bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Global and organ-specific chronic graft-versus-host disease severity according to the 2005 NIH Consensus Criteria
Authors: Arai Sally , Jagasia Madan , Storer Barry , Chai Xiaoyu , Pidala Joseph , Cutler Corey , Arora Mukta , Weisdorf Daniel J. , Flowers Mary E. D. , Martin Paul J. , Palmer Jeanne , Jacobsohn David , Pavletic Steven Z. , Vogelsang Georgia B. , Lee Stephanie J.
Published: July 2011

In 2005, the National Institutes of Health Consensus Development Project on Criteria for Clinical Trials in Chronic GVHD proposed a new scoring system for individual organs and an algorithm for calculating global severity (mild, moderate, severe). The Chronic GVHD Consortium was established to test these new criteria. This report includes the first 298 adult patients enrolled at 5 centers of the Consortium. Patients were assessed every 3-6 months using standardized forms recommended by the Consensus Conference. At the time of study enrollment, global chronic GVHD severity was mild in 10% (n = 32), moderate in 59% (n = 175), and severe in 31% (n = 91). Skin, lung, or eye scores determined the global severity score in the majority of cases, with the other 5 organs determining 16% of the global severity scores. Conventional risk factors predictive for onset of chronic GVHD and nonrelapse mortality in people with chronic GVHD were not associated with NIH global severity scores. Global severity scores at enrollment were associated with nonrelapse mortality (P < .0001) and survival (P < .0001); 2-year overall survival was 62% (severe), 86% (moderate), and 97% (mild). Patients with mild chronic GVHD have a good prognosis, while patients with severe chronic GVHD have a poor prognosis. This study was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as no. NCT00637689.
The mismatch repair pathway functions normally at a non-AID target in germinal center B cells
Authors: Green Blerta , Belcheva Antoaneta , Nepal Rajeev M. , Boulianne Bryant , Martin Alberto
Published: July 2011

Deficiency in Msh2, a component of the mismatch repair (MMR) system, leads to an approximately 10-fold increase in the mutation frequency in most tissues. By contrast, Msh2 deficiency in germinal center (GC) B cells decreases the mutation frequency at the IgH V region as a dU:dG mismatch produced by AID initiates modifications by MMR, resulting in mutations at nearby A:T base pairs. This raises the possibility that GC B cells express a factor that converts MMR into a globally mutagenic pathway. To test this notion, we investigated whether MMR corrects mutations in GC B cells at a gene that is not mutated by AID. Strikingly, we found that GC B cells accumulate 5 times more mutations at a reporter gene than during the development of the mouse. Notably, the mutation frequency at this reporter gene was approximately 10 times greater in Msh2−/− compared with wild-type GC B cells cells. In contrast to the V region, the increased level of mutations at A:T base pairs in GC B cells was not caused by MMR. These results show that in GC B cells, (1) MMR functions normally at an AID-insensitive gene and (2) the frequency of background mutagenesis is greater in GC B cells than in their precursor follicular B cells.
Mn bioavailability by polarized Caco-2 cells: comparison between Mn gluconate and Mn oxyprolinate
Authors: Foglieni Chiara , Cavarelli Mariangela , Piscopiello Mariarosaria , Fulgenzi Alessandro , Ferrero Maria Elena
Published: July 2011

Background

Micronutrient inadequate intake is responsible of pathological deficiencies and there is a need of assessing the effectiveness of metal supplementation, frequently proposed to rebalance poor diets. Manganese (Mn) is present in many enzymatic intracellular systems crucial for the regulation of cell metabolism, and is contained in commercially available metal supplements.

Methods

We compared the effects of two different commercial Mn forms, gluconate (MnGluc) and oxyprolinate (MnOxP). For this purpose we used the polarized Caco-2 cells cultured on transwell filters, an established in vitro model of intestinal epithelium. Since micronutrient deficiency may accelerate mitochondrial efficiency, the mitochondrial response of these cells, in the presence of MnGluc and MnOxP, by microscopy methods and by ATP luminescence assay was used.

Results

In the presence of both MnOxP and MnGluc a sustained mitochondrial activity was shown by mitoTraker labeling (indicative of mitochondrial respiration), but ATP intracellular content remained comparable to untreated cells only in the presence of MnOxP. In addition MnOxP transiently up-regulated the antioxidant enzyme Mn superoxide dismutase more efficiently than MnGluc. Both metal treatments preserved NADH and βNADPH diaphorase oxidative activity, avoided mitochondrial dysfunction, as assessed by the absence of a sustained phosphoERK activation, and were able to maintain cell viability.

Conclusions

Collectively, our data indicate that MnOxP and MnGluc, and primarily the former, produce a moderate and safe modification of Caco-2 cell metabolism, by activating positive enzymatic mechanisms, thus could contribute to long-term maintenance of cell homeostasis.
Effect of mesoporous silica under Neisseria meningitidis transformation process: environmental effects under meningococci transformation
Authors: Hollanda Luciana M , Cury Gisele CG , Pereira Rafaella FC , Ferreira Gracielle A , Sousa Andreza , Sousa Edesia MB , Lancellotti Marcelo
Published: July 2011

Background

This study aimed the use of mesoporous silica under the naturally transformable Neisseria meningitidis, an important pathogen implicated in the genetic horizontal transfer of DNA causing a escape of the principal vaccination measures worldwide by the capsular switching process. This study verified the effects of mesoporous silica under N. meningitidis transformation specifically under the capsular replacement.

Methods

we used three different mesoporous silica particles to verify their action in N. meningitis transformation frequency.

Results

we verified the increase in the capsular gene replacement of this bacterium with the three mesoporous silica nanoparticles.

Conclusion

the mesouporous silica particles were capable of increasing the capsule replacement frequency in N. meningitidis.
Rapeseed and milk protein exhibit a similar overall nutritional value but marked difference in postprandial regional nitrogen utilization in rats
Authors: Boutry Claire , Fouillet Hélène , Mariotti François , Blachier François , Tomé Daniel , Bos Cécile
Published: July 2011

Background

Rapeseed is an emerging and promising source of dietary protein for human nutrition and health. We previously found that rapeseed protein displayed atypical nutritional properties in humans, characterized by low bioavailability and a high postprandial biological value. The objective of the present study was to investigate the metabolic fate of rapeseed protein isolate (RPI) and its effect on protein fractional synthesis rates (FSR) in various tissues when compared to a milk protein isolate (MPI).

Methods

Rats (n = 48) were given a RPI or MPI meal, either for the first time or after 2-week adaptation to a MPI or RPI-based diet. They were divided in two groups for measuring the fed-state tissue FSR 2 h after the meal (using a flooding dose of 13C-valine) and the dietary N postprandial distribution at 5 h (using 15N-labeled meals).

Results

RPI and MPI led to similar FSR and dietary nitrogen (N) losses (ileal and deamination losses of 4% and 12% of the meal, respectively). By contrast, the dietary N incorporation was significantly higher in the intestinal mucosa and liver (+36% and +16%, respectively) and lower in skin (-24%) after RPI than MPI.

Conclusions

Although RPI and MPI led to the same overall level of postprandial dietary N retention in rats (in line with our findings in humans), this global response conceals marked qualitative differences at the tissue level regarding dietary N accretion. The fact that FSR did not however differed between groups suggest a differential modulation of proteolysis after RPI or MPI ingestion, or other mechanisms that warrant further study.
Desmoid tumor of the abdominal wall: a case report
Authors: Economou Athanasios , Pitta Xanthi , Andreadis Efstathios , Papapavlou Leonidas , Chrissidis Thomas
Published: July 2011

Introduction

Desmoid tumors are rare lesions without any metastatic potential but a strong tendency to invade locally and to recur. These tumors are associated with women of fertile age, especially during and after pregnancy.

Case presentation

The case of a desmoid tumor of the anterior abdominal wall in a 40-year-old Caucasian man with no relevant family history is presented, describing its appearance on computed tomography and ultrasonography. The patient, who presented with a painless mass in the left anterolateral abdomen, had a history of previous urgent abdominal surgery after a shotgun injury two years earlier. Radical resection of the affected abdominal wall musculature was performed, and the defect was reconstructed with polypropylene mesh.

Conclusion

The diagnosis of desmoid tumor should be strongly considered even in male patients with an abdominal mass and a history of previous abdominal surgery. The goal of its treatment is complete tumor excision and avoidance of the development of complications such as hernia.
Project summary: a critical synopsis of mechanisms of action of low-dose xenobiotics in mammalian organisms as a basis for assessing aggregated effects of chemical mixtures and identifying "new" toxicological end points
Authors: Heine Karin , Taghavi Ali , Kalberlah Fritz
Published: July 2011

Background

European chemicals legislation (registration, evaluation, authorisation and restriction of chemical substances (REACH)) requires a broad assessment of chemicals with respect to, inter alia, their health-relevant properties. Due to the extreme number of substances to be assessed and the limited current toxicological knowledge on their respective properties, REACH implicitly requires a paradigm change: away from knowledge generated mainly from costly animal experiments towards the use of mechanistic findings. Moreover, effect mechanisms at the biochemical or cellular level are essential when conclusions shall be drawn about "new" endpoints and mixtures of xenobiotics. This study (funded by the German Federal Environment Agency) describes examples of biochemical processes in the mammalian organism and how xenobiotics interfere with them. Interference with physiological processes expected to lead to adverse health effects is characterised as "toxicity pathway". The study describes toxicological endpoints not usually covered in routine animal testing and the respective toxicity pathways.

Results and conclusions

Screening for chemicals which exert effects via common toxicity pathways and subsequently conducting targeted short-term tests may generate new information about the toxicity of chemicals without performing extensive substance-by-substance animal experiments. Information on common toxicity pathways may also provide input for the assessment of mixture effects. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is working intensely on this concept. It involves the use of enormous amounts of data on relevant biochemical and cellular processes, which are generated by "high-throughput screening" methods, and then are combined with substance-specific kinetic data, experimental apical test outcomes and modelling. Current limitations in the regulatory use of this integrated approach on risk assessment will be outlined.
The efficacy of Link N as a mediator of repair in a rabbit model of intervertebral disc degeneration
Authors: Mwale Fackson , Masuda Koichi , Pichika Rajeswari , Epure Laura M , Yoshikawa Tomoaki , Hemmad Aseem , Roughley Peter J , Antoniou John
Published: July 2011

Introduction

Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is associated with proteolytic degradation of the extracellular matrix, and its repair requires both the production of extracellular matrix and the downregulation of proteinase activity. These properties are associated with several growth factors. However, the use of growth factors in clinical practice is limited by their high cost. This cost can be circumvented using synthetic peptides, such as Link N, which can stimulate the synthesis of proteoglycan and collagen by IVD cells in vitro. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effect of Link N in vivo in a rabbit model of IVD degeneration.

Methods

New Zealand white rabbits received annular puncture in two lumbar discs. Two weeks after puncture, both punctured discs of each rabbit were injected with either Link N or saline. After 2 weeks, nine rabbits were euthanized and the annulus fibrosus (AF) and nucleus pulposus (NP) of Link N-injected and saline-injected IVDs were removed and used to prepare total RNA. Following reverse transcription, quantitative PCR was performed for aggrecan, COL2A1, COL1A1, ADAMTS-4, ADAMTS-5 and MMP-3. After 12 weeks, 19 rabbits were euthanized and the injected IVDs were removed for biochemical and histological analysis. Proteinase K digests were analyzed for DNA and sulfated glycosaminoglycan content. Disc height was monitored radiographically biweekly.

Results

Following needle puncture, disc height decreased by about 25% over 2 weeks, and was partially restored by Link N injection. Puncture of the IVD resulted in a trend towards decreased proteoglycan content in both the NP and AF, and a trend towards partial restoration following Link N injection, although under the time course used this did not achieve statistical significance. Link N did not alter the DNA content of the discs. Link N injection led to a significant increase in aggrecan gene expression and a significant decrease in proteinase gene expression in both the NP and AF, when compared with saline alone.

Conclusions

When administered to the degenerate disc in vivo, Link N stimulated aggrecan gene expression and downregulated metalloproteinase expression, and there was a trend towards increased proteoglycan content of the disc, in both the NP and AF. These are features needed for any agent designed to stimulate disc repair. In principle, therefore, Link N supplementation could be an option for treating disc degeneration.
Women receive more trials of noninvasive ventilation for acute respiratory failure than men: a nationwide population-based study
Authors: Shen Hsiu-Nien , Lu Chin-Li , Yang Hsi-Hsing
Published: July 2011

Introduction

Previous studies in western countries have observed that women are less likely than men to receive intensive care and mechanical ventilation (MV). We aimed to investigate whether the gender difference also exists in Asian populations and in the provision of different types of MV including invasive (INV) and noninvasive ventilation (NIV).

Methods

We analyzed all adult hospital patients between 2005 and 2007 in the claims data from 1,000,000 randomly selected people in the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. NIV-only was defined as patients receiving NIV as the only ventilator treatment during hospitalization. Gender difference was assessed using multivariable analyses with/without considering a hospital cluster effect by generalized estimating equations models. Subgroup analyses for gender difference in NIV use were performed using propensity score matching method.

Results

Of the 128,327 patients enrolled, 53.8% were men, 9.2% received intensive care and 5.2% used MV. After adjusting for potential confounders, women were less likely than men to receive intensive care (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.77, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.73-0.82) and MV (aOR 0.84, 95% CI 0.78-0.91). Among MV patients, 6.8% received NIV-only; the proportion of which was higher in women than in men (8.6% vs. 5.7%, P < 0.001). After controlling for confounders and a cluster effect, women remained more likely to receive NIV-only (aOR 1.61, 95% CI 1.32-1.96). Subgroup analyses showed that patients with underlying congestive heart failure (CHF) had the highest difference in the provision of NIV-only (female-to-male aOR 2.76, 95% CI 1.38-5.53). A hospital cluster effect on the gender difference in NIV use was found in patients with diseases other than chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and CHF.

Conclusions

Gender differences existed not only in the provision but also in the types of MV. Further studies are needed to understand why gender differences occur.
PaCO2 and alveolar dead space are more relevant than PaO2/FiO2 ratio in monitoring the respiratory response to prone position in ARDS patients: a physiological study
Authors: Charron Cyril , Repesse Xavier , Bouferrache Koceïla , Bodson Laurent , Castro Samuel , Page Bernard , Jardin François , Vieillard-Baron Antoine
Published: July 2011

Introduction

Our aims in this study were to report changes in the ratio of alveolar dead space to tidal volume (VDalv/VT) in the prone position (PP) and to test whether changes in partial pressure of arterial CO2 (PaCO2) may be more relevant than changes in the ratio of partial pressure of arterial O2 to fraction of inspired O2 (PaO2/FiO2) in defining the respiratory response to PP. We also aimed to validate a recently proposed method of estimation of the physiological dead space (VDphysiol/VT) without measurement of expired CO2.

Methods

Thirteen patients with a PaO2/FiO2 ratio < 100 mmHg were included in the study. Plateau pressure (Pplat), positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP), blood gas analysis and expiratory CO2 were recorded with patients in the supine position and after 3, 6, 9, 12 and 15 hours in the PP. Responders to PP were defined after 15 hours of PP either by an increase in PaO2/FiO2 ratio > 20 mmHg or by a decrease in PaCO2 > 2 mmHg. Estimated and measured VDphysiol/VT ratios were compared.

Results

PP induced a decrease in Pplat, PaCO2 and VDalv/VT ratio and increases in PaO2/FiO2 ratios and compliance of the respiratory system (Crs). Maximal changes were observed after six to nine hours. Changes in VDalv/VT were correlated with changes in Crs, but not with changes in PaO2/FiO2 ratios. When the response was defined by PaO2/FiO2 ratio, no significant differences in Pplat, PaCO2 or VDalv/VT alterations between responders (n = 7) and nonresponders (n = 6) were observed. When the response was defined by PaCO2, four patients were differently classified, and responders (n = 7) had a greater decrease in VDalv/VT ratio and in Pplat and a greater increase in PaO2/FiO2 ratio and in Crs than nonresponders (n = 6). Estimated VDphysiol/VT ratios significantly underestimated measured VDphysiol/VT ratios (concordance correlation coefficient 0.19 (interquartile ranges 0.091 to 0.28)), whereas changes during PP were more reliable (concordance correlation coefficient 0.51 (0.32 to 0.66)).

Conclusions

PP induced a decrease in VDalv/VT ratio and an improvement in respiratory mechanics. The respiratory response to PP appeared more relevant when PaCO2 rather than the PaO2/FiO2 ratio was used. Estimated VDphysiol/VT ratios systematically underestimated measured VDphysiol/VT ratios.
Pathologic Complete Response After Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Plus Trastuzumab Predicts Favorable Survival in Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2–Overexpressing Breast Cancer: Results From the TECHNO Trial of the AGO and GBG Study Groups
Authors: Untch Michael , Fasching Peter A. , Konecny Gottfried E. , Hasmüller Stephan , Lebeau Annette , Kreienberg Rolf , Camara Oumar , Müller Volkmar , du Bois Andreas , Kühn Thorsten , Stickeler Elmar , Harbeck Nadia , Höss Cornelia , Kahlert Steffen , Beck Thomas , Fett Werner , Mehta Keyur M. , von Minckwitz Gunter , Loibl Sibylle
Published: July 2011

Purpose

To evaluate efficacy and safety of epirubicin and cyclophosphamide followed by paclitaxel and trastuzumab as neoadjuvant treatment in patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)–overexpressing breast cancer.

Patients and Methods

Patients with centrally confirmed HER2-overexpressing breast cancer (≥ 2 cm or inflammatory) received four 3-week cycles epirubicin and cyclophosphamide (90/600 mg/m2) followed by four 3-week cycles paclitaxel (175 mg/m2) and trastuzumab (6 mg/kg) before surgery. Trastuzumab was continued after surgery to complete 1 year of treatment. Primary end point was pathologic complete response (pCR) defined as no residual invasive tumor in breast and lymphatic tissue.

Results

Thirty-nine percent of 217 enrolled patients achieved a pCR. Breast conservation was possible in 64% of patients. Three-year disease-free survival (DFS) was 88% in patients with pCR compared to 73% in patients without pCR (P = .01). Three-year overall survival (OS) was 96% in patients with pCR compared to 86% in patients without pCR (P = .025). pCR was the only significant prognostic factor for DFS (hazard ratio [HR] 2.5; 95% CI, 1.2 to 5.1; P = .013) and OS (HR, 4.9; 95% CI, 1.4 to 17.4; P = .012) in multivariable analysis. Cardiac toxicity was reported in eight patients (3.7%) of whom six presented with an asymptomatic left ventricular ejection fraction decrease and two with symptomatic chronic heart failure.

Conclusion

Neoadjuvant combination of trastuzumab and chemotherapy resulted in a high pCR rate in HER2-overexpressing primary breast cancer. Patients with a pCR after neoadjuvant anti-HER2 therapy in combination with chemotherapy followed by maintenance trastuzumab have an improved long-term outcome. Patients without a pCR had an increased risk for relapse and death.
Outcome of High-Risk Myelodysplastic Syndrome After Azacitidine Treatment Failure
Authors: Prébet Thomas , Gore Steven D. , Esterni Benjamin , Gardin Claude , Itzykson Raphael , Thepot Sylvain , Dreyfus François , Rauzy Odile Beyne , Recher Christian , Adès Lionel , Quesnel Bruno , Beach C.L. , Fenaux Pierre , Vey Norbert
Published: July 2011

Purpose

Azacitidine (AZA) is the current standard of care for high-risk (ie, International Prognostic Scoring System high or intermediate 2) myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), but most patients will experience primary or secondary treatment failure. The outcome of these patients has not yet been described.

Patients and Methods

Overall, 435 patients with high-risk MDS and former refractory anemia with excess blasts in transformation (RAEB-T) were evaluated for outcome after AZA failure. The cohort of patients included four data sets (ie, AZA001, J9950, and J0443 trials and the French compassionate use program).

Results

The median follow-up after AZA failure was 15 months. The median overall survival was 5.6 months, and the 2-year survival probability was 15%. Increasing age, male sex, high-risk cytogenetics, higher bone marrow blast count, and the absence of prior hematologic response to AZA were associated with significantly worse survival in multivariate analysis. Data on treatment administered after AZA failure were available for 270 patients. Allogeneic stem-cell transplantation and investigational agents were associated with a better outcome when compared with conventional clinical care.

Conclusion

Outcome after AZA failure is poor. Our results should serve as a basis for designing second-line clinical trials in this population.
On Mark Schroeder's Hypotheticalism: A Critical Notice of Slaves of the Passions
Authors: Enoch David
Published: July 2011

In Slaves of the Passions Mark Schroeder puts forward Hypotheticalism, his version of a Humean theory of normative reasons that is capable, so he argues, of avoiding many of the difficulties Humeanism is traditionally vulnerable to. This critical notice first outlines the main argument of the book and then proceeds to highlight some difficulties and challenges. It argues that these challenges show that Schroeder's improvements on traditional Humeanism—while they do succeed in making the view more immune to some argumentative moves and somewhat more plausible—push rather strongly in non-Humean directions. This, together with the remaining failures of Schroeder's Hypotheticalism, should make us more rather than less suspicious of the prospects of Humeanism.
Fgf signaling controls pharyngeal taste bud formation through miR-200 and Delta-Notch activity
Authors: Kapsimali Marika , Kaushik Anna-Lila , Gibon Guillaume , Dirian Lara , Ernest Sylvain , Rosa Frederic M.
Published: July 2011

Taste buds, the taste sensory organs, are conserved in vertebrates and composed of distinct cell types, including taste receptor, basal/presynaptic and support cells. Here, we characterize zebrafish taste bud development and show that compromised Fgf signaling in the larva results in taste bud reduction and disorganization. We determine that Fgf activity is required within pharyngeal endoderm for formation of Calb2b+ cells and reveal miR-200 and Delta-Notch signaling as key factors in this process. miR-200 knock down shows that miR-200 activity is required for taste bud formation and in particular for Calb2b+ cell formation. Compromised delta activity in mib–/– dramatically reduces the number of Calb2b+ cells and increases the number of 5HT+ cells. Conversely, larvae with increased Notch activity and ascl1a–/– mutants are devoid of 5HT+ cells, but have maintained and increased Calb2b+ cells, respectively. These results show that Delta-Notch signaling is required for intact taste bud organ formation. Consistent with this, Notch activity restores Calb2b+ cell formation in pharyngeal endoderm with compromised Fgf signaling, but fails to restore the formation of these cells after miR-200 knock down. Altogether, this study provides genetic evidence that supports a novel model where Fgf regulates Delta-Notch signaling, and subsequently miR-200 activity, in order to promote taste bud cell type differentiation.
Multi-level adaptive solution of anisotropic porous media flow with strong discontinuous jumps in permeability
Authors: Lee Y C , Gaskell P H
Published: July 2011

A fast and robust multi-grid algorithm for the efficient solution of diffusion-like, elliptic problems which exhibit strong discontinuous jumps in diffusivity is presented. Although generally applicable to this class of problem, the focus for illustrative purposes is that of porous media flow; in particular, such flows for which accurate solutions can only be achieved if the full permeability tensor is taken into consideration. The merits of adopting one or the other of two different approaches to deriving a discrete analogue to the steady-state Darcy equation, namely a novel weighted average of permeability formulation and a continuity of flux preservation method, are explored. In addition, automatic mesh refinement is incorporated seamlessly via a multi-level adaptive technique, making full use of the local truncation error estimates available from the inclusive full approximation storage scheme. Adaptive cell- and patch-wise mesh refinement strategies are developed and investigated for this purpose and used to solve a sequence of benchmark problems of increasing complexity. The results obtained reveal: (a) the ease with which the overall approach deals with generating accurate solutions for flows involving both distributed anisotropy and strong discontinuous jumps in permeability; (b) that both discrete analogues produce equivalent results in comparable execution times; and (c) the significant reductions in computing resource, memory, and CPU, to accrue from employing automatic adaptive mesh refinement.
Dispersion of a bent chimney fume around a variably oriented building
Authors: Baouab I Bhouri , Bournot H , Sad N Mahjoub , Mhri H , Palec G Le
Published: July 2011

In addition to experimental investigations, a computational study was conducted in order to analyse the structure of the flow issued from a bent chimney around a parallelepiped obstacle. The particle image velocimetry (PIV) technique was applied to generate an experimental database suitable for validation of the authors numerical simulations. The numerical model is based on the resolution of the NavierStokes governing equations by means of the finite volume method associated with the second-order model. This gives satisfying results in the exit region and in the trailing zone of the jet. Comparing the obtained numerical results with the experimentally tracked data confirmed the authors opinion. The comparison concerned both the mean and the fluctuating dynamic flow features. Once validated, their model allowed the evaluation of the effect of the obstacle attack angle (0,15,30,45, and 75) on the dynamic and mass flow features.
Development of a penetration model for an erosive long rod considering strength effects of colliding materials
Authors: Nezamabadi A R , Vahedi K , Zohoor H
Published: July 2011

In this article a simple penetration model for the terminal ballistic of long rod penetrators is developed. The model is to predict the crater depth of a projectile penetrating into a semi-infinite target. A principle objective was to take an account of strength properties of colliding materials using erosive phenomena. The entire velocity regime from low to hypervelocity is analysed. The effect of the penetrator aspect ratio is also considered in the model. The model developed here is based on the steady-state penetration process and is used to compare with existing experimental measurements. The results of the comparison show very good agreement with experimental investigations of other researchers in this field. The study shows that it is possible to construct a very simple model to predict crater depth for a large range of materials with sufficient accuracy without recourse to high cost of experimentation. In fact, the biggest advantage of this model is simplicity and direct applicability to design process. Historically, penetration mechanics has relied very heavily on experimental investigation. This work gives a quick and easy result with sufficient accuracy which may be useful for many applications. To validate the analytical solution, an experimental method is employed.
A new model for the prediction of chromium depletion near grain boundaries and corresponding sensitization in austenitic stainless steels
Authors: Samal M K , Abhishek A
Published: July 2011

The problem of sensitization in austenitic stainless steels has received a lot of attention in research literature as it is a life-limiting process for such kinds of steels. Although a lot of experiments have been carried out by various researchers, there exist very few attempts to develop suitable predictive tools for this problem based on numerical methods. In this work, a model for the rate of formation of carbides near the grain boundary, which is a precursor to chromium depletion, has been proposed. This model along with the diffusion equation for chromium in the grain has been used to obtain chromium depletion profiles at various time and temperature conditions. The finite-difference method has been used to solve the above equations in the spherical co-ordinate system and the results of timetemperature-sensitization diagrams of four different types of alloys have been compared with those of experiments from the literature.
Improving the design of a pickup head for particle removal using computational fluid dynamics
Authors: Wu B , Men J , Chen J
Published: July 2011

The purpose of this article is to optimize the design of a pickup head that removes particles from road surface. A validated computational fluid dynamics model was proposed to evaluate the particle removal performance of the designed pickup head with different inclination angles. The gas-particle flow through the pickup head was modelled using the EulerianLagrangian approach. The realizable k model and the discrete particle model were adopted to simulate gas flow field and solid particle trajectories, respectively. The results indicate that the inclination angle of the rear edge wall and the pressure drop across the pickup head have great impact on the particle removal performance. Both the particle overall removal efficiency and the grade efficiency increase with the increment of inclination angle, and higher pressure drop can pick up more particles from the road surface, but it would induce unnecessary energy consumption. Therefore, it is necessary to design a pickup head with high removal efficiency and low pressure drop. Through simulation, the optimal angle should be 135 for the range of the inclination angle in this study, and pressure drop is about 2400Pa. Furthermore, more information can be acquired for pickup head design.
Newspaper Reports and Consumer Choice: Evidence from the Do Not Call Registry
Authors: Goh Khim-Yong , Hui Kai-Lung , Png Ivan P. L.
Published: July 2011

Despite annual expenditures on public relations exceeding $19.42 billion, U.S. businesses lack practical guidance about the effectiveness of publicity in mass media. Here, we assemble a rich and novel data set to gauge the impact of news reports on consumer sign-ups with the U.S. Do Not Call (DNC) Registry. Using multiple identification strategies, we found robust evidence that news reports increased consumer registrations. Specifically, a 1% increase in the number of news reports increased DNC registrations by 0.018%. The impact increased with mention of the toll-free telephone number and URL, but decreased with the length of the headline and main text. Furthermore, we found evidence that reports affect behavior through persuasion as well as information—the impact on registration was higher for reports that mentioned the number of other people registering. Finally, the impact of news reports on consumer registration was stronger in national than local newspapers and in politically neutral and Democrat than Republican newspapers.

This paper was accepted by Pradeep Chintagunta and Preyas Desai, special issue editors.

This paper was accepted by Pradeep Chintagunta and Preyas Desai, special issue editors.
Optimal and Competitive Assortments with Endogenous Pricing Under Hierarchical Consumer Choice Models
Authors: Kök A. Gürhan , Xu Yi
Published: July 2011

This paper studies assortment planning and pricing for a product category with heterogeneous product types from two brands. We model consumer choice using the nested multinomial logit framework with two different hierarchical structures: a brand-primary model in which consumers choose a brand first, then a product type in the chosen brand, and a type-primary model in which consumers choose a product type first, then a brand within that product type. We consider a centralized regime that finds the optimal solution for the whole category and a decentralized regime that finds a competitive equilibrium between two brands. We find that optimal and competitive assortments and prices have quite distinctive properties across different models. Specifically, with the brand-primary model, both the optimal and the competitive assortments for each brand consist of the most popular product types from the brand. With the type-primary choice model, the optimal and the competitive assortments for each brand may not always consist of the most popular product types of the brand. Instead, the overall assortment in the category consists of a set of most popular product types. The price of a product under the centralized regime can be characterized by a sum of a markup that is constant across all products and brands, its procurement cost, and its marginal operational cost, implying a lower price for more popular products. The markup may be different for each brand and product type under the decentralized regime, implying a higher price for brands with a larger market share. These properties of the assortments and prices can be used as effective guidelines for managers to identify and price the best assortments and to rule out nonoptimal assortments. Our results suggest that to offer the right set of products and prices, category and/or brand managers should create an assortment planning process that is aligned with the hierarchical choice process consumers commonly follow to make purchasing decisions.

This paper was accepted by Pradeep Chintagunta and Preyas Desai, special issue editors.

This paper was accepted by Pradeep Chintagunta and Preyas Desai, special issue editors.
Patterns and Correlates of Same‐Sex Sexual Activity Among U.S. Teenagers and Young Adults
Authors: McCabe Janice , Brewster Karin L. , Tillman Kathryn Harker
Published: July 2011

CONTEXT: Little is known about the prevalence and correlates of same‐sex sexual activity among teenagers and young adults, particularly those who do not identify themselves as gay, lesbian or bisexual. Effective interventions to prevent STDs require accurate understanding of youths’ sexual behavior.

METHODs: Descriptive and regression analyses of data from the 2002 National Survey of Family Growth examined patterns and correlates of same‐sex sexual activity among a sample of 2,688 never‐married, noncohabiting men and women aged 15–21. Same‐sex behavior was assessed separately by gender, as well as by heterosexual experience and sexual attraction and identity.

RESULTS: Eleven percent of women and 4% of men reported same‐sex sexual experience. Youth who were attracted only to the opposite sex had a decreased likelihood of reporting same‐sex activity (rate ratio, 0.1 for each gender), while women and men who identified themselves as homosexual or bisexual had an elevated likelihood of such activity (5.1 and 5.9, respectively). However, among women who were attracted exclusively to men, those who had had heterosexual sex were more than four times as likely as those who had not to have engaged in same‐sex activity. Finally, among youth who reported any same‐sex attraction, women and men who said they were homosexual or bisexual had an elevated likelihood of having engaged in same‐sex behavior (4.7 and 5.6, respectively).

CONCLUSION: A significant proportion of “straight” youth engage in same‐sex activity, and so information on risks associated with such behavior should be included in sex education programs and targeted to all youth.
Direct Saliva Transcriptome Analysis
Authors: Lee Yu-Hsiang , Zhou Hui , Reiss Jean K , Yan Xinmin , Zhang Lei , Chia David , Wong David TW
Published: July 2011

BACKGROUND

Current standard operating procedures for salivary transcriptomic analysis require low temperatures and lengthy mRNA isolation, which substantially hamper its use in the clinic. We developed a streamlined, ambient-temperature processing, stabilization, and storage protocol for clinical analysis of salivary RNA.

METHODS

The direct saliva transcriptome analysis (DSTA) used cell-free saliva supernatant instead of isolated mRNA for saliva transcriptomic detection, and all procedures, including processing, stabilization, and storage of saliva samples, were performed at ambient temperature without a stabilizing reagent. We evaluated this streamlined protocol by comparing the mRNA expression levels of 3 saliva internal reference genes [glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH); actin, beta (ACTB); and ribosomal protein S9 (RPS9)] to levels measured with standard procedures, and detecting the variation of their expression levels under long-term ambient temperature storage. The clinical utility of DSTA was assessed by use of 7 oral cancer salivary mRNA biomarkers in a clinical study.

RESULTS

Each saliva internal reference gene mRNA showed similar expression levels when assayed by the DSTA or standard procedures, and remained stable under ambient temperature storage for at least 10 weeks without significant degradation (P = 0.918, 0.288, and 0.242 for GAPDH, ACTB, and RPS9, respectively). Compared with standard procedures, the performance characteristics of oral cancer salivary transcriptomic markers were retained as assayed by DSTA after 10 weeks of storage at ambient temperature. These results indicate that the DSTA is a suitable alternative method for saliva transcriptomic analysis and is feasible for use in clinical cancer research applications.

CONCLUSIONS

The streamlined DSTA protocol can impact the saliva-handling method and improve the standard operating procedures for clinical saliva transcriptomic diagnostics.
CHEK2, MGMT, SULT1E1 and SULT1A1 Polymorphisms and Endometrial Cancer Risk
Authors: O'Mara Tracy A. , Ferguson Kaltin , Fahey Paul , Marquart Louise , Yang Hannah P. , Lissowska Jolanta , Chanock Stephen , Garcia-Closas Montserrat , Thompson Deborah J. , Healey Catherine S. , Dunning Alison M. , Easton Douglas F. ,   ANECS, Webb Penelope M. , Spurdle Amanda B.
Published: July 2011

Several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in candidate genes of DNA repair and hormone pathways have been reported to be associated with endometrial cancer risk. We sought to confirm these associations in two endometrial cancer case-control sample sets and used additional data from an existing genome-wide association study to prioritize an additional SNP for further study. Five SNPs from the CHEK2, MGMT, SULT1E1 and SULT1A1 genes, genotyped in a total of 1597 cases and 1507 controls from two case-control studies, the Australian National Endometrial Cancer Study and the Polish Endometrial Cancer Study, were assessed for association with endometrial cancer risk using logistic regression analysis. Imputed data was drawn for CHEK2 rs8135424 for 666 cases from the Study of Epidemiology and Risk factors in Cancer Heredity study and 5190 controls from the Wellcome Trust Case Control Consortium. We observed no association between SNPs in the MGMT, SULT1E1 and SULT1A1 genes and endometrial cancer risk. The A allele of the rs8135424 CHEK2 SNP was associated with decreased risk of endometrial cancer (adjusted per-allele OR 0.83; 95%CI 0.70-0.98; p = .03) however this finding was opposite to that previously published. Imputed data for CHEK2 rs8135424 supported the direction of effect reported in this study (OR 0.85; 95% CI 0.65–1.10). Previously reported endometrial cancer risk associations with SNPs from in genes involved in estrogen metabolism and DNA repair were not replicated in our larger study population. This study highlights the need for replication of candidate gene SNP studies using large sample groups, to confirm risk associations and better prioritize downstream studies to assess the causal relationship between genetic variants and cancer risk. Our findings suggest that the CHEK2 SNP rs8135424 be prioritized for further study as a genetic factor associated with risk of endometrial cancer.
Solar Water Heaters: A Review of Systems Research and Design Innovation
Authors: Norton Brian
Published: July 2011

Solar water heating can be considered to be an established mature technology. The achievement of this status is the outcome of over a century of system development that culminated with a flourish of innovation in the last thirty years. Drivers for research and development have been achieving economic viability by devising systems that, for specific applications in particular climate contexts produced more hot water per unit cost. Reductions in both initial capital and installation costs have been achieved as well as in those associated with subsequent operation and maintenance. Research on solar water heating is discussed with the emphasis on overall systems though some key aspects of component development are also outlined. A comprehensive taxonomy is presented of the generic types of solar water heater that have emerged and their features, characteristics and performance are discussed.
A Randomized Study of a Monoclonal Antibody (Pagibaximab) to Prevent Staphylococcal Sepsis
Authors: Weisman Leonard E. , Thackray Helen M. , Steinhorn Robin H. , Walsh William F. , Lassiter Herbert A. , Dhanireddy Ramasubbareddy , Brozanski Beverly S. , Palmer Kristine G. H. , Trautman Michael S. , Escobedo Marilyn , Meissner H. Cody , Sasidharan Pontthenkandath , Fretz Jennifer , Kokai-Kun John F. , Kramer William G. , Fischer Gerald W. , Mond James J.
Published: July 2011

BACKGROUND:

Pagibaximab, a human chimeric monoclonal antibody developed against lipoteichoic acid, was effective against staphylococci preclinically and seemed safe and well tolerated in phase 1 studies.

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate the clinical activity, pharmacokinetics, safety, and tolerability of weekly pagibaximab versus placebo infusions in very low birth weight neonates.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

A phase 2, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted at 10 NICUs. Patients with a birth weight of 700 to 1300 g and 2 to 5 days old were randomly assigned to receive 3 once-a-week pagibaximab (90 or 60 mg/kg) or placebo infusions. Blood was collected for pharmacokinetics, bacterial killing, and safety analyses. Adverse event and clinical outcome data were collected.

RESULTS:

Eighty-eight patients received pagibaximab at 90 (n = 22) or 60 (n = 20) mg/kg or placebo (n = 46). Groups were not different in demography, mortality, or morbidity. Pagibaximab demonstrated linear pharmacokinetics, a 14.5-day half-life, and nonimmunogenicity. Definite staphylococcal sepsis occurred in 0%, 20%, and 13% (P < .11) and nonstaphylococcal sepsis occurred in 0%, 10%, and 15% (P < .15) of patients in the 90 mg/kg, 60 mg/kg, and placebo groups, respectively. In all patients with staphylococcal sepsis, estimated or observed pagibaximab levels were <500 μg/mL (target level) at infection.

CONCLUSIONS:

Three once-a-week 90 or 60 mg/kg pagibaximab infusions, in high-risk neonates, seemed safe and well tolerated. No staphylococcal sepsis occurred in infants who received 90 mg/kg. Target levels were only consistently achieved after 2 to 3 doses. Dose optimization should enhance protection.
Development of a Screening Tool for Pediatric Sexual Assault May Reduce Emergency-Department Visits
Authors: Floyed Rebecca L. , Hirsh Daniel A. , Greenbaum Virginia J. , Simon Harold K.
Published: July 2011

OBJECTIVE:

To define the characteristics of a novel screening tool used to identify which prepubertal children should potentially receive an initial evaluation for alleged sexual assault in a nonemergent setting.

METHODS:

Electronic medical records were retrospectively reviewed from 2007 to 2008. Visits with a chief complaint or diagnosis of alleged sexual assault for patients aged 12 years or younger were identified. Complete records, those with no evaluation before pediatric emergency-department arrival, and those with child advocacy center follow-up were included. Records were reviewed to answer the following: (1) Did the incident occur in the past 72 hours, and was there oral or genital to genital/anal contact? (2) Was genital or rectal pain, bleeding, discharge, or injury present? (3) Was there concern for the child's safety? (4) Was an unrelated emergency medical condition present? An affirmative response to any of the questions was considered a positive screen (warranting immediate evaluation); all others were considered negative screens. Those who had positive physical examination findings of anogenital trauma or infection, a change in custody, or an emergency medical condition were defined as high risk (having a positive outcome).

RESULTS:

A total of 163 cases met study criteria; 90 of 163 (55%) patients had positive screens and 73 of 163 (45%) had negative screens. No patients with negative screens were classified as high risk. The screening tool has sensitivity of 100% (95% confidence interval: 93.5–100.0).

CONCLUSIONS:

This screening tool may be effective for determining which children do not require emergency-department evaluation for alleged sexual assault.