bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phase I dose‐escalation trial of clofarabine followed by escalating doses of fractionated cyclophosphamide in children with relapsed or refractory acute leukemias
Authors: Abd Elmoneim Abeer , Gore Lia , Ricklis Rebecca M. , Boklan Jessica , Cooper Todd , Narendran Aru , Rolla Katherine , Scott Tammy , Arceci Robert J.
Published: August 2012

Background

By inhibiting DNA repair, clofarabine (CLO) may augment cyclophosphamide (CY)‐induced DNA damage and apoptosis. We performed a Phase I study for refractory and/or relapsed (R/R) leukemia in children to determine maximum‐tolerated dose (MTD) of time‐sequential CLO followed by CY.

Procedure

Thirteen patients with (R/R) ALL (n = 8) and AML (N = 5), median age 9 years (range: 2–12 years), were treated with escalating doses of CLO on days 1, 2, 3 and 8, 9, 10 and CY 200 mg/m2/day on days 0 and 1 then 400 mg/m2/day on days 2, 3, 8, 9, and 10. Ten patients were treated at dose level 1 (DL1) (CLO 20 mg/m2/day) and three patients at DL2 (CLO 30 mg/m2/day). The average number of prior chemotherapies was 8.9. DNA damage testing was performed before treatment on day 0, and 2 hours after CY on day 0, before sequential CLO, CY treatment on day 1, and 2 hours after CLO followed by CY on day 1.

Results

Two patients at DL2 had dose‐limiting toxicities (DLTs) that included hypotension with cardio‐respiratory failure (1) and hepato‐renal failure (1). Complete remission (CR) was achieved in 2/11 (18.2%) and partial remission (PR) in 2/11 (18.2%) for an overall response (OR) of 36.4%. The use of CLO before CY augmented CY‐induced DNA damage in leukemic blasts compared to CY alone.

Conclusion

In pediatric patients with R/R leukemia, 20 mg/m2/day is the MTD for CLO in timed sequential combination with CY. Increased DNA damage with the use of this combination suggests a mechanism for the sequential timing of these two chemotherapeutic agents. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2012; 59: 1252–1258. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Neuroendocrine tumors of the appendix in children and adolescents
Authors: Boxberger Nicole , Redlich Antje , Böger Christine , Leuschner Ivo , von Schweinitz Dietrich , Dralle Henning , Vorwerk Peter
Published: August 2012

Background

Neuroendocrine tumors (NET) of the appendix in children and adolescents are rare and mostly detected postoperatively by a histopathological examination. Since the malignant potential of these tumors remains unclear, therapeutic recommendations are not evidence based. The Society of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology (GPOH) has prospectively registered and followed children with appendical NET since 1997 (GPOH‐MET trial). The objective of this study was to critically evaluate the therapeutic recommendations for appendical NET in children.

Procedure

Clinical data of 237 children with appendical NET were prospectively analyzed.

Results

The mean age at presentation was 13.0 years, while the mean follow‐up time was 2.9 (0.0–12.8) years. The majority of tumors (70.9%) were located at the apex, and were smaller than or equal to 10 mm (72.7%). Tumor size was directly correlated with age. A second operation or primary lymph node sampling was done in 25.3% (N = 60) of the patients, and infiltration of the lymph nodes by tumor cells was found in nine of these patients (15%). All 237 patients are alive without tumor symptoms.

Conclusions

ROC analysis and subsequent calculations identified a tumor size of >15 mm as the optimal cut‐off point for the prediction of metastatic spread into the lymph system, with a sensitivity of 77.8% and a specificity of 66.7%. Therefore, secondary right hemicolectomy in completely removed appendical NET is recommended only in tumors >15 mm in size. For incompletely removed tumors ≤15 mm a local follow‐up resection with lymph node sampling is recommended. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2013; 60: 65–70. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Evaluation of cardiac performance by abdominal fetal ECG in twin‐to‐twin transfusion syndrome
Authors: Velayo Clarissa , Calvo Jesus Rodriguez , Sato Naoaki , Kimura Yoshitaka , Yaegashi Nobuo , Nicolaides Kypros
Published: August 2012

Objective

To investigate fetal cardiac performance by abdominal fetal electrocardiography (ECG) in monochorionic diamniotic pregnancies with twin‐to‐twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS‐MCDA).

Methods

Abdominal fetal ECG was attempted in 16 singleton, 21 non‐TTTS‐MCDA, and 14 TTTS‐MCDA pregnancies at 16–27 weeks' gestation. Standard ECG parameters were compared across study groups and evaluated for their correlation with Doppler ultrasound indices.

Results

Clear P‐QRST complexes were recognized in all cases. In the TTTS‐MCDA pregnancies, the QT interval and QTc were significantly longer than in both singletons and the non‐TTTS‐MCDA pregnancies (p = 0.002 and p = 0.0002, respectively), whereas in the recipient fetus, both the PR interval and PR/RR were significantly longer when compared with all other study groups (p = 0.019 and p = 0.012, respectively). Further comparison with Doppler ultrasound indices yielded significant reciprocal correlations between ductus venosus pulsatility index and the QT interval (r = 0.552, p = 0.041) and between umbilical artery pulsatility index and PR/RR (r = 0.654, p = 0.011) both demonstrated in recipient fetuses alone.

Conclusions

Abdominal fetal ECG is feasible in second‐trimester twin pregnancies. In TTTS, there is evidence of a higher risk of cardiac dysfunction in the recipient twin. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Whole‐cell proteome reference maps of an extreme thermophile, Thermus thermophilusHB8
Authors: Kim Kwang , Okanishi Hiroki , Masui Ryoji , Harada Akira , Ueyama Norikazu , Kuramitsu Seiki
Published: August 2012

Thermus thermophilus HB8 is a model microorganism for industrial applications because of its thermophilic enzymes, and for basic bacteriology to understand the coordination of the biological functions of the genome‐encoded enzymes at the cellular level. Here, we present 2DE reference maps of T. thermophilus HB8 in the pH ranges 4–7 and 6–11 obtained with whole‐cell lysates. PMF analysis using MALDI‐TOF‐MS and MS/MS analysis using nano‐scale LC and quadrupole TOF‐MS identified 258 different proteins among the 306 protein spots on 2DE gels. Functional classification indicated that 56%, 16%, and 14% of the identified proteins were related to metabolism, genetic information process, and cellular process, respectively. Detailed classification of the metabolism‐related proteins suggested that during the exponential phase, amino acid and carbohydrate metabolism are major metabolic processes, whereas nucleotide and lipid metabolism are minor ones. On the other hand, volume quantification analysis revealed that proteins involved in the translational process, nucleotide metabolism, and central carbon metabolism were most abundantly expressed in the exponential phase.
Quantitative proteomics of parotid saliva in primary Sjögren's syndrome
Authors: Ambatipudi Kiran S. , Swatkoski Stephen , Moresco James J. , Tu Patricia G. , Coca Andreea , Anolik Jennifer H. , Gucek Marjan , Sanz Igñacio , Yates John R. , Melvin James E.
Published: August 2012

The diagnosis of primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) is difficult due to the lack of specific laboratory and clinical tests. As an initial step for the global discovery of changes in the abundance of parotid salivary proteins in pSS, a pooled sample was compared to that from healthy control subjects by multidimensional protein identification technology (MudPIT). A total of 1246 proteins were identified by MudPIT. The abundance of 477 of these proteins did not change, 529 were only detected in either the pSS or HC sample, while 206 of these proteins were significantly upregulated ≥ twofold and 34 were downregulated ≤ 0.5. Ingenuity Pathway Analyses of differentially expressed proteins identified by MudPIT resulted in the identification of 100 significant pathways. The same samples were quantified in parallel using RP MS. Fifty‐eight of 71 proteins identified by RP overlapped with MudPIT results. Five proteins were further analyzed by targeted label‐free quantification to confirm the similar relative differential expression observed by RP and MudPIT approaches. The present study supports the use of MS for global discovery and validation of marker proteins for improved and early diagnosis of pSS.
Desire for formal psychological support among caregivers of patients with cancer: prevalence and implications for screening their needs
Authors: Merckaert Isabelle , Libert Yves , Lieutenant Frédérique , Moucheux Angélique , Farvacques Christine , Slachmuylder Jean‐Louis , Razavi Darius
Published: August 2012

Objective

To investigate the prevalence of desire for formal psychological support of primary caregivers of patients with cancer and to identify caregivers' and patients' socio‐demographic and psychological characteristics as well as patients' disease‐related characteristics associated with this desire.

Methods

This is a multicenter, cross‐sectional study assessing desire for formal psychological support among consecutive primary caregivers of patients with cancer. Patients and caregivers completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and reported their desire for formal psychological support.

Results

Two‐hundred and eighty‐two patient–caregiver dyads were assessed. Forty percent of patients had breast cancer, 16% had a hematologic cancer, 12% had a gastrointestinal cancer, and 32% had another solid tumor. Nineteen percent of caregivers reported desiring formal support, and 54% experienced moderate to high levels of distress. Regression analysis showed that caregivers' desire for formal support was negatively associated with caregivers' age (Exp(B) = 0.95; p < 0.001) and education levels (Exp(B) = 0.35; p = 0.032) and positively with caregivers' level of distress (Exp(B) = 1.08; p < 0.001) and with patients' desire for formal psychological support (Exp(B) = 2.54; p = 0.008). These variables only predicted 25% of caregivers who desire formal support.

Conclusions

One out of five caregivers desires formal psychological support although one out of two caregivers experiences significant levels of distress. The weak association between caregivers' desire for formal support and distress emphasizes the need to implement systematic screenings of both their distress and their desire for formal psychological support in oncology.

Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Moving the Field into the Lab: Simulation of Water and Heat Transport in Subarctic Peat
Authors: Nagare Ranjeet M. , Schincariol Robert A. , Quinton William L. , Hayashi Masaki
Published: August 2012

Large climate chambers are suitable to simulate, at or close to field scale, the annual freezing and thawing of layered peat in subarctic active layers above permafrost. An experiment in a climate chamber at the University of Western Ontario was designed to freeze and thaw four peat cores 60 cm in diameter. This paper describes the climate chamber and experimental setup, and evaluates their ability to maintain one‐dimensional change in soil moisture and temperature profiles. Preliminary results on soil water content (liquid and total) indicate that active‐layer freezing resulted in an upward movement of water towards a freezing front that propagated downward. The physical simulations will contribute towards improving conceptual and mathematical hydrological models for permafrost regions. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The inter‐observer variation of chest radiograph reading in acute lower respiratory tract infection among children
Authors: Xavier‐Souza Gabriel , Vilas‐Boas Ana Luisa , Fontoura Maria‐Socorro Heitz , Araújo‐Neto César Augusto , Andrade Sandra C. S. , Cardoso Maria‐Regina Alves , Nascimento‐Carvalho Cristiana Maria ,   the PNEUMOPAC‐Efficacy Study Group
Published: August 2012

This study assessed the inter‐observer agreement in the interpretation of several radiographic features in the chest radiographs (CXR) of 803 children aged 2–59 months with non‐severe acute lower respiratory tract infection (ALRI). Inclusion criteria comprised: report of respiratory complaints, detection of lower respiratory findings, and presence of pulmonary infiltrate on the CXR taken on admission and read by the pediatrician on duty. Data on demographic and clinical findings on admission were collected from children included in a clinical trial on the use of amoxicillin (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT01200706). CXR was later read by two independent pediatric radiologists blinded to clinical information and pneumonia was finally diagnosed if there was agreement on the presence of pulmonary infiltrate or pleural effusion. The kappa index (κ) of agreement was calculated. The radiologists agreed that 774 (96.4%) and 3 (0.4%) CXR were appropriate or inappropriate for reading, respectively, and that 222 (28.7%) and 459 (59.3%) CXR presented or did not present pneumonia. In intent to treat analysis, that is, considering the 803 enrolled patients, κ for the presence of pneumonia was 0.725 (95% CI: 0.675–0.775). The overall agreement was 78.7% (normal CXR [n = 385, 60.9%], pneumonia [n = 222, 35.1%], other radiological diagnosis [n = 22, 3.5%], inappropriate for reading [n = 3, 0.5%]). The most frequent radiological findings were alveolar infiltrate (33.2%) and consolidation (32.9%) by radiologist 1 and consolidation (28.3%) and alveolar infiltrate (19.3%) by radiologist 2. Concordance for consolidation was 86.7% (k = 0.683, 95%CI: 0.631–0.741). Agreement was good between two pediatric radiologists when diagnosis of pneumonia among children with non‐severe ALRI was compared. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2013; 48:464–469. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Evaluation of a cystic fibrosis transition program from pediatric to adult care
Authors: Chaudhry Sarah R. , Keaton Meghan , Nasr Samya Z.
Published: August 2012

Purpose

As the cystic fibrosis (CF) patient population median survival increase, the need for transitioning their care to adult care centers increase as well. We have a structured transition program since the early 1980s. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the experiences and opinions of patients in our adult CF center who went through a formal transition versus those who did not, in an attempt to evaluate the overall process and to identify means for improvement.

Methods

A questionnaire was given to adult CF patients at the University of Michigan during a clinic visit or inpatient hospitalization, after consent was obtained. Inclusion criteria included diagnosis of CF in childhood, previous care in a pediatric center, and current participation in our adult CF clinic.

Results

A total of 91 patients completed the questionnaire. 44 went through our structured transition program. On average, patients who participated in a formal transition process had higher satisfaction with both CF programs, perceived health status, and independence but no differences in their level of anxiety about transferring to the adult program. Patient opinions regarding when to transfer care were considered more often in patients who participated in a transition program (88% vs. 62% and P = 0.02).

Conclusion

Although structured transitions programs do not appear to decrease patient anxiety during this stressful period, it does appear to improve patient satisfaction, perceived health status, and independence. These findings suggest that establishing a transition program could be important in optimizing patient health, continuity of care and improving adherence. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2013; 48:658–665. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis and characterization of CdSe/ZnS core‐shell quantum dots immobilized on solid substrates through laser irradiation
Authors: György E. , del Pino A. Pérez , Roqueta J. , Ballesteros B. , Miguel A. S. , Maycock C. , Oliva A. G.
Published: August 2012

CdSe/ZnS core‐shell quantum dots (QDs) have been immobilized onto solid substrates by matrix assisted pulsed laser evaporation (MAPLE). An UV KrF* (λ = 248 nm, τFWHM ≅ 25 ns) excimer laser source was used for irradiations of the composite MAPLE targets. The targets were prepared by the dispersion of the CdSe/ZnS QDs in a solvent with high absorption at the incident laser radiation. The dependence of the surface morphology, crystalline structure, chemical composition, and functional properties of the laser transferred CdSe/ZnS QDs on the processing conditions as incident laser fluence value and ambient atmosphere inside the irradiation chamber was investigated. The possible physical mechanisms implied in the laser ablation process were identified.
In situ boron doping during heteroepitaxial growth of diamond on Ir/YSZ/Si
Authors: Sartori André F. , Fischer Martin , Gsell Stefan , Schreck Matthias
Published: August 2012

In situ boron doping of heteroepitaxial diamond films grown by microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition on Ir/YSZ/Si (001) is investigated. The study comprises the analysis of the gas phase by optical emission spectroscopy (OES) and measurements of B doped films by secondary ion mass spectroscopy (SIMS), cathodoluminescence (CL), and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). The OE intensity of BH species scales linearly with the concentration of the boron precursor trimethylboron (TMB) in the feed gas. Addition of CO2 as an oxygen source causes a proportional reduction of the BH signal. At a ratio C:O = 1, a reduction factor of ∼50 is obtained. It is shown for two diamond samples that the boron incorporation drops nearly identical to the BH emission intensity. We conclude that the influence of oxygen on boron incorporation is a pure gas phase effect. In contrast, CN and BH emission indicate a negligible interaction between N2 and TMB added to the feed gas. At the same time, preliminary growth rate measurements show that the boron background pressure in the chamber after growth with TMB completely cancels the growth acceleration by nitrogen up to N2 concentrations of 100 ppm which points to the dominance of surface processes. Heteroepitaxial diamond films grown on Ir at 50 mbar between 720 and 900 °C contain high intrinsic stress that varies from −2.2 GPa compressive at the lowest to slightly tensile at the highest deposition temperature. The observed behavior is similar to former work at 200 mbar in which effective climb of dislocations was suggested as responsible mechanism. Addition of boron rather enhances the stress formation than causing a relaxation. The B concentration in the heteroepitaxial films is deduced by SIMS, CL, and XRD and correlated with the TMB concentration in the gas phase.
Natural aging of Mg–Gd and Mg–Tb alloys
Authors: Čížek Jakub , Smola Bohumil , Stulíková Ivana , Hruška Petr , Vlach Martin , Vlček Marián , Melikhova Oksana , Procházka Ivan
Published: August 2012

Substantial natural aging occurring on the time scale of less than 1 month was observed in solution‐treated Mg–Gd and Mg–Tb alloys. Solution treatment at 500 and 530 °C for Mg–Gd and Mg–Tb alloys, respectively, leads to dissolution of Gd or Tb in the Mg matrix. By quenching of solution‐treated alloys to room temperature a supersaturated solid solution of Gd or Tb in Mg was formed. During subsequent aging at ambient temperature the hardness of quenched alloys increases, most probably, due to agglomeration of dissolved Gd or Tb atoms into small clusters. Positron lifetime spectroscopy combined with coincident Doppler broadening revealed that quenched alloys contain vacancies bound to Gd or Tb atoms. Quenched‐in vacancies facilitate clustering of Gd or Tb solutes and disappear from the samples when the clusters are fully developed.
The Bioactive and Therapeutic Potential of Hemidesmus indicus R. Br. (Indian Sarsaparilla) Root
Authors: Das Sarita , Singh Bisht Satpal
Published: August 2012

The root of Hemidesmus indicus R. Br., commonly known as Indian Sarsaparilla, is used traditionally to treat a wide variety of illnesses including rheumatism, leprosy, impotence, urinary tract and skin infections. The anticancer, antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, antipyretic, analgesic, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, renoprotective, neuroprotective and immunomodulatory properties of H. indicus have been investigated in numerous in vivo and in vitro studies. Among these, the antioxidant and antimicrobial activity was well documented. This review details the phytochemistry and therapeutic applications of H. indicus root. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High throughput Screening to Identify Natural Human Monoamine Oxidase B Inhibitors
Authors: Mazzio E , Deiab S , Park K , Soliman KFA
Published: August 2012

Age‐related increase in monoamine oxidase B (MAO‐B) may contribute to CNS neurodegenerative diseases. Moreover, MAO‐B inhibitors are used in the treatment of idiopathic Parkinson disease as preliminary monotherapy or adjunct therapy with L‐dopa. To date, meager natural sources of MAO‐B inhibitors have been identified, and the relative strength, potency and rank of many plants relative to standard drugs such as Selegiline (L‐deprenyl,Eldepryl) are not known. In this work, we developed and utilized a high throughput enzyme microarray format to screen and evaluate 905 natural product extracts (0.025‐.7 mg/ml) to inhibit human MAO‐B derived from BTI‐TN‐5B1‐4 cells infected with recombinant baculovirus. The protein sequence of purified enzyme was confirmed using 1D gel electrophoresis‐matrix assisted laser desorption ionization ‐time‐of‐flight‐tandem mass spectroscopy, and enzyme activity was confirmed by [1] substrate conversion (3‐mM benzylamine) to H202 and [2] benzaldehyde. Of the 905 natural extracts tested, the lowest IC50s [<0.07 mg/ml] were obtained with extracts of Amur Corktree (Phellodendron amurense), Bakuchi Seed(Cyamopsis psoralioides), Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra/uralensis), Babchi (Psoralea corylifolia seed). The data also show, albeit to a lesser extent, inhibitory properties of herbs originating from the mint family (Lamiaceae) and Turmeric, Comfrey, Bringraj, Skullcap, Kava‐kava, Wild Indigo, Gentian and Green Tea. In conclusion, the data reflect relative potency information by rank of commonly used herbs and plants that contain human MAO‐B inhibitory properties in their natural form. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An exploration of the equivalent weights particle filter
Authors: Ades M. , van Leeuwen P. J.
Published: August 2012

Particle filters are fully nonlinear data assimilation techniques that aim to represent the probability distribution of the model state given the observations (the posterior) by a number of particles. In high‐dimensional geophysical applications, the number of particles required by the sequential importance resampling (SIR) particle filter (in order to capture the high‐probability region of the posterior) is too large to make them usable. However particle filters can be formulated using proposal densities, which give greater freedom in how particles are sampled and allow for a much smaller number of particles. Here a particle filter is presented which uses the proposal density to ensure that all particles end up in the high‐probability region of the posterior probability density function. This gives rise to the possibility of nonlinear data assimilation in large‐dimensional systems. The particle filter formulation is compared to the optimal proposal density particle filter and the implicit particle filter, both of which also utilise a proposal density. We show that, when observations are available every time step, both schemes will be degenerate when the number of independent observations is large, unlike the new scheme. The sensitivity of the new scheme to its parameter values is explored theoretically and demonstrated using the Lorenz (1963) model. Copyright © 2012 Royal Meteorological Society
Preconditioning of variational data assimilation and the use of a bi‐conjugate gradient method
Authors: El Akkraoui Amal , Trémolet Yannick , Todling Ricardo
Published: August 2012

Presently, a preferred minimization for strong‐constraint four‐dimensional variational (4D‐Var) assimilation uses a Lanczos‐based conjugate gradient (CG) algorithm. This requires the availability of a square‐root of the background‐error covariance matrix (B). In the context of weak‐constraint 4D‐Var, this requirement might be too restrictive for the formulations of the model error term. It might therefore be desirable to avoid a square‐root decomposition of the augmented background term. An appealing minimization scheme is the double CG minimization employed, for example, in the grid‐point statistical interpolation (GSI) analysis. Realizing the double CG algorithm is a special case of the more general bi‐conjugate gradient (BiCG) method for solving non‐symmetric problems, the present work introduces a Lanczos‐based preconditioning strategy when B, instead of its square‐root, is used initially. Implementation of the scheme is done in the context of the GSI analysis system, and preliminary experiments are presented using its 3D‐Var version. Comparison of the Lanczos‐based CG and the BiCG shows that the algorithms converge at the same rate and to the same solution. Despite the additional computational cost, the importance of the re‐orthogonalization step is also shown to be fundamental to any of these CG algorithms. Furthermore, when using the Hessian eigenvectors for preconditioning, the BiCG behaviour is shown to be comparable to that of the Lanczos‐CG algorithm. Both schemes construct the same approximation of the Hessian with the same number of eigenvectors, and benefit in the same way from the reduction of the condition number. The efficiency, computational cost, and stability of the three algorithms are discussed. Copyright © 2012 Royal Meteorological Society
Visualizing the Growth and Dynamics of Liquid‐Ordered Domains During Lipid Bilayer Folding in a Microfluidic Chip
Authors: Kendall Eric L. , Shao Chenren , DeVoe Don L.
Published: August 2012

A microfluidic platform enabling optical monitoring of bilayer lipid membrane formation by a new monolayer folding process is described. The thermoplastic chips integrate dried lipid films that are rehydrated by microfluidic perfusion, which enables delivery of lipid‐laden air bubbles across a membrane‐supporting aperture. As in traditional Montal–Mueller bilayer formation, lipid monolayers are delivered independently to each side of the aperture, thereby allowing asymmetric lipid composition in the resulting bilayer to be achieved. Confocal microscopy is used to image the monolayer folding process, and reveals the growth and dynamics of asymmetric liquid‐ordered domains during bilayer stabilization.
Mechanical Testing and Finite Element Simulations for the Use of Cellular Metals as Car Seat Components
Authors: Nesic Srecko , Unruh Klaus , Michels Wilhelm , Krupp Ulrich
Published: August 2012

Due to the high energy absorption capacity at constant compressive stress level, cellular metals may be used as crash‐energy‐absorbing elements in autobody structures or car components, e.g., car seats. Modern car seats do not only have a high technical functionality, like electronic positioning, heating, and ventilation systems; in the case of a crash they must protect the passenger. The present paper deals with an analysis of potentially suitable cellular metals for integration in car seats. By means of different quasi‐static tests, i.e., compression, tensile, shear, and bending testing of several candidate metal foams and foam sandwich structures, the general material properties, the damage behavior and the reproducibility of mechanical data are tested. The results, which include optical 3D strain distribution measurements of the chosen cellular metals during quasi‐static testing, are implemented in the engineering design of structural car seat components and finite element calculations to simulate the crash behavior. Objective of the work is the derivation of robust and reliable mechanical testing procedures and standards as well as an improved understanding of the damage mechanisms of cellular metals under different loading conditions to finally derive design guidelines for cellular metals.
Finite Element Analysis of Glass Fiber‐Reinforced Polyamide Engine Oil Pan Subjected to Localized Low Velocity Impact from Flying Projectiles
Authors: Mouti Zakaria , Westwood Keith , Long Darren , Njuguna James
Published: August 2012

This paper investigates low velocity impact involving a glass fiber‐reinforced polyamide engine oil pan as part of a complete new development of thermoplastic components. The assessment of the impact resistance has driven the need to employ LS DYNA for finite element modeling in order to benchmark and predict the strength and fracture behavior of stressed plastic parts. In order to develop a reliable predictive capability and to validate simulations, complete components were manufactured by injection molding techniques for the experimental samples. Low velocity impact investigations were carried out using a gas gun and a falling weight tester in order to simulate impact events to which the oil pan is subjected whilst in operational service. This was intended to point out damage tolerance and failure mechanisms likely to occur in the structure. The study results show the significant contribution of the design in terms of shock absorption. Specific oil pan design with protective ribbing combined with a superior material considerably improves the impact resistance. The paper provides results and discussions on experimental and finite element analysis investigations before concluding with some remarks.
Computational and Experimental Analysis of Carbo‐Nitride Precipitation in Tempered Martensite
Authors: Zamberger Sabine , Wojcik Tomasz , Klarner Jürgen , Klösch Gerald , Schifferl Herbert , Kozeschnik Ernst
Published: August 2012

The present work describes the analysis of carbo‐nitride precipitation kinetics in tempered martensite of Nb–Ti‐microalloyed steel with a carbon content of 0.3 wt%. Based on the information obtained from transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, a computational simulation procedure is developed within the software package MatCalc, which is capable of describing the experimental results in terms of the number density, composition, and type of precipitate phases. No explicit fitting parameters are used in the computer simulation. The input data is entirely based on independent physical or microstructural parameters. To determine the chemical composition and type of precipitates, energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy and selected area electron diffraction are utilized. The simulation results and the experimentally obtained information are in good agreement.
Resonance energy flow dynamics of coherently delocalized excitons in biological and macromolecular systems: Recent theoretical advances and open issues
Authors: Jang Seogjoo , Cheng Yuan‐Chung
Published: August 2012

Recent experimental and theoretical studies suggest that biological photosynthetic complexes utilize the quantum coherence in a positive manner for efficient and robust flow of electronic excitation energy. Clear and quantitative understanding of such suggestion is important for identifying the design principles behind efficient flow of excitons coherently delocalized over multiple chromophores in condensed environments. Adaptation of such principles for synthetic macromolecular systems has also significant implication for the development of novel photovoltaic systems. Advanced theories of resonance energy transfer are presented, which can address these issues. Applications to photosynthetic light harvesting complex systems and organic materials demonstrate the capabilities of new theoretical approaches and future challenges.

This article is categorized under:

Molecular and Statistical Mechanics > Molecular Dynamics and Monte-Carlo Methods
Comparing cytosolic expression to peroxisomal targeting of the chimeric L1/L2 (ChiΔH‐L2) gene from human papillomavirus type 16 in the methylotrophic yeasts Pichia pastoris and Hansenula polymorpha
Authors: Smith J. J. , Burke A. , Bredell H. , van Zyl W. H. , Görgens J. F.
Published: August 2012

The chimeric ChiΔH‐L2 gene from human papillomavirus type 16, consisting of structural proteins L1 and L2, was successfully expressed in the cytosol of both Pichia pastoris and Hansenula polymorpha during methanol induction. In addition, a novel approach was employed whereby ChiΔH‐L2 was targeted to the peroxisome using peroxisomal targeting sequence 1 (PTS1) to compare ChiΔH‐L2 yields in the peroxisome vs the cytosol. The ChiΔH‐L2 gene was yeast‐optimized and cloned into plasmids aimed at genomic integration. Levels of intracellular ChiΔH‐L2 accumulation in the cytosol were highest in P. pastoris KM71 strain KMChiΔH‐L2 (1.43 mg/l), compared to the maximum production level of 0.72 mg/l obtained with H. polymorpha. ChiΔH‐L2 targeting to the peroxisome was successful; however, it appeared to negatively affect ChiΔH‐L2 production in both P. pastoris and H. polymorpha. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Accomplishing Structural Change: Identifying Intermediate Indicators of Success
Authors: Miller Robin Lin , Reed Sarah J. , Francisco Vincent
Published: August 2012

Coalitions are routinely employed across the United States as a method of mobilizing communities to improve local conditions that impact on citizens’ well‐being. Success in achieving specific objectives for environmental or structural community change may not quickly translate into improved population outcomes in the community, posing a dilemma for coalitions that pursue changes that focus on altering community conditions. Considerable effort by communities to plan for and pursue structural change objectives, without evidence of logical and appropriate intermediate markers of success could lead to wasted effort. Yet, the current literature provides little guidance on how coalitions might select intermediate indicators of achievement to judge their progress and the utility of their effort. The current paper explores the strengths and weaknesses of various indicators of intermediate success in creating structural changes among a sample of 13 coalitions organized to prevent exposure to HIV among high‐risk adolescents in their local communities.
An Age-Hardening Model for Al-Mg-Si Alloys Considering Needle-Shaped Precipitates
Authors: Bahrami A. , Miroux A. , Sietsma J.
Published: August 2012

In the present study, an age-hardening model for Al-Mg-Si alloys was developed considering cylindrical morphology with constant aspect ratio for precipitates. It is assumed that the precipitate distribution during underaging is controlled by simultaneous nucleation and growth, and after peak age, the process becomes coarsening controlled. The transition from the nucleation/growth regime to the coarsening regime takes place when the equilibrium fraction of the precipitating phase is reached. The microstructural model is combined with a precipitation-strengthening model to predict the evolution of yield strength of Al-Mg-Si alloys during aging. The predictions of the model on the evolution of yield strength and length, radius, and volume fraction of precipitates are presented and compared with experimental data.
A technical note on improved instrumentation for Blount staple insertion
Authors: Burghardt Rolf D. , Kanellopoulos Anastasios D. , Herzenberg John E.
Published: August 2012

Purpose

Temporary hemiepiphysiodesis has gained increasing popularity after the introduction of the eight-Plate Guided Growth System. Since its introduction, the eight-Plate has largely supplanted the traditional Blount staple. The eight-Plate offers better purchase in the bone and a more precise insertion technique. However, the Blount staple is less expensive than the various guided growth plates. Further, some surgeons feel that the Blount staple may work faster, making it more appropriate for children who are approaching skeletal maturity. Unfortunately, the original instrumentation and technique for inserting the Blount staple is over 50 years old and has not been updated.

Methods

The purpose of this study was to develop new instrumentation to make Blount staple insertion as accurate and minimally invasive as eight-Plate insertion. We developed wire/drill guides to accommodate all three sizes of the Blount staple. Two wires are inserted through the wire guide under image intensifier control. After confirming the accurate position of the guidewires, a 3.2-mm cannulated step drill is used to drill over the wires to a depth of 5 mm. This creates two pilot holes for the two tines of the Blount staple. The final insertion is guided under an anteroposterior image intensifier view. We also developed a small staple holder that permits insertion through a small incision.

Results

We developed a working prototype of the new instrumentation and used it in three clinical cases.

Conclusions

With the new staple inserter and instrumentation, Blount staples can now be inserted through a smaller incision with similar accuracy as eight-Plate insertion.
Characterization of a Wnt‐binding site of the WIF‐domain of Wnt inhibitory factor‐1
Authors: Bányai László , Kerekes Krisztina , Patthy László
Published: August 2012

Wnt‐5a
and
WIF
physically interact by competition binding (View Interaction 1,2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
The Cost of Courage in Aztec Society
Authors: Clendinnen Inga
Published: August 2012

How can men be brought to look steadily on the face of battle? Tenochtitlán, the great city of the Aztecs, was the creation of war, and war was its dynamic. In the title work of this compelling collection of essays, Inga Clendinnen reconstructs the sequence of experiences through which young Aztec warriors were brought to embrace their duty to their people, to their city, and to the forces that moved the world and the heavens. Subsequent essays explore the survival of Yucatec Maya culture in the face of Spanish conquest and colonisation, the insidious corruption of an austere ideology translated into dangerously novel circumstances, and the multiple paths to the sacred constructed by 'defeated' populations in sixteenth-century Mexico. The collection ends with Clendinnen's transition to the colonial history of her own country: a close and loving reading of the 1841 expedition journal of George Augustus Robinson, appointed 'Protector of Aborigines' in the Port Philip District of Australia.
The Cambridge Introduction to Samuel Taylor Coleridge
Authors: Worthen John
Published: August 2012

Author of 'The Rime of the Ancient Mariner', 'Kubla Khan' and 'Christabel', and co-author with Wordsworth of Lyrical Ballads in 1798, Samuel Taylor Coleridge was one of the great writers and thinkers of the Romantic revolution. This innovative introduction discusses his interest in language and his extraordinary private notebooks, as well as his poems, his literary criticism and his biography. John Worthen presents a range of readings of Coleridge's work, along with biographical context and historical background. Discussion of Coleridge's notebooks alongside his poems illuminates this rich material and finds it a way into his creativity. Readers are invited to see Coleridge as an immensely self-aware, witty and charismatic writer who, although damaged by an opium habit, responded to and in his turn influenced the literary, political, religious and scientific thinking of his time.
Domestic Space in Classical Antiquity
Authors: Nevett Lisa C.
Published: August 2012

Housing is shaped by culturally-specific expectations about the kinds of architecture and furnishings that are appropriate; about how and where different activities should be carried out; and by and with whom. It is those expectations, and the wider social and cultural systems of which they are a part, that are explored in this volume. At the same time, the book as a whole argues two larger points: first, that while houses, households and families have in recent years become increasingly important as objects of inquiry in Greek and Roman contexts, their potential as sources of information about broader social-historical issues has yet to be fully realised; and second, that greater weight and independence should be given to material culture as a source for studying ancient history. The book will be invaluable for upper-level undergraduates, graduate students and scholars.
Fire in the Forest
Authors: Thomas Peter A. , McAlpine Robert S. , Hirsch Kelvin , Hobson Peter
Published: August 2012

How destructive or beneficial are forest fires to wildlife? Should we be trying to reduce or increase the amount of fire in forests? How are forest fires controlled, and why does this sometimes fail? What effect will climate change have? These and many other questions are answered in this richly illustrated book, written in non-technical language. The journey starts in the long geological history of fire leading up to our present love-hate relationship with it. Exploring the physics of how a single flame burns, the journey continues through how whole forests burn and the anatomy of firestorms. The positive and negative ecological effects of fires are explored, from plants and wildlife to whole landscapes. The journey ends with how fires are controlled, and a look to the future. This book will be of interest to ecologists, biogeographers and anyone with an interest in forest fires and the role they play.
A Concise History of Spain
Authors: Phillips, Jr William D. , Phillips Carla Rahn
Published: August 2012

The rich cultural and political life of Spain has emerged from its complex history, from the diversity of its peoples, and from continual contact with outside influences. This book traces that history from prehistoric times to the present, focusing particularly on culture, society, politics, and personalities. Written in an engaging style, it introduces readers to the key themes that have shaped Spain's history and culture. These include its varied landscapes and climates; the impact of waves of diverse human migrations; the importance of its location as a bridge between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean and Europe and Africa; and religion, particularly militant Catholic Christianity and its centuries of conflict with Islam and Protestantism, as well as debates over the place of the Church in modern Spain. Illustrations, maps, and a guide to further reading, major cultural figures, and places to see, make the history of this fascinating country come alive.
A History of Islam in America
Authors: GhaneaBassiri Kambiz
Published: August 2012

Muslims began arriving in the New World long before the rise of the Atlantic slave trade. Kambiz GhaneaBassiri's fascinating book traces the history of Muslims in the United States and their different waves of immigration and conversion across five centuries, through colonial and antebellum America, through world wars and civil rights struggles, to the contemporary era. The book tells the often deeply moving stories of individual Muslims and their lives as immigrants and citizens within the broad context of the American religious experience, showing how that experience has been integral to the evolution of American Muslim institutions and practices. This is a unique and intelligent portrayal of a diverse religious community and its relationship with America. It will serve as a strong antidote to the current politicized dichotomy between Islam and the West, which has come to dominate the study of Muslims in America and further afield.
The Cambridge Introduction to Charles Dickens
Authors: Mee Jon
Published: August 2012

Charles Dickens became immensely popular early on in his career as a novelist, and his appeal continues to grow with new editions prompted by recent television and film adaptations, as well as large numbers of students studying the Victorian novel. This lively and accessible introduction to Dickens focuses on the extraordinary diversity of his writing. Jon Mee discusses Dickens's novels, journalism and public performances, the historical contexts and his influence on other writers. In the process, five major themes emerge: Dickens the entertainer; Dickens and language; Dickens and London; Dickens, gender, and domesticity; and the question of adaptation, including Dickens's adaptations of his own work. These interrelated concerns allow readers to start making their own new connections between his famous and less widely read works and to appreciate fully the sheer imaginative richness of his writing, which particularly evokes the dizzying expansion of nineteenth-century London.
An Introduction to the Trinity
Authors: Marmion Declan , van Nieuwenhove Rik
Published: August 2012

Over the last decade there has been a resurgence of writing on the Trinity, indicating a renewal of ideas and debate concerning this key element of Christian theology. This introduction challenges the standard account of a decline and revival in Trinitarian theology, taking into account recent, alternative readings of the theological tradition by Lewis Ayres and Michel Barnes amongst other scholars. By clearly analysing the scope of these new approaches, the authors establish the importance of a considered understanding of the Trinity, resisting the notion of separating faith and reason and identifying theology's link to spirituality. Their account also eschews the easy stereotypes of Western Christianity's supposedly more Unitarian approach as opposed to the more Trinitarian view of the East. Offering an overview of the main people and themes in Trinitarian theology past and present, this book thus provides an accessible, comprehensive guide for students and scholars alike.
Constructing Reality
Authors: Marburger John
Published: August 2012

Questions of the fundamental nature of matter continue to inspire and engage our imagination. However, the exciting new concepts of strings, supersymmetry and exotic matter build on ideas that are well known to physicists but mysterious and puzzling to people outside of these research fields. Covering key conceptual developments from the last century, this book provides a background to the bold ideas and challenges faced by physicists today. Quantum theory and the Standard Model of particles are explained with minimal mathematics, and advanced topics, such as gauge theory and quantum field theory, are put into context. With concise, lucid explanations, this book is an essential guide to the world of particle physics.
Introduction to Topological Quantum Computation
Authors: Pachos Jiannis K.
Published: August 2012

Combining physics, mathematics and computer science, topological quantum computation is a rapidly expanding research area focused on the exploration of quantum evolutions that are immune to errors. In this book, the author presents a variety of different topics developed together for the first time, forming an excellent introduction to topological quantum computation. The makings of anyonic systems, their properties and their computational power are presented in a pedagogical way. Relevant calculations are fully explained, and numerous worked examples and exercises support and aid understanding. Special emphasis is given to the motivation and physical intuition behind every mathematical concept. Demystifying difficult topics by using accessible language, this book has broad appeal and is ideal for graduate students and researchers from various disciplines who want to get into this new and exciting research field.
The Theory of Fusion Systems
Authors: Craven David A.
Published: August 2012

Fusion systems are a recent development in finite group theory and sit at the intersection of algebra and topology. This book is the first to deal comprehensively with this new and expanding field, taking the reader from the basics of the theory right to the state of the art. Three motivational chapters, indicating the interaction of fusion and fusion systems in group theory, representation theory and topology are followed by six chapters that explore the theory of fusion systems themselves. Starting with the basic definitions, the topics covered include: weakly normal and normal subsystems; morphisms and quotients; saturation theorems; results about control of fusion; and the local theory of fusion systems. At the end there is also a discussion of exotic fusion systems. Designed for use as a text and reference work, this book is suitable for graduate students and experts alike.