bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Procedure for Calculating the Stresses in a Centrifugal Impeller With Cover Disk
Authors: Ho B. P. C.
Published: January 2012

A two-dimensional stress-analysis and digital-computer program has been developed for an impeller subjected to centrifugal force, external radial load and moment, as well as shrink fit. The impeller may carry radial blades and cover disk. The cover disk, if any, can be welded to blades starting from any initial radial location outward to the outer radius. The blade thickness can be nonuniform. The analysis determines stresses and deformations and, in addition, the required shrink fit of the impeller for a given overspeed (or the loosening speed from the shaft for a given shrink fit).
Biased Signaling Pathways in β
2
-Adrenergic Receptor Characterized by
19
F-NMR
Authors: Liu Jeffrey J. , Horst Reto , Katritch Vsevolod , Stevens Raymond C. , Wüthrich Kurt
Published: January 2012

Choosing a Path

The β
2
-adrenergic receptor (β
2
AR) is a G protein–coupled receptor that recognizes diverse ligands to trigger signaling in the cell. Besides binding G proteins, activated β
2
AR can be phosphorylated and bind arrestin, which redirects signaling to other pathways. Some β
2
AR ligands are “biased” in that they differentially activate G protein or arrestin signaling.

Liu
et al.

(p.
1106
, published online 19 January; see the Perspective by

Sprang and Chief Elk

) used
19
F-NMR spectroscopy to examine conformational changes associated with a range of ligands and discovered that biased ligands caused differential shifts in equilibrium between two conformational states—the G protein binding state and the arrestin binding state—and thus provide a basis for rational design of pharmacological ligands.
NONLOCALITY AS EVIDENCE FOR A MULTIVERSE COSMOLOGY
Authors: TIPLER FRANK J.
Published: January 2012

We show that observations of quantum nonlocaltiy can be interpreted as purely local phenomena, provided one assumes that the cosmos is a multiverse. Conversely, the observation of quantum nonlocality can be interpreted as observation evidence for a multiverse cosmology, just as observation of the setting of the Sun can be interpreted as evidence for the Earth's rotation.
STRONGLY INTERACTING QGP AND QUARKONIUM SUPPRESSION AT RHIC AND LHC ENERGIES
Authors: AGOTIYA VINEET , DEVI LATA , KAKADE UTTAM , PATRA BINOY KRISHNA
Published: January 2012

We have developed an equation of state for strongly interacting quark–gluon plasma (QGP) in the framework of strongly coupled plasma with appropriate modifications to take account of color and flavor degrees of freedom and the interactions among themselves. For this purpose we used the effective potential to improve the plasma parameter (Γ) by correcting the full Cornell potential with a dielectric function embodying the effects of the deconfined medium and not its Coulomb part alone and obtain the equation of state in terms of Γ. Our results on thermodynamic observables viz. pressure, energy density, speed of sound etc. nicely fit to the results of lattice equation of state for gluon, massless as well massive flavored plasma. We have then employed our equation of state to estimate the quarkonium suppression in an expanding QGP produced in the relativistic heavy-ion collisions. We have found that our predictions matches with the recent PHENIX data on the centrality dependence of J/ψ suppression in Au+Au collisions at BNL RHIC within the limit of other uncertainties. We have also predicted for the ϒ suppression in Pb+Pb collisions at LHC energy which could be tested in the ALICE experiments at CERN LHC.
DUOPOLY MODELS WITH VERTICAL PRODUCT DIFFERENTIATION
Authors: FURTH DAVE
Published: January 2012

This paper deals with duopoly models with vertical product differentiation. These are two-stage games. In the first stage, the quality game, the two firms choose their quality. In the second stage, the price game, they choose their prices. When the market is covered, the properties of this game are well known, even when the consumers are not uniformly distributed. When the market is uncovered the literature is not always clear about these models. In the present paper it is shown that the price game can be solved, when the consumers are distributed according to a distribution function with a log-concave density function.
AGENT CONNECTEDNESS AND BACKWARD INDUCTION
Authors: BACH CHRISTIAN W. , HEILMANN CONRAD
Published: January 2012

We conceive of a player in dynamic games as a set of agents, which are assigned the distinct tasks of reasoning and node-specific choices. The notion of agent connectedness measuring the sequential stability of a player over time is then modeled in an extended type-based epistemic framework. Moreover, we provide an epistemic foundation for backward induction in terms of agent connectedness. Besides, it is argued that the epistemic independence assumption underlying backward induction is stronger than usually presumed.
NEW ASPECTS ON THE GEOMETRY AND DYNAMICS OF QUADRATIC HAMILTONIAN SYSTEMS ON (𝔰𝔬(3))*
Authors: DĂNIASĂ CORA , GÎRBAN ANANIA , TUDORAN RĂZVAN M.
Published: January 2012

In this paper we analyze the quadratic and homogeneous Hamiltonian systems on (𝔰𝔬(3))* from the Poisson dynamics and geometry point of view.
Anisotropic Graphite Erosion in Low-Temperature and High-Density Deuterium Plasma
Authors: Teraoka Masahiro , Ohno Noriyasu , Kajita Shin , Nishiwaki Toshihiro , Ito Atsushi M. , Nakamura Hiroaki
Published: January 2012

The interaction between a hydrogen plasma and carbon materials is one of the important issues in low-temperature plasmas for both nuclear fusion science and plasma processing. To investigate the anisotropic characteristics of graphite erosion by deuterium bombardment, highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) was exposed to deuterium plasmas in a newly developed toroidal plasma device. Two different plasmas with electron temperatures were used for irradiation: an ionizing plasma with an electron temperature of ∼3 eV and a recombining plasma with an extremely low electron temperature of ∼0.1 eV. Irradiations reveal clear differences between the ionizing and recombining plasmas. By surface analysis using scanning electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy, it was found that the HOPG irradiated with the ionizing plasma has more severe damage than that irradiated with the recombining plasma. The anisotropic characteristics of graphite erosion are discussed on the basis of the results of the comparison with molecular dynamics simulation.
Preparation of MAX-Phase-Containing Ti–Si–C Thin Films by Magnetron Sputtering Using Elemental Targets
Authors: Sonoda Tsutomu , Nakao Setsuo , Ikeyama Masami
Published: January 2012

The synthesis of Ti–Si–C thin films by magnetron sputtering was examined using elemental targets of titanium, silicon, and carbon in order to investigate the effects of the carbon content in the films on the formation of carbide compounds such as TiC
x
and/or Ti3SiC2. The thin films were deposited on silicon substrates heated to approximately 800 °C in an atmosphere of argon. By performing X-ray diffractometry (XRD) measurements, it was found that a Ti3SiC2 phase as well as a TiC
x
phase were formed in the film obtained at a DC electric power of 200 W, while only a TiC
x
phase formed at a DC electric power of 300 W and above. The electrical resistivity of the films decreased with decreasing electric power supplied to the carbon target, which was attributed to the formation of the Ti3SiC2 phase in the film. A noteworthy electric resistivity of less than 80 µΩ cm was achieved.
Effect of Nitridation of Si Nanoparticles on the Performance of Quantum-Dot Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Uchida Giichiro , Yamamoto Kosuke , Sato Muneharu , Kawashima Yuki , Nakahara Kenta , Kamataki Kunihiro , Itagaki Naho , Koga Kazunori , Shiratani Masaharu
Published: January 2012

We developed Si quantum-dot (QD) sensitized solar cells using nitridated Si nanoparticle films. The Si/N content ratio of the Si nanoparticle films was combinatorially controlled in double multi-hollow discharge plasma chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process in a SiH4/H2 and N2 gas mixture. The short-circuit current density of Si QD sensitized solar cells increases by a factor of 1.3 with the nitridation of Si nanoparticles, and a high photon-to-current conversion efficiency of 40% was achieved at a short wavelength of 350 nm.
A Comparative Histological Study of Bone Healing in Rat Calvarial Defect Using the Erbium-Doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet Laser and Rotary Instruments
Authors: Jung Mi-Kyung , Kim Su-Gwan , Oh Ji-Su , Jin Seung-Chan , Lee Sook-Young , Jang Eun-Sook , Piao Zheng-Gang , Lim Sung-Chul , Jeong Mi-Ae
Published: January 2012

Erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Er:YAG) lasers have been used in dentistry for cutting bone and removal of caries. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the bone healing in a skull defect prepared in rats using various instruments including Er:YAG laser. The 7 mm calvarial defects were created in 45 rats and 45 rats were divided into three groups (n = 15): a high-speed rotation engine with carbide round bur (2-mm diameter), a low-speed rotation engine with carbide round bur (2-mm diameter), and an Er:YAG laser. Specimens obtained after 3 days or 4 or 8 weeks were submitted for histological analysis. Three days after surgery, no bone formation had occurred in any of the groups. Four weeks after surgery, 90 ±8.16% new bone formation was observed in the high-speed group, and 8 weeks after surgery, 100 ±0% new bone formation was observed in the low- and high-speed groups. There were significant differences among the periods after surgery, but no significant differences were observed among final results with in different device groups.
Crystal Orientation of GaN Nanostructures Grown on Al2O3 and Si(111) with a Zr Buffer Layer
Authors: Kim Minji , Shin Min Jeong , Jeon Hunsoo , Ahn Hyung Soo , Yi Sam Nyung , Choi Seok-Cheol , Lee Sang-Geul , Yu Young Moon , Sawaki Nobuhiko
Published: January 2012

We studied the crystallographic orientation of GaN nanostructures grown on Si(111) and Al2O3 substrates. We evaluated Zr metal as a novel alternative to conventional buffer layers such as AlN and ZnO. One-dimensional structures (nanorods and nanoneedles) were grown by hydride vapor phase epitaxy at 650 and 600 °C, and investigated using field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. FE-SEM images showed that the GaN nanorods had a uniform diameter along the growth direction. XRD results indicated that the nanostructures had a hexagonal crystal structure, and pole figure measurements revealed that GaN nanostructures grown on the Si(111) substrate had a stronger c-axis crystallographic orientation than those grown on the Al2O3 substrate.
Investigation of GaN Solution Growth Processes on Ga- and N-Faces by Molecular Dynamics Simulation
Authors: Kawamura Takahiro , Kangawa Yoshihiro , Kakimoto Koichi , Kotake Shigeo , Suzuki Yasuyuki
Published: January 2012

We carried out the molecular dynamics simulation of the solution growth of GaN and investigated the growth processes on Ga- and N-faces. An empirical potential function of the Brenner potential was used for the simulations. The simulation cell consisted of GaN substrates with Ga- and N-faces and Ga solution including N atoms. The results showed that the growth surface on the Ga-face laterally developed from a two-dimensional nucleus and became flat. On the other hand, the growth surface on the N-face developed by adhesive growth and became rough.
Ultraviolet Light Emitting Diode with High Quality Epilayer Grown by Hydride Vapor Phase Epitaxy
Authors: Jeon Hunsoo , Lee Gang Seok , Jung Se-Gyo , Bae Seon Min , Shin Min Jeong , Kim Kyoung Hwa , Yang Min , Yi Sam Nyung , Ahn Hyung Soo , Yu Young-Moon , Huh Yoon , Kim Suck-Whan , Ha Hong-Ju , Sawaki Nobuhiko
Published: January 2012

In this paper, the selective area growth (SAG) of SAG-UV light-emitting diode (LED) was performed by mixed-source hydride vapor phase epitaxy (HVPE) with a multi-sliding boat system. The SAG-UV LED consists of a Si-doped GaN layer, an Si-doped AlGaN cladding layer, an AlGaN active layer, an Zn-doped AlGaN cladding layer, and a Zn-doped GaN capping layer. All of the epitaxial layers of LED structure were grown consecutively with a multi-sliding boat system. Room-temperature electroluminescence (EL) characteristics show an emission peak wavelength of 330 nm at room temperature. The aging test result of SAG-UV LED shows that the current was changed from 27.7 to 31.2 mA during 170 h at room temperature. At the current–voltage (I–V) measurement, the turn-on voltage of the SAG-UV LED is 3.5 V at room temperature. The value of the series resistance is about 200 Ω. We find that the mixed-source HVPE method with multi-sliding boat system is possible to be one of the growth methods of ultra-violet LEDs with high quality epi-layer.
Fabrication of Graphene-Based Electrochemical Capacitors
Authors: Hsieh Chien-Te , Hsu Shu-Min , Lin Jia-Yi
Published: January 2012

In this study, we investigate the electrochemical properties of graphene-based capacitors using cyclic voltammetry (CV), constant charge/discharge cycling, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy combined with an equivalent circuit. An easy route incorporated with modified Hummers' method and microwave-assisted reduction is capable of preparing graphene nanosheets (GNs). Two types of capacitors fabricated with GN and graphene oxide (GO) powders are examined in 1 M H2SO4 within a potential of 0 and 0.8 V vs Ag/AgCl. The GO-based capacitor not only presents a better stable capacitance (ca. 211.7 F/g after 1000 cycles), but also a lower equivalent series resistance (ca. 7.6 Ω after 1000 cycles), when compared with the GN-based capacitor. The presence of surface oxides, attached to the edges or defects of the basal planes, imparts hydrophilic coverage for the formation of a double layer (double-layer capacitance) and active sites for reversible redox reaction (pseudocapacitance). When incorporated with structural (nanosheets) and chemical (surface oxides) factors, the GO powder serves as a promising electrode material for electrochemical capacitors or other energy-storage devices.
Interaction of Ethylene Carbonate and Graphene Chip: Density Functional Theory Study
Authors: Abe Shigeaki , Watari Fumio , Tachikawa Hiroto
Published: January 2012

Density functional theory (DFT) calculations have been applied to complexes composed of ethylene carbonate (EC) with a graphene chip to theoretically elucidate the interaction of EC with the graphene. A graphene chip consisting of 14 benzene rings and one EC molecule were examined as the interaction system. Ten binding sites of EC were examined as binding e points around the graphene chip. EC binds to a hexagonal position corresponding to the central of benzene ring of graphene surface. In addition, EC can bind to the edge region of graphene. The energy of EC in the edge region was 4.2 kcal/mol more stable than that of the hexagonal position. The activation barriers for diffusion of EC on the graphene surface were significantly low (less than 0.2 kcal/mol), indicating that EC, put on the surface, can move freely on the graphene surface and then down into the edge region.
Improvement of Thermoplastic Polyurethane Nonwoven Hydrophilicity by Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Treatment with He and N2 Mixed Gases
Authors: Chen Ko-Shao , Liao Shu-Chuan , Lin Shen-Wei , Hung Tsui-Shan , Tsao Shao-Hsuan , Wu Hsin-Ming , Inagaki Norihiro , Chen Wei-Yu
Published: January 2012

Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) nonwoven has good mechanical properties for use in biomaterial. However, its inherent hydrophobic nature restricts its application. In this study, atmospheric pressure plasma treatment with He and N2 gases was employed to TPU nonwoven material to improve the surface hydrophilicity while retaining the hydrophobicility on the back side of the material. The surface wettability was measured by water contact angle analysis, and the surface chemical composition was analyzed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The surface morphology was examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The experimental results reveal that oxygen-containing groups such as C–O and O–C=O are generated on the plasma-treated TPU surface, leading to improved wettablility of the material.
Determination of Creep Life of Glass Fiber/Phenol Composite Filled with Carbon Nanotubes by Four-Point Flexural Creep Test
Authors: Xu Anchang , Nozaki Hiroshi , Bao Limin , Kemmochi Kiyoshi
Published: January 2012

From the result of our existing research, there is a continuing problem that fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) composites always break down because of cracks between the laminae for their particular laminated structure. To decrease the probability of cracking between laminae, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), which exhibit a high potential as reinforcement for polymers, were used to enhance the interlaminar strength and to obtain an FRP product with a higher longevity. Different mass fractions of CNTs were dispersed in phenol resin and made into FRP composites, with glass cloth serving as a reinforcement material. Subsequently, bending and creep tests revealed that, in certain percentage of cases, the bending strength and lifetime of FRP products were improved by increasing the CNTs mass fraction.
Improving the Laser-Induced-Damage Tolerance Characteristics of 4-Dimethylamino-N-methyl-4-stilbazoliumtosylate Crystals for THz Wave Generation by Annealing
Authors: Uchida Hirohisa , Ochiai Hiroaki , Suizu Koji , Shibuya Takayuki , Kawase Kodo
Published: January 2012

We demonstrated that annealing 4-dimethylamino-N-methyl-4-stilbazoliumtosylate (DAST) crystals near their melting point improves their tolerance to laser-induced damage. Their laser-induced-damage tolerance characteristics were evaluated and confirmed using difference-frequency THz generation. The DAST crystals employed in this study were all approximately the same size. THz wave output did not decrease in DAST crystals that were about 80% annealed. Microscopy images revealed that the crystallinity and orientation of the DAST crystal were improved by annealing. Moreover, THz wave output in the DAST crystal plane was uniformized by annealing. Further, annealed DAST crystals with superior laser-induced-damage tolerance produced 10 times greater THz wave output at a power density of 1.5 GW/cm2 than did unannealed crystals at a much greater power density. Therefore, the laser-induced-damage tolerance characteristics of DAST crystals were successfully improved by annealing.
Negative Magnetoresistance Generated by Combination of Spin–Orbit Interaction and Applied Magnetic Field
Authors: Sakai Masamichi , Kodama Daisuke , Sakuraba Takahito , Honda Zentaro , Hasegawa Shigehiko , Kitajima Akira , Oshima Akihiro , Higuchi Koji , Nakamura Osamu
Published: January 2012

We have theoretically studied a negative magnetoresistance (MR) the mechanism of which is completely different from conventional mechanisms, i.e., spin-related mobility-increased mechanisms and orbital-motion-related mechanisms including a quantum interference effect. Our proposed negative MR is caused by the interplay between a spin–orbit interaction (SOI) and the Lorentz force due to an externally applied magnetic field. We have phenomenologically approached this mechanism using the Drude-like model, in which the carrier scattering by SOI is considered as a transverse scattering term in addition to the longitudinal scattering term due to usual collisions and the Lorentz force term. Also, the possibility of observing our proposed negative MR was discussed by comparing our prediction with experimental results for Ni and Gd films, which were newly measured in this study.
Low-Temperature Bonding of Silver to Aluminum
Authors: Yasuda Yusuke , Terada Shohei , Morita Toshiaki , Kawaji Hitoshi
Published: January 2012

Direct bonding of silver to aluminum was achieved using silver-oxide particles with silver acetate (CH3COOAg) as a bonding material. When silver acetate was used, it reduced the silver oxide, and the resulting silver powder was sintered at 190 °C. In contrast, when silver oxide alone was used, the reduction and sintering required a temperature of 400 °C. The shear strength of the bonds formed with the silver-oxide/silver-acetate joining medium increased with increasing bonding temperature; for example, 2.5 min holding at 400 °C in air under a bonding pressure of 2.5 MPa yielded an average shear strength of 9 MPa. As confirmed by cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy equipped with electron-energy-loss spectroscopy (TEM-EELS), the bonding of sintered silver to aluminum was achieved through an aluminum-oxide layer formed on the aluminum. This bonding of sintered silver to aluminum oxide at a temperature of 400 °C or less is thought to be due to the large amount of heat (680 J/g) generated by the combustion of CH3 radicals in silver acetate during sintering.
Inhibition of Fatty Acid Synthase Attenuates CD44-Associated Signaling and Reduces Metastasis in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Zaytseva Yekaterina Y. , Rychahou Piotr G. , Gulhati Pat , Elliott Victoria A. , Mustain William C. , O'Connor Kathleen , Morris Andrew J. , Sunkara Manjula , Weiss Heidi L. , Lee Eun Y. , Evers B. Mark
Published: January 2012

Fatty acid synthase (FASN) and ATP-citrate lyase, key enzymes of de novo lipogenesis, are significantly upregulated and activated in many cancers and portend poor prognosis. Even though the role of lipogenesis in providing proliferative and survival advantages to cancer cells has been described, the impact of aberrant activation of lipogenic enzymes on cancer progression remains unknown. In this study, we found that elevated expression of FASN is associated with advanced stages of colorectal cancer (CRC) and liver metastasis, suggesting that it may play a role in progression of CRC to metastatic disease. Targeted inhibition of lipogenic enzymes abolished expression of CD44, a transmembrane protein associated with metastases in several cancers including CRC. In addition, inhibition of lipogenic enzymes and reduced expression of CD44 attenuated the activation of MET, Akt, FAK, and paxillin, which are known to regulate adhesion, migration, and invasion. These changes were consistent with an observed decrease in migration and adhesion of CRC cells in functional assays and with reorganization of actin cytoskeleton upon FASN inhibition. Despite the modest effect of FASN inhibition on tumor growth in xenografts, attenuation of lipogenesis completely abolished establishment of hepatic metastasis and formation of secondary metastasis. Together, our findings suggest that targeting de novo lipogenesis may be a potential treatment strategy for advanced CRC. Cancer Res; 72(6); 1504–17. ©2012 AACR.
The Clinical Effect of the Dual-Targeting Strategy Involving PI3K/AKT/mTOR and RAS/MEK/ERK Pathways in Patients with Advanced Cancer
Authors: Shimizu Toshio , Tolcher Anthony W. , Papadopoulos Kyriakos P. , Beeram Muralidhar , Rasco Drew W. , Smith Lon S. , Gunn Shelly , Smetzer Leslie , Mays Theresa A. , Kaiser Brianne , Wick Michael J. , Alvarez Cathy , Cavazos Aracely , Mangold Gina L. , Patnaik Amita
Published: January 2012

Purpose: This study evaluated the clinical relevance of the dual-targeting strategy involving PI3K/AKT/mTOR and RAF/MEK/ERK pathways.

Experimental Design: We investigated safety, efficacy, and correlations between tumor genetic alterations and clinical benefit in 236 patients with advanced cancers treated with phase I study drugs targeting phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) and/or mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways in our Phase I Clinical Trials Program.

Results: Seventy-six (32.2%) patients received a PI3K pathway inhibitor in combination with a MAPK pathway inhibitor (D), whereas 124 (52.5%) and 36 (15.3%), respectively, received an inhibitor of either the PI3K or MAPK pathways (S). The rates of drug-related grade >III adverse events were 18.1% for (S) and 53.9% for (D; P < 0.001); the rates of dose-limiting toxicities were 9.4% for (S) and 18.4% for (D; P = 0.06). The most frequent grade >III adverse events were transaminase elevations, skin rash, and mucositis. In our comprehensive tumor genomic analysis, of 9 patients who harbored coactivation of both pathways (colorectal cancer, n = 7; melanoma, n = 2), all 5 patients treated with (D) had tumor regression ranging from 2% to 64%.

Conclusions: These results suggest that dual inhibition of both pathways may potentially exhibit favorable efficacy compared with inhibition of either pathway, at the expense of greater toxicity. Furthermore, this parallel pathway targeting strategy may be especially important in patients with coexisting PI3K pathway genetic alterations and KRAS or BRAF mutations and suggests that molecular profiling and matching patients with combinations of these targeted drugs will need to be investigated in depth. Clin Cancer Res; 18(8); 2316–25. ©2012 AACR.
SPINDLIN1 Promotes Cancer Cell Proliferation through Activation of WNT/TCF-4 Signaling
Authors: Wang Jing-Xue , Zeng Quan , Chen Lin , Du Ji-Chao , Yan Xin-Long , Yuan Hong-Feng , Zhai Chao , Zhou Jun-Nian , Jia Ya-Li , Yue Wen , Pei Xue-Tao
Published: January 2012

SPINDLIN1, a new member of the SPIN/SSTY gene family, was first identified as a gene highly expressed in ovarian cancer cells. We have previously shown that it is involved in the process of spindle organization and chromosomal stability and plays a role in the development of cancer. Nevertheless, the mechanisms underlying its oncogenic role are still largely unknown. Here, we first showed that expression of SPINDLIN1 is upregulated in clinical tumors. Ectopic expression of SPINDLIN1 promoted cancer cell proliferation and activated WNT/T-cell factor (TCF)-4 signaling. The Ser84 and Ser99 amino acids within SPINDLIN1 were further identified as the key functional sites in WNT/TCF-4 signaling activation. Mutation of these two sites of SPINDLIN1 abolished its effects on promoting WNT/TCF-4 signaling and cancer cell proliferation. We further found that Aurora-A could interact with and phosphorylate SPINDLIN1 at its key functional sites, Ser84 and Ser99, suggesting that phosphorylation of SPINDLIN1 is involved in its oncogenic function. Collectively, these results suggest that SPINDLIN1, which may be a novel substrate of the Aurora-A kinase, promotes cancer cell growth through WNT/TCF-4 signaling activation. Mol Cancer Res; 10(3); 326–35. ©2012 AACR.
The HIVdb System for HIV-1 Genotypic Resistance Interpretation
Authors: Tang Michele W. , Liu Tommy F. , Shafer Robert W.
Published: January 2012

The Stanford HIV Drug Resistance Database hosts a freely available online genotypic resistance interpretation system called HIVdb to help clinicians and laboratories interpret HIV-1 genotypic resistance tests. These tests are designed to assess susceptibility to nucleoside and nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTI and NNRTI), protease inhibitors and integrase inhibitors. The HIVdb genotypic resistance interpretation system output consists of (1) a list of penalty scores for each antiretroviral (ARV) resistance mutation in a submitted sequence, (2) estimates of decreased NRTI, NNRTI, protease and integrase inhibitor susceptibility, and (3) comments about each ARV resistance mutation in the submitted sequence. The application’s strengths are its convenience for submitting sequences, its quality control analysis, its transparency and its extensive comments. The Sierra Web service is an extension that enables laboratories analyzing many sequences to individualize the format of their results. The algorithm specification interface compiler makes it possible for HIVdb to provide results using a variety of different HIV-1 genotypic resistance interpretation algorithms.
Effects of TMS over Premotor and Superior Temporal Cortices on Biological Motion Perception
Authors: van Kemenade Bianca Michelle , Muggleton Neil , Walsh Vincent , Saygin Ayse Pinar
Published: January 2012

Using MRI-guided off-line TMS, we targeted two areas implicated in biological motion processing: ventral premotor cortex (PMC) and posterior STS (pSTS), plus a control site (vertex). Participants performed a detection task on noise-masked point-light displays of human animations and scrambled versions of the same stimuli. Perceptual thresholds were determined individually. Performance was measured before and after 20 sec of continuous theta burst stimulation of PMC, pSTS, and control (each tested on different days). A matched nonbiological object motion task (detecting point-light displays of translating polygons) served as a further control. Data were analyzed within the signal detection framework. Sensitivity (d′) significantly decreased after TMS of PMC. There was a marginally significant decline in d′ after TMS of pSTS but not of control site. Criterion (response bias) was also significantly affected by TMS over PMC. Specifically, subjects made significantly more false alarms post-TMS of PMC. These effects were specific to biological motion and not found for the nonbiological control task. To summarize, we report that TMS over PMC reduces sensitivity to biological motion perception. Furthermore, pSTS and PMC may have distinct roles in biological motion processing as behavioral performance differs following TMS in each area. Only TMS over PMC led to a significant increase in false alarms, which was not found for other brain areas or for the control task. TMS of PMC may have interfered with refining judgments about biological motion perception, possibly because access to the perceiver's own motor representations was compromised.
The Association of Raynaud Syndrome With β-Blockers
Authors: Mohokum Melvin , Hartmann Peter , Schlattmann Peter
Published: January 2012

Vasospastic disorders of the digital circulation such as the Raynaud syndrome (RS) are known side effects of treatment of β-adrenergic blockade. The prevalence of RS in patients during treatment with β-blockers is not well defined. The objective of this meta-analysis is to assess the prevalence of RS in patients receiving β-blockers. A literature search was performed for studies dealing with RS and patients receiving β-blockers. The studies provided sufficient data to estimate the prevalence of RS in patients receiving β-blockers. A total of 13 eligible studies, contributing data on 1012 individuals, were included in this meta-analysis. For RS in patients receiving β-blockers, a pooled prevalence of 14.7% (95% confidence interval 0.076-0.236) were obtained. Statistically publication bias was not present ( P = .877). Despite some heterogeneity, there is a possible indication of an association between RS and patients receiving β-blockers.
Searching for the meaning of parenthood: An existential approach to parent education in the Hong Kong-Chinese context
Authors: To Siu-ming , Chan Ting-sam
Published: January 2012

This article discusses how an existential approach contributes substantially by rethinking the ideas of parent education and enriching parent and child well-being. The goals and principles of this approach, namely eliciting the full spectrum of the meaning of parenthood, fostering constructive parent–child and family interactions, extending parents’ concerns from their own children to the welfare of future generations and addressing the issue of gender in parenting, are explicated. Parent education strategies, evaluation studies and their relevance to the Hong Kong-Chinese cultural context are also taken into account. Finally, it considers some practical suggestions for promoting this approach in Hong Kong.
Codex Espangliensis
Authors: Austin Kat , Montiel Carlos-Urani
Published: January 2012

The Codex Espangliensis, a collective work dealing with political and social matters concerning Chicana/o culture, presents a unique interpretation of the pre-Columbian world, the conquest, the cultural transformations resulting from the collision between Western and indigenous worlds, and economic interdependence in present-day America. An analysis of the work achieved through concepts of the baroque shows how it uses baroque strategies, manifested in its physical form (one long foldable sheet, in the style of the pre-Hispanic codices), its mixing of historical periods and cultural referents, and its use of fragmentation and parody, all of which produce a defiant alternative reading that resists the flow of symbolic information supporting American official discourse.

El Codex Espangliensis es un trabajo colectivo centrado en aspectos políticos y sociales relacionados con la cultura chicana. Presenta una interpretación particular del mundo precolombino, la conquista, y las transformaciones culturales que resultan del encuentro entre los mundos occidental e indígena, así como las interdependencias económicas en la América actual. Este análisis muestra como el uso de conceptos y estrategias barrocos (que se manifiestan físicamente en una larga hoja con dobleces, como los códices prehispánicos), la mezcla de periodos históricos, referencias culturales, y el uso de la fragmentación y la parodia dan lugar a una lectura desafiante y alternativa que se resiste al flujo de información simbólica utilizado por el discurso oficial americano.
Understanding the pace, scale and pattern of firm internationalization: An extension of the ‘born global’ concept
Authors: Taylor Murray , Jack Robert
Published: January 2012

Since the growth of the ‘born global’ concept, much of the established literature has tended to overlook the development of its characteristics outside high technology sectors. To further enhance our understanding of this phenomenon, this article draws on the ‘born global’ literature to identify common internationalization behaviours with which rapidly internationalizing firms are involved. Six propositions are developed related to the key dimensions of pace, scale and pattern of firm internationalization. The results from a comprehensive case study of four non-high-tech Australian ‘born global’ firms suggest that entrepreneurial interpretation is a factor in determining the pace with which a firm internationalizes. Other key implications include the importance of product imitability in assessing the extent of a firm’s international operations, the significance of psychic distance in the assessment of prospective international markets, and that entry mode choice is influenced by the prevailing trends established in each firm’s industry and the need to maximize its internal resources.
Effect of knee joint icing on knee extension strength and knee pain early after total knee arthroplasty: a randomized cross-over study
Authors: Holm Bente , Husted Henrik , Kehlet Henrik , Bandholm Thomas
Published: January 2012

Objective:

To investigate the acute effect of knee joint icing on knee extension strength and knee pain in patients shortly after total knee arthroplasty.

Design:

A prospective, single-blinded, randomized, cross-over study.

Setting:

A fast-track orthopaedic arthroplasty unit at a university hospital.

Participants:

Twenty patients (mean age 66 years; 10 women) scheduled for primary unilateral total knee arthroplasty.

Interventions:

The patients were treated on two days (day 7 and day 10) postoperatively. On one day they received 30 minutes of knee icing (active treatment) and on the other day they received 30 minutes of elbow icing (control treatment). The order of treatments was randomized.

Main outcome measures:

Maximal knee extension strength (primary outcome), knee pain at rest and knee pain during the maximal knee extensions were measured 2–5 minutes before and 2–5 minutes after both treatments by an assessor blinded for active or control treatment.

Results:

The change in knee extension strength associated with knee icing was not significantly different from that of elbow icing (knee icing change (mean (1 SD)) –0.01 (0.07) Nm/kg, elbow icing change –0.02 (0.07) Nm/kg, P = 0.493). Likewise, the changes in knee pain at rest ( P = 0.475), or knee pain during the knee extension strength measurements ( P = 0.422) were not different between treatments.

Conclusions:

In contrast to observations in experimental knee effusion models and inflamed knee joints, knee joint icing for 30 minutes shortly after total knee arthroplasty had no acute effect on knee extension strength or knee pain.
The adaptation process following acute onset disability: an interactive two-dimensional approach applied to acquired brain injury
Authors: Brands Ingrid MH , Wade Derick T , Stapert Sven Z , van Heugten Caroline M
Published: January 2012

Objective:

To describe a new model of the adaptation process following acquired brain injury, based on the patient’s goals, the patient’s abilities and the emotional response to the changes and the possible discrepancy between goals and achievements.

Background:

The process of adaptation after acquired brain injury is characterized by a continuous interaction of two processes: achieving maximal restoration of function and adjusting to the alterations and losses that occur in the various domains of functioning. Consequently, adaptation requires a balanced mix of restoration-oriented coping and loss-oriented coping. The commonly used framework to explain adaptation and coping, ‘The Theory of Stress and Coping’ of Lazarus and Folkman, does not capture this interactive duality.

Relevant theories:

This model additionally considers theories concerned with self-regulation of behaviour, self-awareness and self-efficacy, and with the setting and achievement of goals.

The two-dimensional model:

Our model proposes the simultaneous and continuous interaction of two pathways; goal pursuit (short term and long term) or revision as a result of success and failure in reducing distance between current state and expected future state and an affective response that is generated by the experienced goal-performance discrepancies. This affective response, in turn, influences the goals set. This two-dimensional representation covers the processes mentioned above: restoration of function and consideration of long-term limitations. We propose that adaptation centres on readjustment of long-term goals to new achievable but desired and important goals, and that this adjustment underlies re-establishing emotional stability. We discuss how the proposed model is related to actual rehabilitation practice.
Temperature distribution of fire-induced flow along tunnels under natural ventilation
Authors: Li Liming , Cheng Xudong , Wang Xuegui , Zhang Heping
Published: January 2012

A simple correlation is theoretically presented and numerically studied for the temperature distribution of fire-induced flow along tunnel ceiling, which could correlate the flow temperature for various tunnel aspect ratios and fire intensities. The aspect ratio of the tunnel cross section in the numerical models varies from 0.5 to 2.0, and the heat release rate of the fire source varies from 4.4 to 22 MW. The numerical results indicate that the correlation could be utilized for all tunnels but with separate fitting constants for aspect ratios less than unity and greater than or equal to unity, including all fire intensities considered. This correlation could prove valuable in fire modeling and installation design of fire detectors in tunnel-shape buildings.
An evaluation of carrier agents for desferoxamine, an up-regulator of vascular endothelial growth factor
Authors: Hertzberg Brian P , Holt Joshua B , Graff Ronald D , Gilbert Shawn R , Dahners Laurence E
Published: January 2012

Avascularity and hypoxia result in avascular necrosis and play a negative role in fracture healing. The FDA-approved iron chelating agent, desferoxamine (DFO) in a liquid form, has been shown to induce angiogenesis and improve fracture healing through upregulation of the vascular endothelial growth factor. We were concerned that local injection of DFO would either fail to adequately deliver sufficient drug to the desired site or lead to undesired delivery to adjacent sites. Therefore, a sustained release delivery system was desirable to direct DFO to the intended site. Calcium sulfate pellets, collagen sponges, and demineralized cortical bone matrix were all evaluated as potentially controlled release systems for DFO using a fetal mouse metatarsal angiogenesis assay. Angiogenesis was analyzed using a vascularity grading scale, by measuring the mean vessel length of the 5 longest vessels, and by counting the mean number of vessels per metatarsal. Although there was some evidence of angiogenesis with all three carriers, DFO loaded CaSO4 pellets increased vascularity grading, the mean length of the five longest vessels, and the mean number of vessels, all by statistically significant margins versus the control. These results suggest that CaSO4 pellets could be used as a viable, nontoxic, controlled release system for DFO in clinical situations where increased angiogenesis and bone growth are desirable.
Iodinated glycidyl methacrylate copolymer as a radiopaque material for biomedical applications
Authors: Dawlee S , Jayabalan M
Published: January 2012

Polymeric biomaterial was synthesized by copolymerizing 50:50 mol% of monomers, glycidyl methacrylate and methyl methacrylate. Iodine atoms were then grafted to the epoxide groups of glycidyl methacrylate units, rendering the copolymer radiopaque. The percentage weight of iodine in the present copolymer was found to be as high as 23%. The iodinated copolymer showed higher glass transition temperature and thermal stability in comparison with unmodified polymer. Radiographic analysis showed that the copolymer possessed excellent radiopacity. The iodinated copolymer was cytocompatible to L929 mouse fibroblast cells. The in vivo toxicological evaluation by intracutaneous reactivity test of the copolymer extracts has revealed that the material was nontoxic. Subcutaneous implantation of iodinated copolymer in rats has shown that the material was well tolerated. Upon explantation and histological examination, no hemorrhage, infection or necrosis was observed. The samples were found to be surrounded by a vascularized capsule consisting of connective tissue cells. The results indicate that the iodinated copolymer is biocompatible and may have suitable applications as implantable materials.
Individual Skill Predictors of the School- and Career-Related Adjustment of Adolescents With Disabilities
Authors: Pinkney Christopher J. , Murray Christopher J. , Lind John R.
Published: January 2012

In this investigation, the authors examine the relationship between individual skills (i.e., career locus of control [LOC], social skills [SOC], and social problem–solving skills [SPSS]) and the school- and perceived career–related adjustment of 211 students with disabilities. Data pertaining to individual skills were gathered from student reports, and data pertaining to adjustment were gathered from student and teacher perceptions. Results of hierarchical regression analyses indicated that together LOC, SOC, and SPSS accounted for a significant amount of variance in student- and teacher-rated school- and career-related adjustment after controlling for disability type. Evaluation of individual predictors indicated that the strength of these associations varied according to data source and the specific predictor under study.
Breastfeeding Duration in Relation to Child Care Arrangement and Participation in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children
Authors: Shim Jae Eun , Kim Juhee , Heiniger Julie B.
Published: January 2012

This study was conducted to examine associations among breastfeeding duration, child care arrangement, and participation in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). The authors analyzed the nationally representative sample of infants born in 2001 who were enrolled in the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study–Birth Cohort (9 months). They estimated the risks of short breastfeeding duration (< 6 months of age) among infants according to the child care arrangement and WIC participation (n = 7515). Approximately 50% of US infants were enrolled in WIC, and 47% received child care on a regular basis. Both WIC participation and child care use were independently associated with short breastfeeding duration. Compared to those under parental care, WIC participants under relative care were more likely to discontinue breastfeeding before the age of 6 months. A breastfeeding support program targeted toward relative care users may be useful for WIC participants.
Polypropylene nanocomposites with thermally stable phosphonium- and pyridinium-modified layered silicates
Authors: Mittal Vikas
Published: January 2012

Pyridinium- and phosphonium-based filler surface modifications (tetraphenylphosphonium, hexadecylpyridinium and hexadecyltriphenylphosphonium), which are more thermally stable than the conventionally used ammonium modifications, were exchanged on the filler surface. Polypropylene nanocomposites with the modified fillers were prepared and characterized for gas barrier, mechanical, calorimetric and thermal properties. Mixed morphology consisting of single layers and tactoids of different thicknesses was observed in the composites. The developed morphology in the composites was a result of better thermal stability of the system as well as the nature of the surface modification. Though the completely aromatic surface modification was most thermally stable, it did not improve the composite properties significantly owing to poor interfacial intermixing with the polymer. On the other hand, impressive improvements in the gas barrier and mechanical properties were observed for the filler modifications which included long alkyl chains. These improvements were also better than the corresponding ammonium modifications. The incorporation of the filler led to enhanced thermal resistance of the composites.
Comparison of effect of surface-modified micro-/nano-mineral fillers filling in the polypropylene matrix
Authors: Zaman Haydar U , Hun Park Deuk , Khan Ruhul A , Yoon Keun-Byoung
Published: January 2012

Effect of unmodified and surface-modified micro-/nano-calcium carbonate particles on the mechanical properties, crystallization behavior, and thermal properties of polypropylene (PP)/microscale calcium carbonate (micro-CaCO3 (mCC)) and PP/nanoscale calcium carbonate (nano-CaCO3 (nCC)) composites has been comparatively investigated via melt mixing. Mechanical tests indicated that PP/nCC composite with the addition of 5–10 wt% nCC is higher than that of virgin PP and even higher than that of PP/mCC composite with the addition of 5–15 wt% mCC. In addition, incorporation of titanate-coupling agent (isopropyl tri-(dioctylpyrophosphato) titanate (JN114)) further increased the mechanical properties of the composites. This improvement in the mechanical properties was evidenced by scanning electron microscopy. The addition of small amounts of JN114 into PP/mCC and PP/nCC induces the great change in crystallization behavior of PP matrix. Improved distribution of CaCO3, enhanced crystallization temperature, largely increased the degree of crystallinity, Xc (%), and the heat deformation temperature are achieved for PP/modified-nCC samples.
Multilevel framework for optimization of lightweight structures
Authors: Fischer M , Kennedy D , Featherston C A
Published: January 2012

Optimization of aerospace and lightweight structures, such as aircraft wings, is typically best carried out via a multilevel process. This becomes necessary owing to the complexity of the structure and potentially very large numbers of design variables. While more conventional analysis and design procedures are often based on the computationally expensive finite element method, specialist software, such as the ‘exact’ strip program VICONOPT, provides faster and more efficient alternatives for structural components such as wing panels. With ever-increasing computational power, different software solutions can be integrated by means of robust and easy-to-use interfaces, allowing the user to benefit from more versatile optimization environments. The computer program Viconopt MLO establishes a multilevel framework for optimization by interfacing the panel analysis and design software VICONOPT and the finite element software MSC/NASTRAN. In this paper the underlying principles of the optimization procedure in Viconopt MLO are described, and the software's capability is demonstrated through the optimization of a composite aircraft wing.