bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Monte-Carlo Parametric Performance Analysis of A/C and H/P Transcritical R744 Compressor
Authors: Abdel-Rahim Yousef M.
Published: October 2008

Thermal engineers usually face two kinds of problems: design of new systems, where multiple alternatives for each composing unit of the system can fulfill the design requirements and/or assessment of exiting systems, where they usually work at off-the-design conditions due to deterioration of their efficiencies. The present paper addresses possible solutions to such problems via the Monte-Carlo method (MCM) applied to compressors as major units in airconditioning (A/C) and heat pump (H/P) systems having Carbon Dioxide (R744) as working fluid. Diversity of the effects of system design, process parameters and fluid properties within and across the saturation line hinders an overall-view of hidden capabilities and limitations of the compressors. Thus, it is hard to apply any appropriate optimization methods for their better design, besides the difficulty in assessing their performance along their working lifetime. In an answer to the above two points, the present paper utilizes the powerful MCM to investigate and expose the effects on compressor performance of all controlling parameters, randomly selected from their variation ranges within and across wet/saturation region to the transcritical dry region of R744. For each selected set of parameters, a complete analysis is calculated to determine the performance of the compressor. This process is repeated about 500 times to randomly cover the variation spaces of the parameters. The study reveals that MCM can fairly handle the parametric design and evaluation study of compressor performance. It shows that the initial temperature has a greatly decreasing effect on compressor specific displacement volume per unit work and to a less extent on size of compressor, while its effects on all other parameters are insignificant. Initial pressure has similar expected trends. Final to initial temperature ratio has increasing effects on both final pressure and work of compressor and decreasing effects on both second law efficiency and specific displacement volume per unit work. The application of MCM to the parametric compressor performance presented here could open many ways for further theoretical design optimization and experimental justification of the compressors and hence greatly limits the trade-off methods that are usually adopted in the selection of such units.
Shear-Driven Transport and Binding Reactions of Macro-Molecules in Nano-Channels
Authors: Tuzolana Mbumba Tony , De Baets Patrick , Gert Desmet
Published: October 2008

This paper investigates to what extend the surface engineering process (coating process) can eliminate the phenomena of friction-induced vibrations, especially stick-slip vibrations, observed in a shear-driven microfluidic systems by providing a low friction sliding surfaces.
Effective Thermal Conductivity and Viscosity of Nanofluids
Authors: Murshed S. M. S. , Leong K. C. , Yang C.
Published: October 2008

This paper presents a model to determine the effective thermal conductivity (ETC) of nanofluids. The model was developed by considering the geometrical structure of dispersed nanoparticles in base fluids. For the experimental investigation, nanofluids were prepared by suspending aluminum oxide (Φ80 nm) and titanium oxide (Φ15 nm and Φ10×40 nm) nanoparticles in deionized (DI) water and taken through longtime (8–10 hours) sonication for proper mixture of nanoparticles. Cetyltrimethylammoniumbromide (CTAB) surfactant was used to ensure better stability and dispersion of nanoparticles in the base fluids. The thermal conductivity and viscosity of the nanofluids were measured and compared with the predictions by various models. The present model gives better prediction of the effective thermal conductivity of nanofluids compared to existing models.
Fullerene-Doped Composite Systems: New Materials for Next Generation Optoelectronics
Authors: Kireitseu M. V. , Kamanina N.
Published: October 2008

Development of new fullerene-doped materials as effective optical limiting (OL) systems provokes the great interest in their optical properties [1–5]. These properties are conditioned by excitation of π-electrons demonstrate that a new charge transfer complex is formed between fullerene and a donor fragment of an organic molecule [6–9]. Fullerene-doped systems are reverse saturable absorption (RSA) materials and may be used for a sensor and eye protection as nonlinear optical absorbers.
Elastic Fields of Surface Quantum Dots
Authors: Jonsdottir Fjola , Halldorsson Dadi , Beltz Glenn , Romanov Alexei
Published: October 2008

The elastic fields of three-dimensional quantum dots, and the interaction energy between them, are determined by finite element analysis. The results from the analysis are then used in optimization of several cases of multiple dot ordering on the surface of a semiconductor. The strain energy in the model remains constant, when a certain plateau has been reached, even though dot height is increased. Furthermore, for a range of idealized geometries, the shape of the quantum dot has little impact on the strain energy, and thereby the interaction energy.
Synthesis of Nanocomposites by Ballistic Impaction of Nanoparticles
Authors: Mukherjee R. , Mook W. M. , Hafiz J. , Wang X. , Gerberich W. W. , Heberlein J. V. R. , McMurry P. H. , Girshick S. L.
Published: October 2008

We are investigating ballistic impact assembly of nanoparticles to form a new class of materials for superhard coatings and micromolded MEMS parts. Nanoparticles are generated by dissociating vapor-phase reactants injected downstream of a thermal plasma and expanding the resultant flow through a converging nozzle into a low-pressure chamber. The nanoparticle-laden gases achieve hypersonic velocities due to the pressure difference between the reaction region (450 torr) and the low-pressure chamber (∼2 torr). Particles are deposited by one of two processes: (a) by placing a substrate 20mm downstream of the flow, which results in a bow shock at the substrate and high impact velocities (calculated to be over 2000 m/s for a 20 nm SiC particle): termed as high-rate deposition, (b) by focusing the particles into a tight beam (width of ∼35 (μm) using aerodynamic lenses, and subsequent impaction on a translating substrate: termed as focused beam deposition. Thus far, nanoparticle deposits consisting of combinations of Si, Ti, C and N have been explored.
Molecular Dynamics Simulations of Fluid Flow in a Rotating Channel
Authors: Qin Zhaohui
Published: October 2008

Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of a Lennard-Jones liquid flowing through a rotating nano-scale channel are presented.
Theoretical Computing of Nanocontact Resistance Between Atomic Force Microscope Tip and Gold Nanoparticles During Nanoindentation
Authors: Jain Ashutosh
Published: October 2008

Electrical characterization of nanostructures is useful in electronic applications as conducting wires, field-effect transistors, and single-electron tunneling transistors. The present work deals with the theoretical modeling of nanocontact resistance developed due to nanoindentation of the AFM tip on the gold nanoparticle. Validity of Maxwell and Sharvin model is discussed. Since the Fermi wavelength of the electrons in gold is smaller (0.5 nm) as compared with the contact radius of the tip (∼8–10 nm) hence Sharvin’s approach is used to predict the nanocontact resistance. The radius of contact between the tip and nanoparticle is given by Hertz formula which combines the elastic properties of the tip and the sample using effective elastic modulus. Two different types of tip — silicon tip and silicon tip coated with aluminium — are considered for the analysis. The variation of contact radius with the tip radius for two types of tips at specified contact forces during nanoindentation is shown. The dependence of the contact resistance on the contact radius is shown for two tips and interpreted in the physical domain.
Elastic Properties of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes in Axial and Transverse Directions: A First Principles Study
Authors: Song X. , Ge Q. , Yen S.-C.
Published: October 2008

A first principles approach has been employed to study the elastic properties of ten zigzag and seven armchair types of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) with the diameter varied from 0.551 to 1.358 nm. The linear elastic behavior of the SWNTs when subject to small deformation is studied by four virtual mechanical experiments: uniaxial strain, uniaxial stress, in-plane pure shear, and in-plane bi-axial tension tests. Assuming that a SWNT be transversely isotropic, a strain energy approach is used to calculate the Young’s moduli in axial and transverse directions, major Posson’s ratio, plain strain bulk, and in-plane shear moduli of the carbon nanotubes. It is found that the elastic constants are insensitive to the tube size, but show a slight dependence upon the helicity. However, the differences in the elastic moduli between zigzag and armchair nanotubes are within 10%.
Field-Dependent Electrical and Thermal Characterization of Cu/CoFe Multilayer for Giant Magnetoresistive (GMR) Head Applications
Authors: Yang Y. , Zhu J.-G. , White R. M. , Asheghi M.
Published: October 2008

Giant Magnetoresistance (GMR) head technology is one of the latest advancement in hard disk drive (HDD) storage industry. The GMR head superlattice structure consists of alternating layers of extremely thin metallic ferromagnet and paramagnet films. A large decrease in the resistivity from antiparallel to parallel alignment of the film magnetizations can be observed, known as giant magnetoresistance (GMR) effect (Baibich et al., 1988; Binasch et al., 1989). The GMR effect is generally due to the spin dependent electron bulk and interfacial scattering in the GMR multilayer structures (Zhang et al., 1992). However, in order to understand the nature of the spin-dependent electron scattering mechanism responsible for the GMR effect, both electrical and thermal transport properties of such multilayer structures must be measured and understood. It is suggested that the thermal transport property measurements in GMR can be used to judge whether the scattering processes responsible for the GMR have elastic and/or inelastic components (Shi et al., 1996). Moreover, the GMR effect is anticipated to have a thermal counterpart, known as giant magnetothermal resistance (GMTR) effect in which the thermal conductivity shows a ‘giant’ change under magnetic field.
Electromagnetic Nanoactuators Based on Nanocoils
Authors: Bell D. J. , Dong L. X. , Nelson B. J. , Sun Y. , Zhang L. , Gru¨tzmacher D. A.
Published: October 2008

In this paper we present work towards electromagnetic actuation of paramagnetic particles with three-dimensional nanocoils. Self-assembled semiconductor/metal nanocoils have been used, though the concept is applicable to other types of nancoils. The particles are paramagnetic polysterene particles with iron oxide. The feasibility of such nanoelectromagnetic actuators is investigated through nanomanipulation experiments in a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Electromagnetic fields created by nanoelectromagnets are investigated through simulation. The simulation results indicate high performance of nanocoils in terms of the achievable field gradient, a key parameter for electromagnetic actuation. Results from analysis, simulation, and experiments indicate that electromagnetic nanoactuators are feasible, and have potential applications in nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS).
Lower Limits of Detection for Single Biological Particles Using Impedance Spectroscopy
Authors: Seriburi Pahnit , Shastry Ashutosh , Van’t Wout Angelique , Mittler John , Chao Shih-Hui , Koschwanez John , Meldrum Deirdre
Published: October 2008

Single-cell impedance spectroscopy integrated with lab-on-a-chip systems provides a direct and minimally invasive approach for monitoring and characterizing properties of individual cells in real-time. Here we investigate the theoretical potential and limitations of this technique for analyzing single membrane-bound particles as small as 100 nm in diameter. Our theoretical model suggests a lower limit of detection for single cells on the order of a few microns.
The Patterned Optical Phase Change Recording Media
Authors: Small Evan , Sadeghipour Sadegh M. , Asheghi Mehdi
Published: October 2008

Demands for the high storage capacities and rates of data transfer have been overwhelming in the recent years. With the increasing use of multimedia, the rewritable optical phase-change disks, e.g. CD and DVD, have become more popular. The optical PC data storage devices provide relatively short data access rates (∼ 10 MHz) and moderate areal densities. As in other areas of data storage, there has been tremendous demand and pressure, driven by consumer application, for inexpensive high-density PC systems. So far, the optical data storage industry has managed to meet the demands by using lasers with shorter wavelengths and objective lenses with higher numerical aperture (NA). Several strategies such as “multilevel storage layers” [1] and “mark radial width modulation” [2] have been proposed for the next generation of the high-density PC data storage devices. There have been advances in near field optical techniques to increase density (40 Gb/in) using solid immersion lens [3]. Hosaka et al. [4] demonstrated 60 nm domains in phase change media that translates to 170 Gb/in2 using a scanning near-filed optical microscope. Kado and Tohda [5] used an atomic force microscope (AFM) to locally modify the electrical property (×100) of a PC material by applying an electrical pulse between the probe and media. They achieved an areal density near 1 Tbits/cm2.
Thermal Radiative Heat Transfer Between Closely Spaced Nanostructures
Authors: Hu L. , Chen G.
Published: October 2008

Thermal emission control with nanostructures has attracted considerable attention because of its potential applications in thermophotovoltaic (TPV) devices [1–3]. The optical-to-electrical conversion in a TPV system is driven by photons with energy higher than the electronic bandgap of the photovoltaic cell. A narrow-band emitter with emission spectrum slightly above the bandgap is ideal, which maximizes the conversion efficiency as well as minimizes the waste heat that deteriorates the performance of the cell. Specially designed nanostructures alters the band structure of photons in much the same way as the crystal lattice does on electrons inside semiconductors, thus changing the thermal emission spectrum. By employing nanostructure-enabled emission control, Lin, et al, projected an efficiency of 34% for TPV systems [2].
Measurement of Liquid Slip on Nanoturf Surfaces
Authors: Choi Chang-Hwan , Kim Chang-Jin
Published: October 2008

While many new studies have confirmed the existence of liquid slip over certain solid surfaces [1], there has not been a deliberate effort to design and fabricate a surface that will maximize the slip effect and reduce drag in liquid flow in practical conditions. Hydrophobic rough surfaces have been studied experimentally to reduce the friction in liquid flow [2, 3]. The fine grooves [2], trapping air in them, were speculated to decrease the liquid-solid contact area and contribute to the drag reduction. However, the grooves constitute only a fraction of the entire surface and the rest of the surface is also rough, making it difficult to isolate and attribute the effect of the air layer. Although the post structures with large pitches (i.e., over several microns) [3] may be convenient to fabricate and more convincing to demonstrate the drag reduction, they function only under small liquid pressure (e.g., < 5000 Pa), which does not represent most real flow conditions. Although the nano-patterned surfaces have recently been shown to reduce the friction even under high pressure [4, 5], the amount of slip is not large enough to generate a meaningful drag reduction. Hence, our goal, extended from the previous report for droplet flows [6], is to engineer a surface that maximizes the slip effect for continuous flows in real engineering cases when the liquid is considerably pressurized.
Partially Aligned Piezoelectric Nanofibers by Sol-Gel Electrospining Process
Authors: Shi Yong , Xu Shiyou , Kim Sang-Gook
Published: October 2008

This paper reports the fabrication of partially aligned Lead Zirconate Titanate (PZT) nanofibers with an average diameter of 150 nm by Sol-Gel Electrospinning process. Both randomly distributed and uniaxially aligned PZT fibers were obtained from the sol-gel PZT solution with viscosity modified by polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP). The diameters of the nano fibers can be further reduced or controlled for different applications. SEM, TEM and x-ray diffraction (XRD) are used to characterize the nano-fibers and their crystal structures. XRD confirmed that pure perovskite phase was formed after the as-spun fibers being annealed at about 650°C. Different approaches have been explored to fabricate the uniaxially-aligned PZT nano-fibers. Microelectromechanical (MEMS) based micro-fabrication technologies are used to assist the development of the nano-fibers in designing the test samples, depositing and patterning the electrodes, and also testing the performance of the nano fibers.
The Miller Volcanic Spark Discharge Experiment
Authors: Johnson Adam P. , Cleaves H. James , Dworkin Jason P. , Glavin Daniel P. , Lazcano Antonio , Bada Jeffrey L.
Published: October 2008

Miller's 1950s experiments used, besides the apparatus known in textbooks, one that generated a hot water mist in the spark flask, simulating a water vapor‐rich volcanic eruption. We found the original extracts of this experiment in Miller's material and reanalyzed them. The volcanic apparatus produced a wider variety of amino acids than the classic one. Release of reduced gases in volcanic eruptions accompanied by lightning could have been common on the early Earth. Prebotic compounds synthesized in these environments could have locally accumulated, where they could have undergone further processing.
Taming the Angry Beast
Authors: Caldeira Ken
Published: October 2008

Fixing Climate
. What Past Climate Changes Reveal About the Current Threat--and How to Counter It.
By Wallace S. Broecker and Robert Kunzig
. Hill and Wang (Farrar, Straus and Giroux), New York, 2008. 269 pp. $25. ISBN 9780809045013.

The authors discuss how human activities have triggered the possibility of catastrophic climate change, how we have come to recognize the threat, and what steps we might take to reduce the damages
The CD8 T-Cell Response against Murine Gammaherpesvirus 68 Is Directed toward a Broad Repertoire of Epitopes from both Early and Late Antigens
Authors: Gredmark-Russ Sara , Cheung Evelyn J. , Isaacson Marisa K. , Ploegh Hidde L. , Grotenbreg Gijsbert M.
Published: October 2008

Infection of mice with murine gammaherpesvirus 68 (MHV-68) robustly activates CD8 T cells, but only six class I major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-restricted epitopes have been described to date for the widely usedH-2bhaplotype mice. To explore the specificity and kinetics of the cytotoxic T-lymphocyte response in MHV-68-infected C57BL/6 mice, we screened for H-2Kb- and H-2Db-restricted epitopes using a set of 384 candidate epitopes in an MHC tetramer-based approach and identified 19 new epitopes in 16 different open reading frames. Of the six known H-2Kb- and H-2Db-restricted epitopes, we confirmed a response against three and did not detect CD8 T-cell-specific responses for the remaining three. The peak of the CD8 T-cell response to most peptides occurs between 6 and 10 days postinfection. The respective MHC tetramer-positive CD8 T cells display an activated/effector phenotype (CD62Lloand CD44hi) and produce gamma interferon upon peptide stimulation ex vivo. MHV-68 infection in vivo elicits a response to multiple viral epitopes, derived from both early and late viral antigens, illustrating a far broader T-cell repertoire and more-rapid activation than those previously recorded.
DIRECTED FLOW AS AN EFFECT OF TRANSIENT MATTER ROTATION IN HADRON AND NUCLEUS COLLISIONS
Authors: TROSHIN S. M. , TYURIN N. E.
Published: October 2008

We discuss directed flow v1, an observable introduced for the description of nucleus collisions. We consider its possible origin in hadronic reactions as a result of rotation of the transient matter and trace the analogy with nucleus collisions.
PAIRING PROPERTIES OF SYMMETRIC NUCLEAR MATTER IN RELATIVISTIC MEAN FIELD THEORY
Authors: LI J. , SUN B. Y. , MENG J.
Published: October 2008

The properties of pairing correlations in symmetric nuclear matter are studied in the relativistic mean field (RMF) theory with the effective interaction, PK1. Considering the well-known problem that the pairing gap at the Fermi surface calculated with RMF effective interactions is three times larger than that with the Gogny force, an effective factor in the particle–particle channel is introduced. For the RMF calculation with PK1, an effective factor of 0.76 gives a maximum pairing gap of 3.2 MeV at a Fermi momentum of 0.9 fm-1, which is consistent with the result with the Gogny force.
KINETIC DESCRIPTION OF HADRON–HADRON COLLISIONS
Authors: TAN ZHI GUANG , TERRANOVA S. , BONASERA A.
Published: October 2008

A transport model based on the mean free path approach to describe pp collisions is proposed. We assume that hadrons can be treated as bags of partons similarly to the MIT bag model. When the energy density in the collision is higher than a critical value, the bags break and partons are liberated. The partons expand and can coalesce to form new hadrons. The results obtained compare very well with available data, and some predictions for higher energies collisions are discussed. Based on the model we suggest that a QGP could already be formed in pp collisions at high energies.
The Environmental Reach of Asia
Authors: Galloway James N. , Dentener Frank J. , Marmer Elina , Cai Zucong , Abrol Yash P. , Dadhwal V.K. , Vel Murugan A.
Published: October 2008

More than 10,000 years ago, humans began an experiment on the environmental consequences of resource use. The environmental changes were at first local. By 6000 years ago, the consequences had begun to be manifested at the regional and global scales. At the beginning of the experiment, Asia played a founding role. Populations were centered there, and agriculture and associated land-use change began there. Now Asia, with 60% of the world's population, is rapidly growing in terms of both population and economic development. Over the next few decades, population growth will slow, but economic growth will continue, resulting in large-scale losses of S, C, and N compounds to the atmosphere. A global challenge is to implement growth scenarios that, on one hand, will not limit the ability of the Asian population to attain a higher standard of living, but, on the other hand, will not result in a continued degradation of the environments within Asia as well as downwind and downstream of Asia.
Environmental Cost-Benefit Analysis
Authors: Atkinson Giles , Mourato Susana
Published: October 2008

Environmental cost-benefit analysis, or CBA, refers to the economic appraisal of policies and projects that have the deliberate aim of improving the provision of environmental services or actions that might affect (sometimes adversely) the environment as an indirect consequence. Vital advances have arisen in response to the challenges that environmental problems and environmental policy pose for CBA. In this article, we review a number of these developments. Perhaps most notably this includes continuing progress in techniques to value environmental changes. Growing experience of these methods has resulted in, on the one hand, ever greater sophistication in application and, on the other hand, scrutiny regarding their validity and reliability. Distributional concerns have led to a renewal of interest in how appraisals might throw light on questions about equity as well as efficiency, and there have been substantial new insights for discounting costs and benefits in the far-off future. Uncertainty about what is lost when environmental assets are degraded or depleted has resulted in a number of distinct proposals although precaution is the watchword in each. Just as importantly, there is a need to understand when CBA is used in practice and why environmental decisions are often made in a manner apparently inconsistent with cost-benefit thinking.
Sanitation for Unserved Populations: Technologies, Implementation Challenges, and Opportunities
Authors: Nelson Kara L. , Murray Ashley
Published: October 2008

The global population without complete sanitation services is enormous; it includes those without access to basic, household-level sanitation (2.6 billion) as well as those without adequate collection, treatment, and disposal or reuse of their waste. The main goals of a complete sanitation system are to protect human health and the environment and to recover valuable resources from waste (e.g., water, nutrients, energy). The needs of households and the larger community vary dramatically among the unserved population, as do the financial and institutional resources available to provide sanitation services. Thus, a wide range of technologies is needed that can be adapted to each particular situation. In this chapter, existing sanitation technologies are reviewed, from simple latrines to advanced wastewater treatment, with specific attention to characteristics that affect long-term performance. In addition, the context in which sanitation projects are implemented is discussed, including user preferences and demand, costs and financing, and institutional capacity.
Nuclear Many-Body Scattering Calculations with the Coulomb Interaction
Authors: Deltuva A. , Fonseca A.C. , Sauer P.U.
Published: October 2008

Recent progress in the solution of three- and four-particle scattering equations including the Coulomb interaction is reviewed. The method of screening and renormalization in the framework of momentum-space integral equations is used and its reliability demonstrated. We also review results for observables in three- and four-nucleon scattering as well as applications to nuclear reactions that display three-body degrees of freedom.
A First‐Order Analytical Theory for Optimal Low‐Thrust Limited‐Power Transfers between Arbitrary Elliptical Coplanar Orbits
Authors: da Silva Fernandes Sandro , das Chagas Carvalho Francisco
Published: October 2008

A complete first‐order analytical solution, which includes the short periodic terms, for the problem of optimal low‐thrust limited‐power transfers between arbitrary elliptic coplanar orbits in a Newtonian central gravity field is obtained through canonical transformation theory. The optimization problem is formulated as a Mayer problem of optimal control theory with Cartesian elements—position and velocity vectors—as state variables. After applying the Pontryagin maximum principle and determining the maximum Hamiltonian, classical orbital elements are introduced through a Mathieu transformation. The short periodic terms are then eliminated from the maximum Hamiltonian through an infinitesimal canonical transformation built through Hori method. Closed‐form analytical solutions are obtained for the average canonical system by solving the Hamilton‐Jacobi equation through separation of variables technique. For transfers between close orbits a simplified solution is straightforwardly derived by linearizing the new Hamiltonian and the generating function obtained through Hori method.
Poor-Prognosis Estrogen Receptor–Positive Breast Cancer Identified by Histopathologic Subclassification
Authors: Webster Lucy R. , Lee Shu-Fen , Ringland Clare , Morey Adrienne L. , Hanby Andrew M. , Morgan Graeme , Byth Karen , Mote Patricia A. , Provan Pamela J. , Ellis Ian O. , Green Andrew R. , Lamoury Gillian , Ravdin Peter , Clarke Christine L. , Ward Robyn L. , Balleine Rosemary L. , Hawkins Nicholas J.
Published: October 2008

Purpose: Identification of biologically and clinically distinct breast cancer subtypes could improve prognostic assessment of primary tumors. The characteristics of “molecular” breast cancer subtypes suggest that routinely assessed histopathologic features in combination with limited biomarkers may provide an informative classification for routine use.

Experimental Design: Hierarchical cluster analysis based on components of histopathologic grade (tubule formation, nuclear pleomorphism, and mitotic score), expression of ER, cytokeratin 5/6, and HER2 amplification identified four breast cancer subgroups in a cohort of 270 cases. Cluster subgroup membership was compared with observed and Adjuvant! Online predicted 10-year survival. Survival characteristics were confirmed in an independent cohort of 300 cases assigned to cluster subgroups using a decision tree model.

Results: Four distinct breast cancer cluster subgroups (A-D) were identified that were analogous to molecular tumor types and showed a significant association with survival in both the original and validation cohorts (P < 0.001). There was a striking difference between survival for patients in cluster subgroups A and B with ER+ breast cancer (P < 0.001). Outcome for all tumor types was well estimated by Adjuvant! Online, with the exception of cluster B ER+ cancers where Adjuvant! Online was too optimistic.

Conclusions: Breast cancer subclassification based on readily accessible pathologic features could improve prognostic assessment of ER+ breast cancer.
Cisplatin-Resistant Neuroblastoma Cells Express Enhanced Levels of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) and Are Sensitive to Treatment with EGFR-Specific Toxins
Authors: Michaelis Martin , Bliss Jennifer , Arnold Sonja C. , Hinsch Nora , Rothweiler Florian , Deubzer Hedwig E. , Witt Olaf , Langer Klaus , Doerr Hans W. , Wels Winfried S. , Cinatl Jindrich
Published: October 2008

Purpose: Neuroblastomas frequently show expression of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and may therefore be susceptible to EGFR-targeted therapies. Here, EGFR expression and functionality was investigated in parental chemosensitive neuroblastoma cell lines (UKF-NB-3, IMR-32, NLF, SH-SY5Y) and their cisplatin-resistant sublines (UKF-NB-3rCDDP1000, IMR-32rCDDP1000, NLFrCDDP1000, and SH-SY5YrCDDP500). Moreover, the EGFR antibody cetuximab, the EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor Tyrphostin B46, and recombinant EGFR-targeted toxins were investigated for their influence on the viability and growth of neuroblastoma cells.

Experimental Design: EGFR expression and function was measured by flow cytometry or Western blot. Cell viability was detected by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Apoptosis was examined by immunostaining for active caspase-3 or cleaved poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase. Cellular binding of FITC-labeled immunotoxins was studied by flow cytometry, and cellular uptake was studied by confocal laser scanning microscopy.

Results: The EGFR-targeted antibody and growth factor toxins scFv(14E1)- Pseudomonas exotoxin A (ETA) and TGF-α-ETA exerted anti-cancer effects in neuroblastoma cell lines that were insensitive to cetuximab or EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Furthermore, adaptation of chemosensitive neuroblastoma cells to cisplatin increased EGFR expression and sensitivity to both recombinant toxins. Treatment of chemosensitive neuroblastoma cells with cisplatin reversibly increased EGFR expression, whereas cisplatin-resistant cells showed enhanced EGFR expression independent of the presence of cisplatin. Combination treatment with scFv(14E1)-ETA or TGF-α-ETA and cisplatin exerted significantly improved anticancer effects compared with either single treatment in parental neuroblastoma cells, cisplatin-resistant sublines, and primary cultures.

Conclusions: EGFR-targeted cytotoxic reagents such as scFv(14E1)-ETA and TGF-α-ETA represent promising candidates for further development as antineuroblastoma agents, especially in combination with cisplatin.
Learning in International Organizations in Global Environmental Governance
Authors: Siebenhüner Bernd
Published: October 2008

In global environmental governance, numerous new international organizations have emerged from dozens of multilateral treaties signed over the last 30 years. This paper focuses on intergovernmental organizations in an organizational theory perspective with a particular focus on organizational learning processes. It explores where and when international organizations exhibit organizational learning with significant effects on the organizations' internal structure and behavior. Key hypotheses from principal-agent theory and organizational learning theory are tested in eight case studies of international organizations involved in global environmental governance. The analysis shows that organizations engage in three forms of learning: reflexive learning, adaptive learning, and no learning. Explanations of the observed variation depend on specific learning mechanisms, change agents in leadership functions and external triggers such as pressures from governments or nongovernmental actors.
Conjugating the Modern/ Religious, Conceptualizing Female Religious Agency
Authors: Bracke Sarah
Published: October 2008

This article is concerned with thinking transformations of the secular, and does so in relation to two theoretical terrains, while empirically grounded in ethnographies of Christian and Islamic pious women in the Netherlands. A first theoretical terrain under consideration is that of how the relation between modernity and religion is elaborated, notably in secularization theories, and how these established frameworks are challenged by a different kind of articulation between modernity and religion that I observed in narratives and practices of young Evangelical and Islamic women in the Netherlands. The article traces the contours of a `pious modern', showing how from a faith-centred perspective the modern can be incorporated and indeed produced. In this context, I argue that the way in which notions of modernization and secularization have been theoretically hinged on each other needs to be further revisited, and I propose to consider the `post-secular' as a new disarticulation between the modern and the secular. A second theoretical terrain concerns questions of agency and subjectivity. Here I trace how situating religious agency in its own grammar makes secular assumptions in social, critical and feminist theory visible, and generates different understandings not only of agency but also of notions such as autonomy, and the capacity to act and shape the world.
Isolating Science from the Humanities
Authors: Howe Kenneth R.
Published: October 2008

The demand for scientifically-based educational research has fostered a new methodological orthodoxy exemplified by documents such as the National Research Council's Scientific Research in Education and Advancing Scientific Research in Education and American Educational Research Association's Standards for Reporting on Empirical Social Science Research in AERA Journals. This article criticizes the new orthodoxy as being a throwback to positivist reductionism and the “two dogmas” of educational research: the quantitative/ qualitative incompatibility thesis and fact/value dichotomy. It then criticizes the new orthodoxy for fostering a “third dogma” of educational research cut from the same cloth as the first two: the empirical science/humanities dualism. The article advances the view that no fundamental epistemological dividing line can be drawn between the empirical sciences and the humanities and that, accordingly, empirical research in education should not be cordoned off from the humanities, particularly their focus on values. It concludes with several observations about the problems and prospects for interdisciplinary research in education across the empirical science/humanities divide.
Moccasin on One Foot, High Heel on the Other
Authors: Vannini April , Gladue Coreen
Published: October 2008

Drawing from life history interviews with Coreen Gladue—a Cree/Métis woman resident of British Columbia, Canada—this article uses poetic representation and visual images to tell stories about Coreen's sense of self and identity, family relations, education, and interpretation of the meanings of Canada's Indian Act. Poems and narratives are used here in an attempt to decolonize the relationship between re/searcher and informant, as well as in an attempt to magnify the authenticity of Coreen's lived experiences. Throughout the article, in autoethnographic style the voice of the researcher occupies a central, reflexive, but not dominant position. Researcher reflections in the form of performative scripts and diary entries are used to provide emotional depth, context, interpretation, and background. The article concludes with a reflection on friendship as a form of inquiry and an incitation to empathy and continued commitment to uprooting the injustices originated by Canada's Indian Act.
Intercultural Mergers and Acquisitions as `Legitimacy Crises' of Models of Capitalism: A UK—German Case Study
Authors: Halsall Robert
Published: October 2008

This paper examines media discourse surrounding two UK— German intercultural business controversies: the takeover of the German company Mannesmann by the British company Vodafone in 1999, and the disposal of its British subsidiary Rover by its German parent company BMW in 2000. These controversies were framed in the media of both countries as part of a `clash of cultures of capitalism', with the `Anglo-Saxon model' on one side and the `German social model' on the other, and can be seen as `legitimacy crises' of the two models of capitalism involved. The paper examines how cultural, economic and political discourses relating to globalization were used strategically by actors to deal with these crises, in order to legitimize a neo-liberal transformation of the German model in the first case, and to legitimize a `rebranding' of the UK model in line with a move from a concentration on manufacturing to a service economy in the second.
Neuromyelitis optica and multiple sclerosis in sisters
Authors: Cabrera-Gómez JA , Ramón-Pérez L , Saiz A , Llerena-Fernández P , Fernández-Fernández L , Ercilla G , Grass-Fernández D , Robinson-Agramonte MA , Romero-García K , Macías-Betancourt R , Galvizu-Sánchez R , Otero-Motolá C , Sojo-Gómez M , Aguilar-Arias C , Rodríguez-Cordero M , González-Quevedo A
Published: October 2008

Introduction

The association of neuromyelitis optica (NMO) and multiple sclerosis (MS) has been reported, but details of the cases were not described. We report two Venezuelan Caucasian sisters with human leukocyte antigen (HLA) typing.

Results

Patient 1 fulfilled McDonald, et al. criteria with HLA A*24; B*07,*15; DRB1*01,*16 (DR2 positive). Patient 2 fulfilled the NMO revised criteria of Wingerchuck, et al. with HLA A*02,*24; B*07,*40; DRB1*04,*08, similar to Canadian aboriginal NMO cases and the Yukpa population from Venezuela.

Conclusion

These cases confirmed the coexistence of NMO and MS in sisters, and further studies are needed to understand the genetic linkage between these diseases.
Linking mountain identities throughout the world: the experience of Swiss communities
Authors: Debarbieux Bernard , Rudaz Gilles
Published: October 2008

This article analyses transnational partnerships set up between Swiss mountain municipalities and other mountain communities throughout the world. It seeks to evaluate the role of this kind of horizontal cooperation in a world which is increasingly dominated by global flux and complex interactions between multilevel stakeholders. A review of these partnerships shows the quantitative importance of partnerships built upon the celebration of attributes and values associated with mountains. Beyond the very great diversity in the types of partnership and their objectives, the partnerships are surprisingly capable of combining cultural, political and economic objectives, and of bringing together local objectives, national imagination, federal policies and intergovernmental priorities.
Human protein S inhibits the uptake of AcLDL and expression of SR-A through Mer receptor tyrosine kinase in human macrophages
Authors: Liao Dan , Wang Xinwen , Li Min , Lin Peter H. , Yao Qizhi , Chen Changyi
Published: October 2008

Human protein S is an anticoagulation protein. However, it is unknown whether protein S could regulate the expression and function of macrophage scavenger receptor A (SR-A) in macrophages. Human THP-1 monocytes and peripheral blood monocytes were differentiated into macrophages and then treated with physiological concentrations of human protein S. We found that protein S significantly reduced acetylated low-density lipoprotein (AcLDL) uptake and binding by macrophages and decreased the intracellular cholesteryl ester content. Protein S suppressed the expression of the SR-A at both mRNA and protein levels. Protein S reduced the SR-A promoter activity primarily through inhibition in the binding of transcription factors to the AP-1 promoter element in macrophages. Furthermore, human protein S could bind and induce phosphorylation of Mer receptor tyrosine kinase (Mer RTK). Soluble Mer protein or tyrosine kinase inhibitor herbimycin A effectively blocked the effects of protein S on AcLDL uptake. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that the level of protein S was substantially increased in human atherosclerotic arteries. Thus, human protein S can inhibit the expression and activity of SR-A through Mer RTK in macrophages, suggesting that human protein S is a modulator for macrophage functions in uptaking of modified lipoproteins.
Discovery and implementation of transcriptional biomarkers of synthetic LXR agonists in peripheral blood cells
Authors: DiBlasio-Smith Elizabeth A , Arai Maya , Quinet Elaine M , Evans Mark J , Kornaga Tad , Basso Michael D , Chen Liang , Feingold Irene , Halpern Anita R , Liu Qiang-Yuan , Nambi Ponnal , Savio Dawn , Wang Shuguang , Mounts William M , Isler Jennifer A , Slager Anna M , Burczynski Michael E , Dorner Andrew J , LaVallie Edward R
Published: October 2008

Background

LXRs (Liver X Receptor α and β) are nuclear receptors that act as ligand-activated transcription factors. LXR activation causes upregulation of genes involved in reverse cholesterol transport (RCT), including ABCA1 and ABCG1 transporters, in macrophage and intestine. Anti-atherosclerotic effects of synthetic LXR agonists in murine models suggest clinical utility for such compounds.

Objective

Blood markers of LXR agonist exposure/activity were sought to support clinical development of novel synthetic LXR modulators.

Methods

Transcript levels of LXR target genes ABCA1 and ABCG1 were measured using quantitative reverse transcriptase/polymerase chain reaction assays (qRT-PCR) in peripheral blood from mice and rats (following a single oral dose) and monkeys (following 7 daily oral doses) of synthetic LXR agonists. LXRα, LXRβ, ABCA1, and ABCG1 mRNA were measured by qRT-PCR in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), monocytes, T- and B-cells treated ex vivo with WAY-252623 (LXR-623), and protein levels in human PBMC were measured by Western blotting. ABCA1/G1 transcript levels in whole-blood RNA were measured using analytically validated assays in human subjects participating in a Phase 1 SAD (Single Ascending Dose) clinical study of LXR-623.

Results

A single oral dose of LXR agonists induced ABCA1 and ABCG1 transcription in rodent peripheral blood in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Induction of gene expression in rat peripheral blood correlated with spleen expression, suggesting LXR gene regulation in blood has the potential to function as a marker of tissue gene regulation. Transcriptional response to LXR agonist was confirmed in primates, where peripheral blood ABCA1 and ABCG1 levels increased in a dose-dependent manner following oral treatment with LXR-623. Human PBMC, monocytes, T- and B cells all expressed both LXRα and LXRβ, and all cell types significantly increased ABCA1 and ABCG1 expression upon ex vivo LXR-623 treatment. Peripheral blood from a representative human subject receiving a single oral dose of LXR-623 showed significant time-dependent increases in ABCA1 and ABCG1 transcription.

Conclusion

Peripheral blood cells express LXRα and LXRβ, and respond to LXR agonist treatment by time- and dose-dependently inducing LXR target genes. Transcript levels of LXR target genes in peripheral blood are relevant and useful biological indicators for clinical development of synthetic LXR modulators.
Fak56 functions downstream of integrin alphaPS3betanu and suppresses MAPK activation in neuromuscular junction growth
Authors: Tsai Pei-I , Kao Hsiu-Hua , Grabbe Caroline , Lee Yu-Tao , Ghose Aurnab , Lai Tzu-Ting , Peng Kuan-Po , Van Vactor David , Palmer Ruth H , Chen Ruey-Hwa , Yeh Shih-Rung , Chien Cheng-Ting
Published: October 2008

Background

Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) functions in cell migration and signaling through activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling cascade. Neuronal function of FAK has been suggested to control axonal branching; however, the underlying mechanism in this process is not clear.

Results

We have generated mutants for the Drosophila FAK gene, Fak56. Null Fak56 mutants display overgrowth of larval neuromuscular junctions (NMJs). Localization of phospho-FAK and rescue experiments suggest that Fak56 is required in presynapses to restrict NMJ growth. Genetic analyses imply that FAK mediates the signaling pathway of the integrin αPS3βν heterodimer and functions redundantly with Src. At NMJs, Fak56 downregulates ERK activity, as shown by diphospho-ERK accumulation in Fak56 mutants, and suppression of Fak56 mutant NMJ phenotypes by reducing ERK activity.

Conclusion

We conclude that Fak56 is required to restrict NMJ growth during NMJ development. Fak56 mediates an extracellular signal through the integrin receptor. Unlike its conventional role in activating MAPK/ERK, Fak56 suppresses ERK activation in this process. These results suggest that Fak56 mediates a specific neuronal signaling pathway distinct from that in other cellular processes.
Analysis of the early response to TSST-1 reveals Vβ-unrestricted extravasation, compartmentalization of the response, and unresponsiveness but not anergy to TSST-1
Authors: Waclavicek Martina , Stich Norbert , Rappan Ingrid , Bergmeister Helga , Eibl Martha M
Published: October 2008

Staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome toxin 1 (TSST-1) is the major cause of toxic shock syndrome and is important in the pathophysiology of staphylococcal septic shock. Our study about the biological effects of TSST-1 in the rabbit 3 and 6 h and 7 days postinjection provides evidence that TSST-1 induces leukopenia, lymphopenia, and monocytopenia as a result of extravasation of cells in a Vß-unrestricted manner. Cells in the circulation, reduced significantly in numbers, show the same phenotypic distribution as before TSST-1 injection. Three hours post-in vivo TSST-1 injection, we demonstrated compartmentalization of the response. By quantitative RT-PCR, the induction of mRNA expression of TH1 and inflammatory cytokines in the spleen and lung and a complete lack of induction in PBMC could be shown. Proliferation assays revealed that 3 h after TSST-1, PBMC were neither activated nor responsive to in vitro restimulation, even when IL-2 was added. In contrast, 7 days later, PBMC and spleen cells were anergic: showing no response to TSST-1 but a vigorous response upon addition of IL-2. The results presented extend our understanding of the pathophysiology of toxic and septic shock as a result of superantigen toxin-producing Staphylococcus aureus. Demonstration of compartmentalization of the response proves that erroneous conclusions could be drawn by the exclusive analysis of PBMCs. The results reveal further that in nonresponsiveness to the antigen, different immunological mechanisms may be operational. Measurements of the induction of cytokine gene activation provide important complementary information to that of serum cytokine levels.