bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Atomic Layer Thermopile Materials: Physics and Application
Authors: Zhang P. X. , Habermeier H.-U.
Published: November 2008

New types of thermoelectric materials characterized by highly anisotropic Fermi surfaces and thus anisotropic Seebeck coefficients are reviewed. Early studies revealed that there is an induced voltage in high TC oxide superconductors when the surface of the films is exposed to short light pulses. Subsequent investigations proved that the effect is due to anisotropic components of the Seebeck tensor, and the type of materials is referred to atomic layer thermopile (ALT). Our recent studies indicate that multilayer thin films at the nanoscale demonstrate enhanced ALT properties. This is in agreement with the prediction in seeking the larger figure of merit (ZT) thermoelectric materials in nanostructures. The study of ALT materials provides both deep insight of anisotropic transport property of these materials and at the same time potential materials for applications, such as light detector and microcooler. By measuring the ALT properties under various perturbations, it is found that the information on anisotropic transport properties can be provided. The information sometimes is not easily obtained by other tools due to the nanoscale phase coexistence in these materials. Also, some remained open questions and future development in this research direction have been well discussed.
Anticancer effects of tanshinone I in human non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Lee Chen-Yu , Sher Hui-Fang , Chen Huei-Wen , Liu Chun-Chi , Chen Ching-Hsien , Lin Choun-Sea , Yang Pan-Chyr , Tsay Hsin-Sheng , Chen Jeremy J.W.
Published: November 2008

Tanshinones are the major bioactive compounds of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (Danshen) roots, which are used in many therapeutic remedies in Chinese traditional medicine. We investigated the anticancer effects of tanshinones on the highly invasive human lung adenocarcinoma cell line, CL1-5. Tanshinone I significantly inhibited migration, invasion, and gelatinase activity in macrophage-conditioned medium-stimulated CL1-5 cells in vitro and also reduced the tumorigenesis and metastasis in CL1-5-bearing severe combined immunodeficient mice. Unlike tanshinone IIA, which induces cell apoptosis, tanshinone I did not have direct cytotoxicity. Real-time quantitative PCR, luciferase reporter assay, and electrophoretic mobility shift assay revealed that tanshinone I reduces the transcriptional activity of interleukin-8, the angiogenic factor involved in cancer metastasis, by attenuating the DNA-binding activity of activator protein-1 and nuclear factor-κB in conditioned medium-stimulated CL1-5 cells. Microarray and pathway analysis of tumor-related genes identified the differentially expressed genes responding to tanshinone I, which may be associated with the Ras-mitogen-activated protein kinase and Rac1 signaling pathways. These results suggest that tanshinone I exhibits anticancer effects both in vitro and in vivo and that these effects are mediated at least partly through the interleukin-8, Ras-mitogen-activated protein kinase, and Rac1 signaling pathways. Although tanshinone I has a remarkable anticancer action, its potential anticoagulant effect should be noted and evaluated. [Mol Cancer Ther 2008;7(11):3527–38]
Psorospermin structural requirements for P-glycoprotein resistance reversal
Authors: Carey Steven S. , Gleason-Guzman Mary , Gokhale Vijay , Hurley Laurence H.
Published: November 2008

Resistance to chemotherapy reduces its effectiveness, resulting in increased mortality. Psorospermin, a natural product, is a topoisomerase II–directed DNA alkylating agent active against multidrug-resistant (MDR) cell lines, including multiple myeloma. In this study, the mechanism of the P-glycoprotein (P-gp) modulation activity of psorospermin and that of its associated pharmacophore were examined. Flow cytometry shows that doxorubicin-resistant multiple myeloma cells (8226/D40) pretreated with psorospermin enhance intracellular retention of doxorubicin compared with control (75% versus 38%). Because the overexpression of P-gp is the primary cause of drug resistance in the 8226/D40 cells, psorospermin-induced sensitization was likely due to mdr1/P-gp expressional or functional inhibition. As shown by PCR and Western blot, neither transcription of mdr1 nor translation of P-gp was down-regulated by psorospermin treatment. Therefore, the mechanism of psorospermin-induced resistance reversal is most likely through a direct interaction between psorospermin and P-gp. Furthermore, because only the (2′R,3′R) isomer of psorospermin showed any resistance reversal activity, the side chain of psorospermin is apparently a crucial moiety for resistance reversal. By understanding the mechanism of psorospermin-induced MDR modulation, psorospermin and similar compounds can be combined with other chemotherapies to treat resistant cancers. [Mol Cancer Ther 2008;7(11):3617–23]
Novel therapeutic strategy for osteosarcoma targeting osteoclast differentiation, bone-resorbing activity, and apoptosis pathway
Authors: Akiyama Toru , Dass Crispin R. , Choong Peter F.M.
Published: November 2008

Osteosarcoma is the most common bone sarcoma, which mainly affects adolescents and young adults. Although the combination of modern surgery and systemic chemotherapy has improved osteosarcoma treatment dramatically, no substantial change in survival has been seen over the past 20 years. Therefore, novel therapeutic strategies for osteosarcoma are required if the 35% of patients with fatal metastases are to be successfully treated. Recently, osteoclasts have drawn attention as a therapeutic target in various bone disorders including osteosarcoma. The osteoclast is the sole cell that resorbs bone and is central in pathologic situations, where bone destruction is intricately involved. Osteosarcoma cells are of the osteoblastic lineage, the latter of which is characterized by cells secreting the osteoclast-inducing factor, receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand. Hence, osteosarcoma is a better candidate for osteoclast-targeted therapy than other primary and metastatic bone tumors. The rapid progress on the molecular mechanism regulating osteoclast has propelled a development of new therapeutic approaches. In this review article, we present the prospects of osteoclast-targeted therapy as a novel treatment strategy for osteosarcoma. Receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB-Fc, osteoprotegerin, bisphosphonates, and Src inhibitor are shown as positive candidates and can control various aspects of osteoclast function. This review article will attempt to discuss these issues in term. [Mol Cancer Ther 2008;7(11):3461–9]
Role of repair protein Rad51 in regulating the response to gefitinib in human non-small cell lung cancer cells
Authors: Ko Jen-Chung , Hong Jhao-Hao , Wang Lyu-Han , Cheng Chau-Ming , Ciou Shih-Ci , Lin Szu-Ting , Jheng Ming-Yan , Lin Yun-Wei
Published: November 2008

Gefitinib (Iressa, ZD1839) is a selective epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor that can block growth factor-mediated cell proliferation and extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2) activation. High-level Rad51 expression has been reported in chemoresistant or radioresistant carcinomas. In this study, we examined the role of Rad51 in regulating the response to gefitinib among different human lung cancer cell lines. The H520 line (human squamous cell carcinoma) was less sensitive to gefitinib compared with the H1650 (human adenocarcinoma) or A549 (human bronchioloalveolar carcinoma) lines. In H1650 and A549 cells but not in H520 cells, gefitinib decreased cellular levels of phospho-ERK1/2 and Rad51 protein and message levels. Moreover, gefitinib decreased Rad51 protein levels by enhancing Rad51 protein instability through 26S proteasome-mediated degradation. Inhibition of endogenous Rad51 levels by si-Rad51 RNA transfection significantly enhanced gefitinib-induced cytotoxicity. In contrast, transfection with constitutively active MKK1 vector could restore both Rad51 protein levels and cell survival inhibited by gefitinib. The MKK1/2-ERK1/2 signaling pathway constitutes the upstream signaling for maintaining Rad51 message and protein levels. Rad51 protein can protect lung cancer cells from cytotoxic effects induced by gefitinib. Suppression of Rad51 may be a novel lung cancer therapeutic modality to overcome drug resistance to gefitinib. [Mol Cancer Ther 2008;7(11):3632–41]
Deletion of Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase Provides Cardioprotection in Mice With 2-Kidney, 1-Clip Hypertension
Authors: Sun Ying , Carretero Oscar A. , Xu Jiang , Rhaleb Nour-Eddine , Yang James J. , Pagano Patrick J. , Yang Xiao-Ping
Published: November 2008

Inducible NO synthase (iNOS) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of hypertension and target organ damage. We hypothesized that induction of iNOS contributes to left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy and dysfunction in mice with 2-kidney, 1-clip hypertension. Deletion of iNOS diminishes oxidative stress, thereby attenuating LV hypertrophy and enhancing cardiac performance. 2-Kidney, 1-clip hypertension was induced in mice lacking iNOS and wild-type controls (C57BL/6J). Sham-clipped mice served as controls. Systolic blood pressure was measured weekly by tail cuff. Left ventricular ejection fraction (by echocardiography) and cardiac response (maximum and minimum dP/dt, as well as an indicator of isovolumic contraction) to isoproterenol (50 ng per mouse, IV) were studied at the end of the experiment. 4-Hydroxy-2-nonenal (a byproduct of lipid peroxidation and an indicator of oxidative stress) was measured by immunohistochemical staining. gp91
phox
, endothelial NO synthase, and iNOS protein expression were determined by Western blot. We found that systolic blood pressure, LV weight, myocyte cross-sectional area, interstitial collagen fraction, ejection fraction, and cardiac response to isoproterenol did not differ between strains with sham clipping. 2-Kidney, 1-clip hypertension increased systolic blood pressure, LV weight, myocyte cross-sectional area, and interstitial collagen fraction similarly in both strains. However, in mice lacking iNOS, maximum and minimum dP/dt, as well as an indicator of isovolumic contraction, markedly increased in response to isoproterenol, associated with decreased cardiac 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal expression and urinary nitrate/nitrite. We concluded that deletion of iNOS does not seem to play a significant role in preventing 2-kidney, 1-clip hypertension–induced hypertension and cardiac hypertrophy; however, it does enhance preservation of cardiac function, probably because of a reduction of iNOS-induced oxidative stress.
An Ensemble-Based Four-Dimensional Variational Data Assimilation Scheme. Part II: Observing System Simulation Experiments with Advanced Research WRF (ARW)
Authors: Liu Chengsi , Xiao Qingnong , Wang Bin
Published: November 2008

An ensemble-based four-dimensional variational data assimilation (En4DVAR) algorithm and its performance in a low-dimension space with a one-dimensional shallow-water model have been presented in Part I. This algorithm adopts the standard incremental approach and preconditioning in the variational algorithm but avoids the need for a tangent linear model and its adjoint so that it can be easily incorporated into variational assimilation systems. The current study explores techniques for En4DVAR application in real-dimension data assimilation. The EOF decomposed correlation function operator and analysis time tuning are formulated to reduce the impact of sampling errors in En4DVAR upon its analysis. With the Advanced Research Weather Research and Forecasting (ARW-WRF) model, Observing System Simulation Experiments (OSSEs) are designed and their performance in real-dimension data assimilation is examined. It is found that the designed En4DVAR localization techniques can effectively alleviate the impacts of sampling errors upon analysis. Most forecast errors and biases in ARW are reduced by En4DVAR compared to those in a control experiment. En3DVAR cycling experiments are used to compare the ensemble-based sequential algorithm with the ensemble-based retrospective algorithm. These experiments indicate that the ensemble-based retrospective assimilation, En4DVAR, produces an overall better analysis than the ensemble-based sequential algorithm, En3DVAR, cycling approach.
Collectivism, Forgiveness, and Social Harmony
Authors: Hook Joshua N. , Worthington Everett L. , Utsey Shawn O.
Published: November 2008

Existing models of forgiveness and the strategies to promote forgiveness that draw from them are predominantly individualistic. As the United States becomes more diverse and counseling psychology becomes a more global field, counseling psychologists are increasingly likely to encounter clients who have a collectivistic worldview. The authors propose a theoretical model that clarifies the relationship between collectivism and forgiveness. The importance of maintaining social harmony in collectivistic cultures is central to this relationship. The model has two propositions. First, collectivistic for- giveness occurs within the broad context of social harmony, reconciliation, and relational repair. Second, collectivistic forgiveness is understood as pri- marily a decision to forgive but is motivated largely to promote and maintain group harmony rather than inner peace (as is more often the case in individ- ualistically motivated forgiveness). Finally, the authors suggest a research agenda to study collectivistic forgiveness and provide guidelines for address- ing forgiveness with collectivistic clients.
Selective Reporting of Adjusted Estimates in Observational Epidemiology Studies: Reasons and Implications for Meta-analyses
Authors: Peters Jaime , Mengersen Kerrie
Published: November 2008

For meta-analyses of observational epidemiology studies, unadjusted and adjusted study estimates are often extracted. However, there is evidence of selective reporting of adjusted study estimates. We investigate adjustment reporting bias, examining the reasons why some studies do not contribute an adjusted estimate to a meta-analysis. Ten published meta-analyses were re-analysed to assess evidence of adjustment reporting bias and over 100 primary studies were read to investigate why they did not contribute an adjusted estimate to a meta-analysis. Selective reporting of adjusted estimates may lead to a bias in some meta-analyses when adjusted study estimates are not reported because univariate analyses indicated a non-significant effect. We recommend that unadjusted and adjusted study estimates be extracted for a meta-analysis. If adjusted estimates cannot be obtained, the reasons for this should be investigated and sensitivity analyses could be used to assess the impact of this on the meta-analysis.
Evidence-Based Practices in Special Education: Some Practical Considerations
Authors: Cook Bryan G. , Tankersley Melody , Cook Lysandra , Landrum Timothy J.
Published: November 2008

A major tenet of both the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and the No Child Left Behind Act is the identification and use of evidence-based practices, or those instructional techniques shown by research as most likely to improve student outcomes meaningfully. However, much confusion exists regarding the meaning and potential applications of evidence-based practices in special education. Evidence-based practices are traditionally supported by the findings of multiple, high-quality, experimental research studies. Rather than changing the nature of teaching or limiting teachers to following prescribed methods, prioritizing evidence-based practices will allow teachers to maximize the impact of their instructional efforts.
Injuries and Unattended Home Exits in Persons With Dementia: A 12-Month Prospective Study
Authors: Rowe Meredeth A. , Ahn HyoChol , Benito Andrea Pe. , Stone Heather , Wilson Amanda , Kairalla John
Published: November 2008

Persons with dementia are at particular risk for injuries and unattended home exits. The purposes of this study were to prospectively describe the characteristics and determine the hazard rates of unattended home exits and injuries. A total of 9 times over 12 months, data were collected from 53 caregivers of persons with dementia about persons with dementia unattended home exits or injuries. A total of 24% of persons with dementia had at least 1 unattended exit; 4 participants exited multiple times. Men and younger persons with dementia were significantly more likely to exit than women or older individuals. A total of 30% of persons with dementia sustained injuries in 29 separate incidents; all but 3 injuries were caused by falls, and 38% of injuries resulted in nursing home placement. The hazard rate of untoward events was high, at approximately 1 unattended exit and 1 fall per person-year. For all persons with dementia living in the community, health care plans should include specific interventions to prevent these untoward events.
Clinical Picture of a Patient With a Novel PSEN1 Mutation (L424V)
Authors: Robles A. , Sobrido M.J. , García-Murias M. , Prieto J.M. , Lema M. , Santos D. , Paramo M.
Published: November 2008

Young onset dementia raises concern about familial and non degenerative dementias. We describe a patient with early dementia. At the age of 26, a woman developed symptoms of anorexia nervosa, at 30 a memory and attention deficit, and at 34 abnormal behavior with impulsivity, aggression, and dysexecutive disorder. At 36 she showed aphasia, stereotyped behavior, hyperreflexia, grasping reflex, urinary incontinence, myoclonus, and seizures. Blood and cerebrospinal fluid were normal. Brain computed tomography and single photon emission computed tomography showed diffuse cortico-subcortical atrophy and frontotemporoparietal hypoperfusion. A Leu424Val mutation was present in PSEN1 gene. PSEN1 mutations can produce Alzheimer's disease, frontotemporal dementia, and dementia with Lewy bodies phenotypes, or a combination of them. It has been proposed that the mutation type and location may influence the molecular pathogenesis and thus PSEN1 would represent a molecular connexion between these entities. This case shows a novel PSEN1 mutation with outstanding amnesic and frontal symptoms.
Resident Evil's Typewriter
Authors: Kirkland Ewan
Published: November 2008

This article uses Bolter and Grusin's notion of remediation to explore analog media technologies—cinema, photography, cartography, television, and radio—in digital horror videogames. Such moments illustrate what Lister et al. term the “technological imaginary” of both old and new media technological imaginary of both old and new media. Old media technologies contribute a sense of the real perceived as lacking in digital media, yet central to a generically-significant impression of embodiment. Critical theorization of these forms within media studies illuminate their function within digital video game texts; such processes illustrating the cultural, institutional, and aesthetic meanings and mythologies of both analog and digital media, while continuing traditional use of media technologies within discourses of horror and the supernatural.
Calibration of machine deformation for quasistatic fracture toughness testing at high temperatures
Authors: Ray S. K. , Sasikala G.
Published: November 2008

Quasi-static J testing at elevated temperatures can be simplified to a great extent if extensometry for load line displacement measurement can be avoided. Towards this, a procedure has been developed for calibrating the non-linear elastic machine deformation as a function of load, using data for a blank specimen deforming in the elastic regime. The calibration procedure is demonstrated for ambient temperature 653 and 803 K. For a modified 9Cr–1Mo steel under the normalised and tempered condition without/with subsequent thermal aging, the viability of the calibration method for evaluating J is demonstrated for the two elevated temperatures.
Synthesis of nanostructured ruthenium microwires in domestic microwave oven
Authors: Sullivan J. , Worsley D.
Published: November 2008

Anhydrous ruthenium dioxide powder spontaneously decomposes to ruthenium metal on irradiation in a 1000 W domestic microwave oven to form microwires of about 5–30 μm diameter and up to several millimetres in length. Localised differences in temperature during irradiation and arcing close to the material lead to the assembly of wire structures with different morphologies and dimensions. Nanorods (250 nm diameter) of metal/oxide material are also observed to form emanating from the spine of some wires.
The crystal chemistry of the gedrite-group amphiboles. II. Stereochemistry and chemical relations
Authors: Hawthorne F. C. , Schindler M. , Abdu Y. , Sokolova E. , Evans B. W. , Ishida K.
Published: November 2008

The general formula of the amphiboles of this series may be written as NaxMg2(Mg(5-y)Aly,)(Si(8-z)Alz)O22(OH)2, where Mg = Mg + Fe2+ + Mn2+ and Al = Al + Fe3+ + Ti. The individual  distances are linear functions of their [4]Al content, and the [4]Al content is strongly ordered in the following way: T1B > T1A » T2B » T2A. The ,  and  distances are linear functions of the mean ionic radius of their constituent cations. End-member compositions may be written as follows: A☐Mg2Mg5Si8O22(OH)2O22(OH)2; A☐Mg2(Mg3Al2)(Si6Al2)O22(OH)2; ANaMg2Mg5(Si7Al) These compositions define a plane in xyz space across which the data of Schindler et al. (2008), measured on amphiboles from amphibolites, follow a tightly constrained trajectory. Anthophyllite–gedrite amphiboles equilibrated under significantly different P-T conditions (e.g. igneous rocks, contact-metamorphic rocks) follow trends that diverge from this trajectory, with greater Na and [4]Al contents and relatively smaller [6]Al contents. Detailed examination of the local bond topology involving the A and M2 sites indicates that the maximum degree of bond-valence compensation will occur for incorporation of ANa and M2Al in the ratio 4:10, and hence 2.5 ANa = M2Al in these amphiboles. This relation closely fits the data of Schindler et al. (2008), suggesting that the variation in chemical composition in anthophyllite–gedrite amphiboles is strongly constrained by the anion bond-valence requirements of the Pnma amphibole structure. We further suggest that different compositional trends for ortho-amphiboles equilibrated under different P-T conditions are the result of the valence-sum rule operating with (different) bond-lengths characteristic of these P-T conditions.
Initial therapy of acute graft-versus-host disease with low-dose prednisone does not compromise patient outcomes
Authors: Mielcarek Marco , Storer Barry E. , Boeckh Michael , Carpenter Paul A. , McDonald George B. , Deeg H. Joachim , Nash Richard A. , Flowers Mary E. D. , Doney Kristine , Lee Stephanie , Marr Kieren A. , Furlong Terry , Storb Rainer , Appelbaum Frederick R. , Martin Paul J.
Published: November 2008

We hypothesized that initial treatment of acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) with low-dose glucocorticoids (prednisone-equivalent dose of 1 mg/kg per day) instead of standard-dose glucocorticoids (prednisone-equivalent dose of 2 mg/kg per day) does not compromise major transplantation outcomes. We retrospectively analyzed outcomes among 733 patients who received transplants between 2000 and 2005 according to initial treatment with low-dose (n = 347) versus standard-dose (n = 386) systemic glucocorticoids. The mean cumulative prednisone-equivalent doses at day 100 after starting treatment were 44 and 87 mg/kg for patients given low-dose and standard-dose glucocorticoids, respectively. Adjusted outcomes between the groups given low-dose versus standard-dose glucocorticoids were not statistically significantly different: overall mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 1.10; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.9-1.4), relapse (HR, 1.22; 95% CI, 0.9-1.7), nonrelapse mortality (HR, 1.06; 95% CI, 0.8-1.5). The small number of patients with grades III/IV acute GVHD at onset precluded definitive conclusions for this subgroup. In multivariate analysis, the risks of invasive fungal infections (HR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.3-1.0) and the duration of hospitalization (odds ratio, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.4-0.9) were reduced in the low-dose prednisone group. We conclude that initial treatment with low-dose glucocorticoids for patients with grades I-II GVHD did not compromise disease control or mortality and was associated with decreased toxicity.
Transcriptomic profiling of mature embryo from an elite super-hybrid rice LYP9 and its parental lines
Authors: Ge Xiaomeng , Chen Weihua , Song Shuhui , Wang Weiwei , Hu Songnian , Yu Jun
Published: November 2008

Background

The mature embryo of rice (Oryza sativa, L.) is a synchronized and integrated tissue mass laying the foundation at molecular level for its growth, development, and differentiation toward a developing and ultimately a mature plant. We carried out an EST (expressed-sequence-tags)-based transcriptomic study, aiming at gaining molecular insights into embryonic development of a rice hybrid triad–an elite hybrid rice LYP9 and its parental lines (93-11 and PA64s)–and possible relatedness to heterosis.

Results

We generated 27,566 high-quality ESTs from cDNA libraries made from mature rice embryos. We classified these ESTs into 7,557 unigenes (2,511 contigs and 5,046 singletons) and 7,250 (95.9%) of them were annotated. We noticed that the high-abundance genes in mature rice embryos belong to two major functional categories, stress-tolerance and preparation-for-development, and we also identified 191 differentially-expressed genes (General Chi-squared test, P-value <= 0.05) between LYP9 and its parental lines, representing typical expression patterns including over-dominance, high- and low-parent dominance, additivity, and under-dominance. In LYP9, the majority of embryo-associated genes were found not only abundantly and specifically enriched but also significantly up-regulated.

Conclusion

Our results suggested that massively strengthening tissue-(or stage-) characteristic functions may contribute to heterosis rather than a few simple mechanistic explanations at the individual gene level. In addition, the large collection of rice embryonic ESTs provides significant amount of data for future comparative analyses on plant development, especially for the important crops of the grass family.
Cellular and molecular mechanisms of cigarette smoke-induced lung damage and prevention by vitamin C
Authors: Banerjee Shuvojit , Chattopadhyay Ranajoy , Ghosh Arunava , Koley Hemanta , Panda Koustubh , Roy Siddhartha , Chattopadhyay Dhrubajyoti , Chatterjee Indu B
Published: November 2008

Background

Cigarette smoke-induced cellular and molecular mechanisms of lung injury are not clear. Cigarette smoke is a complex mixture containing long-lived radicals, including p-benzosemiquinone that causes oxidative damage. Earlier we had reported that oxidative protein damage is an initial event in smoke-induced lung injury. Considering that p-benzosemiquinone may be a causative factor of lung injury, we have isolated p-benzosemiquinone and compared its pathophysiological effects with cigarette smoke. Since vitamin C is a strong antioxidant, we have also determined the modulatory effect of vitamin C for preventing the pathophysiological events.

Methods

Vitamin C-restricted guinea pigs were exposed to cigarette smoke (5 cigarettes/day; 2 puffs/cigarette) for 21 days with and without supplementation of 15 mg vitamin C/guinea pig/day. Oxidative damage, apoptosis and lung injury were assessedin vitro,ex vivoin A549 cells as well asin vivoin guinea pigs. Inflammation was measured by neutrophilia in BALF. p-Benzosemiquinone was isolated from freshly prepared aqueous extract of cigarette smoke and characterized by various physico-chemical methods, including mass, NMR and ESR spectroscopy. p-Benzosemiquinone-induced lung damage was examined by intratracheal instillation in guinea pigs. Lung damage was measured by increased air spaces, as evidenced by histology and morphometric analysis. Oxidative protein damage, MMPs, VEGF and VEGFR2 were measured by western blot analysis, and formation of Michael adducts using MALDI-TOF-MS. Apoptosis was evidenced by TUNEL assay, activation of caspase 3, degradation of PARP and increased Bax/Bcl-2 ratio using immunoblot analysis and confocal microscopy.

Results

Exposure of guinea pigs to cigarette smoke resulted in progressive protein damage, inflammation, apoptosis and lung injury up to 21 days of the experimental period. Administration of 15 mg of vitamin C/guinea pig/day prevented all these pathophysiological effects. p-Benzosemiquinone mimicked cigarette smoke in causing protein modification and apoptosisin vitroand in A549 cellsex vivoas well as apoptosis and lung damagein vivo. All these pathophysiological events were also prevented by vitamin C.

Conclusion

p-Benzosemiquinone appears to be a major causative factor of cigarette smoke-induced oxidative protein damage that leads to apoptosis and lung injury. The pathophysiological events are prevented by a moderately large dose of vitamin C.
A rapid, non-invasive procedure for quantitative assessment of drought survival using chlorophyll fluorescence
Authors: Woo Nick S , Badger Murray R , Pogson Barry J
Published: November 2008

Background

Analysis of survival is commonly used as a means of comparing the performance of plant lines under drought. However, the assessment of plant water status during such studies typically involves detachment to estimate water shock, imprecise methods of estimation or invasive measurements such as osmotic adjustment that influence or annul further evaluation of a specimen's response to drought.

Results

This article presents a procedure for rapid, inexpensive and non-invasive assessment of the survival of soil-grown plants during drought treatment. The changes in major photosynthetic parameters during increasing water deficit were monitored via chlorophyll fluorescence imaging and the selection of the maximum efficiency of photosystem II (Fv/Fm) parameter as the most straightforward and practical means of monitoring survival is described. The veracity of this technique is validated through application to a variety of Arabidopsis thaliana ecotypes and mutant lines with altered tolerance to drought or reduced photosynthetic efficiencies.

Conclusion

The method presented here allows the acquisition of quantitative numerical estimates of Arabidopsis drought survival times that are amenable to statistical analysis. Furthermore, the required measurements can be obtained quickly and non-invasively using inexpensive equipment and with minimal expertise in chlorophyll fluorometry. This technique enables the rapid assessment and comparison of the relative viability of germplasm during drought, and may complement detailed physiological and water relations studies.
Characteristics of repair tissue in second-look and third-look biopsies from patients treated with engineered cartilage: relationship to symptomatology and time after implantation
Authors: Brun Paola , Dickinson Sally C , Zavan Barbara , Cortivo Roberta , Hollander Anthony P , Abatangelo Giovanni
Published: November 2008

Introduction

The present study established characteristics of tissue regrowth in patients suffering knee lesions treated with grafts of autologous chondrocytes grown on three-dimensional hyaluronic acid biomaterials.

Methods

This multicentred study involved a second-look arthroscopy/biopsy, 5 to 33 months post implant (n = 63). Seven patients allowed a third-look biopsy, three of which were performed 18 months post implant. Characteristics of tissues were histologically and histochemically evaluated. The remaining bone stubs were evaluated for cartilage/bone integration. For data analysis, biopsies were further divided into those obtained from postoperative symptomatic patients (n = 41) or from asymptomatic patients (n = 22).

Results

The percentage of hyaline regenerated tissues was significantly greater in biopsies obtained after, versus within, 18 months of implantation. Differences were also observed between symptomatic and asymptomatic patients: reparative tissues taken from symptomatic patients 18 months after grafting were mainly fibrocartilage or mixed (hyaline–fibrocartilage) tissue, while tissues taken from asymptomatic patients were hyaline cartilage in 83% of biopsies. In a small group of asymptomatic patients (n = 3), second-look and third-look biopsies taken 18 months after surgery confirmed maturation of the newly formed tissue over time. Cartilage maturation occurred from the inner regions of the graft, in contact with subchondral bone, towards the periphery of the implant.

Conclusions

The study indicates that, in asymptomatic patients after chondrocyte implantation, regenerated tissue undergoes a process of maturation that in the majority of cases takes longer than 18 months for completion and leads to hyaline tissue and not fibrous cartilage. Persistence of symptoms might reflect the presence of a nonhyaline cartilage repair tissue.
A systematic review on quality indicators for tight glycaemic control in critically ill patients: need for an unambiguous indicator reference subset
Authors: Eslami Saeid , de Keizer Nicolette F , de Jonge Evert , Schultz Marcus J , Abu-Hanna Ameen
Published: November 2008

Introduction

The objectives of this study were to systematically identify and summarize quality indicators of tight glycaemic control in critically ill patients, and to inspect the applicability of their definitions.

Methods

We searched in MEDLINE® for all studies evaluating a tight glycaemic control protocol and/or quality of glucose control that reported original data from a clinical trial or observational study on critically ill adult patients.

Results

Forty-nine studies met the inclusion criteria; 30 different indicators were extracted and categorized into four nonorthogonal categories: blood glucose zones (for example, 'hypoglycaemia'); blood glucose levels (for example, 'mean blood glucose level'); time intervals (for example, 'time to occurrence of an event'); and protocol characteristics (for example, 'blood glucose sampling frequency'). Hypoglycaemia-related indicators were used in 43 out of 49 studies, acting as a proxy for safety, but they employed many different definitions. Blood glucose level summaries were used in 41 out of 49 studies, reported as means and/or medians during the study period or at a certain time point (for example, the morning blood glucose level or blood glucose level upon starting insulin therapy). Time spent in the predefined blood glucose level range, time needed to reach the defined blood glucose level target, hyperglycaemia-related indicators and protocol-related indicators were other frequently used indicators. Most indicators differ in their definitions even when they are meant to measure the same underlying concept. More importantly, many definitions are not precise, prohibiting their applicability and hence the reproducibility and comparability of research results.

Conclusions

An unambiguous indicator reference subset is necessary. The result of this systematic review can be used as a starting point from which to develop a standard list of well defined indicators that are associated with clinical outcomes or that concur with clinicians' subjective views on the quality of the regulatory process.
A genomic analysis of the archaeal system Ignicoccus hospitalis-Nanoarchaeum equitans
Authors: Podar Mircea , Anderson Iain , Makarova Kira S , Elkins James G , Ivanova Natalia , Wall Mark A , Lykidis Athanasios , Mavromatis Kostantinos , Sun Hui , Hudson Matthew E , Chen Wenqiong , Deciu Cosmin , Hutchison Don , Eads Jonathan R , Anderson Abraham , Fernandes Fillipe , Szeto Ernest , Lapidus Alla , Kyrpides Nikos C , Saier Milton H , Richardson Paul M , Rachel Reinhard , Huber Harald , Eisen Jonathan A , Koonin Eugene V , Keller Martin , Stetter Karl O
Published: November 2008

Background

The relationship between the hyperthermophiles Ignicoccus hospitalis and Nanoarchaeum equitans is the only known example of a specific association between two species of Archaea. Little is known about the mechanisms that enable this relationship.

Results

We sequenced the complete genome of I. hospitalis and found it to be the smallest among independent, free-living organisms. A comparative genomic reconstruction suggests that the I. hospitalis lineage has lost most of the genes associated with a heterotrophic metabolism that is characteristic of most of the Crenarchaeota. A streamlined genome is also suggested by a low frequency of paralogs and fragmentation of many operons. However, this process appears to be partially balanced by lateral gene transfer from archaeal and bacterial sources.

Conclusions

A combination of genomic and cellular features suggests highly efficient adaptation to the low energy yield of sulfur-hydrogen respiration and efficient inorganic carbon and nitrogen assimilation. Evidence of lateral gene exchange between N. equitans and I. hospitalis indicates that the relationship has impacted both genomes. This association is the simplest symbiotic system known to date and a unique model for studying mechanisms of interspecific relationships at the genomic and metabolic levels.
Phase II Study of Carboplatin and Pemetrexed for the Treatment of Platinum-Sensitive Recurrent Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Matulonis Ursula A. , Horowitz Neil S. , Campos Susana M. , Lee Hang , Lee Julie , Krasner Carolyn N. , Berlin Suzanne , Roche Maria R. , Duska Linda R. , Pereira Lauren , Kendall Deborah , Penson Richard T.
Published: November 2008

Purpose

More efficacious, less toxic combinations are needed to treat platinum-sensitive recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). Pemetrexed is a multitargeted antifolate with manageable toxicity and has been combined with carboplatin to treat other cancers.

Patients and Methods

This is a phase II study of carboplatin area under the curve 5 with pemetrexed 500 mg/m2administered intravenously on day 1 every 21 days for six cycles or for up to eight cycles if clinical benefit occurred. Eligible patients had platinum-sensitive recurrent EOC, peritoneal serous cancer, or fallopian tube cancer. The primary objective was to determine response rate defined by Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors; other end points included toxicities, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS).

Results

Forty-five patients were accrued; 44 patients received treatment. Overall response rate was 51.1%; there were no complete responses (0%), 23 confirmed partial responses (51.1%), two unconfirmed partial responses (4.4%), 14 patients with stable disease (31.1%), and two patients with progressive disease after two cycles (4.4%). Grade 3 and 4 hematologic toxicities included neutropenia (41%), thrombocytopenia (23%), and anemia (9%); there were no episodes of febrile neutropenia. Grade 3 and 4 nonhematologic toxicities included fatigue (11%), nausea (5%), vomiting (5%), diarrhea (5%), syncope (5%), and pulmonary embolism (5%). Median PFS time was 7.57 months (95% CI, 6.44 to 10.18 months), mean OS time was 20.3 months, and median OS has not yet been reached with a mean follow-up time of 15.3 months.

Conclusion

Carboplatin/pemetrexed is a well-tolerated regimen with activity in platinum-sensitive recurrent EOC; further testing of this regimen in platinum-sensitive EOC patients is warranted.
Improved Survival in Lymphoma Patients Receiving Sirolimus for Graft-Versus-Host Disease Prophylaxis After Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem-Cell Transplantation With Reduced-Intensity Conditioning
Authors: Armand Philippe , Gannamaneni Supriya , Kim Haesook T. , Cutler Corey S. , Ho Vincent T. , Koreth John , Alyea Edwin P. , LaCasce Ann S. , Jacobsen Eric D. , Fisher David C. , Brown Jennifer R. , Canellos George P. , Freedman Arnold S. , Soiffer Robert J. , Antin Joseph H.
Published: November 2008

Purpose

Inhibitors of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) kinase have shown clinical activity in several lymphoma subtypes. Sirolimus, an mTOR inhibitor, also has activity in the treatment and prophylaxis of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) after allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (HSCT). We hypothesized that the use of sirolimus for GVHD prophylaxis in patients with lymphoma might lead to improved survival after transplantation through a decreased incidence of disease progression.

Patients and Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 190 patients who underwent transplantation for lymphoma. We compared the outcomes of patients who received sirolimus for GVHD prophylaxis with those of patients who received transplantation with a combination of a calcineurin inhibitor and methotrexate without sirolimus.

Results

Overall survival (OS) after transplantation was significantly superior in the sirolimus group, which was confirmed in multivariable analysis. The benefit was restricted to patients undergoing reduced-intensity conditioning (RIC) HSCT (3-year OS, 66% for sirolimus group v 38% for no-sirolimus group; P = .007; hazard ratio [HR] for mortality in multivariable analysis = 0.5, P = .042). Patients who received sirolimus had a similar incidence of nonrelapse mortality but a decreased incidence of disease progression compared with patients who did not receive sirolimus (3-year cumulative incidence of progression, 42% v 74%, respectively; P < .001; HR for progression in multivariable analysis = 0.4, P = .01). The effect of sirolimus persisted after adjusting for the occurrence of GVHD. No such survival advantage was apparent in a similar comparison of patients who underwent transplantation for diseases other than lymphoma.

Conclusion

This study suggests that sirolimus can independently decrease the risk of lymphoma progression after RIC HSCT, paving the way for prospective clinical trials.
An active vibration control model for coupled flexible systems
Authors: Niu J C , Leung A Y T , Lim C W , Ge P Q
Published: November 2008

This paper presents a novel general model for complex flexible coupled systems. In this model, parallel structures of force actuators and passive spring isolators are installed between the machine and the foundation, and some moment actuators such as piezoelectric patches are installed on the flexible foundation whose vibration cancellation feature is the key object of vibration control. This model combines active and passive control, force and moment control into a single unit to achieve the efficient vibration control of flexible structures by multiple approaches. The state-space governing equations of the coupled system are deduced. Based on the description of the state-space equation of the coupled system, the transmission paths for the power flow transmitted into the foundation are discussed in the frequency domain, and then combined into a single function. The function includes two parts: the passive and active terms, which can be conveniently employed in an optimal control strategy to achieve power flow control. The transmission characteristics of the power flow by optimal control are discussed in detail. Numerical simulations are presented to show that both force and moment controls in the analytical model can achieve substantial vibration cancellation.
Modal damping prediction of sandwich panel with visco-elastic thick core
Authors: Siala W , Abdennadher M , Hammami L , Haddar M
Published: November 2008

Free vibration and damping characteristics of a sandwich plate with elastic facings and visco-elastic core have been studied using a finite-element method. The present method considers a linear variation in the in-plane displacement through the thickness in the faces and a quadratic variation in the core. Quadrilateral finite elements were developed and a dynamic equation was derived. Damping has been introduced by considering a complex shear model of the visco-elastic material, which accounts for the phase difference between strain and stress. Eigenvalue problems are then solved, and the natural frequencies and modal loss factors of the sandwich plate are extracted. Effects of geometrical and material property parameters are discussed.
Knowledge acquisition for product development in knowledge grid
Authors: Zhen L , Jiang Z , Huang G Q , Liang J
Published: November 2008

This paper is mainly concerned with the implementation of innovative product development-oriented knowledge acquisition in a knowledge grid. The architecture of a knowledge acquisition platform based on the theory of inventive problem solving (TRIZ) and ontology is proposed at first. Then the key techniques analysed are: ontology building for product development, semantic register, semantic parser, query dispatch, and knowledge acquisition based on contradiction matrix. Finally, working scenarios are employed to illustrate the knowledge acquisition process.
Practical stability analysis for transient system dynamics
Authors: Meijaard J P , Popov A A
Published: November 2008

The stability of multi-body systems in transient conditions, such as vehicles under braking, is considered. Stability in this case is not univocal, because according to the widely used classical definitions of Lyapunov and Malkin, nearly all motions taking place over a finite time are stable. Here, the use of the concept of practical stability is proposed, which is concerned with a limited growth of perturbations expected to be present in a real system. A viable calculation procedure for applying this concept to multi-body systems is proposed, in which the equations of motion and their linearizations are generated and analysed in a symbolic program, AutoSim.

Applications are made to the acceleration of a non-linear Jeffcott rotor through its critical speed and the braking of a motorcycle. The rotor remains stable, provided that the acceleration is sufficiently large and the mass eccentricity sufficiently small. For the motorcycle, braking mainly enhances the wobble mode, whereas locking of the rear wheel may lead to a fall.
Intelligent fuzzy interface technique for the control of an autonomous mobile robot
Authors: Parhi D R , Singh M K
Published: November 2008

In this article, research has been carried out on the control technique of an autonomous mobile robot to navigate in a real-world environment, avoiding structured and unstructured obstacles, especially in a crowded and unpredictably changing environment. Here a successful way of structuring the navigation task, dealing with the issues of individual robot behaviours, is discussed. Action coordination of the behaviours has been addressed using fuzzy logic in the present research. The inputs to the proposed fuzzy-control scheme consist of a heading angle between a robot and a specified target, and the distances between the robot and the obstacles to the left, front, and right of its locations, being acquired by an array of sensors. The proposed intelligent controller for mobile robot navigation algorithm employing fuzzy theory has been applied in a complex environment. The results are verified in simulation and experimental modes, which are in good agreement.