bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Semiconductor Laser Multi-Spectral Sensing and Imaging
Authors: Le Han  Q. , Wang Yang
Published: January 2010

Multi-spectral laser imaging is a technique that can offer a combination of the laser capability of accurate spectral sensing with the desirable features of passive multispectral imaging. The technique can be used for detection, discrimination, and identification of objects by their spectral signature. This article describes and reviews the development and evaluation of semiconductor multi-spectral laser imaging systems. Although the method is certainly not specific to any laser technology, the use of semiconductor lasers is significant with respect to practicality and affordability. More relevantly, semiconductor lasers have their own characteristics; they offer excellent wavelength diversity but usually with modest power. Thus, system design and engineering issues are analyzed for approaches and trade-offs that can make the best use of semiconductor laser capabilities in multispectral imaging. A few systems were developed and the technique was tested and evaluated on a variety of natural and man-made objects. It was shown capable of high spectral resolution imaging which, unlike non-imaging point sensing, allows detecting and discriminating objects of interest even without a priori spectroscopic knowledge of the targets. Examples include material and chemical discrimination. It was also shown capable of dealing with the complexity of interpreting diffuse scattered spectral images and produced results that could otherwise be ambiguous with conventional imaging. Examples with glucose and spectral imaging of drug pills were discussed. Lastly, the technique was shown with conventional laser spectroscopy such as wavelength modulation spectroscopy to image a gas (CO). These results suggest the versatility and power of multi-spectral laser imaging, which can be practical with the use of semiconductor lasers.
Formation of Zwitterionic Fullerodendron Using a New DBN-Focal Dendron
Authors: Takaguchi Yutaka , Hosokawa Maki , Mayahara Masatoshi , Tajima Tomoyuki , Sasamori Takahiro , Tokitoh Norihiro
Published: January 2010

A new poly(amidoamine) dendron having 1,5-diazabicyclo[4.3.0]non-5-ene (DBN) at the focal point was synthesized. Interestingly, formation of zwitterionic fullerodendrons (λmax = 930 nm for C60 and 795 nm for C70) were observed by Vis-NIR spectroscopy upon the reaction of C60 or C70 with the DBN-focal dendron. In particular, the C70 anion was effectively stabilized by the site isolation effect of the dendritic wedge. The half-life of fullerodendron 12b having C70 anion at the focal point reaches 7,345 min, which is 20 times longer than that of complex between C60 and pristine DBN. Furthermore, in order to confirm the structure of the zwitterionic complex, fullerodendron 12a was reprecipitated from benzonitrile/1,2,4-trimethylbenzene, and was observed using IR spectroscopy and APPI-MS.
A Systems Dynamics Approach to Explore Traffic Congestion and Air Pollution Link in the City of Accra, Ghana
Authors: Armah Frederick A. , Yawson David O. , Pappoe Alex A. N. M.
Published: January 2010

Economic development and urbanization poses myriad challenges to transportation systems in relation to negative externalities such as traffic congestion and environmental health risks. Accra, the capital of Ghana, faces mounting urban planning problems, for example traffic congestion, air pollution, traffic safety, and land use planning, among others. The paper aims to provide a system dynamics perspective of the problems. Most of the drivers and cause-effect relationships of traffic congestion and its attendant air pollution are investigated and analyzed using causal loop diagrams. The paper further suggests mechanisms by which the negative externalities associated with road transport in the city of Accra can be addressed.
Is Globalisation Sustainable?
Authors: Martens Pim , Raza Mohsin
Published: January 2010

It is clear that globalisation is something more than a purely economic phenomenon manifesting itself on a global scale. Among the visible manifestations of globalisation are the greater international movement of goods and services, financial capital, information and people. In addition, there are technological developments, more international cultural exchanges, facilitated by the freer trade of more differentiated products as well as by tourism and immigration, changes in the political landscape and ecological consequences. In this paper, we link the Maastricht Globalisation Index with Sustainability Indices to analyse if more globalised countries are doing better in terms of sustainable development and its dimensions. The results seem to suggest that the process of globalisation may render world development more sustainable.
Radiotherapy for Oncologic Emergencies on Weekends: Examining Reasons for Treatment and Patterns of Practice at a Canadian Cancer Centre
Authors: Mitera Gunita , Swaminath A. , Wong S. , Goh P. , Robson S. , Sinclair E. , Danjoux C. , Chow E.
Published: January 2010

Purpose: Radiotherapy for oncologic emergencies is an important aspect of the management of cancer patients. These emergencies—which include malignant spinal cord compression, brain metastases, superior vena cava obstruction, and uncontrolled tumour hemorrhage —may require treatment outside of hospital hours, particularly on weekends and hospital holidays. To date, there remains no consensus among radiation oncologists regarding the indications and appropriateness of radiotherapy treatment on weekends, and treatment decisions remain largely subjective. The main aim of the present study was to document the incidence and indications for patients receiving emergency treatment on weekends or scheduled hospital holidays at a single institution. The secondary aim was to investigate the compliance of such treatment with the institution’s quality assurance policies, both local and provincial. Methods: From 1 September 2002, to 30 September 2004, patients being treated over weekends (defined as commencing at 6 pm on a Friday and concluding at 8 am of the next scheduled workday) and hospital holidays were retrospectively identified using the Oncology Patient Information System scheduling module. Relevant patient data—including patient age, sex, primary cancer site, specific radiation field, rationale for treatment, referring hospital, total treatment dose, radiation dose fractionation, inpatient or outpatient status, and duration of treatment—were collected and subsequently analyzed. Comparison to local policy was performed subjectively. Results: Over the 2-year period, 161 patients were prescribed urgent radiotherapy over a weekend or on a hospital holiday. Of this cohort, 68% were treated on both Saturday and Sunday, 22% on Saturday alone, and 10% on Sunday alone. Most patients presented with lung (31%), prostate (18%), and breast cancer (17%). The top reasons for referral for emergency weekend treatment included spinal cord compression (56%), brain metastases (15%), and superior vena cava obstruction (6%). Most of the indications for treatment generally followed the quality assurance policies implemented both locally and provincially. Conclusions: Patients treated over a weekend or on a hospital holiday were generally found to be treated with appropriate intent. Most treatment indications within this study both complied with provincial policy and showed a pattern of care similar to that seen in other studies in the literature. Local policy appears to be robust; however, policy improvements may allow for more cohesiveness across radiation oncologists in patterns of care in this important group of patients. Comparisons with practice at other institutions would be valuable and also a key step in developing sound guidelines for all members of the radiotherapy community to follow.
Postoperative Extended-Volume External-Beam Radiation Therapy in High-Risk Esophageal Cancer Patients: A Prospective Experience
Authors: Yu Edward , Tai P. , Younus J. , Malthaner R. , Truong P. , Stitt L. , Rodrigues G. , Ash R. , Dar R. , Yaremko B. , Tomiak A. , Dingle B. , Sanatani M. , Vincent M. , Kocha W. , Fortin D. , Inculet R.
Published: January 2010

Background and Purpose: Extended-volume external-beam radiation therapy (rt) following esophagectomy is controversial. The present prospective study evaluates the feasibility of extended-volume rt treatment in high-risk esophagectomy patients with a cervical anastomosis receiving postoperative combined chemoradiation therapy. Patients and Methods: From 2001 to 2006, 15 patients with resected esophageal cancer were prospectively accrued to this pilot study to evaluate the adverse effects of extended-volume rt. Postoperative management was carried out at London Regional Cancer Program. Eligibility criteria were pathology-proven esophageal malignancy (T3–4, N0–1), disease amenable to surgical resection, and esophagectomy with or without resection margin involvement. Patients with distant metastases (M1) and patients treated with previous rt were excluded. All 15 study patients received 4 cycles of 5-fluorouracil–based chemotherapy. External-beam rt was conducted using conformal computed tomography planning, with multi-field arrangement tailored to the pathology findings, with coverage of a clinical target volume encompassing the primary tumour bed and the anastomotic site in the neck. The radiation therapy dose was 50.40 Gy at 1.8 Gy per fraction. The rt was delivered concurrently with the third cycle of chemotherapy. The study outcomes—disease-free survival (dfs) and overall survival (os)—were calculated by the Kaplan–Meier method. Treatment-related toxicities were assessed using the U.S. National Cancer Institute’s Common Toxicity Criteria. Results: The study accrued 10 men and 5 women of median age 64 years (range: 48–80 years) and TNM stages T3N0 (n = 1), T2N1 (n = 2), T3N1 (n = 11), and T4N1 (n = 1). Histopathology included 5 adenocarcinomas and 10 squamous-cell carcinomas. Resection margins were clear in 10 patients. The median follow-up time was 19 months (range: 3.5–53.4 months). Before radiation therapy commenced, delay in chemotherapy occurred in 20% of patients, and dose reduction was required in 13.3%. During the concurrent chemoradiation therapy phase, 20% of the patients experienced chemotherapy delay, and 6.6% experienced dose reduction. No patient experienced treatment-related acute and chronic esophagitis above grade 2. Disease recurred in 40% of the patients (6/15), and median time to relapse was 24 months. No tumour recurred at the anastomotic site. The median dfs was 23 months, and the median os was 21 months. Conclusions: Extended-volume external-beam rt encompassing the tumour bed and the anastomotic site is feasible and safe for high-risk T3–4, N0–1 esophageal cancer patients after esophagectomy.
Regression of Follicular Lymphoma With Devil’s Claw: Coincidence or Causation?
Authors: Wilson Kenneth Scott
Published: January 2010

Background: Cancer patients frequently use alternative therapies. Two follicular lymphoma patients who had objective tumour regression after taking Devil’s Claw without cytotoxic therapy are reported here. Methods and Results: Patient 1 presented with coexistent immunoglobulin G plasma cell dyscrasia and stage iiia lymphoma (nodes 5 cm in diameter). Computed tomography scan 10 months later showed partial regression. On enquiry, it was learned that the patient was taking Devil’s Claw and Essiac (Essiac Products Services, Pompano Beach, FL, USA). This patient later developed overt myeloma, at which time he stopped the herbal supplements and underwent high-dose chemotherapy and stem cell transplantation, since which no lymphoma progression has occurred. Patient 2 presented with stage iiia lymphoma (nodes 2.5 cm in diameter). He learned of patient 1 through our lymphoma patient support group and started Devil’s Claw. Computed tomography scan 11 months later showed decreased adenopathy and splenomegaly, which has been sustained for 4 years. Discussion and Conclusions: Devil’s Claw tuberous root has anti-inflammatory properties, probably through suppression of cyclooxygenase 2 (cox-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase expression. There are no prior reports of anticancer activity. Inhibition of cox-2 has a role in colon cancer prevention, has been implicated in lymphomagenesis, and is associated both with lymphoma stage and with response to treatment. However, spontaneous regression in lymphoma has been reported in 16% of patients in one series, of whom none were on herbal medications or cox-2 inhibitors. The key issue in both these patients is whether disease regression was “spontaneous” or causally related to therapy with Devil’s Claw. The timing of the response suggests a positive effect. Further investigation is warranted, preferably with a cox-2 inhibitor of known purity.
Non-Adenomatous Non-Epithelial Carcinoma (Hemangiopericytoma) of Prostate Treated with Conservative Surgery Followed by Adjuvant Chemoradiation
Authors: Chakrabarti Bikramjit , Ghosh S. K. , Basu B. , Gupta P. , Ghorai S. , Ray S. G. , Das C.
Published: January 2010

Hemangiopericytoma is a malignant vascular tumour of soft tissue. Microscopically, the tumour shows tightly packed cellular areas surrounding thin-walled branching blood vessels. Traditionally these tumours are treated using wide surgical excision. Only a very few cases of hemangiopericytoma of the prostate have been described worldwide. The feasibility of managing such a case with a combination of conservative surgery and adjuvant anti-malignancy treatment is unexplored. Here, we report a case of hemangiopericytoma of the prostate treated with local excision, with preservation of prostate, followed by adjuvant radiotherapy (40 Gy in 20 fractions to pelvis followed by 24 Gy in 12 fractions as boost to prostate) and chemotherapy (doxorubicin and iphosphamide). Post-treatment computed tomography scan after 4 weeks showed regression of pelvic lymph nodes and a normal-appearing prostate. Levels of serum prostate-specific and carcinogenic embryonic antigen were normal throughout the period of treatment. To date, follow-up has been uneventful, except for occasional bouts of diarrhea. We conclude that conservative surgery followed by adjuvant radiation and chemotherapy, with subsequent close follow-up, may adequately control localized disease in selected cases of hemangiopericytoma of the prostate. The role of conservative surgery in tumours located at other sites has yet to be defined.
Conservative Treatment of Invasive Bladder Cancer
Authors: Rene N. J. , Cury F. B. , Souhami Luis
Published: January 2010

The concept of organ-preserving therapies is a trend in modern oncology, and several tumour types are now treated in this fashion. Trimodality therapy consisting of as thorough a transurethral resection of the bladder tumour as is judged safe, followed by concomitant chemoradiation therapy, is emerging as an attractive alternative for bladder preservation in selected patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Long-term data from multiple institutional and cooperative group studies have shown that this approach is safe and effective and that it provides patients with the opportunity to maintain an intact and functional bladder with a survival rate similar to that for modern radical cystectomy.
Three‐dimensional magneto‐seismic reconstruction of the ‘Torre del Greco’ submerged volcanic structure (Naples Bay, Southern Tyrrhenian Sea, Italy): implications for Vesuvius’s marine geophysics and volcanology
Authors: Aiello Gemma , Marsella Ennio , Stefano Ruggieri
Published: January 2010

A three‐dimensional reconstruction of a large volcanic structure located offshore the town of Torre del Greco (Naples Bay, Southern Tyrrhenian Sea, Italy) and representing the seaward prolongation of the Vesuvius volcano has been carried out using integrated geological interpretation of existing densely‐spaced high‐resolution seismic and magnetic profiles. This reconstruction has provided new insights into the knowledge of marine geophysics and volcanology of Vesuvius, one of most studied volcanoes in the world.

Seismic stratigraphy of the volcanic structures shows acoustically‐transparent seismic facies and high contrasts of acoustic impedance with respect to the overlying sediments. The structures have mound‐shaped external geometry and average dimensions measurable in terms of kilometres. The base of the Torre del Greco volcanic structure overlies the volcanic seismic unit correlated to the ‘Campanian Ignimbrite’ pyroclastic flow deposits. Consequently, no contrast of acoustic impedance between the two volcanic units is clearly evident on the seismic profiles. The top of the structure is irregular and eroded and shows several culminations.

The three‐dimensional reconstruction of the Torre del Greco structure has been carried out using seismic constraints and correlations of volcanic structure to bathymetry. The sea floor topography is compared to the top of the Torre del Greco volcanic structure represented by contour depth of corresponding seismic horizons. Proceeding from south‐east to north‐west there is a good correspondence between the sea floor topographic surface and the top of the volcanic structure, which does not crop out at the sea‐bottom. The rising of the volcanic structure in proximity to the sea‐bottom corresponds to the occurrence of topographic undulations of up to ten metres. This evidence is confirmed by the interpretation of seismic profiles, showing three main vertical culminations of the volcanic structure, where the overlying sediment drape is significantly reduced. These culminations are linked to magnetic anomaly extremes, having values ranging between 250–350 nT. A striking coincidence between the long‐shaped topographic high on the sea floor (towards the east) and the high in the top of the volcanic structure underneath can be explained as a consequence of sea floor deformation due to the underlying volcanic culminations. Smaller volcanic mounds, buried and fossilized by marine sediments, are not related to any magnetic anomaly, probably due to their composition of volcanic tuffs.
Application of electrical resistivity tomography to the environmental characterization of abandoned massive sulphide mine ponds (Iberian Pyrite Belt, SW Spain)
Authors: Gómez‐Ortiz D. , Martín‐Velázquez S. , Martín‐Crespo T. , De Ignacio‐San José C. , Lillo J.
Published: January 2010

Mining activity in the Iberian Pyrite Belt, on the south‐west of the Iberian Peninsula, has generated a great amount of mine tailing ponds, which once the extractive activity is finished, are abandoned and become a serious environmental problem. Here we present the results of applying the electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) technique to characterize the abandoned mine ponds in two sites: Monte Romero and Mina Concepción. ERT has allowed us to determine both the general geometry of the pond’s base and the maximum thickness of the mine tailings. In all cases, the resistivity contrast between the infilling and the bedrock is high enough to clearly define the bottom pond boundary. The low‐resistivity values (lower than ) obtained for the infilling are explained by the high concentration of pyrite in the tailings and the occurrence of acid waters. Whereas the Monte Romero mine pond is almost completely saturated with water, in Mina Concepción it has been possible to identify the presence of inner acid water flows, the outlet of which through the damaged dyke originates a spilling of acid waters to the Odiel River. No low‐resistivity water flows through the base of the ponds into the bedrock have been observed, indicating a good isolation of the base of the studied mine ponds.
Shear‐wave velocity profiling at sites with high stiffness contrasts: a comparison between invasive and non‐invasive methods
Authors: Cercato Michele , Cara Fabrizio , Cardarelli Ettore , Di Filippo Gerardina , Di Giulio Giuseppe , Milana Giuliano
Published: January 2010

Three sites of the Italian Strong Motion Network (RAN) have been selected for detailed S‐wave profiling, using both borehole and surface wave seismic methods. At these sites, the presence of stiffness contrasts within the soil column is found to influence the surface wave propagation profoundly. Advanced aspects in surface wave inversion such as resolution, accuracy and higher‐mode interpretation must be properly taken into account to obtain realistic results from the surface wave dispersion observations. The possibility of mode misidentification and the loss of resolution with depth in surface wave interpretation are explored using synthetic modelling together with active and passive seismic data sets. With high stiffness contrasts, the possibility of mode jumps and higher mode dominance over specific frequency ranges is very probable. This is true also for normally dispersive sites, where the shear velocity increases with depth, though higher mode dominance is recognized as more common in the case of a shear‐wave velocity inversion within the soil column and the sensitivity of the dispersion curves with respect to those layers beneath the low‐velocity zone may be significantly reduced. Pitfalls in the inversion resulting from mode misidentification can be avoided by investigating the effective phase velocity distribution, using active data sets and full waveform seismic modelling. When an unambiguous modal identification is achieved, the results obtained by surface wave inversion are very satisfactorily consistent with borehole data.
Stability and H∞ performance of multiple‐delay systems with successive delay components
Authors: Guo Ge
Published: January 2010

This paper presents a new model for linear time‐delay systems with multiple delayed states where each delay contains finite number of successive components with different time‐varying properties, referred to as multiple‐delay system with successive time‐varying delay components (MDSSTDCs). General stability result and H∞ performance conditions, under which the MDSSTDCs are asymptotically stable with certain H∞ disturbance attenuation level, are derived by exploiting a general Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional and by making use of novel techniques for time‐delay systems. The result is applied to two special types of time‐delay systems frequently used in engineering applications and corresponding conditions for stability and H∞ performance are obtained. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dental wear, wear rate, and dental disease in the African apes
Authors: Elgart Alison A.
Published: January 2010

The African apes possess thinner enamel than do other hominoids, and a certain amount of dentin exposure may be advantageous in the processing of tough diets eaten byGorilla. Dental wear (attrition plus abrasion) that erodes the enamel exposes the underlying dentin and creates additional cutting edges at the dentin‐enamel junction. Hypothetically, efficiency of food processing increases with junction formation until an optimal amount is reached, but excessive wear hinders efficient food processing and may lead to sickness, reduced fecundity, and death. Occlusal surfaces of molars and incisors in three populations each ofGorillaandPanwere videotaped and digitized. The quantity of incisal and molar occlusal dental wear and the lengths of dentin–enamel junctions were measured in 220 adult and 31 juvenile gorilla and chimpanzee skulls. Rates of dental wear were calculated in juveniles by scoring the degree of wear between adjacent molars M1 and M2. Differences were compared by principal (major) axis analysis. ANOVAs compared means of wear amounts. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated to compare the relationship between molar wear and incidence of dental disease.

Results indicate that quantities of wear are significantly greater in permanent incisors and molars and juvenile molars of gorillas compared to chimpanzees. The lengths of dentin–enamel junctions were predominantly suboptimal. Western lowland gorillas have the highest quantities of wear and the most molars with suboptimal wear. The highest rates of wear are seen inPan paniscusandPan t. troglodytes, and the lowest rates are found inP.t. schweinfurthiiandG. g. graueri. Among gorillas,G. b. beringeihave the highest rates but low amounts of wear. Coefficients between wear and dental disease were low, but significant when all teeth were combined. Gorilla teeth are durable, and wear does not lead to mechanical senescence in this sample. Am. J. Primatol. 72:481–491, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Intracellular Na+ and Ca2+ modulation increases the tensile properties of developing engineered articular cartilage
Authors: Natoli Roman M. , Skaalure Stacey , Bijlani Shweta , Chen Ke X. , Hu Jerry , Athanasiou Kyriacos A.
Published: January 2010

Objective

Significant collagen content and tensile properties are difficult to achieve in tissue‐engineered articular cartilage. The aim of this study was to investigate whether treating developing tissue‐engineered cartilage constructs with modulators of intracellular Na+ or Ca2+ could increase collagen concentration and construct tensile properties.

Methods

Inhibitors of Na+ ion transporters and stimulators of intracellular Ca2+ were investigated for their ability to affect articular cartilage development in a scaffoldless, 3‐dimensional chondrocyte culture. Using a systematic approach, we applied ouabain (Na+/K+‐ATPase inhibitor), bumetanide (Na+/K+/2Cl− tritransporter inhibitor), histamine (cAMP activator), and ionomycin (a Ca2+ ionophore) to tissue‐engineered constructs for 1 hour daily on days 10–14 of culture and examined the constructs at 2 weeks or 4 weeks. The gross morphology, biochemical content, and compressive and tensile mechanical properties of the constructs were assayed.

Results

The results of these experiments showed that 20 μM ouabain, 0.3 μM ionomycin, or their combination increased the tensile modulus by 40–95% compared with untreated controls and resulted in an increased amount of collagen normalized to construct wet weight. In constructs exposed to ouabain, the increased percentage of collagen per construct wet weight was secondary to decreased glycosaminoglycan production on a per‐cell basis. Treatment with 20 μM ouabain also increased the ultimate tensile strength of neo‐tissue by 56–86% at 4 weeks. Other construct properties, such as construct growth and type I collagen production, were affected differently by Na+ modulation with ouabain versus Ca2+ modulation with ionomycin.

Conclusion

These data are the first to show that treatments known to alter intracellular ion concentrations are a viable method for increasing the mechanical properties of engineered articular cartilage and identifying potentially important relationships to hydrostatic pressure mechanotransduction. Ouabain and ionomycin may be useful pharmacologic agents for increasing tensile integrity and directing construct maturation.
Fox‐2 protein regulates the alternative splicing of scleroderma‐associated lysyl hydroxylase 2 messenger RNA
Authors: Seth Puneet , Yeowell Heather N.
Published: January 2010

Objective

Scleroderma (systemic sclerosis [SSc]) is a complex connective tissue disorder characterized by hardening and thickening of the skin. One hallmark of scleroderma is excessive accumulation of collagen accompanied by increased levels of pyridinoline collagen crosslinks derived from hydroxylysine residues in the collagen telopeptide domains. Lysyl hydroxylase 2 (LH2), an important alternatively spliced enzyme in collagen biosynthesis, acts as a collagen telopeptide hydroxylase. Changes in the pattern of LH2 alternative splicing, favoring increased inclusion of the alternatively spliced LH2 exon 13A, thereby increasing the levels of the long transcript of LH2 (LH2[long]), are linked to scleroderma disease. This study was undertaken to examine the role played by RNA binding protein Fox‐2 in regulating exon 13A inclusion, which leads to the generation of scleroderma‐associated LH2(long) messenger RNA (mRNA).

Methods

Phylogenetic sequence analysis of introns flanking exon 13A was performed. A tetracycline‐inducible system in T‐Rex 293 cells was used to induce Fox‐2 protein, and endogenous LH2(long) mRNA was determined by reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction. An LH2 minigene was designed, validated, and used in Fox‐2 overexpression and mutagenesis experiments. Knockdown of Fox‐2 was performed in mouse embryonic fibroblasts and in fibroblasts from SSc patients.

Results

Overexpression of Fox‐2 enhanced the inclusion of exon 13A and increased the generation of LH2(long) mRNA, whereas knockdown of Fox‐2 decreased LH2(long) transcripts. Mutational analysis of an LH2 minigene demonstrated that 2 of the 4 Fox binding motifs flanking LH2 exon 13A are required for inclusion of exon 13A. In early passage fibroblasts derived from patients with scleroderma, the knockdown of Fox‐2 protein significantly decreased the endogenous levels of LH2(long) mRNA.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that Fox‐2 plays an integral role in the regulation of LH2 splicing. Knockdown of Fox‐2 and other methods to decrease the levels of fibrosis‐associated LH2(long) mRNA in primary scleroderma cells may suggest a novel approach to strategies directed against scleroderma.
Schraubenpressklebung mit Nagelschrauben
Authors: Rug Wolfgang , Gümmer Klaas , Gehring Stefan
Published: January 2010

Die Schraubenpressklebung ist eine Methode zum Herstellen tragfähiger geklebter Verbindungen, welche in der neuen überarbeiteten DIN 1052:2008, Abschnitt 14 geregelt ist. Bei der Anwendung dürfen jedoch ausschließlich selbstbohrende Schrauben mit Teil gewinde zum Aufbringen des nötigen Pressdrucks benutzt werden. Im Rahmen grundlegender Untersuchungen wurde die Nagelschraube als Alternative zur bisher geregelten Schraube geprüft. Für die insgesamt drei untersuchten Klebstoffe wurden Verklebungen zwischen Brettschichtholz und Vollholz, Sperrholz, sowie Furnierschichtholz untersucht. Zusammen wurden 932 Prüfkörper in Anlehnung an DIN EN 392:1996 auf deren Klebfugenfestigkeiten hin getestet.

Die Ergebnisse der Untersuchungen zeigen, dass mit Nagelschrauben hergestellte Klebungen hinreichende Festigkeiten erzielen, um eine Schrauben‐Pressklebung nach DIN 1052:2008 herzustellen.

Screw‐press‐bonding with nail screws.

The screw‐press‐bonding is a method to manufacture glued wooden joints. This technology is regulated in the new revised standard DIN 1052:2008 (which is based on the Eurocode 5). In practice it is only allowed to use self‐drilling screws with partial thread to generate the required (contact) pressure. Based on different experiments the nail screw was tested as an alternative method. Three adhesives in all were used to make bonding between glued‐laminated timber (BSH) and solid wood (VH), plywood (SH) and also laminated veneer lumber (LVL). Altogether, there were tested 932 specimens on their bonding strength on the basis of DIN EN 392:1996.

The results of this experiments show that bonded joints, which were manufactured with nail screws, generate enough strength to make a screw‐press‐bonding on the basis of DIN 1052:2008.
The roles of apoptotic pathways in the low recovery rate after cryopreservation of dissociated human embryonic stem cells
Authors: Xu Xia , Cowley Sally , Flaim Christopher J. , James William , Seymour Leonard , Cui Zhanfeng
Published: January 2010

Human embryonic stem (hES) cells have enormous potential for clinical applications. However, one major challenge is to achieve high cell recovery rate after cryopreservation. Understanding how the conventional cryopreservation protocol fails to protect the cells is a prerequisite for developing efficient and successful cryopreservation methods for hES cell lines and banks. We investigated how the stimuli from cryopreservation result in apoptosis, which causes the low cell recovery rate after cryopreservation. The level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is significantly increased, F‐actin content and distribution is altered, and caspase‐8 and caspase‐9 are activated after cryopreservation. p53 is also activated and translocated into nucleus. During cryopreservation apoptosis is induced by activation of both caspase‐8 through the extrinsic pathway and caspase‐9 through the intrinsic pathway. However, exactly how the extrinsic pathway is activated is still unclear and deserves further investigation. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2010
Inside a Superatom: The M7q (M=Cu, Ag, q=1+, 0, 1−) Case
Authors: Muñoz‐Castro Alvaro , Mac‐Leod Carey Desmond , Arratia‐Pérez Ramiro
Published: January 2010

All‐electron relativistic density functional calculations are performed to obtain the electronic structure and nucleus‐independent chemical shifts (NICS) of D5h pentagonal‐bipyramidal (PBP) Cu7q and Ag7q (q=1+,0,1−) clusters. Scalar and spin–orbit relativistic effects are taken into account at two levels: the two‐component zero‐order regular approximation (ZORA) Hamiltonian and fully relativistic four‐component calculations via the Dirac equation. These clusters are treated by including the spin–orbit effect in the jellium model, within the double‐valued point group (D5h*) establishing the symmetry correlations between the molecular and the atomic spinors given by the full rotation group. These clusters show highly spherical aromaticity, which is suggested to increase the hardness of the superatom. Thus, the calculations suggest that the paramagnetic Cu7 and Ag7 clusters can be regarded as pseudohalogens.
Mechanism of pole‐mounted transformer damage by backflow lightning and measures against the damage on low‐voltage distribution line
Authors: Honda Hideki , Hongo Yasuji , Kado Hiroyuki , Yokoyama Shigeu
Published: January 2010

Pole‐mounted transformers are especially vulnerable to lightning damage. The progress of the information society imposes increasingly stringent requirements for the reliability of electric power supply, and this in turn necessitates a reduction in lightning damage to pole‐mounted transformers. Lightning protective devices (surge arresters) are now being installed around the primary bushing of the transformers, which has decreased the number of disconnections around the primary bushing due to lightning. But surge arresters installed on the primary side of the transformer cannot protect it against backflow lightning entering the secondary side of the transformer. The characteristic of transformer damage by backflow lightning is that the electromagnetic force produced by the current flowing into the secondary side deforms the transformer windings. This paper elucidates the mechanism of transformer damage by lightning flowing into the secondary side by comparing actual lightning damage cases with the results of verification tests using a short‐circuit generator. Effective countermeasures against transformer damage by backflow lightning are examined by EMTP calculations, which indicate that neutral grounding on the low‐voltage distribution line is the most effective way of decreasing the current flowing into the transformer. The lower the grounding resistance, the less current flows into the transformer. In addition, decreasing the voltage on the secondary side is important in order to protect the secondary‐side bushing. The calculation results indicate that surge arresters installed around the secondary side of the transformer are effective in decreasing the voltage on the secondary side. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 171(2): 1–11, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience. wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.20921
Precise disturbance modeling for improvement of positioning performance
Authors: Yamamoto Masafumi , Iwasaki Makoto , Ito Kazuaki , Matsui Nobuyuki
Published: January 2010

This paper presents a modeling methodology for unknown disturbances in mechatronics systems, based on disturbance estimation using an iterative learning process. In disturbance modeling, nonlinear frictions are specially handled as disturbances in the mechanisms, which mainly degrade trajectory control performance. Friction can be mathematically modeled by using learned estimation data as a function of the displacement, velocity. acceleration, and jerk of the actuator. This model has the distinctive feature that friction compensation can be achieved with a generalization capability for different conditions. The proposed positioning control approach with disturbance modeling and compensation has been verified by experiments using a table drive system on a machine stand. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 171(2): 31–39, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www. interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.20928
Structural Elucidation of a Novel B. cenocepacia ET‐12 Lipooligosaccharide Isolated from a Cystic Fibrosis Patient after Lung Transplantation
Authors: Ieranò Teresa , Silipo Alba , Sturiale Luisa , Garozzo Domenico , Corris Paul , Perry John , Lanzetta Rosa , Parrilli Michelangelo , De Soyza Anthony , Molinaro Antonio
Published: January 2010

In this work, we carried out the elucidation of a novel lipooligosaccharide (LOS) from a clinical strain of the most virulent strain of the Burkholderia cepacia complex, which was of B. cenocepacia ET‐12 epidemic strain lineage. The strain was isolated from a cystic fibrosis patient who had successfully undergone lung transplantation. This molecule presents some specific chemical differences when compared to the LOS reported so far from other B. cenocepacia ET‐12 clones. The new endotoxin was also tested as a cytokine enhancer on human myelomonocytic U937 cells. Lipopolysaccharides are the main virulence factors of Gram‐negative bacteria, and since they are exposed to the extracellular space, they are deeply involved in bacterial adaptation to the host environment. The characterisation of structural motifs present in these molecules is essential to the comprehension of the persistence/survival mechanisms and inflammatory potential of these bacteria.
A mathematical model for steady‐state regolith production at constant erosion rate
Authors: Lebedeva M.I. , Fletcher R.C. , Brantley S.L.
Published: January 2010

It has been hypothesized that many soil profiles reach a steady‐state thickness. In this work, such profiles were simulated using a one‐dimensional model of reaction with advective and diffusive solute transport. A model ‘rock’ is considered, consisting of albite that weathers to kaolinite in the presence of chemically inert quartz. The model yields three different steady‐state regimes of weathering. At the lowest erosion rates, a local‐equilibrium regime is established where albite is completely depleted in the weathering zone. This regime is equivalent to the transport‐limited regime described in the literature. With an increase in erosion rate, transition and kinetic regimes are established. In the transition regime, both albite and kaolinite are present in the weathering zone, but albite does not persist to the soil–air interface. In the weathering‐limited regime, here called the kinetic regime, albite persists to the soil–air interface. The steady‐state thickness of regolith decreases with increasing erosion rate in the local equilibrium and transition regimes, but in the kinetic regime, this thickness is independent of erosion rate. Analytical expressions derived from the model are used to show that regolith production rates decrease exponentially with regolith thickness. The steady‐state regolith thickness increases with the Darcy velocity of the pore fluid, and in the local equilibrium regime may vary markedly with small variations in this velocity and erosion rate. In the weathering‐limited regime, the temperature dependences for chemical weathering rates are related to the activation energy for the rate constant for mineral reaction and to the ΔH of dissolution, while for local equilibrium regimes they are related to the ΔH only. The model illustrates how geochemical and geomorphological observations are related for a simple compositional system. The insights provided will be useful in interpreting natural regolith profiles. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Processes controlling rapid temperature variations on rock surfaces
Authors: Molaro Jamie L. , McKay Christopher P.
Published: January 2010

In arid environments, thermal oscillations are an important source of rock weathering. Measurements of temperature have been made on the surface of rocks in a desert environment at a sampling interval of 0·375 s, with simultaneous measurements of wind speed, air temperature, and incoming shortwave radiation. Over timescales of hours, the temperature of the rock surface was determined primarily by shortwave radiation and air temperature, while rapid temperature variations, high dT/dt, at intervals of seconds or less, were determined by wind speed. The maximum values of temperature change and time spent above 2°C min−1 increased at high measurement rates and were much higher than previously reported. The maximum recorded value of dT/dt was 137°C min−1 and the average percentage time spent above 2°C min−1 was ∼70 ± 13%. Maximum values of dT/dt did not correlate with the maximum values of time spent above 2°C min−1. Simultaneous measurements of two thermocouples 5·5 cm apart on a single rock surface had similar temperature and dT/dt values, but were not correlated at sampling intervals of less than 10 s. It is suggested that this is resulting from rapid fluctuations due to small spatial and timescale wind effects that are averaged out when data is taken at longer sampling intervals, ∼10 s or greater. Published in 2010 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
ABL1 rearrangements in T‐Cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Hagemeijer Anne , Graux Carlos
Published: January 2010

T‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T‐ALL) is the result of multiple oncogenic insults of thymocytes. Recently, new ABL1 fusion genes have been identified that provide proliferation and survival advantage to lymphoblasts. These are the NUP214‐ABL1 fusion gene, on amplified episomes, the unique case of EML1‐ABL1 fusion due to a cryptic t(9;14)(q34;q32) and the seldom reported BCR‐ABL1 and ETV6‐ABL1 chimeric genes. The most frequent and strictly associated with T‐ALL is the NUP214‐ABL1 fusion identified in 6% of cases, in both children and adults. Patients present with classical T‐ALL features. Cytogenetically, the fusion is cryptic but seen by FISH on amplified episomes or more rarely as a small hsr. The ABL1 fusion is a late event associated with other genetic alterations like NOTCH1 activating mutation, deletion of CDKN2A locus, and ectopic expression of TLX1 or TLX3. The mechanism of activation of the NUP214‐ABL1 protein is unique and requires localization at the nucleopore complex and interaction with other nuclear pore proteins for crossphosphorylation and constitutive kinase activity. The ABL1 fusion proteins are sensitive to tyrosine kinase inhibitors, which can be included in future treatment strategy. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Neural outcomes after plasma knife dissection: A pathologic study and clinical correlation
Authors: Gillespie M. Boyd , Stachiw Natalka D. , Way Justin , Lentsch Eric J. , Richardson Mary S. , Nguyen Shaun A. , Day Terry A. , Hornig Joshua D.
Published: January 2010

Background

The initial aim was to determine the rate of pathologic tissue damage when dissecting the rat sciatic nerve with either bipolar forceps or low‐temperature tripolar plasma knife. The second aim was to determine the safety and effectiveness of the plasma knife during parotid surgery.

Methods

A prospective, randomized, single‐blind study was performed on 40 rat sciatic nerves dissected by either bipolar electrocautery with a cold knife or a plasma knife. Dissected nerves were excised and submitted blindly to pathology for analysis of nerve injury. The degree of nerve trauma was graded by the Carlander nerve injury classification. Separately, a review was performed on the facial nerve outcomes of 30 patients who underwent plasma knife parotidectomy.

Results

No thermal or neural injury was noted in the 40 rat sciatic nerves dissected by either bipolar electrocautery or plasma knife (p = 1.0). Two plasma knife–dissected nerves (8%) demonstrated significant numbers of mast cells in the perineural soft tissue. In 30 patients undergoing plasma knife‐parotidectomy, 10 (33%) had mild weakness of 1 or 2 preserved facial nerve branch postoperatively (House‐Brackmann 2) that resolved within 1 month, whereas 2 (7%) had visible weakness in 1 branch (HB 3) that normalized after 3 months of follow‐up.

Conclusion

Plasma knife nerve dissection seems to be a safe and effective alternative to conventional methods. This technique may confer some advantages over conventional methods with the ability to simultaneously cut and coagulate tissue with minimal thermal spread and electrical stimulation of adjacent neural structures. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2010
Comparison of spectral and time domain calibration methods for precipitation‐discharge processes
Authors: Quets Jan J. , De Lannoy Gabriëlle J. M. , Pauwels Valentijn R. N.
Published: January 2010

Hydrological model parameter estimation is an important aspect in hydrologic modelling. Usually, parameters are estimated through an objective function minimization, quantifying the mismatch between the model results and the observations. The objective function choice has a large impact on the sensitivity analysis and calibration outcomes. In this study, it is assessed whether spectral objective functions can compete with an objective function in the time domain for optimization of the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT). Three empirical spectral objective functions were applied, based on matching (i) Fourier amplitude spectra, (ii) periodograms and (iii) Fourier series of simulated and observed discharge time series. It is shown that most sensitive parameters and their optimal values are distinct for different objective functions. The best results were found through calibration with an objective function based on the square difference between the simulated and observed discharge Fourier series coefficients. The potential strengths and weaknesses of using a spectral objective function as compared to utilising a time domain objective function are discussed. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Predictors of representational aggression in preschool children of low‐income urban African American adolescent mothers
Authors: Goodman Geoff , Aber J. Lawrence
Published: January 2010

Responses to five doll‐story stems thematically related to attachment experiences with the mother were videotaped in the home and used to evaluate child, maternal, and environmental predictors of representational aggression in 93 preschool children of African American women receiving public assistance who had become pregnant as teenagers. Significant correlations were found between representational aggression and child's gender (male), birth weight, maternal depressive affect, maternal educational attainment, recent employment, mother's historical residence with her own mother, and felt social support, accounting for 40% of the variance in representational aggression. A significant Felt Social Support × Gender interaction effect suggested that girls of mothers who perceive higher levels of felt social support are more likely to represent less aggression in their stories; felt social support was not associated with boys' representational aggression. A significant Felt Social Support × Employment interaction effect suggested that representational aggression is associated with lower levels of felt social support only among employed mothers. Findings suggest that different pathways exist for representational aggression in children of low‐income adolescent mothers, which nevertheless share predictors associated with poverty.