bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A phase 1 study of lucatumumab, a fully human anti‐CD40 antagonist monoclonal antibody administered intravenously to patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma
Authors: Bensinger William , Maziarz Richard T. , Jagannath Sundar , Spencer Andrew , Durrant Simon , Becker Pamela S. , Ewald Brett , Bilic Sanela , Rediske John , Baeck Johan , Stadtmauer Edward A.
Published: August 2012

In this open‐label, multicentre, phase 1 study a fully human anti‐CD40 antagonist monoclonal antibody, lucatumumab, was evaluated in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (MM). The primary objective was to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) based on dose‐limiting toxicities (DLTs). Secondary objectives included safety, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and antimyeloma activity. Twenty‐eight patients, enrolled using a standard ‘3 + 3’ dose escalation, received one or two (n = 3) cycles of lucatumumab 1·0, 3·0, 4·5 or 6·0 mg/kg once weekly for 4 weeks. Common lucatumumab‐related adverse events were reversible, mild‐to‐moderate infusion reactions. Severe adverse events were anaemia, chills, hypercalcaemia and pyrexia (7% each). DLTs included grade 4 thrombocytopenia, grade 3 increased alanine aminotransferase and grade 4 increased lipase (n = 1 each). The MTD was 4·5 mg/kg. At doses ≥3·0 mg/kg, sustained receptor occupancy (≥87%), observed throughout weekly infusions up to 5 weeks after the last infusion, correlated with an estimated half‐life of 4–19 d. Twelve patients (43%) had stable disease, and one patient (4%) maintained a partial response for ≥8 months. These findings indicate that single‐agent lucatumumab was well tolerated up to 4·5 mg/kg with modest clinical activity in relapsed/refractory MM, warranting further study as a combination therapy.
Osmotic pressure can regulate matrix gene expression in Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Rubinstein Shmuel M. , Kolodkin‐Gal Ilana , Mcloon Anna , Chai Liraz , Kolter Roberto , Losick Richard , Weitz David A.
Published: August 2012

Many bacteria organize themselves into structurally complex communities known as biofilms in which the cells are held together by an extracellular matrix. In general, the amount of extracellular matrix is related to the robustness of the biofilm. Yet, the specific signals that regulate the synthesis of matrix remain poorly understood. Here we show that the matrix itself can be a cue that regulates the expression of the genes involved in matrix synthesis in Bacillus subtilis. The presence of the exopolysaccharide component of the matrix causes an increase in osmotic pressure that leads to an inhibition of matrix gene expression. We further show that non‐specific changes in osmotic pressure also inhibit matrix gene expression and do so by activating the histidine kinase KinD. KinD, in turn, directs the phosphorylation of the master regulatory protein Spo0A, which at high levels represses matrix gene expression. Sensing a physical cue such as osmotic pressure, in addition to chemical cues, could be a strategy to non‐specifically co‐ordinate the behaviour of cells in communities composed of many different species.
Immunization with Leishmania Vaccine‐Alum‐BCG and Montanide ISA 720 Adjuvants Induces Low‐Grade Type 2 Cytokines and High Levels of IgG2 Subclass Antibodies in the Vervet Monkey (Chlorocebus aethiops) Model
Authors: Mutiso J. M. , Macharia J. C. , Gicheru M. M.
Published: August 2012

The availability of hundreds of adjuvants has prompted a need for identifying rational standards for the selection of adjuvant formulation based on sound immunological principles for human vaccines. As cytokines elaborated by activated T cells are required for the regulation of isotype switch during B‐cell development, a study of Th2 cytokines and subclass distribution of the antibodies may shed new light on the processes involved in the polarization of the immune responses during vaccination studies. The aim of this study was to identify an appropriate Leishmania vaccine adjuvant based on low Th2 cytokine and high value IgG2 antibody responses. Groups of vervet monkeys were immunized with Leishmania donovani sonicate antigen (Ag) alone or in conjunction with alum‐BCG (AlBCG), monophosphoryl lipid A (MPL) or montanide ISA 720 (MISA) as adjuvants. Following three time point intradermal injections on days 0, 28 and 42, IL‐4, IL‐10 and IgG antibody subclasses were quantified by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and data analysed by one‐way analysis of variance, Tukey–Kramer test and Spearman’s rank correlation analysis. Results indicated relatively higher IL‐4 and IL‐10 cytokine responses following MPL + Ag as compared to AlBCG + Ag or MISA + Ag immunization. There was a positive significant correlation between IL‐4 and IL‐10 levels (r = 1.000; P = 0.0167). Significantly higher IgG2 antibody responses were associated with either AlBCG + Ag or MISA + Ag as compared to MPL + Ag immunization (P < 0.05). The study concludes that both AlBCG and MISA may be used in Leishmania vaccine studies that favour low Th2 cytokine and strong IgG2 antibody responses.
Super high resolution for single molecule‐sequence‐based typing of classical HLA loci at the 8‐digit level using next generation sequencers
Authors: Shiina T. , Suzuki S. , Ozaki Y. , Taira H. , Kikkawa E. , Shigenari A. , Oka A. , Umemura T. , Joshita S. , Takahashi O. , Hayashi Y. , Paumen M. , Katsuyama Y. , Mitsunaga S. , Ota M. , Kulski J. K. , Inoko H.
Published: August 2012

Current human leukocyte antigen (HLA) DNA typing methods such as the sequence‐based typing (SBT) and sequence‐specific oligonucleotide (SSO) methods generally yield ambiguous typing results because of oligonucleotide probe design limitations or phase ambiguity for HLA allele assignment. Here we describe the development and application of the super high‐resolution single‐molecule sequence‐based typing (SS‐SBT) of HLA loci at the 8‐digit level using next generation sequencing (NGS). NGS which can determine an HLA allele sequence derived from a single DNA molecule is expected to solve the phase ambiguity problem. Eight classical HLA loci‐specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers were designed to amplify the entire gene sequences from the enhancer‐promoter region to the 3′ untranslated region. Phase ambiguities of HLA‐A, ‐B, ‐C, ‐DRB1 and ‐DQB1 were completely resolved and unequivocally assigned without ambiguity to single HLA alleles. Therefore, the SS‐SBT method described here is a superior and effective HLA DNA typing method to efficiently detect new HLA alleles and null alleles without ambiguity.
Growing trend in older patients with severe injuries: mortality and mechanisms of injury between 1991 and 2010 at an inner city major trauma centre
Authors: Dinh Michael M. , Roncal Susan , Byrne Christopher M. , Petchell Jeffrey
Published: August 2012

Background

Elderly patients with major trauma are an increasingly important public health concern. The objective of the study was to describe the long term trend in patients aged 65 years and older with major trauma.

Methods

A retrospective single centre trauma registry study conducted at an inner city Major Trauma Centre in Sydney. Data on patients aged 65 years or older with major trauma (Injury Severity Score greater than 15) presenting between 1991 and 2010 were extracted from the data registry. Demographic data, mechanism of injury, injury severity scores and outcomes were collected. Study outcomes were proportion of total major trauma volume due to patients aged 65 years and older, in hospital mortality and total beddays occupied per year.

Results

The proportion of major trauma volume due to older patients increased by 4.9% per year currently accounting for a third of major trauma volume. The proportion of major trauma in older patients due to falls has also increased. Standardised mortality rates have declined by 2.2% per year.

Conclusion

There has been a disproportionate increase in the proportion of major trauma due to older patients at this institution over the past twenty years. If this trend continues, it is likely to have significant impacts on future hospital and rehabilitation resources.
Laparoscopic bilateral native nephrectomies with simultaneous kidney transplantation
Authors: Martin Aaron D. , Mekeel Kristin L. , Castle Erik P. , Vaish Sneha S. , Martin George L. , Moss Adyr A. , Mulligan David C. , Heilman Raymond L. , Reddy Kunam S. , Andrews Paul E.
Published: August 2012

Study Type – Therapy (case series)

Level of Evidence 4

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?

Extirpation of polycystic kidneys for various medical reasons has been performed using many different approaches in attempts to limit morbidity from such a large operation. In indicated patients, it has usually been offered in a staged approach with renal transplantation to avoid graft complications. We published the first case of simultaneous laparoscopic bilateral native nephrectomy with kidney transplant in 2008.

The present study shows our continued experience with offering this minimally invasive, single surgery alternative. The results are comparable to a staged laparoscopic approach with significantly shorter total hospital stay and one recovery for the patient and his/her family.

OBJECTIVE

To analyse the perioperative outcomes of native bilateral laparoscopic nephrectomy (BLN) with simultaneous kidney transplantation.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From November 2000 to April 2011, 37 patients were seen for renal failure secondary to autosomal‐dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) and underwent renal transplant with native nephrectomies at a single tertiary academic centre.

In all, 15 patients underwent BLN for ADPKD followed by simultaneous kidney transplantation.

The other 22 patients underwent BLN for ADPKD with kidney transplant performed at a separate setting.

Demographic data, perioperative outcomes, complications regardless of need for intervention, and graft function were analysed in both groups.

RESULTS

The combined surgery was completed without intraoperative complication in all cases.

The median total operative duration was 372 min, estimated blood loss was 300 mL with two patients requiring transfusion, and the median (range) hospital stay was 5 (3–7) days.

All patients had immediate graft function with additional relief of compressive symptoms.

In comparison to our staged cohort, the simultaneous group had a significantly shorter total hospital stay.

All other outcomes and complication rates were comparable.

CONCLUSION

In ADPKD, a less invasive laparoscopic approach for native nephrectomies with simultaneous renal transplant offers comparable morbidity without graft compromise and the convenience of one operation and one recovery for the patient.
Effects of selenium status, dietary glucosinolate intake and serum glutathione S‐transferase α activity on the risk of benign prostatic hyperplasia
Authors: Eichholzer Monika , Steinbrecher Astrid , Kaaks Rudolf , Teucher Birgit , Linseisen Jakob , Rohrmann Sabine
Published: August 2012

Study Type – Prognosis (case control)

Level of Evidence 2

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?

Geographical and ethnic differences in the distribution of BPH and the results of migrant studies indicate that not only age, androgens and genetics, but also modifiable factors may play a role in the aetiology of BPH. Oxidative stress induced by chronic inflammation could be a cause and antioxidants, including selenoproteins, may reduce the risk. The published data related to this topic are scarce and are mainly based on cross‐sectional and case–control studies.

In a nested case–control study, we observed a significant inverse association between serum selenium concentrations and the risk of BPH. These results need to be confirmed in larger, prospective epidemiological studies. Prostate enlargement is an increasing health problem as a result of an ageing population in many countries. Modifiable factors may also play a role. In the present study, before this antioxidant can be recommended as a preventive measure.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether geographical differences in the distribution of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and migrant studies indicate that modifiable factors play a role in the aetiology of BPH. Oxidative stress produced by chronic inflammation could represent one of the causes, and antioxidants, including selenoproteins, may reduce the risk.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Conditional logistic regression was used to examine the associations of serum selenium and selenoprotein P concentrations and glutathione peroxidase activity with respect to the risk of BPH in a case–control study nested in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition‐Heidelberg cohort, including 111 cases and 214 matched controls.

In addition, dietary glucosinolate intake and the serum glutathione S‐transferase α concentration was investigated.

RESULTS

The risk of BPH significantly decreased with an increasing serum selenium concentration; the risk estimate was 0.83 (35% CI 0.69–0.99) per 10 µg/L increase in serum selenium concentration.

However, no significant association was present for serum selenoprotein P concentration or glutathione peroxidase activity. Risk estimates for BPH decreased with a higher intake of glucosinolates, although the results were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

A low serum selenium concentration may increase the risk of BPH, although the findings reported in the present study need to be confirmed in larger, well‐designed epidemiological studies.
Grammar Dilemma: Teaching Grammar as a Resource for Making Meaning
Authors: LIAMKINA OLGA , RYSHINA‐PANKOVA MARIANNA
Published: August 2012

Adopting a functional perspective that views grammar as a rich resource for making contextualized meanings in a culture‐ and language‐specific way, the article reconsiders the role of explicit grammar instruction in developing communicative abilities of second language learners. It draws on two distinct but complementary research frameworks, Systemic Functional Linguistics and Cognitive Linguistics, and on their conceptualization of grammar as a semiotic tool that serves the functions it is called on to perform in a speech community and is shaped by a variety of historical, social, and biological factors. The article delineates pedagogical principles of functionally based grammar instruction and illustrates them by providing suggestions on how to teach two notoriously complex phenomena in German: clausal dative case and past tenses. It advocates presenting grammatical phenomena in the context of an entire text and creating a metalinguistic awareness that enables learners to make situationally appropriate linguistic choices consistent with those of native speakers.
Reconceptualizing Sociolinguistic Competence as Mediated Action: Identity, Meaning‐Making, Agency
Authors: VAN COMPERNOLLE RÉMI A. , WILLIAMS LAWRENCE
Published: August 2012

This article presents 2 case studies of intermediate university students of French, Casey and Melanie (both pseudonyms), and their developing use and understanding of stylistic variation over the course of an academic semester. It draws from a variety of data sources: classroom observation, learners’ explanations of stylistic variants, learners’ analyses of variation in transcriptions of spoken French, interlearner online chat discussions, and interviews with a teacher‐researcher in French and English. The two case studies illustrate two dramatically different orientations to variation among second language learners of French. On the one hand, Casey uses variation during class assignments, and she is capable of creating and assigning social and symbolic meaning through its use. Yet variation for Casey remains an academic achievement and she resists incorporating variation into her natural speech. On the other hand, Melanie embraces variation as a mediating artifact that will afford her access to social, interpersonal interaction in the future, and enable her to engage in “being Melanie” in this additional language. In both cases, however, the importance of their personal histories, the role of language learning in their lives, and desired future access to French‐speaking communities of practice beyond a school setting come into sharp relief.
Endocardial Mapping and Catheter Ablation for Ventricular Fibrillation Prevention in Brugada Syndrome
Authors: SUNSANEEWITAYAKUL BUNCHA , YAO YAN , THAMAREE SUTHASINEE , ZHANG SHU
Published: August 2012

Endocardial Mapping and Ablation of Brugada Syndrome. Introduction: Brugada syndrome (BS) is characterized by ST‐segment elevation in the right precordial electrocardiogram (ECG) leads and episodes of ventricular fibrillation (VF). This study aimed to observe the feasibility of substrate modification by radiofrequency catheter ablation and its effects on VF storm.

Methods and Results:
Ten BS patients (all men; median age 36.5 years) with VF storm (group I, n = 4) and no VF storm (group II, n = 6) were enrolled in the study between August 2007 and December 2008. All patients underwent electrophysiological study using noncontact mapping. The multielectrode array was placed in the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT). The isopotential map was analyzed during sinus rhythm and the region that had electrical activity occurring during J point to +60 (J+60) milliseconds interval of the V1 or V2 of surface ECG was considered as the late activation zone (LAZ) and also the substrate for ablation. LAZ was found in RVOT with variable distribution in both groups. Endocardial catheter ablation of the LAZ modified Brugada ECG pattern in 3 of 4 patients (75%) and suppressed VF storm in all 4 patients in group I during long‐term follow‐up (12–30 months). One patient had complete right bundle branch block from the ablation procedure.

Conclusions:
LAZ on RVOT identified by noncontact mapping may serve as potential VF substrate in BS patients with VF episodes. Radiofrequency ablation on LAZ normalized ECG, suppressed VF storm, and reduced VF recurrence. The procedure is safe and may prevent VF occurrence. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 23, pp. S10‐S16, November 2012)
Diabetes influences cardiac extracellular matrix remodelling after myocardial infarction and subsequent development of cardiac dysfunction
Authors: Eguchi Megumi , Xu Guoxiong , Li Ren‐Ke , Sweeney Gary
Published: August 2012

This study was conducted to examine the influence of acute streptozotocin‐induced diabetes on cardiac remodelling and function in mice subjected to myocardial infarction (MI) by coronary artery ligation. Echocardiography analysis indicated that diabetes induced deleterious cardiac functional changes as demonstrated by the negative differences of ejection fraction, fractional shortening, stroke volume, cardiac output and left ventricular volume 24 hrs after MI. Temporal analysis for up to 2 weeks after MI showed higher mortality in diabetic animals because of cardiac wall rupture. To examine extracellular matrix remodelling, we used fluorescent molecular tomography to conduct temporal studies and observed that total matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity in hearts was higher in diabetic animals at 7 and 14 days after MI, which correlated well with the degree of collagen deposition in the infarct area visualized by scanning electron microscopy. Gene arrays indicated temporal changes in expression of distinct MMP isoforms after 1 or 2 weeks after MI, particularly in diabetic mice. Temporal changes in cardiac performance were observed, with a trend of exaggerated dysfunction in diabetic mice up to 14 days after MI. Decreased radial and longitudinal systolic and diastolic strain rates were observed over 14 days after MI, and there was a trend towards altered strain rates in diabetic mouse hearts with dyssynchronous wall motion clearly evident. This correlated with increased collagen deposition in remote areas of these infarcted hearts indicated by Masson's trichrome staining. In summary, temporal changes in extracellular matrix remodelling correlated with exaggerated cardiac dysfunction in diabetic mice after MI.
Unilesional follicular mycosis fungoides: report of two cases with progression to tumor stage and review of the literature
Authors: Kempf Werner , Kazakov Dmitry V. , Schermesser Martin , Buechner Stanislav A. , Parmentier Laurent , Wysocki Anja , Palmedo Gabriele , Häusermann Peter
Published: August 2012

Mycosis fungoides (MF) is the most common type of cutaneous lymphoma and has protean clinicopathological manifestations. Follicular or folliculotropic MF (FMF) is a rare variant, which histopathologically is characterized by pronounced folliculotropism of neoplastic T cells, with or without follicular mucinosis, and clinically by an impaired prognosis compared to classic MF. In contrast, unilesional MF is a very rare variant with an excellent prognosis, with a single case of large‐cell transformation reported to date. The combination of folliculotropic and unilesional MF is very unusual, with only two cases reported to date. Here we report two patients with unilesional folliculotropic MF with progression to tumor stage in both patients. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the disease evolution with large‐cell transformation and progression of unilesional FMF. Complete remission was achieved by local radiation therapy in both patients. The differential diagnoses, classification and implications for the treatment of unilesional FMF as well as the pertinent literature are discussed.
Long‐Term Results for Maxillary Rehabilitation with Dental Implants after Tumor Resection
Authors: Huang Wei , Wu Yiqun , Zou Duohong , Zhang Zhiyong , Zhang Chenping , Sun Jian , Xu Bin , Zhang Zhiyuan
Published: August 2012

Background

Defects of the maxilla due to tumor extirpation can create accordingly high levels of psychological and physical trauma for patients and their families. However, the reconstruction of maxillary defects remains very challenging. Today, using autogenous bone grafts and dental implants is an effective method to restore maxillary defects.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long‐term clinical outcomes of maxillary rehabilitation with dental implants after tumor resection. Patient satisfaction after maxillary reconstruction was also assessed with regard to function and comfort.

Materials and Methods

Over a 6‐year period (2000–2005), 24 patients with maxillary tumors underwent resection with either immediate (n = 18) or delayed reconstruction or underwent prosthetic rehabilitation (n = 6).The patients received 88 implants in total, including 9 zygomatic and 79 conventional implants, for maxillary rehabilitation of the defective areas.

Results

Autogenous bone grafts were successful in all patients, although partial loss of the graft was observed in one patient who received an iliac graft. Patient follow‐up was started at the point of the prosthetic loading of implants. The median treatment time was 99.1 months (range:18–137 months). One patient died after 18 months of follow‐up due to tumor recurrence, and two patients were lost to follow‐up after 3 years of observation. Ten conventional dental implants were removed due to peri‐implantitis. Six patients chose implant‐supported obturators. The cumulative survival and success rates of the implants were 88.6 and 86.3%, respectively.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that the rehabilitation of maxillary defects following tumor resection using implant‐supported fixed prostheses with autogenous bone grafts or prosthetic rehabilitation is successful and is associated with high patient satisfaction. Oral function can be restored using dental implants for patients with maxillary defects.
The Chaos Within
Authors: Johnston Iain
Published: August 2012

The data explosion is transforming all fields of science, biology included. It is also transforming our understanding of life itself – and making us aware of the random nature of life's processes. Iain Johnston explains.
The occurrence of an abdominal fauna in an articulated tapir (Tapirus polkensis) from the Late Miocene Gray Fossil Site, northeastern Tennessee
Authors: McCONNELL Shannon M. , ZAVADA Michael S.
Published: August 2012

The analysis of samples recovered from the abdominal area of an articulated tapir (Tapirus polkensis) from the Late Miocene (4.5–7 million BP) Gray Fossil Site (GFS) revealed a rich palyno‐fauna comprised of about 94% egg/oocyst‐like structures and 6% pollen and other palynomorphs. In addition, a group of 6 hickory nuts (Carya) was recovered from the same area suggesting that the samples represent the abdominal contents. The analysis of a sample from immediately outside the tapir produced a sample with 98% pollen and less than 0.5% egg/oocyst‐like structures. The size, shape, and general morphology of egg/oocyst‐like structures were analyzed with light and scanning electron microscopy and were compared to a variety of intestinal parasites found in extant ungulates, and the Perissodactyla in particular. We also compared fossil structures to the numbers and kind of intestinal parasites recovered from fecal samples from the Baird's tapir (T. bairdii) in Costa Rica and from samples collected from the lowland tapir (T. terrestris) from Ecuador to assess their similarity to our fossil sample. Based on these data, we discuss what role parasites may have played in the biology of T. polkensis during the Late Miocene‐Early Pliocene.
Do methods for predicting paleohabitats apply for mountain and insular fossil bovids?
Authors: ROZZI Roberto , PALOMBO Maria Rita
Published: August 2012

A variety of methods have been developed to use bovid postcranial elements in the functional morphology approach to paleohabitat prediction. This study represents a first attempt at testing morphometric methods based on astragalus and phalanges on extant mountain‐dwelling bovids and insular fossil bovids from Sardinia assigned to the so‐called ‘Nesogoral group’, already regarded as close to the Caprini tribe. We intended to answer the questions whether a classic four‐habitats model could be successfully applied to extant mountain‐dwelling bovids, and whether results obtained could support the hypothesis of a radiative evolution for the Sardinian bovids. Results obtained, on the one hand, highlighted some inadequacies of the method if not applied to African bovids; on the other hand, they stressed the difficulties of discriminating habitat preferences of Sardinian taxa only based on biometry of astragalus and phalanges. Nonetheless, statistical habitat predictions suggest the contemporaneous presence in Sardinia of bovids having about the same size, but inhabiting different environments, giving support to the hypothesis that Sardinian representatives of the genus Nesogoral originated from a still unknown ancestor by an adaptive radiation evolutionary process.
An examination of hardiness throughout the sport‐injury process: A qualitative follow‐up study
Authors: Wadey Ross , Evans Lynne , Hanton Sheldon , Neil Rich
Published: August 2012

Objectives. This qualitative follow‐up study aimed to enhance the interpretability and meaningfulness of the findings that emerged from a quantitative study that explored the effect of hardiness on the prediction of, and response to, sport injury (i.e., Wadey, Evans, Hanton, & Neil, 2012).

Design. Using theory‐based and maximum‐variation sampling to contextualize and provide an in‐depth understanding of the previous findings, the participants comprised a purposeful sample of 10 athletes from the quantitative study (M age = 21.7; SD= 1.06).

Methods. Data were derived through semi‐structured interviews, and analysed and displayed using composite sequence analysis (Miles & Huberman, 1994).

Results. The findings extended Wadey et al.'s (2012) study by identifying the perceived mechanisms by which athletes high and low in hardiness exacerbated or attenuated the impact of pre‐injury negative major life events (i.e., a significant predictor of sport injury) and post‐injury responses. Specifically, the findings demonstrate that athletes high in hardiness possessed a refined repertoire of problem‐ and emotion‐focused coping strategies that they used pre‐ and post‐injury. Those athletes low in hardiness used avoidance coping strategies that had long‐term negative implications.

Conclusions. These findings have important implications for the structure, timing, and content of hardiness interventions that aim to reduce rates of injury occurrence and expedite injured athletes’ return to competitive sport.

Statement of Contribution

What is already known on this subject? 

Although the personality trait of hardiness has received limited research attention in the context of sport injury, a recent study demonstrated that hardiness lowers the risk of, and promotes recovery from, injury (Wadey, Evans, Hanton, & Neil, 2012). Despite these encouraging findings, they fail to contextualize and provide an in‐depth understanding of the mechanisms by which hardiness operates.

What does this study add? 

A number of personal and situational factors affected athletes’ responses pre‐ and post‐injury.

Athletes high and low in hardiness used different coping strategies throughout the sport‐injury process.

These findings have implications for the structure, timing, and content of hardiness interventions.
Strengthening Behavior and Tension–Compression Strength–Asymmetry in Nanocrystalline Metal–Ceramic Composites
Authors: Dongare A. M. , LaMattina B. , Rajendran A. M.
Published: August 2012

Metal–ceramic composites are an emerging class of materials for use in the next-generation high technology applications due to their ability to sustain plastic deformation and resist failure in extreme mechanical environments. Large scale molecular dynamics simulations are used to investigate the performance of nanocrystalline metal–matrix composites (MMCs) formed by the reinforcement of the nanocrystalline Al matrix with a random distribution of nanoscale ceramic particles. The interatomic interactions are defined by the newly developed angular-dependent embedded atom method (A-EAM) by combining the embedded atom method (EAM) potential for Al with the Stillinger–Weber (SW) potential for Si in one functional form. The molecular dynamics (MD) simulations are aimed to investigate the strengthening behavior and the tension–compression strength asymmetry of these composites as a function of volume fraction of the reinforcing Si phase. MD simulations suggest that the strength of the nanocomposite increases linearly with an increase in the volume fraction of Si in the Al-rich region, whereas the increase is very sharp in the Si-rich region. The higher strength of the nanocomposite is attributed to the reduced sliding/rotation between the Al/Si and the Si/Si grains as compared to the pure nanocrystalline metal.
Solar Chimney Power Plant Performance Analysis in the Central Regions of Iran
Authors: Asnaghi A. , Ladjevardi S. M. , Kashani A. Haghparast , Izadkhast P. Saleh
Published: August 2012

In the current study, the performance analysis of a solar chimney power plant expected to provide off-grid electric power demand for villages located in Iranian central regions is presented. High annual average of solar radiation and available desert lands in the central parts of Iran are factors to encourage the full development of a solar chimney power plant for the thermal and electrical production of energy for various uses. The interested is in Kerman where solar radiation is much better than other areas of Iran. The obtained results clear that solar chimney power plants having 244 m diameter can produce from 25.3 to 43.2 MW h of electricity power on a site like Kerman during different months of a year, according to an estimation calculated from the monthly average of sunning. This power production is sufficient for the needs of the isolated areas and can even used to feed the main electrical grid.
Computational Fluid Dynamics Investigation of a Novel Multiblade Wind Turbine in a Duct
Authors: Wang Jifeng , Piechna Janusz , Müller Norbert
Published: August 2012

A novel manufacturing approach similar to filament winding is able to produce high-performance and lightweight composite wheels. The production can be rapid, inexpensive, and utilize commercially available winding machines. One potential application of the wheel is as a wind turbine. It is widely accepted that placing a duct around a wind turbine can enhance its performance, especially when a new designed turbine with unique advantages has a relatively low power coefficient, it is necessary to examine the benefits and economics of a turbine in a duct. In this study, a numerical analysis of a ducted multiblade composite wind turbine using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is evaluated and compared with a bare wind turbine of the same turbine area. This investigation was performed using FLUENT in conjunction with the GAMBIT meshing tool. The extracted power is calculated and compared for these two modeling designs. Through the comparison of power coefficient variation with thrust coefficient, it was found that a ducted turbine can be 2–3 times that of the power extracted by a bare turbine. The results of the analysis provide an insight into the aerodynamic design and operation of a ducted wind turbine in order to shorten the design period and improve its technical performance.
Boron filling of high aspect ratio holes by chemical vapor deposition for solid-state neutron detector applications
Authors: Huang Kuan-Chih , Dahal Rajendra , LiCausi Nicolas , Lu James J.-Q. , Danon Yaron , Bhat Ishwara B.
Published: August 2012

A multiple deposition and etching process has been developed to enable high fill factor boron deposition in high aspect ratio holes fabricated in a (100) silicon substrate. The boron deposition was carried out using low-pressure chemical vapor deposition and the etching was done by inductively coupled plasma reactive ion etching technique. The boron deposition processes were carried out under different conditions in order to find a baseline process condition. The boron etching processes done under different conditions with the photoresist as the mask are also discussed. Finally, the fabricated neutron detector with the highest fill factor was characterized for the thermal neutron detection efficiency.
Resonant surface enhancement of Raman scattering of Ag nanoparticles on silicon substrates fabricated by dc sputtering
Authors: Fang Yingcui , Li Xiaxi , Blinn Kevin , Mahmoud Mahmoud A. , Liu Meilin
Published: August 2012

Ag nanoparticles (AgNPs) were deposited onto silicon substrates by direct current (dc) magnetron sputtering. The influences of sputtering power and sputtering time on the AgNP film morphology were studied using atomic force microscopy. The particle size was successfully tuned from 19 nm to 53 nm by varying the sputtering time at a dc power of 10 W. When Rhodamine 6 G (R6G) was used as the probe molecule, the AgNP films showed significant surface enhanced Raman scattering effect. In particular, it is found that larger particles show stronger enhancement for lower concentrations of R6G while smaller particles display stronger enhancement for higher concentrations of R6G.
Effectiveness of external respiratory surrogates for in vivo liver motion estimation
Authors: Chang Kai‐Hsiang , Ho Ming‐Chih , Yeh Chi‐Chuan , Chen Yu‐Chien , Lian Feng‐Li , Lin Win‐Li , Yen Jia‐Yush , Chen Yung‐Yaw
Published: August 2012

Purpose:

Due to low frame rate of MRI and high radiation damage from fluoroscopy and CT, liver motion estimation using external respiratory surrogate signals seems to be a better approach to track liver motion in real‐time for liver tumor treatments in radiotherapy and thermotherapy. This work proposes a liver motion estimation method based on external respiratory surrogate signals. Animal experiments are also conducted to investigate related issues, such as the sensor arrangement, multisensor fusion, and the effective time period.

Methods:

Liver motion and abdominal motion are both induced by respiration and are proved to be highly correlated. Contrary to the difficult direct measurement of the liver motion, the abdominal motion can be easily accessed. Based on this idea, our study is split into the model‐fitting stage and the motion estimation stage. In the first stage, the correlation between the surrogates and the liver motion is studied and established via linear regression method. In the second stage, the liver motion is estimated by the surrogate signals with the correlation model. Animal experiments on cases of single surrogate signal, multisurrogate signals, and long‐term surrogate signals are conducted and discussed to verify the practical use of this approach.

Results:

The results show that the best single sensor location is at the middle of the upper abdomen, while multisurrogate models are generally better than the single ones. The estimation error is reduced from 0.6 mm for the single surrogate models to 0.4 mm for the multisurrogate models. The long‐term validity of the estimation models is quite satisfactory within the period of 10 min with the estimation error less than 1.4 mm.

Conclusions:

External respiratory surrogate signals from the abdomen motion produces good performance for liver motion estimation in real‐time. Multisurrogate signals enhance estimation accuracy, and the estimation model can maintain its accuracy for at least 10 min. This approach can be used in practical applications such as the liver tumor treatment in radiotherapy and thermotherapy.
Radiated noise from commercial ships in the Gulf of Maine: Implications for whale/vessel collisions
Authors: Allen J. Kaitlyn , Peterson Michael L. , Sharrard George V. , Wright Dana L. , Todd Sean K.
Published: August 2012

To understand mysticete acoustic-based detection of ships, radiated noise from high-speed craft, cruise ships, catamarans and fishing vessels was recorded June–September 2009. Calibrated acoustic data (<2500 Hz) from a vertical hydrophone array was combined with ship passage information. A cruise ship had the highest broadband source level, while a fishing vessel had the lowest. Ship noise radiated asymmetrically and varied with depth. Bow null-effect acoustic shadow zones were observed for all ship classes and were correlated with ship-length-to-draft-ratios. These shadow zones may reduce ship detection by near-surface mysticetes.
Interpreting tone of voice: Musical pitch relationships convey agreement in dyadic conversation
Authors: Okada Brooke M. , Lachs Lorin , Boone Benjamin
Published: August 2012

Previous research has found that the musical intervals found in speech are associated with various emotions. Intervals can be classified by their level of consonance or dissonance—how pleasant or unpleasant the combined tones sound to the ear. Exploratory investigations have indicated that in an agreeable conversation, the pitches of the last word in an utterance and the first word of a conversation partner’s utterance are consonantly related; in a disagreeable conversation, the two pitches are dissonantly related. The present results showed that the intervals between the tonics of the utterances in a conversation corresponded to the agreement between interlocutors.
Exceptional Activity for Methane Combustion over Modular Pd@CeO
2
Subunits on Functionalized Al
2
O
3
Authors: Cargnello M. , Jaén J. J. Delgado , Garrido J. C. Hernández , Bakhmutsky K. , Montini T. , Gámez J. J. Calvino , Gorte R. J. , Fornasiero P.
Published: August 2012

Addressing a Burning Issue

Complete combustion of methane is required in order to avoid the unproductive emission of this greenhouse gas into the atmosphere. Palladium catalysts can help to promote complete combustion, but high-temperature operating conditions also promote aggregation of catalyst particles (“sintering”) that lowers their surface area and overall activity.

Cargnello
et al.

(p.
713
; see the Perspective by

Farrauto

) report that cerium oxide–coated Pd catalyst particles could be fully dispersed on an alumina surface prepared with a hydrophobic coating. This treatment resisted Pd sintering up to temperatures of 800°C, and also enabled complete combustion of methane to occur at temperatures as low as 400°C.
Low-Temperature Oxidation of Methane
Authors: Farrauto Robert J.
Published: August 2012

Catalysts prepared by modular assembly of subunits into a functionalized support show exceptional activity and stability for methane oxidation.
An End to Waste?
Authors: Hering Janet G.
Published: August 2012

Even though waste is an inevitable accompaniment to all processes, contemplating an end to waste can force us to think about how we define, generate, and manage it. Two common definitions of waste are a substance or object that is discarded and the avoidable loss of a resource. The current waste management practices in industrialized countries are widely recognized to be unsustainable, yet it is clear that we are not changing our practices effectively or fast enough. What are the impediments and how can we overcome them?
Can Afghan Universities Recover From War, Taliban, and Neglect?
Authors: Bohannon John
Published: August 2012

The demand for technical talent and outside funding is helping colleges get back on their feet. But higher education is still not a priority.
Isolation and Characterization of a Sex-Specific Lectin in a Marine Red Alga, Aglaothamnion oosumiense Itono
Authors: Han Jong Won , Klochkova Tatyana A. , Shim Jun Bo , Yoon Kangsup , Kim Gwang Hoon
Published: August 2012

In red algae, spermatial binding to female trichogynes is mediated by a lectin-carbohydrate complementary system.
Aglaothamnion oosumiense
is a microscopic filamentous red alga. The gamete recognition and binding occur at the surface of the hairlike trichogyne on the female carpogonium. Male spermatia are nonmotile. Previous studies suggested the presence of a lectin responsible for gamete recognition on the surface of female trychogynes. A novel
N
-acetyl-
d
-galactosamine-specific protein was isolated from female plants of
A. oosumiense
by affinity chromatography and named AOL1. The lectin was monomeric and did not agglutinate horse blood or human erythrocytes. The N-terminal amino acid sequence of the protein was analyzed, and degenerate primers were designed. A full-length cDNA encoding the lectin was obtained using rapid amplification of cDNA ends-PCR (RACE-PCR). The cDNA was 1,095 bp in length and coded for a protein of 259 amino acids with a deduced molecular mass of 21.4 kDa, which agreed well with the protein data. PCR analysis using genomic DNA showed that both male and female plants have this gene. However, Northern blotting and two-dimensional electrophoresis showed that this protein was expressed 12 to 15 times more in female plants. The lectin inhibited spermatial binding to the trichogynes when preincubated with spermatia, suggesting its involvement in gamete binding.
Minimum Requirements of Flagellation and Motility for Infection of Agrobacterium sp. Strain H13-3 by Flagellotropic Bacteriophage 7-7-1
Authors: Yen Jiun Y. , Broadway Katherine M. , Scharf Birgit E.
Published: August 2012

The flagellotropic phage 7-7-1 specifically adsorbs to
Agrobacterium
sp. strain H13-3 (formerly
Rhizobium lupini
H13-3) flagella for efficient host infection. The
Agrobacterium
sp. H13-3 flagellum is complex and consists of three flagellin proteins: the primary flagellin FlaA, which is essential for motility, and the secondary flagellins FlaB and FlaD, which have minor functions in motility. Using quantitative infectivity assays, we showed that absence of FlaD had no effect on phage infection, while absence of FlaB resulted in a 2.5-fold increase in infectivity. A
flaA
deletion strain, which produces straight and severely truncated flagella, experienced a significantly reduced infectivity, similar to that of a
flaB flaD
strain, which produces a low number of straight flagella. A strain lacking all three flagellin genes is phage resistant. In addition to flagellation, flagellar rotation is required for infection. A strain that is nonmotile due to an in-frame deletion in the gene encoding the motor component MotA is resistant to phage infection. We also generated two strains with point mutations in the
motA
gene resulting in replacement of the conserved charged residue Glu98, which is important for modulation of rotary speed. A change to the neutral Gln caused the flagellar motor to rotate at a constant high speed, allowing a 2.2-fold-enhanced infectivity. A change to the positively charged Lys caused a jiggly motility phenotype with very slow flagellar rotation, which significantly reduced the efficiency of infection. In conclusion, flagellar number and length, as well as speed of flagellar rotation, are important determinants for infection by phage 7-7-1.
Ecology of Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio vulnificus in the Coastal and Estuarine Waters of Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, and Washington (United States)
Authors: Johnson Crystal N. , Bowers John C. , Griffitt Kimberly J. , Molina Vanessa , Clostio Rachel W. , Pei Shaofeng , Laws Edward , Paranjpye Rohinee N. , Strom Mark S. , Chen Arlene , Hasan Nur A. , Huq Anwar , Noriea Nicholas F. , Grimes D. Jay , Colwell Rita R.
Published: August 2012

Vibrio parahaemolyticus
and
Vibrio vulnificus
, which are native to estuaries globally, are agents of seafood-borne or wound infections, both potentially fatal. Like all vibrios autochthonous to coastal regions, their abundance varies with changes in environmental parameters. Sea surface temperature (SST), sea surface height (SSH), and chlorophyll have been shown to be predictors of zooplankton and thus factors linked to vibrio populations. The contribution of salinity, conductivity, turbidity, and dissolved organic carbon to the incidence and distribution of
Vibrio
spp. has also been reported. Here, a multicoastal, 21-month study was conducted to determine relationships between environmental parameters and
V. parahaemolyticus
and
V. vulnificus
populations in water, oysters, and sediment in three coastal areas of the United States. Because ecologically unique sites were included in the study, it was possible to analyze individual parameters over wide ranges. Molecular methods were used to detect genes for thermolabile hemolysin (
tlh
), thermostable direct hemolysin (
tdh
), and
tdh
-related hemolysin (
trh
) as indicators of
V. parahaemolyticus
and the hemolysin gene
vvhA
for
V. vulnificus
. SST and suspended particulate matter were found to be strong predictors of total and potentially pathogenic
V. parahaemolyticus
and
V. vulnificus
. Other predictors included chlorophyll
a
, salinity, and dissolved organic carbon. For the ecologically unique sites included in the study, SST was confirmed as an effective predictor of annual variation in vibrio abundance, with other parameters explaining a portion of the variation not attributable to SST.