bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the Eradication of Code Smells: An Empirical and Theoretical Perspective
Authors: Counsell S. , Hierons R. M. , Hamza H. , Black S. , Durrand M.
Published: March 2011

Code smells reflect code decay, and, as such, developers should seek to eradicate such smells through application of “deodorant” in the form of one or more refactorings. However, a relative lack of studies exploring code smells either theoretically or empirically when compared with literature on refactoring suggests that there are reasons why smell eradication is neither being applied in anger, nor the subject of significant research. In this paper, we present three studies as supporting evidence for this stance. The first is an analysis of a set of five, open-source Java systems in which we show very little tendency for smells to be eradicated by developers; the second is an empirical study of a subsystem of a proprietary, C# web-based application where practical problems arise in smell identification and the third, a theoretical enumeration of smell-related refactorings to suggest why smells may be left alone from an effort perspective. Key findings of the study were that first, smells requiring application of simple refactorings were eradicated in favour of smells requiring more complex refactorings; second, a wide range of conflicts and anomalies soon emerged when trying to identify smelly code; an interesting result with respect to comment lines was also observed. Finally, perceived (estimated) effort to eradicate a smell may be a key factor in explaining why smell eradication is avoided by developers. The study thus highlights the need for a clearer research strategy on the issue of code smells and all aspects of their identification and measurement.
Biosensing Technologies forMycobacterium tuberculosisDetection: Status and New Developments
Authors: Zhou Lixia , He Xiaoxiao , He Dinggeng , Wang Kemin , Qin Dilan
Published: March 2011

Biosensing technologies promise to improveMycobacterium tuberculosis(M. tuberculosis) detection and management in clinical diagnosis, food analysis, bioprocess, and environmental monitoring. A variety of portable, rapid, and sensitive biosensors with immediate “on-the-spot” interpretation have been developed forM. tuberculosisdetection based on different biological elements recognition systems and basic signal transducer principles. Here, we present a synopsis of current developments of biosensing technologies forM. tuberculosisdetection, which are classified on the basis of basic signal transducer principles, including piezoelectric quartz crystal biosensors, electrochemical biosensors, and magnetoelastic biosensors. Special attention is paid to the methods for improving the framework and analytical parameters of the biosensors, including sensitivity and analysis time as well as automation of analysis procedures. Challenges and perspectives of biosensing technologies development forM. tuberculosisdetection are also discussed in the final part of this paper.
Convergence of Iterative Sequences for Fixed Point and Variational Inclusion Problems
Authors: Yu Li , Liang Ma
Published: March 2011

An iterative process is considered for finding a common element in the fixed point set of a strict pseudocontraction and in the zero set of a nonlinear mapping which is the sum of a maximal monotone operator and an inverse strongly monotone mapping. Strong convergence theorems of common elements are established in real Hilbert spaces.
Oscillation Criteria for Certain Second‐Order Nonlinear Neutral Differential Equations of Mixed Type
Authors: Han Zhenlai , Li Tongxing , Zhang Chenghui , Sun Ying
Published: March 2011

Some oscillation criteria are established for the second‐order nonlinear neutral differential equations of mixed type , t ≥ t0, where γ ≥ 1 is a quotient of odd positive integers. Our results generalize the results given in the literature.
Advances in the Biology and Treatment of Bone Disease in Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Raje Noopur , Roodman G. David
Published: March 2011

Osteolytic bone disease is pathognomonic of multiple myeloma (MM) and affects more than 80% of patients. Bone disease results in skeletal-related events (SRE) such as vertebral compression fractures, which may cause cord compression, hypercalcemia, pathologic fractures that require radiation or surgical fixation, and severe pain. All of these not only result in a negative impact on quality of life but also adversely impact overall survival. Osteolytic disease is a consequence of increased osteoclast (OC) activation along with osteoblast (OB) inhibition, resulting in altered bone remodeling. OC number and activity are increased in MM via cytokine deregulation within the bone marrow (BM) milieu, whereas negative regulators of OB differentiation suppress bone formation. Bisphosphonates are a well-established treatment of myeloma-related skeletal disease and are the current standard of care. However, complications arising from their long-term use have prompted studies of schedule optimization and alternate strategies. Several novel agents are currently under investigation for their positive effect on bone remodeling via OC inhibition. The identification of negative regulators of OB differentiation has prompted the use of anabolic agents. In addition to restoring bone remodeling, these drugs may inhibit tumor growth in vivo. Future studies will look to combine or sequence all of these agents with the goal of not only alleviating morbidity from bone disease but also capitalizing on the resultant antitumor activity. Clin Cancer Res; 17(6); 1278–86. ©2011 AACR.
Shifts in the Therapeutic Paradigm for Patients Newly Diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma: Maintenance Therapy and Overall Survival
Authors: Palumbo Antonio , Attal Michel , Roussel Murielle
Published: March 2011

High-dose therapy (HDT) with autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is the standard of care for eligible newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (MM) patients. Several randomized studies showed a survival advantage for patients undergoing transplantation, compared with conventional chemotherapy. Introduction of new drugs in this setting has markedly increased survival rates within the last 10 years. Efforts to further improve response rates and survival in those patients are still needed, mainly by increasing the depth of tumor reduction and the duration of response through more effective induction, consolidation, and maintenance therapies. Nevertheless, this approach is currently challenged by the promising results of long-term treatment with novel agents. Recent data suggest that the upfront combination of a proteasome inhibitor plus 1 immunomodulatory compound (IMiD) is highly effective. The combination of bortezomib, thalidomide, and dexamethasone (VTD) has proven to be highly effective as a frontline treatment and is significantly superior to vincristine, doxorubicin, and dexamethasone (VAD) or thalidomide and dexamethasone (Thal-Dex) before and after ASCT with a very manageable toxicity pattern. The most promising 3-drug association might be bortezomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone (VRD). Adjunction of a 4th drug has not proven to be more efficient. In patients not eligible for ASCT, the introduction of novel agents has changed the management of multiple myeloma. The combinations of melphalan, prednisone, and thalidomide and of bortezomib, melphalan, and prednisone have shown improved progression-free survival and overall survival in comparison with melphalan and prednisone alone. Melphalan, prednisone, and thalidomide and bortezomib, melphalan, and prednisone are now the new standards of care for elderly patients. Preliminary results also support the role of the combination of melphalan, prednisone, and lenalidomide followed by maintenance therapy with lenalidomide in the treatment of elderly patients. Physicians now have a wider variety of treatment options to tailor the most appropriate and efficacious treatment according to their patients' characteristics. Clin Cancer Res; 17(6); 1253–63. ©2011 AACR.
A Randomized Phase II Study of Gefitinib Plus Simvastatin Versus Gefitinib Alone in Previously Treated Patients with Advanced Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Han Ji-Youn , Lee Soo-Hyun , Yoo Nam Jin , Hyung Lee Suk , Moon Yoon Joo , Yun Tak , Kim Heung Tae , Lee Jin Soo
Published: March 2011

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of gefitinib plus simvastatin (GS) versus gefitinib alone (G) in previously treated patients with advanced non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Experimental Design: Between May 2006 and September 2008, 106 patients (51% men, 75% adenocarcinoma, 50% never smoker) were randomly assigned to G alone (250 mg/d, n = 54) or GS (250 and 40 mg/d, respectively, n = 52). One cycle was 4 weeks of treatment. Therapy was continued until disease progression or intolerable toxicity was observed. The primary endpoint was response rate (RR). Secondary endpoints included toxicity, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS).

Results: The RR was 38.5% (95% CI, 25.3–51.7) for GS and 31.5% (95% CI, 19.1–43.9) for G. The median PFS was 3.3 months [M] (95% CI, 1.4–5.2M) for GS and 1.9M (95% CI, 1.0–2.8M) for G. The median OS was 13.6M (95% CI, 7.1–20.1M) for GS and 12.0M (95% CI, 7.8–16.2M) for G. In exploratory subgroup analysis, GS showed higher RR (40% vs. 0%, P = 0.043) and longer PFS (3.6M vs. 1.7M, P = 0.027) compared with G alone in patients with wild-type epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) nonadenocarcinomas. Adverse events in both arms were generally mild and mainly consisted of skin rashes.

Conclusions: Although no superiority of GS to G was demonstrated in this unselected NSCLC population, GS showed higher RR and longer PFS compared with G alone in patients with wild-type EGFR nonadenocarcinomas. Simvastatin may improve the efficacy of gefitinib in that subgroup of gefitinib-resistant NSCLC patients. Clin Cancer Res; 17(6); 1553–60. ©2011 AACR.
Glucose Metabolism Gene Variants Modulate the Risk of Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Dong Xiaoqun , Li Yanan , Chang Ping , Tang Hongwei , Hess Kenneth R. , Abbruzzese James L. , Li Donghui
Published: March 2011

Long-term type 2 diabetes is a known risk factor for pancreatic cancer (PC). We hypothesized that genetic variants in glucose metabolism modify individual susceptibility to PC, especially those associated with diabetes. We retrospectively genotyped 26 single-nucleotide polymorphisms of 5 glucose metabolism genes: glucokinase (GCK), glutamine-fructose-6-phosphate transaminase 1 (GFPT1), glucose phosphate isomerase (GPI), hexokinase 2 (HK2), and O-linked N-acetylglucosamine transferase (OGT) in a case–control study of PC conducted at MD Anderson during 2004 to 2010. Initial genotyping was conducted in 706 patients with PC and 706 cancer-free controls by using the Sequenom method. A HK2 genotype (R844K) with low frequency of homozygous variant was further examined in additional 948 patients and 476 controls. In the combined set of 1,654 cases and 1,182 controls, we showed a significant association of the HK2 R844K GA/AA genotype with reduced PC risk (OR = 0.78; 95% CI, 0.64–0.94; P = 0.009) and a significant interaction with diabetes (Pinteraction < 0.001). The HK2 R844K GA/AA genotype was associated with a reduced risk of PC among nondiabetic individuals (OR = 0.68; 95% CI, 0.56–0.83) but with increased risk among diabetic patients (OR = 3.69; 95% CI, 2.34–5.82). These risk associations remained statistically significant when the analysis was restricted to whites or after exclusion of recent onset diabetes. No significant main effect of other genes or significant interaction of genotype with other risk factors was observed. The findings show a potential role of HK2 gene, alone or in interaction with diabetes, in modifying the risk of PC. Cancer Prev Res; 4(5); 758–66. ©2011 AACR.
Diagnosis and Management of Multifocal Gliomas
Authors: Giannopoulos Sotirios , Kyritsis Athanassios P.
Published: March 2011

Patients who present with multiple cerebral tumors are usually considered as having metastatic disease. If they have a history of a primary cancer in another site, the brain tumors are considered metastases and are usually managed with standard whole-brain radiotherapy. If no primary cancer site is known, a diagnostic work-up is performed, but if no primary site is found, they are still considered as brain metastases from an unknown primary site. Thus, such patients can either have brain biopsy (recommended) for further diagnostic consideration or, occasionally, they can be treated with whole-brain radiotherapy, depending on the age, performance status and wish of the patient. However, in some of these patients the multiple brain tumors represent multifocal glioma rather than metastases, resulting in incorrect treatment. In such cases, various MRI characteristics may be helpful in directing towards the correct diagnosis. Thus, patients who present with multiple brain tumors should not always be considered to have metastatic disease even if they have a previous diagnosis of systemic cancer, and multifocal glioma should be ruled out.
Evidence that Popliteal Fat Provides Damping during Locomotion in the Cat
Authors: Falcon Inez , Stahl Victoria A. , Nichols T. Richard
Published: March 2011

Current models and concepts of motor control represent the limb as a neuro-musculoskeletal system and rarely include other potentially important supporting tissues such as fascia and adipose tissue. It is possible that a normal complement of adipose tissue could contribute to the viscoelastic properties of supporting limbs and enhance stability during locomotion. The purpose of this study was to determine if the popliteal fat pad plays a role in locomotion in the cat. It is hypothesized that the fat pad limits flexion and reduces angular acceleration of the included hip, knee and ankle joints in the sagittal plane throughout the step cycle. 3D kinematics from 3 spontaneously locomoting decerebrate cats both before and after lipectomy were recorded during treadmill walking. Four time points throughout the step cycle were chosen for angular acceleration analysis: mid-stance, paw off, mid-swing and peak deceleration at the end of the re-extension of the knee. Significant increases in maximum angular acceleration for the hip, knee and ankle joints at these time points were observed. No significant increase in range of motion was found across all 3 included angles after lipectomy. Therefore, the hypothesis that the popliteal fat pad acts to decrease the angular acceleration is supported by these findings. The data indicate that the popliteal fat pad contributes to the damping component of the viscoelastic properties of the limb. These results may be applied to models of the hindlimb and knowledge of the effects of obesity on movement.
Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy, Blood-Brain Barrier Disruption and Amyloid Accumulation in SAMP8 Mice
Authors: del Valle Jaume , Duran-Vilaregut Joaquim , Manich Gemma , Pallàs Mercè , Camins Antoni , Vilaplana Jordi , Pelegrí Carme
Published: March 2011

Cerebrovascular dysfunction and β-amyloid peptide deposition on the walls of cerebral blood vessels might be an early event in the development of Alzheimer’s disease. Here we studied the time course of amyloid deposition in blood vessels and blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption in the CA1 subzone of the hippocampus of SAMP8 mice and the association between these two variables. We also studied the association between the amyloid deposition in blood vessels and the recently described amyloid clusters in the parenchyma, as well as the association of these clusters with vessels in which the BBB is disrupted. SAMP8 mice showed greater amyloid deposition in blood vessels than age-matched ICR-CD1 control mice. Moreover, at 12 months of age the number of vessels with a disrupted BBB had increased in both strains, especially SAMP8 animals. At this age, all the vessels with amyloid deposition showed BBB disruption, but several capillaries with an altered BBB showed no amyloid on their walls. Moreover, amyloid clusters showed no spatial association with vessels with amyloid deposition, nor with vessels in which the BBB had been disrupted. Finally, we can conclude that vascular amyloid deposition seems to induce BBB alterations, but BBB disruption may also be due to other factors.
Changes in the Treatment Concept for Approximal Caries from 1983 to 2009 in Norway
Authors: Vidnes-Kopperud S. , Tveit A.B. , Espelid I.
Published: March 2011

The aim was to measure variations in threshold for operative treatment of approximal caries in permanent teeth and the use of restorative materials, compared with results from studies conducted in Norway in 1983 and 1995. In 2009, a precoded questionnaire was sent electronically to 3,654 dentists with E-mail addresses in the member register of the Norwegian Dental Association. The questions were related to caries, treatment strategies and choice of dental materials. Replies were obtained from 61% of the dentists after two reminders. Restorative treatment of approximal lesions confined to enamel, based on radiographic appearance, was proposed by 7% of the dentists, compared with 66% in 1983 and 18% in 1995. Younger dentists, significantly more often than older, would defer operative treatment of approximal lesions until the lesion was visible in dentine. While tunnel preparation most often was the preparation of choice in 1995 (47%), saucer-shaped preparation was most favoured in 2009 (69%). Tunnel preparation was only preferred by 4% of the dentists. Resin composite was the restorative material preferred by 95%, compared with 16% in 1995. The corresponding values for conventional glass ionomer cement (GIC) were 1 versus 22%, for resin-modified GIC 1 versus 7%, and for a combination of GIC and resin composite 2 versus 22%. Compomer was preferred by 1% of the respondents. The authors conclude that treatment concepts for approximal caries have changed considerably during the last 26 years. In 2009, only 7% of dentists reported that they would treat approximal caries operatively before the lesion reached dentine.
Drug Addiction, Love, and the Higher Power
Authors: Sussman Steve , Reynaud Michel , Aubin Henri-Jean , Leventhal Adam M.
Published: March 2011

This discussion piece suggests that reliance on a Higher Power in drug abuse recovery programs is entertained among some addicts for its psychobiological effects. Prayer, meditation, early romantic love, and drug abuse may have in common activation of mesolimbic dopaminergic pathways of the brain and the generation of intense emotional states. In this sense, reliance on a Higher Power may operate as a substitute addiction, which replaces the psychobiological functions formerly served by drug use. Implications of this perspective are discussed.
Transcriptome sequencing and annotation of the microalgae Dunaliella tertiolecta: Pathway description and gene discovery for production of next-generation biofuels
Authors: Rismani-Yazdi Hamid , Haznedaroglu Berat Z , Bibby Kyle , Peccia Jordan
Published: March 2011

Background

Biodiesel or ethanol derived from lipids or starch produced by microalgae may overcome many of the sustainability challenges previously ascribed to petroleum-based fuels and first generation plant-based biofuels. The paucity of microalgae genome sequences, however, limits gene-based biofuel feedstock optimization studies. Here we describe the sequencing and de novo transcriptome assembly for the non-model microalgae species, Dunaliella tertiolecta, and identify pathways and genes of importance related to biofuel production.

Results

Next generation DNA pyrosequencing technology applied to D. tertiolecta transcripts produced 1,363,336 high quality reads with an average length of 400 bases. Following quality and size trimming, ~ 45% of the high quality reads were assembled into 33,307 isotigs with a 31-fold coverage and 376,482 singletons. Assembled sequences and singletons were subjected to BLAST similarity searches and annotated with Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) orthology (KO) identifiers. These analyses identified the majority of lipid and starch biosynthesis and catabolism pathways in D. tertiolecta.

Conclusions

The construction of metabolic pathways involved in the biosynthesis and catabolism of fatty acids, triacylglycrols, and starch in D. tertiolecta as well as the assembled transcriptome provide a foundation for the molecular genetics and functional genomics required to direct metabolic engineering efforts that seek to enhance the quantity and character of microalgae-based biofuel feedstock.
Utility of local health registers in measuring perinatal mortality: A case study in rural Indonesia
Authors: Burke Leona , Suswardany Dwi Linna , Michener Keryl , Mazurki Setiawaty , Adair Timothy , Elmiyati Catur , Rao Chalapati
Published: March 2011

Background

Perinatal mortality is an important indicator of obstetric and newborn care services. Although the vast majority of global perinatal mortality is estimated to occur in developing countries, there is a critical paucity of reliable data at the local level to inform health policy, plan health care services, and monitor their impact. This paper explores the utility of information from village health registers to measure perinatal mortality at the sub district level in a rural area of Indonesia.

Methods

A retrospective pregnancy cohort for 2007 was constructed by triangulating data from antenatal care, birth, and newborn care registers in a sample of villages in three rural sub districts in Central Java, Indonesia. For each pregnancy, birth outcome and first week survival were traced and recorded from the different registers, as available. Additional local death records were consulted to verify perinatal mortality, or identify deaths not recorded in the health registers. Analyses were performed to assess data quality from registers, and measure perinatal mortality rates. Qualitative research was conducted to explore knowledge and practices of village midwives in register maintenance and reporting of perinatal mortality.

Results

Field activities were conducted in 23 villages, covering a total of 1759 deliveries that occurred in 2007. Perinatal mortality outcomes were 23 stillbirths and 15 early neonatal deaths, resulting in a perinatal mortality rate of 21.6 per 1000 live births in 2007. Stillbirth rates for the study population were about four times the rates reported in the routine Maternal and Child Health program information system. Inadequate awareness and supervision, and alternate workload were cited by local midwives as factors resulting in inconsistent data reporting.

Conclusions

Local maternal and child health registers are a useful source of information on perinatal mortality in rural Indonesia. Suitable training, supervision, and quality control, in conjunction with computerisation to strengthen register maintenance can provide routine local area measures of perinatal mortality for health policy, and monitoring of newborn care interventions. Similar efforts are required to strengthen routine health data in all developing countries, to guide planned progress towards reduction in the local, national and international burden from perinatal mortality.
The association of education with body mass index and waist circumference in the EPIC-PANACEA study
Authors: Hermann Silke , Rohrmann Sabine , Linseisen Jakob , May Anne M , Kunst Anton , Besson Herve , Romaguera Dora , Travier Noemie , Tormo Maria-Jose , Molina Esther , Dorronsoro Miren , Barricarte Aurelio , Rodríguez Laudina , Crowe Francesca L , Khaw Kay-Tee , Wareham Nicholas J , van Boeckel Petra GA , Bueno-de-Mesquita H Bas , Overvad Kim , Jakobsen Marianne Uhre , Tjønneland Anne , Halkjær Jytte , Agnoli Claudia , Mattiello Amalia , Tumino Rosario , Masala Giovanna , Vineis Paolo , Naska Androniki , Orfanos Philippos , Trichopoulou Antonia , Kaaks Rudolf , Bergmann Manuela M , Steffen Annika , Van Guelpen Bethany , Johansson Ingegerd , Borgquist Signe , Manjer Jonas , Braaten Tonje , Fagherazzi Guy , Clavel-Chapelon Françoise , Mouw Traci , Norat Teresa , Riboli Elio , Rinaldi Sabina , Slimani Nadia , Peeters Petra HM
Published: March 2011

Background

To examine the association of education with body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC).

Method

This study included 141,230 male and 336,637 female EPIC-participants, who were recruited between 1992 and 2000. Education, which was assessed by questionnaire, was classified into four categories; BMI and WC, measured by trained personnel in most participating centers, were modeled as continuous dependent variables. Associations were estimated using multilevel mixed effects linear regression models.

Results

Compared with the lowest education level, BMI and WC were significantly lower for all three higher education categories, which was consistent for all countries. Women with university degree had a 2.1 kg/m2 lower BMI compared with women with lowest education level. For men, a statistically significant, but less pronounced difference was observed (1.3 kg/m2). The association between WC and education level was also of greater magnitude for women: compared with the lowest education level, average WC of women was lower by 5.2 cm for women in the highest category. For men the difference was 2.9 cm.

Conclusion

In this European cohort, there is an inverse association between higher BMI as well as higher WC and lower education level. Public Health Programs that aim to reduce overweight and obesity should primarily focus on the lower educated population.
Cardiovascular safety of exenatide BID: an integrated analysis from controlled clinical trials in participants with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Ratner Robert , Han Jenny , Nicewarner Dawn , Yushmanova Irina , Hoogwerf Byron J , Shen Larry
Published: March 2011

It is important for patients that treatments for diabetes not increase cardiovascular (CV) risk. The objective of this analysis was to examine retrospectively the CV safety of exenatide BID, a GLP-1 receptor agonist approved for treating hyperglycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes not adequately controlled with diet and exercise. Individual participant data was pooled to assess the relative risk (RR) of CV events with exenatide BID versus a pooled comparator (PC) group treated with either placebo or insulin from 12 controlled, randomized, clinical trials ranging from 12-52 weeks. Mean baseline values for HbA1c (8.33-8.38%), BMI (31.3-31.5 kg/m2), and duration of diabetes (8 y) were similar between groups. Trials included patients with histories of microvascular and/or macrovascular disease. Customized primary major adverse CV events (MACE) included stroke, myocardial infarction, cardiac mortality, acute coronary syndrome, and revascularization procedures. The Primary MACE RR (0.7; 95% CI 0.38, 1.31), calculated by the Mantel-Haenszel method (stratified by study), suggested that exenatide use (vs. PC) did not increase CV risk; this result was consistent across multiple analytic methods. Because the trials were not designed to assess CV outcomes, events were identified retrospectively from a list of preferred terms by physicians blinded to treatment. Other limitations included the low number of CV events, the short duration of trials (≤1 y), and a single active comparator (insulin). The results of these analyses are consistent with those of a recent retrospective analysis of a large insurance database that found that patients treated with exenatide twice daily were less likely to have a CV event than were patients treated with other glucose-lowering therapies.

Keywords: GLP-1 receptor agonist, diabetes, cardiovascular safety
Multiple metallic-shell nanocylinders for surface-enhanced spectroscopes
Authors: Lu Jin-You , Chiu Kuo-Pin , Chao Husan-Yi , Chang Yuan-Huei
Published: March 2011

The optical properties of multiple dielectric-core-gold-shell nanocylinder pairs are investigated by two-dimensional finite difference time domain method. The core-shell cylinders are assumed to be of the same dimension and composition. For normal incidence, the diffraction spectra of multiple cylinder pairs contain the lightning-rod plasmon mode, and the electric field intensity is concentrated in the gap between the nanocylinder pairs in the infrared region. The resonance wavelength and local field enhancement of this plasmon mode can be tuned by varying the pair-distance between the pairs, the gap-distance between the pairs, and the optical constants of the dielectric-core and the surrounding medium. The results show that the multiple core-shell nanocylinder pair contains the plasmon mode same as that of the solid metallic cylinder pairs at the long wavelength part of the spectrum. The large electric field intensity in the infrared region at long wavelength makes multiple core-shell cylinders as ideal candidates for surface-enhanced spectroscopes.
Nanofluid optical property characterization: towards efficient direct absorption solar collectors
Authors: Taylor Robert A , Phelan Patrick E , Otanicar Todd P , Adrian Ronald , Prasher Ravi
Published: March 2011

Suspensions of nanoparticles (i.e., particles with diameters < 100 nm) in liquids, termed nanofluids, show remarkable thermal and optical property changes from the base liquid at low particle loadings. Recent studies also indicate that selected nanofluids may improve the efficiency of direct absorption solar thermal collectors. To determine the effectiveness of nanofluids in solar applications, their ability to convert light energy to thermal energy must be known. That is, their absorption of the solar spectrum must be established. Accordingly, this study compares model predictions to spectroscopic measurements of extinction coefficients over wavelengths that are important for solar energy (0.25 to 2.5 μm). A simple addition of the base fluid and nanoparticle extinction coefficients is applied as an approximation of the effective nanofluid extinction coefficient. Comparisons with measured extinction coefficients reveal that the approximation works well with water-based nanofluids containing graphite nanoparticles but less well with metallic nanoparticles and/or oil-based fluids. For the materials used in this study, over 95% of incoming sunlight can be absorbed (in a nanofluid thickness ≥10 cm) with extremely low nanoparticle volume fractions - less than 1 × 10-5, or 10 parts per million. Thus, nanofluids could be used to absorb sunlight with a negligible amount of viscosity and/or density (read: pumping power) increase.
Signal pathways in astrocytes activated by cross-talk between of astrocytes and mast cells through CD40-CD40L
Authors: Kim Dae Yong , Hong Gwan Ui , Ro Jai Youl
Published: March 2011

Background

Astrocytes, which play an active role in chronic inflammatory diseases like multiple sclerosis, exist close to mast cells with which they share perivascular localization. We previously demonstrated the possibility that astrocytes and mast cells interact in vitro and in vivo. This study aimed to investigate the signaling pathways and the role for astrocytes in the interaction of astrocytes and mast cells.

Methods

We co-cultured human U87 glioblastoma (U87) and human mast cell-1 (HMC-1) cell lines, and mouse cerebral cortices-derived astrocytes and mouse bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMCs). Intracellular Ca2+([Ca2+]i) was measured by confocal microscopy; CD40 siRNA by Silencer Express Kit; small GTPases by GTP-pull down assay; PKCs, MAPKs, CD40, CD40L, Jak1/2, STAT1, TNF receptor 1 (TNFR1) by Western blot; NF-κB and AP-1 by EMSA; cytokines by RT-PCR. An experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) model was induced using myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) peptide and pertussis toxin in mice. Co-localization of TNFR1 and astrocytes in EAE brain tissues was determined by immunohistochemistry.

Results

Each astrocyte co-culture had increases in [Ca2+]ilevels, release of cytokines and chemokines; activities of Rho-family GTPases, NF-κB/AP-1/STAT1727, and Jack1/2, STAT1701. These effects were inhibited by anti-CD40 antibody or CD40 siRNA, and signaling pathways for Jak1/2 were inhibited by anti-TNFR1 antibody. EAE score, expression of TNFR1, and co-localization of TNFR1 and astrocytes were enhanced in brain of the EAE model. Anti-CD40 antibody or 8-oxo-dG pretreatment reduced these effects in EAE model.

Conclusions

These data suggest that astrocytes activated by the CD40-CD40L interaction in co-culture induce inflammatory cytokine production via small GTPases, and the secreted cytokines re-activate astrocytes via Jak/STAT1701pathways, and then release more cytokines that contribute to exacerbating the development of EAE. These findings imply that the pro-inflammatory mediators produced by cell-to-cell cross-talk via interaction of CD40-CD40L may be as a promising therapeutic target for neurodegenerative diseases like MS.
Ethnobiology of snappers (Lutjanidae): target species and suggestions for management
Authors: Begossi Alpina , Salivonchyk Svetlana V , Araujo Luciana G , Andreoli Tainá B , Clauzet Mariana , Martinelli Claudia M , Ferreira Allan GL , Oliveira Luiz EC , Silvano Renato AM
Published: March 2011

In this study, we sought to investigate the biology (diet and reproduction) and ethnobiology (fishers knowledge and fishing spots used to catch snappers) of five species of snappers (Lutjanidae), including Lutjanus analis, Lutjanus synagris, Lutjanus vivanus, Ocyurus chrysurus, and Romboplites saliens at five sites along the northeast (Riacho Doce, Maceió in Alagoas State, and Porto do Sauípe, Entre Rios at Bahia State) and the southeast (SE) Brazilian coast (Paraty and Rio de Janeiro cities at Rio de Janeiro State, and Bertioga, at São Paulo State.).

We collected 288 snappers and interviewed 86 fishermen. The stomach contents of each fish were examined and macroscopic gonad analysis was performed. Snappers are very important for the fisheries of NE Brazil, and our results indicated that some populations, such as mutton snapper (L. analis) and lane snapper (L. synagris), are being caught when they are too young, at early juvenile stages.

Local knowledge has been shown to be a powerful tool for determining appropriate policies regarding management of target species, and artisanal fishermen can be included in management processes. Other suggestions for managing the fisheries are discussed, including proposals that could provide motivation for artisanal fishermen to participate in programs to conserve resources, such as co-management approaches that utilize local knowledge, the establishment of fishing seasons, and compensation of fishermen, through 'payment for environmental services'. These suggestions may enhance the participation of local artisanal fishermen in moving to a more realistic and less top-down management approach of the fish population.
Treating critically ill patients with probiotics: Beneficial or dangerous?
Authors: Jacobi Christoph A , Schulz Christian , Malfertheiner Peter
Published: March 2011

Probiotic bacteria are live microorganisms which confer to health benefits of the host. They help to maintain the integrity of the intestinal barrier function by modulating the mucosal and systemic immune response of the host. These bacteria have proven their beneficial effect in several conditions of ulcerative colitis. More recently probiotics/synbiotics have been included in the treatment of critically ill patients. However to date it remains uncertain whether probiotics/synbiotics are beneficial or even dangerous to the clinical outcome of this patient group. This article reviews the current evidence of the use of bacteria in critically ill patients in intensive care settings.
Delayed neuropsychological sequelae after carbon monoxide poisoning: predictive risk factors in the Emergency Department. A retrospective study
Authors: Pepe Giuseppe , Castelli Matteo , Nazerian Peiman , Vanni Simone , Del Panta Massimo , Gambassi Francesco , Botti Primo , Missanelli Andrea , Grifoni Stefano
Published: March 2011

Background

Delayed neuropsychological sequelae (DNS) commonly occur after recovery from acute carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. The preventive role and the indications for hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the acute setting are still controversial. Early identification of patients at risk in the Emergency Department might permit an improvement in quality of care. We conducted a retrospective study to identify predictive risk factors for DNS development in the Emergency Department.

Methods

We retrospectively considered all CO-poisoned patients admitted to the Emergency Department of Careggi University General Hospital (Florence, Italy) from 1992 to 2007. Patients were invited to participate in three follow-up visits at one, six and twelve months from hospital discharge. Clinical and biohumoral data were collected; univariate and multivariate analysis were performed to identify predictive risk factors for DNS.

Results

Three hundred forty seven patients were admitted to the Emergency Department for acute CO poisoning from 1992 to 2007; 141/347 patients participated in the follow-up visit at one month from hospital discharge. Thirty four/141 patients were diagnosed with DNS (24.1%). Five/34 patients previously diagnosed as having DNS presented to the follow-up visit at six months, reporting a complete recovery. The following variables (collected before or upon Emergency Department admission) were associated to DNS development at one month from hospital discharge in the univariate analysis: CO exposure duration >6 hours, a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score <9, seizures, systolic blood pressure <90 mmHg, elevated creatine phosphokinase concentration and leukocytosis. There was no significant correlation with age, sex, voluntary exposure, headache, transient loss of consciousness, GCS between 14 and 9, arterial lactate and carboxyhemoglobin concentration. The multivariate analysis confirmed as independent prognostic factors GCS <9 (OR 7.15; CI 95%: 1.04-48.8) and leukocytosis (OR 3.31; CI 95%: 1.02-10.71).

Conclusions

Our study identified several potential predictive risk factors for DNS. Treatment algorithms based on an appropriate risk-stratification of patients in the Emergency Department might reduce DNS incidence; however, more studies are needed. Adequate follow-up after hospital discharge, aimed at correct recognition of DNS, is also important.
Creating finite-difference time-domain models of commercial ground-penetrating radar antennas using Taguchi’s optimization method
Authors: Warren Craig , Giannopoulos Antonios
Published: March 2011

Very few researchers have developed numerical models of ground-penetrating radar (GPR) that include realistic descriptions of both the antennas and the subsurface. This is essential to be able to accurately predict responses from near-surface, near-field targets. We have developed a detailed 3D finite-difference time-domain models of two commercial GPR antennas — a Geophysical Survey Systems, Inc. (GSSI) 1.5-GHz antenna and a MALÅ Geoscience 1.2-GHz antenna — using simple analyses of the geometries and the main components of the antennas. Values for unknown parameters in the antenna models (due to commercial sensitivity) were estimated by using Taguchi’s optimization method, resulting in a good match between the real and modeled crosstalk responses in free space. Validation using a series of oil-in-water emulsions to simulate the electrical properties of real materials demonstrated that it was essential to accurately model the permittivity and dispersive conductivity. When accurate descriptions of the emulsions were combined with the antenna models, the simulated responses showed very good agreement with real data. This provides confidence for use of the antenna models in more advanced studies.
Hybrid finite-difference integral equation solver for 3D frequency domain anisotropic electromagnetic problems
Authors: Zaslavsky M. , Druskin V. , Davydycheva S. , Knizhnerman L. , Abubakar A. , Habashy T.
Published: March 2011

The modeling of the controlled-source electromagnetic (CSEM) and single-well and crosswell electromagnetic (EM) configurations requires fine gridding to take into account the 3D nature of the geometries encountered in these applications that include geological structures with complicated shapes and exhibiting large variations in conductivities such as the seafloor bathymetry, the land topography, and targets with complex geometries and large contrasts in conductivities. Such problems significantly increase the computational cost of the conventional finite-difference (FD) approaches mainly due to the large condition numbers of the corresponding linear systems. To handle these problems, we employ a volume integral equation (IE) approach to arrive at an effective preconditioning operator for our FD solver. We refer to this new hybrid algorithm as the finite-difference integral equation method (FDIE). This FDIE preconditioning operator is divergence free and is based on a magnetic field formulation. Similar to the Lippman-Schwinger IE method, this scheme allows us to use a background elimination approach to reduce the computational domain, resulting in a smaller size stiffness matrix. Furthermore, it yields a linear system whose condition number is close to that of the conventional Lippman-Schwinger IE approach, significantly reducing the condition number of the stiffness matrix of the FD solver. Moreover, the FD framework allows us to substitute convolution operations by the inversion of banded matrices, which significantly reduces the computational cost per iteration of the hybrid method compared to the standard IE approaches. Also, well-established FD homogenization and optimal gridding algorithms make the FDIE more appropriate for the discretization of strongly inhomogeneous media. Some numerical studies are presented to illustrate the accuracy and effectiveness of the presented solver for CSEM, single-well, and crosswell EM applications.
Application of waveform tomography to marine seismic reflection data from the Queen Charlotte Basin of western Canada
Authors: Takougang E. M. Takam , Calvert A. J.
Published: March 2011

To obtain a higher resolution quantitative P-wave velocity model, 2D waveform tomography was applied to seismic reflection data from the Queen Charlotte sedimentary basin off the west coast of Canada. The forward modeling and inversion were implemented in the frequency domain using the visco-acoustic wave equation. Field data preconditioning consisted of f-k filtering, 2D amplitude scaling, shot-to-shot amplitude balancing, and time windowing. The field data were inverted between 7 and 13.66 Hz, with attenuation introduced for frequencies ≥ 10.5 Hz to improve the final velocity model; two different approaches to sampling the frequencies were evaluated. The limited maximum offset of the marine data (3770 m) and the relatively high starting frequency (7 Hz) were the main challenges encountered during the inversion. An inversion strategy that successively recovered shallow-to-deep structures was designed to mitigate these issues. The inclusion of later arrivals in the waveform tomography resulted in a velocity model that extends to a depth of approximately 1200 m, twice the maximum depth of ray coverage in the ray-based tomography. Overall, there is a good agreement between the velocity model and a sonic log from a well on the seismic line, as well as between modeled shot gathers and field data. Anomalous zones of low velocity in the model correspond to previously identified faults or their upward continuation into the shallow Pliocene section where they are not readily identifiable in the conventional migration.
Calpain-6, a microtubule-stabilizing protein, regulates Rac1 activity and cell motility through interaction with GEF-H1
Authors: Tonami Kazuo , Kurihara Yukiko , Arima Satoshi , Nishiyama Koichi , Uchijima Yasunobu , Asano Tomoichiro , Sorimachi Hiroyuki , Kurihara Hiroki
Published: March 2011

Crosstalk between microtubules and actin filaments is crucial for various cellular functions, including cell migration, spreading and cytokinesis. The Rac1 GTPase plays a key role in such crosstalk at the leading edge of migrating cells in order to promote lamellipodial formation. However, the mechanism underlying the link between microtubules and Rac1 activation remains unclear. Here, we show that calpain-6 (CAPN6), a non-proteolytic calpain with microtubule-binding and -stabilizing activity, might participate in this crosstalk. Small interfering RNA (siRNA)-induced knockdown of Capn6 in NIH 3T3 cells resulted in Rac1 activation, which promoted cell migration, spreading and lamellipodial protrusion. This increase in Rac1 activity was abolished by knockdown of the Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factor GEF-H1 (officially known as Arhgef2). CAPN6 and GEF-H1 colocalized with microtubules and also interacted with each other through specific domains. Upon knockdown of Capn6, GEF-H1 was shown to translocate from microtubules to the lamellipodial region and to interact with Rac1. By contrast, RhoA activity was decreased upon knockdown of Capn6, although low levels of active RhoA or the presence of RhoA molecules appeared to be required for the Capn6-knockdown-induced Rac1 activation. We suggest that CAPN6 acts as a potential regulator of Rac1 activity, through a mechanism involving interaction with GEF-H1, to control lamellipodial formation and cell motility.
Effects of slag of blast furnace and sand of dune on durability of mortar and concrete
Authors: Salhi K. , Mezghiche B.
Published: March 2011

This study investigates the effect of slag of blast furnace (SL) and sand of dune, (SD) replacement of cement on the durability of cement to chemical aggressive water (acid and sulfates) attack, Tow replacement levels were considered in the study: (5% sand of dune + 15% slag) and (10% sand of dune + 15% slag) by weigh to cement. The other parameters durability investigated in the study were: volumetric stability (shrinkage of drying and swelling), the concrete water permeability. The chemical resistance of cement to the acid and sulfate attack was evaluated by compressive strength reduction of cement specimens were immersed in 5% chloride magnesium and in 5% sodium sulfate solution for a total period of 28 and 90 days. the results obtained show that substitution partial of cement by slag and sand of dune to offer to cement a better stability to the chemical aggressive, and swelling however we noted that the increase in the content of sand of dune of 10% generates a slight increase in shrinkage of drying compared to cement without additions, the water permeability which is an essential characteristic of durability of concrete to be improved specially with partial replacement cement at (5% sand of dune + 15% slag) by weight cement.
The size effect on the hardness value of coatings with Vickers indenter
Authors: Meziani S. , Fouathia A.
Published: March 2011

This work relates to the characterization with indentation of the hard chromium coatings, carried out by electrolytic way on a steel substrate. Steel thus covered is used for the construction of the jacks of industrial machines. We studied in this work the effect of size which can be due to the preparation of surfaces and which it is necessary to dissociate from a real effect of size related to the movements of dislocations for the vicinity of the free face. The effect of size of the print or the effect of load on the value of hardness with the indenter Vickers is thus studied for various preparations of surfaces, on samples polished by various processes and with or without lubrication. It was shown that pleating mainly masks the phenomenon of the effect of load and hardness and that the presence of an oil film enters the indenter and the material to be tested, led to a significant reduction in hardness. When the test of indentation is carried out with the interface of a coating and its substrate, it is possible to obtain a characteristic value of adherence starting from the cracking which generally develops in the plan of the interface. The number of hardness obtained by the test of Vickers indentation depends on the amplitude of the load applied lubrication and polishing before chromium plating.