bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High-Power Piezoelectric Characteristics of Nontextured Bismuth Layer-Structured Ferroelectric Ceramics
Authors: Nagata Hajime , Seki Masahiro , Noumura Yoji , Hiruma Yuji , Takenaka Tadashi
Published: September 2011

High-power piezoelectric characteristics under continuous driving were studied on some bismuth layer-structured ferroelectric ceramics, i.e., Sr0.25Bi2.75Ti0.75Ta1.25O9 (SBTT, m = 2), Bi4Ti2.98V0.02O12 (BITV, m = 3), Bi4Ti3O12–SrBi4Ti4O15 + MnCO3 0.2 wt % (BIT–SBTi, m = 3, 4), and (Sr0.7Ca0.3)2Bi4Ti5O18 + MnCO3 0.2 wt % (SCBT, m = 5). The vibration velocities, v
0–p, of SBTT, BIT–SBTi, and SCBT ceramics were above 2.0 m/s at 5 V/mm. Also, we observed that the resonance frequency changes and temperatures on the sample surfaces for SBTT, BIT–SBTi, and SCBT ceramics were less than 1.0% and 50 °C at a v
0–p of 2.0 m/s, respectively. The high-power characteristics of the ceramics were superior to those of BITV and hard Pb(Zr,Ti)O3 (abbreviated as PZT) at a vibration velocity v
0–p > 0.6 m/s. Therefore, SBTT, BIT–SBTi and SCBT ceramics are promising candidates for lead-free high-power applications requiring high vibration velocity and frequency stability.
Piezoelectric Motion of Multilayer Film with Alternate Rows of Optical Isomers of Chiral Polymer Film
Authors: Yoshida Tetsuo , Imoto Kenji , Nakai Takaaki , Uwami Ryouta , Kataoka Takuya , Inoue Masataka , Fukumoto Takahiro , Kamimura Yuuki , Kato Atsuko , Tajitsu Yoshiro
Published: September 2011

We realized a multilayer film laminated alternately with poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) and poly(D-lactic acid) (PDLA) films in order to improve the piezoelectric performance of the PLLA film. In the fabrication processes, the thicknesses of PLLA and PDLA films were reduced to improve the effective electric field, and a multilayer composed of more than 100 layers (PDLA/PLLA multilayer film) was realized to improve the piezoelectric performance. In general, a single PLLA film has a piezoelectric constant of about 5 pC/N, and it is difficult to observe the piezoelectric resonance in this film of centimeter-order size using a commercial impedance analyzer because of its small Q-value. In contrast, the PDLA/PLLA multilayer film of centimeter-order size has a piezoelectric performance equivalent to that of the piezoelectric material with a piezoelectric constant of 100 pC/N, and also, the piezoelectric resonance can be observed in this film. On the basis of these results, we confirmed that even an object of 259 g mass is made to vibrate under the piezoelectric resonance vibration of this PDLA/PLLA multilayer film. In other words, necessary quantities for actual work as an actuator could be obtained in the PDLA/PLLA multilayer film.
Lead–Zirconate–Titanate Acoustic Energy Harvesters with Dual Top Electrodes
Authors: Tomioka Shungo , Kimura Shu , Tsujimoto Kyohei , Iizumi Satoshi , Uchida Yusuke , Tomii Kazuki , Matsuda Tomohiro , Nishioka Yasushiro
Published: September 2011

In this paper, we present the power generation performances of a lead–zirconate–titanate (PZT) microelectromechanical system (MEMS) acoustic energy harvester having dual top electrodes to utilize the different polarizations of charges on the surface of a vibrating PZT diaphragm at first resonance. The PZT acoustic energy harvester had a diaphragm with a diameter of 2 mm consisting of Al (0.1 µm)/PZT (1 µm)/Pt (0.1 µm)/Ti (0.1 µm)/SiO2(1.5 µm), and the diaphragm vibrations were excited by sound pressure. The top Al electrodes independently cover the peripheral surface and the central surface of the PZT diaphragm. The peripheral energy harvester generated a power of 5.28×10-11W, and the central energy harvester generated a power of 4.25×10-11W at a sound pressure level of 100 dB (0.01 W/m2) at 4.92 kHz. Thus, nearly 80% of the total power of the energy harvesters can be increased by utilizing the polarization at the central part of the diaphragm, which was usually not considered when only the peripheral part of the diaphragm was utilized.
Characterization of Direct Piezoelectric Effect in 31 and 33 Modes for Application to Vibration Energy Harvester
Authors: Miyabuchi Hiroki , Yoshimura Takeshi , Murakami Shuichi , Fujimura Norifumi
Published: September 2011

The direct piezoelectric properties of sol–gel-derived Pb(Zr,Ti)O3(PZT) films in the longitudinal (31) and transverse (33) modes were investigated to determine the applicability of the film to a piezoelectric vibration energy harvester. For the 31-mode characterization, PZT films were deposited on Pt/Ti/SiO2/Si substrates. The direct piezoelectric properties were characterized by the substrate bending method. Thee31fcoefficient of the 3-µm-thick PZT film with morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) composition was calculated to be -9.1 C/m2at a strain of 6×10-5. For the configuration of 33-mode measurement, the PZT films were deposited on SrTiO3(STO) substrates without bottom electrodes and characterized in the same manner. In this configuration, the 3-µm-thick (100) PZT film with MPB composition has a larger piezoelectric response than (111) PZT films. Thee33*coefficient of the (100) PZT film was measured to be 5.4 C/m2. When the PZT film thickness decreased to 1 µm, the coefficient increased to 7.7 C/m2, suggesting that the non polarized region existed near the STO substrate owing to the lateral poling configuration.
Theoretical Study on Interactions between Oxygen Vacancy and Doped Rare-Earth Elements in Barium Titanate
Authors: Honda Atsushi , Higai Shin'ichi , Motoyoshi Yasuhiro , Wada Nobuyuki , Takagi Hiroshi
Published: September 2011

We performed first-principles theoretical calculations to examine the interactions between oxygen vacancy (VO) and rare-earth (RE) elements in barium titanate (BaTiO3), in order to clarify the mechanism of VO trapping by RE dopants, which affects the insulating reliability of BaTiO3-based multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCC). It was found that VO is stabilized at the first and second nearest O sites of RE at Ba site (REBa), and at the second nearest O site of RE at Ti site (RETi). The structural relaxations on bond lengths of REBa–O and RETi–O in BaTiO3, which are brought about by the existence of VO at the above sites, decrease the total energy, and thus VO is stabilized. Furthermore, we revealed that the stability of VO increases with decreasing solution stability of RE dopants in BaTiO3. Accordingly, we concluded that RE dopants with higher solution energy in BaTiO3 efficiently trap VO, and thus the insulation reliability of MLCC is improved.
Intrinsic Effect of the Electric Field on Ti–O Bonding in Ferroelectric BaTiO3 Probed by Resonant X-ray Emission Spectroscopy
Authors: Isohama Yoichi , Nakajima Nobuo , Watanabe Gouki , Mizumaki Masaichiro , Kawamura Naomi , Maruyama Hiroshi
Published: September 2011

Ti Kβ resonant X-ray emission spectra of a BaTiO3 single crystal were measured under the condition of applied electric field at room temperature. The microfocused X-ray beam was incident on the a
c plane at 10 µm above the negative-electroded a
b plane. One of two Raman peaks caused by charge transfer excitation shows a distinct energy shift in response to the field, while fluorescence peaks (Kβ1,3, Kβ', Kβ'', and Kβ2,5) are insensitive to the intensity of the field. The shift is comprehended as the induced Ti off-centering in an oxygen octahedron by the electric field, not as slight lattice distortion caused by the electrostrictive effect. It is concluded that a prompt response of the Ti–O bonding to the field is an intrinsic factor determining the ferroelectric nature of BaTiO3, such as displacive type or order–disorder type.
Observation of Polarization Distribution on Si(111) Surface by Scanning Nonlinear Dielectric Microscopy
Authors: Yamasue Kohei , Cho Yasuo
Published: September 2011

Noncontact scanning nonlinear dielectric microscopy (NC-SNDM) has the ability to simultaneously acquire the surface topography and polarization distribution at the nanoscale through the measurement of local nonlinear dielectric constants of materials. NC-SNDM was here applied to the observation of Si(111) reconstructed surfaces. Images of the polarization distribution clearly distinguished disordered regions of the surface, often called 1×1 regions, at the boundaries between the regular (7×7) domains. We acquired polarization images of surfaces with different sizes of 1×1 regions and show that NC-SNDM has the potential to image trapped charges of surfaces and interfaces.
Control of Laser Speckle Noise Using Liquid Crystals
Authors: Furue Hirokazu , Terashima Atsuo , Shirao Masato , Koizumi Yukio , Ono Masatoshi
Published: September 2011

Laser speckle noise occurs owing to the strong interference that originates in the high coherency of laser light and the surface topography of the screen. The suppression of the speckle noise is necessary for laser displays such as in an image projection system. In order to reduce speckle noise, we try to control the speckle pattern by using liquid crystals that have electrically controllable optical characteristics. The modulation of polarized light using the birefringence of liquid crystals is very effective. However, the ratio of noise reduction does not exceed 30%. This is because the polarized light transmitted through the liquid crystal medium is formed by only two optical eigenmodes. The wedge-type liquid crystal cell can control the position of the laser spot on the screen. The incident-angle modulation of laser light is also effective for noise reduction.
Collecting duct-specific knockout of adenylyl cyclase type VI causes a urinary concentration defect in mice
Authors: Roos Karl P. , Strait Kevin A. , Raphael Kalani L. , Blount Mitsi A. , Kohan Donald E.
Published: September 2011

Collecting duct (CD) adenylyl cyclase VI (AC6) has been implicated in arginine vasopressin (AVP)-stimulated renal water reabsorption. To evaluate the role of CD-derived AC6 in regulating water homeostasis, mice were generated with CD-specific knockout (KO) of AC6 using the Cre/loxP system. CD AC6 KO and controls were studied under normal water intake, chronically water loaded, or water deprived; all of these conditions were repeated in the presence of continuous administration of 1-desamino-8-d-arginine vasopressin (DDAVP). During normal water intake or after water deprivation, urine osmolality (Uosm) was reduced in CD AC6 KO animals vs. controls. Similarly, Uosmwas decreased in CD AC6 KO mice vs. controls after water deprivation+DDAVP administration. Pair-fed (with controls) CD AC6 KO mice also had lower urine osmolality vs. controls. There were no detectable differences between KO and control animals in fluid intake or urine volume under any conditions. CD AC6 KO mice did not have altered plasma AVP levels vs. controls. AVP-stimulated cAMP accumulation was reduced in acutely isolated inner medullary CD (IMCD) from CD A6 KO vs. controls. Medullary aquaporin-2 (AQP2) protein expression was lower in CD AC6 KO mice vs. controls. There were no differences in urinary urea excretion or IMCD UT-A1 expression; however, IMCD UT-A3 expression was reduced in CD AC6 KO mice vs. controls. In summary, AC6 in the CD regulates renal water excretion, most likely through control of AVP-stimulated cAMP accumulation and AQP2.
Glomerular endothelial PI3 kinase-α couples to VEGFR2, but is not required for eNOS activation
Authors: Zhang Qiu-Xia , Nakhaei-Nejad Maryam , Haddad George , Wang Xuemei , Loutzenhiser Rodger , Murray Allan G.
Published: September 2011

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-dependent signals are central to many endothelial cell (EC) functions, including survival and regulation of vascular tone. Akt and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activity are implicated to mediate these effects. Dysregulated signaling is characteristic of endothelial dysfunction that sensitizes the glomerular microvasculature to injury. Signaling intermediates that couple VEGF stimulation to eNOS activity remain unclear; hence, we examined the PI3 kinase isoforms implicated to regulate these enzymes. Using a combination of small molecule inhibitors and RNAi to study responses to VEGF in glomerular EC, we observed that the PI3 kinase p110α catalytic isoform is coupled to VEGFR2 and regulates the bulk of Akt activity. Coimmunoprecipitation experiments support a physical association of p110α with VEGFR2. Downstream, Akt-mediated FOXO1 phosphorylation in EC is regulated by p110α. The p110δ isoform contributes a minor amount of VEGF-stimulated Akt activation. However, we observe no effect of p110α or p110δ to regulate VEGF-stimulated eNOS activation via Akt-mediated phosphorylation on eNOS Ser1177, or NO-mediated vasodilation of the afferent arteriole ex vivo. VEGFR2-stimulated eNOS activation and NO production are inhibited by Compound C, an inhibitor of AMP-stimulated kinase, independent of PI3 kinase signaling. PI3 kinase-α/δ-mediated signaling downstream of VEGFR2 activation regulates Akt-dependent survival signals, but our data suggest it is not required to activate eNOS or to elicit NO production in glomerular EC.
Sparse and dense coding of natural stimuli by distinct midbrain neuron subpopulations in weakly electric fish
Authors: Vonderschen Katrin , Chacron Maurice J.
Published: September 2011

While peripheral sensory neurons respond to natural stimuli with a broad range of spatiotemporal frequencies, central neurons instead respond sparsely to specific features in general. The nonlinear transformations leading to this emergent selectivity are not well understood. Here we characterized how the neural representation of stimuli changes across successive brain areas, using the electrosensory system of weakly electric fish as a model system. We found that midbrain torus semicircularis (TS) neurons were on average more selective in their responses than hindbrain electrosensory lateral line lobe (ELL) neurons. Further analysis revealed two categories of TS neurons: dense coding TS neurons that were ELL-like and sparse coding TS neurons that displayed selective responses. These neurons in general responded to preferred stimuli with few spikes and were mostly silent for other stimuli. We further investigated whether information about stimulus attributes was contained in the activities of ELL and TS neurons. To do so, we used a spike train metric to quantify how well stimuli could be discriminated based on spiking responses. We found that sparse coding TS neurons performed poorly even when their activities were combined compared with ELL and dense coding TS neurons. In contrast, combining the activities of as few as 12 dense coding TS neurons could lead to optimal discrimination. On the other hand, sparse coding TS neurons were better detectors of whether their preferred stimulus occurred compared with either dense coding TS or ELL neurons. Our results therefore suggest that the TS implements parallel detection and estimation of sensory input.
Dyspnoea at Term in an Obese Mother
Authors: O'Dwyer Vicky , O'Brien Yvonne , Farah Nadine , Turner Michael J.
Published: September 2011

Peripartum cardiomyopathy is a serious, potentially life-threatening heart disease of uncertain aetiology in previously healthy women. We report a morbidly obese woman who presented with peripartum shortness of breath. We discuss the differential diagnosis of dyspnoea in pregnancy and highlight the complexity of care of the morbidly obese woman.
Patient Satisfaction after Upper Extremity Laser Lipolysis without Suction
Authors: Kotlus Brett S. , Mok Charles
Published: September 2011

Background and Objective. There has been a heightened interest in laser-assisted fat reduction procedures. We aimed to determine if lipolysis with the 1,320 nm Nd-YAG short-pulsed laser without subsequent suction results in satisfactory contouring of the upper extremity.
Materials and Methods. Unilateral laser lipolysis of the upper arm was performed on 5 patients. Subcutaneous, subdermal, and skin surface temperatures were monitored with flexible thermocouples throughout the procedure to aid in the establishment of a treatment endpoint. Photographs and arm circumference measurements were evaluated before and 3 months after laser lipolysis. Patients were given the choice of undergoing the procedure on the contralateral arm at 3 months.
Results. All patients achieved no improvement to minimal improvement in upper arm contour. One of five patients was elected to have lipolysis performed on the contralateral arm.
Conclusion. Laser lipolysis may be safely performed with the parameters utilized in this pilot study, although minimal improvement was seen in upper extremity contour.
A Rare Case of Multicentric Liposarcoma and Associated Reproductive Aberrations in a Nonpregnant Holstein-Friesian Crossbred Cow
Authors: Sood Pankaj , Kumar Parvesh , Kumar Sarvesh , Kumar Adarsh , Asrani Rajesh Kumar , Singh Madhumeet
Published: September 2011

A five-and-a-half-year-old Holstein-Friesian crossbred cow was repeatedly treated for termination of overgestation, but without any success. On laparotomy, the site indicating fetal-like ballottement on transrectal palpation was occupied by three to four separate caseous and lobulated masses with adhered uterine horns in the omentum. Separation of the utero-omental adhesions retrieved normal-sized uterine horns into pelvic cavity. The right ovary was cystic. Ultrasonography detected another growth in the ventral abdominal musculature. Histopathologically, the omental growths suggested a pleomorphic type of liposarcoma. Presence of omental and muscular liposarcoma along with deep uterine-omental adhesions and a cystic ovary makes this paper a unique addition to the literature.
Giant Merkel Cell Carcinoma Masquerading as a Benign Cyst on the Buttock of an African American Man
Authors: Perman Marissa J. , King Janelle M. , Leithauser Laurel L. , Gloster Hugh M.
Published: September 2011

We report a case of a 60-year-old African American man who presented with a 4-year history of a previously asymptomatic, recently enlarging nodule on his left buttock, which was initially presumed to be an epidermoid cyst. Physical examination revealed a large, fixed, subcutaneous tumor, and a biopsy revealed merkel cell carcinoma. Immunohistochemical staining was positive for pankeratin, CAM 5.2, synaptophysin, and CD56 and negative for CK7, CK20, TTF-1, chromogranin, CD3, CD20, CD57, MART1, and HMB 45. The patient underwent wide local excision of the lesion with removal of the fascia overlying the gluteus and full body positron emission tomography (PET) and was found to have Stage IIb disease. He subsequently received adjuvant radiotherapy limited to the tumor bed at a dose of 60 gray.
The Role of the Intestinal Context in the Generation of Tolerance and Inflammation
Authors: Reis Bernardo Sgarbi , Mucida Daniel
Published: September 2011

The mucosal surface of the intestine alone forms the largest area exposed to exogenous antigens as well as the largest collection of lymphoid tissue in the body. The enormous amount of nonpathogenic and pathogenic bacteria and food-derived antigens that we are daily exposed sets an interesting challenge to the immune system: a protective immune activity must coexist with efficient regulatory mechanisms in order to maintain a health status of these organisms. This paper discusses how the immune system assimilates the perturbations from the environment without generating tissue damage.
Aromatherapy Massage on the Abdomen for Alleviating Menstrual Pain in High School Girls: A Preliminary Controlled Clinical Study
Authors: Hur Myung-Haeng , Lee Myeong Soo , Seong Ka-Yeon , Lee Mi-Kyoung
Published: September 2011

This study investigated the alleviating effects of aromatherapy massage and acetaminophen on menstrual pain in Korean high school girls. Subjects were divided into two groups: the aromatherapy massage (treatment) group () and the acetaminophen (control) group (). Aromatherapy massage was performed on subjects in the treatment group. The abdomen was massaged once using clary sage, marjoram, cinnamon, ginger, and geranium in a base of almond oil. The level of menstrual pain was assessed using a visual analogue scale at baseline and twenty-four hours afterward. The reduction of menstrual pain was significantly higher in the aromatherapy group than in the acetaminophen group. Using multiple regression, aromatherapy massage was found to be more highly associated with reduction in the level of menstrual pain than acetaminophen. These finding suggest that aromatherapy massage may be an effective treatment for menstrual pain in high school girls. However, it could not be verified whether the positive effects derived from the aromatherapy, the massage, or both. Further rigorous studies should be conducted using more objective measures.
Hypertension in the Elderly
Authors: Gil-Extremera Blas , Cía-Gómez Pedro
Published: September 2011

Background. The incidence of hypertension in the Western countries is continuously increasing in the elderly population and remains the leading cause of cardiovascular and morbidity.Methods. we analysed some significant clinical trials in order to present the relevant findings on those hypertensive population.Results. Several studies (SYST-EUR, HYVET, CONVINCE, VALUE, etc.) have demonstrated the benefits of treatment (nitrendipine, hydrochrotiazyde, perindopril, indapamide, verapamil, or valsartan) in aged hypertensive patients not only concerning blood pressure values but also the other important risk factors.Conclusion. Hypertension is the most prevalent cardiovascular disorder in the Western countries, and the relevance of receiving pharmacological treatment of hypertension in aged patients is crucial; in addition, the results suggest that combination therapy—nitrendipine plus enalapril—could have more benefits than those observed with the use of nitrendipine alone.
Tumor-Surrogate Blood Vessel Subtypes Exhibit Differential Susceptibility to Anti-VEGF Therapy
Authors: Sitohy Basel , Nagy Janice A. , Jaminet Shou-Ching Shih , Dvorak Harold F.
Published: September 2011

Antivascular therapy directed against VEGF or its receptors (VEGFR) has been successful when administered at early stages of tumor vessel growth but is less effective when administered later. Tumor blood vessels are heterogeneous, so vessel subpopulations may differ in their requirements for tumor cell–secreted VEGF and in their susceptibility to anti-VEGF/VEGFR therapy. Human cancers contain several distinct blood vessel types, including mother vessels (MV), glomeruloid microvascular proliferations (GMP), vascular malformations (VM), feeding arteries (FA), and draining veins (DV), all of which can be generated in mice in the absence of tumor cells using expression vectors for VEGF-A164. In this study, we investigated the sensitivity of each of these vessel types to anti-VEGF therapy with Aflibercept (VEGF Trap), a potent inhibitor of VEGF-A164. Administering VEGF Trap treatment before or shortly after injection of a recombinant VEGF-A164–expressing adenovirus could prevent or regress tumor-free neovasculature, but it was progressively less effective if initiated at later times. Early-forming MVs and GMPs in which the lining endothelial cells expressed high levels of VEGFR-2 were highly susceptible to blockade by VEGF Trap. In contrast, late-forming VMs, FAs, and DVs that expressed low levels of VEGFR-2 were largely resistant. Together, our findings define the susceptibility of different blood vessel subtypes to anti-VEGF therapy, offering a possible explanation for the limited effectiveness of anti-VEGF-A/VEGFR treatment of human cancers, which are typically present for months to years before discovery and are largely populated by late-forming blood vessels. Cancer Res; 71(22); 7021–8. ©2011 AACR.
Evaluating the role for the optical density in the diagnosis of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia following cardiac surgery
Authors: Chan Chee , Corso Paul , Sun Xiumei , Hill Peter , Shorr Andrew
Published: September 2011

The poor accuracy of the enzyme immune assay (EIA) contributes to the diagnostic challenge of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) following cardiac surgery. We sought to determine if adjusting the threshold optical density (OD) defining a positive EIA improves the test's accuracy in subjects with an OD>0.40. We retrospectively analysed the results from both EIA and confirmatory serotonin release assays (SRAs) in cardiac surgery patients with EIA OD of >0.4. Employing the SRA as the standard, we compared the area under the receiver-operating characteristic (AUROC) curves of various OD measurements for identifying HIT. We examined baseline clinical variables associated with a positive SRA in the setting of a positive HIT EIA (OD >0.4). We then used logistic regression to identify baseline clinical variables independently associated with a positive SRA given a positive EIA. The cohort included 99 subjects with positive EIAs and 35% had positive SRAs. An OD>0.40 had moderate utility as a screening test for a positive SRA (AUROC: 0.68; 95% CI: 0.55–0.80). Increasing the OD threshold did not improve the HIT EIA's screening utility. Clinical variables independently associated with a positive SRA if the EIA were positive included female gender, absence of diabetes, and use of cardiopulmonary bypass. A relatively modest elevation in the OD measurement, when it is already known to be greater than 0.4, does not reliably exclude the potential for a positive SRA in this setting.
Current views on the functions of interleukin-17A-producing cells in atherosclerosis
Authors: Butcher Matthew , Galkina Elena
Published: September 2011

Multiple components of the immune response are involved in the initiation, progression and persistence of atherosclerosis. Interleukin (IL)-17A is produced by a broad variety of leukocytes and plays an important role in host defense. IL-17A is also involved in the pathology of several autoimmune diseases mainly via the regulation of chemokine expression and leukocyte migration to the site of inflammation. There is an increasing body of evidence indicating an association between elevated levels of IL-17A and cardiovascular diseases. Interestingly, this IL- 17A-dependent response occurs in parallel with the Th1-dominant immune response during atherogenesis. To date, the precise role of IL-17A+ cells in atherosclerosis is controversial. Several studies have suggested a pro-atherogenic role of IL-17A via the regulation of aortic macrophage numbers, Th1-related cytokines and aortic chemokine expression. However, two studies recently described anti-inflammatory effects of IL-17A on mouse plaque burden via possible regulation of aortic VCAM-1 expression and T cell content. Furthermore, an initial study using IL-17A-deficient mice demonstrated that IL-17A affects the immune composition and inflammatory phenotype of the aortic wall; however, no effects were observed on atherosclerosis. Further studies are necessary to fully address the role of IL-17A and other IL-17 family members in atherosclerosis.
Do Youth Hockey Coaches Allow Players With a Known Concussion to Participate in a Game?
Authors: Bramley Harry , Kroft Christopher , Polk David , Newberry Ty , Silvis Matthew
Published: September 2011

Ice hockey is a high-risk sport for concussion. It is important that coaches have an understanding of concussion, although previous studies have demonstrated poor knowledge of concussion recognition and management by youth coaches. A cross-sectional survey with 7 case scenarios was completed by 314 youth hockey coaches. Each case scenario described a player with a concussion during a game, and scores reflected how the coach would respond to each scenario. Although most coaches would not allow a player to continue participating in a game after suffering a concussion, there was a small percentage that would. Statistical analysis found an inverse relationship between the coaches’ age and consideration of continued participation. This places athletes at significant risk for further injury and is not consistent with current concussion guidelines. USA Hockey should provide additional concussion training for their coaches as well as mandatory health care clearance following a concussion.
Acoustic emission based flexural characteristics of glass fiber reinforced composites embedded with ZnO nanowhiskers
Authors: Zhou Wei , Jin Hai-bo
Published: September 2011

In recent years, Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanowhiskers, with good functional and mechanical properties, have been used for the preparation of structural and functional composites. However, the reinforcement mechanism of ZnO nanowhiskers in the composites is not fully understood. In this study, three-point bend tests have been carried out to investigate the flexural properties of the composites which contain different amounts of ZnO nanowhiskers. To obtain the reinforcement mechanism of ZnO nanowhiskers, acoustic emission (AE) technique was applied to evaluate the characteristics of the damage progress and the failure mechanism of the specimens. In addition, linear AE source location was also performed to monitor the damage initiation and propagation. The presence of ZnO nanowhiskers in the resin matrix influences the flexural strength and corresponding AE signals during the fracture process of the specimens. The results show that the composites embedded with 15 wt% ZnO nanowhiskers in the resin exhibit the highest flexural strength, AE energy, counts, and the longest duration and also hits of AE source location.
The books that Habermas hasn’t written
Authors: Vandenberghe Frédéric
Published: September 2011

The article provides an overview of Jürgen Habermas’s intellectual work of the last five decades. Through an analysis of the recent republication of the philosophical essays in a boxed set of five volumes, it shows the relevance of the ‘linguistic turn’ in philosophy for the discursive foundation of the human sciences. Following the development of his thought from social theory, epistemology, ethics, political and legal theory to postmetaphysical philosophy and theology, it offers a handy introduction to the most sociological of the great philosophers of the 20th century.
An Analysis of the CO2 Reduction Effect of a Column-Beam Structure Using Composite Precast Concrete Members
Authors: Lee Sungho , Joo Jinkyu , Kim Jeong Tai , Kim Sunkuk
Published: September 2011

Over the past 30 years, Korea has adopted structural frames with bearings for apartment buildings. The unit planning flexibility of such a structural system is inadequate, when compared to the column-beam system. The system would allow renovation easily and would provide various other legal benefits to constructors in Korea. For this reason, a column-beam system, named by green frame (GF), implemented with composite precast concrete (PC) members was previously developed. However, since the scheme would require a performance improvement to increase its economic effects and constructability, a further improved system has been developed. In the case of structural construction, it is a construction process that emits the most CO2. Along with the constructability and economic feasibility of a construction system, a reduction in CO2 is also critical. The purpose of this paper was to analyze the CO2-reduction effect of the improved system constructed with enhanced composite PC members. The improved system would greatly contribute to CO2 reduction with an average of 25.0% as compared with the bearing wall structure; and 2.8% compared to the existing GF.
Functional PU.1 in macrophages has a pivotal role in NF-κB activation and neutrophilic lung inflammation during endotoxemia
Authors: Karpurapu Manjula , Wang Xuerong , Deng Jing , Park Hyesuk , Xiao Lei , Sadikot Ruxana T. , Frey Randall S. , Maus Ulrich A. , Park Gye Young , Scott Edward W. , Christman John W.
Published: September 2011

Although the role of ETS family transcriptional factor PU.1 is well established in macrophage maturation, its role in mature macrophages with reference to sepsis- related animal model has not been elucidated. Here, we report the in vivo function of PU.1 in mediating mature macrophage inflammatory phenotype by using bone marrow chimera mice with conditional PU.1 knockout. We observed that the expression of monocyte/macrophage-specific markers CD 11b, F4/80 in fetal liver cells, and bone marrow–derived macrophages were dependent on functional PU.1. Systemic inflammation as measured in terms of NF-κB reporter activity in lung, liver, and spleen tissues was significantly decreased in PU.1-deficient chimera mice compared with wild-type chimeras on lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge. Unlike wild-type chimera mice, LPS challenge in PU.1-deficient chimera mice resulted in decreased lung neu-trophilic inflammation and myeloperoxidase activity. Similarly, we found attenuated inflammatory gene expression (cyclooxygenase-2, inducible nitric-oxide synthase, and TLR4) and inflammatory cytokine secretion (IL-6, MCP-1, IL-1β, TNF-α, and neutrophilic chemokine keratinocyte-derived chemokine) in PU.1-deficient mice. Most importantly, this attenuated lung and systemic inflammatory phenotype was associated with survival benefit in LPS-challenged heterozygotic PU.1-deficient mice, establishing a novel protective mechanistic role for the lineage-specific transcription factor PU.1.
PIM2 inhibition as a rational therapeutic approach in B-cell lymphoma
Authors: Gómez-Abad Cristina , Pisonero Helena , Blanco-Aparicio Carmen , Roncador Giovanna , González-Menchén Alberto , Martinez-Climent Jose A. , Mata Eva , Rodríguez María Elena , Muñoz-González Guillermo , Sánchez-Beato Margarita , Leal Juan F. , Bischoff James R. , Piris Miguel A.
Published: September 2011

PIM serine/threonine kinases are overexpressed, translocated, or amplified in multiple B-cell lymphoma types. We have explored the frequency and relevance of PIM expression in different B-cell lymphoma types and investigated whether PIM inhibition could be a rational therapeutic approach. Increased expression of PIM2 was detected in subsets of mantle cell lymphoma, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBLC), follicular lymphoma, marginal zone lymphoma-mucosa–associated lymphoid tissue type, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and nodal marginal zone lymphoma cases. Increased PIM2 protein expression was associated with an aggressive clinical course in activated B-like-DLBCL patients. Pharmacologic and genetic inhibition of PIM2 revealed p4E-BP1(Thr37/46) and p4E-BP1(Ser65) as molecular biomarkers characteristic of PIM2 activity and indicated the involvement of PIM2 kinase in regulating mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1. The simultaneous genetic inhibition of all 3 PIM kinases induced changes in apoptosis and cell cycle. In conclusion, we show that PIM2 kinase inhibition is a rational approach in DLBCL treatment, identify appropriate biomarkers for pharmacodynamic studies, and provide a new marker for patient stratification.
High BRE expression predicts favorable outcome in adult acute myeloid leukemia, in particular among MLL-AF9–positive patients
Authors: Noordermeer Sylvie M. , Sanders Mathijs A. , Gilissen Christian , Tönnissen Evelyn , van der Heijden Adrian , Döhner Konstanze , Bullinger Lars , Jansen Joop H. , Valk Peter J. M. , van der Reijden Bert A.
Published: September 2011

Aberrations in protein ubiquitination have recently been identified in the pathogenesis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). We studied whether expression changes of more than 1600 ubiquitination related genes correlated with clinical outcome in 525 adult AML patients. High expression of one of these genes, BRE, was observed in 3% of the cases and predicted favorable prognosis independently of known prognostic factors (5-year overall survival: 57%). Remarkably, unsupervised expression profiling showed that 86% of high BRE-expressing patients were confined to a previously unrecognized cluster. High BRE expression was mutually exclusive with FLT3 ITD, CEBPA, IDH1, and IDH2 mutations, EVI1 overexpression, and favorable karyotypes. In contrast, high BRE expression co-occurred strongly with FAB M5 morphology and MLL-AF9 fusions. Within the group of MLL-AF9–positive patients, high BRE expression predicted superior survival, while normal BRE expression predicted extremely poor survival (5-year overall survival of 80% vs 0%, respectively, P = .0002). Both the co-occurrence of high BRE expression with MLL-AF9 and its prognostic impact were confirmed in an independent cohort of 436 AML patients. Thus, high BRE expression defines a novel subtype of adult AML characterized by a favorable prognosis. This work contributes to improved risk stratification in AML, especially among MLL-AF9–positive patients.
The landscape of inherited and de novo copy number variants in a plasmodium falciparum genetic cross
Authors: Samarakoon Upeka , Gonzales Joseph M , Patel Jigar J , Tan Asako , Checkley Lisa , Ferdig Michael T
Published: September 2011

Background

Copy number is a major source of genome variation with important evolutionary implications. Consequently, it is essential to determine copy number variant (CNV) behavior, distributions and frequencies across genomes to understand their origins in both evolutionary and generational time frames. We use comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) microarray and the resolution provided by a segregating population of cloned progeny lines of the malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, to identify and analyze the inheritance of 170 genome-wide CNVs.

Results

We describe CNVs in progeny clones derived from both Mendelian (i.e. inherited) and non-Mendelian mechanisms. Forty-five CNVs were present in the parent lines and segregated in the progeny population. Furthermore, extensive variation that did not conform to strict Mendelian inheritance patterns was observed. 124 CNVs were called in one or more progeny but in neither parent: we observed CNVs in more than one progeny clone that were not identified in either parent, located more frequently in the telomeric-subtelomeric regions of chromosomes and singleton de novo CNVs distributed evenly throughout the genome. Linkage analysis of CNVs revealed dynamic copy number fluctuations and suggested mechanisms that could have generated them. Five of 12 previously identified expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) hotspots coincide with CNVs, demonstrating the potential for broad influence of CNV on the transcriptional program and phenotypic variation.

Conclusions

CNVs are a significant source of segregating and de novo genome variation involving hundreds of genes. Examination of progeny genome segments provides a framework to assess the extent and possible origins of CNVs. This segregating genetic system reveals the breadth, distribution and dynamics of CNVs in a surprisingly plastic parasite genome, providing a new perspective on the sources of diversity in parasite populations.
Roles of RpoN in the resistance of Campylobacter jejuni under various stress conditions
Authors: Hwang Sunyoung , Jeon Byeonghwa , Yun Jiae , Ryu Sangryeol
Published: September 2011

Background

Campylobacter jejuni is a leading foodborne pathogen worldwide. Despite the fastidious nature of C. jejuni growth, increasing numbers of human campylobacteriosis suggest that C. jejuni may possess unique mechanisms to survive under various stress conditions. C. jejuni possesses only three sigma factors (FliA, RpoD, and RpoN) and lacks stress-defense sigma factors. Since FliA and RpoD are dedicated to flagella synthesis and housekeeping, respectively, in this study, we investigated the role of RpoN in C. jejuni's defense against various stresses.

Results

Survivability of an rpoN mutant was compared with the wild-type C. jejuni under various stress conditions. While the growth of the rpoN mutant was as comparably as that of the wild type in shaking cultures, the rpoN mutant exhibited significant survival defects when cultured statically. The rpoN mutant was more sensitive to osmotic stress (0.8% NaCl) with abnormally-elongated cell morphology. Compared to the wile type, the rpoN mutant was more susceptible to acid stress (pH 5) and more resistant to hydrogen peroxide. However, the rpoN mutation had little effect on the resistance of C. jejuni to alkaline pH, heat, cold and antimicrobials.

Conclusions

The results demonstrate that RpoN plays an important role in C. jejuni's defense against various stresses which this bacterial pathogen may encounter during transmission to and infection of humans.
Prognostic and predictive value of clinical and biochemical factors in breast cancer patients with bone metastases receiving "metronomic" zoledronic acid
Authors: Zhao Xinmin , Xu Xiaofeng , Zhang Qunling , Jia Zhen , Sun Si , Zhang Jian , Wang Biyun , Wang Zhonghua , Hu Xichun
Published: September 2011

Background

To assess prognostic and predictive effects of clinical and biochemical factors in our published randomized study of a weekly low dose (metronomic arm) versus a conventional dosage of zoledronic acid (conventional arm) in breast cancer patients with bone metastases.

Methods

Treatment outcome of 60 patients with bone metastases were used to assess impacts of following potential prognostic factors, estrogen receptor status, lymph node status, 2 year-disease free interval (DFI), numbers of chemotherapy regimens administered, interventions, and serum levels of VEGF, N-telopeptide of type I collagen (NTx), CEA, and CA 15-3.

Results

In univariate analyses, patients pretreated with 2 or fewer chemotherapy regimens, ER-positive tumors, 3 or fewer lymph nodes, DFI of more than 2 years, serum VEGF of less than 500 pg/mL after 3 months of intervention, serum CEA and CA 15-3 of less than ULN, and baseline serum NTx of less than 18 nM BCE had significantly longer progression free survival (PFS). The multivariate analysis showed that ER positivity (hazard ratio [HR], 0.295; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.141-0.618; P = 0.001), serum VEGF of less than 500 pg/mL after 3 months of intervention (HR, 2.220; 95% CI, 1.136-4.338; P = 0.020), baseline serum NTx of less than 18 nM BCE (HR, 2.842; 95% CI, 1.458-5.539; P = 0.001), and 2 or fewer chemotherapy regimens received (HR, 7.803; 95% CI, 2.884-21.112; P = 0.000) were associated with a better PFS. When evaluating the predictive effect of the biochemical factors, an interaction between NTx and zoledronic acid intervention was shown (P = 0.005). The HR of weekly low dose versus a conventional dosage of zoledronic acid was estimated to be 2.309 (99% CI, 1.067-5.012) in patients with baseline serum NTx of more than 18 nM BCE, indicating a superiority of weekly low dose of zoledronic acid.

Conclusions

ER, serum VEGF level after intervention, and numbers of chemotherapy regimens administered are prognostic but not predictive factors in breast cancer patients with bone metastases. Patients with baseline serum NTx of more than 18 nM BCE might benefit more from weekly low-dose of zoledronic acid.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov unique identifier: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00524849
Identification of clinically significant psychological distress and psychiatric morbidity by examining quality of life in subjects with occupational asthma
Authors: Miedinger David , Lavoie Kim L , L'Archeveque Jocelyne , Ghezzo Heberto , Malo Jean-Luc
Published: September 2011

Background

The Juniper Asthma Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ(S)) is a questionnaire that allows measurement of disease specific quality of life. We wanted to examine correlations between the (AQLQ(S)) general and different subscale scores and both psychiatric morbidity and levels of psychological distress in individuals with occupational asthma (OA) and to determine if results in the emotional function subscale allow identification of individuals with clinically significant psychological distress or current psychiatric disorders.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study of individuals with OA who were assessed during a re-evaluation for permanent disability, after they were no longer exposed to the sensitizing agent. Patients underwent a general sociodemographic and medical history evaluation, a brief psychiatric interview (Primary Care Evaluation of Mental Disorders, PRIME-MD) and completed a battery of questionnaires including the AQLQ(S), the St-Georges Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), and the Psychiatric Symptom Index (PSI).

Results

There was good internal consistency (Cronbach alpha = 0.936 for the AQLQ(S) total score) and construct validity for the AQLQ(S) (Spearman rho = -0.693 for the SGRQ symptom score and rho = -0.650 for the asthma severity score). There were medium to large correlations between the total score of the AQLQ(S) and the SGRQ symptom score (r = -.693), and PSI total (r = -.619) and subscale scores (including depression, r = -.419; anxiety, r = -.664; anger, r = -.367; cognitive disturbances, r = -.419). A cut-off of 5.1 on the AQLQ(S) emotional function subscale (where 0 = high impairment and 7 = no impairment) had the best discriminative value to distinguish individuals with or without clinically significant psychiatric distress according to the PSI, and a cut-off of 4.7 best distinguished individuals with or without a current psychiatric disorder according to the PRIME-MD.

Conclusions

Impaired quality of life is associated with psychological distress and psychiatric disorders in individuals with OA. Findings suggest that the AQLQ(S) questionnaire may be used to identify patients with potentially clinically significant levels of psychological distress.
A network model for biofilm development in Escherichia coli K-12
Authors: Shalá Andrew A , Restrepo Silvia , González Barrios Andrés F
Published: September 2011

Background

In nature, bacteria often exist as biofilms. Biofilms are communities of microorganisms attached to a surface. It is clear that biofilm-grown cells harbor properties remarkably distinct from planktonic cells. Biofilms frequently complicate treatments of infections by protecting bacteria from the immune system, decreasing antibiotic efficacy and dispersing planktonic cells to distant body sites. In this work, we employed enhanced Boolean algebra to model biofilm formation.

Results

The network obtained describes biofilm formation successfully, assuming - in accordance with the literature - that when the negative regulators (RscCD and EnvZ/OmpR) are off, the positive regulator (FlhDC) is on. The network was modeled under three different conditions through time with satisfactory outcomes. Each cluster was constructed using the K-means/medians Clustering Support algorithm on the basis of published Affymetrix microarray gene expression data from biofilm-forming bacteria and the planktonic state over four time points for Escherichia coli K-12.

Conclusions

The different phenotypes obtained demonstrate that the network model of biofilm formation can simulate the formation or repression of biofilm efficiently in E. coli K-12.