bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Locus‐specific protocol for nine different innate immune genes (antimicrobial peptides: β‐defensins) across passerine bird species reveals within‐species coding variation and a case of trans‐species polymorphisms
Authors: HELLGREN O. , SHELDON B. C.
Published: June 2011

We present a locus‐specific protocol suitable for the investigation, from extracted DNA, into natural inter‐ and intra‐specific genetic variation in a group of nine innate immune genes, all belonging to the β‐defensin gene family. The products of these genes encode peptides with antimicrobial properties and form part of the innate immune system. The protocol amplifies the exon coding for the peptide that interacts with invading pathogens and is applicable across a wide range of passerine bird species, although with varying success depending on species. In several species tested, we found individuals to be heterozygous at several of the genes, highlighting the existence of coding genetic variation in this part of the immune system. Furthermore, for several of the genes, alleles have been conserved at the amino acid level across taxonomically distant bird species. In one case, we observed the existence of trans‐species polymorphisms, often taken as evidence of balancing selection. The method will make it possible to investigate a part of the immune system for which there exists very little information of the genetic variation in wild vertebrate populations, thus making it possible to start investigating the selective forces under which the genes are evolving and the extent to which the found genetic variation is associated with pathogen susceptibility in wild populations.
Social cognition and social structure in the prediction of cervical screening uptake
Authors: Orbell Sheina , Crombie Iain , Johnston Gail
Published: June 2011

A random sample of women (N = 614) was interviewed following a campaign to encourage uptake of cervical screening. Previously non‐screened women were sent leaflets explaining the purpose of cervical screening together with up to three invitation letters to encourage attendance. Following the campaign, socio‐demographic characteristics of women remaining unscreened were compared with those of the screened population to assess the role of service provision in ameliorating differences in uptake. A small social class differential existed after the call programme. The study tested the utility of cognitions specified by the Health Belief Model to distinguish participants versus non‐participants and to mediate the effects of marital status, social class and sexual experience in screening uptake. Overall, health beliefs, socio‐demographic variables and number of sexual partners accounted for 57 per cent of variance in screening uptake. Screened women reported greater sexual experience and the effects of sexual experience on screening uptake were mediated by perceived susceptibility, perceived costs, perceived benefits and normative belief. The effects of social class on screening uptake were mediated by perceived susceptibility, perceived aversiveness of the test procedure and perceived aversiveness of a positive result, suggesting persistent cultural barriers to uptake. No evidence was found to suggest that practical difficulties in attendance contributed to socio‐demographic differentials. These findings suggest that where repeated opportunities for screening are provided by the health service, health beliefs are sufficient to identify those who take up screening.
Components and predictors of patient satisfaction
Authors: Hardy Gillian E. , West Michael A. , Hill Fiona
Published: June 2011

In a questionnaire study of 700 patients from a large UK National Health Service general hospital, proximal and organizational aspects of patient satisfaction were studied. Factor analysis revealed three components of proximal patient satisfaction: overall process of care in the hospital; improvement in and understanding of health; and psychological well‐being. Eleven scales measuring relevant aspects of hospital care and environment were derived. In a second study, involving 483 patients from a different general hospital, confirmatory factor analyses confirmed the robustness of the factor structure derived in the first study. Finally, aspects of care that best predicted satisfaction were identified. These included nursing and medical information practices, socialization procedures and patient participation. The implications of these findings are explored in the context of organizational theories of participation and the potential applications of the findings are considered.
Review: Adapting Scalar Turbulence Closure Models for Rotation and Curvature
Authors: Durbin Paul
Published: June 2011

Scalar, eddy viscosity models are widely used for predicting engineering turbulent flows. System rotation, or streamline curvature, can enhance or reduce the intensity of turbulence. Methods to incorporate the effects of rotation and streamline curvature consist of introducing parametric variation of model coefficients, such that either the growth rate of turbulent energy is altered; or such that the equilibrium solution bifurcates from healthy to decaying solution branches. For general use, parameters must be developed in coordinate invariant forms. Effects of rotation and of curvature can be unified by introducing the convective derivative of the rate of strain eigenvectors as their measure.
Multiphysics Modeling and Design of Shape Memory Alloy Wave Springs as Linear Actuators
Authors: Spaggiari Andrea , Dragoni Eugenio
Published: June 2011

This paper explores the merits of shape memory wave springs as powering elements of solid-state actuators. Advantages and disadvantages of the wave construction in comparison to the traditional helical shape are presented and discussed by means of dimensionless functions. The main assets of the wave springs are the higher electrical resistance (leading to simpler electrical drives) and the lower cooling time (leading to enhanced working frequency). The wave geometry is also superior in purely mechanical terms to the helical counterpart when axial space is at a premium. A step-by-step design procedure is proposed, leading to the optimal wave spring meeting the multiphysics design specifications and constraints. A case study is finally reported, showing the application of shape memory wave springs to the design of a telescopic linear actuator.
Streaming Potential-Based Arthroscopic Device is Sensitive to Cartilage Changes Immediately Post-Impact in an Equine Cartilage Injury Model
Authors: Changoor A. , Coutu J. P. , Garon M. , Quenneville E. , Hurtig M. B. , Buschmann M. D.
Published: June 2011

Models of post-traumatic osteoarthritis where early degenerative changes can be monitored are valuable for assessing potential therapeutic strategies. Current methods for evaluating cartilage mechanical properties may not capture the low-grade cartilage changes expected at these earlier time points following injury. In this study, an explant model of cartilage injury was used to determine whether streaming potential measurements by manual indentation could detect cartilage changes immediately following mechanical impact and to compare their sensitivity to biomechanical tests. Impacts were delivered ex vivo, at one of three stress levels, to specific positions on isolated adult equine trochlea. Cartilage properties were assessed by streaming potential measurements, made pre- and post-impact using a commercially available arthroscopic device, and by stress relaxation tests in unconfined compression geometry of isolated cartilage disks, providing the streaming potential integral (SPI), fibril modulus (Ef), matrix modulus (Em), and permeability (k). Histological sections were stained with Safranin-O and adjacent unstained sections examined in polarized light microscopy. Impacts were low, 17.3 ± 2.7 MPa (n = 15), medium, 27.8 ± 8.5 MPa (n = 13), or high, 48.7 ± 12.1 MPa (n = 16), and delivered using a custom-built spring-loaded device with a rise time of approximately 1 ms. SPI was significantly reduced after medium (p = 0.006) and high (p<0.001) impacts. Ef, representing collagen network stiffness, was significantly reduced in high impact samples only (p < 0.001 lateral trochlea, p = 0.042 medial trochlea), where permeability also increased (p = 0.003 lateral trochlea, p = 0.007 medial trochlea). Significant (p < 0.05, n = 68) moderate to strong correlations between SPI and Ef (r = 0.857), Em (r = 0.493), log(k) (r = −0.484), and cartilage thickness (r = −0.804) were detected. Effect sizes were higher for SPI than Ef, Em, and k, indicating greater sensitivity of electromechanical measurements to impact injury compared to purely biomechanical parameters. Histological changes due to impact were limited to the presence of superficial zone damage which increased with impact stress. Non-destructive streaming potential measurements were more sensitive to impact-related articular cartilage changes than biomechanical assessment of isolated samples using stress relaxation tests in unconfined compression geometry. Correlations between electromechanical and biomechanical methods further support the relationship between non-destructive electromechanical measurements and intrinsic cartilage properties.
Designing and Testing of Backflow-Free Catheters
Authors: Ivanchenko O. , Ivanchenko V.
Published: June 2011

Convection-enhanced delivery (CED) is a drug delivery technique used to target specific regions of the central nervous system (CNS) for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases and cancer while bypassing the blood–brain barrier (BBB). The application of CED is limited by low volumetric flow rate infusions in order to prevent the possibility of backflow. Consequently, a small convective flow produces poor drug distribution inside the treatment region, which can render CED treatment ineffective. Novel catheter designs and CED protocols are needed in order to improve the drug distribution inside the treatment region and prevent backflow. In order to develop novel backflow-free catheter designs, the impact of the micro-fluid injection into deformable porous media was investigated experimentally as well as numerically. Fluid injection into the porous media has a considerable effect on local transport properties such as porosity and hydraulic conductivity because of the local media deformation. These phenomena not only alter the bulk flow velocity distribution of the micro-fluid flow due to the changing porosity, but significantly modify the flow direction, and even the volumetric flow distribution, due to induced local hydraulic conductivity anisotropy. These findings help us to design backflow-free catheters with safe volumetric flow rates up to 10 μl/min. A first catheter design reduces porous media deformation in order to improve catheter performance and control an agent volumetric distribution. A second design prevents the backflow by reducing the porosity and hydraulic conductivity along a catheter’s shaft. A third synergistic catheter design is a combination of two previous designs. Novel channel-inducing and dual-action catheters, as well as a synergistic catheter, were successfully tested without the occurrence of backflow and are recommended for future animal experiments.
A Continuous Method to Compute Model Parameters for Soft Biological Materials
Authors: Tanaka Martin L. , Weisenbach Charles A. , Carl Miller Mark , Kuxhaus Laurel
Published: June 2011

Developing appropriate mathematical models for biological soft tissues such as ligaments, tendons, and menisci is challenging. Stress-strain behavior of these tissues is known to be continuous and characterized by an exponential toe region followed by a linear elastic region. The conventional curve-fitting technique applies a linear curve to the elastic region followed by a separate exponential curve to the toe region. However, this technique does not enforce continuity at the transition between the two regions leading to inaccuracies in the material model. In this work, a Continuous Method is developed to fit both the exponential and linear regions simultaneously, which ensures continuity between regions. Using both methods, three cases were evaluated: idealized data generated mathematically, noisy idealized data produced by adding random noise to the idealized data, and measured data obtained experimentally. In all three cases, the Continuous Method performed superiorly to the conventional technique, producing smaller errors between the model and data and also eliminating discontinuities at the transition between regions. Improved material models may lead to better predictions of nonlinear biological tissues’ behavior resulting in improved the accuracy for a large array of models and computational analyses used to predict clinical outcomes.
Experimental investigation of a moving averaging algorithm for motion perpendicular to the leaf travel direction in dynamic MLC target tracking
Authors: Yoon Jai‐Woong , Sawant Amit , Suh Yelin , Cho Byung‐Chul , Suh Tae‐Suk , Keall Paul
Published: June 2011

Purpose: In dynamic multileaf collimator (MLC) motion tracking with complex intensity‐modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) fields, target motion perpendicular to the MLC leaf travel direction can cause beam holds, which increase beam delivery time by up to a factor of 4. As a means to balance delivery efficiency and accuracy, a moving average algorithm was incorporated into a dynamic MLC motion tracking system (i.e., moving average tracking) to account for target motion perpendicular to the MLC leaf travel direction. The experimental investigation of the moving average algorithm compared with real‐time tracking and no compensation beam delivery is described.Methods: The properties of the moving average algorithm were measured and compared with those of real‐time tracking (dynamic MLC motion tracking accounting for both target motion parallel and perpendicular to the leaf travel direction) and no compensation beam delivery. The algorithm was investigated using a synthetic motion trace with a baseline drift and four patient‐measured 3D tumor motion traces representing regular and irregular motions with varying baseline drifts. Each motion trace was reproduced by a moving platform. The delivery efficiency, geometric accuracy, and dosimetric accuracy were evaluated for conformal, step‐and‐shoot IMRT, and dynamic sliding window IMRT treatment plans using the synthetic and patient motion traces. The dosimetric accuracy was quantified via a γ‐test with a 3%/3 mm criterion.Results: The delivery efficiency ranged from 89 to 100% for moving average tracking, 26%–100% for real‐time tracking, and 100% (by definition) for no compensation. The root‐mean‐square geometric error ranged from 3.2 to 4.0 mm for moving average tracking, 0.7–1.1 mm for real‐time tracking, and 3.7–7.2 mm for no compensation. The percentage of dosimetric points failing the γ‐test ranged from 4 to 30% for moving average tracking, 0%–23% for real‐time tracking, and 10%–47% for no compensation.Conclusions: The delivery efficiency of moving average tracking was up to four times higher than that of real‐time tracking and approached the efficiency of no compensation for all cases. The geometric accuracy and dosimetric accuracy of the moving average algorithm was between real‐time tracking and no compensation, approximately half the percentage of dosimetric points failing the γ‐test compared with no compensation.
Magnetic cell delivery for peripheral arterial disease: A theoretical framework
Authors: Riegler Johannes , Lau Kevin D. , Garcia‐Prieto Ana , Price Anthony N. , Richards Toby , Pankhurst Quentin A. , Lythgoe Mark F.
Published: June 2011

Purpose: Our aim was to compare different magnet arrangements for magnetic cell delivery to human lower leg arteries and investigate the theoretical targeting efficiency under realistic flow conditions as a possible treatment after angioplasty. Additionally the potential of scaling down or translating the magnetic actuation device for preclinical studies was explored.Methods: Using finite element methods, the magnetic field distribution was calculated in 3D for the optimization of magnet arrangements. Computational fluid dynamics simulations were performed for the human posterior tibial artery with the geometry and boundary condition data derived from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies. These simulations were used to trace the trajectories of cells for an optimized magnet arrangement. Additionally the behavior of cells close to the vessel wall was investigated using a fluid‐structure interaction model.Results: The optimal magnet for the lower leg arteries was a Halbach cylinder k3 variety (12 elements with 90° rotation steps for the magnetization orientation). With this magnet, numerical simulations predict a targeting efficiency of 6.25% could be achieved in the posterior tibial artery for cells containing 150 pg iron. Similar simulations, which were scaled down to rabbit dimensions while keeping the forces acting on a cell constant, lead to similar predicted targeting efficiencies. Fluid dynamic and fluid‐structure interaction simulations predict that magnetically labeled cells within a 0.5% radii distance to the vessel wall would be attracted and remain at the wall under physiological flow conditions.Conclusions: First pass capture of magnetically labeled cells under pulsatile flow conditions in human lower leg arteries leads to low targeting efficiencies. However, this can be increased to almost 100% by stopping the blood flow for 5 min. A magnetic actuation device can be designed for animal models that generate magnetic forces achievable for cells in human leg arteries.
North Pacific right whale up-call source levels and propagation distance on the southeastern Bering Sea shelf
Authors: Munger Lisa M. , Wiggins Sean M. , Hildebrand John A.
Published: June 2011

Call source levels, transmission loss, and ambient noise levels were estimated for North Pacific right whale (Eubalaena japonica) up-calls recorded in the southeastern Bering Sea in autumn of 2000 and 2001. Distances to calling animals, needed to estimate source levels, were based on two independent techniques: (1) arrival-time differences on three or more hydrophones and (2) shallow-water dispersion of normal modes on a single receiver. Average root-mean-square (rms) call source levels estimated by the two techniques were 178 and 176 dB re 1 μPa at 1 m, respectively, over the up-call frequency band, which was determined per call and averaged 90 to 170 Hz. Peak-to-peak source levels were 14 to 22 dB greater than rms levels. Transmission loss was approximately 15*log10(range), intermediate between cylindrical and spherical spreading. Ambient ocean noise within the up-call band varied from 72 to 91 dB re 1 μPa2/Hz. Under average noise conditions, call spectrograms were detectable for whales at distances up to 100 km, but propagation and detection distance may vary depending on environmental parameters and anthropogenic noise. Obtaining distances to animals and acoustic detection range is a step toward using long-term passive acoustic recordings to estimate abundance for this critically endangered whale population.
Comparison of sound power radiation from isolated airfoils and cascades in a turbulent flow
Authors: Blandeau Vincent P. , Joseph Phillip F. , Jenkins Gareth , Powles Christopher J.
Published: June 2011

An analytical model of the sound power radiated from a flat plate airfoil of infinite span in a 2D turbulent flow is presented. The effects of stagger angle on the radiated sound power are included so that the sound power radiated upstream and downstream relative to the fan axis can be predicted. Closed-form asymptotic expressions, valid at low and high frequencies, are provided for the upstream, downstream, and total sound power. A study of the effects of chord length on the total sound power at all reduced frequencies is presented. Excellent agreement for frequencies above a critical frequency is shown between the fast analytical isolated airfoil model presented in this paper and an existing, computationally demanding, cascade model, in which the unsteady loading of the cascade is computed numerically. Reasonable agreement is also observed at low frequencies for low solidity cascade configurations.
Bayesian multiple-source localization in an uncertain ocean environment
Authors: Dosso Stan E. , Wilmut Michael J.
Published: June 2011

This paper considers simultaneous localization of multiple acoustic sources when properties of the ocean environment (water column and seabed) are poorly known. A Bayesian formulation is developed in which the environmental parameters, noise statistics, and locations and complex strengths (amplitudes and phases) of multiple sources are considered to be unknown random variables constrained by acoustic data and prior information. Two approaches are considered for estimating source parameters. Focalization maximizes the posterior probability density (PPD) over all parameters using adaptive hybrid optimization. Marginalization integrates the PPD using efficient Markov-chain Monte Carlo methods to produce joint marginal probability distributions for source ranges and depths, from which source locations are obtained. This approach also provides quantitative uncertainty analysis for all parameters, which can aid in understanding of the inverse problem and may be of practical interest (e.g., source-strength probability distributions). In both approaches, closed-form maximum-likelihood expressions for source strengths and noise variance at each frequency allow these parameters to be sampled implicitly, substantially reducing the dimensionality and difficulty of the inversion. Examples are presented of both approaches applied to single- and multi-frequency localization of multiple sources in an uncertain shallow-water environment, and a Monte Carlo performance evaluation study is carried out.
The design of a harmonic percussion ensemble (L)
Authors: McLachlan Neil
Published: June 2011

The primary oscillators of tuned percussion instruments are rigid structures that exhibit bending waves. Bending waves do not naturally occur at harmonically related frequencies, which may lead to uncertainty associated with the intended pitch of the instrument. Despite millennia of development across many cultures, tuned percussion instruments rarely exhibit harmonic tuning of the first three or more partials. This letter presents three percussion instruments that have three or more harmonically tuned partials, and provides an overview of the methods used to tune the partials and manufacture the instruments at relatively low production costs. These instruments form the basis of new percussion instrument ensembles for educational, recreational, and professional use.
When Clinical Trials Are Farmed Out
Medical Research for Hire
The Political Economy of Pharmaceutical Clinical Trials

by Jill A. Fisher

Rutgers University Press, New Brunswick, NJ, 2009. 271 pp. $65. ISBN 9780813544090. Paper, $25.95. ISBN 9780813544106. Critical Issues in Health and Medicine.
Authors: Helfand Mark
Published: June 2011

Drawing in part on her own fieldwork, Fisher explores the consequences of the increasing use of private-sector pharmaceutical trials.
Long-Range Topological Order in Metallic Glass
Authors: Zeng Qiaoshi , Sheng Hongwei , Ding Yang , Wang Lin , Yang Wenge , Jiang Jian-Zhong , Mao Wendy L. , Mao Ho-Kwang
Published: June 2011

The pressure-induced formation of a single crystal reveals the metallic glass Ce
75
Al
25
to have long-range ordering.
Innate Immunity in Plants Goes to the PUB
Authors: O'Neill Luke A. J.
Published: June 2011

In
Arabidopsis
, a flagellin-sensing receptor triggers an innate immune response involving ubiquitination.
Phylogeography and Evolutionary History of Reassortant H9N2 Viruses with Potential Human Health Implications
Authors: Fusaro Alice , Monne Isabella , Salviato Annalisa , Valastro Viviana , Schivo Alessia , Amarin Nadim Mukhles , Gonzalez Carlos , Ismail Mahmoud Moussa , Al-Ankari Abdu-Rahman , Al-Blowi Mohamed Hamad , Khan Owais Ahmed , Maken Ali Ali Safar , Hedayati Afshin , Garcia Garcia Juan , Ziay Ghulam M. , Shoushtari Abdolhamid , Al Qahtani Kassem Nasser , Capua Ilaria , Holmes Edward C. , Cattoli Giovanni
Published: June 2011

Avian influenza viruses of the H9N2 subtype have seriously affected the poultry industry of the Far and Middle East since the mid-1990s and are considered one of the most likely candidates to cause a new influenza pandemic in humans. To understand the genesis and epidemiology of these viruses, we investigated the spatial and evolutionary dynamics of complete genome sequences of H9N2 viruses circulating in nine Middle Eastern and Central Asian countries from 1998 to 2010. We identified four distinct and cocirculating groups (A, B, C, and D), each of which has undergone widespread inter- and intrasubtype reassortments, leading to the generation of viruses with unknown biological properties. Our analysis also suggested that eastern Asia served as the major source for H9N2 gene segments in the Middle East and Central Asia and that in this geographic region within-country evolution played a more important role in shaping viral genetic diversity than migration between countries. The genetic variability identified among the H9N2 viruses was associated with specific amino acid substitutions that are believed to result in increased transmissibility in mammals, as well as resistance to antiviral drugs. Our study highlights the need to constantly monitor the evolution of H9N2 viruses in poultry to better understand the potential risk to human health posed by these viruses.
Comparison between the Midi Parasep and Midi Parasep Solvent Free (SF) faecal parasite concentrators
Authors: Saez Agatha C , Manser Monika M , Andrews Nick , Chiodini Peter L
Published: June 2011

Aim

To compare the recovery of parasites in faecal samples using the Midi Parasep with ethyl acetate and Midi Parasep Solvent Free (SF) faecal parasite concentrators.

Methods

23 preserved and 11 fresh faecal samples were microscopically examined for the presence of parasites using the Midi Parasep concentrator with ethyl acetate centrifuged for 1 and 3 min and the Midi Parasep SF concentrator.

Results

The Midi Parasep SF faecal parasite system recovered significantly fewer ova and cysts and resulted in a notably larger deposit than the Midi Parasep concentrator with ethyl acetate.

Conclusions

Parasites present in small numbers that would be detected using the Midi Parasep concentrator with ethyl acetate could be missed using the SF faecal parasite system.
FROM KP/UC HIERARCHIES TO PAINLEVÉ EQUATIONS
Authors: TSUDA TERUHISA
Published: June 2011

We study the underlying relationship between Painlevé equations and infinite-dimensional integrable systems, such as the KP and UC hierarchies. We show that a certain reduction of these hierarchies by requiring homogeneity and periodicity yields Painlevé equations, including their higher order generalization. This result allows us to clearly understand various aspects of the equations, e.g. Lax formalism, Hirota bilinear relations for τ-functions, Weyl group symmetry and algebraic solutions in terms of the character polynomials, i.e. the Schur function and the universal character.
A SINGLE-MACHINE DETERIORATING JOB SCHEDULING PROBLEM WITH A NON-REGULAR CRITERION
Authors: WU CHIN-CHIA , LEE WEN-CHIUNG , SHIAU YAU-REN
Published: June 2011

In scheduling environments with deterioration, a job processed later consumes more time than that same job when processed earlier. The deteriorating job scheduling problems have been widely studied in the last two decades. However, no result of the completion time variance has been reported. In this study, we consider the variance of job completion time minimization problem on a single machine. It is assumed that the job processing time is a simple linear function of its starting time. We show that an optimal schedule is V-shaped with respect to the job deteriorating rates. A heuristic algorithm utilized the V-shaped property is then proposed, and a computational experiment shows that the proposed heuristic algorithm is quite accurate.
NONLINEAR VIBRATIONS OF RECTANGULAR LAMINATED COMPOSITE PLATES WITH DIFFERENT BOUNDARY CONDITIONS
Authors: AMABILI M. , KARAZIS K. , KHORSHIDI K.
Published: June 2011

Nonlinear vibrations of rectangular laminated composite plates with different boundary conditions are studied by using different nonlinear plate theories. In particular, numerical results for (i) the classical Von Kárman theory, (ii) the first-order shear deformation theory (SDT), and (iii) the third-order SDT are compared. The nonlinear response to harmonic excitation in the frequency neighborhood of the fundamental mode is investigated. Numerical investigation is carried out by using pseudo-arclength continuation method and bifurcation analysis. The boundary conditions of the plates are: simply supported with movable edges, simply supported with immovable edges, and clamped (CL) edges. For thick plates (thickness ratio 0.1), the strongest hardening nonlinear behavior is observed for CL plates, while the simply supported movable plates are the ones with the weakest nonlinearity among the three different boundary conditions studied here. Differences among the three nonlinear plate theories are large for thick laminated plates. For all the other cases, the first-order SDT, with shear correction factor [Formula: see text], and the higher-order SDT give almost coincident results.
RESPONSE STATISTICS OF LINEAR STRUCTURES WITH UNCERTAIN-BUT-BOUNDED PARAMETERS UNDER GAUSSIAN STOCHASTIC INPUT
Authors: MUSCOLINO GIUSEPPE , SOFI ALBA
Published: June 2011

Uncertainty plays a fundamental role in structural engineering since it may affect both external excitations and structural parameters. In this study, the analysis of linear structures with slight variations of the structural parameters subjected to stochastic excitation is addressed. It is realistically assumed that sufficient data are available to model the external excitation as a Gaussian random process, while only fragmentary or incomplete information about the structural parameters are known. Under this assumption, a nonprobabilistic approach is pursued and the fluctuating properties are modeled as uncertain-but-bounded parameters via interval analysis. A method for evaluating the lower and upper bounds of the second-order statistics of the response is presented. The proposed procedure basically consists in combining random vibration theory with first-order interval Taylor series expansion of the mean-value and covariance vectors of the response. After some algebra, the sets of first-order ordinary differential equations ruling the nominal and first-order sensitivity vectors of response statistics are derived. Once such equations are solved, the bounds of the mean-value and covariance vectors of the response can be evaluated by handy formulas.

To validate the procedure, numerical results concerning two different structures with uncertain-but-bounded stiffness properties under seismic excitation are presented.
Prophylaxis of Macular Edema with Intravitreal Ranibizumab in Patients with Diabetic Retinopathy after Cataract Surgery: A Pilot Study
Authors: Udaondo Patricia , Garcia-Pous Maria , Garcia-Delpech Salvador , Salom David , Diaz-Llopis Manuel
Published: June 2011

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of intravitreal ranibizumab (Lucentis, Genentech, South San Francisco, Calif, USA) combined with cataract surgery for the prevention of clinically significant macular edema (CSME) in patients with diabetic retinopathy (DR). This prospective interventional case series included fifty-four eyes of 54 patients with a previous diagnosis of nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) without macular edema preoperatively. Subjects were assigned in a 1 : 1 ratio to receive an intraoperative intravitreal ranibizumab injection (n=27) or not (control group,n=27) associated with standardised phacoemulsification surgery. The main outcome measure was the incidence of CSME one and three months after surgery. One month after surgery the incidence of CSME in the control group was 25.92% and 3.70% in the treatment group and at three months was 22.22% and 3.70%, respectively. Short-term results suggest that intravitreal ranibizumab immediately after phacoemulsification prevents CS ME in patients with NPDR.
Seismic Structure of Local Crustal Earthquakes beneath the Zipingpu Reservoir of Longmenshan Fault Zone
Authors: Li Haiou , Xu Xiwei , Ma Wentao , Xie Ronghua , Yuan Jingli , Xu Changpeng
Published: June 2011

Three-dimensional P wave velocity models under the Zipingpu reservoir in Longmenshan fault zone are obtained with a resolution of 2 km in the horizontal direction and 1 km in depth. We used a total of 8589 P wave arrival times from 1014 local earthquakes recorded by both the Zipingpu reservoir network and temporary stations deployed in the area. The 3-D velocity images at shallow depth show the low-velocity regions have strong correlation with the surface trace of the Zipingpu reservoir. According to the extension of those low-velocity regions, the infiltration depth directly from the Zipingpu reservoir itself is limited to 3.5 km depth, while the infiltration depth downwards along the Beichuan-Yingxiu fault in the study area is about 5.5 km depth. Results show the low-velocity region in the east part of the study area is related to the Proterozoic sedimentary rocks. The Guanxian-Anxian fault is well delineated by obvious velocity contrast and may mark the border between the Tibetan Plateau in the west and the Sichuan basin in the east.
Oscillation of Second‐Order Sublinear Impulsive Differential Equations
Authors: Zafer A.
Published: June 2011

Oscillation criteria obtained by Kusano and Onose (1973) and by Belohorec (1969) are extended to second‐order sublinear impulsive differential equations of Emden‐Fowler type: x″(t) + p(t) | x(τ(t))|α−1x(τ(t)) = 0, t ≠ θk; ; ,   (0 < α < 1) by considering the cases τ(t) ≤ t and τ(t) = t, respectively. Examples are inserted to show how impulsive perturbations greatly affect the oscillation behavior of the solutions.
Time-Varying Procedures for Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus Control
Authors: Sánchez Peña R. S. , Ghersin A. S. , Bianchi F. D.
Published: June 2011

This work considers the problem of automatically controlling the glucose level in insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) patients. The objective is to include several important and practical issues in the design: model uncertainty, time variations, nonlinearities, measurement noise, actuator delay and saturation, and real time implementation. These are fundamental issues to be solved in a device implementing this control. Two time-varying control procedures have been proposed which take into consideration all of them: linear parameter varying (LPV) and unfalsified control (UC). The controllers are implemented with low-order dynamics that adapt continuously according to the glucose levels measured in real time in one case (LPV) and by controller switching based on the actual performance in the other case (UC). Both controllers have performed adequately under all these practical restrictions, and a discussion on pros and cons of each method is presented at the end.
Beneficial Effects of Ethyl Pyruvate through Inhibiting High-Mobility Group Box 1 Expression and TLR4/NF-κB Pathway after Traumatic Brain Injury in the Rat
Authors: Su Xingfen , Wang Handong , Zhao Jinbing , Pan Hao , Mao Lei
Published: June 2011

Ethyl pyruvate (EP) has demonstrated neuroprotective effects against acute brain injury through its anti-inflammatory action. The nuclear protein high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) can activate inflammatory pathways when released from dying cells. This study was designed to investigate the protective effects of EP against secondary brain injury in rats after Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). Adult male rats were randomly divided into three groups: (1) Sham + vehicle group, (2) TBI + vehicle group, and (3) TBI + EP group (n=30per group). Right parietal cortical contusion was made by using a weight-dropping TBI method. In TBI + EP group, EP was administered intraperitoneally at a dosage of 75 mg/kg at 5 min, 1 and 6 h after TBI. Brain samples were harvested at 24 h after TBI. We found that EP treatment markedly inhibited the expressions of HMGB1 and TLR4, NF-κB DNA binding activity and inflammatory mediators, such as IL-1β, TNF-αand IL-6. Also, EP treatment significantly ameliorated beam walking performance, brain edema, and cortical apoptotic cell death. These results suggest that the protective effects of EP may be mediated by the reduction of HMGB1/TLR4/NF-κB-mediated inflammatory response in the injured rat brain.
Autoclaves for Aerospace Applications: Issues and Challenges
Authors: Upadhya A. R. , Dayananda G. N. , Kamalakannan G. M. , Ramaswamy Setty J. , Christopher Daniel J.
Published: June 2011

The Council of Scientific and Industerial Research National Aerospace Laboratories (CSIR-NAL), Bangalore, India has been engaged in the research of autoclaves for the past three decades and has pioneered their development and usage in India for aerospace/aircraft structural applications. The autoclaves at CSIR-NAL have played a significant role in all the major national aircraft/aerospace programs. The largest aerospace autoclave in India (working size of 4.4 m diameter and 9.0 m length) has been successfully commissioned at CSIR-NAL. This paper gives the technological challenges faced and the innovative concepts that were introduced in these autoclaves.
Rationally Designed Treatment for Solid Tumors with MAPK Pathway Activation: A Phase I Study of Paclitaxel and Bortezomib Using an Adaptive Dose-Finding Approach
Authors: Mehnert Janice M. , Tan Antoinette R. , Moss Rebecca , Poplin Elizabeth , Stein Mark N. , Sovak Mika , Levinson Kelly , Lin Hongxia , Kane Michael , Gounder Murugesan , Lin Yong , Shih Weichung Joe , White Eileen , Rubin Eric H. , Karantza Vassiliki
Published: June 2011

In the preclinical setting, phosphorylation and subsequent proteosomal degradation of the proapoptotic protein BIM confers resistance to paclitaxel in solid tumors with RAS/RAF/MAPK pathway activation. Concurrent administration of the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib enables paclitaxel-induced BIM accumulation, restoring cancer cell apoptosis in vitro and producing tumor regression in mice in vivo. A phase I study was conducted to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of paclitaxel and bortezomib combinatorial treatment. Sixteen patients with refractory solid tumors commonly exhibiting mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway activation were treated weekly with paclitaxel and bortezomib. Starting doses were 40 mg/m2 for paclitaxel and 0.7 mg/m2 for bortezomib. A modified continual reassessment method adapted for 2-drug escalation was used for MTD determination with 3-patient cohorts treated at each dose level. MTD was reached at 60 mg/m2 paclitaxel and 1.0 mg/m2 bortezomib, the recommended phase II dose. Therapy was overall well tolerated. Most frequently observed toxicities included anemia (in 43.75% of patients, one grade 3 event), fatigue (in 43.75% of patients, one grade 3 event beyond cycle 1), and neuropathy (in 31.25% of patients, one grade 3 event after cycle 1). Of 15 evaluable patients, one non–small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) patient with paclitaxel exposure at the adjuvant setting had a partial response and five patients had stable disease (SD); median disease stabilization was 143.5 days; three NSCLC patients had SD lasting 165 days or longer. Thus, rationally designed weekly treatment with paclitaxel and bortezomib in solid tumors with MAPK pathway activation, including previously taxane-treated malignancies, is a tolerable regimen with preliminary signals of antitumor activity worthy of further investigation. Mol Cancer Ther; 10(8); 1509–19. ©2011 AACR.
Response and Resistance to NF-κB Inhibitors in Mouse Models of Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Xue Wen , Meylan Etienne , Oliver Trudy G. , Feldser David M. , Winslow Monte M. , Bronson Roderick , Jacks Tyler
Published: June 2011

Lung adenocarcinoma is a leading cause of cancer death worldwide. We recently showed that genetic inhibition of the NF-κB pathway affects both the initiation and the maintenance of lung cancer, identifying this pathway as a promising therapeutic target. In this investigation, we tested the efficacy of small-molecule NF-κB inhibitors in mouse models of lung cancer. In murine lung adenocarcinoma cell lines with high NF-κB activity, the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib efficiently reduced nuclear p65, repressed NF-κB target genes, and rapidly induced apoptosis. Bortezomib also induced lung tumor regression and prolonged survival in tumor-bearing KrasLSL-G12D/wt;p53flox/flox mice but not in KrasLSL-G12D/wt mice. After repeated treatment, initially sensitive lung tumors became resistant to bortezomib. A second NF-κB inhibitor, Bay-117082, showed similar therapeutic efficacy and acquired resistance in mice. Our results using preclinical mouse models support the NF-κB pathway as a potential therapeutic target for a defined subset of lung adenocarcinoma.

Significance: Using small-molecule compounds that inhibit NF-κB activity, we provide evidence that NF-κB inhibition has therapeutic efficacy in the treatment of lung cancer. Our results also illustrate the value of mouse models in validating new drug targets in vivo and indicate that acquired chemoresistance may later influence bortezomib treatment in lung cancer. Cancer Discovery; 1(3); 236–47. © 2011 AACR.

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Dietary ethanol-induced modifications in hyperlipoproteinemia and atherosclerosis in nonhuman primates (Macaca nemestrina).
Authors: Rudel L L , Leathers C W , Bond M G , Bullock B C
Published: June 2011

Male Macaca nemestrina were studied in an experiment with a 2 x 2 factorial design. Diets contained low vs high cholesterol levels (0.3 vs 1.0 mg/Kcal) and no ethanol or ethanol, as 36% of the calories substituted isocalorically for carbohydrate. After receiving their diets for 18 months, the monkeys had blood samples drawn for lipoprotein analyses, and then were killed for evaluation of the extent of atherosclerosis. Ethanol-fed groups had significantly increased concentrations of serum cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein, and high density lipoprotein. The molecular weight of the low density lipoprotein particles was lower in ethanol-fed animals and the cholesterol esters of low density lipoprotein and high density lipoprotein contained relatively more cholesteryl linoleate and less cholesteryl oleate. Dietary cholesterol had the effect of increasing the concentration of low density lipoprotein (primarily via increasing the low density lipoprotein molecular weight) and decreasing the concentration of high density lipoprotein. Significant interactions were found between the effects of ethanol and cholesterol on high density lipoprotein and low density lipoprotein. Ethanol significantly decreased the cholesterol-induced atherosclerosis found in the aorta and coronary arteries. Highly significant correlations between coronary artery atherosclerosis and low density lipoprotein cholesterol ester pattern were found. In contrast, low density lipoprotein molar concentration (number of low density lipoprotein particles per liter of plasma) was not significantly correlated with coronary artery atherosclerosis. Different relationships with aortic atherosclerosis were found; low density lipoprotein molecular weight and cholesterol ester pattern were highly correlated, while high density lipoprotein concentration was not. The high correlations found between lipoprotein characteristics and atherosclerosis severity have been mediated through its effects on the plasma lipoproteins.
Aortic glycosaminoglycans in genetically selected WC-2 pigeons with increased atherosclerosis susceptibility.
Authors: Wagner W D , Nohlgren S R
Published: June 2011

A genetically selected line of White Carneau pigeons (WC-2) was studied in an attempt to relate changes in composition and content of aortic glycosaminoglycan (GAG) to increased atherosclerosis susceptibility. The WC-2 pigeons were fed an atherogenic diet for 3 months and, when compared to randomly bred White Carneau (RBWC) controls, they showed similar plasma cholesterol concentrations but significantly greater aortic atherosclerosis. In the WC-2 pigeons, 35% of the aortic surface was covered with plaque compared with only 12% in RBWC pigeons; WC-2 birds showed cholesterol contents of 3.3 mg/aorta/500 g body weight, while the RBWC birds had only 0.9 mg/aorta/500 g body weight. After papain treatment of delipidated dried artery, the aortic GAG were isolated, purified using cetylpyridinium chloride, and identified and quantitated by a combination of procedure including selective enzymatic digestion and electrophoresis. In both pigeon groups, aortic GAG included 8% hyaluronic acid, 11% dermatan sulfate, 15% heparan sulfate, and 66% chondroitin sulfate. For the entire group, total aortic GAG content was 35% greater in WC-2 pigeons. Since we did not know if this increase in GAG was simply due to increased atherosclerosis in the WC-2 birds, we sorted the pigeons into matched groups representing minimal, moderate, and severe atherosclerosis on the basis of aortic cholesterol content. At all levels of cholesterol, all GAG contents were greater in the aortas of WC-2 pigeons. The accumulation of dermatan sulfate was 30% higher than in RBWC birds in the minimal arteriosclerosis group, 101% higher in the moderate group, and 53% higher in the severe group. Hyaluronic acid tended to decrease as aortic cholesterol contents increased in WC-2 pigeons. Reduced hyaluronic acid and increase dermatan sulfate may suggest the presence of an altered hyaluronic acid-dermatan sulfate-containing proteoglycan aggregate in the intercellular matrix of the WC-2 pigeon aorta. Possible consequences include increased artery permeability and a binding and retention of lipoproteins in the artery wall. These factors may explain why atherosclerosis develops at an increased rate in the WC-2 pigeon.
Measuring plasma fibrinogen to predict stroke and myocardial infarction.
Authors: Di Minno G , Mancini M
Published: June 2011

Epidemiological observations indicate that high plasma fibrinogen levels are strongly correlated with the frequency of two major thrombotic complications of atherosclerosis, stroke and myocardial infarction. Thrombosis is increasingly recognized as a central mechanism in stroke and myocardial infarction, and fibrinogen is involved in events thought to play a major role in thrombosis. Therefore, elucidation of the relationship between fibrinogen and thrombosis may strengthen the predictive value of this protein and suggest new treatment to prevent stroke and myocardial infarction. The current data relating fibrinogen to thrombosis are not easy to reconcile with the available epidemiological observations. In addition, advances in understanding the atherogenic potential of several risk factors for coronary heart disease have used information on the measurement of the risk factors in population-based studies. Thus, measuring plasma fibrinogen to predict stroke and myocardial infarction may be important in gaining insight into the thrombogenic potential of this protein and in inspiring new strategies against the thrombotic complications of atherosclerosis.