bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tooling System Design for Forming Aluminum Beverage Can End Shells
Authors: Yamazaki Koetsu , Han Jing , Otsuka Takayasu , Hasegawa Takashi , Nishiyama Sadao
Published: November 2011

This paper proposes a new tooling system and performs an optimum design on it to minimize the amount of thinning during a forming process of aluminum beverage can end shells. Numerical simulations of the shell forming process and structural performance of the shell under internal pressure have been performed. Influences of the upmost surface profiles and initial positions of the tool in the new tooling system on the shell forming quality have been investigated, and a structural optimization method based on the numerical simulations has been then applied to find optimum design points subject to constraints of the shell geometrical dimensions. A comparison shows that thinning of the shell formed by the proposed new tooling system can be reduced approximately 3.6% compared to a conventional tooling system. Optimization results of the new tooling system show that the amount of thinning can be reduced almost 4%. It is also confirmed that the buckle pressure resistance of the shell is improved 5.5%. The new tooling system may reduce the amount of thinning; hence, may improve the structural performance of the can and may save metal.
Modified Time-Dependent Penetration Length and Inlet Pressure Field in Rectangular and Cylindrical Channel Flows Driven by Non-Mechanical Forces
Authors: Azese Martin Ndi
Published: November 2011

In this paper, we derive the governing equation for the time dependent penetration length of a fluid column in rectangular and cylindrical channels under the action of nonmechanical forces like capillary or electro-osmotic force. For this purpose, first we obtain the velocity profile for unidirectional unsteady flow by satisfying momentum equation in differential form. Then, we relate the rate of change of penetration length with volume flux to obtain the governing equation of the penetration length. As the velocity profile is exact, the analysis is devoid of any mathematical error. As a result, the theoretical results are valid irrespective of the Reynolds number of the system as long as the flow inside the cylindrical or rectangular conduit is laminar. We then use the new expressions of velocity fields of respective conduits to derive a more accurate expression of the entrance pressure by using a hemispherical model for the control volume for finite aspect ratio. As these channels are very common, our governing equations for penetration length will have a wide range of applicability. These applications especially include creeping flow in micro fluidic domain for which we have a simplified version of the derived equation.
The Analysis of the Impact of Particles on Cavitation Flow Development
Authors: Gregorc Boštjan , Hriberšek Matjaž , Predin Andrej
Published: November 2011

The purpose of this paper is to present an analysis of the impact of solid particles on the development of cavitation flow conditions around a hydrofoil. Experimental studies were conducted in a cavitation tunnel with different mixtures of particles and water. The effect of the particles on the development of cavitation flows was modeled by using an additional phase particle dispersion model (Euler-Euler). Numerical modeling was performed using the CFD software. The impact on the cavity model with the parametric analysis of the entry conditions of particles in the calculation domain was investigated, with a focus on the solid shear viscosity. Another purpose of this research was to present the possibility of modeling the development of the vapor phase in the commercial CFD software package, while taking into account the impact of particles. This paper presents the results of the experimental measurements and their comparison with numerical simulations.
Comparative Analysis of the Biaxial Mechanical Behavior of Carotid Wall Tissue and Biological and Synthetic Materials Used for Carotid Patch Angioplasty
Authors: Kamenskiy Alexey V. , Pipinos Iraklis I. , MacTaggart Jason N. , Jaffar Kazmi Syed A. , Dzenis Yuris A.
Published: November 2011

Patch angioplasty is the most common technique used for the performance of carotid endarterectomy. A large number of patching materials are available for use while new materials are being continuously developed. Surprisingly little is known about the mechanical properties of these materials and how these properties compare with those of the carotid artery wall. Mismatch of the mechanical properties can produce mechanical and hemodynamic effects that may compromise the long-term patency of the endarterectomized arterial segment. The aim of this paper was to systematically evaluate and compare the biaxial mechanical behavior of the most commonly used patching materials. We compared PTFE (n = 1), Dacron (n = 2), bovine pericardium (n = 10), autogenous greater saphenous vein (n = 10), and autogenous external jugular vein (n = 9) with the wall of the common carotid artery (n = 18). All patching materials were found to be significantly stiffer than the carotid wall in both the longitudinal and circumferential directions. Synthetic patches demonstrated the most mismatch in stiffness values and vein patches the least mismatch in stiffness values compared to those of the native carotid artery. All biological materials, including the carotid artery, demonstrated substantial nonlinearity, anisotropy, and variability; however, the behavior of biological and biologically-derived patches was both qualitatively and quantitatively different from the behavior of the carotid wall. The majority of carotid arteries tested were stiffer in the circumferential direction, while the opposite anisotropy was observed for all types of vein patches and bovine pericardium. The rates of increase in the nonlinear stiffness over the physiological stress range were also different for the carotid and patching materials. Several carotid wall samples exhibited reverse anisotropy compared to the average behavior of the carotid tissue. A similar characteristic was observed for two of 19 vein patches. The obtained results quantify, for the first time, significant mechanical dissimilarity of the currently available patching materials and the carotid artery. The results can be used as guidance for designing more efficient patches with mechanical properties resembling those of the carotid wall. The presented systematic comparative mechanical analysis of the existing patching materials provides valuable information for patch selection in the daily practice of carotid surgery and can be used in future clinical studies comparing the efficacy of different patches in the performance of carotid endarterectomy.
Highly Specific Protease-Based Approach for Detection of Porphyromonas gingivalis in Diagnosis of Periodontitis
Authors: Kaman Wendy E. , Galassi Fabiano , de Soet Johannes J. , Bizzarro Sergio , Loos Bruno G. , Veerman Enno C. I. , van Belkum Alex , Hays John P. , Bikker Floris J.
Published: November 2011

Porphyromonas gingivalis
is associated with the development of periodontitis. Here we describe the development of a highly specific protease-based diagnostic method for the detection of
P. gingivalis
in gingival crevicular fluid. Screening of a proteolytic peptide substrate library, including fluorogenic dipeptides that contain
d
-amino acids, led to the discovery of five
P. gingivalis
-specific substrates. Due to the presence of lysine and arginine residues in these substrates, it was hypothesized that the cleavage was mediated by the gingipains, a group of
P. gingivalis
-specific proteases. This hypothesis was confirmed by the observation that
P. gingivalis
gingipain knockout strains demonstrated clearly impaired substrate cleavage efficacy. Further, proteolytic activity on the substrates was increased by the addition of the gingipain stimulators dithiothreitol and
l
-cysteine and decreased by the inhibitors leupeptin and
N
-ethylmaleimide. Screening of saliva and gingival crevicular fluid of periodontitis patients and healthy controls showed the potential of the substrates to diagnose the presence of
P. gingivalis
proteases. By using paper points, a sensitivity of approximately 10
5
CFU/ml was achieved.
P. gingivalis
-reactive substrates fully composed of
l
-amino acids and Bz-
l
-Arg-NHPhNO
2
showed a relatively low specificity (44 to 85%). However, the five
P. gingivalis
-specific substrates that each contained a single
d
-amino acid showed high specificity (96 to 100%). This observation underlines the importance of the presence of
d
-amino acids in substrates used for the detection of bacterial proteases. We envisage that these substrates may improve the specificity of the current enzyme-based diagnosis of periodontitis associated with
P. gingivalis
.
MATHEMATICAL STUDY OF A HYPERBOLIC REGULARIZATION TO ENSURE GAUSS' LAW CONSERVATION IN MAXWELL–VLASOV APPLICATIONS
Authors: FORNET BRUNO , MOUYSSET VINCENT , RODRÍGUEZ-ARÓS ÁNGEL
Published: November 2011

This paper studies a hyperbolic modification of Maxwell's equations to ensure Gauss' law. This correction was obtained by adding a parameter-dependent new unknown and is of great interest for the numerical simulation in plasma physics since the discretization of the Maxwell–Vlasov system does not grant straightforwardly the physical conservation of the charge. Such problems are encountered while using Particle-In-Cell schemes. In this paper the new proposed system has the interest of still being a Friedrichs' one. Its asymptotic behavior with respect to the parameter and the link between modified and original Maxwell's systems are thus investigated. At last, we look for some boundary conditions, granting the well-posedness of the system. Generalizations of the Silver–Müller condition, perfect electric and magnetic conductors, as well as impedance and admittance representation of materials are detailed.
GUIDING CENTER DRIFT INDUCED BY HOMOGENIZATION
Authors: JIANG JIANN-SHENG , LIN CHI-KUN
Published: November 2011

The guiding center drift induced by the homogenization of the Lorentz forces is studied. It generates memory effects. The memory (or nonlocal) kernel is described by the Volterra integral equation. The memory kernel can be characterized explicitly in terms of a Radon measure. It describes the extra velocity drift. By way of velocity drift, we view the Gauss's law with polarization charges.
ASYMMETRY OF BONE MINERAL DENSITY OF THE HIPS IN PATIENTS WITH UNILATERAL KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY
Authors: Ashraf Alireza , Shooshtari Seyed Mostafa Jazayeri , Homayouni Kaynoosh , Roshanzamir Sharareh , Zafarghasempoor Mohsen , Ajhdarnia Nosratollah , Satari Soheil , Rezaianzadeh Abbas
Published: November 2011

Background: Osteoarthritis of any joint may exert different effects on bone mineral density that may be the result of several mechanisms including change in the pattern of weight load distribution. In this cross-sectional study we tried to find correlations between unilateral knee osteoarthritis and bone mineral density of hips and lumbar vertebrae. Methods: Forty three patients with knee osteoarthritis (unilateral or more severe in one side) were recruited in this study. The American college of Rheumatology Criteria was followed for the diagnosis of osteoarthritis. Dual X-Ray absorptiometry was used to obtain the T score and the Z score of the hips and lumbar vertebrae. Results: The T score and Z score of the hip and T score of the femoral neck, at the side with ipsilateral knee osteoarthritis was lower than the other side (p < 0.05). The mean Z score and T score of the vertebrae was negative irrespective of the side of osteoarthritis. Conclusions: Bone mineral density of the hip with ipsilateral knee osteoarthritis was lower than the other side, which suggests that BMD may be sensitive to some extent in detecting osteoporosis in these patients; it has also been observed that osteoarthritis might not affect bone mineral density of the hips and lumbar vertebrae in the same manner or to the same extent.
A Monoclonal Antibody against Human Notch1 Ligand–Binding Domain Depletes Subpopulation of Putative Breast Cancer Stem–like Cells
Authors: Sharma Ankur , Paranjape Anurag N. , Rangarajan Annapoorni , Dighe Rajan R.
Published: November 2011

Overexpression of Notch receptors and ligands has been associated with various cancers and developmental disorders, making Notch a potential therapeutic target. Here, we report characterization of Notch1 monoclonal antibodies (mAb) with therapeutic potential. The mAbs generated against epidermal growth factor (EGF) repeats 11 to 15 inhibited binding of Jagged1 and Delta-like4 and consequently, signaling in a dose-dependent manner, the antibodies against EGF repeats 11 to 12 being more effective than those against repeats 13 to 15. These data emphasize the role of EGF repeats 11 to 12 in ligand binding. One of the mAbs, 602.101, which specifically recognizes Notch1, inhibited ligand-dependent expression of downstream target genes of Notch such as HES-1, HES-5, and HEY-L in the breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231. The mAb also decreased cell proliferation and induced apoptotic cell death. Furthermore, exposure to this antibody reduced CD44Hi/CD24Low subpopulation in MDA-MB-231 cells, suggesting a decrease in the cancer stem–like cell subpopulation. This was confirmed by showing that exposure to the antibody decreased the primary, secondary, and tertiary mammosphere formation efficiency of the cells. Interestingly, effect of the antibody on the putative stem-like cells appeared to be irreversible, because the mammosphere-forming efficiency could not be salvaged even after antibody removal during the secondary sphere formation. The antibody also modulated expression of genes associated with stemness and epithelial–mesenchymal transition. Thus, targeting individual Notch receptors by specific mAbs is a potential therapeutic strategy to reduce the potential breast cancer stem–like cell subpopulation. Mol Cancer Ther; 11(1); 77–86. ©2011 AACR.
Inhibitor of Differentiation-3 Mediates High Fat Diet-Induced Visceral Fat Expansion
Authors: Cutchins Alexis , Harmon Daniel B. , Kirby Jennifer L. , Doran Amanda C. , Oldham Stephanie N. , Skaflen Marcus , Klibanov Alexander L. , Meller Nahum , Keller Susanna R. , Garmey James , McNamara Coleen A.
Published: November 2011

Objective—

Inhibitor of differentiation-3 (Id3) has been implicated in promoting angiogenesis, a key determinant of high-fat diet (HFD)-induced visceral adiposity. Yet the role of Id3 in HFD-induced angiogenesis and visceral adipose expansion is unknown.

Methods and Results—

Id3
−/−
mice demonstrated a significant attenuation of HFD-induced visceral fat depot expansion compared to wild type littermate controls. Importantly, unlike other Id proteins, loss of Id3 did not affect adipose depot size in young mice fed chow diet or differentiation of adipocytes in vitro or in vivo. Contrast enhanced ultrasound revealed a significant attenuation of visceral fat microvascular blood volume in HFD-fed mice null for Id3 compared to wild type controls. HFD induced Id3 and VEGFA expression in the visceral stromal vascular fraction and Id3
−/−
mice had significantly lower levels of VEGFA protein in visceral adipose tissue compared to wild type. Furthermore, HFD-induced VEGFA expression in visceral adipose tissue was completely abolished by loss of Id3. Consistent with this effect, Id3 abolished E12-mediated repression of VEGFA promoter activity.

Conclusion—

Results identify Id3 as an important regulator of HFD-induced visceral adipose VEGFA expression, microvascular blood volume, and depot expansion. Inhibition of Id3 may have potential as a therapeutic strategy to limit visceral adiposity.
Objectively Assessed Physical Activity, Sedentary Time, and Coronary Artery Calcification in Healthy Older Adults
Authors: Hamer Mark , Venuraju Shreenidhi M. , Lahiri Avijit , Rossi Amanda , Steptoe Andrew
Published: November 2011

Objective—

Physical activity is related to lower risk of cardiovascular disease, but data relating to coronary lesions have been conflicting. These inconsistencies may in part be due to unreliable assessment of physical activity and limitations imposed by self-reported data. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between objectively measured physical activity and coronary artery calcium (CAC).

Methods and Results—

Participants were 443 healthy men and women (mean age=66±6 years), without history or objective signs of coronary heart disease, drawn from the Whitehall II epidemiological cohort. Physical activity was objectively measured using accelerometers worn during waking hours for 7 consecutive days (average daily wear time=889±68 minutes/day). CAC was measured in each participant using electron beam computed tomography and was quantified according to the Agatston scoring system. On average, 54.4% of the sample recorded at least 30 minutes/day of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA). There was no association between MVPA and presence of detectable CAC. For the participants with detectable CAC (n=283) a weak inverse relationship between MVPA (minutes/day) and log Agatston score was observed (B=−0.008, 95% CI: −0.16 to 0.00,
P
=0.05), although the association was no longer present after adjustments for age, sex, and conventional risk factors. No associations were seen for light activity or sedentary time.

Conclusion—

Our results confirm no association between objectively assessed physical activity and CAC. Because CAC measures cannot identify more vulnerable lesions, additional studies are required to examine whether physical activity can promote plaque stability.
The Perlecan Fragment LG3 Is a Novel Regulator of Obliterative Remodeling Associated With Allograft Vascular Rejection
Authors: Soulez Mathilde , Pilon Eve-Annie , Dieudé Mélanie , Cardinal Héloïse , Brassard Nathalie , Qi Shijie , Wu Shyh-Jong , Durocher Yves , Madore François , Perreault Claude , Hébert Marie-Josée
Published: November 2011

Rationale:

Endothelial apoptosis is increased in association with acute and chronic vascular rejection (VR) of solid allografts. Apoptotic endothelial cells (EC) release LG3, a C-terminal fragment of perlecan of potential importance in vascular remodeling and neointima formation.

Objective:

Our 2 goals were to determine whether circulating levels of LG3 are increased in association with acute VR of renal allografts and to evaluate the impact of LG3 on vascular remodeling.

Methods and Results:

We conducted a case-control study to compare serum LG3 levels in human renal transplant patients with acute VR, tubulo-interstitial rejection (ATIR) and normal graft function. Aorta transplantation between fully MHC-mismatched mice in association with intravenous LG3 injection was used to characterize the impact of LG3 on vascular remodeling. Scratch assays evaluated the promigratory activity of LG3 on vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) in vitro. Serum LG3 levels were significantly elevated in human renal transplant patients with acute VR (
n
=16) compared to ATIR (
n
=16) and normal graft function (
n
=32,
P
=0.004). In patients with acute VR, graft loss was associated with elevated LG3 levels. Increasing LG3 serum levels in aortic allograft recipients significantly increased neointima formation. LG3 injection fostered accumulation of α-smooth muscle actin–positive cells and decreased the number of CD31 positive EC. LG3 increased the migration of VSMC through extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2-dependent pathways.

Conclusion:

These results indicate that LG3 is a novel regulator of obliterative vascular remodeling during rejection.
Consistent Differential Expression Pattern (CDEP) on microarray to identify genes related to metastatic behavior
Authors: Tsoi Lam C , Qin Tingting , Slate Elizabeth H , Zheng W Jim
Published: November 2011

Background

To utilize the large volume of gene expression information generated from different microarray experiments, several meta-analysis techniques have been developed. Despite these efforts, there remain significant challenges to effectively increasing the statistical power and decreasing the Type I error rate while pooling the heterogeneous datasets from public resources. The objective of this study is to develop a novel meta-analysis approach, Consistent Differential Expression Pattern (CDEP), to identify genes with common differential expression patterns across different datasets.

Results

We combined False Discovery Rate (FDR) estimation and the non-parametric RankProd approach to estimate the Type I error rate in each microarray dataset of the meta-analysis. These Type I error rates from all datasets were then used to identify genes with common differential expression patterns. Our simulation study showed that CDEP achieved higher statistical power and maintained low Type I error rate when compared with two recently proposed meta-analysis approaches. We applied CDEP to analyze microarray data from different laboratories that compared transcription profiles between metastatic and primary cancer of different types. Many genes identified as differentially expressed consistently across different cancer types are in pathways related to metastatic behavior, such as ECM-receptor interaction, focal adhesion, and blood vessel development. We also identified novel genes such as AMIGO2, Gem, and CXCL11 that have not been shown to associate with, but may play roles in, metastasis.

Conclusions

CDEP is a flexible approach that borrows information from each dataset in a meta-analysis in order to identify genes being differentially expressed consistently. We have shown that CDEP can gain higher statistical power than other existing approaches under a variety of settings considered in the simulation study, suggesting its robustness and insensitivity to data variation commonly associated with microarray experiments.

Availability: CDEP is implemented in R and freely available at: http://genomebioinfo.musc.edu/CDEP/

Contact: zhengw@musc.edu
The persisting burden of invasive pneumococcal disease in HIV patients: an observational cohort study
Authors: Siemieniuk Reed AC , Gregson Dan B , Gill M John
Published: November 2011

Background

The increasing use of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and pneumococcal immunization along with shifting community exposures may have altered the burden of Streptococcus pneumoniae disease in HIV-infected persons. We describe the burden and risk factors for pneumococcal disease in the modern era of HIV care and evaluate the use of a 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV-23).

Methods

The incidence of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) between January 1st, 2000 and January 1st, 2010 in a regional HIV population in Southern Alberta, Canada was determined by linking comprehensive laboratory and hospital surveillance data. Clinical and epidemiologic data including risk factors for S. pneumoniae, history of pneumococcal immunization, serotypes of infections, and length of any hospitalizations for pneumococcal disease were evaluated with multivariate analysis. CD4 count and viral load at immunization were evaluated with a nested case-control analysis.

Results

In 1946 HIV-patients with 11,099 person-years of follow up, there were 68 distinct episodes of pneumococcal disease occurring in 50 patients. Increased risk was seen if female, age >60, Aboriginal ethnicity, lower education, injection drug use, smoking, nadir CD4 <200/μL, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and hepatitis C. Overall, the incidence of IPD was 342/100,000 person-years and was reduced to 187/100,000 within three years of PPV-23 immunization (P < 0.01). Although 78% of patients received PPV-23, 74% of IPD episodes were caused by PPV-23 serotypes. In a case-control analysis, HIV viral load at immunization was significantly predictive of PPV-23 failure, while CD4 count was not. 80% of IPD cases required hospitalization: median length of stay was 7 days (range: 1-71); four patients died.

Conclusions

Despite universal access to intensive measures to prevent pneumococcal disease including the widespread use of HAART and PPV-23 immunization, the incidence of IPD remains high in HIV patients with its associated morbidity and mortality.
Elevated urinary levels of urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma identify a clinically high-risk group
Authors: Sorio Claudio , Mafficini Andrea , Furlan Federico , Barbi Stefano , Bonora Antonio , Brocco Giorgio , Blasi Francesco , Talamini Giorgio , Bassi Claudio , Scarpa Aldo
Published: November 2011

Background

The urokinase plasminogen activator receptor is highly expressed and its gene is amplified in about 50% of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas; this last feature is associated with worse prognosis. It is unknown whether the level of its soluble form (suPAR) in urine may be a diagnostic-prognostic marker in these patients.

Methods

The urinary level of suPAR was measured in 146 patients, 94 pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and 52 chronic pancreatitis. Urine from 104 healthy subjects with similar age and gender distribution served as controls. suPAR levels were normalized with creatinine levels (suPAR/creatinine, ng/mg) to remove urine dilution effect.

Results

Urinary suPAR/creatinine values of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma patients were significantly higher (median 9.8; 25th-75th percentiles 5.3-20.7) than those of either healthy donors (median 0; 0-0.5) or chronic pancreatitis patients (median 2.7; 0.9-4.7). The distribution of values among cancer patients was widespread and asymmetric, 53% subjects having values beyond the 95th percentile of healthy donors. The values of suPAR/creatinine did not correlate with tumour stage, Ca19-9 or CEA levels. Higher values correlated with poor prognosis among non-resected patients at univariate analysis; multivariate Cox regression identified high urinary suPAR/creatinine as an independent predictor of poor survival among all cancer patients (odds ratio 2.10, p = 0.0023), together with tumour stage (stage III odds ratio 2.65, p = 0.0017; stage IV odds ratio 4.61, p < 0.0001) and female gender (odds ratio 1.85, p = 0.01).

Conclusions

A high urinary suPAR/creatinine ratio represents a useful marker for the identification of a subset of patients with poorer outcome.
Characterization of DNA polymerase β from Danio rerio by overexpression in E. coli using the in vivo/in vitro compatible pIVEX plasmid
Authors: Ishido Tomomi , Yamazaki Naoshi , Ishikawa Mitsuru , Hirano Ken
Published: November 2011

Background

Eukaryotic DNA polymerase β (pol β), the polymerase thought to be responsible for DNA repair synthesis, has been extensively characterized in rats and humans. However, pol β has not been purified or enzymatically characterized from the model fish species Danio rerio (zebrafish). We used the in vitro/in vivo dual expression system plasmid, pIVEX, to express Danio rerio pol β (Danio pol β) for biochemical characterization.

Results

Danio pol β encoded by the in vitro/in vivo-compatible pIVEX plasmid was expressed in E. coli BL21(DE3), BL21(DE3)pLysS, and KRX, and in vitro as a C-terminal His-tagged protein. Danio pol β expressed in vitro was subject to proteolysis; therefore, bacterial overexpression was used to produce the protein for kinetic analyses. KRX cells were preferred because of their reduced propensity for leaky expression of pol β. The cDNA of Danio rerio pol β encodes a protein of 337 amino acids, which is 2-3 amino acids longer than other pol β proteins, and contains a P63D amino acid substitution, unlike mammalian pol βs. This substitution lies in a hairpin sequence within an 8-kDa domain, likely to be important in DNA binding. We performed extensive biochemical characterization of Danio pol β in comparison with rat pol β, which revealed its sensitivity to metal ion activators (Mn2+ and Mg2+), its optimum salt concentration (10 mM KCl and 50 mM NaCl), alkaline pH optimum (pH 9.0), and low temperature optimum (30°C). Substituting Mn2+ for Mg2+ resulted in 8.6-fold higher catalytic efficiency (k
cat/K
m).

Conclusions

Our characterization of pol β from a model fish organism contributes to the study of the function and evolution of DNA polymerases, which are emerging as important cellular targets for chemical intervention in the development of anticancer agents.
Toxicity and cosmesis outcomes after single fraction partial breast irradiation in early stage breast cancer
Authors: Pinnarò Paola , Arcangeli Stefano , Giordano Carolina , Arcangeli Giorgio , Impiombato Fabrizio Ambesi , Pinzi Valentina , Iaccarino Giuseppe , Soriani Antonella , Landoni Valeria , Strigari Lidia
Published: November 2011

Background

To report the clinical outcome after a Single Shot 3D-CRT PBI (SSPBI) in breast cancer patients after conservative surgery (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01316328).

Methods

A dose of 18Gy (in the first 4 patients) and 21Gy (in the remaining 60 patients) was prescribed in a single session and delivered to the index area (i.e. the area of breast including the primary tumor bed and the surrounding tissue) using 3D-CRT with patients in prone position. Acute and late toxicity was assessed using the National Cancer Institute's CTC for Adverse Events. Cosmesis was defined based on modified Harvard criteria. Differences between dosimetric or clinical parameters of patients with/without G2 or more late toxicity or unsatisfactory (poor or fair) cosmetic outcome were evaluated with the Mann-Whitney test. Odds ratios and 95% confidence interval were calculated for cosmesis and fibrosis. Univariate and multivariate analyses(UVA/MVA) were used to determine covariates associated with an increase in fibrosis or fat necrosis rate.

Results

Sixty four patients were enrolled. With a median follow-up of 3 years, G2 and G3 subcutaneous fibrosis was detected in 20(31%) and in 8(13%) patients, and ≥G2 fat necrosis was observed in 2(3%) patients. Good to excellent, fair and poor cosmesis was observed in 38(59%), 23(36%) and 3(5%) patients, respectively. Based on UVA, the breast volume receiving more than 21Gy (V21Gy) was found to be a predictor of the ≥G1 or ≥G2 fibrosis/fat necrosis. Based on MVA, V21Gy was confirmed as a predictor for ≥G1 fibrosis/fat necrosis, the results correlated as a trend for ≥G2. Cosmesis was correlated with whole breast (WB) mean dose (p = 0.030).

Conclusion

Our choice of a single dose of 21Gy significantly increased the treatment related toxicity. However, this should not discourage novel SSPBI approaches with lower equivalent doses.
Combination of optical spectroscopy and chemometric techniques—a possible way for on-line monitoring of spent nuclear fuel (SNF) reprocessing
Authors: Kirsanov D. , Babain V. , Agafonova-Moroz M. , Lumpov A. , Legin A.
Published: November 2011

UV-Vis spectroscopic measurements were performed in model mixtures simulating solutions obtained in the course of PUREX spent nuclear fuel reprocessing. Mixtures contained constant concentrations of nitric acid and uranium with varied content of neptunium and plutonium. Spectral data were processed with classical chemometric technique — PLS regression. This approach has shown significant improvement in analytical precision of actinides determination compared to standard univariate data processing. The combination of spectroscopic measurements with chemometric data processing shows good promise for the development of on-line spectroscopic techniques for SNF reprocessing monitoring.
Size-dependent fluorescence in CdSe quantum dots
Authors: Dey Suhash C. , Nath Siddhartha S.
Published: November 2011

In this study, the authors adopt a non-toxic chemical route for synthesis of cadmium selenium quantum dots (QD) of five different size distributions. They have been characterized by UV/Vis absorption spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Fluorescence spectroscopy is performed to investigate their optical emission with size-variation. By UV/Vis spectroscopy, a blue-shift is revealed and the band gap is calculated in each case. Transmission electron micrographs show QD of different size distributions (in the range 2–8 nm) and fluorescence spectra reveal green–orange luminescence depending upon the size distribution.
Simulation of device parameters of high efficiency multicrystalline silicon solar cells
Authors: Budhraja Vinay , Misra Durgamadhab , Ravindra Nuggehalli M.
Published: November 2011

The results of the simulation of the reported experimental results of high efficiency multicrystalline silicon (mc-Si) solar cells, using PC1D software, are reported in this study. Results obtained by various groups have been incorporated and compared in this study. The highest efficiency reported so far for mc-Si solar cells is 20·4% and 17–18% by research laboratories and commercial houses, respectively. The efficiency can be further enhanced if passivation characteristics on both the front and back surface are improved. The role of back surface recombination has become more significant in light of the use of thin mc-Si wafers by the solar cell industry. Based on the passivation characteristics and considering the understanding of the past three decades of studies, the authors have proposed and simulated a structure for mc-Si solar cells to improve the performance of the same. The results of our modeled structure of mc-Si solar cell show an efficiency of 21·88% with short-circuit current density, Jsc = 39·39 mA/cm2, and open circuit voltage, Voc = 0·666 V.
Imported Dogs as Possible Vehicles of Vibrio Cholerae O1 Causing Cholera
Outbreaks in Northern Vietnam
Authors: Cuong Ngo Tuan , Tu Nguyen Dong , Hoang Tran Huy , Huong Le Thanh , Thu Nguyen Hoai , The Diep Tai , Phuong Lan Nguyen Thi , Minh Nguyen Binh , DuongTran Nhu , Yamashiro Tetsu , Morita Kouichi , Hien Nguyen Tran , Ehara Masahiko
Published: November 2011

Strains of V. cholerae O1 were isolated from the sewage and a pond near the first patient's house and also from
domestic vegetables obtained at a neighboring market. From 24 October 2007 to 25 June 2009, 1,505 cases were
confirmed positive for V. cholerae O1 (biotype El Tor, serotype Ogawa) in 22 cities and provinces in northern Vietnam.
On May 8 and May 12, 2009, epidemic strains of V. cholerae O1 were isolated from dogs in slaughter houses in Hanoi
and from dogs in cages in Thanh Hoa, respectively. Isolates of V. cholerae O1 in Laos and Thailand were found to be the
same clone as those isolates from dogs, patients and environmental water samples in northern Vietnam. Although the
transmission routes of cholera differed between the northern and southern provinces of Vietnam, the same clonality was
observed among isolates from 2007 to 2010.
Venous Thromboembolism in Patients with Membranous Nephropathy
Authors: Lionaki Sophia , Derebail Vimal K. , Hogan Susan L. , Barbour Sean , Lee Taewoo , Hladunewich Michelle , Greenwald Allen , Hu Yichun , Jennette Caroline E. , Jennette J. Charles , Falk Ronald J. , Cattran Daniel C. , Nachman Patrick H. , Reich Heather N.
Published: November 2011

Background and objectives

The aims of this study were to determine the frequency of venous thromboembolic events in a large cohort of patients with idiopathic membranous nephropathy and to identify predisposing risk factors.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

We studied patients with biopsy-proven membranous nephropathy from the Glomerular Disease Collaborative Network (n=412) and the Toronto Glomerulonephritis Registry (n=486) inception cohorts. The cohorts were pooled after establishing similar baseline characteristics (total n=898). Clinically apparent and radiologically confirmed venous thromboembolic events were identified. Potential risk factors were evaluated using multivariable logistic regression models.

Results

Sixty-five (7.2%) subjects had at least one venous thromboembolic event, and this rate did not differ significantly between registries. Most venous thromboembolic events occurred within 2 years of first clinical assessment (median time to VTE = 3.8 months). After adjusting for age, sex, proteinuria, and immunosuppressive therapy, hypoalbuminemia at diagnosis was the only independent predictor of a venous thromboembolic event. Each 1.0 g/dl reduction in serum albumin was associated with a 2.13-fold increased risk of VTE. An albumin level <2.8 g/dl was the threshold below which risk for a venous thromboembolic event was greatest.

Conclusions

We conclude that clinically apparent venous thromboembolic events occur in about 7% of patients with membranous nephropathy. Hypoalbuminemia, particularly <2.8 g/dl, is the most significant independent predictor of venous thrombotic risk.
Predictors of Sudden Cardiac Death
Authors: Shastri Shani , Tangri Navdeep , Tighiouart Hocine , Beck Gerald J. , Vlagopoulos Panagiotis , Ornt Daniel , Eknoyan Garabed , Kusek John W. , Herzog Charles , Cheung Alfred K. , Sarnak Mark J.
Published: November 2011

Background and objectives

There are few data on risk factors for sudden cardiac death (SCD) in patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD). The study objective was to identify predictors associated with various causes of death in the Hemodialysis (HEMO) Study and to develop a prediction model for SCD using a competing risk approach.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

In this analysis of 1745 HEMO participants, all-cause mortality was classified as SCD, non-SCD, and noncardiac death. Predictors for each cause of death were evaluated using cause-specific Cox proportional hazards models, and a competing risk approach was used to calculate absolute risk predictions for SCD.

Results

During a median follow-up of 2.5 years, 808 patients died. Rates of SCD, non-SCD, and noncardiac death were 22%, 17%, and 61%, respectively. Predictors of various causes of death differ somewhat in HD patients. Age, diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, ischemic heart disease, serum creatinine, and alkaline phosphatase were independent predictors of SCD. The 3-year C-statistic for SCD was 0.75 (95% confidence interval, 0.70–0.79), and calibration was good (χ2=1.1; P=0.89). At years 3 and 5 of follow-up, the standard Cox model overestimated the risk for SCD as compared with the competing risk approach on the relative scale by 25% and 46%, respectively, and on the absolute scale by 2% and 6%, respectively.

Conclusions

Predictors of various causes of death differ in HD patients. The proposed prediction model for SCD accounts for competing causes of death. External validation of this model is required.
Adding Specialized Clinics for Remote-Dwellers with Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Wiebe Natasha , Klarenbach Scott W. , Chui Betty , Ayyalasomayajula Bharati , Hemmelgarn Brenda R. , Jindal Kailash , Manns Braden , Tonelli Marcello
Published: November 2011

Background and objectives

This study aimed to determine whether opening a new clinic in a remote region would be a cost-effective means of improving care for remote-dwellers with CKD.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

This study is a cost-utility analysis from a public payer’s perspective over a lifetime horizon, using administrative data from a large cohort of adults with stage 3b-4 CKD in Alberta, Canada. The association between the distance from each simulated patient’s residence and the practice location of the closest nephrologist and clinical outcomes (quality of care, hospitalization, dialysis, and death) were examined. A Markov 6-month cycle economic decision model was analyzed; estimates of the effect of a new clinic were based on the association between residence location, resource use, and outcomes. Costs are reported in 2009 Canadian dollars.

Results

The costs for equipping and operating a clinic for 321 remote-dwelling patients were estimated at $25,000 and $250,000/yr, respectively. The incremental cost-utility ratios (ICURs) ranged from $4000 to $8000/quality-adjusted life-year under most scenarios. However, if reducing distance to nephrologist care does not alter mortality or hospitalization among remote-dwellers, the cost-effectiveness becomes less attractive. All other one-way sensitivity analyses had negligible effects on the ICUR.

Conclusions

Given the low costs of equipping and operating new clinics, and the very attractive ICUR relative to other currently funded interventions, establishing new clinics for remote-dwellers could play an important role in efficiently improving outcomes for patients with CKD. High-quality controlled studies are required to confirm this hypothesis.
Modified Micro-Deval Procedure for Evaluating the Polishing Tendency of Coarse Aggregates
Authors: Lane D. Stephen , Druta Cristian , Wang Linbing , Xue Wenjing
Published: November 2011

Coarse aggregates in asphalt concrete should be tough and durable to withstand hot-mix asphalt production, transportation, construction, traffic loads, and environmental effects. The morphology of such aggregates plays an important role in aggregates' mechanical properties and influences asphalt pavement skid resistance, an essential characteristic of pavement performance. The predominant aggregate resources in western Virginia are carbonate rocks. The mineral components tend to be relatively soft, and when subjected to abrasive wear under traffic, the aggregate surface polishes fairly rapidly. This situation leads to smoothing of the surface and creates potential safety issues due to loss of surface friction. Considering all aspects, the increasingly popular Micro-Deval (MD) apparatus was used to assess the abrasion–polishing (A-P) resistance of coarse aggregates suspected to show a range of polishing characteristics. Although the conventional focus of the MD test is on attrition or degradation (mass loss) reflecting particles' durability, such attrition or degradation also induces a polishing effect on susceptible particles and consequently was selected for this study. Hence, a suite of carbonate and noncarbonate coarse aggregates from 10 Virginia sources was tested in the MD with the standard procedure and a cyclical A-P procedure. Also, two-dimensional digital aggregate images, before and after abrasion, were obtained and analyzed with the use of specialized software to characterize morphological parameters (shape, angularity, texture). Testing results showed that wear-resistance aggregate groupings based on the A-P procedures were consistent with the polishing tendency based on lithologic characteristics. Abrasion effects induced by both MD procedures were subjectively discernable. Trends could be perceived in the image analysis data, but the differences were not statistically verified.
Statistical Significance of Freeze–Thaw Related Factors on Cumulative Damage to Flexible Pavements
Authors: Kestler Maureen A. , Berg Richard L. , Bigl Susan R.
Published: November 2011

Although it is widely recognized that trafficking on thaw-weakened pavement structures significantly accelerates pavement failure in seasonal frost areas, contributions of specific freeze season characteristics, such as freeze season length, thaw depth, and depth to water table, are not as readily identified or quantified. To identify statistically significant contributing factors or combinations of factors, computer simulations were conducted with a seasonal mechanistic design and evaluation procedure and 21 years of environmental data from two original flexible pavement test cells at the Minnesota Road Research Project. Statistical analyses were conducted on various winter season characteristics to determine which characteristics or explanatory variables were statistically significant contributors to, or indicators of, cumulative pavement damage. Analyses suggest damage could generally be modeled as a function of one, two, or three explanatory variables. Thaw depth, or a variation thereof, was a significant explanatory variable for at least one regression equation corresponding to each damage model in both test cells evaluated. The combination of the surface freezing season length and corresponding average pavement surface temperature appears significant for fatigue cracking for the two test cells analyzed. Maximum thaw depth and the combination of surface freezing season length and air freezing index appear significant with regard to rutting, according to Asphalt Institute and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers criteria. Several additional characteristics of the winter season have been identified for inclusion in similar analyses to be conducted with the Enhanced Integrated Climatic Model and nine U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service–New Hampshire Department of Transportation pavement test sections. Such characteristics, once better defined, could provide useful information for design or evaluation purposes.
Study of the Reaction 2-(p-Nitrophenyl)ethyl Bromide + OH− in Dimeric Micellar Solutions
Authors: Graciani María del Mar , Rodríguez Amalia , Martín Victoria I. , Moyá María Luisa
Published: November 2011

The dehydrobromination reaction 2-(p-nitrophenyl)ethyl bromide + OH− was investigated in several alkanediyl-a-w-bis(dodecyldimethylammonium) bromide, 12-s-12,2Br− (with s = 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12) micellar solutions, in the presence of NaOH 5 × 10−3 M. The kinetic data were quantitatively rationalized within the whole surfactant concentration range by using an equation based on the pseudophase ion-exchange model and taking the variations in the micellar ionization degree caused by the morphological transitions into account. The agreement between the theoretical and the experimental data was good in all the dimeric micellar media studied, except for the 12-2-12,2Br− micellar solutions. In this case, the strong tendency to micellar growth shown by the 12-2-12,2Br− micelles could be responsible for the lack of accordance. Results showed that the dimeric micelles accelerate the reaction more than two orders of magnitude as compared to water.
Real-Time Translocation and Function of PKCβII Isoform in Response to Nociceptive Signaling via the TRPV1 Pain Receptor
Authors: Mandadi Sravan , Armati Patricia J. , Roufogalis Basil D.
Published: November 2011

Serine/threonine protein kinase C βII isoform (PKCβII) or the pain receptor transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) have been separately implicated in mediating heat hyperalgesia during inflammation or diabetic neuropathy. However, detailed information on the role of PKC βII in nociceptive signaling mediated by TRPV1 is lacking. This study presents evidence for activation and translocation of the PKC βII isoform as a signaling event in nociception mediated by activation of TRPV1 by capsaicin. We show that capsaicin induces translocation of cytosolic PKCβII isoform fused with enhanced green fluorescence protein (PKCβII-EGFP) in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. We also show capsaicin-induced translocation in Chinese Hamster Ovarian (CHO) cells co-transfected with TRPV1 and PKCβII-EGFP, but not in CHO cells expressing PKCβII-EGFP alone. By contrast, the PKC activator phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA) induced translocation of PKCβII-EGFP which was sustained and independent of calcium or TRPV1. In addition PMA-induced sensitization of TRPV1 to capsaicin response in DRG neurons was attenuated by PKCβII blocker CGP 53353. Capsaicin response via TRPV1 in the DRG neurons was confirmed by TRPV1 antagonist AMG 9810. These results suggested a novel and potential signaling link between PKCβII and TRPV1. These cell culture models provide a platform for investigating mechanisms of painful neuropathies mediated by nociceptors expressing the pain sensing gene TRPV1, and its regulation by the PKC isoform PKCβII.