bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unique characteristics of motor adaptation during walking in young children
Authors: Musselman Kristin E. , Patrick Susan K. , Vasudevan Erin V. L. , Bastian Amy J. , Yang Jaynie F.
Published: March 2011

Children show precocious ability in the learning of languages; is this the case with motor learning? We used split-belt walking to probe motor adaptation (a form of motor learning) in children. Data from 27 children (ages 8–36 mo) were compared with those from 10 adults. Children walked with the treadmill belts at the same speed (tied belt), followed by walking with the belts moving at different speeds (split belt) for 8–10 min, followed again by tied-belt walking (postsplit). Initial asymmetries in temporal coordination (i.e., double support time) induced by split-belt walking were slowly reduced, with most children showing an aftereffect (i.e., asymmetry in the opposite direction to the initial) in the early postsplit period, indicative of learning. In contrast, asymmetries in spatial coordination (i.e., center of oscillation) persisted during split-belt walking and no aftereffect was seen. Step length, a measure of both spatial and temporal coordination, showed intermediate effects. The time course of learning in double support and step length was slower in children than in adults. Moreover, there was a significant negative correlation between the size of the initial asymmetry during early split-belt walking (called error) and the aftereffect for step length. Hence, children may have more difficulty learning when the errors are large. The findings further suggest that the mechanisms controlling temporal and spatial adaptation are different and mature at different times.
Study of the Response Prediction of a Parametric Vibration Based on Modulation Feedback
Authors: Huang Dishan
Published: March 2011

The problem of response prediction is investigated for parametric vibration in terms of a new concept. The response solution is presented in the special form of Fourier series for signal degree freedom of parametric vibration based on modulation feedback. By applying harmonic balance and limitation operation, all coefficients of a harmonic component are fully determined with a set of series. Meanwhile, some important dynamic behaviors are exposed through mathematical deduction, and an instability phenomenon can be discussed through given frequency factors. The investigation result shows that the new approach has an advantage in the complete response expression, and it is very significant for the theoretical research and engineering application concerning parametric vibration.
Maximizing Output Power of a Solar Panel via Combination of Sun Tracking and Maximum Power Point Tracking by Fuzzy Controllers
Authors: Taherbaneh Mohsen , Rezaie A. H. , Ghafoorifard H. , Rahimi K. , Menhaj M. B.
Published: March 2011

In applications with low-energy conversion efficiency, maximizing the output power improves the efficiency. The maximum output power of a solar panel depends on the environmental conditions and load profile. In this paper, a method based on simultaneous use of two fuzzy controllers is developed in order to maximize the generated output power of a solar panel in a photovoltaic system: fuzzy-based sun tracking and maximum power point tracking. The sun tracking is performed by changing the solar panel orientation in horizontal and vertical directions by two DC motors properly designed. A DC-DC converter is employed to track the solar panel maximum power point. In addition, the proposed system has the capability of the extraction of solar panelI-Vcurves. Experimental results present that the proposed fuzzy techniques result in increasing of power delivery from the solar panel, causing a reduction in size, weight, and cost of solar panels in photovoltaic systems.
Tumor Antigen‐Dependent and Tumor Antigen‐Independent Activation of Antitumor Activity in T Cells by a Bispecific Antibody‐Modified Tumor Vaccine
Authors: Fournier Philippe , Schirrmacher Volker
Published: March 2011

New approaches of therapeutic cancer vaccination are needed to improve the antitumor activity of  T cells from cancer patients. We studied over the last years the activation of human T cells for tumor attack. To this end, we combined the personalized therapeutic tumor vaccine ATV‐NDV—which is obtained by isolation, short in vitro culture, irradiation, and infection of patient′s tumor cells by Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV)—with bispecific antibodies (bsAbs) binding to this vaccine and introducing anti‐CD3 (signal 1) and anti‐CD28 (signal 2) antibody activities. This vaccine called ATV‐NDV/bsAb showed the unique ability to reactivate a preexisting potentially anergized antitumor memory T cell repertoire. But it also activated naive T cells to have antitumor properties in vitro and in vivo. This innovative concept of direct activation of cancer patients′ T cells via cognate and noncognate interactions provides potential for inducing strong antitumor activities aiming at overriding T cell anergy and tumor immune escape mechanisms.
Fuel R&D Needs and Strategy towards a Revision of Acceptance Criteria
Authors: Barré François , Grandjean Claude , Petit Marc , Micaelli Jean-Claude
Published: March 2011

The study of fuel behaviour under accidental conditions is a major concern in the safety analysis of the Pressurised Water Reactors. The consequences of Design Basis Accidents, such as Loss of Coolant Accident and Reactivity Initiated Accident, have to be quantified in comparison to the safety criteria. Those criteria have been established in the 1970s on the basis of experiments performed with fresh or low irradiated fuel. Starting in the 1990s, the increased industrial competition and constraints led utilities to use fuel in more and more aggressive conditions (higher discharge burnup, higher power, load follow, etc.) and create incentive conditions for the development of advanced fuel designs with improved performance (new fuel types with additives, cladding material with better resistance to corrosion, etc.). These long anticipated developments involved the need for new investigations of irradiated fuel behaviour in order to check the adequacy of the current criteria, evaluate the safety margins, provide new technical bases for modelling and allow an evolution of these criteria. Such an evolution is presently under discussion in France and several other countries, in view of a revision in the next coming years. For this purpose, a R&D strategy has been defined at IRSN.
Reaction of the Anticancer Organometallic Ruthenium Compound, [(η6-p-Cymene)Ru(ATSC)Cl]PF6 with Human Serum Albumin
Authors: Beckford Floyd A.
Published: March 2011

The reaction of [(η6-p-cymene)Ru(ATSC)Cl]PF6 (ATSC =9-anthraldehyde thiosemicarbazone) with human serum albumin was investigated at different temperatures using fluorescence and infrared spectrophotometry. The binding constant, K, for the reaction was determined using a number of different methods. Using a modified Stern-Volmer equation, K was determined to be 9.09×104,12.1×104, and 13.1×104 M−1 at 293 K, 298 K, and 308 K, respectively. A thermodynamic analysis showed that the reaction is spontaneous with ΔG being negative. The enthalpy of reaction ΔH=16.5 kJ mol−1 and the entropy of reaction ΔS=152 Jmol−1K−1. The values of ΔH and ΔS suggest that hydrophobic forces are dominant in the mode of interaction and that the process is mostly entropy driven.
Symplectic Analytical Solutions for the Magnetoelectroelastic Solids Plane Problem in Rectangular Domain
Authors: Li Xiao-Chuan , Yao Wei-An
Published: March 2011

The transversely isotropic magnetoelectroelastic solids plane problem in rectangular domain is derived to Hamiltonian system. In symplectic geometry space with the origin variables—displacements, electric potential, and magnetic potential, as well as their duality variables—lengthways stress, electric displacement, and magnetic induction, on the basis of the obtained eigensolutions of zero‐eigenvalue, the eigensolutions of nonzero‐eigenvalues are also obtained. The former are the basic solutions of Saint‐Venant problem, and the latter are the solutions which have the local effect, decay drastically with respect to distance, and are covered in the Saint‐Venant principle. So the complete solution of the problem is given out by the symplectic eigensolutions expansion. Finally, a few examples are selected and their analytical solutions are presented.
Caffeoylquinic Acids Are Major Constituents with Potent Anti‐Influenza Effects in Brazilian Green Propolis Water Extract
Authors: Urushisaki Tomohiko , Takemura Tomoaki , Tazawa Shigemi , Fukuoka Mayuko , Hosokawa-Muto Junji , Araki Yoko , Kuwata Kazuo
Published: March 2011

Influenza A viral infections reached pandemic levels in 1918, 1957, 1968, and, most recently, in 2009 with the emergence of the swine‐origin H1N1 influenza virus. The development of novel therapeutics or prophylactics for influenza virus infection is urgently needed. We examined the evaluation of the anti‐influenza virus (A/WSN/33 (H1N1)) activity of Brazilian green propolis water extract (PWE) and its constituents by cell viability and real‐time PCR assays. Our findings showed strong evidence that PWE has an anti‐influenza effect and demonstrate that caffeoylquinic acids are the active anti‐influenza components of PWE. Furthermore, we have found that the amount of viral RNA per cell remained unchanged even in the presence of PWE, suggesting that PWE has no direct impact on the influenza virus but may have a cytoprotective activity by affecting internal cellular process. These findings indicate that caffeoylquinic acids are the active anti‐influenza components of PWE. Above findings might facilitate the prophylactic application of natural products and the realization of novel anti‐influenza drugs based on caffeoylquinic acids, as well as further the understanding of cytoprotective intracellular mechanisms in influenza virus‐infected cells.
Comparative Effects of Verapamil, Nicardipine, and Nitroglycerin on Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Yui Hitoshi , Imaizumi Uno , Beppu Hisashi , Ito Mitsuhiro , Furuya Munetaka , Arisaka Hirofumi , Yoshida Kazu-Ichi
Published: March 2011

The aim of this experiment was to establish whether verapamil, nicardipine, and nitroglycerin have (1) infarct size-limiting effects and (2) antiarrhythmic effects inin vivorabbit hearts during ischemia/reperfusion. Rabbits received regional ischemia by 30 min of left anterior descending coronary artery occlusion followed by 3 hours of reperfusion under ketamine and xylazine anesthesia. The animals were randomly assigned to the following 4 treatment groups: a control group, a verapamil group, a nicardipine group, and a nitroglycerin group. A continuous infusion of verapamil, nicardipine, or nitroglycerin was initiated 5 min prior to ischemia. Infarct size/area at risk decreased in verapamil, and nitroglycerin. The incidence of ischemia-induced arrhythmia decreased in nicardipine, verapamil and nitroglycerin. The incidence of reperfusion-induced arrhythmias decreased in verapamil and nitroglycerin. From the present experimental results, verapamil and nitroglycerin rather than nicardipine did afford significant protection to the heart subjected to ischemia and reperfusion in a rabbit model.
Spectrum Sensing for Cognitive Vehicular Networks over Composite Fading
Authors: Rasheed Haroon , Rajatheva Nandana
Published: March 2011

Recent advancement in vehicular wireless applications
is also a major contributing factor in spectrum scarcity.
Cognitive radio system is a mechanism which allows unlicensed
cognitive users (CUs) to utilize idle unused bands. Fast and
reliable detection of primary legacy user is the key component of
cognitive radio networks. However, hidden terminal and low SNR
problems due to shadow fading put fundamental limit to the sensing
performance and practical entailments in design of the cognitive
vehicular networks. Extensive modeling is being carried out to
specify varying channel characteristics, particularly multipath
fading and shadowing. Energy detection-(ED-) based spectrum
sensing is a viable choice for many vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V)
and vehicle to-road-side infrastructure (V2I) communications.
This paper examines the performance of spectrum sensing
using ED over Gamma-shadowed Nakagami-m composite fading
channel to cater for both small-and-large scale fading. The
results highlight the notable impact of shadowing spread and
fading severity on detection performance. The relevant simulation
results are presented to support our analytical results for average
detection probability. Furthermore, these results are investigated
and compared to other compound and classical channels.
Familial Adenomatous Polyposis—Rendering a Diagnosis Based on Recognition of an Unusual Primary Thyroid Neoplasm
Authors: Schaeffer David F. , Yoshida Eric M. , Owen David A. , Berean Kenneth W.
Published: March 2011

It has been well established in the literature that the cribriform-morular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma (CMVPTC) has been observed with higher frequency in familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) patients. In the usual setting, patients with FAP are identified based on their germline mutations and the diagnosis of thyroid neoplasm is made after the FAP diagnosis. We herein report a case in which the recognition of a CMVPTC led to the initial diagnosis of FAP. The histological and clinical features of CMVPTC are reviewed with emphasis on its relationship to FAP.
Recent Applications of Liposomes in Ophthalmic Drug Delivery
Authors: Mishra Gyan P. , Bagui Mahuya , Tamboli Viral , Mitra Ashim K.
Published: March 2011

Liposomal formulations were significantly explored over the last decade for the ophthalmic drug delivery applications. These formulations are mainly composed of phosphatidylcholine (PC) and other constituents such as cholesterol and lipid-conjugated hydrophilic polymers. Liposomes are biodegradable and biocompatible in nature. Current approaches for topical delivery of liposomes are focused on improving the corneal adhesion and permeation by incorporating various bioadhesive and penetration enhancing polymers. In the case of posterior segment disorders improvement in intravitreal half life and targeted drug delivery to the retina is achieved by liposomes. In this paper we have attempted to summarize the applications of liposomes in the field of ophthalmic drug delivery by citing numerous investigators over the last decade.
HLA Class II Alleles Susceptibility Markers of Type 1 Diabetes Fail to Specify Phenotypes of Ketosis-Prone Diabetes in Adult Tunisian Patients
Authors: Laadhar Lilia , Harzallah Fatma , Zitouni Mondher , Kallel-Sellami Maryam , Fekih Moncef , Kaabachi Naziha , Slimane Hádia , Makni Sondès
Published: March 2011

We aimed to characterize the different subgroups of ketosis-prone diabetes (KPD) in a sample of Tunisian patients using the Aβ scheme based on the presence or absence of β-cell autoantibodies (A+ or A−) and β-cell functional reserve (β+ or β−) and we investigated whether HLA class II alleles could contribute to distinct KPD phenotypes. We enrolled 43 adult patients with a first episode of ketosis. For all patients we evaluated clinical parameters, β-cell autoimmunity, β-cell function and HLA class II alleles. Frequency distribution of the 4 subgroups was 23.3% A+β−, 23.3% A−β−, 11.6% A+β+ and 41.9% A−β+. Patients from the group A+β− were significantly younger than those from the group A−β− (P=.002). HLA susceptibility markers were significantly more frequent in patients with autoantibodies (P=.003). These patients also had resistance alleles but they were more frequent in A+β+ than A+β− patients (P=.04). Insulin requirement was not associated to the presence or the absence of HLA susceptibility markers. HLA class II alleles associated with susceptibility to autoimmune diabetes have not allowed us to further define Tunisian KPD groups. However, high prevalence of HLA resistance alleles in our patients may reflect a particular genetic background of Tunisian KPD population.
Frizzled 4 Regulates Stemness and Invasiveness of Migrating Glioma Cells Established by Serial Intracranial Transplantation
Authors: Jin Xun , Jeon Hee-Young , Joo Kyeung Min , Kim Jun-Kyum , Jin Juyoun , Kim Sung Hak , Kang Bong Gu , Beck Samuel , Lee Se Jeong , Kim Joong Kyu , Park Ae-Kyung , Park Woong-Yang , Choi Yun-Jaie , Nam Do-Hyun , Kim Hyunggee
Published: March 2011

One of the most detrimental hallmarks of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is cellular invasiveness, which is considered a potential cause of tumor recurrence. Infiltrated GBM cells are difficult to completely eradicate surgically and with local therapeutic modalities. Although much effort has focused on understanding the various mechanisms controlling GBM invasiveness, its nature remains poorly understood. In this study, we established highly serial intracranial transplantation. U87R4 cells were highly invasive and displayed stem cell-like properties, as compared to noninvasive but proliferative U87L4 cells. Microarray analysis during serial transplantation revealed that apoptosis-inducing genes (caspase3 and PDCD4) were downregulated whereas several cancer stem cell–relevant genes [Frizzled 4 (FZD4) and CD44] were upregulated in more invasive cells. U87R4 cells were resistant to anticancer drug–induced cell death, partly due to downregulation of caspase3 and PDCD4, and they retained activated Wnt/β-catenin signaling due to upregulation of Frizzled 4, which was sufficient to control neurosphere formation. We also found that FZD4 promoted expression of the epithelial to mesenchymal transition regulator SNAI1, along with acquisition of a mesenchymal phenotype. Taken together, our results argue that Frizzled 4 is a member of the Wnt signaling family that governs both stemness and invasiveness of glioma stem cells, and that it may be a major cause of GBM recurrence and poor prognosis. Cancer Res; 71(8); 3066–75. ©2011 AACR.
EMT and Stem Cell–Like Properties Associated with miR-205 and miR-200 Epigenetic Silencing Are Early Manifestations during Carcinogen-Induced Transformation of Human Lung Epithelial Cells
Authors: Tellez Carmen S. , Juri Daniel E. , Do Kieu , Bernauer Amanda M. , Thomas Cindy L. , Damiani Leah A. , Tessema Mathewos , Leng Shuguang , Belinsky Steven A.
Published: March 2011

Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is strongly associated with cancer progression, but its potential role during premalignant development has not been studied. Here, we show that a 4-week exposure of immortalized human bronchial epithelial cells (HBEC) to tobacco carcinogens can induce a persistent, irreversible, and multifaceted dedifferentiation program marked by EMT and the emergence of stem cell–like properties. EMT induction was epigenetically driven, initially by chromatin remodeling through H3K27me3 enrichment and later by ensuing DNA methylation to sustain silencing of tumor-suppressive microRNAs (miRNA), miR-200b, miR-200c, and miR-205, which were implicated in the dedifferentiation program in HBECs and also in primary lung tumors. Carcinogen-treated HBECs acquired stem cell–like features characterized by their ability to form spheroids with branching tubules and enrichment of the CD44high/CD24low, CD133, and ALDH1 stem cell–like markers. miRNA overexpression studies indicated that regulation of the EMT, stem-like, and transformed phenotypes in HBECs were distinct events. Our findings extend present concepts of how EMT participates in cancer pathophysiology by showing that EMT induction can participate in cancer initiation to promote the clonal expansion of premalignant lung epithelial cells. Cancer Res; 71(8); 3087–97. ©2011 AACR.
High Plasma Levels and Effective Lymphatic Uptake of Docetaxel in an Orally Available Nanotransporter Formulation
Authors: Nassar Taher , Attili-Qadri Suha , Harush-Frenkel Oshrat , Farber Shimon , Lecht Shimon , Lazarovici Philip , Benita Simon
Published: March 2011

Docetaxel, an efficient chemotherapeutic drug, exhibits low and variable oral bioavailability due to the active efflux by P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and more so to CYP3A4 gut metabolism. Using a spray-drying technique, docetaxel was incorporated in PLGA [poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)] nanocapsules (NC) which were embedded in entero-coated microparticles. An oral administration of the NC formulation elicited a higher absolute bioavailability than both a docetaxel solution (276%) and a free docetaxel NC formulation (400%) injected intravenously, a 5-mg/kg dose. The batches (B) I and II NC formulations elicited Cmax values that were 1,735% and 2,254%, respectively; higher than the Cmax value of the oral docetaxel solution combined with blank microparticles, a 10-mg/kg dose. No significant difference in AUC (area under curve) was observed between the batches. These unexpected results can be explained only if the pharmacokinetics of docetaxel had been modified. It was shown that NCs released from the microparticles penetrated the enterocytes, bypassing P-gp; apparently circumventing gut metabolism and accumulating within the lymphatic system from where both intact or biodegraded NCs and free docetaxel were progressively released into the circulation as plausibly supported by the fluorescent imaging results. Furthermore, the circulating docetaxel in plasma was unencapsulated and circulated either in free form or bound to albumin. Both free docetaxel NCs and microparticles exhibited in vitro efficacy on WRC 256 cells suggesting that the activity of docetaxel was not altered. This delivery concept has potential for clinical translation, perhaps allowing docetaxel chemotherapy to be switched from intravenous to oral delivery. Cancer Res; 71(8); 3018–28. ©2011 AACR.
Genome-Wide DNA Methylation Profiling of CpG Islands in Breast Cancer Identifies Novel Genes Associated with Tumorigenicity
Authors: Hill Victoria K. , Ricketts Christopher , Bieche Ivan , Vacher Sophie , Gentle Dean , Lewis Cheryl , Maher Eamonn R. , Latif Farida
Published: March 2011

Epigenetic profiling of tumor DNAs may reveal important new theranostic targets to improve prognosis and treatment of advanced cancer patients. In this study, we performed a genome-wide profile of DNA methylation patterns in sporadic breast tumors by using the HumanMethylation27 BeadChips to assess relationships between DNA methylation changes and patient tumor characteristics. The arrays identified 264 hypermethylated loci/genes present in genomic CpG islands. Hierarchical clustering based on methylation levels divided the specimens into three distinct groups, within which certain clinical features also clustered. Statistically significant differences were determined between overall methylation levels of these clusters and estrogen receptor and progesterone receptor (ER/PR) status (P = 0.001), tumor relapse (P = 0.035), and lymph node metastasis (P = 0.042). We identified several individual methylated genes associated with clinical features, including six genes (RECK, SFRP2, UAP1L1, ACADL, ITR, and UGT3A1) that showed statistical significance between methylation and relapse-free survival. Notably, the RECK gene in this group has been associated in other cancers with poorest prognosis. Among the leading relapse-associated genes and the genes associated with ER/PR status, we sequenced an independent set of paired normal/tumor breast DNA samples to confirm tumor specificity of methylation. Further, we carried out quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase PCR to confirm reduced expression in methylated tumors. Our findings suggest the utility for the DNA methylation patterns in these genes as clinically useful surrogate markers in breast cancer, as well as new molecular pathways for further investigation as therapeutic targets. Cancer Res; 71(8); 2988–99. ©2011 AACR.
Accurate Classification of Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma into Germinal Center and Activated B-Cell Subtypes Using a Nuclease Protection Assay on Formalin-Fixed, Paraffin-Embedded Tissues
Authors: Rimsza Lisa M. , Wright George , Schwartz Mark , Chan Wing C. , Jaffe Elaine S. , Gascoyne Randy D. , Campo Elias , Rosenwald Andreas , Ott German , Cook James R. , Tubbs Raymond R. , Braziel Rita M. , Delabie Jan , Miller Tom P. , Staudt Louis M.
Published: March 2011

Classification of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) into cell-of-origin (COO) subtypes based on gene expression profiles has well-established prognostic value. These subtypes, termed germinal center B cell (GCB) and activated B cell (ABC) also have different genetic alterations and overexpression of different pathways that may serve as therapeutic targets. Thus, accurate classification is essential for analysis of clinical trial results and planning new trials by using targeted agents. The current standard for COO classification uses gene expression profiling (GEP) of snap frozen tissues, and a Bayesian predictor algorithm. However, this is generally not feasible. In this study, we investigated whether the qNPA technique could be used for accurate classification of COO by using formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues. We analyzed expression levels of 14 genes in 121 cases of R-CHOP-treated DLBCL that had previously undergone GEP by using the Affymetrix U133 Plus 2.0 microarray and had matching FFPE blocks. Results were evaluated by using the previously published algorithm with a leave-one-out cross-validation approach. These results were compared with COO classification based on frozen tissue GEP profiles. For each case, a probability statistic was generated indicating the likelihood that the classification by using qNPA was accurate. When data were dichotomized into GCB or non-GCB, overall accuracy was 92%. The qNPA technique accurately categorized DLBCL into GCB and ABC subtypes, as defined by GEP. This approach is quantifiable, applicable to FFPE tissues with no technical failures, and has potential for significant impact on DLBCL research and clinical trial development. Clin Cancer Res; 17(11); 3727–32. ©2011 AACR.
PET Tumor Metabolism in Locally Advanced Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy: Value of Static versus Kinetic Measures of Fluorodeoxyglucose Uptake
Authors: Dunnwald Lisa K. , Doot Robert K. , Specht Jennifer M. , Gralow Julie R. , Ellis Georgiana K. , Livingston Robert B. , Linden Hannah M. , Gadi Vijayakrishna K. , Kurland Brenda F. , Schubert Erin K. , Muzi Mark , Mankoff David A.
Published: March 2011

Purpose: Changes in tumor metabolism from positron emission tomography (PET) in locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NC) are predictive of pathologic response. Serial dynamic [18F]-FDG (fluorodeoxyglucose) PET scans were used to compare kinetic parameters with the standardized uptake value (SUV) as predictors of pathologic response, disease-free survival (DFS), and overall survival (OS).

Experimental Design: Seventy-five LABC patients underwent FDG PET prior to and at midpoint of NC. FDG delivery (K1), FDG flux (Ki), and SUV measures were calculated and compared by clinical and pathologic tumor characteristics using regression methods and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Associations between K1, Ki, and SUV and DFS and OS were evaluated using the Cox proportional hazards model.

Results: Tumors that were hormone receptor negative, high grade, highly proliferative, or of ductal histology had higher FDG Ki and SUV values; on an average, FDG K1 did not differ systematically by tumor features. Predicting pathologic response in conjunction with estrogen receptor (ER) and axillary lymph node positivity, kinetic measures (AUC = 0.97) were more robust predictors than SUV (AUC = 0.84, P = 0.005). Changes in K1 and Ki predicted both DFS and OS, whereas changes in SUV predicted OS only. In multivariate modeling, only changes in K1 remained an independent prognosticator of DFS and OS.

Conclusion: Kinetic measures of FDG PET for LABC patients treated with NC accurately measured treatment response and predicted outcome compared with static SUV measures, suggesting that kinetic analysis may hold advantage of static uptake measures for response assessment. Clin Cancer Res; 17(8); 2400–9. ©2011 AACR.
Combined Effects of Cognitive Impairment and Hypertension on Total Mortality in Elderly People: The Kangwha Cohort Study
Authors: Gombojav Bayasgalan , Yi Sang-Wook , Sull Jae Woong , Nam Chung Mo , Ohrr Heechoul
Published: March 2011

Background: Previous studies have shown links between cognitive impairment and hypertension as well as mortality. However, combined effects of these two conditions on mortality have not been fully explored. Objective: To assess the combined effect of cognitive impairment and hypertension on all-cause mortality among the elderly people. Methods: We followed a cohort of 2,496 residents in Kangwha County, ranging in age from 64 to 101 years as of March 1994, for all-cause mortality for 11.8 years up to December 31, 2005. We calculated hazard ratios (HR) for all-cause mortality by cognitive status and blood pressure using the Cox proportional hazards model after having controlled for confounding factors. Results: 1,189 people (47.6%) died during the 11.8 years of follow-up. The HR associated with severe cognitive impairment increased from 2.15 (95% CI: 1.30, 3.54) for prehypertension over 2.68 (95% CI: 1.60, 4.48) for stage 1 hypertension to 3.60 (95% CI: 1.99, 6.49) for stage 2 hypertension in women. A mortality risk of 3.67 (95% CI: 2.05, 6.57) was observed among men who had both mild cognitive impairment and stage 2 hypertension. Conclusion: Individuals with coexisting cognitive impairment and hypertension are at an increased risk of all-cause mortality compared with those with cognitive impairment or hypertension alone.
The Axolotl Model for Regeneration and Aging Research: A Mini-Review
Authors: McCusker Catherine , Gardiner David M.
Published: March 2011

Although regeneration of tissues occurs in all adult tetrapods, the ability to regenerate complex structures such as limbs is limited to urodeles (newts and salamanders). Given that many of the biological processes and the signaling pathways that control these processes are highly conserved among all tetrapods, it is likely that humans have the potential to regenerate structures in the same way as salamanders. Thus the remarkable regenerative abilities of salamanders demonstrate what we reasonably can expect in terms of enhancing our regenerative potential. Although most of what is understood about regenerative mechanisms pertains to the repair of acute injuries, we assume that these same mechanisms could be utilized therapeutically to slow or even reverse chronic damage associated with aging. The axolotl model provides the opportunity to understand the behavior of cells to give the desired outcome of controlled growth and pattern formation leading to regeneration rather than aging and cancer. In this paper we present an overview of several important aspects of regeneration biology with an emphasis on the Mexican axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum) as a model organism for identifying relevant signaling pathways and factors regulating limb regeneration. We also speculate about how these mechanisms could be utilized to reverse the aging process. By understanding the mechanisms of regeneration, we eventually will be able to enhance our intrinsic regenerative abilities in order to slow and even reverse the damage of aging.
Region-Specific Fat Mass and Muscle Mass and Mortality in Community-Dwelling Older Men and Women
Authors: Wijnhoven Hanneke A.H. , Snijder Marieke B. , van Bokhorst-de van der Schueren Marian A.E. , Deeg Dorly J.H. , Visser Marjolein
Published: March 2011

Background: Increased mortality risk at low body mass index values is well established for older persons. It is, however, unclear how the underlying body mass components (fat and muscle mass – FM and MM, respectively) are associated with mortality in old age. Objective: This study aimed to examine the mortality risk of four body composition measures (appendicular skeletal MM, leg, arm and trunk FM) with 12-year mortality in community-dwelling older men and women. As a secondary objective, the influence of cancer, obstructive lung disease, smoking and previous weight loss on these associations was examined. Methods: Data were used from the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam, a random population-based cohort study (55–85 years) in the Netherlands. Body composition was determined in 1995–1996 by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. The present study included 477 community-dwelling persons aged ≧65 years who were followed until 2007 for their vital status. Results: Twelve-year mortality rates were 133/242 (55%) in men and 92/235 (39%) in women. Since most associations were U- or J-shaped, only observations below the sample mean were included to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) per one SD lower value. Adjusted for height, age and each other, lower appendicular skeletal MM [HR 1.59 (95% CI: 1.04–2.42)] and lower leg FM [1.68 (1.04–2.72)] in men and lower trunk FM [1.61 (1.02–2.53)] in women were associated with an increased mortality risk. Associations attenuated and became statistically nonsignificant in men after adjustment for cancer, obstructive pulmonary disease and smoking and in women after additional adjustment for previous 3-year weight change. Conclusions: In older men, lower MM and lower leg FM are associated with an increased mortality risk, while in older women only lower trunk FM is associated with an increased risk. The causality of these associations is debated. Suggested sex differences deserve further study.
In Vitro and Human Studies of a 4F Double-Coaxial Technique (“Mother-Child” Configuration) to Facilitate Stent Implantation in Resistant Coronary Vessels
Authors: Takeshita Satoshi , Shishido Koki , Sugitatsu Kazuya , Okamura Nobuhiro , Mizuno Shingo , Yaginuma Kenji , Suenaga Hidetaka , Tanaka Yutaka , Matsumi Junya , Takahashi Saeko , Saito Shigeru
Published: March 2011

Background—

We recently developed a 4F child catheter that can be inserted into 6F or larger conventional guiding catheters. The use of 4F mother-child technique may improve the delivery of coronary stents to complex lesions. Accordingly, we sought to determine the potential of using a 4F mother-child technique to treat complex coronary lesions.

Methods and Results—

The support power and the trackability of the mother-child technique of 4-in-6 were evaluated using a coronary artery tree model. In addition, the results of 51 lesions treated by using a 4F child catheter were retrospectively analyzed. The in vitro experiment demonstrated that backup support of the 4-in-6 system was increased when the child catheter was advanced into the coronary tree ≥5 cm (
P
≤0.01); further, the 4F child catheter was associated with superior trackability as compared with a 5F child catheter (15.0 cm [15.0 to 15.0] versus 13.0 cm [12.8 to 13.0],
P
<0.005). A total of 51 lesions, in which conventional techniques had been unsuccessful, were treated using the 4F mother-child technique. Lesion success was achieved in 48 (94%) lesions. Stent deployment was attempted in 44 (86%) and was successful in 40 of 44 (91%). There were 2 instances of stent dislodgment.

Conclusions—

With the superior trackability of the 4F child catheter and with increased backup support of the mother-child system, the 4F mother-child system provided >90% success rate for lesions in which conventional techniques had failed. The 4F mother-child system may become a viable alternative to conventional techniques in treating complex coronary lesions.
Bivalirudin Is a Dual Inhibitor of Thrombin and Collagen-Dependent Platelet Activation in Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Kimmelstiel Carey , Zhang Ping , Kapur Navin K. , Weintraub Andrew , Krishnamurthy Barath , Castaneda Vilma , Covic Lidija , Kuliopulos Athan
Published: March 2011

Background—

Bivalirudin, a direct thrombin inhibitor, is a widely used adjunctive therapy in patients undergoing percutaneous intervention (PCI). Thrombin is a highly potent agonist of platelets and activates the protease-activated receptors, PAR1 and PAR4, but it is not known whether bivalirudin exerts antiplatelet effects in PCI patients. We tested the hypothesis that bivalirudin acts as an antiplatelet agent in PCI patients by preventing activation of PARs on the platelet surface.

Methods and Results—

The effect of bivalirudin on platelet function and systemic thrombin levels was assessed in patients undergoing elective PCI. Mean plasma levels of bivalirudin were 2.7±0.5 μmol/L during PCI, which correlated with marked inhibition of thrombin-induced platelet aggregation and significantly inhibited cleavage of PAR1. Unexpectedly, bivalirudin also significantly inhibited collagen-platelet aggregation during PCI. Collagen induced a conversion of the platelet surface to a procoagulant state in a thrombin-dependent manner that was blocked by bivalirudin. Consistent with this result, bivalirudin reduced systemic thrombin levels by >50% during PCI. Termination of the bivalirudin infusion resulted in rapid clearance of the drug with a half-life of 29.3 minutes.

Conclusions—

Bivalirudin effectively suppresses thrombin-dependent platelet activation via inhibition of PAR1 cleavage and inhibits collagen-induced platelet procoagulant activity as well as systemic thrombin levels in patients undergoing PCI.
Novel Approaches for Preventing or Limiting Events in Diabetic Patients (Naples-Diabetes) Trial
Authors: Briguori Carlo , Airoldi Flavio , Visconti Gabriella , Focaccio Amelia , Caiazzo Gianluca , Golia Bruno , Biondi-Zoccai Giuseppe , Ricciardelli Bruno , Condorelli Gerolama
Published: March 2011

Background—

To expand the paucity of data on the efficacy of various drug-eluting stents in diabetic patients.

Methods and Results—

Type 2 diabetic patients treated in our institution from October 2005 to January 2007 presenting with of de novo lesions in native coronary arteries were randomly assigned to sirolimus-eluting stents (Cypher group; n=76); paclitaxel-eluting stents (Taxus group; n=75); and everolimus-eluting stents (Endeavor group; n=75). Poor metabolic control (HbA1c >7% and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol >100 mg/dL) and microvascular complications (retinopathy and/or nephropathy) were assessed. The primary end point was the 3-year composite of major adverse cardiac events (MACE), including death of any cause, myocardial infarction, and clinically driven target vessel revascularization. MACE-free survival was 86.8% in the Cypher group, 82.5% in the Taxus group, and 64.4% in the Endeavor group (
P
=0.006 by log-rank test). The post hoc comparisons showed no significant difference between Cypher versus Taxus groups (adjusted
P
=1.0) but a higher MACE rate in the Endeavor group versus both the Cypher group (adjusted
P
=0.012) and the Taxus group (adjusted
P
=0.075). Independent predictors of 3-year MACE at Cox analysis were treatment by Endeavor versus Cypher stent (2.35 [95% confidence interval, 1.07 to 5.41];
P
=0.030), multivessel disease (hazard ratio, 1.78 [95% confidence interval, 1.06 to 2.66];
P
=0.031), diabetic retinopathy (hazard ratio, 1.60; [95% confidence interval, 1.03 to 2.76];
P
=0.038), and poor metabolic control (hazard ratio, 1.60; [95% confidence interval, 1.02 to 2.52];
P
=0.048).

Conclusions—

The present pilot study suggests that in diabetic patients, the Endeavor stent is associated with a higher 3-year MACE rate when compared with Cypher and Taxus stents.
On the Separability of Various Classes from the GOES Visible and Infrared Data
Authors: Tsonis A. A.
Published: March 2011

The spatial and spectral characteristics of the GOES visible and infrared images are examined. From that analysis, a scheme is developed which identifies and separates the following classes: clear skies/no snow cover, clear skies/snow cover and clouds. Clouds are then classified as high or low broken clouds and overcast. The scheme is tested for various weather situations. Comparison of the classification results with reports from ground synoptic stations and maps reflect an average accuracy of approximately 72%, and a higher accuracy (∼87%) when high or low broken clouds and overcast are considered as one class (i.e., clouds). The differentiation between clouds and snow, or no snow-covered ground has been found to be very satisfactory, even in cases of temperature inversions.
Icing Conditions Encountered by a Research Aircraft
Authors: Sand Wayne R. , Cooper William A. , Politovich Marcia K. , Veal Donald L.
Published: March 2011

The characteristics of clouds which have led to airframe icing on an instrumented Beechcraft Super King Air are summarized. The icing encounters occurred at altitudes from 0–8000 m MSL, in summer and winter, in stratiform and cumuliform clouds, and at temperatures from 0 to −30°C. The characteristics of icing encounters in different areas and in different seasons are compared. The fraction of measurements exceeding various threshold values of liquid water content, average liquid water content over a given distance, volume-median droplet diameter, droplet concentration, ice crystal concentration, and potential ice accumulation are given. The effects of these cloud characteristics on aircraft performance were measured by comparing the rate of climb of the aircraft with ice to the rate of climb for the clean aircraft under the same conditions. Most icing encounters led to a reduction in the rate of climb that increased linearly with the path integral of the supercooled liquid water content. The volume-median diameter had little correlation with changes in performance. Some potentially hazardous conditions, which decreased the rate of climb capability of this aircraft by 7–9 m s−1, are also discussed.
Numerical Simulation of Slope and Mountain Flows
Authors: McNider Richard T. , Pielke Roger A.
Published: March 2011

Early descriptive models of mountain-valley circulations indicated that the mountain flow (i.e., the along-valley axis component out of the valley) is a true three-dimensional phenomenon. According to these descriptions, at night shallow-down slope flows on the valley sidewalls directly driven by temperature deficits near the surface produce a pooling of cool air in the valley. This deep pool of cool air in the valley compared with a much shallower surface inversion over the plains (to which the valley opens) produces a secondary flow (the mountain flow) out of the valley driven by a deep hydrostatic pressure gradient. It is this deep secondary flow which is most important to pollutant transport in deep valleys and which has not been previously investigated in a numerical model.

It is the purpose of this investigation to numerically simulate the above-mentioned secondary circulation using a three-dimensional numerical model. The Colorado State University Hydrostatic Mesoscale Model-a hydrostatic, primitive equation model, forced by a surface energy budget-was utilized for the simulations. Both idealized topography and an actual Colorado valley were used in the investigation to emulate the classic mountain-plain configuration discussed above. Special attention was given to the development of the sidewall slope flows which produce the pooling of air in the valley. Results of the simulations indicated shallow slope flows less than 100 m deep started almost immediately after cooling began and reached their maximum velocity after approximately one hour and then slowly decreased through the night. A high level of turbulence was noted near the top of the slope flows. The turbulence was not only due to shear in the slope flow, but to destabilization of the temperature profile because of thermal advection. Definite pooling of cool air occurred in the valley with cooling occurring at all heights to near ridge tops. The secondary flow out of the valley lagged the development of the slope flows by approximately one hour, but was very deep, filling the whole valley to near ridge height.
Evidence of Arctic-wide Atmospheric Aerosols from DMSP Visible Imagery
Authors: Shine Keith P. , Robinson David A. , Henderson-Sellers Ann , Kukla George
Published: March 2011

Recent work has emphasized the potential importance of atmospheric aerosols in the Arctic. This paper presents results indicating the large-scale presence of arctic aerosols during late spring. Their screening effect may be sufficient to alter significantly the shortwave radiation budget. The ratios of brightness over sea and snow covered ice surfaces are shown to be considerably lower, using DMSP shortwave imagery, than those calculated for clear skies using a radiative transfer scheme. Our analysis shows that aerosols are the most likely cause of the discrepancy. With additional calibration the method offers the potential for remote sensing of the aerosol distribution and concentration over the Arctic.
Comment on “An Application of an Indirect Interaction Frequency Shift: Atmospheric Temperature Profiles from Radar Backscatter from Mature Storms”
Authors: Moninger W. R.
Published: March 2011

No abstract available.
Comments “On the Evaluation of Wind Power from Short Wind Records”
Authors: Skibin D.
Published: March 2011

No abstract available.
Reply
Authors: Barros Vicente R. , Estevan Eduardo A.
Published: March 2011

No abstract available.
On the Acceleration of Large Water Drops to Terminal Velocity
Authors: Beard K. V.
Published: March 2011

A theory based on the distortion of large water drops is used to calculate the drag and acceleration ofdrops in the laboratory from rest to terminal velocity. The results show that the drag coefficient curve foreach drop size lies between the curves for a sphere and for water drops at terminal velocity. A comparisonwith experimental acceleration data at sea level shows an improvement over the more approximate theoryof Wang and Pruppacher. The calculations of drops accelerating at reduced air density provide a very goodfit to the data of Davies at the reported fall distance of 11m. This new interpretation of Davies' experimentis consistent with the formula of Beard for the terminal velocity of large drops aloft.
Reply
Authors: Musil Dennis J. , Dennis A. S.
Published: March 2011

No abstract available.
HIGHS AND LOWS OF 1902
Authors: GARRIOTT E. B.
Published: March 2011

No Abstract Available.
CANNON AND HAIL
Authors: PLUMANDON J. R.
Published: March 2011

No Abstract Available.
THE TERM INDIAN SUMMER
Authors: MATTHEWS ALBERT
Published: March 2011

No Abstract Available.
A STUDY OF THE SUMMER FOGS OF BUZZARDS BAY
Authors: PROCTOR FRANK W.
Published: March 2011

No Abstract Available.
COSTA RICAN CLIMATOLOGICAL DATA
Authors: PITTIER H.
Published: March 2011

No Abstract Available.
HIGHS AND LOWS OF 1903
Authors: GARRIOTT E. B.
Published: March 2011

No Abstract Available.
GENERAL CLIMATIC CONDITIONS
Authors: STOCKMAN W. B.
Published: March 2011

No Abstract Available.
THE JAMAICA HURRICANE OF OCTOBER 18–19, 1815
Authors: HALL MAXWELL
Published: March 2011

No Abstract Available.
THE JAMAICAN WEATHER SERVICE
Authors: MARING D. T.
Published: March 2011

No Abstract Available.
AN ELEMENTARY METHOD OF DERIVING THE DEFLECTING FORCE DUE TO THE EARTH'S ROTATION FOR WEST-EAST MOTION
Authors: JACKSON W. H.
Published: March 2011

No Abstract Available.
SUGGESTED REFORM IN METEOROLOGICAL METHODS
Authors: MCADIE A. G.
Published: March 2011

No Abstract Available.
GEORGE W. HOUGH. 1836–1909
Authors: CREW HENRY
Published: March 2011

No Abstract Available.
THE WEATHER OF THE MONTH
Authors: DAY P. C.
Published: March 2011

No Abstract Available.
A TWO YEARS' STUDY OF SPRING FROSTS AT WILLIAMSTOWN, MASS
Authors: MILHAM WILLIS I.
Published: March 2011

No Abstract Available.
VARIATION OF RAINFALL WITH ALTITUDE
Authors: MCADIE A. G.
Published: March 2011

No Abstract Available.
DISTRICT NO. 8, TEXAS AND THE RIO GRANDE VALLEY
Authors: BUNNEMEYER B.
Published: March 2011

No Abstract Available.
DISTRICT NO. 2, SOUTH ATLANTIC AND EAST GULF STATES
Authors: VON HERRMANN CHARLES F.
Published: March 2011

No Abstract Available.
PRELIMINARY REPORT ON TORNADOES IN THE UNITED STATES DURING 1946
Authors: SEAMON L. H.
Published: March 2011

No Abstract Available.
THE HURRICANE SEASON OF 1959
Authors: DUNN GORDON E.
Published: March 2011

No Abstract Available.