bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of acoustic feedback to target detection in a waveguide: Experimental demonstration at the ultrasonic scale
Authors: Roux Philippe , Marandet Christian , Rizza Patrick La , Kuperman W. A.
Published: July 2011

People are familiar with the acoustic feedback phenomenon, which results in a loud sound that is heard when a musician plays an electric instrument directly into a speaker. Acoustic feedback occurs when a source and a receiver are connected both acoustically through the propagation medium and electrically through an amplifier, such that the amplified received signal is continuously re-emitted by the source. The acoustic feedback can be initiated from a continuous sine wave. When the emitter and the receiver are in phase, resonance is obtained, which appears to be highly sensitive to any fluctuation of the propagation medium. Another procedure consists in initiating the acoustic feedback from a continuous loop of ambient noise. It then generates an unstable self-sustained feedback oscillator (SFO) that is tested here as a method for monitoring temperature fluctuations of a shallow-water oceanic environment. The goal of the present study is to reproduce and study the SFO at the laboratory scale in an ultrasonic waveguide. The experimental results demonstrate the potential applications of the SFO for the detection of a target in the framework of the acoustic-barrier problem in shallow-water acoustics.
Equal autophonic level curves under different room acoustics conditions
Authors: Pelegrín-García David , Fuentes-Mendizábal Oier , Brunskog Jonas , Jeong Cheol-Ho
Published: July 2011

The indirect auditory feedback from one’s own voice arises from sound reflections at the room boundaries or from sound reinforcement systems. The relative variations of indirect auditory feedback are quantified through room acoustic parameters such as the room gain and the voice support, rather than the reverberation time. Fourteen subjects matched the loudness level of their own voice (the autophonic level) to that of a constant and external reference sound, under different synthesized room acoustics conditions. The matching voice levels are used to build a set of equal autophonic level curves. These curves give an indication of the amount of variation in voice level induced by the acoustic environment as a consequence of the sidetone compensation or Lombard effect. In the range of typical rooms for speech, the variations in overall voice level that result in a constant autophonic level are on the order of 2 dB, and more than 3 dB in the 4 kHz octave band. By comparison of these curves with previous studies, it is shown that talkers use acoustic cues other than loudness to adjust their voices when speaking in different rooms.
Trajectory around a spherically symmetric non-rotating black hole
Authors: Chakraborty Sumanta , Chakraborty Subenoy
Published: July 2011

The trajectory of a test particle or a photon around a general spherical black hole is studied, and bending of the light trajectory is investigated. A pseudo-Newtonian gravitational potential describing the gravitational field of the black hole is determined and is compared with the related effective potential for test particle motion. As an example, results are presented for a Reissner–Nordström black hole.
Analysis of a new two-parameter equation of state for MgO
Authors: Liu Quan
Published: July 2011

In this paper, a new two-parameter equation of state (EOS) is developed on the basis of lattice potential theory. The expressions are also obtained for isothermal bulk modulus and its pressure derivative. Numerical analysis is presented for MgO at high pressures (up to 260 GPa) and high temperatures (up to 2000 K). Results based on the new EOS are found to compare well with the corresponding values derived from a first principles approach.
CHARGED PARTICLES PRODUCED IN QUARK AND GLUON JETS IN PROTON-PROTON COLLISIONS
Authors: POCHYBOVA SONA
Published: July 2011

The study of particle production inside jets makes it possible to address the fragmentation properties of the leading parton depending on its flavour. We study the spectra of K, p and π production in minimum bias (inelastic, non- diffractive), two- and three-jet events at RHIC, Tevatron and LHC energies. To address the properties of quark and gluon jets, different production channels are investigated. We present MC estimate for the contribution of quark and gluon jets to individual hadron spectra, that can be compared to experimental results and test our current knowledge of the physics behind particle production inside jets. Where possible, we cross-check our results with existing data and further extend the study to higher energies.
Notch1 Expression, Which Is Related to p65 Status, Is an Independent Predictor of Prognosis in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Chu Dake , Zhou Yi , Zhang Zixi , Li Yuming , Li Jipeng , Zheng Jianyong , Zhang Hongwei , Zhao Qingchuan , Wang Weizhong , Wang Rui'an , Ji Gang
Published: July 2011

Purpose: Notch1 has been proven to be aberrantly expressed in colorectal cancer and related to tumor differentiation status. However, few previous studies concentrated on the predictive role of Notch1 expression on the overall survival of patients with colorectal cancer. This study explored expression of Notch1 and its relationship with p65 and prognosis in colorectal cancer.

Experimental Design: Two independent study cohorts were involved in the present study. Clinical specimens from 941 eligible patients were constructed into tissue microarrays. The expression of Notch1 and p65 protein was investigated by immunohistochemistry.

Results: Statistically significant positive correlations were found between protein expression of Notch1 and p65 in both retrospective and prospective study cohorts. Patients with higher Notch1 expression showed a trend of having shorter survival time, whereas patients with lower Notch1 expression had better survival in both study cohorts. In multivariate analysis, Notch1 expression was proven to be an independent predictor of prognosis. Moreover, the prognostic value of Notch1 might differ according to p65 status.

Conclusions: Notch1 is an independent predictor of prognosis for patients with colorectal cancer. In addition, the predictive role of Notch1 on clinical outcome might be modified by p65 status, suggesting that targeting Notch1 and nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) might be a promising strategy for colorectal cancer treatment. Clin Cancer Res; 17(17); 5686–94. ©2011 AACR.
Radiation Therapy Increases the Risk of Hepatobiliary Complications in Short Bowel Syndrome
Authors: Thompson Jon S. , Weseman Rebecca , Rochling Fedja , Grant Wendy , Botha Jean , Langnas Alan , Mercer David
Published: July 2011

Patients developing short bowel syndrome (SBS) are at risk for hepatobiliary complications. Radiation enteritis and radiation‐induced liver disease are potential complications of radiation therapy (XRT). The authors hypothesized that SBS patients with a history of abdominal XRT would be at increased risk for hepatobiliary complications. Methods: The authors reviewed 92 adult patients developing SBS as a complication of operation for malignancy (n = 37) and/or XRT (n = 55). Hepatobiliary disease was evaluated by liver function tests, radiologic imaging, endoscopy, and histologic studies. Results: Rectal cancer was the most frequent tumor in both groups (36% vs 35%). There were significantly more ovarian cancers (18% vs 3%, P < .05) in the radiation group and fewer desmoid tumors (0% vs 24%, P < .05). Intestinal remnant length was similar, but radiation patients more frequently had colon present (87% vs 62%, P < .05) and were less likely to have type I anatomy (33% vs 65%, P < .05). Radiation patients were less likely to be weaned off parenteral nutrition (PN; 16% vs 41%, P < .05). Cirrhosis/portal hypertension was more frequent in the radiation group (35% vs 11%, P < .05). Radiographic evidence of fatty liver, end‐stage liver disease and the risk of cholelithiasis post‐SBS were similar in both groups. Conclusions: SBS patients with a history of XRT were more likely to develop cirrhosis and portal hypertension than SBS patients with malignancy alone. Radiation SBS patients were less likely to wean from PN despite more favorable intestinal anatomy.
Dual paraneoplastic syndromes in a patient with small cell lung cancer: a case report
Authors: Conners Kristin , Woods Scott E , Webb Michael
Published: July 2011

Introduction

We describe the case of a patient with small cell lung cancer and dual paraneoplastic syndromes involving adrenocorticotropic hormone and calcitonin. To the best of our knowledge, dual paraneoplastic syndromes involving these two hormones have not been previously reported in the literature.

Case presentation

A 74-year-old Caucasian woman presented with a left hilar mass and metastatic disease in the liver and right adrenal gland. The patient complained only of intermittent diarrhea. Her laboratory values exhibited metabolic alkalosis with hypokalemia, hypocalcemia, hypomagnesemia, hypophosphatemia, and hyperglycemia.

Conclusion

We discuss the work-up and treatment of the patient's unusual laboratory presentation with two concurrent paraneoplastic syndromes.
Diversity in insect axis formation: two orthodenticle genes and hunchback act in anterior patterning and influence dorsoventral organization in the honeybee (Apis mellifera)
Authors: Wilson Megan J. , Dearden Peter K.
Published: July 2011

Axis formation is a key step in development, but studies indicate that genes involved in insect axis formation are relatively fast evolving. Orthodenticle genes have conserved roles, often with hunchback, in maternal anterior patterning in several insect species. We show that two orthodenticle genes, otd1 and otd2, and hunchback act as maternal anterior patterning genes in the honeybee (Apis mellifera) but, unlike other insects, act to pattern the majority of the anteroposterior axis. These genes regulate the expression domains of anterior, central and posterior gap genes and may directly regulate the anterior gap gene giant. We show otd1 and hunchback also influence dorsoventral patterning by regulating zerknült (zen) as they do in Tribolium, but that zen does not regulate the expression of honeybee gap genes. This suggests that interactions between anteroposterior and dorsal-ventral patterning are ancestral in holometabolous insects. Honeybee axis formation, and the function of the conserved anterior patterning gene orthodenticle, displays unique characters that indicate that, even when conserved genes pattern the axis, their regulatory interactions differ within orders of insects, consistent with relatively fast evolution in axis formation pathways.
Changements structurels : le cas des consommations alimentaires en France de 1949 à 1988
Authors: Combris Pierre
Published: July 2011

Strukturelle Änderungen: der Fall des Lebensmittelkonsums in Frankreich zwischen 1949 und 1988,

von Pierre Combris.

Die Analyse der Konsumentwicklung iiber einen längeren Zeitraum hinweg wirft die Frage der Änderungen des Verbraucherverhaltens auf. In diesem Artikel wird die Stabilität der disaggregierten Funktionen der Nachfrage der Haushalte zwischen 1949 und 1988 analysiert. Der Schwerpunkt liegt hierbei auf den Lebensmitteln, insbesondere auf dem Bruch mit den Gewohnheiten beim yerbrauch von Fleisch, das in Nordamerika und in Australien immer mehr Gegenstand von Diskussionen ist. Fälle von Änderungen bei den Verbraucherpräf erenzen sind, wie es scheint, unbestreitbar.
Éducation et développement économique
Authors: Malinvaud Edmond
Published: July 2011

Educación y crecimiento económico,

por Edmond Malinvaud.

Tema de decepción respecte de expectativas exageradas, los sistemas educativos suscitan un abierto interés. Mejorar su eficacia, cuya medida debe ser tomada con cautela, echa un apretado reto debido al gran número de problemas que abarca esta cuestión. Además, cuesta interpretar los resultados que brindan las ciencias de la educación, en términos de orientaciones générales. Para enfocar la relación entre educación y crecimiento los economistas disponían, hace treinta años, de una metodología sencilla, cuyos puntos flacos eran por todos conocidos. El interés demostrado por las nuevas teorías del crecimiento lleva a reexaminar y extender oportunamente los análisis de entonces; las interrogaciones que habían subsistido de aquella época quedan, lamentablemente, aún abiertas.
Le vicus Varatunnum à Saint-Julien-de-Salinelles (Gard)
Authors: Barruol Guy
Published: July 2011

Publication et interprétation d'une inscription gallo-romaine, mise au jour récemment dans l'église rurale Saint-Julien-de-Salinelles (Gard) à l'occasion de travaux de restauration. Le document, quoique très effacé, livre le nom d'un vicus antique (Varatunnum) jusqu'à ce jour insoupçonné.
Chronologie et formulaire dans les inscriptions religieuses de Narbonnaise et des provinces alpines (Alpes Graies et Poenines, Cottiennes et Maritimes)
Authors: Cibu Simina
Published: July 2011

Après la mise en relief des problèmes méthodologiques que soulève la recherche de nouveaux critères de datation, l'examen, en Narbonnaise et dans les provinces alpines occidentales, des formules analysées par M. -Th. Raepset-Charlier dans les Trois Gaules et les deux Germanies permet de dégager les indices utilisables dans les provinces méridionales et contribue à la mise en lumière d'évolutions dans la diffusion des formulaires. Si des présomptions de datation peuvent découler des observations attachées au formulaire, leur confirmation par d'autres indices demeure bien utile.
Fréjus, Forum Iulii. Fouilles de l'Espace Mangin
Authors: Pasqualini Michel , Excoffon Pierre , Michel Jean-Marie , Botte Emmanuel , Bats Michel , Blanc-Bijon Véronique , Fabry Bruno , Greck Sandra , Guériel Frédéric , Laurier Françoise , Lemoine Yvon , Martos Frédéric , Pâques Joris , Rodet-Belarbi Isabelle , Roucole Sylvestre
Published: July 2011

The excavations realized in Espace Mangin lead to a better knowledge of the site plan and the chronology of the forum, along the southern branch of the cardo. Hence, we can have for the first time a precise idea of the connexion between the two urban networks of the Roman city and the buildings dated from Caesar period, before the déduction of the colony. Furthermore, the excavations produced remnants of constructions and lead tags witnessing weaving craft.
A practical route to tertiary diarylmethylamides or -carbamates from imines, organozinc reagents and acyl chlorides or chloroformates
Authors: Le Gall Erwan , Pignon Antoine , Martens Thierry
Published: July 2011

A practical route to tertiary diarylmethylamides or -carbamates from imines, organozinc reagents and acyl chlorides or chloroformates is described. This route involves the formation of an imine, which is used without isolation, followed by its activation by the carbonyl-containing electrophile and the trapping of the acyliminium by an organozinc reagent. Most steps are conducted concomitantly to render the procedure as practical and straightforward as possible. Therefore, the whole experimental protocol takes less than two hours.
Les relations familiales à distance. Ethnographies des migrations afghanes
Authors: Bathaïe Azita
Published: July 2011

Cet article questionne les échanges et interrelations entre les membres d’une famille afghane, à travers le parcours migratoire d’un père au Pakistan et en Iran, puis celui de son fils, vingt ans plus tard, vers l’Europe. Le premier s’appuie sur le « savoir-circuler » de ses germains et de ses amis, tandis que le second construit ses réseaux au gré des rencontres sur sa route. L’article expose les différentes étapes qui amèneront le fils à interrompre ou à reprendre les liens avec sa famille restée en Iran. L’analyse de ces itinéraires rend compte du vécu des relations à distance entre les membres de la famille. À la seconde génération, il apparaît que le cycle de vie de la fratrie est intimement lié à la circulation de celui qui migre. Le fils absent peut participer pleinement à l’organisation d’un mariage, jouer un rôle crucial dans la gestion des conflits intergénérationnels, et va jusqu’à intervenir sur le choix matrimonial de sa sœur en favorisant la modification des pratiques.
Familles migrantes et ancrages locaux au Mexique : trajectoires et patrimoines migratoires dans la région de Tehuantepec
Authors: Michel Aurélia , Prunier Delphine , Faret Laurent
Published: July 2011

Dans l’Isthme de Tehuantepec au Mexique, les mobilités régionales anciennes constituent un patrimoine familial qui s’articule aux nouvelles dynamiques migratoires, allongeant distances géographiques, temporelles et culturelles entre les membres migrants et leurs familles. En se penchant sur les structures foncières et sur l’appareil productif autour desquels s’organisent les économies familiales, cet article interroge les capacités des familles migrantes à s’ancrer sur leur territoire d’origine. À partir de cas d’étude précis dans deux municipes ruraux et d’entretiens menés avec des familles paysannes engagées dans la migration, il décrit et analyse les contours mouvants de l’unité sociale et productive qu’est la famille pour observer comment elle s’adapte, résiste ou éclate à l’épreuve de ces nouvelles distances.
La fabrique de la famille transnationale. Approche diachronique des espaces migratoires et de la dispersion des familles rurales boliviennes
Authors: Cortes Geneviève
Published: July 2011

Cette contribution propose une vision diachronique des dispositifs de dispersion familiale dans la migration internationale. En milieu rural bolivien, la famille dispersée est une réalité du quotidien qui dure depuis plus de cinquante ans et qui, en même temps, connaît de profondes recompositions dans ses formes d’organisation sociale et spatiale. Le double processus de mondialisation migratoire et de féminisation des migrations contribue à une reconfiguration des territoires de vie multisitués des familles rurales et des espaces d’origine. À partir de la région rurale de Cochabamba en Bolivie, qui a fait l’objet d’enquêtes et d’observations successives étalées sur une vingtaine d’années (entre 1991 et 2011), cet article reconstitue la morphologie changeante des espaces migratoires et la complexité des agencements familiaux structurés par les liens entre origine et destination. La proposition met en lumière une certaine figure de la famille transnationale, dès lors que le dispositif de dispersion et de circulation, dans le temps long des cycles de vie, fait « système de liens et de lieux ».
Les frontières des relations familiales dans l'archipel des Comores
Authors: Sakoyan Juliette
Published: July 2011

Aujourd’hui, la plupart des familles dispersées sur l’archipel des Comores sont d’abord des familles fragmentées par une frontière politique. Lorsque c’est la maladie d’un enfant qui est à l’origine d’une dispersion familiale dans une logique d’accès aux soins, les liens transnationaux sont mis à l’épreuve de manière spécifique. Cet article contribue à la réflexion sur les familles transnationales à partir d’une analyse anthropologique des réseaux de care autour d’enfants malades, dans un archipel où les traditions migratoires insulaires coexistent désormais avec des contraintes circulatoires fortes. L’objectif est d’historiciser un espace transnational afin de souligner les transformations et les récurrences dans les conditions de vie à distance.
Relying on Teranga : Senegalese Migrants to Italy and Their Children Left Behind
Authors: Gasparetti Fedora
Published: July 2011

Compter sur la teranga  : les migrants sénégalais en italie et les enfants qu’ils laissent derrière eux Quoique l’expérience migratoire offre des opportunités pour de nouvelles pratiques, traditions et dynamiques familiales, elle reproduit souvent des schémas et codes de comportement du pays d’origine du migrant. Les migrants sénégalais résidant en Italie et ailleurs tendent à envoyer leurs enfants au Sénégal, où ils sont élevés par des parents. Cette pratique des parents sénégalais est bien antérieure à la migration contemporaine sénégalaise vers l’Europe. Elle suit une coutume ancienne consistant à accueillir chez soi de jeunes membres de la famille, qui se fonde sur la valeur fondamentale de la teranga du Sénégal, souvent traduite de manière inadéquate par hospitalité. Dans le contexte migratoire, ce type de teranga devient crucial et s’applique dans les deux sens. L’article met en évidence la manière dont la parentalité à distance est organisée dans le contexte spécifique de la teranga au Sénégal, et dont les migrants vivent la séparation avec leurs enfants.
Optimal synthesis of chromatographic trains for downstream protein processing
Authors: Polykarpou Eleftheria M. , Dalby Paul A. , Papageorgiou Lazaros G.
Published: July 2011

Downstream bioprocessing and especially chromatographic steps, commonly used for the purification of multicomponent systems, are significant cost drivers in the production of therapeutic proteins. There has been an increased interest in the development of systematic methods for the design of such processes, and the appropriate selection of a series of chromatographic steps is still a major challenge to be addressed. Several models have been developed previously but have assumed that 100% recovery of the desired product is obtained at each chromatographic step. In this work, a mathematical framework is proposed, based on mixed integer optimisation techniques, that removes this assumption and allows full flexibility on the position of retention time cut‐points, between which the desired product fraction is collected. The proposed model is demonstrated on three example protein mixtures, each containing up to 13 contaminants and selecting from a set of up to 21 candidate steps. The proposed model results in a reduction of one to three chromatographic steps over solutions that no losses are allowed. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2011
Chemical Synthesis, Crystal Structure and Enzymatic Evaluation of a Dinucleotide Spore Photoproduct Analogue Containing a Formacetal Linker
Authors: Lin Gengjie , Chen Chun‐Hsing , Pink Maren , Pu Jingzhi , Li Lei
Published: July 2011

Spore photoproduct (SP) is the exclusive DNA photodamage product found in bacterial endospores. Its photoformation and repair by a metalloenzyme spore photoproduct lyase (SPL) composes the unique SP biochemistry. Despite the fact that the SP was discovered almost 50 years ago, its crystal structure is still unknown and the lack of structural information greatly hinders the study of SP biochemistry. Employing a formacetal linker and organic synthesis, we successfully prepared a dinucleotide SP isostere 5R‐CH2SP, which contains a neutral CH2 moiety between the two thymine residues instead of a phosphate. The neutral linker dramatically facilitates the crystallization process, allowing us to obtain the crystal structure for this intriguing thymine dimer half a century after its discovery. Further ROESY spectroscopic, DFT computational, and enzymatic studies of this 5R‐CH2SP compound prove that it possesses similar properties with the 5R‐SP species, suggesting that the revealed structure truly reflects that of SP generated in Nature.
Simultaneous chiral separation of methylamphetamine and common precursors using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry
Authors: Drake Samantha J. , Morrison Calum , Smith Frank
Published: July 2011

Methylamphetamine, ephedrine, and pseudoephedrine were derivatized using trifluoroacetic anhydride and enantiomers of each were analyzed using gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC/MS) fitted with a γ‐cyclodextrin (Chiraldex™ G‐PN) chiral column. A temperature‐programmed method was developed and optimized and the results compared with those obtained using a previously published isothermal GC method applied to GC/MS analysis. Trifluoroacetylated 3‐(trifluoromethyl)phenethylamine hydrochloride was used as an internal standard, and mass fragmentation patterns are proposed for all derivatives analyzed. Qualitative validation of the optimized chromatographic conditions was completed in accordance with the guidelines published by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). Under conditions of repeatability and reproducibility, the method gave relative retention times with a relative standard deviation of less than 0.02% for all six analytes of interest. This surpasses the UNODC's acceptance criteria of 2% for validation of qualitative precision. Ephedrine and pseudoephedrine are common precursors in the clandestine manufacture of methylamphetamine. Seizures of illicit methylamphetamine therefore often contain mixtures of these optically active compounds. The simultaneous enantioseparation of these compounds to produce a profile would provide valuable information to law enforcement agencies regarding the provenance of a methylamphetamine seizure. Chirality, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Modelling of cavitation in a high‐intensity agitation cell
Authors: Jose J. K. , Mmbaga J. P. , Hayes R. E. , Xu Z.
Published: July 2011

Small‐scale air bubbles, introduced via cavitation, enhance particle flotation in a high‐intensity agitation (HIA) cell. In this work, the local energy dissipation rates which govern the cavitation phenomena in a two‐baffled HIA cell with several different impellers were studied using computational fluid dynamics. The simulation predicts that a 4‐vane flat blade turbine dissipates more power than other turbines tested in the given HIA cell. A cavitation model is used in conjunction with a multiphase mixture model to predict the vapour generation. Cavitating flow is simulated at different RPM, dissolved gas concentration, and temperatures. Predicted volume fraction of vapour showed a strong dependency on operating conditions. For comparative study, cavitation in a pressure driven flow through a constriction is also modelled. A population balance model is used to obtain the bubble size distribution of the generated cavities in an orifice flow. The method can be extended to characterise the bubble size distribution in HIA cells.
Characterization of flagellar cysteine‐rich sperm proteins involved in motility, by the combination of cellular fractionation, fluorescence detection, and mass spectrometry analysis
Authors: Cabrillana María E. , Monclus María A. , Sáez Lancellotti Tania E. , Boarelli Paola V. , Clementi Marisa A. , Vincenti Amanda E. , Yunes Roberto F. M. , Fornés Miguel W.
Published: July 2011

Mammalian sperm proteins undergo thiol group (SH) oxidation to form disulfides bonds (SS) as they travel through the epididymis during cell maturation. Disulfide bonds are involved in chromatin condensation and tail organelle stabilization. In this work, we used a fluorescent thiol‐selective labeling agent, monobromobimane (mBBr), to study the protein thiol status of rat sperm during maturation. Fluorescence signal decrease along the epididymal trip, more evidently in the head, but also in the tail, indicates that both sub cellular regions participate in the thiol changes. The sources of the fluorescence signal are sulfhydryls sperm proteins labeled by mBBr (mBBr‐spp). Initial attempts to identify the mBBr‐spp labeled were detected in the initial—caput, but not in the distal cauda—segment of the epididymis in sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)‐PAGE analysis. This phenomenon could be due to protein resistance to solubilization. For this reason, disulfide bond reduction was accomplished by sodium dodecyl sulfate plus dithiothreitol treatment to recover the mBBr signal in SDS‐PAGE. Under this protocol, a major 27 kDa protein band displays a strong signal. Protein identification by mass spectrometry and sequence database searching correlated this protein with the outer dense fiber 1 (ODF1). The mBBr specifically bound to N‐terminal domain cysteine of ODF1. The mBBr reduces rat sperm motility, quantitatively and qualitatively, and the effects are dose dependent, without significantly increasing the percentage of dead sperm. Thus, we found that ODF1 is highly responsible for mBBr fluorescence detection in the sperm tail, and the motility inhibition by the fluorescence marker indicates that ODF1 N‐terminal domain are related to sperm motility. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The role of patient navigators in eliminating health disparities
Authors: Natale‐Pereira Ana , Enard Kimberly R. , Nevarez Lucinda , Jones Lovell A.
Published: July 2011

Despite many important efforts to increase equity in the US health care system, not all Americans have equal access to health care—or similar health outcomes. With the goal of lowering costs and increasing accessibility to health care, the nation's new health care reform legislation includes certain provisions that expand health insurance coverage to uninsured and underinsured populations, promote medical homes, and support coordination of care. These provisions may help narrow existing health care disparities. Many of the most vulnerable patients, however, may continue to have difficulty accessing and navigating the complex US health care delivery system. This article explores the unique role that patient navigation can play in improving health outcomes for racial and ethnic minorities, as well as other underserved populations, in the context of a changing healthcare environment. Patient navigators can not only facilitate improved health care access and quality for underserved populations through advocacy and care coordination, but they can also address deep‐rooted issues related to distrust in providers and the health system that often lead to avoidance of health problems and non‐compliance with treatment recommendations. By addressing many of the disparities associated with language and cultural differences and barriers, patient navigators can foster trust and empowerment within the communities they serve. Specific patient navigator activities are discussed, and metrics to evaluate program efforts are presented. Cancer 2011;117(15 suppl):3541–50. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Navigation and palliative care
Authors: Hauser Joshua , Sileo Melissa , Araneta Nicole , Kirk Rachel , Martinez Jeanne , Finn Katie , Calista Joanne , Calcano Ercilia , Thibodaux Lynda , Harney Carol , Bass Kelli , Rodrigue Mary Kathryn
Published: July 2011

Patient navigation represents an opportunity to further the integration of palliative care with standard cancer care. This article defines palliative and hospice care and describes some of the current challenges of integrating palliative care into other forms of care. It also considers outcomes that navigation might be expected to improve for patients receiving palliative care or enrolled in hospice. These outcomes include symptom relief; communication efficacy; transitions of care; and access to palliative care, hospice, and bereavement care for families. Although these outcomes may not have been specifically assessed in patients in cancer navigation programs, they represent important outcomes for patients receiving palliative care and their families. It is recognized that the types of outcomes that are important to track for patients and families receiving palliative care should be consistent with outcomes at other stages of illness. Cancer 2011;117(15 suppl):3583–589. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Cathelin‐related antimicrobial peptide differentially regulates T‐ and B‐cell function
Authors: Kin Nicholas W. , Chen Yao , Stefanov Emily K. , Gallo Richard L. , Kearney John F.
Published: July 2011

Mammalian antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) play an important role in host defense via direct antimicrobial activity as well as immune regulation. The mouse cathelin‐related antimicrobial peptide (mCRAMP), produced from the mouse gene Camp, is the only mouse cathelicidin identified and the ortholog of the human gene encoding the peptide LL‐37. This study tested the hypothesis that mouse B and T cells produce and respond to mCRAMP. We show that all mature mouse B‐cell subsets, including follicular (FO), marginal zone (MZ), B1a, and B1b cells, as well as CD4+ and CD8+ T cells produce Camp mRNA and mCRAMP protein. Camp−/− B cells produced equivalent levels of IgM, IgG3, and IgG2c but less IgG1 and IgE, while Camp−/− CD4+ T cells cultured in Th2‐inducing conditions produced more IL‐4‐expressing cells when compared with WT cells, effects that were reversed upon addition of mCRAMP. In vivo, Camp−/− mice immunized with TNP‐OVA absorbed in alum produced an enhanced TNP‐specific IgG1 response when compared with WT mice. ELISpot analysis revealed increased numbers of TNP‐specific IgG1‐secreting splenic B cells and FACS analysis revealed increased CD4+ T‐cell IL‐4 expression. Our results suggest that mCRAMP differentially regulates B‐ and T‐cell function and implicate mCRAMP in the regulation of adaptive immune responses.
Large‐scale real‐time hybrid simulation involving multiple experimental substructures and adaptive actuator delay compensation
Authors: Chen Cheng , Ricles James M.
Published: July 2011

Real‐time hybrid simulation provides a viable method to experimentally evaluate the performance of structural systems subjected to earthquakes. The structural system is divided into substructures, where part of the system is modeled by experimental substructures, whereas the remaining part is modeled analytically. The displacements in a real‐time hybrid simulation are imposed by servo‐hydraulic actuators to the experimental substructures. Actuator delay compensation has been shown by numerous researchers to vitally achieve reliable real‐time hybrid simulation results. Several studies have been performed on servo‐hydraulic actuator delay compensation involving single experimental substructure with single actuator. Research on real‐time hybrid simulation involving multiple experimental substructures, however, is limited. The effect of actuator delay during a real‐time hybrid simulation with multiple experimental substructures presents challenges. The restoring forces from experimental substructures may be coupled to two or more degrees of freedom (DOF) of the structural system, and the delay in each actuator must be adequately compensated. This paper first presents a stability analysis of actuator delay for real‐time hybrid simulation of a multiple‐DOF linear elastic structure to illustrate the effect of coupled DOFs on the stability of the simulation. An adaptive compensation method then proposed for the stable and accurate control of multiple actuators for a real‐time hybrid simulation. Real‐time hybrid simulation of a two‐story four‐bay steel moment‐resisting frame with large‐scale magneto‐rheological dampers in passive‐on mode subjected to the design basis earthquake is used to experimentally demonstrate the effectiveness of the compensation method in minimizing actuator delay in multiple experimental substructures. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Performance Study of Direct Borohydride Fuel Cells Employing Polyvinyl Alcohol Hydrogel Membrane and Nickel‐Based Anode
Authors: Ma J. , Choudhury N. A. , Sahai Y. , Buchheit R. G.
Published: July 2011

A direct borohydride fuel cell (DBFC) employing a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogel membrane and a nickel‐based composite anode is reported. Carbon‐supported platinum and sputtered gold have been employed as cathode catalysts. Oxygen, air and acidified hydrogen peroxide have been used as oxidants in the DBFC. Performance of the PVA hydrogel membrane‐based DBFC was tested at different temperatures and compared with similar DBFCs employing Nafion® membrane electrolytes under identical conditions. The borohydride–oxygen fuel cell employing PVA hydrogel membrane yielded a maximum peak power density of 242 mW cm–2 at 60 °C. The peak power densities of the PVA hydrogel membrane‐based DBFCs were comparable or a little higher than those using Nafion® 212 membranes at 60 °C. The fuel efficiency of borohydride–oxygen fuel cell based on PVA hydrogel membrane and Ni‐based composite anode was found to be between 32 and 41%. The cell was operated for more than 100 h and its performance stability was recorded.
Influence of wall properties on peristaltic transport of second grade fluid with heat and mass transfer
Authors: Hayat T. , Hina S. , Hendi Awatif A.
Published: July 2011

This paper discusses the effects of heat and mass transfer on the magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) peristaltic flow of second grade fluid in a channel with flexible walls. Expressions of stream function, temperature, concentration field, and heat transfer coefficient have been computed. The effects of sundry parameters are sketched and examined. The known results of viscous fluid are obtained as the limiting cases of the present expressions. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/htj). DOI 10.1002/htj.20361
Streamflow response to climatic variability in a complex mountainous environment: Fraser River Basin, British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Thorne Robin , Woo Ming‐ko
Published: July 2011

Within an area where the regional climate variability signal is apparent, local factors including location, topography and land characteristics affect hydrological response to the signal. Mountainous areas, such as the Western Cordillera in North America, are expected to possess such local effects. The Fraser River Basin in British Columbia, Canada, contains stations with 40 years of precipitation and discharge records from stations widely distributed across the 217 000 km2 basin. Correlation coefficients were calculated to relate winter precipitation, spring and summer high flow to several climate indices: Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO), Pacific‐North American (PNA) and Southern Oscillation Index (SOI). Analyses confirmed that the level of correlation changes during the snowmelt period and does vary locally within the Basin. Correlation of discharge with the indices also changes along the Fraser River, being strengthened or weakened by the influence of its tributaries. These results caution that in hydrologic investigations, (1) even where the region as a whole manifests a strong teleconnection signal, deviation in signal strength within a medium‐sized basin causes local variations in streamflow response to the regional climatic forcing, and (2) the level of correlation attained by streamflow at a basin outlet does not necessarily apply to its tributary sub‐basins. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Endoscopic endonasal transpterygoid nasopharyngectomy
Authors: Al‐Sheibani Salma , Zanation Adam M. , Carrau Ricardo L. , Prevedello Daniel M. , Prokopakis Emmanuel P. , McLaughlin Nancy , Snyderman Carl H. , Kassam Amin B.
Published: July 2011

Objective:

Describe our technique for endoscopic transpterygoid nasopharyngectomy and support its feasibility with our early clinical outcomes.

Methods:

Our endoscopic technique comprises an extended inferomedial maxillectomy, mobilization of the pterygopalatine fossa, removal of the pterygoid plates and Eustachian tube to access the posterolateral nasopharynx. Control of the parapharyngeal and petrous segments of the internal carotid artery is the keystone of the approach.

Results:

Various histopathologies were treated, including epidermoid carcinomas (n = 9), lymphoepithelioma (n = 1), adenoid cystic carcinoma (n = 5), adenocarcinoma (n = 2), mucoepidermoid carcinoma (n = 2), and sarcoma (n = 1). Negative microscopic margins were obtained in 95% (19/20) of patients. No perioperative mortality, cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) leak, meningitis, or cerebrovascular accident was encountered; however, one patient suffered an internal carotid artery (ICA) injury, without permanent sequelae. All but one patient received adjuvant therapy (external and/or stereotactic radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy). Follow‐up ranged from 15 to 68 months (mean = 33). Overall survival was 45% (9/20) and local control was 65% (13/20).

Conclusions:

Endoscopic transpterygoid nasopharyngectomy for primary and recurrent nasopharyngeal malignancies is feasible and safe in properly selected patients. Preliminary outcomes compare to that of conventional techniques. Endoscopic resections, however, are demanding; they require specialized equipment and a team versed in endoscopic oncologic surgery. Long‐term follow‐up and reproducibility remain undefined.
Olfactory groove meningioma: Discussion of clinical presentation and surgical outcomes following excision via the subcranial approach
Authors: Pepper Jon‐Paul , Hecht Sarah L. , Gebarski Stephen S. , Lin Erin M. , Sullivan Stephen E. , Marentette Lawrence J.
Published: July 2011

Objectives/Hypothesis:

To describe surgical outcomes and radiographic features of olfactory groove meningiomas treated by excision through the subcranial approach. Special emphasis is placed on paranasal sinus and orbit involvement.

Study Design:

Retrospective review of a series of patients.

Methods:

Nineteen patients underwent excision of olfactory groove meningioma (OGM) via the transglabellar/subcranial approach between December 1995 and November 2009. Nine patients had previously undergone prior resection at outside institutions, and four had prior radiotherapy in addition to a prior excision. Transglabellar/subcranial surgical approach to the anterior skull base was performed.

Results:

Tumor histology included three World Health Organization (WHO) grade III lesions, one WHO grade II lesion, and 15 WHO grade I lesions. Fourteen patients had evidence of extension into the paranasal sinuses, with the ethmoid sinus being most commonly involved. Kaplan‐Meier estimates of mean overall and disease‐free survival were 121.45 months and 93.03 months, respectively. The mean follow‐up interval was 41.0 months, and at the time of data analysis three patients had recurrent tumors. Seven (36.8%) patients experienced a major complication in the perioperative period; there were no perioperative mortalities. Orbit invasion was observed in four patients, with optic nerve impingement in 11 patients. Of these, three patients had long‐term diplopia. No patients experienced worsening of preoperative visual acuity.

Conclusions:

Olfactory groove meningiomas demonstrate a propensity to spread into the paranasal sinuses, particularly in recurrent cases. Given a tendency for infiltrative recurrence along the skull base, this disease represents an important area of collaboration between neurosurgery and otolaryngology. The subcranial approach offers excellent surgical access for excision, particularly for recurrences that involve the paranasal sinuses and optic apparatus.
Can maximum urethral closure pressure (MUCP) Be used to predict outcome of surgical treatment of stress urinary incontinence?
Authors: Harris Neil , Swithinbank Lucy , Hayek Samih al , Yang Qian , Abrams Paul
Published: July 2011

Aims

The outcome of surgery for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) can be unpredictable. Urethral pressure measurements, including measurement of maximum urethral closure pressure (MUCP) can form part of the investigation of women prior to SUI surgery and some studies have suggested that women with higher MUCP may have a better surgical outcome. This study aims to determine whether outcome of SUI surgery is related to pre‐operative MUCP.

Methods

All patients undergoing colposuspension or TVT in a large European city between 1998 and 2002 were included. All women underwent pre‐operative urodynamics, including measurement of urethral pressure profile; urodynamic data, including MUCP, were determined. Surgical outcome was measured using the ICIQ‐FLUTS questionnaire, which was mailed to allow for a minimum follow‐up period of 3 years. Surgical outcome was measured by assigning patients to one of three post‐operative Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI) groups. Group 1 (No incontinence), Group 2 (< 1 incontinence episode per day), Group 3 (> 1 incontinence episode per day). Independent statistical analysis was undertaken using STATA® software and a two‐way ANOVA (Analysis of Variance) test to determine the relationship between pre‐operative MUCP and post‐operative SUI group.

Results

A total of 463 postal questionnaires were mailed, with a response rate of 62%, allowing for those who had died or moved away. Of the 285 responders, 218 had undergone colposuspension and 66 had a TVT. Median age, length of follow up and MUCP were 54 years (range 23–81), 77 months (range 47 to 107) and 45 cmH2O (range 5 to 105) respectively. Difference in MUCP between the two operation groups (colposuspension and TVT) was not significant (p > 0.19). No significant difference in preoperative MUCP was demonstrated between the three SUI groups, with mean MUCP in the three SUI groups of 50, 45 and 43 cmH20 respectively, confirming that patients with higher MUCP were not more likely to be in a lower post‐operative SUI group (F(2, 237) = 3.42, p < 0.04).

Conclusion

Our data demonstrate that women with higher preoperative MUCP do not have a better surgical outcome following stress incontinence surgery. Neurourol. Urodynam. Neurourol. Urodynam. 30: 1609–1612, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Selectivity in metal ions mediated C–N bond formation reactions of 8‐aminoquinoline derivatives
Authors: Kalita Dipjyoti , Baruah Jubaraj B.
Published: July 2011

Cyclisation reactions via C–N bond formation of 2‐bromo‐N‐(quinolin‐8‐yl)propanamide (I) and 2‐bromo‐N‐(quinolin‐8‐yl)acetamide (II) are facilitated by metal salts such as copper (+2), nickel (+2) perchlorate or nitrate and palladium (+2) acetate. Nickel (+2) perchlorate mediated reaction of I and II resulted in C–N bond formation to give corresponding perchlorate salts of three fused six‐membered heterocyclic rings. The copper (+2) mediated reactions are found to be solvent dependent for I, but independent for II. Copper mediated reaction of II gave cyclised product analogous to the one obtained from reaction of II with nickel (+2) perchlorate in methanol or ethanol. But the reaction of I with copper (+2) perchlorate in methanol gave C–N bonded methoxylated cyclised product. This reaction took place in two steps, cyclisation followed by methoxylation. The source of methoxy group is confirmed to be from methanol by deuterium labelling experiments. Whereas similar copper mediated reaction of I in ethanol led to nucleophilic substitution of bromide ion by ethoxide. The structures of the salts of fused heterocyclic compounds were determined and their fluorescence emissions were studied. The large difference in fluorescence emission of compound V formed from copper mediated reaction in ethanol from the compound VI formed from nickel mediated reaction in methanol or ethanol, this feature can be used to distinguish nickel (+2) and copper (+2) ions. The reaction of II with palladium (+2) acetate resulted in the formation of C–N bond to yield the corresponding heterocycle as bromide salt; without anion exchange. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.