bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interactions of Functional Apolipoprotein E Gene Promoter Polymorphisms With Smoking on Aortic Atherosclerosis
Authors: Viiri Leena E. , Viiri Keijo M. , Ilveskoski Erkki , Huhtala Heini , Mäki Markku , Tienari Pentti J. , Perola Markus , Lehtimäki Terho , Karhunen Pekka J.
Published: October 2008

Background—

Apolipoprotein E gene (APOE) interacts with environmental factors in defining risk for atherosclerosis. We studied whether the APOE ε2/ε3/ε4 genotype or APOE promoter polymorphisms −219G/T and +113G/C might interact with smoking on the development of fatty streaks. We also studied the previously unknown effects of +113G/C on transcriptional activity.

Methods and Results—

The fatty streak areas of aorta were measured morphometrically in subjects of the Helsinki Sudden Death Study. Within APOE ε3/ε3 subjects, there was a strong interaction between smoking and both −219G/T (
P
=0.009) and +113G/C (
P
=0.003) promoter polymorphisms on abdominal aorta fatty streak area: the −219T- and +113C-allele carriers had larger lesion areas compared with G/G (12.7% versus 5.9%,
P
=0.007; 12.9% versus 6.3%,
P
=0.010, respectively) within nonsmokers. Within smokers, the associations were inverse. Moreover, smoking increased the fatty streak area within −219G/G or +113G/G genotypes and −219G/+113G/ε3 haplotype carriers. Functional studies in reporter assay showed that in comparison with the +113G allele, the +113C allele had higher transcriptional activity and bound transcription factors from liver cell nuclear extract with significantly lower affinity.

Conclusions—

In middle-aged Finnish men with APOE ε3/ε3 genotype, the APOE promoter polymorphisms −219G/T and +113G/C interact with smoking in modulating aortic atherosclerosis. The +113G/C polymorphism has an effect on transcriptional activity.
Simulacrum
Authors: Huimin Jin
Published: October 2008

Aesthetization, or aestheticization, has recently become a new key word in scholarly debates about culture and society, roughly concerned with the kind of phenomenon that pictorial turn describes. It is not that `aesthetization', in its literal sense, is making the unaesthetic aesthetic, nor does it point to the sort of topics typical of an aestheticized human life as favored by some traditional Chinese intellectuals; rather it is about a transaesthetization . This process differs not just in the range and extent of aesthetization, but in its essence and nature: reality will no longer exist when it is transaesthetized and what is left is an aesthetic realm only; in other words, there will be no reality, but purely the `hyperreal'. Accordingly, transaesthetization can then often be associated with the concept of simulacrum, or the proliferation of images; it would thus result from the expansion of simulacra. However, there arises the problem that simulacrum is not identical with image. Assuming that the beauty of image consists in its rich connotations and its presentation at the level of form, it is doubtful that transaesthetization is configured merely by the simulacral. Why, and how could it be so?
Seizures are Common in the Acute Setting of Childhood Stroke: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Chadehumbe Madeline A. , Khatri Pooja , Khoury Jane C. , Alwell Kathleen , Szaflarski Jerzy P. , Broderick Joseph P. , Kissela Brett M. , Kleindorfer Dawn O.
Published: October 2008

In our large population-based cohort, 3.1% of adults had seizures within the first 24 h of acute stroke. The objective of our study was to determine a similar incidence in children and compare by stroke subtype. Stroke cases in children between July 1993 to June 1994 and January 1999 to December 1999 were retrospectively identified and abstracted. We identified 31 strokes during the two study periods, including 17 ischemic strokes, 12 intracerebral hemorrhages, and 2 subarachnoid hemorrhages. Seizures occurred within 24 h of the stroke in 58% (18/31) of children. No significant differences were found in the rate of seizure by stroke subtype. The relative risk (95% confidence interval) for seizure in the acute stroke setting in children versus adults is 18 (13, 26). As compared with adults, seizures within the acute setting of childhood stroke are common with an occurrence rate in our population of 58%.
Open Enrollment for Benefits: New Challenges, New Solutions
Authors: Ritter Frederic
Published: October 2008

Open enrollment presents a tremendous opportunity for companies to showcase the breadth and depth of their benefits offerings for employees.
Examining Oral Intake Temperature in Cardiac Surgery Patients
Authors: King Kathryn M. , Donahue Marlene , Dowey Helen , Bayes Alec , Cuff Laura , Korol Nichole
Published: October 2008

The effect of restricting the temperature of cardiac surgery patients' oral intake to room temperature or warmer, over the first 3 postoperative days, on gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms was examined. In all, 57 patients were randomly assigned to receive the intervention or usual care. GI symptoms were measured daily over the first 5 postoperative days. Following hospital discharge, GI symptoms and return to function data were collected over 4 postoperative weeks. On Postoperative Day 1, 41% of patients reported having GI symptoms, and they were significantly associated with higher cross-clamp time. Symptoms dissipated over time. There were no differences between the study groups in GI symptoms or return to function. Nearly 70% of patients who withdrew from the study were randomized to the intervention group. Difficulty associated with adhering to the study protocol was their primary reason for withdrawing. Given these findings, a large-scale clinical trial may not be warranted.
The Political Solidarity Model of Social Change: Dynamics of Self-Categorization in Intergroup Power Relations
Authors: Subašić Emina , Reynolds Katherine J. , Turner John C.
Published: October 2008

Social and political change involves a challenge to the status quo in intergroup power relations. Traditionally, the social psychology of social change has focused on disadvantaged minority groups collectively challenging the decisions, actions, and policies of those in positions of established authority. In contrast, this article presents a political solidarity model of social change that explores the process by which members of the majority challenge the authority in solidarity with the minority. It is argued that political solidarity as a social change process involves a contest between the authority and the minority over the meaning of a shared (higher order) identity with the majority. When identity ceases to be shared with the authority and becomes shared with the minority, majority challenge to authority in solidarity with the minority becomes possible. The model's contributions to existing social psychological approaches to social change are also discussed.
Connecting Knowledge to Management: The Case of Academic Research
Authors: Sousa Célio Alberto Alves , Hendriks Paul H. J.
Published: October 2008

Drawing on in-depth interviews with research managers, this paper argues that academic research management is ideologically close to knowledge management. The research followed a grounded theory approach. This method appears particularly suited for this inquiry, due to the absence of a dominant theoretical framework, the consequent need for extra theorizing, and the appeal to develop a theoretical account that relies on the most privileged sources of this knowledge, namely research managers. The data analysis shows that competing conceptualizations of knowledge and associated management models provide the playground for academic research management. Owing to the impact of cultural and behavioural aspects in the dynamics of knowledge creation, shaping collectively crafted courses of action—rather than managing them—aptly represents the essence of academic research management.
Beyond Parent Training: Predictors of Clinical Status and Service Use Two to Three Years After Scallywags
Authors: Frampton Ian , Mcarthur Caroline , Crowe Ben , Linn Josie , Lovering Kathryn
Published: October 2008

The aim of this study is to investigate the predictors of clinical status and service use of a representative sample of children who participated in an innovative multicomponent intervention called Scallywags, a secondary prevention programme for young children at risk of developing conduct disorder. A representative sample of 81 families agreed to contribute to a longitudinal follow-up study two to three years after participation in the intervention. Results showed that participation in the programme was associated with a `non-clinical' outcome for nearly 50% of children. Predictors of `clinical' status included family demographics (carer relationship status and family income), child variables (initial problem behaviour level and parent-reported neurodevelopmental disorder) and family factors (parenting stess). Children who participated successfully in the intervention were subsequently significantly less likely to require further specialist children's services. Implications for integrated children's services and future research are explored.
Bringing good food to others: investigating the subjects of alternative food practice
Authors: Guthman Julie
Published: October 2008

Under the banner of food justice, the last few years has seen a profusion of projects focused on selling, donating, bringing or growing fresh fruits and vegetables in neighborhoods inhabited by African Americans — often at below market prices — or educating them to the quality of locally grown, seasonal, and organic food. The focus of this article is the subjects of such projects — those who enroll in such projects `to bring good food to others,' in this case undergraduate majors in Community Studies at the University of California at Santa Cruz who do six-month field studies with such organizations. Drawing on formal and informal communications with me, I show that they are hailed by a set of discourses that reflect whitened cultural histories, such as the value of putting one's hands in the soil. I show their disappointments when they find these projects lack resonance in the communities in which they are located. I then show how many come to see that current activism reflects white desires more than those of the communities they putatively serve. In this way, the article provides insight into the production and reproduction of whiteness in the alternative food movement, and how it might be disrupted. I conclude that more attention to the cultural politics of alternative food might enable whites to be more effective allies in anti-racist struggles.
`A novel, spicy delicacy': tamales, advertising, and late 19th-century imaginative geographies of Mexico
Authors: Monrreal Sahar
Published: October 2008

This article explores how the tamale entered the national market as a mass-produced foodstuff at the end of 19th century. Closely reading advertising images, the article examines how the Armour Packing Company placed their chicken tamale in relation to imaginative geographies of Mexico from this era. Through tracing the symbolic transformations of the tamale from its existence in the street life of the late 19th century US to the nation-wide advertising campaign initiated by the Armour Packing Company in 1898, this article will highlight some of the shifting meanings of the tamale as seen in American travel literature, novels, and popular magazines of the time. That the marketing and symbolic transformation of the tamale in advertising coincide with the escalation and development of the Spanish-American War, American imperialism, and changing notions of race and place in this era has particular implication for the geographies of knowledge associated with ethnic foods and has wider import for the construction of race, identity, and difference at the close of 19th century.
Anti-CD3 preconditioning separates GVL from GVHD via modulating host dendritic cell and donor T-cell migration in recipients conditioned with TBI
Authors: Li Nainong , Chen Ying , He Wei , Yi Tangsheng , Zhao Dongchang , Zhang Chunyan , Lin Chia-Lei , Todorov Ivan , Kandeel Fouad , Forman Stephen , Zeng Defu
Published: October 2008

Host dendritic cells (DCs) play a critical role in initiating graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and graft-versus-leukemia (GVL), and separation of GVL from GVHD remains a major challenge in the treatment of hematologic malignancies by allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). Here, we show that preconditioning with anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody before conditioning with total body irradiation (TBI) prevents GVHD but retains GVL in a HCT model of major histocompatibility complex (MHC)–mismatched C57BL/6 donor to BALB/c host. Prevention of GVHD is associated with inhibition of donor T-cell expression of homing and chemokine receptors, and inhibition of GVHD target tissue expression of chemokines. Furthermore, inhibition of donor T-cell expression of gut homing α4β7 and chemokine receptor (CCR)9 by anti-CD3 preconditioning results from a reduction of CD103+ DCs in draining mesenteric lymph nodes (LNs), which is associated with down-regulation of DC expression of CCR7, a receptor required for tissue DC migration to draining LNs. These results indicate that anti-CD3 preconditioning reduces not only tissue release of chemokines but also prevents tissue DC migration to draining LNs and subsequently reduces the capacity of DCs of draining LNs to imprint donor T-cell tissue tropism. Therefore, modulation of host DCs by anti-CD3 preconditioning before HCT represents a new approach for separating GVL from GVHD.
Specific JAK2 mutation (JAK2R683) and multiple gene deletions in Down syndrome acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Kearney Lyndal , Gonzalez De Castro David , Yeung Jenny , Procter Julia , Horsley Sharon W. , Eguchi-Ishimae Minenori , Bateman Caroline M. , Anderson Kristina , Chaplin Tracy , Young Bryan D. , Harrison Christine J. , Kempski Helena , Wai E. So Chi , Ford Anthony M. , Greaves Mel
Published: October 2008

Children with Down syndrome (DS) have a greatly increased risk of acute megakaryoblastic leukemia (AMKL) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Both DS-AMKL and the related transient myeloproliferative disorder (TMD) have GATA1 mutations as obligatory, early events. To identify mutations contributing to leukemogenesis in DS-ALL, we undertook sequencing of candidate genes, including FLT3, RAS, PTPN11, BRAF, and JAK2. Sequencing of the JAK2 pseudokinase domain identified a specific, acquired mutation, JAK2R683, in 12 (28%) of 42 DS-ALL cases. Functional studies of the common JAK2R683G mutation in murine Ba/F3 cells showed growth factor independence and constitutive activation of the JAK/STAT signaling pathway. High-resolution SNP array analysis of 9 DS-ALL cases identified additional submicroscopic deletions in key genes, including ETV6, CDKN2A, and PAX5. These results infer a complex molecular pathogenesis for DS-ALL leukemogenesis, with trisomy 21 as an initiating or first hit and with chromosome aneuploidy, gene deletions, and activating JAK2 mutations as complementary genetic events.
OntoDas – a tool for facilitating the construction of complex queries to the Gene Ontology
Authors: O'Neill Kieran , Garcia Alexander , Schwegmann Anita , Jimenez Rafael C , Jacobson Dan , Hermjakob Henning
Published: October 2008

Background

Ontologies such as the Gene Ontology can enable the construction of complex queries over biological information in a conceptual way, however existing systems to do this are too technical. Within the biological domain there is an increasing need for software that facilitates the flexible retrieval of information. OntoDas aims to fulfil this need by allowing the definition of queries by selecting valid ontology terms.

Results

OntoDas is a web-based tool that uses information visualisation techniques to provide an intuitive, interactive environment for constructing ontology-based queries against the Gene Ontology Database. Both a comprehensive use case and the interface itself were designed in a participatory manner by working with biologists to ensure that the interface matches the way biologists work. OntoDas was further tested with a separate group of biologists and refined based on their suggestions.

Conclusion

OntoDas provides a visual and intuitive means for constructing complex queries against the Gene Ontology. It was designed with the participation of biologists and compares favourably with similar tools. It is available at http://ontodas.nbn.ac.za
AMMOS: Automated Molecular Mechanics Optimization tool for in silico Screening
Authors: Pencheva Tania , Lagorce David , Pajeva Ilza , Villoutreix Bruno O , Miteva Maria A
Published: October 2008

Background

Virtual or in silico ligand screening combined with other computational methods is one of the most promising methods to search for new lead compounds, thereby greatly assisting the drug discovery process. Despite considerable progresses made in virtual screening methodologies, available computer programs do not easily address problems such as: structural optimization of compounds in a screening library, receptor flexibility/induced-fit, and accurate prediction of protein-ligand interactions. It has been shown that structural optimization of chemical compounds and that post-docking optimization in multi-step structure-based virtual screening approaches help to further improve the overall efficiency of the methods. To address some of these points, we developed the program AMMOS for refining both, the 3D structures of the small molecules present in chemical libraries and the predicted receptor-ligand complexes through allowing partial to full atom flexibility through molecular mechanics optimization.

Results

The program AMMOS carries out an automatic procedure that allows for the structural refinement of compound collections and energy minimization of protein-ligand complexes using the open source program AMMP. The performance of our package was evaluated by comparing the structures of small chemical entities minimized by AMMOS with those minimized with the Tripos and MMFF94s force fields. Next, AMMOS was used for full flexible minimization of protein-ligands complexes obtained from a mutli-step virtual screening. Enrichment studies of the selected pre-docked complexes containing 60% of the initially added inhibitors were carried out with or without final AMMOS minimization on two protein targets having different binding pocket properties. AMMOS was able to improve the enrichment after the pre-docking stage with 40 to 60% of the initially added active compounds found in the top 3% to 5% of the entire compound collection.

Conclusion

The open source AMMOS program can be helpful in a broad range of in silico drug design studies such as optimization of small molecules or energy minimization of pre-docked protein-ligand complexes. Our enrichment study suggests that AMMOS, designed to minimize a large number of ligands pre-docked in a protein target, can successfully be applied in a final post-processing step and that it can take into account some receptor flexibility within the binding site area.
Redefining prognostic factors for breast cancer: YB-1 is a stronger predictor of relapse and disease-specific survival than estrogen receptor or HER-2 across all tumor subtypes
Authors: Habibi Golareh , Leung Samuel , Law Jennifer H , Gelmon Karen , Masoudi Hamid , Turbin Dmitry , Pollak Michael , Nielsen Torsten O , Huntsman David , Dunn Sandra E
Published: October 2008

Introduction

Gene expression analysis is used to subtype breast cancers such that the most aggressive tumors are identified, but translating this into clinical practice can be cumbersome. Our goal is to develop a universal biomarker that distinguishes patients at high risk across all breast cancer subtypes. We previously reported that Y-box binding protein-1 (YB-1), a transcription/translation factor, was a marker of poor prognosis in a cohort of 490 patients with breast cancer, but the study was not large enough to subtype the cancers. We therefore investigated whether YB-1 identifies patients at risk for either reduced relapse free survival or decreased r breast cancer specific survival (BCSS) across all tumor subtypes by evaluating 4,049 cases.

Methods

Tumor tissue microarrays, representing 4,049 cases of invasive breast cancers with 20 years of follow up, were subtyped by the expression profiles of estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, or HER-2. We then addressed whether YB-1 expression identified patients at higher risk for relapse and/or lower BCSS.

Results

We found YB-1 to be a highly predictive biomarker of relapse (P < 2.5 × 10-20) and poor survival (P < 7.3 × 10-26) in the entire cohort and across all breast cancer subtypes. Patients with node-positive or node-negative cancer were more likely to die from the disease if YB-1 was expressed. This was further substantiated using a Cox regression model, which revealed that it was significantly associated with relapse and poor survival in a subtype independent manner (relapse patients, hazard ratio = 1.28, P < 8 × 10-3; all patients, hazard ratio = 1.45, P < 6.7 × 10-7). Moreover, YB-1 was superior to estrogen receptor and HER-2 as a prognostic marker for relapse and survival. For a subset of patients who were originally considered low risk and were therefore not given chemotherapy, YB-1 was indicative of poor survival (P < 7.1 × 10 -17). Likewise, YB-1 was predictive of decreased BCSS in tamoxifen-treated patients (P = 0.001); in this setting a Cox regression model once again demonstrated it to be an independent biomarker indicating poor survival (hazard ratio = 1.70, P = 0.022).

Conclusions

Expression of YB-1 universally identifies patients at high risk across all breast cancer subtypes and in situations where more aggressive treatment may be needed. We therefore propose that YB-1 may re-define high-risk breast cancer and thereby create opportunities for individualized therapy.
Induction of Bim and Bid gene expression during accelerated apoptosis in severe sepsis
Authors: Weber Stefan U , Schewe Jens-Christian , Lehmann Lutz E , Müller Stefan , Book Malte , Klaschik Sven , Hoeft Andreas , Stüber Frank
Published: October 2008

Introduction

In transgenic animal models of sepsis, members of the Bcl-2 family of proteins regulate lymphocyte apoptosis and survival of sepsis. This study investigates the gene regulation of pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic members of the Bcl-2 family of proteins in patients with early stage severe sepsis.

Methods

In this prospective case-control study, patients were recruited from three intensive care units (ICUs) in a university hospital. Sixteen patients were enrolled when they fulfilled the criteria of severe sepsis. Ten critically ill but non-septic patients and 11 healthy volunteers served as controls. Blood samples were immediately obtained at inclusion. To confirm the presence of accelerated apoptosis in the patient groups, caspase-3 activation and phosphatidylserine externalisation in CD4+, CD8+ and CD19+ lymphocyte subsets were assessed using flow cytometry. Specific mRNAs of Bcl-2 family members were quantified from whole blood by real-time PCR. To test for statistical significance, Kruskal-Wallis testing with Dunn's multiple comparison test for post hoc analysis was performed.

Results

In all lymphocyte populations caspase-3 (p < 0.05) was activated, which was reflected in an increased phosphatidylserine externalisation (p < 0.05). Accordingly, lymphocyte counts were decreased in early severe sepsis. In CD4+ T-cells (p < 0.05) and B-cells (p < 0.001) the Bcl-2 protein was decreased in severe sepsis. Gene expression of the BH3-only Bim was massively upregulated as compared with critically ill patients (p < 0.001) and 51.6-fold as compared with healthy controls (p < 0.05). Bid was increased 12.9-fold compared with critically ill patients (p < 0.001). In the group of mitochondrial apoptosis inducers, Bak was upregulated 5.6-fold, while the expression of Bax showed no significant variations. By contrast, the pro-survival members Bcl-2 and Bcl-xl were both downregulated in severe sepsis (p < 0.001 and p < 0.05, respectively).

Conclusions

In early severe sepsis a gene expression pattern with induction of the pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 family members Bim, Bid and Bak and a downregulation of the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 and Bcl-xl proteins was observed in peripheral blood. This constellation may affect cellular susceptibility to apoptosis and complex immune dysfunction in sepsis.
The IKK-neutralizing compound Bay11 kills supereffector CD8 T cells by altering caspase-dependent activation-induced cell death
Authors: Lee Seung-Joo , Long Meixiao , Adler Adam J , Mittler Robert S , Vella Anthony T
Published: October 2008

Antigen with dual costimulation through CD137 and CD134 induces powerful CD8 T cell responses. These effector T cells are endowed with an intrinsic survival program resulting in their accumulation in vivo, but the signaling components required for survival are unknown. We tested a cadre of pathway inhibitors and found one preclinical compound, Bay11-7082 (Bay11), which prevented survival. Even the γc cytokine family members IL-2, -4, -7, and -15 could not block death, nor could pretreatment with IL-7. We found that dual costimulation caused loading of phosphorylated IκBα (p-IκBα) and high basal levels of NF-κB activity in the effector CD8 T cells. Bay11 trumped both events by reducing the presence of p-IκBα and ensuing NF-κB activity. Not all pathways were impacted to this degree, however, as mitogen-mediated ERK phosphorylation was evident during NF-κB inhibition. Nonetheless, Bay11 blocked TCR-stimulated cytokine synthesis by rapidly accentuating activation-induced cell death through elicitation of a caspase-independent pathway. Thus, in effector CD8 T cells, Bay11 forces a dominant caspase-independent death signal that cannot be overcome by an intrinsic survival program nor by survival-inducing cytokines. Therefore, Bay11 may be a useful tool to deliberately kill death-resistant effector T cells for therapeutic benefit.
Sensitization by intratracheally injected dendritic cells is independent of antigen presentation by host antigen-presenting cells
Authors: Kuipers Harmjan , Soullié Thomas , Hammad Hamida , Willart Monique , Kool Mirjam , Hijdra Daniëlle , Hoogsteden Henk C , Lambrecht Bart N
Published: October 2008

Adoptive transfer of antigen-pulsed dendritic cells (DC) in the airways of mice has been used as a model system for eosinophilic airway inflammation, which allows studying the DC-specific contribution of genes of interest or reagents to induced inflammation by genetically modifying DC or exposure of DC to compounds prior to injection in the airways. Antigen transfer and CD4+ T cell priming by endogenous antigen-presenting cells (APCs) may interfere with the correct interpretation of the data obtained in this model, however. We therefore examined antigen transfer and indirect CD4+ T cell priming by host APCs in this model system. Transfer of antigen between injected DC and host cells appeared to be minimal but could not be totally excluded. However, only direct antigen presentation by injected DC resulted in robust CD4+ T cell priming and eosinophilic airway inflammation. Thus, this adoptive transfer model is well suited to study the role of DC in eosinophilic airway inflammation.
Effect of pore geometry and dissolved C O2 on ultrasonic transmission during pore pressure changes
Authors: Evans Brian , Keshavarz Faraj Khah Nasser , Nakatsuka Yoshihiro
Published: October 2008

It is common practice to use changes in fluid transmission velocity to determine whether a fluid is in gas or liquid phase during pore pressure changes, but transmission amplitude also changes when fluid phase changes during pore pressure reduction. We used two sizes of glass beads in a low-pressure cell to simulate porous rock and conducted experiments with pore spaces filled with distilled water, and with distilled water in which [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] was dissolved. Ultrasonic transmission tests above and below bubble point showed that transmission frequencies and amplitudes were higher for distilled water and the smaller beads. There was a greater reduction in frequencies and amplitudes when gas was liberated by scattering from the small gas bubbles associated with the small beads. The water-[Formula: see text] mixture produced higher transmission amplitudes than distilled wateralone, which is consistent with increasing fluid density in the pores. Although Henry’s law was appropriate for predicting the onset of bubbles, the ultrasonic response sensed bubble nucleation before the pressure predicted by Henry’s law was reached. We also found that transmission amplitudes and frequencies changed more quickly than transmission velocity, which changed little by comparison. Our study suggests that for time-lapse monitoring of [Formula: see text] sequestration operations, changes of transmission amplitude and frequency may provide a quantitative assessment of the amount of dissolved [Formula: see text] in connate water. Observations of ultrasonic transmission amplitude and frequency are more important in this regard than velocity observations. This knowledge can be applied where [Formula: see text] migrates or changes phase after sequestration, be it at depth, or as a result of near-surface leakage. Walk-away VSP data can provide a suitable monitoring tool for this purpose.
Right to Vote or Right to Revolt? Arendt and the British Suffrage Militancy
Authors: Ziarek Ewa Plonowska
Published: October 2008

Building on studies that recover suffrage as an important political, historical, and cultural phenomenon, this article considers the political implications of the British suffragettes' redefinition of the right to vote as the right to revolt. Such a definition means that the suffragettes' contribution to political modernity is not limited to the enfranchisement of women, although this was an enormous victory. Equally significant is the suffragettes' discourse of revolution, which, as Hannah Arendt argues, reveals the inextricable connection between freedom, the emergence of female political and artistic subjectivities, and the creation of new forms of political life. This study focuses primarily on the militant stage of the British suffrage campaign (1903–1914) because it was the experience and justification of female militancy that propelled suffragettes to redefine the right to vote as a more fundamental women's right to revolt.
Contour error compensation method for computer numerical controlled non-circular grinders
Authors: Huan J , Ma W
Published: October 2008

A contour error compensation method for computer numerical controlled (CNC) non-circular grinders is introduced. The compensation method collects set and actual positions of each axis from servo controllers during the dry run process and calculates compensation data for the interpolator of the CNC system. It can be executed quickly and iteratively without real grinding. It can also be integrated in existing CNC systems without modifying interpolation or servo control algorithms. Brief introductions to the servo controller simulation model and contour error displaying module when developing the compensation method are also given. Grinding results demonstrate high contour accuracy of a cam workpiece and efficiency of the compensation method.
Innovation and learning: Exploring feedback from service to design
Authors: Ajayi M , Smart P
Published: October 2008

Successful product innovation demands better integration between the design and service functions of corporations. This requires effective feedback from the field about ‘product in use’ performance to influence the design of future product and service market offerings that will genuinely contribute to increased customer satisfaction. With the availability of high-quality product field data, the application of techniques such as failure mode effect and analysis (FMEA) can be used to identify and classify failures, analyse their root causes, and propose likely failure consequences to reduce future risks in product development. The present paper discusses the preliminary findings of an exploratory study, in a leading multinational heating company, into the nature and operation of the feedback process from the service to the design function. Initial findings demonstrate that feedback is essentially a learning process that seeks to drive innovation in product development. In addition, some emerging antecedents of an effective feedback process are also presented. These include the need to: capture not only textual data but also contextual information about product failures; have appropriate classification systems; collect and record detailed and accurate failure data; formalize feedback processes; and improve integrating mechanisms to allow open and closed-loop communications between the service and design functions.
Improvement of formability in T-shape hydroforming of tubes by pulsating pressure
Authors: Loh-Mousavi M , Bakhshi-Jooybari M , Mori K-I , Hyashi K
Published: October 2008

The effect of oscillations in the internal pressure on tube wall thickness and die corner filling in the pulsating hydroforming of T-shape tubes is examined using finite element simulation and experiments. The thinning behaviour of the tube during the pulsating hydroforming is studied for different coefficients of friction to investigate the mechanism of the improvement in formability. It is shown that the thinning behaviour is similar for different friction conditions. It is also illustrated that the pulsating pressure improves the formability, even for frictionless tube hydroforming. Thus, the reason for the improvement in the formability may not be due to a reduction in the friction level. In addition, the effects of the amplitude and frequency of the pulsating pressure on the thinning behaviour of tubes and die corner filling are examined. It is shown that, while a small number of cycles and a large amplitude of the pulsating pressure decrease the filling ratio of the die corner, they are more effective in improving the formability.
The finite element analysis of melt flow behaviour in micro-injection moulding
Authors: Griffiths C A , Dimov S S , Brousseau E B , Packianather M S
Published: October 2008

Micro-injection moulding as a replication method is one of the key technologies for micromanufacture. The understanding of process constraints for a selected production route is essential both at the design stage and during mass production. In this research, an existing finite element analysis system is used to verify the effects of four process parameters: the melt and mould temperatures, injection speed, and part thickness. Special attention is paid to the melt flow sensitivity when filling microchannels, particularly the factors affecting the shear rate, pressure, and temperature. In particular, the simulation model was used to investigate the flow behaviour of two polymer materials, polypropylene and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, by varying the process parameters. Then, the results of this investigation were compared with those reported in an experimental study. Conclusions are made about the accuracy and sensitivity of the proposed simulation model.
Characterization of heat-up diesel oxidation catalysts through gas flow reactor and in-situ engine testing
Authors: Han M , Assanis D , Bohac S
Published: October 2008

This study characterizes the performance of several diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) formulations with respect to their ability to heat up engine exhaust for the purpose of regenerating a diesel particulate filter or desulphating a lean nitrogen oxide (NO x) trap. Platinum (Pt), platinum—palladium (Pt—Pd), and platinum—palladium+cerium oxide (Pt—Pd+CeO2) are characterized using gas flow reactor experiments and in-situ engine tests. The feed gas from conventional diesel combustion and the feed gas from low-temperature premixed charge compression ignition (PCI) combustion are compared. An in-cylinder post-injection strategy is used to add the chemical energy needed to support DOC exothermic reactions, and the effect of post-injection timing is studied. The effects of carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbon (HC), and oxygen (O2) partial pressures on light-off characteristics are also investigated.

Reactor tests show that Pt—Pd exhibits the lowest light-off temperature, followed by Pt—Pd+CeO2 and then Pt, regardless of mixture composition and O2 concentration. In-situ engine tests demonstrate that PCI is superior to conventional combustion in increasing the exhaust gas temperature at the same post-fuel-injection quantity, but only if the exhaust gas temperature is high enough to oxidize HCs and CO in lieu of sufficient O2. However, PCI produces significant particulate matter (PM) as post-injection timing is retarded. To avoid an increase in PM emission, an alternative method to introduce fuel should be considered.
Development and evaluation of an advanced intelligent speed adaptation system
Authors: Arhin S , Eskandarian A , Blum J , Delaigue P
Published: October 2008

Intelligent speed adaptation (ISA) systems are in-vehicle systems that have the capability of either warning drivers of adverse speeding behaviours or limiting them from exceeding a prevailing speed limit or advisory. The former, called the warning—informational ISA system, has been noted to be ineffective in reducing speeding while being acceptable to drivers. However, the limiting ISA system, called the mandatory ISA system, has been effective in reducing speeds, yet highly unacceptable from research conducted largely in Europe. These tests of ISA systems have shown that there is a significant consumer acceptance hurdle on the one hand, and an efficacy hurdle on the other. This paper presents the results of a driving simulator experiment that tested the acceptance and effectiveness of a new type of ISA system, called the advanced vehicular speed adaptation system (AVSAS). AVSAS was designed as a speed-management system, rather than a speed-limiting system, based on individual driver speeding behaviours under different roadway scenarios. Statistical analyses were conducted to determine the effectiveness of AVSAS while a survey was used to gauge the acceptance of the system. The results showed that AVSAS contributed to the reductions in the drivers' speeds for two roadway scenarios. The survey results revealed a higher acceptance rating of AVSAS.
Fatigue enhancement of post-weld cold-worked low-carbon steel resistance spot welds
Authors: Kim D-W , Blake D , Kim B-J , Kim M-H , Lim B-S
Published: October 2008

Automotive manufacturers typically use resistance spot welding (RSW) for their automotive body sheet metal assembly. RSW offers a number of advantages over other sheet-metal-joining techniques, including high speed, ease of automation, and energy efficiency. However, one of the major concerns of spot weld joints is fatigue. Recently, a fatigue enhancement process for resistance spot welds, namely a post-weld cold-working process, has been introduced and has given significant improvement in fatigue lives of resistance spot welds. The post-weld cold-working process imparts compressive residual stresses around the joint, which can benefit the fatigue strength. This paper presents experimental and numerical investigations on the use of the post-weld cold-working process to improve the fatigue strength of low-carbon steel resistance spot welds. The effect of the post-weld cold-working process parameters on fatigue strength is investigated and the optimum process condition is proposed. In addition, a finite element analysis is carried out to evaluate the residual stress distribution after cold working.
Effect of fuel properties on diesel spray development in extreme cold conditions
Authors: Payri R , Salvador F J , Gimeno J , Bracho G
Published: October 2008

This paper presents an experimental and theoretical study with the purpose of quantifying and predicting the influence of fuel properties in extreme cold conditions on macroscopic diesel spray behaviour. The parameters studied were the fuel density and viscosity at different temperatures. Previous correlations available in the literature were analysed and extended in order to introduce the viscous term.

A specific test rig that simulates the real engine in-cylinder air pressure and density was used. The fuel was injected from a convergent nozzle with eight holes at two injection pressures of 30MPa and 120MPa, two chamber densities of 23kg/m3 and 56kg/m3, and two temperatures of 255K (winter) and 298K (reference). In order to achieve cold conditions, the facility was introduced into a specialized climatic room with optical access, where the temperature and humidity were carefully controlled.

The experimental results enabled the theoretical analysis that related the viscosity effect with the spray-tip penetration to be validated, obtaining high accuracy. The main conclusion of the paper is that fuel properties change significantly with the temperature in cold conditions, which affects the spray development, producing a shorter penetration in the transition stage. This phenomenon can be explained by a decrease in the fluid discharge coefficient in the outlet section of the hole as a result of the change in the fluid properties with the temperature.
Study on cycle-by-cycle variations of combustion in a natural-gas direct-injection engine
Authors: Huang Z-H , Liu L-X , Jiang D-M , Ren Y , Liu B , Zeng K , Wang Q
Published: October 2008

In this paper, the cycle-by-cycle variations of a compressed-natural-gas (CNG) direct-injection (DI) engine were investigated. The results show that the CNG DI engine has a better lean burn capability, and misfire cycles and partial burn cycles exist when the engine operates at small equivalence ratio (>0.4). Meanwhile, the indicated mean effective pressure (IMEP) has a low value, and the high value of the coefficient of variation in the IMEP is presented in comparison with those operating at a high equivalence ratio. Cycles with a high maximum cylinder pressure correspond to the cycles of fast burning, and parameter interdependence is observed between the maximum cylinder gas pressure and its corresponding crank angle, between the maximum rate of pressure rise and its corresponding crank angle, and between the maximum cylinder pressure and the indicated mean effective pressure. Better parameter interdependence exists between the maximum cylinder pressure and the flame- developing period, between the maximum cylinder pressure and the rapid-burning period, and between the accumulated heat release amount per cycle and the indicated mean effective pressure. A small variation in the flame-developing duration will lead to a large variation in the rapid-burning duration under lean mixture combustion; the slow flame propagation speed of the lean mixture combustion is considered to lead to this phenomenon.
Ethnicity of children with homozygous c.985A>G medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency: findings from screening approximately 1.1 million newborn infants
Authors: Khalid J M , Oerton J , Cortina-Borja M , Andresen B S , Besley G , Dalton R N , Downing M , Green A , Henderson M , Leonard J , Dezateux C
Published: October 2008

Objectives

It has been suggested that homozygous c.985A>G medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (MCADD) is a disease of White ethnic origin but little is known regarding its ethnic distribution. We estimated ethnic-specific homozygous c.985A>G MCADD birth prevalence from a large-scale UK newborn screening study.

Methods

Homozygous c.985A>G MCADD cases were ascertained in six English newborn screening centres between 1 March 2004 and 28 February 2007 by screening approximately 1.1 million newborns using tandem mass spectrometry analysis of underivatised blood spot samples to quantitate octanoylcarnitine (C8). Follow-up biochemistry and mutation analyses for cases (mean triplicate C8 value ≥0.5 µmol/L) were reviewed to confirm diagnosis. Ethnicity was ascertained from clinician report and denominators from 2001 UK Census estimates of ethnic group of children less than one year.

Results

Sixty-four infants were c.985A>G MCADD homozygotes (overall prevalence 5.8 per 100,000 live births; 95% CI 4.4–7.2). Sixty (93%) were White, two (3%) were mixed/other and two were of unknown ethnic origin. No Asian or Black homozygotes were identified. Proportions of White, mixed/other, Asian and Black births in screening regions were estimated, yielding homozygous c.985A>G MCADD birth prevalence of 6.9 per 100,000 (95% CI 5.2–8.8) in White, and 95% CI estimates of 0–2.7 per 100,000 in Asian and 0–5.8 in Black populations. The c.985A>G carrier frequency in the White group was estimated at one in 65 (95% CI 1/74, 1/61) under Hardy–Weinberg conditions.

Conclusion

c.985A>G homozygous MCADD is not found in Black and Asian ethnic groups that have been screened at birth in England. This is consistent with the earlier published observations suggesting that MCADD due to the c.985A>G mutation is a disease of White ethnic origin.
Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase Interacting Protein 51 (PTPIP51) mRNA Expression and Localization and Its In Vitro Interacting Partner Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) in Human Placenta of the First, Second, and Third Trimester
Authors: Stenzinger Albrecht , Märker David , Koch Philipp , Hoffmann Jens , Baal Nelli , Steger Klaus , Wimmer Monika
Published: October 2008

The cellular localization of protein tyrosine phosphatase 51 (PTPIP51) and its in vitro interacting partner protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) was studied in human placentae of different gestational stages. The expression of PTPIP51 protein and mRNA was observed in the syncytiotrophoblast and cytotrophoblast layer of placentae from the first, second, and third trimesters. In contrast, PTP1B expression was restricted to the syncytiotrophoblast during all gestational stages. Cells of the cytotrophoblasts and parts of the syncytiotrophoblasts expressing high amounts of PTPIP51 were found to execute apoptosis as shown by TdT-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling assay, cytokeratin 18f, and caspase 3 expression. PTPIP51 could also be traced in the endothelium and smooth muscle cells of placental arterial and venous vessels, identified by double immunostainings with antibodies directed against van Willebrand factor and α-smooth muscle actin. Some of these cells showing a high PTPIP51 reactivity were Ki67 positive, indicating proliferation. Additionally, a small population of placental CD14-positive macrophages and mesenchymal cells within the villous stroma were detected as PTPIP51 positive. Our data suggest that both proteins, PTPIP51 and PTP1B, play a role in differentiation and apoptosis of the cytotrophoblast and syncytiotrophoblast, respectively. Moreover, PTPIP51 may also serve as a cellular signaling partner in angiogenesis and vascular remodeling.