with that used to develop the risk-informed revision to the PTS regulations. Scoping probabilistic fracture mechanics (PFM) analyses have been performed for several hundred parameterized cool-down transients to (1) obtain insights regarding the interaction of operating temperature and pressure parameters on the conditional probability of crack initiation and vessel failure and (2) determine the limits on the permissible combinations of operating temperature and pressure within which the reactor may be brought into or out of an operational condition that remains below the acceptance criteria adopted for PTS of 1 × 10−6 failed RPVs per reactor operating year. This paper discusses the modeling assumptions, results, and implications of these scoping analyses.
Inductively coupled plasma reactive ion etching of bulk ZnO single crystal and molecular beam epitaxy grown ZnO films
Authors: Mehta M. , Ruth M. , Piegdon K. A. , Krix D. , Nienhaus H. , Meier C.
Published: August 2009

Dry etching processes for bulk-single crystal zinc oxide (ZnO) and molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) grown ZnO have been investigated using inductively coupled plasma (ICP) of CH4 and SiCl4 based plasma chemistry. The CH4-based chemistry showed a higher etch rate than the SiCl4 based chemistry, presumably due to the formation of highly volatile metal organic zinc compound. The influence of base pressure, radio frequency table power, and ICP power on etch rate was studied. Auger electron spectroscopy has been employed to examine the surface stoichiometry of etched ZnO using both plasma chemistries. Furthermore, with optimized process parameters, the effect of plasma etching on the optical properties of MBE grown ZnO film is studied. An enhancement of the band edge luminescence along with almost complete suppression of defect level luminescence in hydrogen-containing plasma treated ZnO film has been observed.
Effects of exposure time on defects and demolding force in soft ultraviolet nanoimprint lithography
Authors: Ye Xiangdong , Ding Yucheng , Duan Yugang , Liu Hongzhong , Lu Bingheng
Published: August 2009

Based on a contact process, the ultraviolet (UV) nanoimprint process can overcome the linewidth limit of conventional photolithography caused by the diffraction effect. However, the contact between the mold and resist may introduce various defects to the two components. Some researchers have investigated the defects that emerge in the imprint process, such as particle contamination and curing shrinkage of the resist. However, the curing process of the resist itself should be studied because the curable resist is the carrier of the pattern transfer and the replication is accomplished by its shape remodeling. In this article, the authors focus on the effects of exposure time on the defects and demolding force in the soft UV imprint process. The replications are made by a soft polydimethylsiloxane mold under the same process parameters except that the curing time is different. Moreover, the curing degree of the resist and the value of the demolding force under various curing doses are measured. A mechanical model is established to analyze the behavior of the resist, which transitions from a liquid to solid stage by stage, and will help the authors to understand the above effects. By analyzing the relationships among the model of the resist, curing degree, demolding force, and resultant defects in the experiments, they propose a curing window, within which the curing time in the imprint process helps to remove defects in the shaped patterns and soft mold. Finally, using the optimized curing time, the best replicated patterns with 100 nm features are obtained.
Impact of in situ SiNx layer grown with metal organic vapor phase epitaxy on the electrical and optical properties of AlN/GaN metal insulator semiconductor field effect transistor structures
Authors: Cho E. , Seo S. , Jin C. , Pavlidis D. , Fu G. , Tuerck J. , Jaegermann W.
Published: August 2009

AlN/GaN metal insulator semiconductor field effect transistor structures (MISFETs) with and without in situ SiNx were investigated. The in situ SiNx passivation layer was deposited using silane and ammonia immediately after the AlN/GaN heterostructure growth by metal organic vapor phase epitaxy. Superior Ohmic quality and improvement of the dc and rf characteristics were obtained with devices made on passivated layers in comparison with unpassivated devices. This enhancement of electrical characteristics is attributed to the fact that the in situ SiNx suppresses the depletion of the two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) and air exposure while processing. The studies of the in situ SiNx quality and its implication to the 2DEG conducted with Hall, transmission line measurements, capacitance-voltage (C-V) measurements, and photoluminescence measurements showed that the electrical and optical characteristics of AlN MISFET structures were substantially degraded or changed after SF6 plasma treatment.
Plasmodium falciparumDrug Resistance in Madagascar: Facing the Spread of Unusualpfdhfrandpfmdr-1Haplotypes and the Decrease of Dihydroartemisinin Susceptibility
Authors: Andriantsoanirina Valérie , Ratsimbasoa Arsène , Bouchier Christiane , Jahevitra Martial , Rabearimanana Stéphane , Radrianjafy Rogelin , Andrianaranjaka Voahangy , Randriantsoa Tantely , Rason Marie Ange , Tichit Magali , Rabarijaona Léon Paul , Mercereau-Puijalon Odile , Durand Rémy , Ménard Didier
Published: August 2009

The aim of this study was to provide the first comprehensive spatiotemporal picture ofPlasmodium falciparumresistance in various geographic areas in Madagascar. Additional data about the antimalarial resistance in the neighboring islands of the Comoros archipelago were also collected. We assessed the prevalence ofpfcrt,pfmdr-1,pfdhfr, andpfdhpsmutations and thepfmdr-1gene copy number in 1,596P. falciparumisolates collected in 26 health centers (20 in Madagascar and 6 in the Comoros Islands) from 2006 to 2008. The in vitro responses to a panel of drugs by 373 of the parasite isolates were determined. The results showed (i) unusual profiles of chloroquine susceptibility in Madagascar, (ii) a rapid rise in the frequency of parasites with both thepfdhfrand thepfdhpsmutations, (iii) the alarming emergence of the singlepfdhfr164L genotype, and (iv) the progressive loss of the most susceptible isolates to artemisinin derivatives. In the context of the implementation of the new national policy for the fight against malaria, continued surveillance for the detection ofP. falciparumresistance in the future is required.
Impact of Novel Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Reverse Transcriptase Mutations P119S and T165A on 4′-Ethynylthymidine Analog Resistance Profile
Authors: Yang Guangwei , Paintsil Elijah , Dutschman Ginger E. , Grill Susan P. , Wang Chuan-Jen , Wang Jimin , Tanaka Hiromichi , Hamasaki Takayuki , Baba Masanori , Cheng Yung-Chi
Published: August 2009

2′,3′-Didehydro-3′-deoxy-4′-ethynylthymidine (4′-Ed4T), a derivative of stavudine (d4T), has potent activity against human immunodeficiency virus and is much less inhibitory to mitochondrial DNA synthesis and cell growth than its progenitor, d4T. 4′-Ed4T triphosphate was a better reverse transcriptase (RT) inhibitor than d4T triphosphate, due to the additional binding of the 4′-ethynyl group at a presumed hydrophobic pocket in the RT active site. Previous in vitro selection for 4′-Ed4T-resistant viral strains revealed M184V and P119S/T165A/M184V mutations on days 26 and 81, respectively; M184V and P119S/T165A/M184V conferred 3- and 130-fold resistance to 4′-Ed4T, respectively. We investigated the relative contributions of these mutations, engineered into the strain NL4-3 background, to drug resistance, RT activity, and viral growth. Viral variants with single RT mutations (P119S or T165A) did not show resistance to 4′-Ed4T; however, M184V and P119S/T165A/M184V conferred three- and fivefold resistance, respectively, compared with that of the wild-type virus. The P119S/M184V and T165A/M184V variants showed about fourfold resistance to 4′-Ed4T. The differences in the growth kinetics of the variants were not more than threefold. The purified RT of mutants with the P119S/M184V and T165A/M184V mutations were inhibited by 4′-Ed4TTP with 8- to 13-fold less efficiency than wild-type RT. M184V may be the primary resistance-associated mutation of 4′-Ed4T, and P119S and T165A are secondary mutations. On the basis of our findings and the results of structural modeling, a virus with a high degree of resistance to 4′-Ed4T (e.g., more than 50-fold resistance) will be difficult to develop. The previously observed 130-fold resistance of the virus with P119S/T165A/M184V to 4′-Ed4T may be partly due to mutations both in the RT sequence and outside the RT sequence.
Antischistosomal Activity of Hexadecyloxypropyl Cyclic 9-(
S
)-[3-Hydroxy-2-(Phosphonomethoxy)Propyl]Adenine and Other Alkoxyalkyl Esters of Acyclic Nucleoside Phosphonates Assessed by Schistosome Worm Killing In Vitro
Authors: Botros Sanaa S. , William Samia , Beadle James R. , Valiaeva Nadejda , Hostetler Karl Y.
Published: August 2009

9-(
S
)-[3-Hydroxy-2-(phosphonomethoxy)propyl]adenine [(
S
)-HPMPA] has been reported to have antischistosomal activity. Ether lipid esters of (
S
)-HPMPA and cidofovir (CDV) have greatly increased activities in antiviral assays and in lethal animal models of poxvirus diseases. To see if ether lipid esters of CDV and (
S
)-HPMPA enhance antischistosomal activity, we tested their alkoxyalkyl esters using
Schistosoma mansoni
worm killing in vitro. Hexadecyloxypropyl (HDP)-cyclic-(
S
)-HPMPA and HDP-cyclic-CDV exhibited significant in vitro antischistosomal activities and may offer promise alone or in combination with praziquantel.
Comparison of Assessment of Oxygen Consumption, Etest, and CLSI M38-A2 Broth Microdilution Methods for Evaluation of the Susceptibility of
Aspergillus fumigatus
to Posaconazole
Authors: Araujo Ricardo , Espinel-Ingroff Ana
Published: August 2009

Posaconazole MICs for 50
Aspergillus fumigatus
isolates with distinct genotypes were determined by three methods. MICs were ≥0.5 μg/ml for 5, 11, and 15 strains by the CLSI reference M38-A2, Etest (48-h), and oxygen consumption methods, respectively. The levels of categorical agreement between the results obtained by the CLSI method and those obtained by the oxygen consumption and Etest methods were 80 and 84%, respectively.
Cell-FreeEscherichia coli-Based System To Screen for Quorum-Sensing Molecules Interacting with Quorum Receptor Proteins ofStreptomyces coelicolor
Authors: Yang Yung-Hun , Kim Tae-Wan , Park Sung-Hee , Lee Kwangwon , Park Hyung-Yeon , Song Eunjung , Joo Hwang-Soo , Kim Yun-Gon , Hahn Ji-Sook , Kim Byung-Gee
Published: August 2009

Quorum sensing (QS) is mediated by small molecules and involved in diverse cellular functions, such as virulence, biofilm formation, secondary metabolism, and cell differentiation. In this study, we developed a rapid and effective screening tool based on a cell-freeEscherichia coli-based expression system to identify QS molecules ofStreptomyces. The binding of QS molecules to γ-butyrolactone receptor ScbR was monitored by changes in the expression levels of the green fluorescent protein reporter inE. colicell extract. Using this assay system, we could successfully confirm SCB1, a γ-butyrolactone molecule inStreptomyces coelicolor, binding to its known receptor, ScbR. In addition, we have shown thatN-hexanoyl-dl-homoserine lactone, one of the QS molecules in many gram-negative bacteria, can regulate ScbR and trigger precocious antibiotic production inS. coelicolor. Our new method can be applied to other strains for which a screening tool for QS molecules has not yet been developed.
Neutralizing Monoclonal Antibodies Directed against Defined Linear Epitopes on Domain 4 of Anthrax Protective Antigen
Authors: Kelly-Cirino Cassandra D. , Mantis Nicholas J.
Published: August 2009

The anthrax protective antigen (PA) is the receptor-binding subunit common to lethal toxin (LT) and edema toxin (ET), which are responsible for the high mortality rates associated with inhalationalBacillus anthracisinfection. Although recombinant PA (rPA) is likely to be an important constituent of any future anthrax vaccine, evaluation of the efficacies of the various candidate rPA vaccines is currently difficult, because the specific B-cell epitopes involved in toxin neutralization have not been completely defined. In this study, we describe the identification and characterization of two murine monoclonal immunoglobulin G1 antibodies (MAbs), 1-F1 and 2-B12, which recognize distinct linear neutralizing epitopes on domain 4 of PA. 1-F1 recognized a 12-mer peptide corresponding to residues 692 to 703; this epitope maps to a region of domain 4 known to interact with the anthrax toxin receptor CMG-2 and within a conformation-dependent epitope recognized by the well-characterized neutralizing MAb 14B7. As expected, 1-F1 blocked PA's ability to associate with CMG-2 in an in vitro solid-phase binding assay, and it protected murine macrophage cells from intoxication with LT. 2-B12 recognized a 12-mer peptide corresponding to residues 716 to 727, an epitope located immediately adjacent to the core 14B7 binding site and a stretch of amino acids not previously identified as a target of neutralizing antibodies. 2-B12 was as effective as 1-F1 in neutralizing LT in vitro, although it only partially inhibited PA binding to its receptor. Mice passively administered 1-F1 or 2-B12 were partially protected against a lethal challenge with LT. These results advance our fundamental understanding of the mechanisms by which antibodies neutralize anthrax toxin and may have future application in the evaluation of candidate rPA vaccines.
B Cells Are Essential for Moderating the Inflammatory Response and Controlling Bacterial Multiplication in a Mouse Model of Vaccination againstChlamydophila abortusInfection
Authors: Buendía Antonio J. , Ortega Nieves , Caro María R. , Del Río Laura , Gallego María C. , Sánchez Joaquín , Navarro Jose A. , Cuello Francisco , Salinas Jesús
Published: August 2009

The use of inactivated vaccines associated with suitable adjuvants has been demonstrated to confer a good level of protection againstChlamydophila abortus. However, the basis of the immune protective response induced by these vaccines has been poorly studied. B cells act as an immune regulatory population during primary infection byC. abortus. Thus, it was considered of interest to study the role of B cells in an infection after immunization with a killed vaccine. For this, C57BL/6 and B-cell-deficient mice were immunized with a killed vaccine againstC. abortususing QS-21 as the adjuvant. After challenge, the course of infection was established by analysis of morbidity,C. abortusburden in the liver, and histopathological changes. The immune response induced was studied by real-time PCR techniques. Experiments involving transfer of immune serum from vaccinated or previously infected mice were also carried out. The lack of B cells reduced the protection conferred by the QS-21 adjuvant vaccine. Vaccinated B-cell-deficient mice showed a 1,000-fold-greater bacterial burden in the liver than their wild-type counterparts. Obvious differences existed in the liver, where a severe neutrophilic reaction and extended areas of necrosis were observed with vaccinated B-cell-deficient mice. An analysis of the immune response pointed to a significant increase in inflammatory cytokines and chemokines and the deficient production of transforming growth factor beta. The transfer of antibodies restored the level of protection. This study demonstrates that B cells play a crucial role in controllingC. abortusmultiplication and prevent an exacerbated inflammatory response.
Francisella tularensisInduces Ubiquitin-Dependent Major Histocompatibility Complex Class II Degradation in Activated Macrophages
Authors: Wilson Justin E. , Katkere Bhuvana , Drake James R.
Published: August 2009

The intracellular bacteriumFrancisella tularensissurvives and replicates within macrophages, ultimately killing the host cell. Resolution of infection requires the development of adaptive immunity through presentation ofF. tularensisantigens to CD4+and CD8+T cells. We have previously established thatF. tularensisinduces macrophage prostaglandin E2(PGE2) production, leading to skewed T-cell responses. PGE2can also downregulate macrophage major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II expression, suggesting thatF. tularensis-elicited PGE2may further alter T-cell responses via inhibition of class II expression. To test this hypothesis, gamma interferon (IFN-γ)-activated reporter macrophages were exposed to supernatants fromF. tularensis-infected macrophages, and the class II levels were measured. Exposure of macrophages to infection supernatants results in essentially complete clearance of surface class II and CD86, compromising the macrophage's ability to present antigens to CD4 T cells. Biochemical analysis revealed that infection supernatants elicit ubiquitin-dependent class II downregulation and degradation within intracellular acidic compartments. By comparison, exposure to PGE2alone only leads to a minor decrease in macrophage class II expression, demonstrating that a factor distinct from PGE2is eliciting the majority of class II degradation. However, production of this non-PGE2factor is dependent on macrophage cyclooxygenase activity and is induced by PGE2. These results establish thatF. tularensisinduces the production of a PGE2-dependent factor that elicits MHC class II downregulation in IFN-γ-activated macrophages through ubiquitin-mediated delivery of class II to lysosomes, establishing another mechanism for the modulation of macrophage antigen presentation duringF. tularensisinfection.
Susceptibility to Infectious Diseases Based on Antimicrobial Peptide Production
Authors: Rivas-Santiago Bruno , Serrano Carmen J. , Enciso-Moreno J. Antonio
Published: August 2009

In the last few years, the great impact of antimicrobial peptides on infectious disease susceptibility and natural resistance has been reported. In some cases, susceptibility to diseases is related to antimicrobial peptide polymorphisms and gene copy numbers, but for the vast majority of infectious diseases, these phenomena need to be elucidated. This review is focused on the current knowledge about susceptibility and resistance conferred by genetic variations in antimicrobial peptide expression in infectious diseases.
Facial protection and head injuries in ice hockey: a systematic review
Authors: Asplund C , Bettcher S , Borchers J
Published: August 2009

Objective:

To summarise the best available evidence to determine if facial protection reduces head injury in ice hockey.

Data Sources:

MEDLINE and Cochrane databases through January 2009.

Review Methods:

Utilising terms: “head injuries,” “craniocerebral trauma [MeSH]”, “head injuries, closed [MeSH]”, head injuries, penetrating [MeSH]”, “face mask”, “face shield”, “visor” and “hockey”, 24 articles were identified through our systematic literature search. Of these, six studies met the inclusion criteria. Three independent reviewers reviewed the articles. The study results and generated conclusions were extracted and agreed upon.

Results:

Studies reviewed suggest that facial protection reduces overall head injuries in ice hockey. Facial protection showed a statistically significant (p<0.05) reduction in the number and type of facial injuries. In studies evaluating full facial protection (FFP) versus half facial protection (HFP), FFP offered a significantly higher level of protection against facial injuries and lacerations than HFP (relative risk (RR) 2.31, CI 1.53 to 3.48). There was no significant difference in the rate of concussion (RR 0.97, CI 0.61 to 1.54) or neck injury (CI 0.43 to 3.16) between full and partial protection. In those who sustained concussion players with FFP returned to practice or games sooner than players with partial facial protection (PFP) (1.7 sessions, CI 1.32 to 2.18).

Conclusions:

There is good evidence that FFP reduces the number and risk of overall head and facial injuries in ice hockey compared with PFP and no facial protection. PFP, while not as protective as FFP, appears to offer more risk reduction than no protection.
In the Virtual Extension
Authors: CACM Staff
Published: August 2009

Communications
' Virtual Extension brings more quality articles to ACM members. These articles are now available in the ACM Digital Library.
Entering a parallel universe
Authors: Goth Gregory
Published: August 2009

The multicore processors that help extend Moore's Law may run afoul of Amdahl's Law.
Emerging marketsHow ICT advances might help developing nations
Authors: Cleverley Mark
Published: August 2009

Some predictions for technology developments, deployments, and the associated societal implications.
IT policyThe long road to Computer Science education reform
Authors: Wilson Cameron , Harsha Peter
Published: August 2009

Viewing the factors impeding improvements to CS education from kindergarten through grade 12 from a policy perspective.
ViewpointFace the inevitable, embrace parallelism
Authors: Ghuloum Anwar
Published: August 2009

Hardware, software, and applications must all evolve in anticipation of the proliferation of parallelism.
InterviewAn interview with Maurice Wilkes
Authors: Anderson David P. , Wilkes Maurice
Published: August 2009

Maurice Wilkes, the designer and builder of the EDSAC---the first computer with an internally stored program---reflects on his career.
Reveling in constraints
Authors: Johnson Bruce
Published: August 2009

The Google Web Toolkit is an end-run around Web development obstacles.
The status of the P versus NP problem
Authors: Fortnow Lance
Published: August 2009

It's one of the fundamental mathematical problems of our time, and its importance grows with the rise of powerful computers.
PuzzledSolutions and sources
Authors: Winkler Peter
Published: August 2009

Last month (August 2009, p. 104) we posted a trio of brainteasers, including one as yet unsolved, concerning probability and intuition.
One size does not fit all
Authors: Zhu Hongwei , Madnick Stuart E.
Published: August 2009

The web has become the largest data repository on the planet. An important factor contributing to its success is its openness and ease of use: anyone can contribute data to, and consume data from, the Web. As Tim Berners-Lee, inventor of the Web, said, "the exciting thing is serendipitous reuse of data: one person puts data up there for one thing, and another person uses it another way." Such serendipitous data reuse is extremely valuable. Through reuse, new knowledge can be created, innovation and value-added services become possible.

However, there have been efforts to regulate and legally challenge data reuse activities. The European Union (EU) has adopted the Database Directive to restrict unauthorized data extraction and reuse. In the U.S., Congress has considered six bills, all of which failed to pass into law. These legislative activities are summarized in Figure 1; more details are furnished later. The significant uncertainty and the international differences in database legislation have created serious challenges to the "serendipitous reuse of data." The dual purposes of this article, both related to the theme "one size does
not
fit all," are to: summarize the range of legislation in current use and proposed; and present an economic model for interpreting or recommending policy choices that depend on factors such as cost of database creation and level of database differentiation.

As computing professionals continue to develop technologies (such as data extraction, Web mashups, Web services, and various Semantic Web technologies) to make data reuse much easier, it is important for us to understand the legal implications when applying these technologies for data reuse purposes.
Leakage reduction, delay compensation using partition-based tunable body-biasing techniques
Authors: Chen Po-Yuan , Fang Chiao-Chen , Hwang Tingting , Ma Hsi-Pin
Published: August 2009

In recent years, fabrication technology of CMOS has scaled to nanometer dimensions. As scaling progresses, several new challenges follow. Among them, the most noticeable two are process variations and leakage current of the circuit. To tackle the problems of process variations and leakage current, an effective way is to use a body-biasing technique. In substance, using the RBB technique can minimize leakage current but increase the delay of a gate. Contrary to RBB, the FBB technique decreases the delay but increases leakage current of a gate. In the previous work, a single body-biasing is applied to the whole circuit. In a slow circuit, since the FBB is applied to the whole circuit, the leakage current of all gates in the circuit increases dramatically. On the other hand, in a fast circuit, RBB is applied to decrease the leakage current. However, without violating the timing specification, the value of body-biasing is restricted by the critical paths, and the saving of leakage current is limited. In this article, we propose a design flow to partition the circuit into subcircuits so that each subcircuit can be applied its individual RBB or FBB. Experiments show that our method is able to save leakage current from 42% to 47% as compared to designs not using a body-biasing technique. Under process variations, our method can save 42% to 49% leakage on fast circuits and 20% to 35% on slow circuits.
Associational Resistance and Associational Susceptibility: Having Right or Wrong Neighbors
Authors: Barbosa Pedro , Hines Jessica , Kaplan Ian , Martinson Holly , Szczepaniec Adrianna , Szendrei Zsofia
Published: August 2009

Specific plant associations may decrease (associational resistance, AR) or increase (associational susceptibility, AS) the likelihood of detection by, and/or vulnerability to, herbivores. We discuss presumed mechanisms leading to AR and AS, suggest others, and conduct meta-analyses on plant and herbivore traits affecting AR and AS, and the effects of habitat.

Specific plant associations determine the likelihood of detection and/or vulnerability of focal plants to herbivores. AS is more likely with insects and AR more likely with mammals. Unpalatable neighbors increase the likelihood of AR. An herbivore's feeding guild, diet breadth, and habitat type do not influence the likelihood of AR or AS. The effectiveness of AR in reducing herbivore abundance is independent of whether neighboring plants are within a plot of focal crops or along the edge of a plot. AR and AS may be applicable to associations among herbivores, and may be appropriately studied from a landscape perspective.
B Cell Signaling and Fate Decision
Authors: Kurosaki Tomohiro , Shinohara Hisaaki , Baba Yoshihiro
Published: August 2009

Antigen receptors on the surface of B lymphocytes trigger adaptive immune responses after encountering their cognate antigens but also control a series of antigen-independent checkpoints during B cell development. These physiological processes are regulated by the expression and function of cell surface receptors, intracellular signaling molecules, and transcription factors. The function of these proteins can be altered by a dynamic array of post-translational modifications, using two interconnected mechanisms. These modifications can directly induce an altered conformational state in the protein target of the modification itself. In addition, they can create new binding sites for other protein partners, thereby contributing to where and when such multiple protein assemblies are activated within cells. As a new type of post-transcriptional regulator, microRNAs have emerged to influence the development and function of B cells by affecting the expression of target mRNAs.
Novel liver-specific TORC2 siRNA corrects hyperglycemia in rodent models of type 2 diabetes
Authors: Saberi Maziyar , Bjelica David , Schenk Simon , Imamura Takeshi , Bandyopadhyay Gautam , Li Pingping , Jadhar Vasant , Vargeese Chandra , Wang Weimin , Bowman Keith , Zhang Ye , Polisky Barry , Olefsky Jerrold M.
Published: August 2009

The transcription factor TORC2 [transducer of regulated cAMP-responsive element-binding protein (CREB) activity 2] is a major regulator of hepatic gluconeogenesis and is increased in hyperglycemic rodent models. Because chronic hyperglycemia and increased hepatic glucose production, via increased gluconeogenesis, is a key feature of type 2 diabetes, an effective in vivo method to efficiently knock down TORC2 could provide a potential therapy for treating hyperglycemia and type 2 diabetes. To assess this, primary mouse hepatocytes, high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice, and Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats were treated with a siRNA against TORC2 (siTORC2), which was delivered via a novel lipid nanoparticle system, or control siRNA (siCON). Compared with siCON, administration of siTORC2 resulted in highly efficient, sustained (1–3 wk) knockdown of TORC2 and its gluconeogenic target genes phospho enolpyruvate carboxykinase and glucose-6-phophatase in primary mouse hepatocytes and in the livers of HFD-fed mice. In mice, this knockdown was specific to the liver and did not occur in kidney, skeletal muscle, or adipose tissue. In HFD-fed mice, siTORC2 reduced in vivo gluconeogenic capacity, fasting hepatic glucose production, and hyperglycemia, and led to improved hepatic and skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity. siTORC2 treatment also improved systemic hyperglycemia in ZDF rats. In conclusion, these results demonstrate the importance of TORC2 in modulating HGP in vivo and highlight a novel, liver-specific siRNA approach for the potential treatment of hyperglycemia and type 2 diabetes.
Acute glucose-lowering and insulin-sensitizing action of FGF21 in insulin-resistant mouse models—association with liver and adipose tissue effects
Authors: Xu Jing , Stanislaus Shanaka , Chinookoswong Narumol , Lau Yvonne Y. , Hager Todd , Patel Jennifer , Ge Hongfei , Weiszmann Jen , Lu Shu-Chen , Graham Melissa , Busby Jim , Hecht Randy , Li Yue-Sheng , Li Yang , Lindberg Richard , Véniant Murielle M.
Published: August 2009

Recombinant fibroblast growth factor (FGF)21 has antihyperglycemic, antihyperlipidemic, and antiobesity effects in diabetic rodent and monkey models. Previous studies were confined to measuring steady-state effects of FGF21 following subchronic or chronic administration. The present study focuses on the kinetics of biological actions of FGF21 following a single injection and on the associated physiological and cellular mechanisms underlying FGF21 actions. We show that FGF21 resulted in rapid decline of blood glucose levels and immediate improvement of glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity in two animal models of insulin resistance ( ob/ob and DIO mice). In ob/ob mice, FGF21 led to a 40–60% decrease in blood glucose, insulin, and amylin levels within 1 h after injection, and the maximal effects were sustained for more than 6 h despite the 1- to 2-h half-life of FGF21. In DIO mice, FGF21 reduced fasting blood glucose and insulin levels and improved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity within 3 h of treatment. The acute improvement of glucose metabolism was associated with a 30% reduction of hepatic glucose production and an increase in peripheral glucose turnover. FGF21 appeared to have no direct effect on ex vivo pancreatic islet insulin or glucagon secretion. However, it rapidly induced typical FGF signaling in liver and adipose tissues and in several hepatoma-derived cell lines and differentiated adipocytes. FGF21 was able to inhibit glucose release from H4IIE hepatoma cells and stimulate glucose uptake in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. We conclude that the acute glucose-lowering and insulin-sensitizing effects of FGF21 are potentially associated with its metabolic actions in liver and adipose tissues.
Behavioral Oncology and the War on Cancer: Partnering with Biomedicine
Authors: Stefanek Michael E. , Andrykowski Michael A. , Lerman Caryn , Manne Sharon , Glanz Karen ,   on behalf of the AACR Behavioral Science Task Force
Published: August 2009

The call for interdisciplinary research in the war on cancer has escalated over the past several years. Behavioral science has played a key role in cancer control, and several exciting opportunities exist and will develop with the ongoing significant advances made in biomedical science. The current article briefly reviews the maturity of behavioral science in the areas of prevention, early detection, and survivorship and how the partnership of behavioral and biomedical science can effectively impact cancer incidence, morbidity, and mortality. [Cancer Res 2009;69(18):7151–6]
Maximizing Survival Benefit With Primary Prevention Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator Therapy in a Heart Failure Population
Authors: Levy Wayne C. , Lee Kerry L. , Hellkamp Anne S. , Poole Jeanne E. , Mozaffarian Dariush , Linker David T. , Maggioni Aldo P. , Anand Inder , Poole-Wilson Philip A. , Fishbein Daniel P. , Johnson George , Anderson Jill , Mark Daniel B. , Bardy Gust H.
Published: August 2009

Background—

Although implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) therapy reduces mortality in moderately symptomatic heart failure patients with an ejection fraction ≤35%, many such patients do not require ICD shocks over long-term follow-up.

Methods and Results—

Using a modification of a previously validated risk prediction model based on routine clinical variables, we examined the relationship between baseline predicted mortality risk and the relative and absolute survival benefits of ICD treatment in the primary prevention Sudden Cardiac Death in Heart Failure Trial (SCD-HeFT). In the placebo arm, predicted 4-year mortality grouped into 5 equal-sized risk groups varied from 12% to 50% (c statistic=0.71), whereas the proportion of SCD in those same risk groups decreased from 52% to 24% of all deaths. ICD treatment decreased relative risk of SCD by 88% in the lowest-risk group versus 24% in the highest-risk group (
P
=0.009 for interaction) and decreased relative risk of total mortality by 54% in the lowest-risk group versus no benefit (2%) in the highest-risk group (
P
=0.014 for interaction). Absolute 4-year mortality reductions were 6.6%, 8.8%, 10.6%, 14.0%, and −4.9% across risk quintiles. In highest-risk patients (predicted annual mortality >20%), no benefit of ICD treatment was seen. Projected over each patient’s predicted lifespan, ICD treatment added 6.3, 4.1, 3.0, 1.9, and 0.2 additional years of life in the lowest- to highest-risk groups, respectively.

Conclusions—

A clinical risk prediction model identified subsets of moderately symptomatic heart failure patients in SCD-HeFT in whom single-lead ICD therapy was of no benefit and other subsets in which benefit was substantial.
Hydrogen Sulfide Improves Survival After Cardiac Arrest and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation via a Nitric Oxide Synthase 3–Dependent Mechanism in Mice
Authors: Minamishima Shizuka , Bougaki Masahiko , Sips Patrick Y. , De Yu Jia , Minamishima Yoji Andrew , Elrod John W. , Lefer David J. , Bloch Kenneth D. , Ichinose Fumito
Published: August 2009

Background—

Sudden cardiac arrest (CA) is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. We sought to evaluate the impact of hydrogen sulfide (H
2
S) on the outcome after CA and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in mouse.

Methods and Results—

Mice were subjected to 8 minutes of normothermic CA and resuscitated with chest compression and mechanical ventilation. Seven minutes after the onset of CA (1 minute before CPR), mice received sodium sulfide (Na
2
S) (0.55 mg/kg IV) or vehicle 1 minute before CPR. There was no difference in the rate of return of spontaneous circulation, CPR time to return of spontaneous circulation, and left ventricular function at return of spontaneous circulation between groups. Administration of Na
2
S 1 minute before CPR markedly improved survival rate at 24 hours after CPR (15/15) compared with vehicle (10/26;
P
=0.0001 versus Na
2
S). Administration of Na
2
S prevented CA/CPR-induced oxidative stress and ameliorated left ventricular and neurological dysfunction 24 hours after CPR. Delayed administration of Na
2
S at 10 minutes after CPR did not improve outcomes after CA/CPR. Cardioprotective effects of Na
2
S were confirmed in isolated-perfused mouse hearts subjected to global ischemia and reperfusion. Cardiomyocyte-specific overexpression of cystathionine γ-lyase (an enzyme that produces H
2
S) markedly improved outcomes of CA/CPR. Na
2
S increased phosphorylation of nitric oxide synthase 3 in left ventricle and brain cortex, increased serum nitrite/nitrate levels, and attenuated CA-induced mitochondrial injury and cell death. Nitric oxide synthase 3 deficiency abrogated the protective effects of Na
2
S on the outcome of CA/CPR.

Conclusions—

These results suggest that administration of Na
2
S at the time of CPR improves outcome after CA possibly via a nitric oxide synthase 3–dependent signaling pathway.
Exaggerated Blood Pressure Variability Superimposed on Hypertension Aggravates Cardiac Remodeling in Rats via Angiotensin II System-Mediated Chronic Inflammation
Authors: Kudo Hiroshi , Kai Hisashi , Kajimoto Hidemi , Koga Mitsuhisa , Takayama Narimasa , Mori Takahiro , Ikeda Ayami , Yasuoka Suguru , Anegawa Takahiro , Mifune Hiroharu , Kato Seiya , Hirooka Yoshitaka , Imaizumi Tsutomu
Published: August 2009

Hypertensive patients with large blood pressure variability (BPV) have aggravated end-organ damage. However, the pathogenesis remains unknown. We investigated whether exaggerated BPV aggravates hypertensive cardiac remodeling and function by activating inflammation and angiotensin II–mediated mechanisms. A model of exaggerated BPV superimposed on chronic hypertension was created by performing bilateral sinoaortic denervation (SAD) in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). SAD increased BPV to a similar extent in Wistar Kyoto rats and SHRs without significant changes in mean blood pressure. SAD aggravated left ventricular and myocyte hypertrophy and myocardial fibrosis to a greater extent and impaired left ventricular systolic function in SHRs. SAD induced monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, transforming growth factor-β, and angiotensinogen mRNA upregulations and macrophage infiltration of the heart in SHRs. The effects of SAD on cardiac remodeling and inflammation were much smaller in Wistar Kyoto rats compared with SHRs. Circulating levels of norepinephrine, the active form of renin, and inflammatory cytokines were not affected by SAD in Wistar Kyoto rats and SHRs. A subdepressor dose of candesartan abolished the SAD-induced left ventricular/myocyte hypertrophy, myocardial fibrosis, macrophage infiltration, and inductions of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, transforming growth factor-β, and angiotensinogen and subsequently prevented systolic dysfunction in SHRs with SAD. These findings suggest that exaggerated BPV induces chronic myocardial inflammation and thereby aggravates cardiac remodeling and systolic function in hypertensive hearts. The cardiac angiotensin II system may play a role in the pathogenesis of cardiac remodeling and dysfunction induced by a combination of hypertension and exaggerated BPV.
Prenatal Cocaine Exposure Causes Sex-Dependent Impairment in the Myogenic Reactivity of Coronary Arteries in Adult Offspring
Authors: Xiao DaLiao , Yang Shumei , Zhang Lubo
Published: August 2009

Cocaine abuse is a significant problem among pregnant women. The present study tested the hypothesis that prenatal cocaine exposure impairs myogenic reactivity of coronary arteries in adult offspring. Pregnant rats received cocaine (30 mg kg
−1
day
−1
) or saline from days 15 to 21 of gestational age, and experiments were conducted in 3-month-old offspring. In pressurized coronary septal arteries, the diameter and vessel wall intracellular Ca
2+
concentrations were measured simultaneously in the same tissue as a function of intraluminal pressure. Cocaine did not affect KCl-induced contractions of coronary arteries in either males or females but decreased the distensibility in male vessels. In male offspring, cocaine treatment resulted in a significant decease in pressure-dependent myogenic contractions. Inhibition of eNOS with N
G
-nitro-
l
-arginine did not alter the myogenic response in either saline control or cocaine-treated animals. In females, cocaine caused a significant increase in pressure-dependent myogenic contractions. N
G
-nitro-
l
-arginine did not affect the myogenic response in the control animals but blocked the cocaine-mediated effect. In both males and females, the pressure-induced increases in vessel wall Ca
2+
concentrations were not significantly different between cocaine and saline groups. The ratio of changes in the diameter to Ca
2+
concentrations in the pressurized arteries was significantly less in male but greater in female offspring after cocaine treatment. The results suggest that prenatal cocaine exposure causes reprogramming of coronary myogenic tone via changes in the Ca
2+
sensitivity in a sex-dependent manner, leading to an increased risk of dysfunction of coronary autoregulation in adult offspring.
Civility, Respect, Engagement in the Workforce (CREW)
Authors: Osatuke Katerine , Moore Scott C. , Ward Christopher , Dyrenforth Sue R. , Belton Linda
Published: August 2009

This article presents a description and preliminary evaluation of a nationwide initiative by the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) called Civility, Respect, and Engagement in the Workforce (CREW). The goal of CREW is to increase workplace civility as assessed by employee ratings of interpersonal climate in workgroups. Once endorsed by the VHA leadership and adopted by the leaders of particular VHA hospitals, CREW was conducted by local facility coordinators who were trained and supported by the VHA National Center for Organization Development. This article explains the conceptual and operational background of CREW and the approach used to implement the initiative, presents results from two CREW administrations with a total of 23 sites, and reports significant preintervention to postintervention changes in civility at intervention sites as compared to no significant changes at comparison sites within each administration. It discusses these findings in the conceptual (theoretical) and operational (intervention evaluation) context of interventions targeting civility.