bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Budget Woes
Authors: Chen Irene
Published: December 2011

A small group of technology application teachers and campus IT specialists exchanged ideas about how the latest round of budget cuts might impact their jobs and technology on campus in general. Issues brought up included how schools “can do it all cheaper” if more online courses are added, how dual credit courses–that count both for high school graduation requirements and college credits–are becoming popular among families with much smaller tuition budgets, how teachers have to wait for 6-8 years for new computers instead of 4-5, how campus Web sites are out-dated due to lack of maintenance fees, and how campus instructional technologists are too busy fixing obsolete computers and equipment.
Technology Use on My Campus
Authors: Ramirez Diana
Published: December 2011

Ms. Gonzalez, librarian/media specialist of an urban high school, is asked to prepare a presentation to explain the results of her study of the current status of technology use to a panel of campus stakeholders. The goal of the presentation is to inform the panel of stakeholders so they can develop a plan to further implement the use of technology as a teaching and learning tool on campus.
Social Networks
Authors: Tran Ngochoai
Published: December 2011

Mr. Taylor, a new and techno savvy teacher, stays connected by maintaining his own social network pages. However, after seeing that other students were using his social network page as a medium for negativity, gossip, inappropriate conversations, and unsuitable remarks, he questioned its continued use as a helpful teaching tool for those utilizing it appropriately.
ISO 19906: An International Standard for Arctic Offshore Structures
Authors: Blanchet D. , Spring W. , McKenna R.F. , Thomas G.A.N.
Published: December 2011

In 2000, the International Standards Organisation (ISO) approved the development of an International Standard for Arctic Offshore Structures. Canada, having active committees in place for such an activity, took the initiative to propose and coordinate the new work item to ISO. In response to the Canadian initiative, in 2002 the ISO Technical Committee 67 (TC67), Sub-Committee 7 (SC7 - Offshore Structures) approved the development of a new standardentitled " Petroleum and natural gas industries - Arctic offshore structures??. In addition, the developers of the new standard were tasked with the secondary objective to harmonise existing international offshore codes and standards related to Arctic structures.

SC7 established Working Group 8 (WG8) in response to this approval and WG8 held its first meeting in July 2002, in Toronto, Canada. All countries with regions in ice covered waters, or with an interest in these regions, were requested to provide country representatives and technical experts to staff both WG8 and the Technical Panels formed by WG8 to actually prepare the document.

The technical work was initiated in 2003 and the completed document, ISO 19906 Arctic Offshore Structures, is scheduled to be approved by the ISO member countries in late 2010.

The approved Standard specifies requirements and provides recommendations and guidance for the design, construction, transportation, installation, and removal of offshore structures, related to petroleum and natural gas activities in arctic and cold regions. The objective of the document is to ensure that offshore structures in arctic and cold regions provide an appropriate level of reliability with respect to personnel safety and environmental protection to the owner and to society in general. While the document does not apply specifically to mobile offshore drilling units, the procedures relating to ice actions and ice management contained herein are applicable to the assessment of such units.

This paper provides a brief history of the document preparation as it relates to country and industry involvement, development of technical input, editing and review processes undertaken and acceptance of the document by ISO and its participating members.

Background and incentive

By 2000, several factors emerged that together provided the incentive for the development of a new and global standard for arctic offshore structures. The formation of an international working group was proposed to develop an International Standard which would harmonise existing regional and national codes and standards and also update the provisions to include the latest agreed knowledge and technologies. Countries participating in WG8 agreed to view the new ISO Standard as a replacement for their existing codes and standards.
Drillship Heating and Ventilating Challenges in Arctic Environments
Authors: Brittin Scott , Browning Al , Barr Aaron , Davis Joe , McHardy Charles , Choo Keumdae , Hwang Yoonsik , Kang Jungsoo
Published: December 2011

A drilling contractor has collaborated and consulted with several major operators, engineering firms, a classification society, and a shipyard to develop the design and specifications for a mobile offshore drilling unit capable of working in both Arctic and tropical environments. Significant design challenges in the area of heating and ventilation were identified and existing known solutions for exclusively Arctic based vessels were found to be inadequate for a drillshipoperating over this range of conditions. This paper will explain how a suitable design approach was developed that satisfies the range of temperatures and other ancillary ambient environmental and HSE issues associated with such a wide range of operational requirements.

Background

Arctic operations will subject the hull and industrial systems to icy and ice covered waters with design air temperatures as low as −40°C, while off season operations outside of the Arctic regions require accommodation of warm waters and an ambient air temperature of as high as +38°C.

For the ship's crew to be able to operate effectively and safely in the winter extreme cold temperature, the design team determined that normally manned areas must be enclosed and heated to a minimum of at least +5°C.

Enclosing most areas does not create significant design problems; however, this paper will cover environmental challenges discovered for storm conditions and in enclosed areas on the rig subjected to cyclic changes in air pressure and temperature and how these issues were resolved.

Results, Observations, and Conclusions

Given the two extremes of severe winter and tropical conditions, the severe winter case was found to be the driving factor in developing a workable design, with limited heating capacity and while also meeting the Class required air exchange rates. These sometimes conflicting objectives have been addressed and resolved successfully after consideration and development of the methods described herein.

Significance of Subject Matter

D ue to seasonal limitations for drilling operations in Arctic offshore waters, the economics of the current offshore market require a vessel that is also capable of working in mild to tropical conditions in annual off-season periods. High standards for crew habitability, ergonomics, and HSE have been applied to meet modern expectations.
Dynamically Positioned Vessels in the Arctic: A Comprehensive Research and Development Program for the Key Technologies
Authors: Wassink Alain
Published: December 2011

Offshore oil and gas operations in the arctic poses large challenges for the design of dynamically positioned vessels intended to perform these operations. In general, extreme temperatures, harsh environmental conditions, severe ice loads, a vulnerable ecological environment, lack of infrastructure and stringent but regionally different regulatory requirements are amongst those challenges. In particular, dynamically positioned vessels will be confronted with a new and complex factor: sea ice. Current dynamic positioning systems and control models do not incorporate the influence and prediction of sea ice on vessel movements and therefore have difficulties in applying thruster compensation. Although significant knowledge is available from various sectors in the offshore industry and the commercial shipping industry there are numerous technology gaps which need to be addressed to be able to enable the use of dynamically positioned offshore units for the arctic. A three year systematic research and development program has been initiated to develop the knowledge and technologies needed and to apply them to typical designs to be offered to the offshore industry for arctic operations. This program is initiated from the complete range of required design input and technology required for designing a dynamically positioned offshore unit rather than focus on individual technology subjects. It aims to integrate all individual technologies to enable design and construction dynamically positioned vessels for arctic operations. This paper presents the outline of the program.

Introduction

Maritime Innovation Program

The Maritime Innovation Program (Maritiem Innovatie Programma, MIP) is a program to support innovation and technology development in the Dutch maritime cluster and is sponsored by the Dutch government. Offshore oil and gas operations in extreme conditions is one of the key strategic areas presented in this program. Research on the Arctic environmental conditions for new developments in the Arctic, as well as installation and maintenance technology for Arctic conditions are mentioned as key priorities within the strategy agenda of this Program in 2009.
Preparations Required for Switching to Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel in Marine Propulsion and onboard Auxiliary Engines
Authors: Scherz D. Braxton , Flagstad-Andersen Eivind , Fjell Christian , Ackerman Brian
Published: December 2011

Arctic Ocean environments are quite delicate, and shipping in Arctic regions has been very limited. Although ships are the most efficient means of cargo transport from an air quality perspective, they are never the less considered large point sources of CO2 and GHG emissions. Recognizing this, local far north Alaskan air quality requirements have called for the use of Ultra Low Sulfur diesel (ULSD) fuels to lessen SOx emissions from engine driven main propulsion systems and other onboard auxiliary machinery. ULSD (limited to 15 ppm or 0.0015% sulfur) exceeds all current requirements for marine diesel fuels to be burned in the proposed Emissions Control Areas worldwide.

There is a price to pay for burning ULSD, as the physical properties of the diesel fuel are changed during the sulfur removal process. In addition, end-product fuel analysis varies depending upon the sulfur content in the feed stock, and the oil refinery used to produce ULSD. Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel is known to have caused engine and component malfunctions due to decreased lubricity, viscosity, and other compositional incompatibilities. This paper (referencing a recently completed project) will highlight the methodology used to prepare a ship for the switch from Marine Gas Oil to ULSD.

Introduction

Dry docked in the Philippines, a drill ship was undergoing extensive upgrading to ready it for service in Alaskan waters. The proven rig was ideally suited to the location where it was to operate and therefore, an investment decision was made to renew steel, machinery, and all equipment, required for the voyage. The original main diesel engine was to provide the propulsion power for the trip. Electrical power was to be provided by several large Caterpiller diesel engines located in a separate machinery space forward of the centrally located drilling rig. Because of the air quality restrictions in the working area, preparations were being made for the loading and use of Ultra Low Sulphur Diesel (ULSD) in the main propulsion and other auxiliary diesel engine systems. ULSD is known to have caused engine and component malfunctions due to decreased lubricity, viscosity, and other compositional incompatibilities.

The OEM no longer supported the main propulsion engine (although third party support was available), and there was little original, fuel system technical documentation remaining on-board. It wasn't well understood how the main diesel engine would handle the switch over to ULSD. There were also questions regarding several of the auxiliary engines too. For this reason, DNV was invited to perform a risk assessment (RA) on behalf of the vessel charterer to better understand the impact of switching from Marine Gas Oil to USLD. The objective of the exercise was to assess the risk, identify mitigating procedures, and inform the officers and crew.
Efficient Combination of Numerical Simulations and Ice Basin Testing in the Design Process of Moored Structures in Ice
Authors: Jensen A. , Bonnemaire B. , Lundamo T. , Ravndal O.
Published: December 2011

The use of moored structures in ice infested waters is of relevance for the exploration or the exploitation of hydrocarbon fields in arctic waters. The assessment of the impact of ice actions in the design process is challenging as the ice actions and the structural response will differ for a moored structure. Further, design criteria may be given by severe and complex scenarios resulting from the interaction with intact level ice and ice ridges in variable ice drift.

Ice model testing is an important part in the design process of a moored structure designed to operate in ice infested waters. The ice basin tests allow the measurement of the structure response to complex ice interactions. However, the conditions achieved in the ice tank can deviate from the target full scale scenario. Some structural parameters may not be replicated fully (for instance mooring forces on the structure), and the achieved ice conditions at the instant of the testing may deviate partially from the target ones (it is challenging to scale several ice parameters at the same time resulting in distorted ice properties).

A numerical model was developed to simulate the response in real time of moored structures to drifting level and ridged ice. The engine simulates ice actions of the structure including sub-surface ice transport of broken ice around and under the structure. The response of the structure is computed accounting for non-linear effects in the time domain.

The most promising use of these modeling capabilities is the possibility to correct and update ice basin measurements for the deviations between the achieved and target interaction scenarios:The tests performed in the ice basin are simulated numerically. A numerical model of the test setup needs to be built (of the structure, the mooring and the achieved ice conditions). By comparing the simulated and measured response, the numerical model can be calibrated and validated.Numerical simulation of the target scenarios: A numerical model of the target design setup is built, and the response of the structure to full-scale target ice interactions is then estimated.

The numerical simulation of the target scenarios represents then the corrected ice basin measurements accounting for all deviations. The simulated response will be used further in the design process, with a confidence based on the quality of the calibration exercise.
Tissue plasminogen activator versus heparin for locking dialysis catheters: A systematic review
Authors: Firwana Belal M , Hasan Rim , Ferwana Mazen , Varon Joseph , Stern Aaron , Gidwani Umesh
Published: December 2011

Background and Objectives: Hemodialysis catheters are commonly used when renal replacement therapy is initiated. These catheters have significant complications. Among "locking" solutions used in an attempt to decrease these complications is recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA). This systematic review is to determine the efficacy of rt-PA versus heparin, the standard of care. Materials and Methods: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials studying rt-PA alone or rt-PA plus heparin versus heparin alone as locking agents for hemodialysis catheters, which included patients needed a temporary hemodialysis catheter for hemodialysis. We identified relevant trials through electronic databases and correspondence with experts. Two investigators independently reviewed potentially eligible trials and extracted data. Results: Three trials met the inclusion criteria. One trial reported an improved catheter malfunctioning in patients using rt-PA plus heparin to lock catheters (20.0%) versus heparin alone (34.8%). Another trial reported higher blood flow rate in hemodialysis catheters in patients who received rt-PA (231.6 ± 12.4 mL/min) compared with those who received heparin (206.9 mL/min). The third trial reported formation and weight of clots which were decreased by half in rt-PA group versus heparin group. Conclusions: In the few randomized trials that met our inclusion criteria, the use of rt-PA as a locking solution for hemodialysis catheters seems to be associated with fewer adverse events and catheter malfunctioning as compared with heparin. Our systematic review is limited by the few randomized trials addressing our question and the wide variety of outcome measures. Further prospective randomized trials are needed to confirm this conclusion.
Alteration in pulmonary perfusion due to iatrogenic pulmonary vein stenosis: A mimicker of pulmonary embolism
Authors: Ostwani Wesam , Arabi Mohammad
Published: December 2011

Iatrogenic pulmonary vein stenosis (PVS) is a known, yet rare, complication of atrial radiofrequency ablation. Alterations in pulmonary perfusion may mimic massive pulmonary embolism on a ventilation/perfusion (V/Q) scintigraphy. This is particularly important due to the overlap in presenting clinical symptoms. The present case illustrates the functional significance of PVS and the changes in perfusion in response to angioplasty.
Solar response in tropical stratospheric ozone: a 3-D chemical transport model study using ERA reanalyses
Authors: Dhomse S. , Chipperfield M. P. , Feng W. , Haigh J. D.
Published: December 2011

Abstract. We have used an off-line 3-D chemical transport model (CTM) to investigate the 11-yr solar cycle response in tropical stratospheric ozone. The model is forced with European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) (re)analysis (ERA-40/operational and ERA-Interim) data for the 1979–2005 time period. We have compared the modelled solar response in ozone to observation-based data sets that are constructed using satellite instruments such as Total Ozone Mapping Spectrometer (TOMS), Solar Backscatter UltraViolet instrument (SBUV), Stratospheric Aerosol and Gas Experiment (SAGE) and Halogen Occultation Experiment (HALOE). A significant difference is seen between simulated and observed ozone during the 1980s, which is probably due to inhomogeneities in the ERA-40 reanalyses. In general, the model with ERA-Interim dynamics shows better agreement with the observations from 1990 onwards than with ERA-40. Overall both standard model simulations are partially able to simulate a "double peak"-structured ozone solar response with a minimum around 30 km, and these are in better agreement with HALOE than SAGE-corrected SBUV (SBUV/SAGE) or SAGE-based data sets. In the tropical lower stratosphere (TLS), the modelled solar response with time-varying aerosols is amplified through aliasing with a volcanic signal, as the model overestimates ozone loss during high aerosol loading years. However, the modelled solar response with fixed dynamics and constant aerosols shows a positive signal which is in better agreement with SBUV/SAGE and SAGE-based data sets in the TLS. Our model simulations suggests that photochemistry contributes to the ozone solar response in this region. The largest model-observation differences occur in the upper stratosphere where SBUV/SAGE and SAGE-based data show a significant (up to 4%) solar response whereas the standard model and HALOE do not. This is partly due to a positive solar response in the ECMWF upper stratospheric temperatures which reduces the modelled ozone signal. The large positive upper stratospheric solar response seen in SBUV/SAGE and SAGE-based data can be reproduced in model runs with fixed dynamical fields (i.e. no inter-annual meteorological changes). As these runs effectively assume no long-term temperature changes (solar-induced or otherwise), it should provide an upper limit of the ozone solar response. Overall, full quantification of the solar response in stratospheric ozone is limited by differences in the observed data sets and by uncertainties in the solar response in stratospheric temperatures.
Interpreting elevated space-borne HCHO columns over the Mediterranean Sea using the OMI sensor
Authors: Sabolis A. , Meskhidze N. , Curci G. , Palmer P. I. , Gantt B.
Published: December 2011

Abstract. Formaldehyde (HCHO) is an oxidation product of a wide range of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and important atmospheric constituent found in both the polluted urban atmosphere and remote background sites. In this study, remotely sensed data of HCHO vertical column densities are analyzed over the Mediterranean Sea using the Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI). Data analysis indicates a marked seasonal cycle with a summer maximum and winter minimum confined to the marine environment during a three year period (2005–2007) examined. A possible retrieval artifact associated with Saharan dust transport over the region is explored by changing intensity of Saharan dust sources in GEOS-Chem following the recommendation of Generoso et al. (2008). Recalculated air mass factors (AMF), based on the new values of aerosol loadings, lead to a reduction of the summertime "hot spot" in OMI retrieval of HCHO vertical columns over the Mediterranean Sea; however, even after the correction, enhanced values are still present in this region. To explain these values, marine biogenic sources of VOCs are examined. Calculations indicate that emission of phytoplankton-produced isoprene is not likely to explain the enhanced HCHO vertical columns over the Mediterranean Sea. Model simulations in conjunction with measurements studies may be required to fully explore the complex mechanism of HCHO formation over the Mediterranean and its implications for the air quality in the region.
Operational considerations to improve total ozone measurements with a Microtops II ozone monitor
Authors: Gómez-Amo J. L. , Estellés V. , di Sarra A. , Pedrós R. , Utrillas M. P. , Martínez- Lozano J. A. , González-Frias C. , Kyrö E. , Vilaplana J. M.
Published: December 2011

Abstract. A Microtops II "ozone monitor" with UV channels centered at 305.5, 312.5, and 320 nm has been used routinely in six experimental campaigns carried out in several geographic locations and seasons, covering latitudes from 35 to 68° N during the last ten years (2001–2011). The total ozone content is retrieved by Microtops II by using different combinations (Channel I, 305.5/312.5 nm; Channel II, 312.5/320 nm; and Channel III, 305.5/312.5/320 nm) of the signals at the three ultraviolet wavelengths. When a calibration was used and the airmass limit was fixed to 3, Microtops II produce mean relative deviations with respect to the Brewer of 0.1, −11, and 8% respectively for the Channel I, Channel II, and Channel III retrieval. The performance of the Microtops retrieval has been stable during the last ten years. Channel I represents the best option to determine the instantaneous total ozone content. Channel II and III values appear weakly sensitive to temperature, ozone content, and aerosols. Channel II is more stable than Channel I for airmasses larger than 2.6. The conclusions do not show any dependence on latitude and season.
Global variation of meteor trail plasma turbulence
Authors: Dyrud L. P. , Urbina J. , Fentzke J. T. , Hibbit E. , Hinrichs J.
Published: December 2011

Abstract. We present the first global simulations on the occurrence of meteor trail plasma irregularities. These results seek to answer the following questions: when a meteoroid disintegrates in the atmosphere, will the resulting trail become plasma turbulent? What are the factors influencing the development of turbulence? and how do these trails vary on a global scale? Understanding meteor trail plasma turbulence is important because turbulent meteor trails are visible as non-specular trails to coherent radars. Turbulence also influences the evolution of specular radar meteor trails; this fact is important for the inference of mesospheric temperatures from the trail diffusion rates, and their usage for meteor burst communication. We provide evidence of the significant effect that neutral atmospheric winds and ionospheric plasma density have on the variability of meteor trail evolution and on the observation of non-specular meteor trails. We demonstrate that trails are far less likely to become and remain turbulent in daylight, explaining several observational trends for non-specular and specular meteor trails.
Annual layering in the NGRIP ice core during the Eemian
Authors: Svensson A. , Bigler M. , Kettner E. , Dahl-Jensen D. , Johnsen S. , Kipfstuhl S. , Nielsen M. , Steffensen J. P.
Published: December 2011

Abstract. The Greenland NGRIP ice core continuously covers the period from present day back to 123 ka before present, which includes several thousand years of ice from the previous interglacial period, MIS 5e or the Eemian. In the glacial part of the core, annual layers can be identified from impurity records and visual stratigraphy, and stratigraphic layer counting has been performed back to 60 ka. In the deepest part of the core, however, the ice is close to the pressure melting point, the visual stratigraphy is dominated by crystal boundaries, and annual layering is not visible to the naked eye. In this study, we apply a newly developed setup for high-resolution ice core impurity analysis to produce continuous records of dust, sodium and ammonium concentrations as well as conductivity of melt water. We analyzed three 2.2 m sections of ice from the Eemian and the glacial inception. In all of the analyzed ice, annual layers can clearly be recognized, most prominently in the dust and conductivity profiles. Part of the samples is, however, contaminated in dust, most likely from drill liquid. It is interesting that the annual layering is preserved despite a very active crystal growth and grain boundary migration in the deep and warm NGRIP ice. Based on annual layer counting of the new records, we determine a mean annual layer thickness close to 11 mm for all three sections, which, to first order, confirms the modeled NGRIP time scale (ss09sea). The counting does, however, suggest a longer duration of the climatically warmest part of the NGRIP record (MIS5e) of up to 1 ka as compared to the model estimate. Our results suggest that stratigraphic layer counting is possible basically throughout the entire NGRIP ice core, provided sufficiently highly-resolved profiles become available.
Correlation of Greenland ice-core isotope profiles and the terrestrial record of the Alpine Rhine glacier for the period 32–15 ka
Authors: De Jong M. G. G. , de Graaff L. W. S. , Seijmonsbergen A. C. , Böhm A. R.
Published: December 2011

Abstract. We present a newly extended stratigraphic subdivision of the Greenland NGRIP, GRIP and GISP2 ice cores for the period 32–15 ka. Our classification emphasizes the multiscale nature of the climatic oscillations. Spectral trend analysis of isotopic data supports this interpretation. We compare this time series with the stratigraphy of the last major Pleistocene (Weichselian, Würmian) glaciation in the area of the Rhine glacier (Germany and Austria) as chronicled by a detailed inventory of landforms and deposits, dated in part with 14C analyses, and their interpretation in terms of climate change. Both time series show a major climatic oscillation, consisting of a colder period (glaciation) followed by a warmer period (deglaciation). The available dates allow the time of change, at 23.4 ka, to be correlated between the two. Pattern analysis clearly indicates that higher-order oscillations were superimposed on the major oscillation in both areas, emphasizing the multiscale nature of the underlying pattern of climate change. The correlation between the two areas is sufficiently good to propose that the pattern of climate change was synchronous (within the available time resolution) between Greenland and the Rhine glacier area. Comparison of our results with other high resolution climate proxies is expected to further improve the understanding of the climate changes during the Late Weichselian.
Potential inundation of Lisbon downtown by a 1755-like tsunami
Authors: Baptista M. A. , Miranda J. M. , Omira R. , Antunes C.
Published: December 2011

Abstract. In this study, we present 10 m resolution tsunami flooding maps for Lisbon downtown and the Tagus estuary. To compute these maps we use the present bathymetry and topographic maps and a reasonable estimate for the maximum credible tsunami scenario. Tsunami modeling was made with a non-linear shallow water model using four levels of nested grids. The tsunami flood is discussed in terms of flow depth, run-up height and maximum inundation area. The results show that, even today, in spite of the significant morphologic changes in the city river front after the 1755 earthquake, a similar event would cause tsunami flow depths larger than one meter in a large area along the Tagus estuary and Lisbon downtown. Other areas along the estuary with a high population density would also be strongly affected. The impact of the tide on the extent of tsunami inundation is discussed, due to the large amplitude range of the tide in Lisbon, and compared with the historical descriptions of the 1755 event. The results presented here can be used to identify the potential tsunami inundation areas in Lisbon; this identification comprises a key element of the Portuguese tsunami emergency management system.
The Private University Sector in Argentina: A Limited and Selective Expansion
Authors: Rabossi Marcelo
Published: December 2011

The expansion of the private university market was part of a global trend that grew vigorously at the turn of the twenty first century. Although private demand has long dominated Southeast Asian countries, Latin America has also witnessed a dramatic shift toward non-public options since the early 1990s. However, not all countries in the region reacted alike, and Argentina can be an exception to this global private expansion. In fact, the State is still the dominant actor, fulfilling its role as the main demand-absorber of post-secondary students. In a market where the private sector was not always “welcomed,” the objective is to study the development of the private university market in Argentina, paying special attention to the main particularities of this growth. This dynamic will be studied from an isomorphic approach to understand what have been the main consequences in terms of organizational forms and practices before a dominant and controlling State.
No evidence of non‐homologous insertions in mouse model of MDD created by replacement of homologous mouse DNA sequence with pathogenic 6‐base human CREB1 promoter sequence
Authors: Zubenko George S. , Hughes Hugh B.
Published: December 2011

We have recently reported the creation and initial characterization of the first etiology‐based recombinant mouse model of major depressive disorder (MDD). This was achieved by replacing the corresponding mouse DNA sequence with a 6‐base DNA sequence from the human CREB1 promoter that is associated with the development of MDD in families identified by probands with recurrent, early‐onset MDD. The current study explored whether the desired homologous recombination event at the mouse Creb1 gene that resulted in the creation of the mouse model was also accompanied by insertions of the targeting vector at unintended non‐homologous locations in the mouse genome. No evidence of insertions of targeting vector sequence was observed at regions other than the mouse Creb1 gene. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Micrometer‐scale oxygen delivery rearranges cells and prevents necrosis in tumor tissue in vitro
Authors: Toley Bhushan J. , Park Jaehyun , Kim Byoung‐Jin , Venkatasubramanian Raja , Maharbiz Michel M. , Forbes Neil S.
Published: December 2011

Oxygen availability plays a critical role in cancer progression and is correlated with poor prognosis. Despite this connection, the independent effects of oxygen gradients on tumor tissues have not been measured. To address this, we developed an oxygen delivery device that uses microelectrodes to generate oxygen directly underneath three‐dimensional tumor cylindroids composed of colon carcinoma cells. The extent of cell death was measured using fluorescence staining. Supplying oxygen for 60 h eliminated the necrotic region typically found in the center of cylindroids despite the continued presence of other nutrient gradients. A mathematical model of cylindroid growth showed that the rate of cell death was more sensitive to oxygen than the growth rate. After oxygenation, a ring of dead cells was observed at the outside edge of cylindroids, and dead cells were observed moving outward from cylindroid centers. This movement suggests that dead cells were pushed by viable cells migrating in response to oxygen gradients, a mechanism that may connect transient oxygen gradients to metastasis formation. These measurements show that oxygen gradients are a primary factor governing cell viability and rearrange cells in tumors. © 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2012
Conformational Features and Recognition Properties of a Conformationally Blocked Calix[7]arene Derivative
Authors: Gaeta Carmine , Talotta Carmen , Farina Francesco , Campi Gaetano , Camalli Mercedes , Neri Placido
Published: December 2011

The shaping of a calix[7]arene macrocycle into cone‐like structure 3, through exhaustive alkylation of doubly bridged calix[7]arene derivative 2 with bulky groups, has been investigated. Conformational details about the structure adopted by calix[7]arene derivative 3 in solution have been obtained by using chemical shift surface maps, as previously reported by our group. Thus, chemical shift contour plots indicated that 3 adopted a cone‐shaped structure in solution analogous to that adopted by the known p‐tert‐butylcalix[7]arene heptacarboxylic acid derivative 4. Interestingly, the X‐ray structure of derivative 3 showed a high degree of similarity to the theoretical structure, which confirmed the validity of the contour plots method. The preorganized calix[7]arene host 3 showed interesting recognition abilities toward both organic and alkali cations. In fact, an unprecedented endo‐cavity complexation of linear and branched alkyl ammonium cations with a larger calix[7]arene host was evidenced. A comparable affinity for branched tBuNH3+ and linear nBuNH3+ guests was observed.
Proteome and phosphoproteome of primary cultured pig urothelial cells
Authors: Verma Nisha , Bäuerlein Carolin , Pink Mario , Rettenmeier Albert W. , Schmitz‐Spanke Simone
Published: December 2011

Epithelial tissue lining the inner side of the urinary bladder is the most common target for bladder cancer‐related diseases. Bladders of freshly slaughtered pigs were utilised for a comprehensive analysis of the proteome and phosphoproteome of bladder epithelial cells. Following protein separation by 2‐D gel electrophoresis and identification by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionisation time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF‐MS) the first proteome and phosphoproteome maps of pig urinary bladder epithelial cells (PUBEC) were established. A total of 120 selected protein spots were identified. By using the La3+ enrichment method further developed in our laboratory we identified 31 phosphoproteins with minimal contamination by non‐phosphopeptides. The 2‐DE map of pig urothelial cells may prove as a useful tool for studies on uroepithelial biology, and the analysed phosphoproteins expression pattern, together with the whole cell proteome, will be helpful for identifying the proteins involved in bladder‐related diseases.
Evaluation of non‐reductive β‐elimination/Michael addition for glycosylation site determination in mucin‐like O‐glycopeptides
Authors: Halfinger Bernhard , Sarg Bettina , Lindner Herbert H.
Published: December 2011

Investigation of site‐specific protein O‐glycosylation remains a formidable task in post‐translational modification‐centred proteomics. In particular, the determination of O‐glycosylated amino acids in mucin‐like glycopeptides lags far behind the techniques for phosphorylation site and N‐glycosylation site identification, for which well‐established enrichment techniques are available. The present work investigated β‐elimination of mucin‐like O‐glycopeptides with a mild alkylamine base and concomitant Michael‐type addition using 2‐mercaptoethanol as nucleophile applied to synthetic GalNAcylated O‐glycopeptides as well as exoglycosidase‐treated endogenous peptides isolated from human blood plasma. This strategy permits O‐glycosylated sites to be unambiguously localized, even in multiple‐glycosylated peptides. Peptides covalently modified with the glycan surrogate exhibit excellent backbone fragmentation in MS/MS due to their stability during CID.
Response to intra‐arterial cisplatin and concurrent radiotherapy in a patient with primary mucosal malignant melanoma of the nasal cavity
Authors: Shojaku Hideo , Takakura Hiromasa , Tachino Hirohiko , Fujisaka Michiro , Watanabe Yukio , Tomizawa Gakuto , Kawabe Hideto , Shojaku Hiroko , Seto Hikaru , Miwa Shigeharu , Fukuoka Junya , Shimizu Masashi
Published: December 2011

Background

The prognosis for patients with mucosal malignant melanoma (MMM) of the nasal cavity is very poor because of the radioresistance of melanoma cells.

Methods

We present the first case report of the efficacy of superselective intra‐arterial cisplatin (CDDP) infusion concurrent with hypofractionated radiotherapy (RT) for MMM of the nasal cavity.

Results

A pink, polypoid mass, histopathologically diagnosed as an amelanostic melanoma, occupied the right nasal cavity. After the treatment, a nasal tumor disappeared, leaving only a small bulge in the medial wall of the middle turbinate. Histopathologic examination revealed scattered degenerated melanoma cells, remaining only in the small restricted area in the medial surface of the excised middle turbinate. Twelve months after the treatment, the patient has not experienced any local recurrence or regional and distant metastasis.

Conclusions

The superselective intra‐arterial CDDP infusion concurrent with hypofractionated RT might be useful for the management of nasal MMM. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2013
Phase I study of weekly docetaxel and cisplatin arterial infusion for recurrent head and neck cancer
Authors: Nakamura Tatsuya , Fuwa Nobukazu , Takayama Kanako , Inokuchi Haruo , Tomoda Takuya , Takada Akinori , Makita Chiyoko , Shiomi Miho , Yokouchi Jun–ichi , Watanabe Kazuo
Published: December 2011

Background

We planned a phase I study of weekly arterial infusion of docetaxel and cisplatin via a superficial temporal artery for recurrent head and neck cancer to determine the optimal dose.

Methods

The dose of cisplatin was fixed and the dose of docetaxel was escalated from 8 mg/m2, with an increase of 2 mg/m2 per step, to identify the maximum tolerated dose (MTD). In total, 4 courses of weekly chemotherapy were administered.

Results

Twelve patients were recruited to this trial. The MTD of docetaxel was 14 mg/m2. At this dose level, dose‐limiting toxicity was observed in 2 of 3 patients. One patient experienced grade 3 leukopenia, while the other experienced grade 3 leukopenia. Myelosuppression was the dose‐limiting toxicity for this regimen.

Conclusion

The recommended dose for weekly arterial infusion of docetaxel was identified as 12 mg/m2 combined with weekly cisplatin at 40 mg/m2, with 4 courses of each. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2011
Pathways of care for adolescent patients with cancer in France from 2006 to 2007
Authors: Desandes Emmanuel , Bonnay Stéphanie , Berger Claire , Brugieres Laurence , Demeocq François , Laurence Valérie , Sommelet Danièle , Tron Isabelle , Clavel Jacqueline , Lacour Brigitte
Published: December 2011

Background

In France, as in other countries, there is a need for a population‐based view of access to care and modalities of treatment for adolescents with cancer.

Procedure

Using a population‐based registration, we report pathways of care for 15–19‐year‐old patients, diagnosed with cancer in 2006 and 2007, living in six French regions, accounting for 41% of the French population.

Results

The median times (inter‐quartile range) for diagnosis and treatment of the 594 included adolescents were 8 weeks (3–17) and 3 days (0–16), respectively. First physicians met by the patients were mostly general practitioners (59%). Seventeen percent of patients were firstly seen on emergency wards. Most of the patients (82%) were treated in an adult environment. Management decisions were taken within the context of a multi‐disciplinary team (MDT) in 54% of cases. Twenty‐seven percent of patients were included in randomized or non‐randomized clinical studies: percentage depended on the tumor type and on the number of on‐going trials at the study period. Fifteen percent of patients were included in pediatric studies, 7% in adult studies, and 5% in studies including both adults and children.

Conclusions

The pathways of care for French adolescent patients with cancer are heterogeneous. Our results reveal differences in MDT meetings according to tumor types and a lack of effective collaboration between pediatric and adult wards. Efforts must be made to develop cancer networks to ensure that adolescents receive the optimal care in a suitable environment. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2012; 58: 924–929. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Single-Dose Conformal Delivery of Radiotherapy following Osteoplasty
Authors: Wernicke A. Gabriella , Sabbas Albert , Kulidzhanov Fridon , Shamis Michael , Golster Yevgeniya , Niesvizky Ruben , Lane Joseph
Published: December 2011

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a very radiosensitive tumor. Fractionated external beam radiation, which takes approximately 2 weeks of therapy, is typically used to irradiate myelomatous bone lesions with the goal of palliation. However, traditional radiotherapeutic techniques are not only lengthy but they also involve a considerable amount of healthy bone marrow in the treatment ports, which may undermine the total marrow reserve of a patient. Because of the limited survival time of patients with metastatic cancer, novel treatment concepts shortening the overall treatment time is desirable. We present an innovative approach of delivering targeted intra-operative radiotherapy to a solitary osteolytic metastasis in one application, while sparing healthy bone marrow from radiation toxicity and substantially reducing the overall treatment time. A 78-year-old Caucasian male with MM, previously treated with chemotherapy, who was off chemotherapy for 2 years due to bone marrow suppression, presented with a solitary recurrence at the left anterior superior iliac spine of the left iliac wing as diagnosed by PET-CT scan. This lesion was treated with a minimally invasive osteoplasty and intra-operative brachytherapy with to a dose of 8 Gy delivered to the surgical cavity only, followed by injection of the bone cement into the cavity. Three months after the procedure, the area of treatment demonstrated no uptake on a follow-up PET-CT scan. At 1.5 years after this procedure, 100% local control continues to persist in the treated area, as evidenced on nuclear imaging. To our knowledge, this is the first case of using focal intra-operative brachytherapy confined to the area of the pelvis in a patient treated for a solitary metastasis from MM. The purpose of the article is to present a novel approach as a more convenient and focal treatment of bony lesions of MM.
Effectiveness of a parent training program in (pre)adolescence: Evidence from a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Leijten Patty , Overbeek Geertjan , Janssens Jan M.A.M.
Published: December 2011

The present randomized controlled trial examined the effectiveness of the parent training program Parents and Children Talking Together (PCTT) for parents with children in the preadolescent period who experience parenting difficulties. The program is focused on reducing child problem behavior by improving parents’ communication and problem solving skills, and disciplining behavior. Largest effects were expected for families with higher SES, and with children in mid‐adolescence. Multi‐informant and multi‐method data were used from 78 self‐referred families with children aged 9–16 (M = 13.09, SD = 1.75). Intention‐to‐treat analysis (retention rate 95%; immediate posttest only) showed that participation in PCTT significantly improved parents' communication and problem solving skills (F(1,70) = 11.77, p < 0.01 and F(1,70) = 12.87, p < 0.01), and reduced their dysfunctional disciplining behavior in conflict situations (F(1,70) = 5.25, p < .0.05). The PCTT intervention was most effective for parents with higher SES and for parents with children between the ages of 14 and 16. No consistent gender effects were found.
Spatial determinism for a freeZ2-action
Authors: BURTON ROBERT , PARK KYEWON K.
Published: December 2011

We extend the idea of bilateral determinism of a freeZ-action by D. Ornstein and B. Weiss to a freeZ2-action. We show that we have a ‘stronger’ spatial determinism forZ2-actions: to determine the completeZ2-name of a point, it is enough to know the name of a fraction of the orbit whose density can be made arbitrarily small. Moreover, for zero-entropyZ2-actions, we prove that there exists a partition$\tilde {\mathcal {P}}$such that the$\tilde {\mathcal {P}}$-names of an arbitrarily small one-sided cone determine the points.
Central-Cue Discriminability Modulates Object-Based Attention by Influencing Spatial Attention
Authors: Goldsmith Morris , Yeari Menahem
Published: December 2011

The role of central-cue discriminability in modulating object-based effects was examined using Egly, Driver, and Rafal’s (1994) “double-rectangle” spatial cueing paradigm. Based on the attentional focusing hypothesis (Goldsmith & Yeari, 2003), we hypothesized that highly discriminable central-arrow cues would be processed with attention spread across the two rectangles (potential target locations), thereby strengthening the perceptual representation of these objects so that they influence the subsequent endogenous deployment of attention, yielding object-based effects. By contrast, less discriminable central-arrow cues should induce a more narrow attentional focus to the center of the display, thereby weakening the rectangle object representations so that they no longer influence the subsequent attentional deployment. Central-arrow-cue discriminability was manipulated by size and luminance contrast. The results supported the predictions, reinforcing the attentional focusing hypothesis and highlighting the need to consider central-cue discriminability when designing experiments and in comparing experimental results.
Compton scattering effects on the duration of terrestrial gamma‐ray flashes
Authors: Celestin Sebastien , Pasko Victor P.
Published: December 2011

Terrestrial gamma‐ray flashes (TGFs) are gamma‐ray bursts detected from space that are associated with lightning activity. In the present paper, we show that the shorter TGF durations (∼50μs) recently discovered by the gamma‐ray burst monitor (GBM) aboard the Fermi Gamma‐Ray Space Telescope are consistent with the temporal dispersion associated with the Compton scattering of photons produced by an instantaneous TGF source. This new result suggests that short TGF pulses observed from satellites correspond to very short TGF sources with durations less than ∼10μs and that the observed long TGF pulses (≳100 μs) may be due to overlapping of emissions produced by a sequence of elementary processes with much shorter temporal durations.