bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of Temperature on Methods for Determining Silicon Solar Cell Series Resistance
Authors: Sabry M. , Ghitas Ahmed E.
Published: July 2007

Series resistance (Rs) is considered to be one of the most important parameters affecting solar cell performance, especially those operating under concentrated solar radiation. Many methods have been proposed where the estimated Rs values do not coincide or even come close to each other. In this paper, seven methods for determining Rs are reviewed and verified experimentally using a commercial single-crystal silicon solar cell (104cm2 of total area). Their differences lie principally in: (1) number of diodes quoted in the solar cell model; (2) other assumptions (constant ideality factor or not, infinite, or finite shunt resistance); and (3) simultaneous determination of other parameters or not. Based on these methods, Rs values were derived by extracting the necessary parameters from the measured I–V characteristics of the cell at different illuminations and cell temperatures. According to these methods, the obtained Rs values varied greatly in comparison with each other as well as its trend with temperature variation.
Analysis of High-Efficiency Solar Cells in Mobile Robot Applications
Authors: Calderón Francisco , Lüders Allan , Wettergreen David , Teza James , Guesalaga Andrés
Published: July 2007

This technical brief analyzes the performance of triple-junction solar cells on a mobile robot. Although originally designed for satellite use, it is demonstrated that triple-junction cells are effective in terrestrial applications. This makes them particularly suitable for systems with limited size and mass but high-power requirements such as a mobile robot. A testing station was specially constructed to characterize triple-junction and conventional silicon cell performance in different environments and to compare their effectiveness. Additional field tests were carried out with an autonomous robot in order to check the ability to deliver sufficient power to varying loads. Results show that they surpass conventional technologies with efficiencies higher than 22%, so they can be considered as an alternative technology for power sources onboard of terrestrial mobile robots.
Performance of In-Line Manufactured CdTe Thin Film Photovoltaic Devices
Authors: Enzenroth R. A. , Barth K. L. , Sampath W. S. , Manivannan V.
Published: July 2007

In-line manufactured CdTe thin film photovoltaic devices were evaluated for their performance with respect to power conversion efficiency and reliability (stability). A National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) certified power conversion efficiency (η) of 12.44% was measured for one CdTe device. A mean efficiency of 11.4% for 53 devices is shown. Results of reliability studies give a conservative estimate of −1% relative degradation per year in efficiency over a 20‐year lifetime for these CdTe devices.
PDZ Domain Binding Selectivity Is Optimized Across the Mouse Proteome
Authors: Stiffler Michael A. , Chen Jiunn R. , Grantcharova Viara P. , Lei Ying , Fuchs Daniel , Allen John E. , Zaslavskaia Lioudmila A. , MacBeath Gavin
Published: July 2007

PDZ domains have long been thought to cluster into discrete functional classes defined by their peptide-binding preferences. We used protein microarrays and quantitative fluorescence polarization to characterize the binding selectivity of 157 mouse PDZ domains with respect to 217 genome-encoded peptides. We then trained a multidomain selectivity model to predict PDZ domain–peptide interactions across the mouse proteome with an accuracy that exceeds many large-scale, experimental investigations of protein-protein interactions. Contrary to the current paradigm, PDZ domains do not fall into discrete classes; instead, they are evenly distributed throughout selectivity space, which suggests that they have been optimized across the proteome to minimize cross-reactivity. We predict that focusing on families of interaction domains, which facilitates the integration of experimentation and modeling, will play an increasingly important role in future investigations of protein function.
Severe
Toxoplasma gondii
I/III Recombinant-Genotype Encephalitis in a Human Immunodeficiency Virus Patient
Authors: Genot Séverine , Franck Jacqueline , Forel Jean-Marie , Rebaudet Stanislas , Ajzenberg Daniel , de Paula Andre Maues , Dardé Marie-Laure , Stein Andreas , Ranque Stéphane
Published: July 2007

The reactivation of an uncommon type I/III recombinant-genotype
Toxoplasma gondii
strain resulted in unusually severe encephalitis and chorioretinitis associated with a cerebral salt wasting syndrome in an African human immunodeficiency virus patient. This observation suggests an influence of the parasite genotype on disease expression in immunocompromised patients.
Multiplex, Bead-Based Suspension Array for Molecular Determination of Common
Salmonella
Serogroups
Authors: Fitzgerald Collette , Collins Marcus , van Duyne Susan , Mikoleit Matthew , Brown Teresa , Fields Patricia
Published: July 2007

We report the development and evaluation of a
Salmonella
O-group-specific Bio-Plex assay to detect the six most common serogroups in the United States (B, C
1
, C
2
, D, E, and O13) plus serotype Paratyphi A. The assay is based on
rfb
gene targets directly involved in O-antigen biosynthesis; it can be completed 45 min post-PCR amplification. The assay correctly and specifically identified 362 of 384 (94.3%) isolates tested in comparison to traditional serotyping. Seventeen isolates (4.4%) produced results consistent with what is known about the molecular basis for serotypes but different from the results of traditional serotyping, and five isolates (1.3%) generated false-negative results. Molecular determination of the serogroup for rough isolates was consistent with a common serotype in most instances, indicating that this approach has the potential to provide O-group information for isolates that do not express an O antigen. We also report the sequence of the O-antigen-encoding
rfb
gene cluster from
Salmonella enterica
serotype Poona (serogroup O13). Compared with other, previously characterized
rfb
regions, the O13
rfb
gene cluster was most closely related to
Escherichia coli
O127 and O86. The O-group Bio-Plex assay described here provides an easy-to-use, high-throughput system for rapid detection of common
Salmonella
serogroups.
Serotype IX, a Proposed New
Streptococcus agalactiae
Serotype
Authors: Slotved Hans-Christian , Kong Fanrong , Lambertsen Lotte , Sauer Susanne , Gilbert Gwendolyn L.
Published: July 2007

We identified three isolates of
Streptococcus agalactiae
(group B streptococcus [GBS]), of human origin, which failed to react with antisera against any of the nine known GBS serotypes. Polyclonal rabbit antisera raised against these isolates and standard GBS typing sera were used in capillary precipitation and Ouchterlony tests to compare the strains with known GBS serotype reference strains. All three previously nontypeable isolates reacted with all three new antisera, producing lines of identity in the Ouchterlony test. Weak cross-reactions with antisera against several GBS serotypes were observed but were removed by absorption with corresponding antigens. The new antisera were used to test 227 GBS isolates that had been nontypeable or difficult to type using standard antisera. Of these, five reacted with the new antisera. These results suggested that all eight isolates belong to the previously unrecognized GBS serotype. They were tested by Western blotting for the Cα and Cβ proteins and by PCR to identify molecular serotypes and surface protein antigen genes. Two segments of the
cps
gene cluster (3′ end of
cpsE
-
cpsF
and 5′ end of
cpsG
, approximately 700 bp; 3′ end of
cpsH
and 5′ end of
cpsM
, approximately 560 bp) were sequenced. All eight isolates expressed Cα, and seven expressing the Cβ protein and the corresponding genes,
bca
and
bac
, respectively, were identified. They all share the same, unique partial
cps
sequence. These results indicate that these eight isolates represent a new
S. agalactiae
serotype, which we propose should be designated serotype IX.
Use of Multiple-Displacement Amplification and Checkerboard DNA-DNA Hybridization To Examine the Microbiota of Endodontic Infections
Authors: Brito L. C. N. , Teles F. R. , Teles R. P. , França E. C. , Ribeiro-Sobrinho A. P. , Haffajee A. D. , Socransky S. S.
Published: July 2007

Multiple-displacement amplification (MDA) has been used to uniformly amplify bacterial genomes present in small samples, providing abundant targets for molecular analysis. The purpose of this investigation was to combine MDA and checkerboard DNA-DNA hybridization to examine the microbiota of endodontic infections. Sixty-six samples were collected from teeth with endodontic infections. Nonamplified and amplified samples were analyzed by checkerboard DNA-DNA hybridization for levels and proportions of 77 bacterial taxa. Counts, percentages of DNA probe counts, and percentages of teeth colonized for each species in amplified and nonamplified samples were computed. Significance of differences for each species between amplified and nonamplified samples was sought with Wilcoxon signed-rank test and adjusted for multiple comparisons. The amount of DNA in the samples ranged from 6.80 (± 5.2) ng before to 6.26 (± 1.73) μg after MDA. Seventy of the 77 DNA probes hybridized with one or more of the nonamplified samples. All probes hybridized with at least one sample after amplification. Most commonly detected species at levels of >10
4
in both amplified and nonamplified samples were
Prevotella tannerae
and
Acinetobacter baumannii
at frequencies between 89 and 100% of samples. The mean number of species at counts of >10
4
in amplified samples was 51.2 ± 2.2 and in nonamplified samples was 14.5 ± 1.7. The endodontic microbiota was far more complex than previously shown, although microbial profiles at teeth with or without periradicular lesions did not differ significantly. Species commonly detected in endodontic samples included
P. tannerae, Prevotella oris
, and
A. baumannii
.
TR1.3 Viral Pathogenesis and Syncytium Formation Are Linked to Env-Gag Cooperation
Authors: Murphy Samuel L. , Gaulton Glen N.
Published: July 2007

Infection with murine leukemia virus (MLV) TR1.3 or the related molecular construct W102G causes severe neuropathology in vivo. Infection is causally linked to the development of extensive syncytia in brain capillary endothelial cells (BCEC). These viruses also induce cell fusion of murine cell lines, such as SC-1 and NIH 3T3, which are otherwise resistant to MLV-induced syncytium formation. Although the virulence of these viruses maps within the
env
gene, the mechanism of fusion enhancement is not fully determined. To this end, we examined the capacity of the syncytium-inducing (SI) TR1.3 and W102G MLVs to overcome the fusion inhibitory activity inherent in the full-length Env cytoplasmic tail. These studies showed that the TR1.3 and W102G Envs did not induce premature cleavage of p2E, nor did they override p2E fusion inhibition. Indeed, in the presence of mutations that disrupt p2E function, the TR1.3 and W102G Envs significantly increased the extent of cell fusion compared to that with the non-syncytium-inducing MLV FB29. Surprisingly, we also observed that TR1.3 and W102G Envs failed to elicit syncytium formation in these in vitro assays. Coexpression of
gag-pol
with
env
restored syncytium formation, and accordingly, mutations within
gag-pol
were used to examine the minimal functional requirements for the SI phenotype. The results indicate that both
gag
-dependent particle budding and cleavage of p2E are required to activate the SI phenotype of TR1.3 and W102G viruses. Collectively, these data suggest that the TR1.3 and W102G viruses induce cell fusion by the fusion-from-without pathway.
A Vectored Measles Virus Induces Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Antibodies While Protecting Macaques against Measles Virus Challenge
Authors: del Valle Jorge Reyes , Devaux Patricia , Hodge Gregory , Wegner Nicholas J. , McChesney Michael B. , Cattaneo Roberto
Published: July 2007

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) acute and chronic infections remain a major worldwide health problem. Towards developing an anti-HBV vaccine with single-dose scheme potential, we engineered infectious measles virus (MV) genomic cDNAs with a vaccine strain background and expression vector properties. Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) expression cassettes were inserted into this cDNA and three MVs expressing HBsAg at different levels generated. All vectored MVs, which secrete HBsAg as subviral particles, elicited humoral responses in MV-susceptible genetically modified mice. However, small differences in HBsAg expression elicited vastly different HBsAg antibody levels. The two vectors inducing the highest HBsAg antibody levels were inoculated into rhesus monkeys (
Macaca mulatta
). After challenge with a pathogenic MV strain (Davis
87
), control naive monkeys showed a classic measles rash and high viral loads. In contrast, all monkeys immunized with vaccine or a control nonvectored recombinant vaccine or HBsAg-expressing vectored MV remained healthy, with low or undetectable viral loads. After a single vaccine dose, only the vector expressing HBsAg at the highest levels elicited protective levels of HBsAg antibodies in two of four animals. These observations reveal an expression threshold for efficient induction of HBsAg humoral immune responses. This threshold is lower in mice than in macaques. Implications for the development of divalent vaccines based on live attenuated viruses are discussed.
Horizontal Transmission of Marek's Disease Virus Requires U
S
2, the U
L
13 Protein Kinase, and gC
Authors: Jarosinski Keith W. , Margulis Neil G. , Kamil Jeremy P. , Spatz Stephen J. , Nair Venugopal K. , Osterrieder Nikolaus
Published: July 2007

Marek's disease virus (MDV) causes a general malaise in chickens that is mostly characterized by the development of lymphoblastoid tumors in multiple organs. The use of bacterial artificial chromosomes (BACs) for cloning and manipulation of the MDV genome has facilitated characterization of specific genes and genomic regions. The development of most MDV BACs, including pRB-1B-5, derived from a very virulent MDV strain, involved replacement of the

U
S
2

gene with mini-F vector sequences. However, when reconstituted viruses based on pRB-1B were used in pathogenicity studies, it was discovered that contact chickens housed together with experimentally infected chickens did not contract Marek's disease (MD), indicating a lack of horizontal transmission. Staining of feather follicle epithelial cells in the skins of infected chickens showed that virus was present but was unable to be released and/or infect susceptible chickens. Restoration of

U
S
2

and removal of mini-F sequences within viral RB-1B did not alter this characteristic, although in vivo viremia levels were increased significantly. Sequence analyses of pRB-1B revealed that the

U
L
13

,

U
L
44

, and

U
S
6

genes encoding the U
L
13 serine/threonine protein kinase, glycoprotein C (gC), and gD, respectively, harbored frameshift mutations. These mutations were repaired individually, or in combination, using two-step Red mutagenesis. Reconstituted viruses were tested for replication, MD incidence, and their abilities to horizontally spread to contact chickens. The experiments clearly showed that

U
S
2

,

U
L
13

, and
gC
in combination are essential for horizontal transmission of MDV and that none of the genes alone is able to restore this phenotype.
An overview of assessment of prognostic and predictive factors in breast cancer needle core biopsy specimens: Table 1
Authors: Rakha E A , Ellis I O
Published: July 2007

Needle core biopsy (NCB), as part of triple assessment for preoperative evaluation and diagnosis of breast cancer, is now considered as an established, highly accurate method for diagnosing breast cancer that has replaced either fine needle aspiration cytology or excisional biopsy as the initial diagnostic biopsy procedures in many institutions. In addition to its primary role in establishing an accurate histological diagnosis, NCB can potentially provide important additional pathological prognostic information which may be of direct clinical value in certain situations, such as patients being considered for preoperative (neoadjuvant) therapy. With this background in mind we briefly review the current role of NCB in breast cancer diagnosis and then concentrate this review on the usefulness and issues relating to use of this technique in providing accurate, reliable and clinically relevant preoperative prognostic and predictive information in patients with breast cancer.
Hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia are associated with endothelial dysfunction during the development of type 2 diabetes
Authors: Okon Elena B. , Chung Ada W.Y. , Zhang Hongbin , Laher Ismail , van Breemen Cornelis
Published: July 2007

Diabetes mellitus impairs endothelial function, which can be considered as the hallmark in the development of cardiovascular diseases. Hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, and hyperlipidemia are believed to contribute to endothelial dysfunction. In the present study, we investigated the possible links among these plasma metabolic markers and endothelial function in a mouse model during the development of type 2 diabetes. C57BL/6J-Lepob/ob mice at 8, 12, and 16 weeks were used to study endothelial function during the establishment of type 2 diabetes. Endothelial function was accessed in vitro in the thoracic aorta by measuring acetylcholine (ACh)-stimulated vasodilatation. Blood plasma was obtained for the measurements of glucose, insulin, triglycerides, and cholesterol levels. Correlation and multiple regression analysis revealed strong negative associations between the ACh responsiveness and the plasma levels of glucose, insulin, and lipid profiles at the age of 8 weeks. Associations were observed at neither older age nor in C57BL/6J mice. In conclusion, the increase in plasma levels of glucose, insulin, and lipids is associated with the impairment of the endothelial function during the early stage of the development of type 2 diabetes. The loss of correlation at an older age suggests multifactorial regulation of endothelial function and cardiovascular complications at later stages of the disease.
Efficacy of moclobemide in a rat model of neurotoxicant-induced edema
Authors: Girard Philippe , Verniers Danielle , Pansart Yannick , Gillardin Jean-Marie
Published: July 2007

The potent antidepressant effect of moclobemide, a selective and reversible type A monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor, is clinically established. In view of the ongoing debate on the neuroprotective properties of MAO inhibitors, the present study was undertaken to further define the protective effect of moclobemide in a rat model of neurotoxicant-induced edema. In this model, daily oral triethyltin (TET) administration for 5 consecutive days strongly perturbed the rat behaviour and induced a cerebral edema at the 5th day. Oral coadministration of moclobemide (2 × 100 mg·kg–1·day–1) with TET blocked the development of brain edema and the increase in the cerebral chloride content induced by TET. Moreover, moclobemide reduced the increase in the cerebral sodium content and attenuated the neurological deficit. In conclusion, moclobemide possesses potent protective properties in this rat model of cerebral edema, suggesting potential clinical utility as a neuroprotectant.
1D BAR CODE READING ON CAMERA PHONES
Authors: WANG KONGQIAO , ZOU YANMING , WANG HAO
Published: July 2007

The availability of camera phones provides people with a mobile platform for decoding bar codes, whereas conventional scanners lack mobility. However, using a normal camera phone in such applications is challenging due to the out-of-focus problem. In this paper, we present the research effort on the bar code reading algorithms using a VGA camera phone, NOKIA 7650. EAN-13, a widely used 1D bar code standard, is taken as an example to show the efficiency of the method. A wavelet-based bar code region location and knowledge-based bar code segmentation scheme is applied to extract bar code characters from poor-quality images. All the segmented bar code characters are input to the recognition engine, and based on the recognition distance, the bar code character string with the smallest total distance is output as the final recognition result of the bar code. In order to train an efficient recognition engine, the modified Generalized Learning Vector Quantization (GLVQ) method is designed for optimizing a feature extraction matrix and the class reference vectors. 19 584 samples segmented from more than 1000 bar code images captured by NOKIA 7650 are involved in the training process. Testing on 292 bar code images taken by the same phone, the correct recognition rate of the entire bar code set reaches 85.62%. We are confident that auto focus or macro modes on camera phones will bring the presented method into real world mobile use.
Calcium sparks activate calcium-dependent Cl−current in rat corpus cavernosum smooth muscle cells
Authors: Williams Beatrice A. , Sims Stephen M.
Published: July 2007

Spontaneous transient currents, due to activation of Ca2+-dependent K+and Cl−channels, occur in corpus cavernosum smooth muscle cells (CCSMC) of the penis. The Ca2+events responsible for triggering Ca2+-dependent Cl−channels have never been identified in vascular muscle. We used high-speed fluorescence imaging combined with patch-clamp electrophysiology to provide the first characterization of Ca2+events underlying these currents. Freshly isolated rat CCSMC loaded with fluo-4 exhibited localized, spontaneous elevations of intracellular Ca2+(Ca2+sparks) in 57% of cells. There was an average of 6.4 ± 0.5 release sites/cell with a frequency of 0.9 ± 1 Hz/cell and peak amplitude ΔF/Foof 67 ± 10%. We addressed the controversy of whether these events are mediated by ryanodine or inositol 1,4,5 trisphosphate (IP3) receptors. Caffeine caused either a global Ca2+rise at high concentrations or an increase in spark frequency at lower concentrations, whereas ryanodine dramatically reduced the amplitude and frequency of sparks. 2-Aminoethoxydiphenyl borate, an inhibitor of IP3receptors, had no effect on spark frequency. Combined imaging and electrophysiological recording revealed strong coupling between Ca2+sparks and biphasic transient currents, a relationship never before shown in vascular muscle. Moreover, spark frequency increased on depolarization, an effect abolished with the blockade of Ca2+channels, consistent with Ca2+influx regulating Ca2+release from stores. We establish for the first time that Ca2+sparks occur in CCSMC and arise from Ca2+release through ryanodine receptors. Moreover, the voltage dependence of spark frequency demonstrated here provides novel functional evidence for voltage-dependent Ca2+influx in CCSMC.
Ceramide mediates inhibition of the renal epithelial sodium channel by tumor necrosis factor-α through protein kinase C
Authors: Bao Hui-Fang , Zhang Zhi-Ren , Liang You-You , Ma Joshua J. , Eaton Douglas C. , Ma He-Ping
Published: July 2007

To determine whether ceramide mediates regulation of the renal epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) by tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), confocal microscopy and patch-clamp experiments were performed in A6 distal nephron cells. We found that TNF-α (100 ng/ml) had no effect on ENaC activity and ceramide level when the cells were grown in the presence of aldosterone, but significantly inhibited ENaC and induced ceramide production after the cells were pretreated with LY 294002, an inhibitor of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, for 24 h. The inhibition of ENaC induced by TNF-α was mimicked by exogenous sphingomyelinase (0.1 U/ml) and C2-ceramide (50 μM), but neither C2-dihydroceramide, a membrane-impermeable analog of C2-ceramide, nor choline, and abolished by pretreatment with GF109203X, a protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor. C2-ceramide failed to affect ENaC in the cells pretreated with GF109203X, but not in the cells pretreated with PD-98059, a mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase inhibitor. C2-ceramide induced the externalization of phosphatidylserine (PS) in control A6 cells, but not in the cells pretreated with GF109203X. Together with our previous finding that cytosolic PS maintains ENaC activity in A6 cells, these data suggest that ceramide mediates TNF-α inhibition of the renal ENaC via a pathway associated with PKC-dependent externalization of PS.
Evidence for Fast Signals and Later Processing in Human V1/V2 and V5/MT+: A TMS Study of Motion Perception
Authors: Laycock Robin , Crewther David P. , Fitzgerald Paul B. , Crewther Sheila G.
Published: July 2007

Evidence from human and primate studies suggests that fast visual processing may utilize signals projecting from primary visual cortex (V1) through the dorsal stream, to area V5/MT+ or beyond and subsequently back into V1. This coincides with the arrival of parvocellular signals en route to the ventral pathway and infero-temporal cortex. Such evidence suggests that the dorsal stream region V5/MT+ is activated rapidly through the traditional hierarchical pathway and also via a less-well-established direct signal to V5/MT+ bypassing V1. To test this, 16 healthy humans underwent transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) of V1/V2 and V5/MT+ while performing a motion-direction detection task. A three-alternate forced-choice design (left/right motion, stationary) allowed analysis of the quality of errors made, in addition to the more usual performance measures. Transient disruption of V1/V2 and V5/MT+ significantly reduced accuracy when TMS was applied at or near motion onset. Most participants also showed disrupted performance with TMS application over V1/V2 ∼125 ms post motion onset, and significantly reduced accuracy at 158 ms with V5/MT+ stimulation. The two periods of disruption with V1/V2 TMS are suggestive of feedforward/feedback models, although the earlier period of disruption has not been reported in previous TMS studies. Very early activation of V5/MT+, evidenced by diminished accuracy and reduced perception of motion after TMS may be indicative of a thalamic-extrastriate pathway in addition to the traditionally expected later period of processing. A profound disruption of performance prestimulus onset is more likely to reflect disruption of top-down expectancy than disruption of visual processing.
Evidence for Distinct, Differentially Adaptable Sensorimotor Transformations for Reaches to Visual and Proprioceptive Targets
Authors: Bernier Pierre-Michel , Gauthier Gabriel M. , Blouin Jean
Published: July 2007

Recent evidence suggests that planning a reaching movement entails similar stages and common networks irrespective of whether the target location is defined through visual or proprioceptive cues. Here we test whether the transformations that convert the sensory information regarding target location into the required motor output are common for both types of reaches. To do so, we adaptively modified these sensorimotor transformations through exposure to displacing prisms and hypothesized that if they are common to both types of reaches, the aftereffects observed for reaches to visual targets would generalize to reaches to a proprioceptive target. Subjects ( n = 16) were divided into two groups that differed with respect to the sensory modality of the targets (visual or proprioceptive) used in the pre- and posttests. The adaptation phase was identical for both groups and consisted of movements toward visual targets while wearing 10.5° horizontally displacing prisms. We observed large aftereffects consistent with the magnitude of the prism-induced shift when reaching toward visual targets in the posttest, but no significant aftereffects for movements toward the proprioceptive target. These results provide evidence that distinct, differentially adaptable sensorimotor transformations underlie the planning of reaches to visual and proprioceptive targets.
Dielectric Resonator Method for Measuring the Electrical Conductivity of Carbon Nanotubes from Microwave to Millimeter Frequencies
Authors: Baker-Jarvis James , Janezic Michael D. , Lehman John H.
Published: July 2007

We describe a dielectric resonator-based measurement method for determining the electrical conductivity of carbon nanotubes at microwave to millimeter frequencies. This measurement method is not limited by the metal conductor contact resistances or impedance mismatch commonly encountered in the measurement of single nanotubes. The measurement of carbon nanotubes yielded conductivities of approximately0.08×107S/m.
Matrix Transformations and Quasi-Newton Methods
Authors: Benahmed Boubakeur , de Malafosse Bruno , Yassine Adnan
Published: July 2007

We first recall some properties of infinite tridiagonal matrices considered as matrix transformations in sequence spaces of the formssξ,sξ∘,sξ(c), orlp(ξ). Then, we give some results on the finite section method for approximating a solution of an infinite linear system. Finally, using a quasi-Newton method, we construct a sequence that converges fast to a solution of an infinite linear system.
On SPARC LEON-2 ISA Extensions Experiments for MPEG Encoding Acceleration
Authors: Guironnet de Massas P. , Amblard P. , Pétrot F.
Published: July 2007

This paper presents the necessary steps to modify the implementation of the
SPARCV8 architecture to enhance it with multimedia-oriented instructions. The purpose
is improving video compression performance without designing dedicated
coprocessors. We investigate the complexity of modifying a standard processor instruction
set and show that, although not trivial, this is feasible in a few weeks. We
implemented 12 new instructions and use some of them to optimize the computation
of a demanding step of the MPEG encoding. The result is a performance increase of
67% in the execution of a part of this algorithm, allowing us to expect a 30% speedup in
the execution of an MPEG video compression. The area increase of the integer unit is about
18% and the clock frequency is not significantly modified in an LEON-2 implementing 6 among
12 of the new instructions.
Use of a Strongly Nonlinear Gambier Equation for the Construction of Exact Closed Form Solutions of Nonlinear ODEs
Authors: Markakis M. P.
Published: July 2007

We establish an analytical method leading to a more general form of the exact solution of a nonlinear ODE of the second order due to Gambier. The treatment is based on the introduction and determination of a new function, by means of which the solution of the original equation is expressed. This treatment is applied to another nonlinear equation, subjected to the same general class as that of Gambier, by constructing step by step an appropriate analytical technique. The developed procedure yields a general exact closed form solution of this equation, valid for specific values of the parameters involved and containing two arbitrary (free) parameters evaluated by the relevant initial conditions. We finally verify this technique by applying it to two specific sets of parameter values of the equation under consideration.
The Use of Massive Endoprostheses for the Treatment of Bone Metastases
Authors: Park D. H. , Jaiswal P. K. , Al-Hakim W. , Aston W. J. S. , Pollock R. C. , Skinner J. A. , Cannon S. R. , Briggs T. W. R.
Published: July 2007

Purpose. We report a series of 58 patients with metastatic bone disease treated with resection and endoprosthetic reconstruction over a five-year period at our institution.Introduction. The recent advances in adjuvant and neoadjuvant therapy in cancer treatment have resulted in improved prognosis of patients with bone metastases. Most patients who have either an actual or impending pathological fracture should have operative stabilisation or reconstruction. Endoprosthetic reconstructions are indicated in patients with extensive bone loss, failed conventional reconstructions, and selected isolated metastases.Methods and Results. We identified all patients who were diagnosed with metastatic disease to bone between 1999 and 2003. One hundred and seventy-one patients were diagnosed with bone metastases. Metastatic breast and renal cancer accounted for 84 lesions (49%). Fifty-eight patients with isolated bone metastasis to the appendicular skeleton had an endoprosthetic reconstruction. There were 28 males and 30 females. Twelve patients had an endoprosthesis in the upper extremity and 46 patients had an endoprosthesis in the lower extremity. The mean age at presentation was 62 years (24 to 88). At the time of writing, 19 patients are still alive, 34 patients have died, and 5 have been lost to follow up. Patients were followed up and evaluated using the musculoskeletal society tumour score (MSTS) and the Toronto extremity salvage score (TESS). The mean MSTS was 73% (57% to 90%) and TESS was 71% (46% to 95%). Mean follow-up was 48.2 months (range 27 to 82 months) and patients died of disease at a mean of 22 months (2 to 51 months) from surgery. Complications included 5 superficial wound infections, 1 aseptic loosening, 4 dislocations, 1 subluxation, and 1 case, where the tibial component of a prosthesis rotated requiring open repositioning.Conclusions. We conclude that endoprosthetic replacement for the treatment of isolated bone metastases is a reliable method of limb reconstruction in selected cases. It is associated with low complication and failure rates in our series, and achieves the aims of restoring function, allowing early weight bearing and alleviating pain.
A Phase Ib and Pharmacokinetic Trial of Patupilone Combined with Carboplatin in Patients with Advanced Cancer
Authors: Forster Martin , Kaye Stan , Oza Amit , Sklenar Ivo , Johri Anandhi , Cheung Wing , Zaknoen Sara , Gore Martin
Published: July 2007

Purpose: Patupilone is a microtubule-targeting chemotherapeutic agent with clinical activity in a broad range of taxane-sensitive/resistant tumor types. The present phase Ib study examined the safety/tolerability and pharmacokinetics of patupilone in combination with carboplatin in patients with advanced solid tumors.

Experimental Design: Patients with advanced cancer received patupilone via a 5- to 10-min i.v. infusion at doses of 3.6 to 6.0 mg/m2 q3w, immediately followed by carboplatin area under the curve (AUC) 5 or 6 mg/mL/min.

Results: Of the 37 patients enrolled, the majority previously received taxanes (81%) and/or platinum-containing drugs (97.3%). The maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of patupilone with carboplatin AUC 6 was 4.8 mg/m2; additional patients were enrolled to consolidate experience at this dose. Of the 22 patients who received the MTD, the most common nonhematologic adverse events were fatigue in six (27.3%) and diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and neuropathy in one each (4.5%; all grade 3); hematologic toxicities included two patients (9.1%) with grade 3 neutropenia. The pharmacokinetics of patupilone were similar to those in a previous study of patupilone monotherapy. Of the 26 patients with recurrent platinum-sensitive ovarian cancer, tumor response was assessable by response evaluation criteria in solid tumors in 17; 1 patient (6%) achieved a complete response, and 10 (59%) achieved a partial response.

Conclusions: The combination of patupilone 4.8 mg/m2/carboplatin AUC 6 was well tolerated and showed antitumor activity similar to established regimens in patients with recurrent platinum-sensitive ovarian cancer. The optimal dose for this regimen is currently being further refined in phase II trials.
Thirty-Gene Pharmacogenomic Test Correlates with Residual Cancer Burden after Preoperative Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer
Authors: Peintinger Florentia , Anderson Keith , Mazouni Chafika , Kuerer Henry M. , Hatzis Christos , Lin Feng , Hortobagyi Gabriel N. , Symmans W. Fraser , Pusztai Lajos
Published: July 2007

Purpose: We examined whether the response predicted by a 30-gene pharmacogenomic test correlated with the residual cancer burden (RCB) after preoperative chemotherapy with paclitaxel, 5-fluorouracil, doxorubicin, and cyclophosphamide (T/FAC).

Experimental Design: Gene expression profiling was done at diagnosis in 74 patients with stages I to III breast cancer and was used to calculate a pharmacogenomic score and predict response to chemotherapy [pathologic complete response (pCR) or residual disease (RD)]. All patients received 6 months of preoperative T/FAC. Following pathologic review, a RCB score was calculated based on residual tumor and lymph node features. Four RCB classes were assigned; RCB-0 (pCR), RCB-I (near-PCR), RCB-II (moderate RD), and RCB-III (extensive RD). The correlations between the pharmacogenomic score, predicted pathologic response, RCB score, and RCB class were examined.

Results: Thirty-three patients were predicted to have pCR, and 40 were predicted to have RD. Observed responses were RCB-0: n = 20 (27%); RCB-I: n = 5 (7%); RCB-II: n = 36 (49%); and RCB-III: n = 13 (16%) patients. Pharmacogenomic and RCB scores were correlated (Pearson's R = −0.501, P < 0.0001). There was no difference between the mean genomic predictor scores for RCB-0/I groups (P = 0.94), but these were different from the mean scores of the RCB-II/III groups (P < 0.001). Among the 25 patients with RCB-0/I response, 19 (76%) were predicted to achieve pCR. The pharmacogenomic test correctly predicted RD in 92% of the patients with RCB-III, which corresponds to chemotherapy-resistant disease.

Conclusions: The 30-gene pharmacogenomic test showed good correlation with the extent of residual invasive cancer burden measured as both continuous and categorical variables.
Predictive Value of Aurora-A/STK15 Expression for Late Stage Epithelial Ovarian Cancer Patients Treated by Adjuvant Chemotherapy
Authors: Lassmann Silke , Shen Yi , Jütting Uta , Wiehle Philipp , Walch Axel , Gitsch Gerald , Hasenburg Annette , Werner Martin
Published: July 2007

Purpose: To investigate the expression and regulation of the centrosomal kinase Aurora-A/STK15 (AURKA) in epithelial ovarian cancers and to determine the prognostic and predictive value of this marker for patients with late stage epithelial ovarian cancer treated by distinct adjuvant chemotherapies.

Experimental Design: Archival resection specimens of epithelial ovarian cancers (n = 115) and nonneoplastic ovaries (n = 28) were analyzed for AURKA mRNA and protein expression by microdissection and quantitative reverse transcriptase-PCR and immunohistochemistry. AURKA DNA copy numbers were measured by fluorescence in situ hybridization in 37 cases. Statistical evaluation was done with respect to clinicopathologic variables, disease-free survival, and overall survival.

Results: AURKA mRNA expression was significantly elevated in cancers (P < 0.001) and correlated with AURKA protein expression (P = 0.0134). Overexpression of AURKA protein was detected in 68 of 107 (63.5%) cases and was linked with increased AURKA DNA copy numbers (P = 0.0141) and centromere 20 aneusomy (P = 0.0137). Moreover, AURKA overexpression was associated with improved overall survival in optimal debulked patients receiving taxol/carboplatin therapy (n = 43, P = 0.018). Finally, in an exploratory approach, patients receiving non–taxane-based therapy, AURKA overexpression was predictive for worse overall survival (n = 30, P = 0.049).

Conclusions: AURKA overexpression is seen in the majority of late stage epithelial ovarian cancers, most likely due to increased AURKA DNA copy numbers and/or chromosome 20 aneusomy. Importantly, AURKA overexpression may differentially affect taxane and non–taxane-based adjuvant therapy responses. The study sheds new light on AURKA expression and regulation in epithelial cancers in vivo and specifically shows its value as a clinically relevant marker and as a potential therapeutic target per se.
Low Expression of Bax Predicts Poor Prognosis in Patients with Locally Advanced Esophageal Cancer Treated with Definitive Chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Kang Seok Yun , Han Jae Ho , Lee Kwang Jae , Choi Jin-Hyuk , Park Jung Il , Kim Hyoung Il , Lee Hyun-Woo , Jang Jun Ho , Park Joon Seong , Kim Hugh Chul , Kang Seunghee , Oh Young Taek , Chun Mison , Kim Jang Hee , Sheen Seung Soo , Lim Ho-Yeong
Published: July 2007

Purpose: The present study evaluated the prognostic significance of apoptosis-related proteins, p53, Bcl-2, Bax, and galectin-3 in patients with locally advanced esophageal cancer treated with definitive chemoradiotherapy.

Experimental Design: A total of 63 patients with locally advanced esophageal cancer (squamous cell carcinoma: 62; adenocarcinoma: 1; stages II-IV) were treated with definitive chemoradiotherapy using 5-fluorouracil and cisplatin combined with radiotherapy. Pretreatment tumor biopsy specimens were analyzed for p53, Bcl-2, Bax, and galectin-3 expression by immunohistochemistry.

Results: High expression of Bax, p53, Bcl-2, and galectin-3 was observed in 67%, 47%, 24%, and 29% of patients, respectively. The median overall survival (OS) of total patients was 14 months with 16% of 3-year OS. High expression of p53, Bcl-2, and galectin-3 did not show correlation with clinicopathologic characteristics, including patient outcome. Low expression of Bax was significantly correlated with lack of clinical complete response (P = 0.023). Low expression of Bax was also associated with poor OS (median, 8 months versus 16 months; P = 0.0008) in univariate analysis. In multivariate analysis, low expression of Bax was the most significant independent predictor of poor OS (P = 0.009), followed by low dose intensity of cisplatin and lack of clinical complete response.

Conclusions: Low expression of Bax was significantly associated with the poor survival of patients with locally advanced esophageal cancer treated with chemoradiotherapy using 5-fluorouracil and cisplatin. Immunohistochemical staining for Bax with a pretreatment biopsy specimen might be useful to select the optimal treatment options for these patients.
Humanized Anti-CD26 Monoclonal Antibody as a Treatment for Malignant Mesothelioma Tumors
Authors: Inamoto Teruo , Yamada Taketo , Ohnuma Kei , Kina Shinichiro , Takahashi Nozomu , Yamochi Tadanori , Inamoto Sakiko , Katsuoka Yoji , Hosono Osamu , Tanaka Hirotoshi , Dang Nam H. , Morimoto Chikao
Published: July 2007

Purpose: CD26 is a 110-kDa cell surface antigen with a role in tumor development. In this report, we show that CD26 is highly expressed on the cell surface of malignant mesothelioma and that a newly developed humanized anti-CD26 monoclonal antibody (mAb) has an inhibitory effect on malignant mesothelioma cells in both in vitro and in vivo experiments.

Experimental Design: Using immunohistochemistry, 12 patients' surgical specimens consisting of seven malignant mesothelioma, three reactive mesothelial cells, and two adenomatoid tumors were evaluated for expression of CD26. The effects of CD26 on malignant mesothelioma cells were assessed in the presence of transfection of CD26-expressing plasmid, humanized anti-CD26 mAb, or small interfering RNA against CD26. The in vivo growth inhibitory effect of humanized anti-CD26 mAb was assessed in human malignant mesothelioma cell mouse xenograft models.

Results: In surgical specimens, CD26 is highly expressed in malignant mesothelioma but not in benign mesothelial tissues. Depletion of CD26 by small interfering RNA results in the loss of adhesive property, suggesting that CD26 is a binding protein to the extracellular matrix. Moreover, our in vitro data indicate that humanized anti-CD26 mAb induces cell lysis of malignant mesothelioma cells via antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity in addition to its direct anti-tumor effect via p27kip1 accumulation. In vivo experiments with mouse xenograft models involving human malignant mesothelioma cells show that humanized anti-CD26 mAb treatment drastically inhibits tumor growth in tumor-bearing mice, resulting in enhanced survival.

Conclusions: Our data strongly suggest that humanized anti-CD26 mAb treatment may have potential clinical use as a novel cancer therapeutic agent in CD26-positive malignant mesothelioma.
Predicting Human Tumor Drug Concentrations from a Preclinical Pharmacokinetic Model of Temozolomide Brain Disposition
Authors: Zhou Qingyu , Guo Ping , Kruh Gary D. , Vicini Paolo , Wang Xiaomin , Gallo James M.
Published: July 2007

Purpose: Knowledge of drug concentrations in tumors is critical for understanding the determinants of drug accumulation in tumors. Because significant obstacles prevent making these measurements in humans, development of a predictive pharmacokinetic model would be of great value to the translation of preclinical data to the clinic. Our goal was to show how the latter could be achieved for temozolomide, an agent used in the treatment of brain tumors, using an orthotopic brain tumor model in rats.

Experimental Design: Rats bearing i.c. tumors received 20 mg/kg i.v. of temozolomide followed by the subsequent measurement of serial plasma, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), normal brain, and brain tumor temozolomide concentrations. The resultant data provided the framework to develop a hybrid physiologically based pharmacokinetic model for temozolomide in brain. The preclinical pharmacokinetic model was scaled to predict temozolomide concentrations in human CSF, normal brain, and brain tumor, and through a series of Monte Carlo simulations, the accumulation of temozolomide in brain tumors under conditions of altered blood-brain barrier permeability, fractional blood volume, and clinical dosing schedules was evaluated.

Results: The developed physiologically based pharmacokinetic model afforded a mechanistic and accurate prediction of temozolomide brain disposition in rats, which through model scale-up procedures accurately predicted the CSF/plasma area under the drug concentration-time curve ratios of 0.2 reported in patients. Through a series of model simulations, it was shown that the brain tumor accumulation of temozolomide varied substantially based on changes in blood-brain barrier permeability and fractional tumor blood volume but minimally based on clinical dosing regimens.

Conclusions: A physiologically based pharmacokinetic modeling approach offers a means to translate preclinical to clinical characteristics of drug disposition in target tissues and, thus, a means to select appropriate drug dosing regimens for achieving optimal target tissue drug concentrations.
The International Criminal Court and the Lord's Resistance Army Leaders: Prosecution or Amnesty?
Authors: Ssenyonjo Manisuli
Published: July 2007

On 13 October 2005, the International Criminal Court (ICC) Pre-Trial Chamber II unsealed the warrants of arrest for five senior leaders of the Lord's Resistance Army/Movement (LRA/M) for crimes against humanity and war crimes committed in Uganda since July 2002. While these warrants were yet to be executed, the Ugandan government entered negotiations with the LRA/M rebels. As a result Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni, disregarding the ICC arrest warrants, announced a 'total amnesty' for the LRA combatants in July 2006 on the condition that the rebels renounced terrorism and accepted peace. Following the amnesty offer, an agreement on cessation of hostilities between the Ugandan government and the LRA/M was concluded with effect from 29 August 2006. This article considers the question whether a 'total amnesty' to individuals indicted by the ICC may be binding upon the ICC.