bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An integrated bioanalytical method development and validation approach: case studies
Authors: Xue Y.‐J. , Melo Brian , Vallejo Martha , Zhao Yuwen , Tang Lina , Chen Yuan‐Shek , Keller Karin M.
Published: December 2011

We proposed an integrated bioanalytical method development and validation approach: (1) method screening based on analyte's physicochemical properties and metabolism information to determine the most appropriate extraction/analysis conditions; (2) preliminary stability evaluation using both quality control and incurred samples to establish sample collection, storage and processing conditions; (3) mock validation to examine method accuracy and precision and incurred sample reproducibility; and (4) method validation to confirm the results obtained during method development. This integrated approach was applied to the determination of compound I in rat plasma and compound II in rat and dog plasma. The effectiveness of the approach was demonstrated by the superior quality of three method validations: (1) a zero run failure rate; (2) >93% of quality control results within 10% of nominal values; and (3) 99% incurred sample within 9.2% of the original values. In addition, rat and dog plasma methods for compound II were successfully applied to analyze more than 900 plasma samples obtained from Investigational New Drug (IND) toxicology studies in rats and dogs with near perfect results: (1) a zero run failure rate; (2) excellent accuracy and precision for standards and quality controls; and (3) 98% incurred samples within 15% of the original values. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterization of female germ‐like cells derived from mouse embryonic stem cells through expression of GFP under the control of Figla promoter
Authors: Hu Yue , Sun Junwei , Wang Jing , Wang Long , Bai Yaofu , Yu Meng , Lian Zhimin , Zhang Shanshan , Hua Jinlian
Published: December 2011

Previous studies have demonstrated that germ cells can be derived from mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs). However, there is still no efficient system, which can visualize the stage of germ cell specification in vitro, and further to identify and enrich germ cells derived from ESCs. Figla (factor in the germline, alpha) gene encodes a germ cell specific transcription factor that coordinates the expression of the oocyte‐specific zona pellucida (Zp) genes and is essential for folliculogenesis in mouse. Here, we first constructed a pFigla‐EGFP recombinant plasmid that expressed enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) under the control of Figla promoter, and generated and characterized an ESC line stably carrying this pFigla‐EGFP reporter construct. Then the ESCs were induced to differentiate into female germ‐like cells by culturing adherent embryoid bodies (EBs) in retinoic acid (RA) induction medium or transplanting ESCs under the kidney capsule with ovarian cells. A population of differentiated ESCs expressed GFP, and these cells were analyzed by RT‐PCR and immunofluorescence. The GFP positive cells showed the expression of germ cell markers Vasa, meiotic specific gene Stra8, Scp3, oocyte markers Gdf9, Zp3 and Figla, indicating that this method could be used for the purification and selection of female germ cells. Our study establishes a new selective system of female germ‐like cell derivation and offers an approach for further research on the development and the differentiation of germ cells derived from stem cells. J. Cell. Biochem. 113: 1111–1121, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Ars2 is overexpressed in human cholangiocarcinomas and its depletion increases PTEN and PDCD4 by decreasing microRNA‐21
Authors: He Qian , Cai Lei , Shuai Ling , Li Dajiang , Wang Cheng , Liu Yongkang , Li Xiaowu , Li Zhihua , Wang Shuguang
Published: December 2011

Due to the lack of effective diagnostic tools, most patients with cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) have no chance of surgical resection. Ars2 is a protein that was reported to be important for microRNA (miR) biogenesis, and its depletion can reduce the levels of several miRs, including miR‐21, which is overexpressed in CCAs. We hypothesized that Ars2 was also present in CCAs and could be an early diagnostic marker. In our experiments, Ars2, PTEN, PDCD4, and miR‐21 were evaluated in 18 CCAs and paired normal tissues. ShArs2, miR‐21 mimics, and Ars2 were transfected into CCA and bile duct epithelial cells either alone or together. Cell proliferation, tumorigenicity analysis and expression changes of Ars2, PTEN, PDCD4, and miR‐21 were evaluated. We found that both Ars2 and miR‐21 were overexpressed, with 95% sensitivity and 100% specificity, and an ROC of 0.995 in distinguishing between CCAs and paired normal tissues by qRT‐PCR. PTEN and PDCD4 were reversed in immunohistochemistry, but no difference was observed using qRT‐PCR. The knockdown of Ars2 in CCA cells decreased the level of miR‐21, inhibited cell proliferation and prevented tumor formation in nude mice. Ars2 knockdown also led to an increase in both PTEN and PDCD4 protein levels. Both proteins decreased when the miR‐21 mimic was con‐transfected. However, the overexpression of Ars2 alone could not get the opposite results. Based on our data, we conclude that Ars2 is overexpressed in human CCA and may be a diagnostic marker. Ars2 depletion increases PTEN and PDCD4 protein levels via the reduction of miR‐21. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Use of simulated annealing for the design of multiple repetition time balanced steady‐state free precession imaging
Authors: Lee Kuan J. , Lee Hsu‐Lei , Hennig Jürgen , Leupold Jochen
Published: December 2011

Balanced steady‐state free precession is an ultrafast sequence with high signal‐to‐noise efficiency, but it also generates a strong fat signal which can mask important features. One method of fat suppression is to modify the balanced steady‐state free precession spectrum using multiple repetition times to create a wide stopband over the fat frequency. However, with three or more pulse repetition times, the number of parameters creates a vast search space with many local minima of a cost function. We report on the initial results of using simulated annealing to find optimal sequences for two applications of multiple‐pulse repetition time balanced steady‐state free precession: positive contrast imaging and fat suppression. Magn Reson Med, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mitochondria targeting of non‐peroxidizable triphenylphosphonium conjugated oleic acid protects mouse embryonic cells against apoptosis: Role of cardiolipin remodeling
Authors: Tyurina Yulia Y. , Tungekar Muhammad A. , Jung Mi-Yeon , Tyurin Vladimir A. , Greenberger Joel S. , Stoyanovsky Detcho A. , Kagan Valerian E.
Published: December 2011

Peroxidation of cardiolipin in mitochondria is essential for the execution of apoptosis. We suggested that integration of oleic acid into cardiolipin generates non‐oxidizable cardiolipin species hence protects cells against apoptosis. We synthesized mitochondria‐targeted triphenylphosphonium oleic acid ester. Using lipidomics analysis we found that pretreatment of mouse embryonic cells with triphenylphosphonium oleic acid ester resulted in decreased contents of polyunsaturated cardiolipins and elevation of its species containing oleic acid residues. This caused suppression of apoptosis induced by actinomycin D. Triacsin C, an inhibitor of acyl‐CoA synthase, blocked integration of oleic acid into cardiolipin and restored cell sensitivity to apoptosis.
Adsorption mechanisms of isoxazole and oxazole on Si(100)-2  × 1 surface: Si–N dative bond addition vs. [4+2] cycloaddition
Authors: Kumer Ghosh Manik , Choi Cheol Ho
Published: December 2011

The surface reaction pathways of isoxazole and oxazole on Si(100)-2  × 1 surface were theoretically investigated. They both form a weakly bound Si–N dative bond adduct on Si(100)-2  × 1 surface. In the case of isoxazole, the barrierlessly formed Si–N adduct is the most important surface product, that cannot be easily converted into other species. On the other hand, a facile concerted [4+2]CC cycloaddition without involving the initial Si–N dative bond adduct was also found in the case of oxazole adsorption. The existence of Diels-Alder reactions is attributed to the particular arrangement of the two heteroatoms of oxazole in such a way that the two Si–C σ-bonds can be formed in a [4+2] fashion. In short, the unique geometric arrangements and electronegativity of these similar heteroatomic molecules yielded distinctively different surface reaction characteristics.
Three-dimensional shaping of sub-micron GaAs Schottky junctions for zero-bias terahertz rectification
Authors: Casini R. , Di Gaspare A. , Giovine E. , Notargiacomo A. , Ortolani M. , Foglietti V.
Published: December 2011

We demonstrate a rectification mechanism based on quantum tunneling through the narrow Schottky barrier of a sub-micrometric Au/Ti/n-GaAs junction, which is capable of efficient power detection of free-space terahertz radiation beams even without an applied dc bias. Three-dimensional shaping of the junction geometry provides an enhanced zero-bias tunneling probability due to increased electric fields at the junction, resulting in cutoff frequencies up to 0.55 THz, responsivity up to 200 V/W, and noise equivalent power better than 10−9 W/Hz0.5 without applied dc bias.
Room-temperature quantum-dot-like luminescence from site-controlled InGaN quantum disks
Authors: Lee L. K. , Zhang Lei , Deng Hui , Ku P.-C.
Published: December 2011

We studied the optical properties of site-controlled InGaN quantum disks fabricated by the top-down approach. Room-temperature quantum-dot-like photoluminescence was observed from a single InGaN quantum disk. Size-dependent emission wavelength shift was measured and attributed to the quantum confinement in the disk plane. Theoretical modeling was carried out to explain the large blue shift due to size quantization. Temperature dependent luminescence was characterized and showed an abnormally large linewidth at low temperature and a linewidth saturation above 100 K. A sidewall charge center model was proposed to explain these phenomena.
Unexpectedly high mortality in Pacific herring embryos exposed to the 2007
Cosco Busan
oil spill in San Francisco Bay
Authors: Incardona John P. , Vines Carol A. , Anulacion Bernadita F. , Baldwin David H. , Day Heather L. , French Barbara L. , Labenia Jana S. , Linbo Tiffany L. , Myers Mark S. , Olson O. Paul , Sloan Catherine A. , Sol Sean , Griffin Frederick J. , Menard Karl , Morgan Steven G. , West James E. , Collier Tracy K. , Ylitalo Gina M. , Cherr Gary N. , Scholz Nathaniel L.
Published: December 2011

In November 2007, the container ship
Cosco Busan
released 54,000 gallons of bunker fuel oil into San Francisco Bay. The accident oiled shoreline near spawning habitats for the largest population of Pacific herring on the west coast of the continental United States. We assessed the health and viability of herring embryos from oiled and unoiled locations that were either deposited by natural spawning or incubated in subtidal cages. Three months after the spill, caged embryos at oiled sites showed sublethal cardiac toxicity, as expected from exposure to oil-derived polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs). By contrast, embryos from the adjacent and shallower intertidal zone showed unexpectedly high rates of tissue necrosis and lethality unrelated to cardiotoxicity. No toxicity was observed in embryos from unoiled sites. Patterns of PACs at oiled sites were consistent with oil exposure against a background of urban sources, although tissue concentrations were lower than expected to cause lethality. Embryos sampled 2 y later from oiled sites showed modest sublethal cardiotoxicity but no elevated necrosis or mortality. Bunker oil contains the chemically uncharacterized remains of crude oil refinement, and one or more of these unidentified chemicals likely interacted with natural sunlight in the intertidal zone to kill herring embryos. This reveals an important discrepancy between the resolving power of current forensic analytical chemistry and biological responses of keystone ecological species in oiled habitats. Nevertheless, we successfully delineated the biological impacts of an oil spill in an urbanized coastal estuary with an overlapping backdrop of atmospheric, vessel, and land-based sources of PAC pollution.
Low Incidence of ‘Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus’ in Murraya paniculata and Associated Diaphorina citri
Authors: Walter Abigail J. , Hall David G. , Duan Yong Ping
Published: December 2011

Huanglongbing (HLB) is one of the most devastating diseases of citrus worldwide. ‘Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus’ is the prevalent species of three HLB-associated Liberibacter spp., which is vectored by the psyllid Diaphorina citri. The vector and the bacteria have host plants outside the genus Citrus, and these plants have the potential to affect disease epidemiology within citrus groves. Murraya paniculata could be especially problematic because it is a popular ornamental plant and a host of both psyllid and bacteria. We conducted a year-long survey of eight urban plantings of M. paniculata in east-central Florida to characterize ‘Ca. L. asiaticus’ infection rates in plants and associated psyllids. Using sensitive quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) primers targeting two prophage genes of ‘Ca. L. asiaticus’, we found infection to be extremely low: less than 1% of psyllids and 1.8% of plants. With qPCR primers targeting ‘Ca. L. asiaticus’ 16S rDNA, none of the plants and only one psyllid were ‘Ca. L. asiaticus’-positive. Therefore, the titer of ‘Ca. L. asiaticus’ is low in M. paniculata and associated psyllids. These results suggest that urban plantings of M. paniculata may serve as a minor source of ‘Ca. L. asiaticus’ inoculum.
Advances in Nephelometry through the Ecotech Aurora Nephelometer
Authors: Chamberlain-Ward Steve , Sharp Felicity
Published: December 2011

The challenge for instrument manufacturers is to continuously improve and evolve their instrumentation to keep pace with scientific research. One field where this is evident is atmospheric aerosol research. The variety in aerosol size, shape, chemical composition, and their ability to change properties under varying atmospheric conditions creates many challenges in quantifying their impact on the global energy balance. As such a wide variety of instrumentation from a selection of manufacturers are used for analysing aerosols, all of which provide a little extra information for deciphering the puzzle. Recent advancements in commercial nephelometers by Australian manufacturer Ecotech have helped to piece some more of this puzzle together. This paper will detail these advances.
Pulmonary function vascular index predicts prognosis in idiopathic interstitial pneumonia
Authors: CORTE TAMERA J. , WORT STEPHEN J. , MACDONALD PETER S. , EDEY ANTHONY , HANSELL DAVID M. , RENZONI ELISABETTA , MAHER TOBY M. , NICHOLSON ANDREW G. , BANDULA STEVEN , BRESSER PAUL , WELLS ATHOL U.
Published: December 2011

Background and objective:  Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is associated with increased mortality in fibrotic idiopathic interstitial pneumonia (IIP). We hypothesize that baseline KCO (diffusing capacity of carbon monoxide/alveolar volume) and 6‐month decline in KCO reflect PH, thus predicting mortality in IIP.

Methods:  All IIP referrals (2004–2007) were identified (n = 269). 192 had pulmonary function at 6 months. Fifty‐two (27%) died during follow‐up (median 22.5 months). Outcome was evaluated for early (1 year from 6‐month pulmonary function) and overall mortality. A vascular index best predicting mortality was identified (using baseline and 6‐month decline in KCO) and evaluated against PH at echocardiography.

Results:  Baseline and 6‐month decline in KCO were associated with early and overall mortality. A positive vascular index (baseline KCO% ≤ 50% and/or ≥15% decline in KCO at 6 months; n = 40) was strongly predictive of early and overall mortality. Neither a diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis nor PH predicted early death when incorporated into this model. In patients without baseline PH, with follow‐up echocardiography (n = 60), a positive vascular index was associated with PH at follow‐up.

Conclusions:  A vascular index comprised of baseline and 6‐month decline in KCO strongly predicted increased mortality and development of PH on echocardiography. In, KCO may be an important marker for pulmonary vascular disease and its associated mortality.
Not All Elderly People Benefit From Vitamin D Supplementation with Respect to Physical Function: Results From the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men Study, Hong Kong
Authors: Chan Ruth , Chan Dicken , Woo Jean , Ohlsson Claes , Mellström Dan , Kwok Timothy , Leung Ping Chung
Published: December 2011

Objectives

To examine vitamin D status and its association with physical performance and muscle mass in older Chinese men.

Design

Cross‐sectional and prospective cohort study design.

Setting

Hong Kong, People's of Republic of China.

Participants

Nine hundred thirty‐nine community‐dwelling men aged 65 and older for cross‐sectional analysis and 714 for longitudinal analysis.

Measurements

Baseline serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) was measured using a competitive radioimmunoassay kit. Baseline and 4‐year physical performance measures (grip strength, 6‐m walking speed, step length in a 6‐m walk, time to complete five chair stands) were measured, and appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) was assessed using dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry. Data were collected for confounding factors: demographic, number of diseases, smoking, alcohol use, body mass index, physical activity, diet, season of blood sampling, and serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) level. Multivariate regression analyses were performed with adjustments for confounding factors.

Results

Mean ± standard deviation serum 25OHD level of this sample of Chinese community‐dwelling older men who had a high level of baseline physical function was 77.9 ± 20.5 nmol/L; 94.1% of participants had serum 25OHD levels of 50 nmol/L or greater. Median (interquartile range) serum PTH level was 4.1 pmol/L (3.1–5.5 pmol/L). After adjustment for potential confounding factors, serum 25OHD levels were not associated with baseline or 4‐year change in physical performance measures and ASM.

Conclusion

In Chinese older men who are vitamin D replete and have a high level of baseline physical function, vitamin D may not have an important role in physical function and muscle mass.
Morphologic Analysis of Third‐Molar Mineralization for Eastern Turkish Children and Youth
Authors: Cantekin Kenan , Yilmaz Yucel , Demirci Tevfik , Celikoglu Mevlut
Published: December 2011

Abstract:  To date, there has been no chronological age estimation according to third‐molar mineralization in eastern Turkish children and adolescents. The aim of this study was to analyze the development of the mandibular third molar and its relationship to chronological age in subjects aged 7–22 years according to Demirjian’s stages. The final sample consisted of 1348 [622 males (mean age, 12.72 ± 3.14) and 726 females (mean age, 12.92 ± 2.89)] conventional orthopantomograms from eastern Turkish youths. An independent t‐test was performed to evaluate the difference between sexes. Regression analysis was performed to obtain regression formulae for dental age calculation with chronological age. In males, there was a difference between males and females only at stage C (p = 0.03); females were advanced 0.37 years compared with males at the stage C. Third‐molar development among eastern Turkish children and youths occurs at a more advanced age than other populations for almost all stages.
Bioenergy: Experiences from Both Sides of the Atlantic  Bioénergies : expériences des deux côtés de l’Atlantique  Bioenergie: Erfahrungen diesseits und jenseits des Atlantiks
Authors: Blandford David , Surry Yves
Published: December 2011

summary

Bioenergy: Experiences from Both Sides of the Atlantic

Energy is essential for the material well‐being of the world’s population. Global usage is predicted to double between now and 2050. Continued reliance on fossil fuels will make it very difficult to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming and bioenergy is viewed by many to be part of the solution. However, the world will also face increasing pressure on land and water resources due to population and income growth and the resulting higher demand for food and fibre. As a result there are big questions concerning how important bioenergy can and should be. The articles in this special issue focus on policy issues in the development of bioenergy in the EU and the US. They explore biofuels, biogas and bioelectricity and evidence on economic impacts and environmental linkages. Bioenergy has the potential to play a modest role in ensuring future global sustainability, but is unlikely to be a panacea. It will be difficult to wean those involved in bioenergy from the current excessive reliance on subsidies and command‐and‐control mechanisms. Getting the price of energy right – reflecting its true scarcity and environmental cost – is critical but presents a major challenge.
Economic Impact of Bioenergy Development  Some evidence from Europe and the US Incidence économique du développement des bioénergies  Quelques constats en Europe et aux États‐Unis Wirtschaftliche Auswirkungen der Entwicklung im Bereich Bioenergie  Belege aus Europa und den USA
Authors: Steininger Karl , Wojan Tim
Published: December 2011

summary

Economic Impact of Bioenergy Development Some evidence from Europe and the US

In many countries there is considerable interest in the implications of bioenergy development for value added (income) and employment. This can be examined by using ex ante and ex post analysis. Existing multi‐sector studies for Austria generally point to a positive ex ante net effect for value added and employment – at least for major bioenergy crops and technologies. However, estimates can vary widely depending on assumptions about economic linkages and causality. Estimated effects are smaller when account is taken of the effect of higher energy costs on economic activity and the diversion of public funds from other uses. Impacts are likely to be stronger in rural areas than at the national level, because of the location of much of primary bioenergy activity in those areas. Ex post assessment for US ethanol refineries points to an employment multiplier close to the anticipated value of four derived from ex ante analysis. However, the ex post estimate has a high standard error. This implies that there is substantial uncertainty about the true employment impact of ethanol biorefineries in rural areas. One reason for the apparent variability may be differing effects of bioenergy development on rural wages and land prices.
Environmental Dimensions of Bioenergy Development  Les dimensions environnementales du développement des bioénergies  Ökologische Dimensionen in der Entwicklung im Bereich Bioenergie
Authors: Marshall Elizabeth , Weinberg Marca , Wunder Stephanie , Kaphengst Timo
Published: December 2011

Environmental Dimensions of Bioenergy Development

A major impetus for the development of bioenergy in the US and Europe has been the search for alternatives to fossil fuels, particularly those used in transportation. While bioenergy has the potential to be more environmentally friendly, particularly in terms of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, it may also have unintended negative consequences. Characterising and quantifying the relationship between bioenergy production and the environment poses a considerable challenge. Much of the focus has been on the implications of expanded use of biofuels. The US and EU have dealt with the challenges posed by biofuel policies in different ways and there are concerns that the accounting of environmental effects remains incomplete. The development of integrated assessments covering such factors as soil productivity, water quantity and quality, biodiversity and ecosystem resilience, and wildlife habitat, in addition to greenhouse gas emissions could provide a more comprehensive picture of the environmental implications of bioenergy development. In combination with an improved assessment of the effects of indirect land use change in other countries and an expansion of sustainability criteria to biomass production in general, this could help in integrating energy, agricultural, environmental and international trade policies to develop renewable energy in a sustainable way.
How to Build Flexible Design Automation Systems for Manufacturability Analysis of the Draw Bending of Aluminum Profiles
Authors: Johansson Joel
Published: December 2011

Manufacturing companies continually need to develop and produce products faster, cheaper, and of better quality to meet requirements from customers and investors. One key factor in meeting these requirements is the efficiency of the product development and the production preparation processes. Design automation is a powerful tool for increasing the efficiency of these two processes. The benefits of automating manufacturability analyses, a part of the production preparation process, are shortened lead time, improved product performance, and ultimately decreased cost. Further, the automation is beneficial as it increases the ability to adapt products to new specifications since production preparations are done in few or in a single step. Extruded sections of aluminum (aluminum profiles) have many advantages, especially for light weight structural members, and are used in many products. Many times a secondary forming process, such as bending, is required when these materials are used. The intention of the work presented in this article has been to investigate how to automate the process of finding manufacturing limits of the rotary draw bending of aluminum profiles with focus on the system architecture needed to make such systems flexible. Finding the forming limits of an aluminum profile is not a trivial task. This is because the limits depend not only on the profile shape but also on the layout of the tool. Hence, simulations have to be done to evaluate different designs. A prototype system was developed to explore what was needed to automate simulation of the rotary draw bending of aluminum profiles, and subsequently, analyze the simulated production outcome with respect to wrinkling and developed length.
Simple model for atomic layer deposition precursor reaction and transport in a viscous-flow tubular reactor
Authors: Yanguas-Gil Angel , Elam Jeffrey W.
Published: December 2011

Precursor reaction and transport are both critical in determining the thickness uniformity and conformality of atomic layer deposition (ALD) thin films. However, it is sometimes difficult to predict how changes in conditions, such as mass flow rate or precursor reactivity, will affect the outcome of an ALD experiment. To provide some insight and guidance, we have developed a simple 1D model to describe precursor transport and reaction in a tubular viscous flow ALD reactor. After making some simplifying assumptions, we show that the transport problem depends only on three independent parameters, the Peclet number, the Damkoeler number, and the excess number, which can be easily calculated for most ALD processes. Despite its simplicity, we obtain very good agreement with experimental results for the thickness profiles of ALD Al2O3 films deposited using trimethyl aluminum and H2O. The authors have applied the model to study the impact of precursor properties and experimental conditions on the growth profiles and saturation curves obtained during ALD, including the presence of nonself-limited wall recombination.
O-Antigen-Deficient Francisella tularensis Live Vaccine Strain Mutants Are Ingested via an Aberrant Form of Looping Phagocytosis and Show Altered Kinetics of Intracellular Trafficking in Human Macrophages
Authors: Clemens Daniel L. , Lee Bai-Yu , Horwitz Marcus A.
Published: December 2011

We examined the uptake and intracellular trafficking ofF. tularensisLive Vaccine Strain (LVS) and LVS with disruptions ofwbtDEFandwbtIgenes essential for synthesis of the O antigen of lipopolysaccharide. Unlike parental bacteria, O-antigen-deficient LVS is efficiently killed by serum with intact complement but not by serum lacking terminal complement components. Opsonization of O-antigen-deficient LVS in serum lacking terminal complement components allows efficient uptake of these live bacteria by macrophages. In the presence of complement, whereas parentalF. tularensisLVS is internalized within spacious pseudopod loops, mutant LVS is internalized within tightly juxtaposed multiple onion-like layers of pseudopodia. Without complement, both parental and mutant LVSs are internalized within spacious pseudopod loops. Thus, molecules other than O antigen are important in triggering dramatic pseudopod extensions and uptake by spacious pseudopod loops. Following uptake, both parental and mutant LVSs enter compartments that show limited staining for the lysosomal membrane glycoprotein CD63 and little fusion with secondary lysosomes. Subsequently, both parental and mutant LVSs lose their CD63 staining. Whereas the majority of parental LVS escapes into the cytosol by 6 h after uptake, mutant LVS shows a marked lag but does escape by 1 day after uptake. Despite the altered kinetics of phagosome escape, both mutant and parental strains grow to high levels within human macrophages. Thus, the O antigen plays a role in the morphology of uptake in the presence of complement and the kinetics of intracellular growth but is not essential for escape, survival, altered membrane trafficking, or intramacrophage growth.
Inadvertent Entrapment of a Central Venous Catheter by a Purse-String Suture during Cardiopulmonary Bypass: A Case Report
Authors: Anvaripour Abdorasoul , Yazdanian Forouzan , Totonchi Mohammad-Zia , Shahryari Houshang
Published: December 2011

A 65-year-old female patient with severe mitral valve stenosis plus coronary artery disease was scheduled for mitral valve replacement and 2-vessel coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgeries simultaneously. After a successful procedure, resistance was met on a CVC withdrawal. During postoperative fluoroscopy, fixation of the catheter at the heart was confirmed which necessitated reopening the chest, cutting the suture, and removing the catheter. When a catheter became hard to withdraw after open heart surgery, we should never withdraw it forcefully and blindly. Although rare, one should consider inadvertent entrapment of CVC by a suture as the possible cause.
Diffraction Measurements and Equilibrium Parameters
Authors: Sipachev Victor A.
Published: December 2011

Structural studies are largely performed without taking into account vibrational effects or with incorrectly taking them into account. The paper presents a first‐order perturbation theory analysis of the problem. It is shown that vibrational effects introduce errors on the order of 0.02 Å or larger (sometimes, up to 0.1‐0.2 Å) into the results of diffraction measurements. Methods for calculating the mean rotational constants, mean‐square vibrational amplitudes, vibrational corrections to internuclear distances, and asymmetry parameters are described. Problems related to low‐frequency motions, including torsional motions that transform into free rotation at low excitation levels, are discussed. The algorithms described are implemented in the program available from the author (free).
Validation of Hepascore as a Predictor of Liver Fibrosis in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C Infection
Authors: Kalantari Hamid , Hoseini Hannan , Babak Anahita , Yaran Majid
Published: December 2011

Introduction. Liver biopsy is an invasive determinator for hepatic fibrosis. Serum biomarkers can probably be used as an alternative to liver biopsy in assessment of the degree of fibrosis in patients with chronic Hepatitis C. Method. Eighty patients with chronic Hepatitis C were included in the study using simple nonrandom sampeling metod. After fulfillment of liver biopsy, the patients were categorized according to the METAVIR Scoring system. The Hepascore algorithm is computed based on age, sex, and the serum levels of total bilirubin, -glutamyl transferase, 2-Macroglobulin, and hyaluronic acid. The spearman and ROC tests were used. Results. According to the liver biopsy results, 12, 25, 20, 7 and 16 patients had F0, F1, F2, F3, and F4, respectively. With regard to the 0.34 cut-off point Hepascore had 67%, 56%, 64%, and 56% sensitivity, specificity, respectively, positive prediction value (PPV), and negative prediction value (NPV), respectively, for diagnosis of significant fibrosis. For a Hepascore cut-off point 0.61, sensitivity, specificity, respectively, PPV and NPB 82%, 86%, 70%, and 92% in diagnosis of severe fibrosis. For a Hepascore cut-off point 0.84, sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPB were respectively 100%, 97%, 89%, and 100% for diagnosis of cirrhosis. Conclusion. Hepascore has a high value in diagnosis of the level of fibrosis, particularly cirrhosis. Therefore, it can be used for primary screening of patients to determine the need for liver biopsy.
Treatment-Related Protein Biomarker Expression Differs between Primary and Recurrent Ovarian Carcinomas
Authors: Zajchowski Deborah A. , Karlan Beth Y. , Shawver Laura K.
Published: December 2011

The molecular characteristics of recurrent ovarian cancers following chemotherapy treatment have been poorly characterized. Such knowledge could impact salvage therapy selection. Since 2008, we have profiled 168 patients' ovarian cancers to determine the expression of proteins that may predict chemotherapy response or are targets for drugs that are in clinical trials for ovarian cancer treatment. Expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), HER2, VEGF, ER, c-Met, IGF1R, Ki67, COX2, PGP/MDR1, BCRP, MRP1, excision repair complementation group 1 (ERCC1), MGMT, TS, RRM1, TOPO1, TOP2A, and SPARC was measured by immunohistochemical analyses at Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments–certified laboratories. Our univariate analysis of 56 primary and 50 recurrent tumors from patients with advanced stage ovarian serous carcinoma revealed that PGP and ERCC1 were significantly upregulated in recurrent lesions (P < 0.05). To determine whether these or any of the other markers were differentially expressed in specimens obtained from the same individual at diagnosis and at recurrence, we analyzed 43 matched tumor specimens from 19 advanced stage ovarian carcinoma patients. We confirmed the expression differences in PGP and ERCC1 that were observed in the cohort analysis but discovered that the expression levels of BCRP, RRM1, and COX2 were also discordant in more than 40% of the matched tumor specimens. These results may have implications both for the use of biomarkers in therapy selection as well as for their discovery and validation. Expression of these and other candidate response biomarkers must be evaluated in much larger studies and, if confirmed, support the need for profiling of recurrent tumor specimens in future clinical trials. Mol Cancer Ther; 11(2); 492–502. ©2011 AACR.
Preliminary comp arison of helical tomotherapy and mixed beams of unmodulated electrons and intensity modulated radiation therapy for treating superficial cancers of the parotid gland and nasal cavity
Authors: Blasi Olivier , Fontenot Jonas D , Fields Robert S , Gibbons John P , Hogstrom Kenneth R
Published: December 2011

Background and Purpose

To investigate combining unmodulated electron beams with intensity-modulated radiation therapy to improve dose distributions for superficial head and neck cancers, and to compare mixed beam plans with helical tomotherapy.

Materials and methods

Mixed beam and helical tomotherapy dose plans were developed for two patients with parotid gland tumors and two patients with nasal cavity tumors. Mixed beam plans consisted of various weightings of a enface electron beam and IMRT, which was optimized after calculation of the electron dose to compensate for heterogeneity in the electron dose distribution within the target volume.

Results

Helical tomotherapy plans showed dose conformity and homogeneity in the target volume that was equal to or better than the mixed beam plans. Electron-only plans tended to show the lowest doses to normal tissues, but with markedly worse dose conformity and homogeneity than in the other plans. However, adding a 20% IMRT dose fraction (i.e., IMRT:electron weighting = 1:4) to the electron plan restored target conformity and homogeneity to values comparable to helical tomotherapy plans, while maintaining lower normal tissue dose.

Conclusions

Mixed beam treatments offer some dosimetric advantages over IMRT or helical tomotherapy for target depths that do not exceed the useful range of the electron beam. Adding a small IMRT component (e.g., IMRT:electron weighting = 1:4) to electron beam plans markedly improved target dose homogeneity and conformity for the cases examined in this study.
Transforming waste bio-mass to novel grafted copolymer
Authors: Chauhan Ashish , Kaith Balbir
Published: December 2011

Hibiscus sabdariffa (Roselle) is a cellulose rich (73.9%) waste bio-mass found in abundance through-out the world. It has light weight and high tensile strength that promotes its use as backbone for graft copolymerization. Various reaction parameters for the graft copolymerization were optimized to use it with effective monomer individually and then in binary vinyl monomeric mixtures, to explore the additive effect of comonomers on percentage grafting, properties and the behavior of fiber. The graft co-polymers were characterized by XRD, TGA, DTA, SEM and FTIR techniques and evaluated for physico-chemical changes like moisture absorption, swelling behavior, dye uptake studies and chemical resistance. With increase in percentage grafting, the percentage crystallinity, crystallinity index, hydrophilicity were reduced whereas an increase in physico-chemico-thermal resistance, hydrophobicity, miscibility with organic solvents improved.
Nonlinear analysis of Reinforced Concrete Columns with Fiber Reinforced Polymer Bars
Authors: Lotfy Ehab
Published: December 2011

To study the behavior of reinforced concrete columns with GFRP, the results of an analytical investigation on the behavior of RC columns reinforced with fiber reinforced polymer bars FRP are presented and discussed. Nonlinear finite element analysis on 10-column specimens was achieved by using ANSYS software. The nonlinear finite element analysis program ANSYS is utilised owing to its capabilities to predict either the response of reinforced concrete columns in the post-elastic range or the ultimate strength of a reinforced concrete columns reinforced by FRP bars. An extensive set of parameters is investigated including different main reinforcement ratios, main reinforcement types (GFRP, Steel), the transverse reinforcement ratios, and the characteristic compressive strength of concrete. A comparison between the experimental results and those predicted by the existing models are presented. Results and conclusions may be useful for designers, have been raised, and represented.
The first skiff beetle (Coleoptera: Myxophaga: Hydroscaphidae) from Early Cretaceous Jehol Biota
Authors: Cai Chenyang , Short Andrew E. Z. , Huang Diying
Published: December 2011

The first skiff beetle fossil and earliest myxophagan,Hydroscapha jeholensisn. sp., is described and illustrated on the basis of a single specimen from the Lower Cretaceous Yixian Formation at Huangbanjigou of Beipiao City, Liaoning Province, Northeastern China. Based on the combination of diagnostic characters of this specimen (e.g., minute and fusiform body, short elytra, tapered abdomen, separated meso- and metacoxae, and 3-segmented tarsi), we suggest that it is a definitive representative of Hydroscaphidae belonging to the widespread hydroscaphid genusHydroscaphaLeConte, 1874. It also represents the only impression fossil of the beetle suborder Myxophaga. This find displays great significance for shedding light on the preservation of the minute aquatic beetles, since it is the first well-preserved impression fossil reported for the suborder, rather than amber inclusion.
Intelligent Estimation of Downhole Pressure Using a Simple Hydraulic Model
Authors: Kaasa G. , Stamnes O. N. , Imsland L. , Aamo O. M.
Published: December 2011

An essential part of an automated MPD control system is the hydraulic model, which in many cases is the limiting factor for achievable accuracy of the system. A lot of effort has therefore been put into developing advanced hydraulic models that capture all aspects of the drilling fluid hydraulics. However, a main drawback is the resulting complexity of these models, which require expert knowledge to set up and calibrate, making it a high-end solution.

In practice, much of the complexity does not contribute to improve the overall accuracy of the pressure estimate, simply because conditions in the well changes during MPD operations, and there are not enough measurements to keep all of the parameter of an advanced model calibrated.

We will demonstrate that a simplified hydraulic model based on basic fluid dynamics is able to capture the dominating hydraulics of an MPD system. Furthermore, we will demonstrate that by applying algorithms for online parameter estimation, similar to those used in advanced control systems in the automotive and aerospace industry, the model can be calibrated automatically using existing measurements to achieve a level of accuracy comparable to that of an advanced hydraulic model. The results are demonstrated using field data from MPD operations in the North Sea, and dedicated experiments obtainedat a full-scale drilling rig in Stavanger.
An Evaluation of Alternative Procedures for Measuring Horizontal Inequity
Authors: Iyer Govind S. , Seetharaman Ananth
Published: December 2011

In this study we evaluate the strengths and limitations of three distinct methods for measuring horizontal inequity (HI): the coefficient of variation method, the rankpreservation method, and the decomposition method. By way of illustrating the alternative measures, we assess the equity characteristics of three proposed flat tax systems. We conclude that the rank preservation and decomposition methods, while subject to certain limitations, yield HI indices that are more meaningful and convenient than the popular coefficient of variation technique. Preliminary results indicate that the current U.S. individual income tax system yields less HI than any flat tax proposal. Among the flat tax proposals, the rank preservation and decomposition methods show that the Armey proposal yields the least HI. We also document that the flat tax proposal that yields the most horizontal equity yields the least vertical equity, and vice versa, suggesting an inherent trade-off between the goals of horizontal and vertical equity for the flat tax.
The Interrelationship between Estimated Tax Payments and Taxpayer Compliance
Authors: Feltham Glenn D. , Paquette Suzanne M.
Published: December 2011

This paper examines taxpayers' compliance behavior and the tax agency's audit decision in a broader, more realistic, setting. Whereas prior research has taken the taxpayer's prepayment position as exogenous, this study extends the literature by incorporating the estimated tax payment decision into a tax compliance game. A two-period game-theoretic model is used to examine the effect that the estimated tax payment rules have on taxpayers' incentives to evade and on the tax agency's audit strategy.

Our primary results are as follows. First, in equilibrium taxpayers' estimated tax payment decision will depend upon the uncertainty about their true tax liability, and the cost from overpayment (the taxpayer's cost of capital) or underpayment (penalty interest) of installments of estimated tax. Second, under reasonable assumptions, high-type taxpayers who make higher installments of estimated tax are less likely to lie about their level of income than those who make lower installments—that is, taxpayers who pay low are more likely to evade. Third, the tax agency audits taxpayers who have made low reports and low estimated tax payments with a higher probability than those who have made high estimated tax payments. The gain to the tax agency from auditing taxpayers who make lower payments and evade arises not only from the penalties charged for evasion, but also from the interest charged on deficient installments of estimated tax.
Effects of ischemia and reperfusion on production of nitrotyrosine, activation of eosinophils, and apoptosis in the large colonic mucosa of horses
Authors: Grosche Astrid , Freeman David E. , Morton Alison J. , Polyak Maximilian M. R. , Matyjaszek Sarah A.
Published: December 2011

Objective—To assess the effects of ischemia and reperfusion on indicators of oxidative stress, activation of eosinophils, and apoptosis in the large colonic mucosa of horses.

Animals—40 horses.

Procedures—In 1 or two 20-cm-long segments of the pelvic flexure, ischemia was induced for 1 or 2 hours followed by no reperfusion or 30 minutes and 18 hours of reperfusion in anesthetized horses. Mucosal specimens were collected before (controls; n = 20 horses) and after each period of ischemia, and full-thickness tissue samples were collected after each period of reperfusion. Sections of colonic tissues were stained for histomorphometric analysis or assessment of eosinophil accumulation. Nitrotyrosine was identified immunohistochemically, and severity of apoptosis was determined via the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase–mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick-end labeling method.

Results—Numbers of mucosal eosinophils were similar before induction of ischemia, after ischemia, and after ischemia-reperfusion. Eosinophil nitrotyrosine production increased significantly during ischemia and continued through 30 minutes of reperfusion; production was decreased at 18 hours of reperfusion but remained greater than that of the controls. In other leukocytes, nitrotyrosine generation peaked at 1 hour of ischemia and again at 18 hours of reperfusion. Compared with control findings, epithelial apoptosis increased gradually at 1 through 2 hours of ischemia with no further progression after reperfusion.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggested that resident eosinophils in the large colon of horses react to mucosal injury from ischemia and reperfusion and may undergo oxidative stress under those conditions. Epithelial apoptosis could contribute to tissue damage.
Road Traffic Parameters Measuring System with Variable Structure
Authors: Burnos Piotr , Gajda Janusz , Marszałek Zbigniew , Piwowar Piotr , Sroka Ryszard , Stencel Marek , Żegleń Tadeusz
Published: December 2011

Road Traffic Parameters Measuring System with Variable Structure

Systems of road traffic parameters measurement play a key role in the process of road traffic control, its supervision as well as in gathering and processing information for statistical purposes. Expectations of users of such systems mainly concern automation and provision of measurement continuity, possibility of selection of the measured road traffic parameters and high accuracy along with reliability of obtained results. In order to meet the requirements set for such systems, at the Department of Instrumentation and Measurement of the AGH University of Science and Technology in Cracow a new prototype system of road traffic parameters measurement - Traffic-1 - has been constructed. The innovativeness of the solution is manifested in the structure of the system that can be modified by the user adequately to current measurement needs and in the used algorithms of signals processing. The work contains a brief description of the constructed system with particular focus on the used innovations that are the result of many years of research work of the designers.