bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bacterial Toxin Fusion Proteins Elicit Mucosal Immunity against a Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus Antigen When Administered Intranasally to Guinea Pigs
Authors: Challa Sreerupa , Szczepanek Steven M. , Rood Debra , Barrette Roger W. , Silbart Lawrence K.
Published: September 2011

Peptides corresponding to the foot-and-mouth disease virus VP1 G-H loop are capable of inducing neutralizing antibodies in some species but are considered relatively poor immunogens, especially at mucosal surfaces. However, intranasal administration of antigens along with the appropriate delivery vehicle/adjuvant has been shown to induce mucosal immune responses, and bacterial enterotoxins have long been known to be effective in this regard. In the current study, two different carrier/adjuvant approaches were used to augment mucosal immunity to the FMDV O1BFS G-H loop epitope, in which the G-H loop was genetically coupled to theE. coliLT-B subunit and coexpressed with the LTA2 fragment (LTA2B-GH), or the nontoxic pseudomonas exotoxin A (ntPE) was fused to LTA2B-GH at LT-A2 to enhance receptor targeting. Only guinea pigs that were inoculated intranasally with ntPE-LTA2B-GH and LTA2B-GH induced significant anti-G-H loop IgA antibodies in nasal washes at weeks 4 and 6 when compared to ovalbumin or G-H loop immunized animals. These were also the only groups that exhibited G-H loop-specific antigen-secreting cells in the nasal mucosa. These data demonstrate that fusion of nonreplicating antigens to LTA2B and ntPE-LTA2B has the potential to be used as carriers/adjuvants to induce mucosal immune responses against infectious diseases.
Optical Microscopy, X-Ray Diffraction, and Dielectric Permittivity Studies in Binary Mixtures of Nematogens Showing Induced Smectic Phase
Authors: Datta Sarkar Suchismita , Choudhury Basana
Published: September 2011

The binary mixtures of nematogenic compounds 4-n-pentyl phenyl 4-n′-hexyloxy benzoate (ME6O.5) and 4-cyanophenyl 4-heptyl benzoate (CPHB) show the presence of induced smectic phase. In the present paper we report the phase diagram of the binary system (ME6O.5+CPHB) obtained by polarizing optical microscopy as well as the results of X-ray diffraction and static dielectric permittivity measurements on the system throughout the entire composition range. The observed variation of dielectric anisotropy with molar concentration in the induced smectic phase region is explained by assuming molecular associations in the mixture which is supported by our measurements of layer spacing in the induced smectic phase by X-ray diffraction studies.
Biliary Dyskinesia as a Rare Presentation of Metastatic Breast Carcinoma of the Gallbladder: A Case Report
Authors: Markelov A. , Taheri H. , Vunnamadala K. , Ibrahim G.
Published: September 2011

Background. Breast carcinoma is the most common malignancy in women worldwide. It is most commonly associated with metastases to the liver, lung, bone, and the brain. Invasive lobular carcinoma is a less common pathology with slightly higher metastases to the upper gastrointestinal tract. Invasive lobular carcinoma metastasis to the gallbladder is extremely rare.Method. In this paper we are presenting a case of a 67-year-old female with metastases of invasive lobular breast cancer to the gallbladder six years after her therapy.Conclusion. This case clearly signifies the nature of the micrometastatic foci of the invasive lobular carcinoma even many years after a successful treatment.
Fundus Autofluorescence in Multiple Evanescent White Dot Syndrome
Authors: Penha Fernando Marcondes , Navajas Eduardo Vitor , Bom Aggio Fábio , Rodrigues Eduardo B. , Farah Michel Eid
Published: September 2011

A patient complained of photopsia and vision loss in the left eye for two days, with visual acuity of 20/32. Right eye was normal. Funduscopy revealed foveal granularity and gray-white lesions in the posterior pole, mainly temporal to the fovea. The lesions (dots and spots), along with a few other areas surrounding them, showed hyperautofluorescence on autofluorescence imaging. Fluorescein angiogram (FA) depicted some early hyperfluorescent dots with late staining. Indocyanine green angiogram (ICGA) showed hypofluorescent lesions in a greater number compared with funduscopy, autofluorescence, and FA. Thirty days later, BCVA was 20/20 in both eyes and the complimentary exams were almost normal, despite an ICGA that showed few small hypofluorescent lesions. This case supports the hypothesis that the choroidal involvement occurs primarily in MEWDS, with secondary involvement of the RPE and the neurosensory retina.
Delay in Diagnosis of Cerebral Venous and Sinus Thrombosis: Successful Use of Mechanical Thrombectomy and Thrombolysis
Authors: Shah Christopher T. , Rizqallah Jason J. , Oluwole Oladoyin , Kalnins Aleksandrs , Sheagren John N.
Published: September 2011

Cerebral venous and sinus thrombosis is a relatively rare condition with a variable presentation that can translate into a difficult workup and a delay in diagnosis and treatment. We describe the successful use of mechanical thrombectomy and thrombolysis in the case of an eighteen-year-old woman that presented with progressive thrombosis of the jugular veins and dural sinuses despite adequate anticoagulation. Our case highlights the need for clinicians to include CVST in the initial differential diagnosis of patients in order to prevent delays and poor outcomes.
A Case Report of a Metastatic Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor Occurring in Femur
Authors: Zheng Chang-kun , Kan Wu-Sheng , Li Peng
Published: September 2011

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are mesenchymal neoplasms that most commonly affect the stomach or small intestine, but can occur anywhere throughout the gastrointestinal tract. To the best of our knowledge, few cases have been reported in the literature about the femur metastasis of GIST. This paper describes a metastasis of a gastrointestinal stromal tumour (GIST) to the femur in a 62-year-old male, 2 years after treatment for a gastric primary. There were no signs of tumor recurrence at followup after 12 mo. This case suggests that the femur can be a potential metastatic site of GIST.
Endocytosis and Sphingolipid Scavenging inLeishmania mexicanaAmastigotes
Authors: Ali Hayder Z. , Harding Clare R. , Denny Paul W.
Published: September 2011

Leishmaniaspecies are the causative agents of the leishmaniases, a spectrum of neglected tropical diseases. Amastigote stage parasites exist within macrophages and scavenge host factors for survival, for example,Leishmaniaspecies utilise host sphingolipid for synthesis of complex sphingolipid. In this studyL. mexicanaendocytosis was shown to be significantly upregulated in amastigotes, indicating that sphingolipid scavenging may be enhanced. However, inhibition of host sphingolipid biosynthesis had no significant effect on amastigote proliferation within a macrophage cell line. In addition, infection itself did not directly influence host biosynthesis. Notably, in contrast toL. major,L. mexicanaamastigotes are indicated to possess a complete biosynthetic pathway suggesting that scavenged sphingolipids may be nonessential for proliferation. This suggested that Old and New World species differ in their interactions with the macrophage host. This will need to be considered when targeting theLeishmaniasphingolipid biosynthetic pathway with novel therapeutics.
IDIBELL Cancer Conference on Metastasis and Angiogenesis
Authors: Carmona F. Javier , Esteller Manel
Published: September 2011

The IDIBELL Cancer Conference (ICC) on Metastasis and Angiogenesis was held in Barcelona, Spain, on May 26–27, 2011. The program content was developed by Dr. Manel Esteller, director of the Cancer Epigenetics and Biology Program (PEBC-IDIBELL), Dr. Oriol Casanovas and Dr. Francesc Viñals Canals of the Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO-IDIBELL), and Dr. Danny R. Welch from the University of Kansas Cancer Center. The topics discussed during the meeting included the latest advances in epigenetic control of metastasis and tumor cell invasion, and molecular mechanisms of angiogenesis and tumoral angiogenesis, and were presented by invited keynote speakers. One issue that recurred throughout the meeting was the increased appreciation of tumor–stromal/microenvironment interactions and how the tumor cells respond to these signals in the cancer dissemination process. Cancer Res; 71(19); 6097–101. ©2011 AACR.
TNF-α Promotes c-REL/ΔNp63α Interaction and TAp73 Dissociation from Key Genes That Mediate Growth Arrest and Apoptosis in Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Lu Hai , Yang Xinping , Duggal Praveen , Allen Clint T. , Yan Bin , Cohen Jonah , Nottingham Liesl , Romano Rose-Anne , Sinha Satrajit , King Kathryn E. , Weinberg Wendy C. , Chen Zhong , Van Waes Carter
Published: September 2011

Inflammation-induced activation of proto-oncogenic NF-κB/REL and dysfunction of tumor suppressor TP53/p63/p73 family transcription factors are key events in cancer progression. How inflammatory signaling coordinates dysregulation of these two transcription factor families during oncogenesis remains incompletely understood. Here, we observed that oncoprotein c-REL and tumor suppressor TAp73 are coexpressed and complex with ΔNp63α in the nucleus of a subset of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cell lines with mutant (mt)TP53. TNF-α, a proinflammatory cytokine, promoted c-REL nuclear translocation, c-REL/ΔNp63α interaction, and dissociation of TAp73 from ΔNp63α and the nucleus to the cytoplasm, whereas c-REL siRNA knockdown attenuated this effect. Overexpression of c-REL or a c-REL κB-site DNA-binding mutant enhanced protein interaction with ΔNp63α and TAp73 dissociation, implicating c-REL/ΔNp63α-specific interactions in these effects. We discovered that TNF-α or genetic alteration of c-REL expression inversely modulates ΔNp63α/TAp73 interactions on distinct p63 DNA-binding sites, including those for key growth arrest and apoptotic genes p21WAF1, NOXA, and PUMA. Functionally, c-REL repressed these genes and the antiproliferative effects of TNF-α or TAp73. Conversely, c-REL siRNA depletion enhanced TAp73 promoter interaction and expression of genes mediating growth arrest and apoptosis. Similar to TNF-α–treated HNSCC lines, human HNSCC tumors and hyperplastic squamous epithelia of transgenic mice overexpressing ΔNp63α that exhibit inflammation also show increased nuclear c-REL/ΔNp63α and cytoplasmic TAp73 localization. These findings unveil a novel and reversible dynamic mechanism whereby proinflammatory cytokine TNF-α–induced c-REL/ΔNp63α interactions inactivate tumor suppressor TAp73 function, promoting TNF-α resistance and cell survival in cancers with mtTP53. Cancer Res; 71(21); 6867–77. ©2011 AACR.
Synergistic Activity of Fenretinide and the Bcl-2 Family Protein Inhibitor ABT-737 against Human Neuroblastoma
Authors: Fang Hua , Harned Theresa M. , Kalous Ondrej , Maldonado Vanessa , DeClerck Yves A. , Reynolds C. Patrick
Published: September 2011

Purpose: Fenretinide (4-HPR) is a cytotoxic retinoid with minimal systemic toxicity that has shown clinical activity against recurrent high-risk neuroblastoma. To identify possible synergistic drug combinations for future clinical trials, we determined whether ABT-737, a small-molecule BH3-mimetic that inhibits most proteins of the antiapoptotic Bcl-2 family, could enhance 4-HPR activity in neuroblastoma.

Experimental Design: Eleven neuroblastoma cell lines were tested for the cytotoxic activity of 4-HPR and ABT-737 as single agents and in combination using the DIMSCAN fluorescence digital imaging cytotoxicity assay. The effect of these agents alone and in combination on mitochondrial membrane depolarization and apoptosis (by flow cytometry), cytochrome c release, caspases, Bax-α, t-Bid, and Bak activation, and subcutaneous xenografts in nu/nu mice was also determined.

Results: Multilog synergistic cytotoxicity was observed for the drug combination in all of the 11 neuroblastoma cell lines tested, including MDR lines and those insensitive to either drug as single agents. 4-HPR + ABT-737 induced greater mitochondrial membrane depolarization and mitochondrial cytochrome c release, greater activation of caspases, Bax-α, t-Bid, and Bak, and a higher level of apoptosis than either drug alone. In vivo, 4-HPR + ABT-737 increased the event-free survival of the MDR human neuroblastoma line CHLA-119 implanted subcutaneously in nu/nu mice (194.5 days for the combination vs. 68 days for ABT-737 and 99 days for 4-HPR).

Conclusion: Thus, the combination of 4-HPR with a BH3-mimetic drug warrants clinical trials in recurrent neuroblastoma. Clin Cancer Res; 17(22); 7093–104. ©2011 AACR.
Crystal Structure of a Multidomain Human p53 Tetramer Bound to the Natural CDKN1A (p21) p53-Response Element
Authors: Emamzadah Soheila , Tropia Laurence , Halazonetis Thanos D.
Published: September 2011

The p53 tumor suppressor protein is a sequence-specific DNA-binding transcription factor. Structures of p53 bound to DNA have been described, but, so far, no structure has been determined of p53 bound to a natural p53-response element. We describe here the structure of a human p53 homotetramer encompassing both the DNA-binding and homo-oligomerization domains in complex with the natural p53-response element present upstream of the promoter of the CDKN1A (p21) gene. Similar to our previously described structures of human p53 tetramers bound to an artificial consensus DNA site, p53 DNA binding proceeds via an induced fit mechanism with loops L1 of two subunits adopting recessed conformations. Interestingly, the conformational change involving loop L1 is even more extreme than the one previously observed with the artificial consensus DNA site. In fact, the previously determined loop L1 conformation seems to be a transition intermediate between the non–DNA-bound and CDKN1A-bound states. Thus, the new structure further supports our model that recognition of specific DNA by p53 is associated with conformational changes within the DNA-binding domain of p53. Mol Cancer Res; 9(11); 1493–9. ©2011 AACR.
Eph/Ephrin-Mediated Interactions in the Thymus
Authors: Muñoz Juan Jose , Cejalvo Teresa , Alonso-Colmenar Luis Miguel , Alfaro David , Garcia-Ceca Javier , Zapata Agustin
Published: September 2011

In the present study, we review available information on the relevance of Eph and ephrins in numerous processes occurring in the thymus that regulate not only T cell differentiation but also thymic epithelial cell (TEC) development and organization. Eph/ephrins are a large family of receptors and ligands involved in organogenesis and homeostasis of adult tissues. They are extensively expressed in the thymus and seem to be involved in the colonization of lymphoid progenitor cells and their migration throughout the thymic parenchyma necessary to provide an adequate topological location of developing thymocytes in the epithelial network that ensures their correct differentiation. In addition, EphB2 and EphB3 play a cell-autonomous role in regulating the transitions of double-negative to double-positive cells and of double-positive to single-positive thymocytes and the lack of these molecules or their ligands ephrin B1 and ephrin B2 induces profound alterations of the TEC maturation and in the arrangement of epithelial network. We emphasize that these results are largely reflecting the role played by this family of molecules in controlling thymocyte-TEC interactions within the thymus.
Immune Profile and Epstein-Barr Virus Infection in Acute Interstitial Nephritis: An Immunohistochemical Study in 78 Patients
Authors: Mansur Abdurrezagh , Little Mark A. , Oh Weng Chin , Jacques Steven , Nightingale Peter , Howie Alexander J. , Savage Caroline O.S.
Published: September 2011

Background: Acute interstitial nephritis (AIN) is a common cause of acute kidney injury and is characterised by a dense interstitial cellular infiltrate, which has not been well defined. Previous studies have demonstrated a correlation between Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection and AIN. The purpose of our study was to define the nature of the interstitial immune infiltrate and to investigate the possibility of renal infection with EBV. Methods: Seventy-eight patients with AIN were identified from renal biopsy reports in a single centre over an 18-year period. Immunohistochemical staining was performed to define the cellular infiltrate. In situ hybridization and immunohistology were used to detect EBV. Results: A positive correlation between CD68 macrophage infiltration and serum creatinine concentration at presentation was identified. IL-4, eotaxin, CCR3, CCR5 and VCAM-1 were all expressed in biopsies of AIN. Using in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry, EBV was not detected in any of the AIN sections analysed. Conclusion: This study has assessed the nature of the interstitial infiltrate in AIN. EBV was not detected in the renal biopsies, suggesting that EBV is not a pathogenetic factor in AIN.
Evidence for Altered Anorectal Function in Irritable Bowel Syndrome Patients with Sleep Disturbance
Authors: Chen Chien-Lin , Liu Tso-Tsai , Yi Chih-Hsun , Orr William C.
Published: September 2011

Background/Aims: Sleep dysfunction is associated with altered gastrointestinal functioning and the presence of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). We aimed to investigate whether sleep dysfunction would influence anorectal motility in IBS patients. Methods: A total of 16 healthy volunteers and 15 IBS patients underwent anorectal manometry. The anorectal parameters included resting and squeeze sphincter pressure, sensory thresholds in response to balloon distension, and rectoanal inhibitory reflex. Sleep dysfunction was assessed by using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Results: IBS patients had a lower threshold volume for urge (p = 0.04) and pain (p = 0.002) as compared with the controls. IBS patients with sleep dysfunction had a significantly lower threshold volume for urge (p = 0.04) and anal sphincter pressure for maximal squeeze (p = 0.048) as compared with those without sleep dysfunction. In IBS patients, the PSQI score significantly correlated with threshold volume for first sensation (r = –0.55; p = 0.03), urge (r = –0.56; p = 0.03) and pain (r = –0.58; p = 0.03). Conclusions: IBS patients with sleep dysfunction are characterized by lower thresholds for rectal perception. Sleep disturbance might be associated with anorectal dysfunction and appears to create some degree of rectal hyperalgesia in patients with IBS.
The Chinese (Cantonese) Montreal Cognitive Assessment in Patients with Subcortical Ischemic Vascular Dementia
Authors: You Jin-song , Chen Ri-zhao , Zhang Fo-ming , Zhou Zi-yi , Cai Ye-feng , Li Gui-fu
Published: September 2011

Background: Subcortical ischemic vascular dementia (SIVD) has been proposed as the most frequent subtype of vascular cognitive impairment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Chinese (Cantonese) Montreal Cognitive Assessment (CC- MoCA) in patients with SIVD in the Guangdong Province of China. Methods: 71 SIVD patients and 60 matched controls were recruited for the CC-MoCA, Mini Mental State Examination and executive clock drawing tasks. Receiver-operating characteristic curve analyses were performed to determine optimal sensitivity and specificity of the CC-MoCA total score in differentiating mild vascular dementia (VaD) patients from moderate VaD patients and controls. Results: The mean CC-MoCA scores of the controls, and mild and moderate VaD patients were 25.2 ± 3.8, 16.4 ± 3.7, and 10.0 ± 5.1, respectively. In our study, the optimal cutoff value for the CC-MoCA to be able to differentiate patients with mild VaD from controls is 21/22, and 13/14 to differentiate mild VaD from moderate VaD. Conclusion: The CC-MoCA is a useful cognitive screening instrument in SIVD patients.
Thrombin generation and activated protein C resistance in the absence of factor V Leiden correlates with the risk of recurrent venous thromboembolism in women aged 18–65 years
Authors: Tchaikovski Svetlana , Holmström Margareta , Rosing Jan , Bremme Katarina , Lärfars Gerd , Sonnevi Kristina
Published: September 2011

Identification of patients at high risk of recurrence after a first event of venous thromboembolism (VTE) remains difficult. Resistance to activated protein C (APC) is a known risk factor for VTE, but data on the risk of recurrence is controversial. We wanted to investigate whether APC resistance in the absence of factor V Leiden, determined with global coagulation test such as the thrombin generation assay, could be used as a marker for increased risk of recurrent VTE among women 18–65 years old after a first event of VTE. In a cohort of 243 women with a first event of VTE, plasma was collected after discontinuation of anticoagulant treatment and the patients were followed up for 46 months (median). Thrombin generation was measured via calibrated automated thrombography, at 1 pM and 10 pM of tissue factor (TF). In women without factor V Leiden (n=117), samples were analysed in the absence and in the presence of APC. Increase in ETP (endogenous thrombin potential) and peak height analysed in the presence of APC correlated significantly with higher risk of recurrence. At 1 pM, peak height correlated with increased risk of recurrence. In conclusion, high thrombin generation in the presence of APC, in women after a first event of VTE is indicative for an increased risk of a recurrence. We also found that thrombin generation at low TF (1 pM) is correlated with the risk of recurrence. Our data suggest that APC resistance in the absence of factor V Leiden is a risk factor for recurrent VTE.
Differentiation factors and cytokines in the atherosclerotic plaque micro-environment as a trigger for macrophage polarisation
Authors: Wolfs Ine , Donners Marjo , de Winther Menno
Published: September 2011

The phenotype of macrophages in atherosclerotic lesions can vary dramatically, from a large lipid laden foam cell to a small inflammatory cell. Classically, the concept of macrophage heterogeneity discriminates between two extremes called either pro-inflammatory M1 macrophages or anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages. Polarisation of plaque macrophages is predominantly determined by the local micro-environment present in the atherosclerotic lesion and is rather more complex than typically described by the M1/M2 paradigm. In this review we will discuss the role of various polarising factors in regulating the phenotypical state of plaque macrophages. We will focus on two main levels of phenotype regulation, one determined by differentiation factors produced in the lesion and the other determined by T-cell-derived polarising cytokines. With foam cell formation being a key characteristic of macrophages during atherosclerosis initiation and progression, these polarisation factors will also be linked to lipid handling of macrophages.
Thinking Outside The Box
Authors: Tuch Richard Howard
Published: September 2011

Concrete thinking, an extraordinarily difficult condition to treat, has been psychoanalytically theorized to result from failures of symbolization—problems forming, linking, or fathoming the meaning of symbols—and/or failures of differentiation, resulting in difficulties distinguishing symbols from the thing being symbolized, fantasy from reality, self from other. Though difficulties symbolizing and differentiating are clearly evident in patients whose thinking is concrete, these may be a manifestation of concrete thinking rather than a root cause. Childhood thinking is characteristically concrete, and a persistence of such thinking into adulthood can be adequately explained as a failure to develop a more sophisticated theory of mind. Given that patients who exhibit such thinking tend to respond poorly to classic psychoanalytic interpretations, alternative technical approaches have been proposed. One such approach, “metacognitive” in nature, draws on a mode of thought used by gifted individuals that helps them “think outside the box” by dispensing with a typical pattern-recognition search so that novel meanings might be discovered. Metacognition, thoughts about one’s thoughts and thought processes, facilitates symbolic thinking by creating sufficient distance from one’s thoughts to allow the consideration of alternative meanings.
Evaluation of interfacial shear strength by tensile tests of impregnated flax fiber yarns
Authors: Andersons J. , Joffe R. , Spārniņš E.
Published: September 2011

Adhesion of flax fibers and polymer matrix as well as mutual bonding of elementary fibers in a technical fiber are among the principal factors governing the mechanical response of flax fiber-reinforced polymer–matrix composites. A method for evaluation of adhesion is proposed based on tension tests of impregnated fiber yarns, with subsequent characterization by optical microscopy of length distribution of fibers pulled out of the yarn fracture surfaces. An elementary probabilistic model is derived relating aspect ratio distribution of the pulled-out fibers to the fiber tensile strength distribution and the effective interfacial shear strength (IFSS). The method was applied to flax fiber/vinylester resin yarns and an estimate of IFSS at 17 MPa was obtained.
Frequency features of basalt filament tows under quasi-static and high strain rate tension
Authors: Zhu Lvtao , Sun Baozhong , Gu Bohong
Published: September 2011

This paper reports the tensile behaviors of basalt filament tows under quasi-static and high strain rate tension in frequency domain. The tensile tests of the basalt filament tows under different strain rates (quasi-static: 0.001/s, dynamic: 600–3000/s) were performed on MTS810.23 materials test system and split Hopkinson tension bar (SHTB) system, respectively. It is shown that the mechanical properties of the basalt filament tows were strain-rate sensitive. The energy absorbed by the basalt filament tows increased with the strain rate. From fast Fourier transform (FFT) analysis of tension stress vs. time histories, the phase spectrum of the filament tows was dependent on the strain rate. The amplitude spectrum and power of energy absorption of the filament tows were concentrated on a specific frequency range and increased with the strain rate.
Behavior of [0]8 woven composites under combined bending and tension loading: part - I experimental and analytical
Authors: Khashaba UA , Aldousari SM , Najjar IMR
Published: September 2011

The objective of this work is to investigate the mechanical properties of [0]8 woven glass fiber reinforced polyester (GFRP) composites under monotonic and combined tension/bending loading. The results show that the failure of combined test specimen was at its ends, which have zero deflection and maximum bending moment and stress. This behavior agrees with the analytical stress distribution along the specimen length. Adding a tensile load at the ends of woven composite beams that designed to carry pure bending loads, such as bridge decks, can duplicate bending capacity of the beam. The relationship between combined bending moment and tensile load was constructed.
Fracture analysis of FRP-reinforced beams by orthotropic XFEM
Authors: Esna Ashari S , Mohammadi S
Published: September 2011

The extended finite element method is adopted for fracture analysis of delamination problems in fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) reinforced beams. In this method, the stress singularities near the debonding crack tip are modeled by newly proposed orthotropic bimaterial enrichment functions, while crack faces and the material interface simulated by the Heaviside function and the weak discontinuity enrichment function, respectively. The orthotropic crack tip enrichments are utilized in orthotropic FRP plate and in a reduced isotropic form in the beam. The strain energy release rate is numerically evaluated using mixed-mode stress intensity factors which are evaluated by the means of domain interaction integral approach. The accuracy of this approach is examined through some numerical examples and the results are compared with available reference results.
Preparation and applications of polyamide 6/IRM® tooth root composite filling material
Authors: Lu Chao Tsang , Lin Jia Horng , Lin Ching Wen , Chen Wen Cheng , Lu Po Ching , Lou Ching Wen
Published: September 2011

Intermediate restorative material (IRM®) is the most commonly used temporary filling material. This research mixed IRM with Polyamide 6 (Nylon 6) fibers, forming the Nylon/IRM tooth root composite filling materials. Tests such as setting time, degree of solubility, compressing strength, and micro-leakage were carried out to examine the properties of the Nylon 6/IRM® composite material. The result showed that there was no significant difference in the setting time and degree of solubility after adding the Nylon 6 fibers. The loading after the yielding point of the Nylon 6/IRM® was more than 250 N; micro-leakage was found on the 13th day.
Microstructural characterization and wear properties of ultra-dispersed nanodiamond (UDD) reinforced Al matrix composites fabricated by ball-milling and sintering
Authors: Kaftelen H , Öveçoğlu ML
Published: September 2011

Elemental aluminum (Al) powders reinforced with 1–10 wt% of ultra-dispersed nanodiamond (UDD) powders were ball-milled in a SpexTM Mixer/Mill between 0 and 120 min followed by consolidation and sintering. X-ray diffraction analyses on the ball-milled powders revealed only α-Al peaks, whereas Al4C3 phase was identified along with α-Al in all sintered composites. Increasing the addition of nanodiamond to Al-matrix resulted in improved hardness of both ball-milled and sintered composites. The wear resistances of the Al-UDD composites were significantly improved with increasing UDD contents. Under similar load and sliding conditions, the wear resistance of Al matrix composite containing 10 wt% nanodiamond enhances about 40 times when compared with unreinforced aluminum.
Introducing the Civil Wars Mediation (CWM) dataset
Authors: DeRouen Karl , Bercovitch Jacob , Pospieszna Paulina
Published: September 2011

Mediation is one of the few mechanisms the international community can deploy that will affect civil wars. This article introduces the dataset on mediation in civil wars – termed the Civil War Mediation (CWM) dataset. This is the first dataset to focus solely on civil war mediation. These data contribute to the present state of quantitative research on mediation in three important respects: the data are collected for the period of 1946–2004, are organized by mediation cases and by civil war episode, and provide detailed information about mediation incidences. The article first presents a few variables included in the dataset that are motivated by theoretical arguments from the literature. After a presentation of summary statistics, attention is turned to using the CWM data to explore the determinants of mediation. Mediation is shown to be a function of war type (territorial and internationalized wars are more likely to be mediated), war duration (the longer the war the higher the probability of mediation), supply-side factors (the number of democracies in the world and the global polity average), and stratum (subsequent wars are less likely to be mediated). Battle-related deaths also seem to increase the chances of mediation, though the relationship is only weakly significant. The article concludes with suggestions for future research that can benefit from the dataset.
Teachers as Civic Agents
Authors: Mirra Nicole , Morrell Ernest
Published: September 2011

Under the guise of increasing quality and accountability, many urban teacher education programs and professional development models characterize educators as mere transmitters of standardized content knowledge. The authors argue that such dehumanizing practices, which are rooted in the discourse of neoliberalism, prevent teachers from helping their students develop powerful literacies and civic skills. The authors seek to disrupt mainstream views about teaching and learning by instead envisioning the “Teacher as Civic Agent.” By reevaluating theories of schooling and democracy and analyzing a particular learning community that conceptualizes teachers as public intellectuals, this work aims to make an important theoretical shift in how educators, politicians, and policy makers think about the purpose of education in a democracy. The authors argue for new paradigm of teacher education in which teachers engage with local communities, become producers of knowledge, and work collectively in solidarity with their students to create social change.
Influence of the morphology of thermoplastic elastomers on the properties of bitumen composites
Authors: Dimonie Doina , Dimonie Mihai , Iliescu Simona , Pavel Marcel , Manoiu Dumitru , Fierascu Radu , Dumitriu Irina , Petrea Celina , Socoteanu Radu
Published: September 2011

Bitumen properties may be successfully modified if the polymeric modifiers have the ability to control the elastic and plastic properties within wide temperature ranges of −30/−40°C to +45/+60°C. The article presents a study on the ability of two thermoplastic elastomers, thermoplastic block co-polymer styrene–styrene butadiene (SBS) and the co-polymer ethylene–vinyl acetate (EVA), to be used in obtaining polymer bitumen composites with controlled properties.

The elastic and plastic properties of the bitumen composites can be more easily controlled if these composites are modified with SBS. This thermoplastic elastomer is characterized by an optimum ratio between soft domains of amorphous polybutadiene and rigid ones of those represented by the thermoplastic blocks of polystyrene.
A Multifaceted Evaluation of Imatinib-induced Cardiotoxicity in the Rat
Authors: Herman Eugene H. , Knapton Alan , Rosen Elliot , Thompson Karol , Rosenzweig Barry , Estis Joel , Agee Sara , Lu Quynh-Anh , Todd John A. , Lipshultz Steven , Hasinoff Brian , Zhang Jun
Published: September 2011

Cardiotoxicity was an unanticipated side effect elicited by the clinical use of imatinib (Imb). This toxicity has been examined in only a limited number of experimental studies. The present study sought, by a variety of approaches, to identify important characteristics of Imb-induced cardiac alterations. Male spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) received oral doses of 10, 30, or 50 mg/kg Imb or water daily for 10 d. Cardiac lesions, detected at all doses, were characterized by cytoplasmic vacuolization and myofibrillar loss. In a second experiment, cardiac lesions were found in Sprague Dawley (SD) and SHR rats given 50 or 100 mg/kg Imb for 14 d. Mean cardiac lesion scores and serum levels of cardiac troponin I were higher in SHRs than in SD rats. Imb induced myocyte death by necrosis, autophagy, and apoptosis. Dose-related increases in cardiac expression were observed for several genes associated with endoplasmic reticulum stress response, protein folding, and vascular development and remodeling. Imb caused alterations in isolated myocytes (myofibrillar loss, highly disrupted and disorganized sarcomeric α-actinin, apoptosis, and increased lactate dehydrogenase release) at low concentrations (5 mM). The authors conclude that Imb exerts cardiotoxic effects that are manifest through a complex pattern of cellular alterations, the severity of which can be influenced by arterial blood pressure.
Evaluation of Direct and Indirect Effects of the PPARγ Agonist Troglitazone on Mouse Endothelial Cell Proliferation
Authors: Kakiuchi-Kiyota Satoko , Arnold Lora L. , Yokohira Masanao , Koza-Taylor Petra , Suzuki Shugo , Varney Michelle , Pennington Karen L. , Cohen Samuel M.
Published: September 2011

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) agonists and PPARγ/α dual agonists are used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus and hyperlipidemias. In carcinogenicity studies, some of these agonists induced hemangiomas/hemangiosarcomas in mice, but not in rats. We hypothesized that increased endothelial cell (EC) proliferation may be involved in the mechanism of PPAR agonist–induced vascular tumors in mice. We previously showed that the sarcomagenic PPARγ agonist troglitazone (TG) increased EC proliferation in brown and white adipose tissue and liver in mice at sarcomagenic doses (400 and 800 mg/kg) after four weeks of treatment. In vitro, TG had a mitogenic effect on mouse microvascular mouse ECs by increasing cell proliferation and survival. The current studies showed that treatment of mouse ECs in vitro induced alterations in proliferation pathway gene expression, especially the expression of insulin-like growth factor-1, but had no effect on mouse oxidative stress pathways. In vivo, treatment with vitamin E did not inhibit TG-induced EC proliferation in liver and adipose tissue. In addition, no hypoxic effect was detected in adipose tissue of TG-treated mice; however, TG had a minor effect on hepatocellular hypoxia. These results provide additional evidence supporting a direct mitogenic effect in the mode of action of TG-induced hemangiosarcomas in mice.
A randomized, double-blind, active-controlled, double-dummy, parallel-group study to determine the safety and efficacy of oxycodone/naloxone prolonged-release tablets in patients with moderate/severe, chronic cancer pain
Authors: Ahmedzai Sam H , Nauck Friedemann , Bar-Sela Gil , Bosse Björn , Leyendecker Petra , Hopp Michael
Published: September 2011

Objective: An examination of whether oxycodone/naloxone prolonged-release tablets (OXN PR) can improve constipation and maintain analgesia, compared with oxycodone prolonged-release tablets (OxyPR) in patients with moderate/severe cancer pain.

Methods: Randomized, double-blind, active-controlled, double-dummy, parallel-group study in which 185 patients were randomized to receive up to 120 mg/day of OXN PR or OxyPR over 4 weeks. Efficacy assessments included Bowel Function Index (BFI), Brief Pain Inventory Short-Form (BPI-SF), laxative and rescue medication use. Quality of life (QoL) and safety assessments were conducted.

Results: After 4 weeks, mean BFI score was significantly lower with OXN PR; mean total laxative intake was 20% lower with OXN PR. Mean BPI-SF scores were similar for both treatments and the average rate of analgesic rescue medication use was low and comparable. QoL assessments were stable and comparable with greater improvements in constipation-specific QoL assessments with OXN PR. Overall, rates of adverse drug reactions were similar.

Conclusions: OXN PR provides superior bowel function in cancer pain patients, compared with OxyPR, without compromising analgesic efficacy or safety. This study confirms that OXN PR is well tolerated and efficacious in cancer pain patients and results are in line with those seen in non-malignant pain patients.
The genetic basis of the endocannabinoid system and drug addiction in humans
Authors: López-Moreno Jose Antonio , Echeverry-Alzate Victor , Bühler Kora-Mareen
Published: September 2011

The cannabinoid receptor ( CNR1) and the fatty acid amide hydrolase ( FAAH) genes are located on chromosomes 6 and 1 in the 6q15 and 1p33 cytogenetic bands, respectively. CNR1 encodes a seven-transmembrane domain protein of 472 amino acids, whereas FAAH encodes one transmembrane domain of 579 amino acids. Several mutations found in these genes lead to altered mRNA stability and transcription rate or a reduction of the activity of the encoded protein. Increasing evidence shows that these functional mutations are related to dependence upon cocaine, alcohol, marijuana, heroin, nicotine and other drugs. One of the most compelling associations is with the C385A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), which is found in the FAAH gene. For all of the genetic polymorphisms reviewed here, it is difficult to form overall conclusions due to the high diversity of population samples being studied, ethnicity, the use of volunteers, heterogeneity of the recruitment criteria and the drug addiction phenotype studied. Care should be taken when generalizing the results from different studies. However, many works have repeatedly associated polymorphisms in the CNR1 and FAAH genes with drug-related behaviours; this suggests that these genes should be examined in further genetic studies focusing on drug addiction and other psychiatric disorders.
Effect of Graft Height Mismatch on Contact Pressures With Osteochondral Grafting of the Talus
Authors: Latt L. Daniel , Glisson Richard R. , Montijo Harvey E. , Usuelli Federico G. , Easley Mark E.
Published: September 2011

Background: Osteochondral allograft transplantation is technically demanding. It is not always possible to place the surface of the graft perfectly flush with the surrounding cartilage. One must often choose between placing at least some portion of the surface of the graft slightly elevated or recessed. The effect of this choice on joint contact pressure is unknown.

Purpose: This study was undertaken to determine the effect of graft height mismatch on joint contact pressure in the ankle.

Study Design: Controlled laboratory study.

Methods: Ten human cadaveric ankles underwent osteochondral grafting by removal then replacement of an osteochondral plug. Six conditions were tested: intact, graft flush, graft elevated 1.0 mm, graft elevated 0.5 mm, graft recessed 0.5 mm, and graft recessed 1.0 mm. Joint contact pressures were measured with a Tekscan sensor while loads of 200 N, 400 N, 600 N, and 800 N were sequentially applied.

Results: The peak contact pressure at the graft site for the flush condition was not significantly different from the intact condition for either medial or lateral lesions. In contrast, peak pressure on the opposite facet of the talar dome was significantly increased during the flush condition for the medial but not the lateral grafts. Elevated grafts experienced significantly increased contact pressures, whereas recessed grafts experienced significantly decreased pressures. These changes were greater for lateral than for medial lesions. Reciprocal changes in joint contact pressures were found on the opposite facet of the talus with elevated grafts on the lateral side and recessed grafts on the medial side.

Conclusion: Flush graft placement can restore near-normal joint contact pressure. Elevated graft placement leads to significant increases in joint contact pressure at the graft site. Recessed graft placement leads to a transfer of pressure from the graft site to the opposite facet of the talus.

Clinical Relevance: Osteochondral grafts in the talus should be placed flush if possible or else slightly recessed.
An experimental study on spray characteristics after impingement on a piston surface through an asymmetrical multi-hole injector of a direct-injection spark ignition gasoline engine
Authors: Fan Q , Deng J , Hu Z , Li L
Published: September 2011

The impinging spray development inside direct-injection spark ignition (DISI) engines directly influences the engine performance and emissions. A detailed understanding of this process is very important in designing an injection system and controlling a strategy. To examine the effects of various factors on the development of a spray impinging on the piston top surface, experiments were conducted under various injection pressures, ambient pressures, and piston top surface shapes inside an optical constant-volume chamber employing a high-speed shadow photography technique. Also, the effects of the injection pressure, ambient pressure, and piston top surface shape on the impinging spray concentration, impinging spray tip penetration, impinging spray radius, impinging spray height, and impinging spray tip speed were analysed. It is shown that atomization after the spray had impinged on the piston top surface became increasingly better as the injection pressure increased. The concentration of the spray plumes before and after the spray had impinged on the piston top surface became increasingly richer as the ambient pressure increased. The impinging spray tip penetration and radius increased with increasing injection pressure, but the impinging spray tip penetration and radius decreased with increasing ambient pressure. This investigation is favourable to providing further basic data for the impinging spray history and the mixture preparation of DISI engines.
Reality at Odds With Perceptions
Authors: Nevicka Barbora , Ten Velden Femke S. , De Hoogh Annebel H. B. , Van Vianen Annelies E. M.
Published: September 2011

Although narcissistic individuals are generally perceived as arrogant and overly dominant, they are particularly skilled at radiating an image of a prototypically effective leader. As a result, they tend to emerge as leaders in group settings. Despite people’s positive perceptions of narcissists as leaders, it was previously unknown if and how leaders’ narcissism is related to the performance of the people they lead. In this study, we used a hidden-profile paradigm to investigate this question and found evidence for discordance between the positive image of narcissists as leaders and the reality of group performance. We hypothesized and found that although narcissistic leaders are perceived as effective because of their displays of authority, a leader’s narcissism actually inhibits information exchange between group members and thereby negatively affects group performance. Our findings thus indicate that perceptions and reality can be at odds and have important practical and theoretical implications.
Looks Good Enough to Eat
Authors: Zampollo Francesca , Wansink Brian , Kniffin Kevin M. , Shimizu Mitsuru , Omori Aki
Published: September 2011

Food is central to cross-cultural studies of behavior, thought, and symbolism. The way it is presented to people, however, can have a dramatic influence on how palatable it is perceived and what is eaten. Because of this, issues of food plating and presentation are of applied interest to anyone who wishes to influence the perceptions and consumption of prepared food. This includes chefs, marketers, and parents. This study examines two questions: (a) What are these visual preferences of plating, and (b) How do they vary across cultures? To explore these questions, we presented a wide range of meal photos to adults from the United States, Italy, and Japan to assess preferences for various plating arrangements. Across six visual dimensions of food, there was a consistent preference for the number of colors on a plate (three), components on a plate (three to four) and the fill level of a plate; however, there were diverging preferences regarding the preferred position of the featured main course, how the items should be organized, and whether they should be casually presented. We discuss the implications of our findings for cross-cultural researchers as well as those who wish to influence the perceptions and food consumption of others.
Reminders in Web-Based Data Collection
Authors: Göritz Anja S. , Crutzen Rik
Published: September 2011

Evidence-based insight on the effectiveness of reminders in web-based data collection in online panels is scarce. Thirty-eight studies were conducted in three different online panels to examine the effect of reminders on response rates, retention rates, and two facets of response quality (i.e., item omissions and response nondifferentiation). The studies were summarized using a meta-analytical approach including moderator tests ( N = 246,040). Results indicated that reminders in web-based data collection increase response (i.e., from 49.5% to 65.6%, ESpd = .152). However, reminders somewhat reduce retention (i.e., from 98.0% among prereminder respondents to 97.2% among reminded respondents, ESpd = −.008), which might be explained by differences in motivation and computer literacy between unreminded and reminded respondents. No differences were found between prereminder respondents and reminded respondents in item omissions and response nondifferentiation.