bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DEVELOPMENT OF NEEDLE-BASED MICROENDOSCOPY FOR FLUORESCENCE MOLECULAR IMAGING OF BREAST TUMOR MODELS
Authors: CHEN CHAO-WEI , BLACKWELL TIFFANY R. , NAPHAS RENEE , WINNARD PAUL T. , RAMAN VENU , GLUNDE KRISTINE , CHEN YU
Published: December 2009

Fluorescence molecular imaging enables the visualization of basic molecular processes such as gene expression, enzyme activity, and disease-specific molecular interactions in vivo using targeted contrast agents, and therefore, is being developed for early detection and in situ characterization of breast cancers. Recent advances in developing near-infrared fluorescent imaging contrast agents have enabled the specific labeling of human breast cancer cells in mouse model systems. In synergy with contrast agent development, this paper describes a needle-based fluorescence molecular imaging device that has the strong potential to be translated into clinical breast biopsy procedures. This microendoscopy probe is based on a gradient-index (GRIN) lens interfaced with a laser scanning microscope. Specifications of the imaging performance, including the field-of-view, transverse resolution, and focus tracking characteristics were calibrated. Orthotopic MDA-MB-231 breast cancer xenografts stably expressing the tdTomato red fluorescent protein (RFP) were used to detect the tumor cells in this tumor model as a proof of principle study. With further development, this technology, in conjunction with the development of clinically applicable, injectable fluorescent molecular imaging agents, promises to perform fluorescence molecular imaging of breast cancers in vivo for breast biopsy guidance.
Plant assemblages from SW Gondwana: further evidence for high-latitude vegetation in the Devonian of Argentina
Authors: Edwards D. , Poiré D. G. , Morel E. M. , Cingolani C. A.
Published: December 2009

Plant assemblages are described from the Talacasto and Punta Negra Formations, San Juan Province, the Argentine Precordillera. A detailed facies study involving trace fossil assemblages indicates that the plants were buried in shallow low- to high-energy marine environments, but not in turbidites as previously postulated. Apart from a single specimen resembling
Cooksonia
from the Lochkovian Talacasto Formation, the abundant compression fossils consist of short lengths of smooth axes, occasional defoliated lycopod stems, and very rare isolated sporangia. It is thus impossible to assign any to existing taxa with confidence nor are there sufficient distinguishing characters to erect new ones. Although the possible age of the formations in the Precordillera remains conjectural, the fossils themselves, even preserved in such fragmentary states, indicate much lower grades of organization than seen in coeval assemblages elsewhere, particularly on the Laurussian and South China palaeocontinents. Palaeocontinental reconstructions of Gondwana indicate that the localities are within 30° of the palaeo South Pole. Thus a global latitudinal gradient in vegetation is postulated for the Early Devonian with decreasing disparity and diversity at higher latitudes. An explanation for the latter is explored in terms of light regime and temperature in highly stressed environments.
Gondwanan faunal signatures from Early Palaeozoic terranes of Kazakhstan and Central Asia: evidence and tectonic implications
Authors: Popov Leonid E. , Bassett Michael G. , Zhemchuzhnikov Vyacheslav G. , Holmer Lars E. , Klishevich Inna A.
Published: December 2009

Two separate tectonic blocks in the southwestern segment of the Kazakhstanian orogen, the Chu–Ili terrane and the Karatau–Naryn terrane (with particular attention to Malyi Karatau), are selected to illustrate their geological history and major biogeographical signatures from the Cambrian to the early Silurian. Mid- to Late Ordovician brachiopod and trilobite faunas of Chu–Ili show increased endemicity of shallow shelf assemblages, whereas distinct links to equatorial (‘east’) peri-Gondwanan are more evident in trilobite assemblages of the outer shelf. In the Late Ordovician, strong biogeographical affinities to equatorial Gondwanan faunas became firmly established and they are also traceable into the Silurian. Early Cambrian faunas of Malyi Karatau show remarkable similarity to those of South China. From the Middle Cambrian this region evolved as an isolated carbonate seamount, but until the Early Ordovician links to South China faunas were still evident. Benthic faunas from both regions show weak links to contemporaneous faunas of Baltica and little in common with Cambrian and Ordovician faunas of the Siberian craton. This suggests their location in low southern latitudes, in relative proximity to East Gondwana, which places some constraints on plate-tectonic reconstructions in relation to the southern cluster of Kazakhstanian terranes, including Karatau–Naryn, North Tien Shan and Chu–Ili.
The ‘microcontinent’ Perunica: status and story 15 years after conception
Authors: Fatka Oldřich , Mergl Michal
Published: December 2009

Central Europe consists of a complex mosaic of more or less independent terranes with varying tectonometamorphic histories, usually also of different lithological compositions and protolith, and thus it is reasonable to suppose that the majority of these blocks have experienced somewhat different palaeogeographical evolution. The present terrane juxtaposition has been interpreted in general as a result of the Variscan collision of peri-Gondwanan and peri-Baltic derived terranes, with Gondwana on one side and Baltica and/or Laurentia on the other side. However, reconstruction of the pre-Variscan development and mutual palaeogeographical relationships remains a major challenge of interpretation.
Avalonia, Armorica, Perunica: terranes, microcontinents, microplates or palaeobiogeographical provinces?
Authors: Servais Thomas , Sintubin Manuel
Published: December 2009

In recent decades various research studies have focused on the reconstruction of Palaeozoic Europe, reflecting the complex geodynamic history related to the formation of the supercontinent Pangaea. It has been demonstrated that Palaeozoic Europe comprises a series of tectonostratigraphical units, or ‘terranes’, located between the remnants of three major palaeocontinents, Gondwana, Laurentia and Baltica. Some of these ‘terranes’ have been referred to as ‘microcontinents’, a typical (palaeo-)geographical term, and as ‘microplates’, a typical plate-tectonic term, giving rise to misunderstandings and a continuing scientific debate. This confusion is based primarily on an inconsistent use of different palaeogeographical terms by specialists from different scientific disciplines. Whereas large palaeocontinents such as Baltica and Siberia have been named as terranes by some workers, several peri-Gondwanan ‘terranes’ have been attributed to microcontinents or microplates, without conclusive reasoning. This paper is a critical review of the terminology used for three European peri-Gondwanan palaeogeographical entities: ‘Avalonia’, ‘Armorica’ and ‘Perunica’. The review indicates that only Avalonia should be considered as a separate (micro-)continent on a separate (micro-)plate. Armorica has many different definitions and is commonly considered to be composed of several terranes. It is, however, not at all evident if Armorica was a separate (micro-)continent and/or an independent (micro-)plate. For Perunica, defined originally as a separate microplate, current evidence demonstrates that it can probably be considered only as a palaeobiogeographical province.
Late Ordovician carbonate productivity and glaciomarine record under quiescent and active extensional tectonics in NE Spain
Authors: Álvaro J. Javier , Van Vliet-Lanoë Brigitte
Published: December 2009

Carbonate productivity and glaciomarine deposits of the Ordovician–Silurian transition display different sedimentary architectures in the Iberian and Hesperian Chains of NE Spain, as a result of quiescent and active extensional tectonics on platforms fringing North Gondwana. The late Katian carbonate productivity of the Iberian platform reflects the onset of bryozoan–pelmatozoan meadows and mud-mound complexes throughout an intra-shelf ramp, whereas carbonate nucleation of prominent carbonate factories took place on the top of isolated palaeo-highs in the Hesperian platform. In both cases, the end of carbonate productivity is associated with glacioeustatic regression, subaerial exposure and karstification, pre‐dating widespread precipitation of iron ore deposits in the vicinity of palaeo‐highs. The Hirnantian glacioeustatic transgression is represented lithostratigraphically by the Orea Formation. In the Iberian platform, the formation consists of two distinct depositional sequences bounded by the progradation of conglomeratic channels, and is dominated by the record of massive and crudely stratified diamictites, with tabular geometries and deposited subaqueously as ‘rain-out’ facies. In contrast, the Hesperian platform is rich in disrupted diamictites, which form strongly deformed units interpreted as submarine slumps associated with active synsedimentary faults. In both cases, the anomalous occurrence of massive diamictites, rich in boulder- to sand-sized carbonate dropstones, and displaying rapid variations in density and size, suggests that distinct iceberg ‘drift lanes’ existed, indicating current activity in the open sea.
A rendezvous of logic, complexity, and algebra
Authors: Chen Hubie
Published: December 2009

An emerging area of research studies the complexity of constraint satisfaction problems under restricted constraint languages. This article gives a self-contained, contemporary presentation of Schaefer's theorem on Boolean constraint satisfaction, the inaugural result of this area, as well as analogs of this theorem for quantified formulas. Our exposition makes use of and may serve as an introduction to logical and algebraic tools that have recently come into focus.
Internet geolocation
Authors: Muir James A. , Oorschot Paul C. Van
Published: December 2009

Internet geolocation technology aims to determine the physical (geographic) location of Internet users and devices. It is currently proposed or in use for a wide variety of purposes, including targeted marketing, restricting digital content sales to authorized jurisdictions, and security applications such as reducing credit card fraud. This raises questions about the veracity of claims of accurate and reliable geolocation. We provide a survey of Internet geolocation technologies with an emphasis on adversarial contexts; that is, we consider how this technology performs against a knowledgeable adversary whose goal is to evade geolocation. We do so by examining first the limitations of existing techniques, and then, from this base, determining how best to evade existing geolocation techniques. We also consider two further geolocation techniques which may be of use even against adversarial targets: (1) the extraction of client IP addresses using functionality introduced in the 1.5 Java API, and (2) the collection of round-trip times using HTTP refreshes. These techniques illustrate that the seemingly straightforward technique of evading geolocation by relaying traffic through a proxy server (or network of proxy servers) is not as straightforward as many end-users might expect. We give a demonstration of this for users of the popular Tor anonymizing network.
From image parsing to painterly rendering
Authors: Zeng Kun , Zhao Mingtian , Xiong Caiming , Zhu Song-Chun
Published: December 2009

We present a semantics-driven approach for stroke-based painterly rendering, based on recent image parsing techniques [Tu et al. 2005; Tu and Zhu 2006] in computer vision. Image parsing integrates segmentation for regions, sketching for curves, and recognition for object categories. In an interactive manner, we decompose an input image into a hierarchy of its constituent components in a parse tree representation with occlusion relations among the nodes in the tree. To paint the image, we build a brush dictionary containing a large set (760) of brush examples of four shape/appearance categories, which are collected from professional artists, then we select appropriate brushes from the dictionary and place them on the canvas guided by the image semantics included in the parse tree, with each image component and layer painted in various styles. During this process, the scene and object categories also determine the color blending and shading strategies for inhomogeneous synthesis of image details. Compared with previous methods, this approach benefits from richer meaningful image semantic information, which leads to better simulation of painting techniques of artists using the high-quality brush dictionary. We have tested our approach on a large number (hundreds) of images and it produced satisfactory painterly effects.
Fool me twice
Authors: Yeh Thomas Y. , Reinman Glenn , Patel Sanjay J. , Faloutsos Petros
Published: December 2009

The error tolerance of human perception offers a range of opportunities to trade numerical accuracy for performance in physics-based simulation. However, most prior work on perceptual error tolerance either focus exclusively on understanding the tolerance of the human visual system or burden the application developer with case-specific implementations such as Level-of-Detail (LOD) techniques. In this article, based on a detailed set of perceptual metrics, we propose a methodology to identify the maximum error tolerance of physics simulation. Then, we apply this methodology in the evaluation of four case studies. First, we utilize the methodology in the tuning of the simulation timestep. The second study deals with tuning the iteration count for the LCP solver. Then, we evaluate the perceptual quality of Fast Estimation with Error Control (FEEC) [Yeh et al. 2006]. Finally, we explore the hardware optimization technique of precision reduction.
A framework for modeling 3D scenes using pose-free equations
Authors: Aliaga Daniel G. , Zhang Ji , Boutin Mireille
Published: December 2009

Many applications in computer graphics require detailed 3D digital models of real-world environments. The automatic and semi-automatic modeling of such spaces presents several fundamental challenges. In this work, we present an easy and robust camera-based acquisition approach for the modeling of 3D scenes which is a significant departure from current methods. Our approach uses a novel pose-free formulation for 3D reconstruction. Unlike self-calibration, omitting pose parameters from the acquisition process implies no external calibration data must be computed or provided. This serves to significantly simplify acquisition, to fundamentally improve the robustness and accuracy of the geometric reconstruction given noise in the measurements or error in the initial estimates, and to allow using uncalibrated active correspondence methods to obtain robust data. Aside from freely taking pictures and moving an uncalibrated digital projector, scene acquisition and scene point reconstruction is automatic and requires pictures from only a few viewpoints. We demonstrate how the combination of these benefits has enabled us to acquire several large and detailed models ranging from 0.28 to 2.5 million texture-mapped triangles.
A weakest precondition approach to active attacks analysis (abstract only)
Authors: Balliu Musard , Mastroeni Isabella
Published: December 2009

Information flow controls can be used to protect both data confidentiality and data integrity. The certification of the security degree of a program that runs in untrusted environments still remains an open problem in language-based security. The notion of robustness asserts that an active attacker, who can modify program code in some fixed points (holes), is not able to disclose more private information than a passive attacker, who merely observes public data. In this paper, we extend a method recently proposed for checking declassified non-interference in presence of passive attackers only, in order to check robustness by means of the weakest precondition semantics. In particular, this semantics simulates the kind of analysis that can be performed by an attacker, i.e., from the public output towards the private input. The choice of the semantics lets us distinguish between different attacks models. In this paper, we also introduce relative robustness that is a relaxed notion of robustness for restricted classes of attacks.
Encoding information flow in AURA
Authors: Jia Limin , Zdancewic Steve
Published: December 2009

Two of the main ways to protect security-sensitive resources in computer systems are to enforce access-control policies and information-flow policies. In this paper, we show how to enforce information-flow policies in AURA, which is a programming language for access control. When augmented with this mechanism for enforcing information-flow polices, AURA can further improve the security of reference monitors that implement access control.

We show how to encode security types and lattices of security labels using AURA's existing constructs for authorization logic. We prove a noninterference theorem for this encoding. We also investigate how to use expressive access control specified in authorization logic as the policies for information declassification.
Overview of the Symposium on Public Health Significance of Genomics and Eco-Genetics
Authors: Omenn Gilbert S.
Published: December 2009

Genomic and genetic information is rapidly becoming a major element in public health research and emerging public health practice. This symposium reviews the methods, findings, and significance of genome-wide association studies from epidemiological and statistical points of view. We examine infectious and inflammatory components of gene-environment interaction in the respiratory system. We note the need for nutrient and dietary data and many other kinds of environmental exposure data in population-based genomic studies. Then we explore the sufficiency of a well-informed family history for public health and family counseling purposes. Finally, in an era of direct-to-consumer genomic test promotion, we review the evidence on the critical question, will genetic risk profiles motivate individuals and families to choose more healthful behaviors? This symposium builds on the foundation of the symposium on Public Health Genetics in Volume 21 (2000) of the Annual Review of Public Health.
Outcome-Based Workforce Development and Education in Public Health
Authors: Koo Denise , Miner Kathleen
Published: December 2009

The broad scope of the public health mission leads to an increasingly diverse workforce. Given the range of feeder disciplines and the reality that much of the workforce does not have formal training in public health science and practice, a pressing need exists for training and education throughout the workforce. Just as we in public health take a rigorous approach to our science, so too should we take a rigorous, evidence-driven approach to workforce development. In this review, we recommend a framework for workforce education in public health, integrating three critical conceptual approaches: (a) adult learning theory; (b) competency-based education; and (c) the expanded Dreyfus model in public health, an addition to the Dreyfus model of professional skills progression. We illustrate the application of this framework in practice, using the field of applied epidemiology. This framework provides a context for designing and developing high-quality, outcome-based workforce development efforts and evaluating their impact, with implications for academic and public health practice efforts to educate the public health workforce.
Resistance to Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors in Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors
Authors: Gramza Ann W. , Corless Christopher L. , Heinrich Michael C.
Published: December 2009

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) are the most common type of sarcoma in the gastrointestinal tract. Surgery is the primary treatment modality, but many patients suffer disease recurrence or metastasis. Fortunately, the management of advanced GIST has been revolutionized by the use of small molecule kinase inhibitors that target the underlying pathogenetic mutant kinases found in the vast majority of cases. Approximately 85% of GISTs have oncogenic mutations in KIT, allowing for constitutive kinase activation that is responsible for cellular proliferation and survival. About 5 to 7% of GISTs have activating mutations of the homologous platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFRA) kinase. The progression-free and overall survival of patients with advanced disease is greatly improved by treatment with the kinase inhibitors imatinib and sunitinib. However, the emergence of drug-resistant tumor clones limits the long-term benefit of these drugs in most patients. Resistance to these kinase inhibitors is associated with distinctive clinical and molecular features, with the development of secondary mutations of the oncogenic kinase being the most common mechanism. We review the molecular basis of GIST response and/or resistance to TKIs, and discuss strategies to prevent and/or overcome drug resistance. These concepts are directly relevant to the development of targeted molecular therapy for other solid tumors. (Clin Cancer Res 2009;15(24):7510–8)
Resistance to Trastuzumab in Breast Cancer
Authors: Pohlmann Paula R. , Mayer Ingrid A. , Mernaugh Ray
Published: December 2009

HER2 is a transmembrane oncoprotein encoded by the HER2/neu gene and is overexpressed in approximately 20 to 25% of invasive breast cancers. It can be therapeutically targeted by trastuzumab, a humanized IgG1 kappa light chain monoclonal antibody. Although trastuzumab is currently considered one of the most effective treatments in oncology, a significant number of patients with HER2-overexpressing breast cancer do not benefit from it. Understanding the mechanisms of action and resistance to trastuzumab is therefore crucial for the development of new therapeutic strategies. This review discusses proposed trastuzumab mode of action as well as proposed mechanisms for resistance. Mechanisms for resistance are grouped into four main categories: (1) obstacles preventing trastuzumab binding to HER2; (2) upregulation of HER2 downstream signaling pathways; (3) signaling through alternate pathways; and (4) failure to trigger an immune-mediated mechanism to destroy tumor cells. These potential mechanisms through which trastuzumab resistance may arise have been used as a guide to develop drugs, presently in clinical trials, to overcome resistance. The mechanisms conferring trastuzumab resistance, when completely understood, will provide insight on how best to treat HER2-overexpressing breast cancer. The understanding of each mechanism of resistance is therefore critical for the educated development of strategies to overcome it, as well as for the development of tools that would allow definitive and efficient patient selection for each therapy. (Clin Cancer Res 2009;15(24):7479–91)
Novel Inhibitors of Fatty Acid Synthase with Anticancer Activity
Authors: Puig Teresa , Turrado Carlos , Benhamú Bellinda , Aguilar Helena , Relat Joana , Ortega-Gutiérrez Silvia , Casals Gemma , Marrero Pedro F. , Urruticoechea Ander , Haro Diego , López-Rodríguez María Luz , Colomer Ramon
Published: December 2009

Purpose: Fatty acid synthase (FASN) is overexpressed in human breast carcinoma. The natural polyphenol (−)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate blocks in vitro FASN activity and leads to apoptosis in breast cancer cells without any effects on carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1 (CPT-1) activity, and in vivo, does not decrease body weight. We synthesized a panel of new polyphenolic compounds and tested their effects on breast cancer models.

Experimental Design: We evaluated the in vitro effects of the compounds on breast cancer cell growth (SK-Br3, MCF-7, and MDA-MB-231), apoptosis [as assessed by cleavage of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase], cell signaling (HER2, ERK1/2, and AKT), and fatty acid metabolism enzymes (FASN and CPT-1). In vivo, we have evaluated their antitumor activity and their effect on body weight in a mice model of BT474 breast cancer cells.

Results: Two compounds potently inhibited FASN activity and showed high cytotoxicity. Moreover, the compounds induced apoptosis and caused a marked decrease in the active forms of HER2, AKT, and ERK1/2 proteins. Interestingly, the compounds did not stimulate CPT-1 activity in vitro. We show evidence that one of the FASN inhibitors blocked the growth of BT474 breast cancer xenografts and did not induce weight loss in vivo.

Conclusions: The synthesized polyphenolic compounds represent a novel class of FASN inhibitors, with in vitro and in vivo anticancer activity, that do not exhibit cross-activation of β-oxidation and do not induce weight loss in animals. One of the compounds blocked the growth of breast cancer xenografts. These FASN inhibitors may represent new agents for breast cancer treatment. (Clin Cancer Res 2009;15(24):7608–15)
Mechanisms of Resistance to Imatinib and Second-Generation Tyrosine Inhibitors in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Milojkovic Dragana , Apperley Jane
Published: December 2009

Targeted therapy in the form of selective tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) has transformed the approach to management of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and dramatically improved patient outcome to the extent that imatinib is currently accepted as the first-line agent for nearly all patients presenting with CML, regardless of the phase of the disease. Impressive clinical responses are obtained in the majority of patients in chronic phase; however, not all patients experience an optimal response to imatinib, and furthermore, the clinical response in a number of patients will not be sustained. The process by which the leukemic cells prove resistant to TKIs and the restoration of BCR-ABL1 signal transduction from previous inhibition has initiated the pursuit for the causal mechanisms of resistance and strategies by which to surmount resistance to therapeutic intervention. ABL kinase domain mutations have been extensively implicated in the pathogenesis of TKI resistance, however, it is increasingly evident that the presence of mutations does not explain all cases of resistance and does not account for the failure of TKIs to eliminate minimal residual disease in patients who respond optimally. The focus of exploring TKI resistance has expanded to include the mechanism by which the drug is delivered to its target and the impact of drug influx and efflux proteins on TKI bioavailability. The limitations of imatinib have inspired the development of second generation TKIs in order to overcome the effect of resistance to this primary therapy. (Clin Cancer Res 2009;15(24):7519–27)
Resistance to Targeted Therapies: Refining Anticancer Therapy in the Era of Molecular Oncology
Authors: Ellis Lee M. , Hicklin Daniel J.
Published: December 2009

The advent of targeted therapy for treatment of human cancers has added significantly to our armamentarium as we strive to prolong patient survival while minimizing toxicity. In cancers driven by a dominant oncogene, targeted therapies have led to remarkable improvements in response and survival, whereas in others the outcome has been more modest. One key aspect toward realizing the potential of targeted therapies is a better understanding of the intrinsic or acquired resistance mechanisms that limit their efficacy. The articles in this CCR Focus provide insights into molecular mechanisms of resistance to targeted therapy. Recent discoveries of the molecular pathways that mediate intrinsic resistance to targeted therapy have led to the identification of predictive biomarkers that allow for better patient selection for front line treatment. Equally important, the identification of mechanisms of acquired resistance following front line therapy has led to the discovery of novel agents that overcome these resistance mechanisms. Improving the efficacy of targeted therapies in the future will require expanding our understanding of resistance mechanisms, the development of new generations of rationally designed targeted agents, and translating this information to the clinic to select patients for appropriate therapy. (Clin Cancer Res 2009;15(24):7471–8)
Effect of Food Restriction on Energy Expenditure of Monosodium Glutamate-Induced Obese Rats
Authors: Luz Jacqueline , Pasin Victor P. , Silva Daniel J.M. , Zemdegs Juliane C. , Amaral Livia S. , Affonso-Silva Sylvia M.
Published: December 2009

The neonatal administration of monosodium glutamate (MSG) to rodents leads to obesity in the adult animal, characterized by increased fat storages. Chronic food restriction is known to induce reduction in body energy expenditure, as an adaptive mechanism to save energy. Our purpose was to examine whether obesity can alter the mechanism of energy conservation in food-restricted animals. Newborn female Wistar rats were injected either MSG (obese) or saline (control). At the age of 90 days, the animals were fed daily ad libitum (control and MSG) or restricted (50%) (control-restricted and MSG-restricted). After 30 days the animals were sacrificed and the energy balance was determined by calorimetric analysis. Some parameters of energy balance and body composition were affected by MSG treatment as well as food restriction. The percent reduction of the energy expenditure and fat content in MSG-restricted animals was lower than control-restricted animals, when compared with their respective ad libitum groups. These results indicate that all food-restricted animals were able to develop the mechanism of energy conservation, regardless of the obesity, but it was less efficient in MSG-obese animals.
Ultrasound Measurement of Total Body Fat in Obese Adolescents
Authors: Pineau Jean-Claude , Lalys Loïc , Bocquet Michel , Guihard-Costa Anne-Marie , Polak Michel , Frelut Marie-Laure , Peres Gilbert , Dabbas-Tyan Myriam
Published: December 2009

Background/Aims: To compare body fat (BF) measurements obtained with a new ultrasound method with those assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) in obese adolescents. Methods: In 94 adolescents (57 females and 37 males) aged 12–19 years and body mass index (BMI) exceeding 30 kg·m–2, the z-score BMI for age was 6.7 (adolescent girls) and 6.6 (adolescent boys) >97th percentile. BF was measured using DEXA and a method based on ultrasound measurements, body weight, height, abdominal circumference and mid-thigh circumference. Results: Obesity class I was noted in 39%, II in 28% and III in 33% of the patients. BF by ultrasound correlated closely with BF by DEXA, in both females (r = 0.958) and males (r = 0.981), with standard errors of the estimates (SEE) being 2.9 and 2.5 kg, respectively. The ultrasound method was more accurate than the skinfold technique (n = 24; SEE: 2.2 vs. 6.5 kg, respectively). In 13 adolescents who had marked weight loss after 6 months of treatment, the decrease in DEXA-measured BF correlated closely with the decrease in ultrasound-measured BF (r = 0.95). Conclusions: Our innovative portable ultrasound technique has advantages in terms of reliability, reproducibility, accuracy and costs for screening and monitoring obese adolescents. A patent application has been submitted. Our method should prove valuable for epidemiological studies.
Validation and Intercomparison of Satellite Rainfall Estimates over Colombia
Authors: Dinku Tufa , Ruiz Franklyn , Connor Stephen J. , Ceccato Pietro
Published: December 2009

Seven different satellite rainfall estimates are evaluated at daily and 10-daily time scales and a spatial resolution of 0.25° latitude/longitude. The reference data come from a relatively dense station network of about 600 rain gauges over Colombia. This region of South America has a very complex terrain with mountain ranges that form the northern tip of the Andes Mountains, valleys between the mountain ranges, and a vast plain that is part of the Amazon. The climate is very diverse with an extremely wet Pacific coast, a dry region in the north, and different rainfall regimes between the two extremes. The evaluated satellite rainfall products are the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission 3B42 and 3B42RT products, the NOAA/Climate Prediction Center morphing technique (CMORPH), Precipitation Estimation from Remotely Sensed Information using Artificial Neural Network (PERSIANN), the Naval Research Laboratory’s blended product (NRLB), and two versions of the Global Satellite Mapping of Precipitation moving vector with Kalman filter (GSMaP_MVK and GSMaP_MVK+). The validation and intercomparison of these products is done for the whole as well as different parts of the country. Validation results are reasonably good for daily rainfall over such complex terrain. The best results were obtained for the eastern plain, and the performance of the products was relatively poor over the Pacific coast. In comparing the different satellite products, it was seen that PERSIANN and GSMaP-MVK exhibited poor performance, with significant overestimation by PERSSIAN and serious underestimation by GSMaP-MVK. CMORPH and GSMaP-MVK+ exhibited the best performance among the products evaluated here.
A New Look at Snowpack Trends in the Cascade Mountains
Authors: Stoelinga Mark T. , Albright Mark D. , Mass Clifford F.
Published: December 2009

This study examines the changes in Cascade Mountain spring snowpack since 1930. Three new time series facilitate this analysis: a water-balance estimate of Cascade snowpack from 1930 to 2007 that extends the observational record 20 years earlier than standard snowpack measurements; a radiosonde-based time series of lower-tropospheric temperature during onshore flow, to which Cascade snowpack is well correlated; and a new index of the North Pacific sea level pressure pattern that encapsulates modes of variability to which Cascade spring snowpack is particularly sensitive.

Cascade spring snowpack declined 23% during 1930–2007. This loss is nearly statistically significant at the 5% level. The snowpack increased 19% during the recent period of most rapid global warming (1976–2007), though this change is not statistically significant because of large annual variability. From 1950 to 1997, a large and statistically significant decline of 48% occurred. However, 80% of this decline is connected to changes in the circulation patterns over the North Pacific Ocean that vary naturally on annual to interdecadal time scales. The residual time series of Cascade snowpack after Pacific variability is removed displays a relatively steady loss rate of 2.0% decade−1, yielding a loss of 16% from 1930 to 2007. This loss is very nearly statistically significant and includes the possible impacts of anthropogenic global warming.

The dates of maximum snowpack and 90% melt out have shifted 5 days earlier since 1930. Both shifts are statistically insignificant. A new estimate of the sensitivity of Cascade spring snowpack to temperature of −11% per °C, when combined with climate model projections of 850-hPa temperatures offshore of the Pacific Northwest, yields a projected 9% loss of Cascade spring snowpack due to anthropogenic global warming between 1985 and 2025.
Effect of Palm Tree Fiber Orientation on Electrical Properties of Palm Tree Fiber-reinforced Polyester Composites
Authors: Ben Amor Ines , Rekik H. , Kaddami H. , Raihane M. , Arous M. , Kallel A.
Published: December 2009

The dynamic dielectrical analysis of short palm tree lignocellulosic fiber-reinforced polyester composites was carried out with special reference to the effect of fiber orientation, frequency, and temperature. Measurements were performed in the temperature range 40—200°C and in the frequency range 1—100 kHz. Three relaxations processes were identified, namely the orientation polarization imputed to the presence of polar water molecules in palm fiber, the relaxation process associated with conductivity occurring as a result of the carriers charges diffusion noted for high temperature above glass transition and low frequencies, and the interfacial or Maxwell—Wagner—Sillars relaxation that is attributable to the accumulation of charges at the palm fibers/polyester interfaces. The orientation of the fiber can strongly influence the dielectrical properties and interfacial polarization processes in composites.
Study on the Structure, Thermal Properties, and Mechanical Properties of PMMA-grafted SBR/Clay Nanocomposites
Authors: Li Mei-Chun , Deng Xu , Cho Ur-Ryong
Published: December 2009

PMMA-grafted SBR/clay nanocomposites (PM-g S/C nano) were prepared by emulsion polymerization. In this polymerization process, it simultaneously contained MMA monomer grafting on to SBR polymer chains and polymer chains intercalating into clay layers. The grafting group can give the compatibility of clay with rubber, and improve the dispersion of clay in the rubber matrix. To compare with PM-g S/C nano, SBR/clay nanocomposites (S/C nano) and neat SBR were also prepared. The nanocomposites were characterized by using infrared spectra, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, dynamic mechanical analysis, and tensile tester. The results showed that the clay could be well dispersed in the rubber matrix. The nanocomposites showed good thermal stability. The Tg of the nanocomposites were lower than that of the neat SBR, and decreased with the increasing clay concentration. The storage modulus of the nanocomposites was higher than that of neat SBR. Compared to S/C nano and neat SBR, the PM-g S/C nano had substantially higher mechanical properties.
Effect of Processing Parameter Changes on the Adhesion of Plasma-treated Carbon Fiber Reinforced Epoxy Composites
Authors: Zaldivar R.J. , Kim H.I. , Steckel G.L. , Nokes J.P. , Morgan B.A.
Published: December 2009

Atmospheric plasma treatment for the surface preparation of adhesively bonded composite joints appears promising as a replacement to current surface preparation techniques. However, questions remain regarding the sensitivity and optimization of various plasma processing parameters on final composite bond properties. In this study, we continue to investigate how plasma surface treatment processing variables ultimately affect the surface chemistry and bonding behavior of a graphite-epoxy composite. The plasma power level, the working distance of the plasma head, the carrier gas (helium) flow rate, the duration of plasma exposure, and the active gas (oxygen) concentration within the plasma were varied and correlated to surface chemistry variations using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The carboxyl concentration on the surface was then measured as a function of these changes and correlated to lap shear strengths. In addition, samples were monitored using XPS to evaluate the decay behavior of the surface treatment as a function of time. Treated specimens in both inert and air environments exhibited similar decay profiles. Large changes were not observed until after 24 days of out-time. The effects of plasma treatment, duration of plasma exposure, and out-time on the crack delamination resistance (GIC) of bonded parts were assessed. G IC measurement indicated that solvent wiped bonded specimens exhibited a purely adhesive failure with unstable crack growth. Specimens with abrasion treatment exhibited reduced performance with cracks initiated in the adhesive traveling through both the adhesive-composite interface as well as the outer surface plies of the composite substrate. We believe damage to the composite substrate due to surface preparation caused this failure mode. On the other hand, plasma-treated specimens exhibited consistent failure modes for all treatments above 12 passes. The failures were entirely cohesive with the very high bond strength promoting crack propagation only within the adhesive. The GIC values indicated that the plasma-treated composites were two times as resistant to fracture as conventionally prepared specimens.
Critical Care Aspects of Malaria
Authors: Sarkar Pralay K. , Ahluwalia Gautam , Vijayan Vannan K. , Talwar Arunabh
Published: December 2009

Malaria remains a major health problem in much of Asia and Africa. A steady number of cases of imported malaria are also seen in many countries of the developed world. Plasmodium falciparum malaria and to some extent malaria caused by other species of Plasmodium can lead to many complications such as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), cerebral malaria, acute renal failure, severe anemia, thrombocytopenia, and bleeding complications. About 10% of patients with severe malaria die, usually as a result of multiorgan dysfunction. Critical care physicians should be aware of the complications and management of severe malaria. There has been significant progress in the understanding of pathogenesis of severe malaria over the last decade. Effective management of severe malaria includes early suspicion, prompt diagnosis, early institution of appropriate antimalarial chemotherapy, and supportive care, preferably in an intensive care unit. In this article, we review the different manifestations of severe malaria as relevant to critical care physicians and discuss the principles of laboratory diagnosis and management.
Mechanical and Optical Properties of Nanosilica-filled Polycarbonate Composites
Authors: Zhou Rui-Juan , Burkhart Thomas
Published: December 2009

In this study, nano-SiO2-filled polycarbonate (PC) composites were produced by direct melt compounding in a Brabender mixer and then compression molded. The mechanical properties were characterized using tensile test, compact tension test, and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis. The results indicate that both stiffness and fracture toughness of PC composites are increased at low particle contents compared to neat PC. However, particle loadings higher than 4 vol. % lead to a decrease in analyzed mechanical properties. The transparency of PC composites, characterized by light transmission, haze, and clarity, is decreased with increase in particle content due to increasing light loss and thermal degradation of PC matrix during kneading process.
Study on Heating Process of Ultrasonic Welding for Thermoplastics
Authors: Zongbo Zhang  , Xiaodong Wang  , Yi Luo  , Zhenqiang Zhang  , Liding Wang
Published: December 2009

Heating mechanisms of ultrasonic welding for thermoplastics were studied via numerical simulation and experiment. Relationship between dynamic modulus and static relaxation modulus of thermoplastics was theoretically analyzed. Segment time—temperature equivalency equation for different temperature ranges and a method for directly separating viscoelastic heat from strain energy were used in the simulation. Temperature measurement tests with poly(methyl methacrylate) specimens were carried out to verify the simulation results. Results of simulation and experiment reveal that interfacial friction rather than viscoelastic heat initially start the whole welding process. Viscoelastic heating becomes dominant when temperature reaches Tg (glass transition temperature) of the material. And viscoelastic heat provides most required heat during welding.
Therapeutic Mirror Interventions
Authors: Freysteinson Wyona M.
Published: December 2009

The mirror is an object that shows one a reflected image of body areas. There appears to be limited nursing literature about the role of a nurse in the use of a mirror. There is, however, literature of the therapeutic use of mirrors in medicine, neurology, psychiatry, psychology, physical medicine and rehabilitation, and rheumatology. The objective of this article is to review the basic elements and the underlying theoretical framework of mirror interventions. In 2007 to 2008, a keyword, abstract, and title search was conducted for therapeutic mirror studies between the years 1998 and 2008. A multidisciplinary, integrated review approach was used when it became apparent that there were limited nursing studies. Qualitative and quantitative strategies for reviewing evidence were used, and a narrative synthesis approach was used to guide the comprehensive synthesis. Underlying theoretical models were identified, and five elements of mirror interventions were synthesized from the literature.
Identifying Patterns in Partnership With Students Who Want to Quit Smoking
Authors: Endo Emiko , Takaki Mari , Nitta Natsuko , Abe Keiko , Terashima Kumi
Published: December 2009

Students who wanted to quit smoking were invited to partner with teachers/support persons to identify the meaningful patterns of their lives. The theoretical framework guiding the study was Newman’s theory of health as expanding consciousness from the perspective of the unitary-transformative paradigm in nursing science. Student participants shared the meaningful relationships and events of their lives with their supportive partners, and together they reflected on the patterns of the students’ lives. Two similarities among the individual patterns were found: a difficult experience in interpersonal relationships at some point in their lives and the initiation of smoking in their search for connectedness with friends. In the dialectic process, students experienced insight regarding their evolving patterns and made transformative changes in their lives, reflecting varying levels of tobacco control.
Induction of autoimmunity in brown Norway rats by oral and parenteral administration of nickel chloride
Authors: Al-Mogairen SM
Published: December 2009

Nickel intolerance owing to sensitization is a growing problem. The main objective of this study was to examine the relationship between nickel chloride and induction of autoimmunity in genetically susceptible rats. Thirty brown Norway rats were randomized into four treatment groups; the first and second groups received nickel chloride 4.5 mg in 0.2 ml normal saline either orally or subcutaneously, and the third and fourth groups (controls) received normal saline (0.9%) 0.2 ml through the same routes. A significant number of rats (P < 0.05) that received nickel chloride by the subcutaneous or oral routes showed a high level of serum antinuclear antibody (ANA) compared with controls. A significant number of rats (P < 0.05) that received nickel chloride by the subcutaneous route showed high serum anti-SSA, but the number of rats with anti-SSA was insignificant in the group that received nickel by the oral route. Other autoantibodies found in both groups (anti-double-stranded (ds)DNA, anti-Smith, anti-SSB) showed a gradual increase, but the number of rats with positive titers post exposure was not significant statistically. Nickel chloride exposure in the rats appeared to induce the development of autoimmunity. A longer duration following exposure to nickel chloride seems to be associated with greater risks. Lupus (2010) 19, 262—267. Key
The State and Civil Society Response to Disaster: The Challenge of Coordination
Authors: Lein Laura , Angel Ronald , Bell Holly , Beausoleil Julie
Published: December 2009

This article presents a case study of the reception of low-income Hurricane Katrina evacuees in Austin, Texas, to reveal the multiple barriers and problems faced by families and individuals dislodged by Katrina, as well as the difficulties faced by the service providers. The authors surveyed evacuees who had used the emergency shelter system and received housing assistance at least 10 weeks after the disaster. These survey data are supplemented with focus group and individual interviews with the city staff who conducted the survey, as well as interviews and participant observation with a range of service providers who assisted evacuees in the months following Katrina. Austin’s case managers were able to quickly organize and respond to evacuee families with an array of emergency services, including food and household goods. They also introduced new coordination efforts among agencies to distribute newly available Katrina funding. These efforts were aimed at both targeting emergency services and enhancing the capacity of case managers to help evacuees negotiate the complex maze of emergency and human services, particularly Federal Emergency Management Agency. Nevertheless, these coordination efforts were insufficient to address the problem of low-income urban evacuees living in indefinitely prolonged but possibly temporary circumstances.