bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Blood donors' helping behavior is driven by warm glow: more evidence for the blood donor benevolence hypothesis
Authors: Ferguson Eamonn , Taylor Michael , Keatley David , Flynn Niall , Lawrence Claire
Published: February 2012

BACKGROUND: The benevolence hypothesis (both donor and recipient gain) suggests that blood donors, compared to non–blood donors have a general altruistic motivational preference based on warm glow (i.e., “I donate because it makes me feel good”). With objective behavioral economics tests of altruism and warm‐glow giving, this paper offers the first direct experimental test of this hypothesis. The prediction that blood donors will be motivated in general by warm glow was compared to predictions from other theoretical models: strong reciprocity and empathy.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Four experiments and one prospective study examined blood donors' and nondonors' motivations for general charitable giving and blood donation. Variants of the dictator game (DG; a charity DG [CDG] and a warm‐glow version of a CDG) were used to provide objective measures of altruism.

RESULTS: Blood donors gave less than nondonors on the CDG, but gave more on the warm‐glow version. Blood donors' actual donations (in the CDGs and blood donation) were associated with feelings of warm glow. There was no evidence that blood donors were motivated by strong reciprocity or empathic concerns.

CONCLUSIONS: This paper offers objective behavioral evidence that blood donors' charitable giving and blood donation, compared to non–blood donors, is more strongly motivated by warm glow. This provides additional support for the benevolence hypothesis of blood donation.
Self and Vested Interests: Predictors of Fathers' Views of Child Care
Authors: MOON MICHELLE
Published: February 2012

Fathers' (N = 125) attachment to their careers, perceptions of their wives' attachment to their careers, financial need to work, and gender‐role attitudes were examined as predictors of their ratings of the effects of child care on children. Results supported the hypothesized model, with fathers' financial need, self‐interests, and beliefs influencing their evaluations of the costs, benefits, and effects of child care. Findings were an extension of the social psychology literature on self‐ and vested interests, and previous related research, which examined mothers' self‐interests and beliefs and their evaluations of child care. It is suggested fathers' and mothers' self‐ and vested interests should be considered when evaluating the effects of child care on children.
Chemerin analog regulates energy metabolism in sheep
Authors: SUZUKI Yutaka , SONG Sang‐Houn , SATO Katsuyoshi , SO Kyoung‐Ha , ARDIYANTI Astrid , KITAYAMA Shun , HONG Yeon‐Hee , LEE Sung‐Dae , CHOI Ki‐Choon , HAGINO Akihiko , KATOH Kazuo , ROH Sang‐gun
Published: February 2012

Accumulating data suggest a relationship between chemerin and energy metabolism. Our group previously described gene cloning, expression analysis and the regulatory mechanism of chemerin and its own receptor in mice and cattle. The objective of the present study was to investigate the physiological effect of chemerin on endocrine changes and energy metabolism in sheep using a biologically stable chemerin analog. The chemerin analog was intravenously administrated (100 or 500 µg/head) to sheep, and plasma insulin and metabolites (glucose, nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), triglyceride, total cholesterol and high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol) were analyzed. The chemerin analog dramatically increased the insulin levels, and glucose levels were decreased. NEFA levels were slightly decreased at 20 min but then increased gradually from 60 to 180 min after analog administration. In addition, injection of the chemerin analog immediately increased triglyceride and total cholesterol but not HDL levels. These results suggested that chemerin analog regulated insulin secretion related to glucose metabolism and the release of triglycerides in sheep in vivo. This study provides new information about endocrine and metabolic changes in response to chemerin in sheep.
Analysis of preference for domestic grass‐fed beef in Japanese youths
Authors: ORIME Ai , YONEZAWA Tomohiro , OGASAWARA Hideki , KUROYANAGI Tadashi , MANDA Tomiharu
Published: February 2012

A questionnaire based on sensory evaluation of completely domestic grass‐fed beef was carried out on 157 Japanese undergraduate students aged between 18 and 22 years in Kitasato University. The sensory evaluation sheet consisted of 10 questions concerning preference for domestic grass‐fed beef, and three demographic/lifestyle questions. Using principal component analysis and cluster analysis, the respondents were divided into four groups (G1–G4). G1 accepted almost all properties. G2 accepted most properties but disliked chewiness. G3 accepted juiciness and flavor but disliked the color and texture of the meat. G4 tended to dislike almost all properties. According to chi‐square test, most G2‐people statistically liked other commercial beef and G4‐people had neutral and negative impressions. G1‐ or G3‐people did not have any significant tendency as regards beef preference. These results indicate that most of the young respondents who preferred domestic grass‐fed beef could not accept its texture, and some respondents could accept its juiciness and flavor. It is also suggested that a part of the people who like commercial beef do not prefer chewiness of grass‐fed beef. Such information will aid grass‐fed beef cattle breeders, producers and packers to improve the quality of beef and its evaluation.
Active Thermal Tracer Tests for Improved Hydrostratigraphic Characterization
Authors: Leaf Andrew T. , Hart David J. , Bahr Jean M.
Published: February 2012

Subsurface heterogeneity in hydraulic properties and processes is a fundamental challenge in hydrogeology. We have developed an improved method of borehole dilution testing for hydrostratigraphic characterization, in which distributed temperature sensing (DTS) is used to monitor advective heat movement. DTS offers many advantages over conventional technologies including response times in the order of seconds rather than minutes, the ability to profile temperature synoptically in a well without disturbing the fluid column, sensitivity to a wider range of flow rates than conventional spinner and heat pulse flow meters, and the ease of interpretation. Open‐well thermal dilution tests in two multiaquifer wells near Madison, Wisconsin, provided detailed information on the borehole flow regimes, including flow rates and the locations of inflows from both fractures and porous media. The results led to an enhanced understanding of flow in a hydrostratigraphic unit previously conceptualized as homogenous and isotropic.
Synthesis, Biological Evaluation, and Structure–activity Relationship of Clonazepam, Meclonazepam, and 1,4‐Benzodiazepine Compounds with Schistosomicidal Activity
Authors: Menezes Carla M. S. , Rivera Gildardo , Alves Marina A. , do Amaral Daniel N. , Thibaut Jean Pierre B. , Noël François , Barreiro Eliezer J. , Lima Lídia M.
Published: February 2012

The inherent morbidity and mortality caused by schistosomiasis is a serious public health problem in developing countries. Praziquantel is the only drug in therapeutic use, leading to a permanent risk of parasite resistance. In search for new schistosomicidal drugs, meclonazepam, the 3‐methyl‐derivative of clonazepam, is still considered an interesting lead‐candidate because it has a proven schistosomicidal effect in humans but adverse effects on the central nervous system did not allow its clinical use. Herein, the synthesis, in vitro biological evaluation, and molecular modeling of clonazepam, meclonazepam, and analogues are reported to establish the first structure–activity relationship for schistosomicidal benzodiazepines. Our findings indicate that the amide moiety [N1H‐C2(=O)] is the principal pharmacophoric unit of 1,4‐benzodiazepine schistosomicidal compounds and that substitution on the amide nitrogen atom (N1 position) is not tolerated.
Hoxgene evolution: multiple mechanisms contributing to evolutionary novelties
Authors: Pick Leslie , Heffer Alison
Published: February 2012

Hoxgenes, which are important for determining regional identity in organisms as diverse as flies and humans, are typically considered to be under strong evolutionary constraints because large changes in body plan are usually detrimental to survival. Despite this, there is great body plan diversity in nature, and many of the mechanisms underlying this diversity have been attributed to changes inHoxgenes. Over the past year, several studies have examined howHoxgenes play a role in evolution of body plans and novelties. Here, we examine four distinct evolutionary mechanisms implicated inHoxgene evolution, which include changes in (1)Hoxgene expression, (2) downstreamHoxtarget gene regulation without change inHoxexpression, (3) protein‐coding sequence, and (4) posttranscriptional regulation ofHoxgene function. We discuss how these types of changes inHoxgenes—once thought to be evolutionarily static—underlie morphological diversification. We review recent studies that highlight each of these mechanisms and discuss their roles in the evolution of morphology and novelties.
The use of information theory in evolutionary biology
Authors: Adami Christoph
Published: February 2012

Information is a key concept in evolutionary biology. Information stored in a biological organism's genome is used to generate the organism and to maintain and control it. Information is also that which evolves. When a population adapts to a local environment, information about this environment is fixed in a representative genome. However, when an environment changes, information can be lost. At the same time, information is processed by animal brains to survive in complex environments, and the capacity for information processing also evolves. Here, I review applications of information theory to the evolution of proteins and to the evolution of information processing in simulated agents that adapt to perform a complex task.
Kindergarten Self‐Regulation As a Predictor of Body Mass Index and Sports Participation in Fourth Grade Students
Authors: Piché Geneviève , Fitzpatrick Caroline , Pagani Linda S.
Published: February 2012

Identifying early precursors of body mass index (BMI) and sports participation represents an important concern from a public health perspective and can inform the development of preventive interventions. This article examines whether kindergarten child self‐regulation, as measured by classroom engagement and behavioral regulation, predicts healthy dispositions in fourth grade. To address this objective, secondary analyses were conducted using prospective‐longitudinal data from 966 children followed by the Quebec Longitudinal Study of Child Development. Self‐regulatory skills, including classroom engagement and behavioral regulation, were measured by kindergarten teachers. Greater self‐regulatory skills predicted lower BMI and greater parent‐reported child sports participation, after controlling for a number of potentially confounding child and family characteristics. This article suggests that assessing kindergarten self‐regulatory capacities may help identify children at risk of developing unhealthy dispositions and behaviors in middle childhood.
Inclusion of Mobility‐Impaired Children in the One‐to‐One Computing Era: A Case Study
Authors: Mangiatordi Andrea
Published: February 2012

In recent times many developing countries have adopted a one‐to‐one model for distributing computers in classrooms. Among the various effects that such an approach could imply, it surely increases the availability of computer‐related Assistive Technology at school and provides higher resources for empowering disabled children in their learning and communicating abilities. New environments are created in which technology is no more a specific solution, but a matter of fact. This article describes three case studies involving children from Uruguayan special schools undergoing integration projects in mainstream schools. The children could count on a computer technology which did not mark them as “those who need some different tools,” but as special users of the same tools as the rest of the students.
Influence of Verbal Working Memory Depends on Vocabulary: Oral Reading Fluency in Adolescents With Dyslexia
Authors: Rose L. Todd , Rouhani Parisa
Published: February 2012

Most research on dyslexia to date has focused on early childhood, while comparatively little is known about the nature of dyslexia in adolescence. The current study had two objectives. The first was to investigate the relative contributions of several cognitive and linguistic factors to connected‐text oral reading fluency in a sample of adolescents with dyslexia (n = 77). The second was to test the hypothesis that the effect of verbal working memory on connected‐text oral reading fluency is moderated by word‐level skills and/or vocabulary knowledge. The results suggest that many deficits associated with childhood dyslexia remain prominent in adolescence, but the nature of the relationships between key cognitive and linguistic predictors (i.e., word‐level reading, vocabulary, verbal working memory) and reading fluency appear to be different in adolescence. For example, while word‐level skills remain a significant predictor, the strength of the effect is relatively weak. In contrast, the data support an increased role for vocabulary and verbal working memory, including an interaction between these factors. The presence of an interaction can be interpreted as evidence that the influence of verbal working memory on connected‐text oral reading fluency in adolescents with dyslexia depends on individual differences in vocabulary knowledge. These results offer support for the changing nature of dyslexia across development, and suggest that researchers should study dyslexia in adolescents on its own terms, rather than treating it as an extension of reading problems in early childhood.
A New Martian Meteorite from Antarctica: Grove Mountains (GRV) 020090
Authors: Bingkui MIAO , Ziyuan OUYANG , Daode WANG , Yitai JU , Guiqin WANG , Yangting LIN
Published: February 2012

Abstract  Reported in this paper are the petrology and mineral chemistry of GRV 020090, the second Martian meteorite collected from the Grove Mountains, Antarctica. This meteorite, with a mass of 7.54 g, is completely covered by a black and glazy fusion crust. It has two distinct textural regions. The interstitial region is composed of euhedral grains of olivine, pigeonite, and anhedral interstitial maskelynite, with minor chromite, augite, phosphates and troilite. The poikilitic region consists of three clasts of pyroxenes, each of which has a pigeonite core and an augite rim. A few grains of subhedral to rounded olivine and euhedral chromite are enclosed in the pyroxene oikocrysts. GRV 020090 is classified as a new member of lherzolitic shergottites based on the modal composition and mineral chemistry. This work will shed light on the composition of Martian crust and magmatism on the Mars.
Carbon and Noble Gas Isotopes in the Tengchong Volcanic Geothermal Area, Yunnan, Southwestern China
Authors: Sheng XU , NAKAI Shun'ichi , WAKITA Hiroshi , Xianbin WANG
Published: February 2012

Abstract  Carbon and noble gas isotope analyses are reported for bubbling gas samples from the Tengchong volcanic geothermal area near the Indo‐Eurasian suture zone. All samples contain a resolvable component of mantle‐derived 3He. Occurrence of mantle‐derived 3He coincides with surface volcanism. However, 3He occurs over a larger geographic area than do surface volcanics. δ13C values for CO2 and CH4 vary from −33.4 ‰ to 1.6 ‰ and from −52.8 ‰ to −2.8 ‰, respectively. He and C isotope systematics indicate that CO2 and CH4 in the CO2‐rich gases originated predominantly from magmatic component mixed with crustal CO2 produced from carbonate. However, breakdown of organic matter and near‐surface processes accounts for the CH4 and CO2 in N2‐rich gases. 3He/4He ratio distribution pattern suggests that mantle‐derived He and heat sources of high‐temperature system in central Tengchong originate from a hidden magma reservoir at subsurface. CO2‐rich gases with the highest 3He/4He ratio (5.2 Ra) may be representative of the Tengchong magmatic component. Compared with MORB, this relative low 3He/4He ratio could be fully attributed to either deep crustal contamination, or radioactive aging, or past contamination of the local mantle by U‐ and Th‐rich subducted crustal material. However, a combination of low 3He/4He, high radiogenic 4He/40Ar ratio and identical CO2/3He and δ13CO2 relative to MORB may suggest addition of prior subductedd crsustal material (ca 1%–2%) to the MORB reservoir around 1.3 Ga ago, which is essentially compatible with the LIL‐elements, and Sr‐Nd‐Pb isotopes of volcanic rocks.
Early Permian Conodonts from the Baoshan Block, Western Yunnan, China
Authors: Zhansheng JI , Jianxin YAO , Xiaochi JIN , Xiangning YANG , Yizhao WANG , Hailin YANG , Guichun WU
Published: February 2012

Abstract  The Rabeignathus bucaramangus fauna was recently found from the limestone beds of the top part of the clastics‐dominated Dingjiazhai Formation in the Aluotian section, southern Baoshan Block, western Yunnan. With Rabeignathus bucaramangus as the dominant species, this fauna includes Rabeignathus bucaramangus (Rabe), Homeoiranognathus huecoensis (Ritter), Sweetognathus inornatus Ritter, Sweetognathus whitei (Rhodes), Mesogondolella cf. bisselli (Clark and Behnken) and a few of ramiform elements. The characteristics of the fauna suggest that it can be correlated with the upper part of the Sweetognathus whitei Zone and assigned to the Middle Artinskian.
K‐Ar Geochronology of Mesozoic Mafic Dikes in Shandong Province, Eastern China: Implications for Crustal Extension
Authors: Shen LIU , Ruizhong HU , Junhong ZHAO , Caixia FENG
Published: February 2012

Abstract  Based on K‐Ar isotope analyses, Mesozoic mafic (and alkali ultramafic) dikes from western and eastern Shandong Province, China, are dated at 88.2±1.70 Ma to 169.5±3.7 Ma with the majority of ages ranging from 90 Ma to 140 Ma. The emplacement of the dikes suggests a major Yanshanian (Cretaceous) crustal extension in Shandong province. Together with other available age data, this study suggests four periods of crustal extension at about 80 Ma, 100 Ma, 120 Ma and 140 Ma, respectively. Besides the effect of collapse of the Yanshanian orogenic belt on the emplacement of the mafic dikes in Shandong in the Cretaceous, the mantle plume and the extensive left‐lateral advection and extension of the Tanlu fault also have controlled the crustal extension and the emplacement of the mafic dikes in eastern Shandong and western Shandong, respectively.
A Simple Monte Carlo Method for Locating the Three‐dimensional Critical Slip Surface of a Slope
Authors: Mowen XJE
Published: February 2012

Abstract  Based on the assumption of the plain‐strain problem, various optimization or random search methods have been developed for locating the critical slip surfaces in slope‐stability analysis, but none of such methods is applicable to the 3D case. In this paper, a simple Monte Carlo random simulation method is proposed to identify the 3D critical slip surface. Assuming the initial slip to be the lower part of a slip ellipsoid, the 3D critical slip surface is located by means of a minimized 3D safety factor. A column‐based 3D slope stability analysis model is used to calculate this factor. In this study, some practical cases of known minimum safety factors and critical slip surfaces in 2D analysis are extended to 3D slope problems to locate the critical slip surfaces. Compared with the 2D result, the resulting 3D critical slip surface has no apparent difference in terms of only cross section, but the associated 3D safety factor is definitely higher.
Polyspora huongiana sp. nov. (Theaceae) from Vietnam and notes on related species
Authors: Orel George , Wilson Peter G. , Curry Anthony S. , Luu Hong Truong
Published: February 2012

A new species of Polyspora Sweet (Theaceae) endemic to the Bidoup‐Nui Ba National Park, Lam Dong Province, Vietnam, is described and illustrated: Polyspora huongiana Orel, Curry & Luu. The newly described species has variably shaped, coriaceous, narrowly elliptical leaves, terminal, pedicellate, mostly solitary, rather fleshy, dark pink to red flowers, with petals in two whorls; a columnar, seamlessly fused style with 3–5 apical lobes; persistent bracteoles; and a superior 3–4 (–5) chambered ovary. The morphological evidence supports taxonomic placement in the genus Polyspora. A new name is provided and new combinations are made for some other species in the region.
Targeted and shotgun metagenomic approaches provide different descriptions of dryland soil microbial communities in a manipulated field study
Authors: Steven Blaire , Gallegos‐Graves La Verne , Starkenburg Shawn R. , Chain Patrick S. , Kuske Cheryl R.
Published: February 2012

The extent to which different sequence‐based approaches describe environmental microbial communities in comparative studies is an important consideration when deriving inferences from ecological studies. The ability of a targeted metagenomic approach [small subunit (SSU) rRNA pyrosequencing] and shotgun metagenome approaches were compared to identify distinguishing features in dryland soil microbial communities from two different habitats: biological soil crusts (biocrusts) and creosote bush root zones. A parallel comparison was conducted to determine the ability of each approach to detect community differences potentially arising from a more subtle experimental treatment, long‐term elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide. As expected, the biocrust datasets were clearly differentiated from root zone datasets using either of the sequencing approaches. However, the composition described by each approach was significantly different. The magnitude of comparative differences due to habitat or elevated CO2 treatment was larger with pyrosequenced SSU datasets or SSU reads recruited from shotgun metagenomes, than from SEED‐classified shotgun metagenome reads. Finally, based on prior knowledge of the biocrust communities, the SSU‐based datasets more accurately identified the dominant biocrust cyanobacteria sequences compared to the shotgun metagenome datasets.
Impact of the 1998 Football World Cup on Suicide Rates in France: Results from the National Death Registry
Authors: Encrenaz Gaëlle , Contrand Benjamin , Leffondré Karen , Queinec Raphaëlle , Aouba Albertine , Jougla Eric , Miras Alain , Lagarde Emmanuel
Published: February 2012

Our objective was to determine whether the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup in 1998 had a short‐term impact on the number of suicides in France. Exhaustive individual daily data on suicides from 1979 to 2006 were obtained from the French epidemiological center on the medical causes of death (CepiDC–INSERM; France). These data were analyzed using the seasonal ARIMA model. The overall effect of the World Cup was tested together with potential specific impact on days following the French team games. Between 11th June and 11th July, a significant decline of 95 suicides was observed (−10.3%), this effect being the strongest among men and people aged between 30 and 44. A significant decrease was also observed for the days following French team games (−19.9%). Our results are in favor of an effect of nationwide sport events on suicidal behaviors and are consistent with other studies. Many of the theories explaining the relationship between sports and suicide are related to sense of belongingness and social integration, highlighting the importance of social link reinforcement in suicide prevention.
Design of Experiment Analysis of Plain ZDDP Oil in the Presence of FeF3 Using Two Different Rotational Speeds and Extreme Contact Load
Authors: Nehme Gabi
Published: February 2012

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of cooling contact surface temperature of the test cylinder when a rise in contact temperature over 100 degree C occurs during boundary lubrication tribological testing. The Hertzian contact pressure in a ball on cylinder tests will be optimized with respect to the contact temperature using Design of Experiment (DOE) software. Several boundary lubrication tests were conducted to study the behavior of 0.1 P% (phosphorus percentage) plain ZDDP oil in the presence of 0.4% FeF3 under two different rotational speeds (lower stage of 100 rpm for the first 5000 revolutions and higher stage of 700 rpm until failure or 100000 revolutions whichever comes first). The one rotational speed of 700 rpm until failure will be compared to the two speed stages under a contact cooling surface temperature and different contact loads (2.77GPa–3.8Gpa Hertzian contact pressures). The two different speed stages indicate better performance under an extreme contact load and a lower contact surface temperature; whereas higher contact surface temperature and lower load are needed for the one speed stage of 700 rpm cycle.
Experimental Study on Preventing Web Defects Under Transportation of High Performance Optical Films With Micro-Groove and Concave Rollers
Authors: Hashimoto Hiromu
Published: February 2012

In this paper, experiments on preventing wrinkles by using concave rollers compared with cylindrical rollers are described. Wrinkle generation is examined using the following four test rollers: a cylindrical roller with a uniform axial diameter, a cylindrical roller with micro-grooves, a concave roller with a diameter that increases towards the two ends, and a concave roller with micro-grooves. Moreover, the relationship between the use of a concave roller and wrinkle generation is clarified by comparing all experimental results.
A Fully Coupled 3D Finite Element Analysis for a Bump-Type Compliant Foil Bearing
Authors: Aksoy Serdar , Coskun M. Bulut , Aksit Mahmut F.
Published: February 2012

A bump-type foil bearing consists of a compliant corrugated sheet metal supporting structure that is covered by a thin top foil surface. Bumps serve as stiffener and damping elements to increase the stability of the system while top foil creates necessary wedge surface for aerodynamic film formation. Foil bearings are hard to analyze as flexible foil surface deforms and changes shape while aerodynamic film pressure forms. Fully coupled finite element approach is presented. To increase the accuracy, the geometry is discretized with quadratic hexagonal elements. The gas film is modeled by compressible Reynolds equation. The effect of velocity on load capacity will be investigated to reveal the performance of the code.
A Statistical Analysis of Elastomeric Seal Degradation in a Pneumatic Cylinder With Variation of Temperature
Authors: Kang B. S. , Shin J. H. , Kim H. E.
Published: February 2012

Pneumatic Cylinders are one of major mechanical components which are widely used in various industries such as automobile production line and semiconductor inspection device due to its low contamination and low maintenance cost. Most of existing studies on pneumatic cylinders have focused on their performance improvement such as operating sliding friction measurement, contact stress minimization, appropriate dynamic response, and etc. This research carried out life tests of pneumatic cylinders and the concerned failure mechanism was the degradation of pneumatic polyurethane seal since leakage caused by seal degradation occurs very frequently. The considered operating parameter was environmental temperature. To assess operating temperature as an acceleration parameter, the lifetime of a pneumatic cylinder was tested at high temperature and the degradation mechanism and characteristics of sealing surface were analyzed by statistical Weibull analysis method as well as by surface analysis using pyrolysis gas chromatography. Ultimately this research will help the life prediction of other pneumatic reciprocating machines.
The Effect of Micro-Grooves on Hydrodynamic Lubrication Characteristics of a Piston Ring and a Cylinder Liner
Authors: Son S. I. , Kim K. W.
Published: February 2012

In this study, the effect of micro-grooves on hydrodynamic fabrication characteristics between a piston ring and a micro-grooved cylinder liner is analyzed numerically. Elrod’s universal equation satisfying JFO theory is adopted to predict the cavitation region properly and calculate the pressure distribution between a piston ring and a micro-grooved cylinder liner. The analysis is carried out by varying the shape, depth, length, width and location of micro-grooves during the full engine cycle. The results show that micro-grooves can make friction loss decrease in comparison with a non-textured cylinder liner.
Assessment of Quantitative Methodology for Evaluation of Retrieved Metallic Femoral Components From Total Knee Replacements
Authors: Alvarez Estefania , Elpers Marcella E. , Cash Hillary M. , Wabler Michelle E. , DesJardins John D.
Published: February 2012

The metallic surfaces of total joint replacement components are subject to surface damage and roughening that can severely limit the service lifetime of the bearing system. To date, there are no standards by which to characterize the severity and modes of this critical surface damage, and therefore it remains difficult to accurately assess how femoral damage influences total joint replacement longevity. This study introduces a novel femoral component damage scoring methodology that combines a semi-quantitative visual damage scoring assessment and a fully quantitative non-contact characterization of the articular surface profile. The femoral surface was divided into 6 pre-determined zones, with 5 possible modes of damage and 4 (0–3) levels of damage severity, to produce a maximum possible damage score of 90. The 5 modes of metallic surface damage were; number of scratches, scratch depth, third body wear, abrasion and pitting. Three independent examiners were trained and then evaluated 33 retrieved TKRs systems (n = 11 Oxinium and n = 23 CoCr) with in-situ times of 3.6 ± 4.2 yrs (range of 0.1–20 yrs). The average damage score was 19.9 ± 30.8 with an inter-observer variability of only 1.5% Articular damage mode frequency was calculated and found to be 61% for scratching, 15% for pitting and 52% for abrasion. The quantitative characterization of the articular surface profile of the femoral component using non-contact profilometry (n = 150/retrieved component) illustrated a positive correlation between damage score and the average surface roughness for implants with an Ra greater than 65 nm (R2 of 0.865). This methodology identified a critical Ra threshold above the standard manufacturing tolerance (∼50nm) wherein visual damage scoring was predictive of increases in quantitative surface roughness. This study validates the use of this novel methodology across most TKR material pairings. Future work will correlate damage scores and measured surface roughness with patient demographic and functional information.
Vibration Response in Visco-Elastic Interaction of Rough Surfaces
Authors: Sepehri Ali , Farhang Kambiz
Published: February 2012

The nonlinear normal vibration of a block of rough surface in visco-elastic interaction with a rough plane is considered. The nonlinear normal free vibration response corresponds to the application of a constant compressive external load, thereby establishing an equivalent contact stiffness for the system. Closed-form equations relating contact damping ratio and contact natural frequency to the surface parameters are given.
Tribological Performance of Aluminum Micro and Nano Composites
Authors: Rohatgi Pradeep K. , Menezes Pradeep L. , Mazzei Tatiana , Lovell Michael R.
Published: February 2012

In the present investigation, the tribological performance of aluminum micro (100 to 200 μm particle size) and nano (47 nm particle size) composites was studied using a three pin-on-disk tribometer under dry conditions. As a basis for comparison, the tribological performance of aluminum alloys was also studied. The pins made of these materials were then slid against a steel disk under ambient conditions. Tests were conducted at a sliding velocity of 1.58 m/s for a normal load of 30 N. The worn surfaces of the pins were analyzed using a scanning electron microscope. Based on the experiments, it was observed that the nano-composites significantly outperformed all of the other materials with respect to friction levels. It was also discovered that the nano-composites exhibited the best wear performance among the composites investigated. The size of the reinforcement particle trapped at the interface and the hardness ratio of the mating materials were specifically found to play an important role in determining the friction and wear performance of the materials investigated.
Test Rig for Wear and Contact Parameters Extraction for Flat-on-Flat Contact Surfaces
Authors: Lavella M. , Botto D. , Gola M. M.
Published: February 2012

In aircraft engine the blade resonant vibration amplitude is reduced by increasing the structural damping by using, for example, tip shrouds. These devices dissipate the energy generated at the contact surfaces between the relative motion and the friction force. Contact parameters as friction coefficient and contact stiffness are required to characterize the dynamics of the shrouded blade systems. Moreover if at the contact surfaces severe wear occurs a loss of interference takes place, the shroud is not longer able to dissipate energy and a catastrophic blade failure could take place. A test rig for contact parameters measurement and micro wear characterization of flat-on-flat contact surfaces has been developed. One of the specimens is attached to the rig frame, basically an inertial mass and four springs, excited by an electromagnetic shaker. The second specimen is allowed to approach the first specimen and to rotate in such a way the geometric contact between the two surfaces occurs on three points. In this way a real “flat-to-flat” contact has been obtained. The tangential contact force and the relative displacements between specimens are measured and the friction coefficient and contact stiffness, are determined. The expected results are the contact parameters and the wear behaviour of real flat-on-flat contact surfaces. The aim of this work is to describe the design principle of the test rig and show the first measurements.
Tool Wear Influence on Surface Integrity and Fatigue Life of Hard Milled Surfaces
Authors: Li W. , Guo Y. B. , Barkey M. E.
Published: February 2012

In machining, the interfacial friction between cutting tool and work material leads to tool wear which is considered a critical factor for surface quality of machined components. Surface integrity and fatigue life of machined components will deteriorate when tool flank wear progresses in machining. Hard milling experiments on AISI H13 tool steel (50 ± 1 HRC) using PVD coated tools with different levels of flank wear were conducted in this study. Surface integrity of the machined components with flank wear VB = 0 mm, 0.1 mm and 0.2 mm was characterized. The effects of cutting speed, feed, and radial depth-of-cut on surface integrity were investigated respectively at the three levels of tool flank wear. In addition, four-point bending fatigue tests were performed on the milled samples at five levels of different flank wear (VB = 0, 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20 mm) to evaluate the trend of fatigue life evolution with the increased tool flank wear.
ApoE-Directed Therapeutics Rapidly Clear β-Amyloid and Reverse Deficits in AD Mouse Models
Authors: Cramer Paige E. , Cirrito John R. , Wesson Daniel W. , Lee C. Y. Daniel , Karlo J. Colleen , Zinn Adriana E. , Casali Brad T. , Restivo Jessica L. , Goebel Whitney D. , James Michael J. , Brunden Kurt R. , Wilson Donald A. , Landreth Gary E.
Published: February 2012

Reversing Decline?

Apolipoprotein E (apoE) normally helps in the clearance of β-amyloid from the brain, a process that is compromised in Alzheimer's disease.

Cramer
et al.

(p.
1503
, published online 9 February; see the Perspective by

Strittmatter

) now show that a drug that increases apoE expression rapidly promoted soluble β-amyloid clearance in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. The drug also improved cognitive, social, and olfactory performance and rapidly improved neural circuit function. Similar therapeutics may potentially help to ameliorate the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease and its prodromal states.
ON THE FOCK TRANSFORMATION IN NONLINEAR RELATIVITY
Authors: BOUDA A. , FOUGHALI T.
Published: February 2012

In this paper, we propose a new deformed Poisson brackets which leads to the Fock coordinate transformation by using an analogous procedure as in Deformed Special Relativity. We therefore derive the corresponding momentum transformation which is revealed to be different from previous results. Contrary to the earlier version of Fock's nonlinear relativity for which plane waves cannot be described, our resulting algebra keeps invariant for any coordinate and momentum transformations the four-dimensional contraction pμ xμ, allowing therefore to associate plane waves for free particles. As in Deformed Special Relativity, we also derive a canonical transformation with which the new coordinates and momentum satisfy the usual Poisson brackets and therefore transform like the usual Lorentz vectors. Finally, we establish the dispersion relation for Fock's nonlinear relativity.
Do PTK2 gene polymorphisms contribute to the interindividual variability in muscle strength and the response to resistance training? A preliminary report
Authors: Erskine Robert M. , Williams Alun G. , Jones David A. , Stewart Claire E. , Degens Hans
Published: February 2012

The protein tyrosine kinase-2 (PTK2) gene encodes focal adhesion kinase, a structural protein involved in lateral transmission of muscle fiber force. We investigated whether single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the PTK2 gene were associated with various indexes of human skeletal muscle strength and the interindividual variability in the strength responses to resistance training. We determined unilateral knee extension single repetition maximum (1-RM), maximum isometric voluntary contraction (MVC) knee joint torque, and quadriceps femoris muscle specific force (maximum force per unit physiological cross-sectional area) before and after 9 wk of knee extension resistance training in 51 untrained young men. All participants were genotyped for the PTK2 intronic rs7843014 A/C and 3′-untranslated region (UTR) rs7460 A/T SNPs. There were no genotype associations with baseline measures or posttraining changes in 1-RM or MVC. Although the training-induced increase in specific force was similar for all PTK2 genotypes, baseline specific force was higher in PTK2 rs7843014 AA and rs7460 TT homozygotes than in the respective rs7843014 C- ( P = 0.016) and rs7460 A-allele ( P = 0.009) carriers. These associations between muscle specific force and PTK2 SNPs suggest that interindividual differences exist in the way force is transmitted from the muscle fibers to the tendon. Therefore, our results demonstrate for the first time the impact of genetic variation on the intrinsic strength of human skeletal muscle.
Serum Autoantibody Signature of Ductal Carcinoma In Situ Progression to Invasive Breast Cancer
Authors: Mangé Alain , Lacombe Jérôme , Bascoul-Mollevi Caroline , Jarlier Marta , Lamy Pierre-Jean , Rouanet Philippe , Maudelonde Thierry , Solassol Jérôme
Published: February 2012

Purpose: The identification of markers associated with progression to invasive breast cancer (IBC) is a major factor that can guide physicians in the initial therapeutic decision and the management of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS).

Experimental Design: We examined autoantibody targets in 20 DCIS and 20 IBC patients using protein microarrays and identified humoral responses that can be used to distinguish the two groups. The five most differentially targeted antigens were selected to generate an autoantibody signature for the in situ to invasive breast cancer transition. This signature was next tested on 120 independent samples (61 DCIS and 59 IBC) using specific ELISA assays. The prognosis value of the autoantibody signature was finally evaluated in a cohort of DCIS patients followed for 5 years.

Results: A set of five autoantibody targets (RBP-Jκ, HMGN1, PSRC1, CIRBP, and ECHDC1) with the highest differential signal intensity found in the protein microarrays experiment was used to establish an autoantibody signature of the DCIS to IBC transition. Using ELISA, this signature significantly discriminated DCIS from IBC [area under the ROC curve (AUC) = 0.794, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.674–0.877]. Interestingly, our panel could highly distinguish low-grade DCIS from high-grade DCIS exhibiting an AUC of 0.749 (95% CI: 0.581–0.866). Finally, using a Kaplan–Meier analysis, the autoantibody signature could significantly divide the DCIS patients into a poor prognosis group and a good prognosis group (P = 0.01).

Conclusion: These results indicate the potential of autoantibody detection as a new prognostic test with possible clinical implications for the management of DCIS. Clin Cancer Res; 18(7); 1992–2000. ©2012 AACR.
Cyclin D1 and FADD as Biomarkers in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Rasamny Jk J. , Allak Amir , Krook Kaelyn A. , Jo Vickie Y. , Policarpio‐Nicolas Maria L. , Sumner Heather M. , Moskaluk Christopher A. , Frierson Henry F. , Jameson Mark J.
Published: February 2012

Objective

Cyclin D1 and FADD (Fas‐associated protein with death domain) regulate the cell cycle and apoptosis, respectively, and are located on chromosome 11q13, which is frequently amplified in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). This study evaluates these proteins as predictors of clinical outcomes for HNSCC.

Study Design

Historical cohort study.

Setting

Academic tertiary care center.

Subjects

Two hundred twenty‐two patients with upper aerodigestive HNSCC.

Results

Patients with tumors that were strongly positive for cyclin D1 and FADD had reduced overall (OS; P =. 003 and P <. 001), disease‐specific (DSS; P =. 039 and P <. 001), and disease‐free (DFS; P =. 026 and P <. 001) survival, respectively. Together, the 2 markers effectively stratified OS (P <. 001), DSS (P <. 001), and DFS (P =. 002). Strong FADD staining correlated with greater alcohol consumption and varied significantly with primary tumor site: 56% of hypopharynx tumors expressed high levels of FADD but only 7% of glottis tumors. Using Cox regression analysis, FADD and N stage were significant independent predictors of DSS and DFS, whereas cyclin D1, FADD, and N stage were independently significant for OS.

Conclusion

Cyclin D1 and FADD may have utility as predictors of long‐term outcomes for patients with HNSCC. Further study is needed to determine if these proteins predict response to different treatment approaches or assist in selecting patients for multimodality therapy.
Successful rechallenge after ixabepilone-induced radiation recall dermatitis using an alternative dosing strategy
Authors: Ford J Neal , Newton Michael , Jordan Christen , Abraham Jame
Published: February 2012

Radiation recall dermatitis (RRD) is an inflammatory reaction occurring in a previously irradiated area, precipitated by the administration of certain drugs. The drugs most commonly associated with RRD are intravenous antineoplastic agents. The frequency of development of this toxicity in clinical practice is unclear. We report a case of RRD induced by ixabepilone, an epothilone antineoplastic agent, with successful rechallenge utilizing an alternative dosing regimen.
Mutations in the spliceosome machinery, a novel and ubiquitous pathway in leukemogenesis
Authors: Makishima Hideki , Visconte Valeria , Sakaguchi Hirotoshi , Jankowska Anna M. , Abu Kar Sarah , Jerez Andres , Przychodzen Bartlomiej , Bupathi Manoj , Guinta Kathryn , Afable Manuel G. , Sekeres Mikkael A. , Padgett Richard A. , Tiu Ramon V. , Maciejewski Jaroslaw P.
Published: February 2012

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDSs) are chronic and often progressive myeloid neoplasms associated with remarkable heterogeneity in the histomorphology and clinical course. Various somatic mutations are involved in the pathogenesis of MDS. Recently, mutations in a gene encoding a spliceosomal protein, SF3B1, were discovered in a distinct form of MDS with ring sideroblasts. Whole exome sequencing of 15 patients with myeloid neoplasms was performed, and somatic mutations in spliceosomal genes were identified. Sanger sequencing of 310 patients was performed to assess phenotype/genotype associations. To determine the functional effect of spliceosomal mutations, we evaluated pre-mRNA splicing profiles by RNA deep sequencing. We identified additional somatic mutations in spliceosomal genes, including SF3B1, U2AF1, and SRSF2. These mutations alter pre-mRNA splicing patterns. SF3B1 mutations are prevalent in low-risk MDS with ring sideroblasts, whereas U2AF1 and SRSF2 mutations are frequent in chronic myelomonocytic leukemia and advanced forms of MDS. SF3B1 mutations are associated with a favorable prognosis, whereas U2AF1 and SRSF2 mutations are predictive for shorter survival. Mutations affecting spliceosomal genes that result in defective splicing are a new leukemogenic pathway. Spliceosomal genes are probably tumor suppressors, and their mutations may constitute diagnostic biomarkers that could potentially serve as therapeutic targets.
Age- and gender-specific population attributable risks of metabolic disorders on all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in Taiwan
Authors: Wang Wuan-Szu , Wahlqvist Mark L , Hsu Chih-Cheng , Chang Hsing-Yi , Chang Wan-Chi , Chen Chu-Chih
Published: February 2012

Background

The extent of attributable risks of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components on mortality remains unclear, especially with respect to age and gender. We aimed to assess the age- and gender-specific population attributable risks (PARs) for cardiovascular disease (CVD)-related mortality and all-cause mortality for public health planning.

Methods

A total of 2,092 men and 2,197 women 30 years of age and older, who were included in the 2002 Taiwan Survey of Hypertension, Hyperglycemia, and Hyperlipidemia (TwSHHH), were linked to national death certificates acquired through December 31, 2009. Cox proportional hazard models were used to calculate adjusted hazard ratios and PARs for mortality, with a median follow-up of 7.7 years.

Results

The respective PAR percentages of MetS for all-cause and CVD-related mortality were 11.6 and 39.2 in men, respectively, and 18.6 and 44.4 in women, respectively. Central obesity had the highest PAR for CVD mortality in women (57.5%), whereas arterial hypertension had the highest PAR in men (57.5%). For all-cause mortality, younger men and post-menopausal women had higher PARs related to Mets and its components; for CVD mortality, post-menopausal women had higher overall PARs than their pre-menopausal counterparts.

Conclusions

MetS has a limited application to the PAR for all-cause mortality, especially in men; its PAR for CVD mortality is more evident. For CVD mortality, MetS components have higher PARs than MetS itself, especially hypertension in men and waist circumference in post-menopausal women. In addition, PARs for diabetes mellitus and low HDL-cholesterol may exceed 20%. We suggest differential control of risk factors in different subpopulation as a strategy to prevent CVD-related mortality.