bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Distance Metric for Finite Sets of Rigid-Body Displacements via the Polar Decomposition
Authors: Larochelle Pierre M. , Murray Andrew P. , Angeles Jorge
Published: July 2007

An open research question is how to define a useful metric on the special Euclidean group SE(n) with respect to: (1) the choice of coordinate frames and (2) the units used to measure linear and angular distances that is useful for the synthesis and analysis of mechanical systems. We discuss a technique for approximating elements of SE(n) with elements of the special orthogonal group SO(n+1). This technique is based on using the singular value decomposition (SVD) and the polar decompositions (PD) of the homogeneous transform representation of the elements of SE(n). The embedding of the elements of SE(n) into SO(n+1) yields hyperdimensional rotations that approximate the rigid-body displacements. The bi-invariant metric on SO(n+1) is then used to measure the distance between any two displacements. The result is a left invariant PD based metric on SE(n).
A Review of Fuel Pre-injection in Supersonic, Chemically Reacting Flows
Authors: Vinogradov Viacheslav A. , Shikhman Yurii M. , Segal Corin
Published: July 2007

Developing an efficient, supersonic combustion-based, air breathing propulsion cycle operating above Mach 3.5, especially when conventional hydrocarbon fuels are sought and particularly when liquid fuels are preferred to increase density, requires mostly effective mechanisms to improve mixing efficiency. One way to extend the time available for mixing is to inject part of the fuel upstream of the vehicle’s combustion chamber. Injection from the wall remains one of the most challenging problems in supersonic aerodynamics, including the requirement to minimize impulse losses, improve fuel-air mixing, reduce inlet∕combustor interactions, and promote flame stability. This article presents a review of studies involving liquid and, in selected cases, gaseous fuel injected in supersonic inlets or in combustor’s insulators. In all these studies, the fuel was injected from a wall in a wake of thin swept pylons at low dynamic pressure ratios (qjet∕qair=0.6–1.5), including individual pylon∕injector geometries and combinations in the inlet and combustor’s isolator, a variety of injection conditions, different injectants, and evaluated their effects on fuel plume spray, impulse losses, and mixing efficiency. This review article cites 47 references.
A modular, fiber-optic sensor for micro-optical mechanical sensor education
Authors: Conklin J. A. , Ouseph P. J. , Cox H. L.
Published: July 2007

A modular, fiber-optic sensor has been constructed in which the diaphragm can be replaced with different sensing mechanisms to detect numerous physical phenomena. Additionally, different fiber-optic detection systems can be attached to the sensor. Students employing this modular sensor can investigate optical sensors and detection systems that prepare them for advanced studies of micro-optical mechanical systems (MOMS).
Why does curly hair get less tangled than straight hair?
Authors: Masson Jean-Baptiste
Published: July 2007

We address the question of hair tangles and show experimentally that curly hair tends to become less tangled than straight hair. A statistical model based on geometry confirms our findings. The model gives an interesting geometric approach to hair behavior.
Test of the second postulate of special relativity using positron annihilation
Authors: Dryzek Jerzy , Singleton Douglas
Published: July 2007

An experiment to directly test the second postulate of special relativity is described. The speed of photons, resulting from the annihilation of either thermal positrons or in-flight positrons (moving with relativistic velocity), is measured using two complementary variations of the same basic experiment. For both at rest and moving positrons the constancy of the speed of light was confirmed to an accuracy of approximately 1%. This apparatus can be used in an advanced undergraduate laboratory and also used to place limits on alternative theories to special relativity that have transformations other than the Lorentz transformation.
Understanding the breakdown of Fourier’s law in granular fluids
Authors: Candela D. , Walsworth R. L.
Published: July 2007

In fluidized granular matter (such as rapidly flowing sand) heat can flow from colder to hotter granular temperatures, violating Fourier’s law. A simple heuristic explanation for this anomalous heat current is presented, based on the non-equilibrium nature of granular fluids. The heuristic explanation leads to a straightforward calculation of the heat current which is in good agreement with existing, more detailed calculations and with recent experiments.
Derivation of the Maxwellian distribution from the microcanonical ensemble
Authors: López-Ruiz Ricardo , Calbet Xavier
Published: July 2007

The origin of the Boltzmann factor is revisited. An alternative derivation from the microcanonical picture is given. The Maxwellian distribution in a one-dimensional ideal gas is obtained by following this derivation. We also note other possible applications such as the wealth distribution in human society.
An application of toroidal functions in electrostatics
Authors: Selvaggi Jerry , Salon Sheppard , Chari M. V. K.
Published: July 2007

A method employing the use of toroidal functions is introduced for calculating the scalar potential and the electric field from a charged conducting ring. This method is an alternative to the well-known elliptic integral formulation and is usually easier to formulate than the elliptic integral solution.
From Newton to Einstein: A forgotten relativistic optics of moving bodies
Authors: Eisenstaedt Jean
Published: July 2007

Since the time of Galileo, the relativity of motion has been a central issue in physics. But how does it apply to light? At the end of the 18th century, a Newtonian theory of the propagation of light, a natural extension of Newton’s Principia, was developed but quickly forgotten. A series of works completed the Principia with the formulation of a Galilean relativistic optics of moving bodies and the discovery of the analog of the Doppler-Fizeau effect some 60 years before Doppler, as well as many other effects and ideas that are a fascinating preamble to Einstein’s special and general relativity.
Demonstration of Lenz’s law: Analysis of a magnet falling through a conducting tube
Authors: Roy M. K. , Harbola Manoj K. , Verma H. C.
Published: July 2007

We revisit a recent analysis of the time of fall of a magnet as it slows down while passing through a conducting tube. We complement recent work by considering the effect of the thickness of the tube on the time of fall. The resulting expression gives a more accurate expression for the time of fall.
Detection of Circumstellar Material in a Normal Type Ia Supernova
Authors: Patat F. , Chandra P. , Chevalier R. , Justham S. , Podsiadlowski Ph. , Wolf C. , Gal-Yam A. , Pasquini L. , Crawford I. A. , Mazzali P. A. , Pauldrach A. W. A. , Nomoto K. , Benetti S. , Cappellaro E. , Elias-Rosa N. , Hillebrandt W. , Leonard D. C. , Pastorello A. , Renzini A. , Sabbadin F. , Simon J. D. , Turatto M.
Published: July 2007

Type Ia supernovae are important cosmological distance indicators. Each of these bright supernovae supposedly results from the thermonuclear explosion of a white dwarf star that, after accreting material from a companion star, exceeds some mass limit, but the true nature of the progenitor star system remains controversial. Here we report the spectroscopic detection of circumstellar material in a normal type Ia supernova explosion. The expansion velocities, densities, and dimensions of the circumstellar envelope indicate that this material was ejected from the progenitor system. In particular, the relatively low expansion velocities suggest that the white dwarf was accreting material from a companion star that was in the red-giant phase at the time of the explosion.
Carbapenemases: the Versatile β-Lactamases
Authors: Queenan Anne Marie , Bush Karen
Published: July 2007

Carbapenemases are β-lactamases with versatile hydrolytic capacities. They have the ability to hydrolyze penicillins, cephalosporins, monobactams, and carbapenems. Bacteria producing these β-lactamases may cause serious infections in which the carbapenemase activity renders many β-lactams ineffective. Carbapenemases are members of the molecular class A, B, and D β-lactamases. Class A and D enzymes have a serine-based hydrolytic mechanism, while class B enzymes are metallo-β-lactamases that contain zinc in the active site. The class A carbapenemase group includes members of the SME, IMI, NMC, GES, and KPC families. Of these, the KPC carbapenemases are the most prevalent, found mostly on plasmids inKlebsiella pneumoniae. The class D carbapenemases consist of OXA-type β-lactamases frequently detected inAcinetobacter baumannii. The metallo-β-lactamases belong to the IMP, VIM, SPM, GIM, and SIM families and have been detected primarily inPseudomonas aeruginosa; however, there are increasing numbers of reports worldwide of this group of β-lactamases in theEnterobacteriaceae. This review updates the characteristics, epidemiology, and detection of the carbapenemases found in pathogenic bacteria.
Setting and Revising Antibacterial Susceptibility Breakpoints
Authors: Turnidge John , Paterson David L.
Published: July 2007

Clinical microbiology laboratories need to communicate results of antibacterial susceptibility testing to prescribers. Sophisticated prescribers who are knowledgeable of the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of antibacterials may desire no more information than the MIC of the drug in question. However, most prescribers require interpretation of antibacterial susceptibility testing results. Breakpoints can assist in determining if an antibacterial is potentially useful in the treatment of a bacterial infection. Breakpoints should be set prior to an antibacterial being used clinically. Breakpoint setting requires integration of knowledge of the wild-type distribution of MICs, assessment of the pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics of the antibacterial, and study of the clinical outcome of infections when the antibacterial is used. It is mandatory that breakpoints be reviewed when antibacterial agents have been in clinical use for some time, particularly if mechanisms of bacterial resistance to the drug have been described. In general, greater amounts of information on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of an antibacterial are available when breakpoints need to be revised. However, the opportunity to conduct randomized clinical studies of an antibacterial declines after the drug has been released commercially. Well-designed observational clinical studies are therefore necessary in order to provide reliable data to inform those reevaluating breakpoints. Breakpoint-setting organizations may also play a role in developing phenotypic tests for detection of resistance mechanisms, as this information may complement use of the breakpoint in some circumstances.
Thepinkgene encodes theDrosophilaorthologue of the human Hermansky–Pudlak syndrome 5 (HPS5) gene
Authors: Syrzycka Monika , McEachern Lori A. , Kinneard Jennifer , Prabhu Kristel , Fitzpatrick Kathleen , Schulze Sandra , Rawls John M. , Lloyd Vett K. , Sinclair Donald A.R. , Honda Barry M.
Published: July 2007

Hermansky–Pudlak syndrome (HPS) consists of a set of human autosomal recessive disorders, with symptoms resulting from defects in genes required for protein trafficking in lysosome-related organelles such as melanosomes and platelet dense granules. A number of human HPS genes and rodent orthologues have been identified whose protein products are key components of 1 of 4 different protein complexes (AP-3 or BLOC-1, -2, and -3) that are key participants in the process. Drosophila melanogaster has been a key model organism in demonstrating the in vivo significance of many genes involved in protein trafficking pathways; for example, mutations in the “granule group” genes lead to changes in eye colour arising from improper protein trafficking to pigment granules in the developing eye. An examination of the chromosomal positioning of Drosophila HPS gene orthologues suggested that CG9770, the Drosophila HPS5 orthologue, might correspond to the pink locus. Here we confirm this gene assignment, making pink the first eye colour gene in flies to be identified as a BLOC complex gene.
Mass dynamics of wintering Pacific Black Brant: body, adipose tissue, organ, and muscle masses vary with location
Authors: Mason D.D. , Barboza P.S. , Ward D.H.
Published: July 2007

We compared body size and mass of the whole body, organs, adipose tissue, and muscles of adult Pacific Black Brant ( Branta bernicla nigricans (Lawrence, 1846)) collected concurrently in Alaska and Baja California during the fall, winter, and spring of 2002–2003. Head and tarsal lengths of males were similar between sites and slightly larger for females in Alaska than in Baja California. Brant appear to operate under similar physiological bounds, but patterns of nutrient allocation differ between sites. Birds wintering in Alaska lost similar amounts of adipose tissue during early winter as birds in Baja California gained during late winter before migration. Masses of the body, adipose tissue, and flight muscles during mid-winter were similar between sites. Seasonal adipose tissue deposition may, therefore, equally favor winter residency or long-distance migration. Gonad and liver masses increased in late winter for birds in Alaska but not for those in Baja California, suggesting birds wintering in Baja may delay reproductive development in favor of allocating reserves needed for migration. Phenotypic flexibility allows Brant to use widely divergent wintering sites. The wintering location of Brant likely depends more upon changes in environmental conditions and food availability, than upon physiological differences between the two wintering populations.
No effect of body condition at weaning on survival and reproduction in prairie voles
Authors: Keane B. , Bryant L. , Goyal U. , Williams S. , Kortering S.L. , Lucia K.E. , Richmond A.R. , Solomon N.G.
Published: July 2007

The physiological state of an animal may have a significant impact on its reproductive success because individuals in good body condition are generally considered to be competitively superior to individuals in poor body condition. In this study, we tested if body condition at weaning affected survival and reproduction of prairie voles ( Microtus ochrogaster (Wagner, 1842)) living under ecologically relevant conditions at two different initial population densities. We detected no evidence that better body condition at weaning was associated with either enhanced survival or reproduction. Moreover, genetic analysis of parentage found that mating between males and females was random with respect to body condition. Results of this study indicate body condition at weaning was not a reliable predictor of future survival or reproduction in prairie voles. This may be because body condition at weaning does not accurately forecast the energetic state of prairie voles at later ages, or because other factors have a greater effect on an individual’s survival and reproductive success at the densities observed in this study.
Reduced stroke volume during exercise in postural tachycardia syndrome
Authors: Masuki Shizue , Eisenach John H. , Schrage William G. , Johnson Christopher P. , Dietz Niki M. , Wilkins Brad W. , Sandroni Paola , Low Phillip A. , Joyner Michael J.
Published: July 2007

Postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is characterized by excessive tachycardia without hypotension during orthostasis. Most POTS patients also report exercise intolerance. To assess cardiovascular regulation during exercise in POTS, patients ( n = 13) and healthy controls ( n = 10) performed graded cycle exercise at 25, 50, and 75 W in both supine and upright positions while arterial pressure (arterial catheter), heart rate (HR; measured by ECG), and cardiac output (open-circuit acetylene breathing) were measured. In both positions, mean arterial pressure, cardiac output, and total peripheral resistance at rest and during exercise were similar in patients and controls ( P > 0.05). However, supine stroke volume (SV) tended to be lower in the patients than controls at rest (99 ± 5 vs. 110 ± 9 ml) and during 75-W exercise (97 ± 5 vs. 111 ± 7 ml) ( P = 0.07), and HR was higher in the patients than controls at rest (76 ± 3 vs. 62 ± 4 beats/min) and during 75-W exercise (127 ± 3 vs. 114 ± 5 beats/min) (both P < 0.01). Upright SV was significantly lower in the patients than controls at rest (57 ± 3 vs. 81 ± 6 ml) and during 75-W exercise (70 ± 4 vs. 94 ± 6 ml) (both P < 0.01), and HR was much higher in the patients than controls at rest (103 ± 3 vs. 81 ± 4 beats/min) and during 75-W exercise (164 ± 3 vs. 131 ± 7 beats/min) (both P < 0.001). The change (upright − supine) in SV was inversely correlated with the change in HR for all participants at rest ( R2= 0.32), at 25 W ( R2= 0.49), 50 W ( R2= 0.60), and 75 W ( R2= 0.32) ( P < 0.01). These results suggest that greater elevation in HR in POTS patients during exercise, especially while upright, was secondary to reduced SV and associated with exercise intolerance.
Identifying Latent Classes of Adults at Risk for Skin Cancer Based on Constitutional Risk and Sun Protection Behavior
Authors: Steffen Alana D. , Glanz Karen , Wilkens Lynne R.
Published: July 2007

Objective: This study used latent class analysis (LCA) to identify homogeneous subgroups of individuals at risk for skin cancer on the basis of their risk factors and sun protection habits to understand patterns of sun exposure and sun protection behaviors.

Method: Adults (n = 725), screened to be at risk for skin cancer, were recruited through primary care physicians and completed the mailed baseline survey as part of a skin cancer prevention trial. LCA was used to identify homogeneous subgroups, on the basis of skin cancer risk and usual sun habits, by sex. LCA solutions were then validated by assessing if class predicted differences in sun exposure, recent sunburn, outdoor activities, attitudes toward tanning, and demographics.

Results: Females and males were divided into four and three classes, respectively, that reflected the level of sun protection habits and showed that these habits were greater for those with higher constitutional risk for skin cancer. The classes seemed to represent a continuum of sun protection efforts rather than distinct patterns of protection behaviors. Females were distinguished on their use of all habits assessed whereas males, who reported less use of sun protection overall, only differed in their use of sunscreen. Females using more protection reported less sunburn whereas males using less protection reported less sunburn. However, all subgroups reported significant annual prevalence of sunburn (including mild) of 48% to 83%.

Conclusion: LCA can distinguish subgroups of at-risk adults that are relevant and valid. This technique is recommended for targeting intervention efforts when individual tailoring is not feasible. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2007;16(7):1422–7)
The Mammalian Target of Rapamycin Pathway as a Potential Target for Cancer Chemoprevention
Authors: Kopelovich Levy , Fay Judith R. , Sigman Caroline C. , Crowell James A.
Published: July 2007

The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a key signaling node coordinating cell cycle progression and cell growth in response to genetic, epigenetic, and environmental conditions. Pathways involved in mTOR signaling are dysregulated in precancerous human tissues. These findings, together with the intriguing possibility that mTOR suppression may be associated with antitumor actions of caloric restriction, suggest that mTOR signaling may be an important target for chemopreventive drugs. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2007;16(7):1330–40)
Anthropometry and Pancreatic Cancer Risk: An Illustration of the Importance of Microscopic Verification
Authors: Verhage Bas A.J. , Schouten Leo J. , Goldbohm R. Alexandra , van den Brandt Piet A.
Published: July 2007

Using data collected of a large population-based cohort study, we studied the association between anthropometric factors and the risk of pancreatic cancer. Furthermore, we investigated whether these associations differ among microscopically confirmed pancreatic cancer (MCPC) cases and non-MCPC (NMCPC) cases. The Netherlands Cohort Study on Diet and Cancer started in 1986 (120,852 men and women) and uses the case-cohort methodology. After 13.3 years of follow-up, 446 pancreatic cancer cases (of which 65% was microscopically confirmed) and 4,774 subcohort members were available for analysis. The multivariable incidence rate ratio of MCPC of men was 1.10 per increment of 1 kg·m−2 (95% confidence interval, 1.04-1.18). Women had a rate ratio of MCPC of 1.08 (95% confidence interval, 1.03-1.13). Obese men [body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg·m−2] had a 2.6-fold increased risk of MCPC compared with men with BMI 23 to 25 kg·m−2. For women, this increase in risk was 1.7-fold. Change in BMI between age 20 years and baseline was also associated with MCPC in both men and women. In men and women, none of these associations were observed for NMCPC, with the exception of the increased risk for pancreatic cancer in obese men. We observed statistically significant associations between both BMI, gain in BMI, and pancreatic cancer risk. These associations are observed only in MCPC and not in NMCPC. If MCPC and NMCPC had been considered as one group, the reported associations would not have been detected. These findings stress the need to evaluate heterogeneity among pancreatic cancer cases in etiologic studies. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2007;16(7):1449–54)
Adenoviral Expression of
I
Ks
Contributes to Wavebreak and Fibrillatory Conduction in Neonatal Rat Ventricular Cardiomyocyte Monolayers
Authors: Muñoz Viviana , Grzeda Krzysztof R. , Desplantez Thomas , Pandit Sandeep V. , Mironov Sergey , Taffet Steven M. , Rohr Stephan , Kléber André G. , Jalife José
Published: July 2007

Previous studies have shown that the gating kinetics of the slow component of the delayed rectifier K
+
current (
I
Ks
) contribute to postrepolarization refractoriness in isolated cardiomyocytes. However, the impact of such kinetics on arrhythmogenesis remains unknown. We surmised that expression of
I
Ks
in rat cardiomyocyte monolayers contributes to wavebreak formation and facilitates fibrillatory conduction by promoting postrepolarization refractoriness. Optical mapping was performed in 44 rat ventricular myocyte monolayers infected with an adenovirus carrying the genomic sequences of KvLQT1 and minK (molecular correlates of
I
Ks
) and 41 littermate controls infected with a GFP adenovirus. Repetitive bipolar stimulation was applied at increasing frequencies, starting at 1 Hz until loss of 1:1 capture or initiation of reentry. Action potential duration (APD) was significantly shorter in
I
Ks
-infected monolayers than in controls at 1 to 3 Hz (
P
<0.05), whereas differences at higher pacing frequencies did not reach statistical significance. Stable rotors occurred in both groups, with significantly higher rotation frequencies, lower conduction velocities, and shorter action potentials in the
I
Ks
group. Wavelengths in the latter were significantly shorter than in controls at all rotation frequencies. Wavebreaks leading to fibrillatory conduction occurred in 45% of the
I
Ks
reentry episodes but in none of the controls. Moreover, the density of wavebreaks increased with time as long as a stable source sustained the fibrillatory activity. These results provide the first demonstration that
I
Ks
-mediated postrepolarization refractoriness can promote wavebreak formation and fibrillatory conduction during pacing and sustained reentry and may have important implications in tachyarrhythmias.
Lower Central Serotonergic Responsivity Is Associated With Preclinical Carotid Artery Atherosclerosis
Authors: Muldoon Matthew F. , Mackey Rachel H. , Sutton-Tyrrell Kim , Flory Janine D. , Pollock Bruce G. , Manuck Stephen B.
Published: July 2007

Background and Purpose—

Central nervous system serotonergic neurotransmission appears to play a role in mood disorders, eating habits, and sleep, and also modulates blood pressure and metabolism. This investigation tested a hypothesized association between central serotonergic functioning and preclinical atherosclerosis.

Methods—

Subjects were 244 adults 30 to 55 years of age and free of clinically evident vascular disease (52% men, 84% white). Central serotonergic responsivity was measured as the rise in serum prolactin concentration (area under the curve) over 2.5 hours, adjusted for baseline prolactin, after citalopram administered intravenously at 0.33 mg/kg lean body weight. Carotid artery morphology served as a marker of preclinical atherosclerosis, and carotid artery intima-media thickness and plaque occurrence were determined by B-mode ultrasonography.

Results—

In linear regression models including age, gender, race, and citalopram concentration, a 1 SD lower prolactin response was associated with greater maximum intima-media thickness (+0.016 mm;
P
=0.006) and with greater mean intima-media thickness (+0.009 mm;
P
=0.03). The odds ratio for carotid artery plaque corresponding to a 1 SD decrease in prolactin response, adjusted for age, race, sex, and citalopram concentration, was 1.47 (95% CI, 0.98 to 2.19;
P
=0.06). The metabolic syndrome mediated (
P
<0.01), but did not fully account for, the association between lower prolactin response and greater maximum intima-media thickness.

Conclusions—

In this young and relatively healthy sample, blunted prolactin response to citalopram was associated with carotid artery thickening, suggesting that individual differences in central serotonergic responsivity are inversely related to preclinical vascular disease.
Diagnosing Cyclicity in Sluicing
Authors: Agüero-Bautista Calixto
Published: July 2007

This article discusses how the remnant wh-phrase in a sluicing structure ends up in the position where it is pronounced. Finding a parallel between universally quantified interrogatives and sluices with universal quantifiers, with respect to the distribution of pair-list readings, the article shows that quantified interrogatives involving weak islands can have pair-list interpretations that require reconstruction of the wh-phrase to positions that can only be created by successive-cyclic movement, and that the same is true for structurally similar sluices. The article therefore concludes that the remnant wh-phrase in sluicing gets to its surface position via regular successive-cyclic movement.
EPP Extensions
Authors: Landau Idan
Published: July 2007

The fact that the specifier of T0 is subject both to the Extended Projection Principle (EPP) and to the Empty Category Principle (ECP) has remained an unexplained accident within Government-Binding Theory. I propose a principled account of this correlation. The EPP is a selectional requirement of functional heads (e.g., T, Top, C) that applies at PF—an instance of p-selection for an overt element. Like all selectional requirements, it applies to the head of the selected phrase, explaining why null heads cannot appear in EPP positions (thus deriving certain representational ECP effects). A wide range of empirical results follow, all unified by the exclusion of null-headed phrases from EPP positions: subject-object asymmetries in the distribution of bare nouns in Romance and sentential complements; failure of certain adjuncts to occur in clause-initial position; resistance of indirect objects to Ā-movement; and phonological doubling of heads of fronted categories. I argue against the agreement/checking view of the EPP and show that only the selectional construal allows a natural explanation of its puzzling properties.
Vehicle Change Phenomena as an Argument for Move F
Authors: Aoun Joseph , Nunes Jairo
Published: July 2007

Three different formal devices have been proposed within minimalism to replace Chomsky's (1993) covert movement of phrasal categories to check Case and agreement: expletive-associate relations (Brody 1995), movement of formal features (Chomsky 1995), and the operation Agree (Chomsky 2000, 2001). We propose that vehicle change effects (in the sense articulated by Fiengo and May (1994)) establish empirical grounds for distinguishing among these alternatives and argue that only the Move F approach can account for the data without enriching the theoretical apparatus.
Improvement of Microcirculation and Healing of Venous Hypertension and Ulcers With Crystacide ®: Evaluation With a Microcirculatory Model, Including Free Radicals, Laser Doppler Flux, and PO2/PCO2 Measurements
Authors: Belcaro Gianni , Cesarone Maria Rosaria , Errichi Bruno M. , Di Renzo Andrea , Errichi Silvia , Ricci Andrea , Gizzi Giuseppe , Dugall Mark , Cacchio Marisa , Ruffini Irma , Fano Filiberto , Vinciguerra Giulia , Grossi Maria Giovanna
Published: July 2007

In 32 patients with chronic venous insufficiency and venous hypertension associated with ulcerations, the effects of the local application of a hydrogen peroxide cream (Crystacide) applied onto the skin was evaluated using a complex, proportional, microcirculatory model to assess and quantify venous microangiopathy after local treatment. A comparative group treated without Crystacide was included. Laser Doppler flowmetry was used to assess skin perfusion (flux and venoarteriolar response) in association with transcutaneous PO2 and PCO2 measurements. Local plasma free radicals were evaluated in the area surrounding the venous ulcer using the D-Roms test. Crystacide was applied around and on the ulcer for 10 days. Crystacide was more effective than the control treatments. PO2 was increased (improved, P < .05), and plasma free radicals, PCO2, and laser Doppler flowmetry were decreased (improving toward normal values, P < .05). Also, the ulcerated area was significantly smaller at 10 days in the Crystacide group in comparison with controls (P < .05). In the proportional microcirculatory model, all parameters indicated an important level of improvement significantly larger than in controls. In conclusion, in chronic venous insufficiency and venous ulcerations, local treatment with Crystacide (10 days) improves the microcirculation and decreases skin free radicals, thus improving healing.
The Prevalence of Peripheral Arterial Disease in High Risk Subjects and Coronary or Cerebrovascular Patients
Authors: Poredoš Pavel , Jug Borut
Published: July 2007

Atherosclerosis is a generalized disease with considerable overlap of its coronary, carotid, and peripheral manifestations. As an indicator of multifocal atherosclerosis, peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is emerging as an important aid in risk stratification of patients with coronary artery (CAD) or cerebrovascular disease (CVD). Therefore, the aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of PAD in high risk subjects and its ability to identify coronary or cerebrovascular patients. A total of 952 (63.3% male; age 63.7 ±10.7 years) patients at high cardiovascular risk (≥2 risk factors), or with evidence of CAD or CVD were screened for PAD by means of ankle-brachial index (ABI) assessment; 226 patients were at high risk (≥2 risk factors), 575 had CAD, and 151 had CVD. A total of 42% of patients with CAD and 36% of patients with CVD had PAD. In patients with CAD one half of cases of PAD were asymptomatic. Asymptomatic PAD (pathological ABI) was strongly associated with CAD and CVD, even after adjustment for age, gender, and other risk factors. No significant differences between CAD, PAD, and CVD patients were observed in terms of risk profiles. In conclusion, our findings confirm a high prevalence of both symptomatic and asymptomatic PAD in patients at high cardiovascular risk and its association with both CAD and CVD.
Phenomenon and manifestation of the `Author's Effect of Showcasing' (AES): a literature science study, I. Emergence, causes and traces of the phenomenon in the literature, perception and notion of the effect
Authors: Száva-Kováts Endre
Published: July 2007

The `Author's Effect of Showcasing' (AES) is the activity of publishing authors who shape by free will the formal reference stock of their communications cited directly and item by item, placing this formal reference stock into the showcase of science — consciously or unconsciously. This first paper of the study demonstrates the emergence, causes and traces of the AES phenomenon in the journal literature of the natural sciences already in the mature Little Science age, and the continuous existence of the phenomenon ever since. The perception and cognition of the effect is shown on the basis of the relevant findings of the present author's previous, manual fact-finding reference investigations based on autopsy, processing around 27,600 journal communications and reference stocks containing more than 322,000 citations. Finally, a summarizing definition of the notion of the effect is given. In a second paper, the manifestation of the AES phenomenon will be demonstrated and analysed in the theoretically most homogeneous domain of the scientific literature.
Child Maltreatment and Violent Delinquency: Disentangling Main Effects and Subgroup Effects
Authors: Mersky Joshua P. , Reynolds Arthur J.
Published: July 2007

This study employs data from the Chicago Longitudinal Study (CLS) to investigate the relation between child maltreatment and the incidence and frequency of violent delinquency. The authors also examine if effects vary between physically abused and neglected children and if select indicators (sex, cumulative risk, public aid receipt) moderate the connections between maltreatment and violent outcomes. The CLS follows a cohort of 1,539 low-income, minority children who attended public kindergarten programs in 1985-1986. The primary sample includes 1,404 participants for whom maltreatment and delinquency status were verified. Maltreatment is significantly associated with all violent outcomes investigated. Effects are comparable for physically abused and neglected children. Results indicate that public assistance, particularly persistent receipt, moderates the association between maltreatment and multiple outcomes. Findings support the hypothesized connection between maltreatment and violent delinquency while highlighting certain subgroups that may be at elevated risk. Implications for research design and program development are discussed.
Appraising Tourism and Hospitality Service Failure Events: A Chinese Perspective
Authors: Lee Yun-Lok , Sparks Beverley
Published: July 2007

Tourism forecasts suggest that the People's Republic of China is a growing tourism market to international destinations. It is likely that these tourists will encounter a range of service experiences and, at times, service failures or problems. Gaining an insight into how Chinese tourists interpret service failure events can help firms develop more effective service recovery strategies. This study aimed to explore the cultural values that Chinese hold for service failure and service recovery, using means—end chain methodology. The analysis of 70 in-depth interviews found five key themes representing the values that were threatened in poor service situations. The attributes and consequences were analyzed and then linked to the five values of face, equity, value, harmony, and junzi aspiration. Implications for hospitality service recovery with Chinese customers are discussed.
How I treat chronic myeloid leukemia in the imatinib era
Authors: Goldman John M.
Published: July 2007

Although it is now generally accepted that imatinib is the best initial treatment for patients newly diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in chronic phase, a number of questions remain unanswered. For example, (1) Is imatinib the best initial treatment for every chronic-phase patient? (2) At what dose should imatinib be started? (3) How should response to treatment be monitored? (4) For how long should the drug be continued in patients who have achieved and maintain a complete molecular response? (5) How does one handle a patient who achieves a 2-log but not a 3-log reduction in BCR-ABL transcripts? (6) How should response or failure be defined? (7) For the patient deemed to have failed imatinib, should one offer dasatinib or nilotinib? (8) For the patient who has failed imatinib but has a possible allogeneic transplant donor, should one offer dasatinib or nilotinib before recommending a transplantation? (9) Should the transplantation be myeloablative or reduced intensity conditioning? (10) How should one treat the patient who relapses after allografting? This paper will address these issues, many of which cannot yet be answered definitively.
Fungal CSL transcription factors
Authors: Převorovský Martin , Půta František , Folk Petr
Published: July 2007

Background

The CSL (C BF1/RBP-Jκ/S uppressor of Hairless/L AG-1) transcription factor family members are well-known components of the transmembrane receptor Notch signaling pathway, which plays a critical role in metazoan development. They function as context-dependent activators or repressors of transcription of their responsive genes, the promoters of which harbor the GTG(G/A)GAA consensus elements. Recently, several studies described Notch-independent activities of the CSL proteins.

Results

We have identified putative CSL genes in several fungal species, showing that this family is not confined to metazoans. We have analyzed their sequence conservation and identified the presence of well-defined domains typical of genuine CSL proteins. Furthermore, we have shown that the candidate fungal protein sequences contain highly conserved regions known to be required for sequence-specific DNA binding in their metazoan counterparts. The phylogenetic analysis of the newly identified fungal CSL proteins revealed the existence of two distinct classes, both of which are present in all the species studied.

Conclusion

Our findings support the evolutionary origin of the CSL transcription factor family in the last common ancestor of fungi and metazoans. We hypothesize that the ancestral CSL function involved DNA binding and Notch-independent regulation of transcription and that this function may still be shared, to a certain degree, by the present CSL family members from both fungi and metazoans.
Variant Surface Glycoprotein gene repertoires in Trypanosoma brucei have diverged to become strain-specific
Authors: Hutchinson O Clyde , Picozzi Kim , Jones Nicola G , Mott Helen , Sharma Reuben , Welburn Susan C , Carrington Mark
Published: July 2007

Background

In a mammalian host, the cell surface of African trypanosomes is protected by a monolayer of a single variant surface glycoprotein (VSG). The VSG is central to antigenic variation; one VSG gene is expressed at any one time and there is a low frequency stochastic switch to expression of a different VSG gene. The genome of Trypanosoma brucei contains a repertoire of > 1000 VSG sequences. The degree of conservation of the genomic VSG repertoire in different strains has not been investigated in detail.

Results

Eighteen expressed VSGs from Ugandan isolates were compared with homologues (> 40 % sequence identity) in the two available T. brucei genome sequences. Fourteen homologues were present in the genome of Trypanosoma brucei brucei TREU927 from Kenya and fourteen in the genome of T. b. gambiense Dal972 from Cote d'Ivoire. The Ugandan VSGs averaged 71% and 73 % identity to homologues in T. b. brucei and T. b. gambiense respectively. The sequence divergence between homologous VSGs from the three different strains was not random but was more prevalent in the parts of the VSG believed to interact with the host immune system on the living trypanosome.

Conclusion

It is probable that the VSG repertoires in the different isolates contain many common VSG genes. The location of divergence between VSGs is consistent with selection for strain-specific VSG repertoires, possibly to allow superinfection of an animal by a second strain. A consequence of strain-specific VSG repertoires is that any vaccine based on large numbers of VSGs from a single strain will only provide partial protection against other strains.
Influenza pandemic intervention planning using InfluSim: pharmaceutical and non- pharmaceutical interventions
Authors: Duerr Hans P , Brockmann Stefan O , Piechotowski Isolde , Schwehm Markus , Eichner Martin
Published: July 2007

Background

Influenza pandemic preparedness plans are currently developed and refined on national and international levels. Much attention has been given to the administration of antiviral drugs, but contact reduction can also be an effective part of mitigation strategies and has the advantage to be not limited per se. The effectiveness of these interventions depends on various factors which must be explored by sensitivity analyses, based on mathematical models.

Methods

We use the freely available planning tool InfluSim to investigate how pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical interventions can mitigate an influenza pandemic. In particular, we examine how intervention schedules, restricted stockpiles and contact reduction (social distancing measures and isolation of cases) determine the course of a pandemic wave and the success of interventions.

Results

A timely application of antiviral drugs combined with a quick implementation of contact reduction measures is required to substantially protract the peak of the epidemic and reduce its height. Delays in the initiation of antiviral treatment (e.g. because of parsimonious use of a limited stockpile) result in much more pessimistic outcomes and can even lead to the paradoxical effect that the stockpile is depleted earlier compared to early distribution of antiviral drugs.

Conclusion

Pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical measures should not be used exclusively. The protraction of the pandemic wave is essential to win time while waiting for vaccine development and production. However, it is the height of the peak of an epidemic which can easily overtax general practitioners, hospitals or even whole public health systems, causing bottlenecks in basic and emergency medical care.
Impact of a Commercial Reference Laboratory Test Recurrence Score on Decision Making in Early-Stage Breast Cancer
Authors: Oratz Ruth , Paul Dev , Cohn Allen L. , Sedlacek Scot M.
Published: July 2007

Purpose

To investigate whether recurrence score (RS) as determined using a commercial reference laboratory test influences clinicians' treatment recommendations and eventual treatment in patients with early-stage breast cancer.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed on 74 patients from a community-based oncology practice with estrogen receptor (ER) –positive, lymph node (LN) –negative stage I or II breast cancer for which RS was obtained. Demographic and pathology information was extracted from medical records. Ten-year relapse-free survival was calculated using Adjuvant! Online. Treatment recommendations before the RS knowledge were compared with treatment recommendations after RS knowledge and to the treatment eventually administered.

Results and Conclusion

A weak correlation was found between RS and both patient age and tumor size, modest correlation between RS and tumor grade, and modest correlation between RS and 10-year recurrence as determined by Adjuvant! Online. For 21% and 25% of patients, knowledge of the RS changed the clinicians' treatment recommendations and eventual treatment, respectively. The decision to change from hormone therapy to chemotherapy (with or without hormone therapy) was generally associated with high RS (high distant recurrence risk as determined by the commercial reference laboratory test), whereas the decision to change from chemotherapy to hormone therapy was generally associated with low RS (low distant recurrence risk as determined by the commercial reference laboratory test). Knowledge of the RS changed treatment recommendations and eventual treatment in patients with ER-positive/LN-negative early-stage breast cancer. Use of genomic-based prognosis may result in more accurate estimates of true recurrence risk than currently possible with commonly used prognostic factors (such as patient age, tumor size, and tumor grade) alone and thus lead to an increase in appropriate adjuvant therapy decision making.
Diet-Derived Polyphenol Metabolite Enterolactone Is a Tissue-Specific Estrogen Receptor Activator
Authors: Penttinen Pauliina , Jaehrling Jan , Damdimopoulos Anastasios E. , Inzunza José , Lemmen Josephine G. , van der Saag Paul , Pettersson Katarina , Gauglitz Günter , Mäkelä Sari , Pongratz Ingemar
Published: July 2007

Numerous dietary compounds can modify gene expression by binding to the members of the nuclear receptor superfamily of transcription factors. For example, dietary polyphenols, such as soy isoflavones genistein and daidzein, modulate the activity of the estrogen receptors (ERs)-α and ERβ. An additional class of dietary polyphenols that modulate cellular signaling pathways are lignans, compounds that are common constituents of Western diets. In this study, we show that a metabolite of dietary lignans, enterolactone, at physiological concentrations, activates ER-mediated transcription in vitro with preference for ERα. The effects of enterolactone are mediated by the ER ligand binding domain and are susceptible to antiestrogen treatment. Furthermore, the affinity of enterolactone toward ERα, measured by a novel ligand binding assay, is augmented in cell culture conditions. Moreover, our results demonstrate for the first time that enterolactone has estrogenic activity in vivo. In transgenic estrogen-sensitive reporter mice, enterolactone induces tissue-specific estrogen-responsive reporter gene expression as well as promotes uterine stromal edema and expression of estrogen-responsive endogenous genes (CyclinD1 and Ki67). Taken together, our data show that enterolactone is a selective ER agonist inducing ER-mediated transcription both in vitro in different cell lines and in vivo in the mouse uterus.
Rhabdomyoma of the pharyngeal wall
Authors: James Rooks J. , Cassisi N. J. , Alexander R. W. , Smith R. O.
Published: July 2007

Rhabdomyoma is a rare benign tumor of skeletal muscle, and the head and neck region is the most common extracardiac area for these tumors to occur. Twenty‐one cases have previously been reported, and this report, “A Rhabdomyoma of the Pharyngeal Wall,” brings the total to 22. Pathologically, these tumors show abundant polygonal skeletal muscle cells with demonstrable cross striations. Differential diagnosis of these tumors has included granular cell myoblastoma and rhabdomyoscarcoma. Treatment is usually complete excision.
Treatment of keloid
Authors: Neshat Amir A.
Published: July 2007

A case is presented in which a large infected keloid of the back of the neck was widely excised and the edges of the tumor were injected with triamcinolone acetate. The area was covered with partial thickness skin graft. The steroid injections were continued postoperatively. At fourteen months follow‐up, there is no evidence of recurrence.
Ototoxicity and the olivocochlear bundle
Authors: Capps Mary Jayne , Duvall Arndt J.
Published: July 2007

Cochlear hair cell damage due to kanamycin sulfate was studied in chinchillas receiving 200 mg/kg kanamycin for nine days. The drug was given to a group of animals with lesions of the crossed olivocochlear bundle, a group that had received a sham operative procedure, and a group of normal animals. The animals were sacrificed 14 days after the last drug injection and the cochleae removed for examination by surface preparation. The lesioned animals showed markedly less hair cell loss than the control groups, and this was attributed to the fact that the loss of the efferent endings rendered these animals less susceptible to the ototoxic effects of kanamycin.