bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A CONSISTENT PRICING MODEL FOR INDEX OPTIONS AND VOLATILITY DERIVATIVES
Authors: Cont Rama , Kokholm Thomas
Published: July 2011

We propose a flexible framework for modeling the joint dynamics of an index and a set of forward variance swap rates written on this index. Our model reproduces various empirically observed properties of variance swap dynamics and enables volatility derivatives and options on the underlying index to be priced consistently, while allowing for jumps in volatility and returns. An affine specification using Lévy processes as building blocks leads to analytically tractable pricing formulas for volatility derivatives, such as VIX options, as well as efficient numerical methods for pricing of European options on the underlying asset. The model has the convenient feature of decoupling the vanilla skews from spot/volatility correlations and allowing for different conditional correlations in large and small spot/volatility moves. We show that our model can simultaneously fit prices of European options on S&P 500 across strikes and maturities as well as options on the VIX volatility index.
THE RISE AND USE OF BALANCED SCORECARD MEASURES IN AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS
Authors: Hoque Zahirul , Adams Carol
Published: July 2011

This paper examines the rise and use of balanced scorecard performance measurement systems in Australian government departments. Through a survey of all Australian federal, state and territory government departments we find that Australian government departments include a broad set of financial and non‐financial measures within a balanced scorecard approach. Theoretically, our findings lend support for both economic and ‘external’ institutional rationales for the implementation and use of balanced scorecard measures. We find that those government departments reporting greater implementation of balanced scorecard performance measures also report greater benefits for organisational decisions. Our findings shed light on the use, and further potential, of BSC performance measurement systems as part of the management control system in Government departments.
Success Without ‘A’ Pass: an Educational Experiment Revisited
Authors: Nash Mary
Published: July 2011

In 1963, the University of Sussex inaugurated an innovative Early Leavers Scheme in response to two government reports which confirmed that it was still the norm for talented working‐class children to leave school aged 15 or 16 and indicated that the hopes of the 1944 Education Act were as yet unfulfilled. This article explores what the scheme has meant to some of the people who got to university because of it. Research on relevant documentation of the scheme and its outcomes held in the University of Sussex archives and information gathered from four people admitted to the scheme and its impact on them inform this article. The scheme is contextualised with relevant policy documents, government reports and academic publications to provide a framework for the accounts of those who took part in it and it is tentatively suggested that these have implications for higher education policy today.
Filial norms and intergenerational support to aging parents in China and Taiwan
Authors: Lin Ju‐Ping , Yi Chin‐Chun
Published: July 2011

Lin J‐P, Yi C‐C. Filial norms and intergenerational support to aging parents in China and Taiwan

Int J Soc Welfare 2011: 20: S109–S120 © 2011 The Author(s), International Journal of Social Welfare © 2011 Blackwell Publishing Ltd and the International Journal of Social Welfare.

This study compared intergenerational relations in China and Taiwan. It has been assumed that cultural homogeneity results in filial norms being the shared dominant family value. However, due to different socio‐economic experiences, other situational factors could produce different effects in China and Taiwan. Specifically, geographical distance, parental demands, and children's resources were incorporated in the analysis. We suspected that different situational factors might interact with filial norms in producing varying effects on intergenerational support. Data were taken from the 2006 East Asian Social Survey. Results confirmed that the patriarchal family model of intergenerational support remains strong in both China and Taiwan. The traditional Chinese filial norms significantly accounted for all aspects of intergenerational support examined.
Attachment security as a mechanism linking foster care placement to improved mental health outcomes in previously institutionalized children
Authors: McLaughlin Katie A. , Zeanah Charles H. , Fox Nathan A. , Nelson Charles A.
Published: July 2011

Background:  Children reared in institutions experience elevated rates of psychiatric disorders. Inability to form a secure attachment relationship to a primary caregiver is posited to be a central mechanism in this association. We determined whether the ameliorative effect of a foster care (FC) intervention on internalizing disorders in previously institutionalized children was explained by the development of secure attachment among children placed in FC. Second we evaluated the role of lack of attachment in an institutionalized sample on the etiology of internalizing disorders within the context of a randomized trial.

Methods:  A sample of 136 children (aged 6–30 months) residing in institutions was recruited in Bucharest, Romania. Children were randomized to FC (n = 68) or to care as usual (CAU; n = 68). Foster parents were recruited, trained, and overseen by the investigative team. Attachment security at 42 months was assessed using the Strange Situation Procedure, and internalizing disorders at 54 months were assessed using the Preschool Age Psychiatric Assessment.

Results:  Girls in FC had fewer internalizing disorders than girls in CAU (OR = 0.17, p = .006). The intervention had no effect on internalizing disorders in boys (OR = 0.47, p = .150). At 42 months, girls in FC were more likely to have secure attachment than girls in CAU (OR = 12.5, p < .001), but no difference was observed in boys (OR = 2.0, p = .205). Greater attachment security predicted lower rates of internalizing disorders in both sexes. Development of attachment security fully mediated intervention effects on internalizing disorders in girls.

Conclusion:  Placement into FC facilitated the development of secure attachment and prevented the onset of internalizing disorders in institutionalized girls. The differential effects of FC on attachment security in boys and girls explained gender differences in the intervention effects on psychopathology. Findings provide evidence for the critical role of disrupted attachment in the etiology of internalizing disorders in children exposed to institutionalization.
Multicriteria path and tree problems: discussion on exact algorithms and applications
Authors: Clímaco João C. N. , Pascoal Marta M. B.
Published: July 2011

Multicriteria/multiobjective path and tree models are useful in many applications. Particularly, in Internet routing problems they seem to lead to promising approaches. In the first part of this paper, we classify and present the main exact approaches dealing with several multicriteria path problems putting in evidence the shortest path problem. In the second part, we review exact algorithms dedicated to some multicriteria tree problems, namely the minimum spanning tree and the minimum cost/minimum label spanning tree problems. Finally, the application of these models is exemplified.
THE ARCHAEOINTENSITY OF THE EARTH'S MAGNETIC FIELD RETRIEVED FROM PAMPEAN CERAMICS (SOUTH AMERICA)
Authors: GOGUITCHAICHVILI A. , LOPONTE D. , MORALES J. , ACOSTA A.
Published: July 2011

Absolute intensity determinations using the Coe variant of the Thellier method have been carried out on some selected pottery fragments collected in the wetlands of the lower Paraná (Pampean region, Argentina) in order to construct the first archaeointensity master curve for South America. Associated radiometric ages range between 1640 ± 70 and 730 ± 70 bp. Twenty‐one samples (five fragments) out of 46 studied (eight fragments) provided successful absolute intensity determinations. The fragment‐mean archaeointensity values obtained in this study range from 21.9 ± 2.3 to 42.6 ± 5.4 μT, with corresponding virtual axial dipole moments (VADMs) ranging from 4.0 ± 0.5 to 8.1 ± 1.0 x 1022Am2. This corresponds to a mean VADM of (6.4 ± 1.8) × 1022 Am2. The synthetic record retrieved from southern Argentina and Brazil consists of 17 mean archaeointensities distributed between approximately ad 700 and ad 1700. The data set shows several distinct periods of fluctuations of quite large intensity. However, most data are concentrated into a relatively narrow time period from ad 950 to ad 1300. Three general features may be detected: the time intervals from about ad 950 to 1130 and 1350 to 1480 are characterized by quite monotonic increases of geomagnetic intensity, while some decrease is observed from ad 1150 to 1280. These variations may be speculatively correlated to climate changes over multi‐decadal time scales. Important differences are observed between the data and the geomagnetic field predictions derived from recently reported global models, which reinforces the importance of regional reference curves for dating purposes.
Tissue Engineering Human Small‐Caliber Autologous Vessels Using a Xenogenous Decellularized Connective Tissue Matrix Approach: Preclinical Comparative Biomechanical Studies
Authors: Heine Jörg , Schmiedl Andreas , Cebotari Serghei , Karck Matthias , Mertsching Heike , Haverich Axel , Kallenbach Klaus
Published: July 2011

Suggesting that bioartificial vascular scaffolds cannot but tissue‐engineered vessels can withstand biomechanical stress, we developed in vitro methods for preclinical biological material testings. The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of revitalization of xenogenous scaffolds on biomechanical stability of tissue‐engineered vessels. For measurement of radial distensibility, a salt‐solution inflation method was used. The longitudinal tensile strength test (DIN 50145) was applied on bone‐shaped specimen: tensile/tear strength (SigmaB/R), elongation at maximum yield stress/rupture (DeltaB/R), and modulus of elasticity were determined of native (NAs; n = 6), decellularized (DAs; n = 6), and decellularized carotid arteries reseeded with human vascular smooth muscle cells and human vascular endothelial cells (RAs; n = 7). Radial distensibility of DAs was significantly lower (113%) than for NAs (135%) (P < 0.001) or RAs (127%) (P = 0.018). At levels of 120 mm Hg and more, decellularized matrices burst (120, 160 [n = 2] and 200 mm Hg). Although RAs withstood levels up to 300 mm Hg, ANOVA revealed a significant difference from NA (P = 0.018). Compared with native vessels (NAs), SigmaB/R values were lower in DAs (44%; 57%) (P = 0.014 and P = 0.002, respectively) and were significantly higher in RAs (71%; 83%) (both P <  0.001). Similarly, DeltaB/R values were much higher in DAs compared with NAs (94%; 88%) (P < 0.001) and RAs (87%; 103%) (P <  0.001), but equivalent in NAs and RAs. Modulus of elasticity (2.6/1.1/3.7 to 16.6 N/mm2) of NAs, DAs, RAs was comparable (P = 0.088). Using newly developed in vitro methods for small‐caliber vascular graft testing, this study proved that revitalization of decellularized connective tissue scaffolds led to vascular graft stability able to withstand biomechanical stress mimicking the human circulation. This tissue engineering approach provides a sufficiently stable autologized graft.
Immigration Reform and the Potential for Psychosocial Trauma: The Missing Link of Lived Human Experience
Authors: Levers Lisa Lopez , Hyatt‐Burkhart Debra
Published: July 2011

Immigration reform has come to the forefront of the political arena again, most recently sparked by the controversy surrounding Arizona Senate Bill (ASB) 1070. Mostly missing from these discussions is a focus on the impact upon lived human conditions that may result from such legislative reform. This article examines the literature regarding the stress and potential psychosocial trauma that may be associated with immigration and the acculturation process, with an emphasis on the effects of the ASB 1070. The article concludes by identifying relevant implications for research.
Timing of Do‐Not‐Resuscitate Orders for Hospitalized Older Adults Who Require a Surrogate Decision‐Maker
Authors: Torke Alexia M. , Sachs Greg A. , Helft Paul R. , Petronio Sandra , Purnell Christianna , Hui Siu , Callahan Christopher M.
Published: July 2011

OBJECTIVES: To examine the frequency of surrogate decisions for in‐hospital do‐not‐resuscitate (DNR) orders and the timing of DNR order entry for surrogate decisions.

DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING: Large, urban, public hospital.

PARTICIPANTS: Hospitalized adults aged 65 and older over a 3‐year period (1/1/2004–12/31/2006) with a DNR order during their hospital stay.

MEASUREMENTS: Electronic chart review provided data on frequency of surrogate decisions, patient demographic and clinical characteristics, and timing of DNR orders.

RESULTS: Of 668 patients, the ordering physician indicated that the DNR decision was made with the patient in 191 cases (28.9%), the surrogate in 389 (58.2%), and both in 88 (13.2%). Patients who required a surrogate were more likely to be in the intensive care unit (62.2% vs 39.8%, P<.001) but did not differ according to demographic characteristics. By hospital Day 3, 77.6% of patient decisions, 61.9% of surrogate decisions, and 58.0% of shared decisions had been made. In multivariable models, the number of days from admission to DNR order was higher for surrogate (odds ratio (OR)=1.97, P<.001) and shared decisions (OR=1.48, P=.009) than for patient decisions. The adjusted hazard ratio for hospital death was higher for patients with surrogate than patient decisions (2.61, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.56–4.36). Patients whose DNR orders were written on Day 6 or later were twice as likely to die in the hospital (OR=2.20, 95% CI=1.45–3.36) than patients with earlier DNR orders.

CONCLUSION: For patients who have a DNR order entered during their hospital stay, order entry occurs later when a surrogate is involved. Surrogate decision‐making may take longer because of the greater ethical, emotional, or communication complexity of making decisions with surrogates than with patients.
Presurgical Hand Antisepsis: Concepts and Current Habits of Veterinary Surgeons
Authors: Verwilghen Denis , Grulke Sigrid , Kampf Günter
Published: July 2011

Objective: To assess current habits for surgical hand preparation among veterinary surgical specialists and to compare data with current guidelines for hand asepsis techniques.

Study design: Survey of veterinary surgical specialists.

Sample Population: Diplomates of the American (ACVS) and European Colleges of Veterinary Surgeons (ECVS).

Methods: An internet‐based survey of hand preparation methods before surgical procedures was conducted of 1300 listed ACVS and ECVS Diplomates.

Results: A 42.6% response rate was obtained. Approximately, 80% of respondents use disinfecting soaps as a primary method for hand antisepsis. Of those, 81% use chlorhexidine‐based scrubs and 7% use a neutral soap followed by a hydroalcoholic solution.

Conclusions: Contrary to current recommendations of the World Health Organization and scientific evidence supporting use of hydro‐alcoholic rubs for presurgical hand preparation, veterinary surgical specialists still use surgical scrub solutions containing disinfecting soaps.
An analysis of mobile whole blood collection labor efficiency
Authors: Rose William N. , Dayton Paula J. , Raife Thomas J.
Published: July 2011

BACKGROUND: Labor efficiency is desirable in mobile blood collection. There are few published data on labor efficiency. The variability in the labor efficiency of mobile whole blood collections was analyzed. We determined to improve our labor efficiency using lean manufacturing principles.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Workflow changes in mobile collections were implemented with the goal of minimizing labor expenditures. To measure success, data on labor efficiency measured by units/hour/full‐time equivalent (FTE) were collected. The labor efficiency in a 6‐month period before the implementation of changes, and in months 1 to 6 and 7 to 12 after implementation was analyzed and compared.

RESULTS: Labor efficiency in the 6‐month period preceding implementation was 1.06 ± 0.4 units collected/hour/FTE. In months 1 to 6, labor efficiency declined slightly to 0.92 ± 0.4 units collected/hour/FTE (p = 0.016 vs. preimplementation). In months 7 to 12, the mean labor efficiency returned to preimplementation levels of 1.09 ± 0.4 units collected/hour/FTE. Regression analysis correlating labor efficiency with total units collected per drive revealed a strong correlation (R2 = 0.48 for the aggregate data from all three periods), indicating that nearly half of labor efficiency was associated with drive size. The lean‐based changes in workflow were subjectively favored by employees and donors.

CONCLUSIONS: The labor efficiency of our mobile whole blood drives is strongly influenced by size. Larger drives are more efficient, with diminishing returns above 40 units collected. Lean‐based workflow changes were positively received by employees and donors.
Knowledge of food and drug administration reportable deviations
Authors: Lam Rebecca , Bryant Barbara J.
Published: July 2011

BACKGROUND: As early as 2001, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) required blood centers and hospital transfusion services to report events associated with testing, storage, or distribution of blood products that deviated from current good manufacturing practices or affected the safety, purity, or potency of the product. Between 2004 and 2009, an average of only 8.6% of hospitals reported blood product deviations.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Case scenarios designed to evaluate knowledge of FDA reportable deviations were developed and sent for evaluation to the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER) and FDA division directors for FDA reportable deviations. A final survey containing eight cases was launched in a web‐based online survey tool and sent to blood bank medical technologists. Additional information was queried regarding job title/responsibilities and the size of the blood center and/or transfusion service.

RESULTS: There were 176 respondents to the survey. Only 5.7% (10/176) answered all questions correctly. Analysis by job title and place of employment revealed no correlation to the number of correct responses. More importance was attached to deviations involving quality control, blood bank identification, unit specifications, and antibody identification. Less importance was attached to deviations involving phlebotomist's initials, failure to issue units in the computer, and using a recent sample from a previous hospitalization.

CONCLUSION: This study revealed that blood bankers did not have clear understanding of what constituted an FDA reportable occurrence. Size or type of blood establishment or individual job title was not associated with more knowledge of FDA reportable deviations.
Phase Transformation Behavior and Electrical Properties of Pb(Zr0.56Ti0.44)O3–Bi(Zn0.5Ti0.5)O3 Solid Solution Ceramics
Authors: Zuo Ruzhong , Liu Yi , Su Shi , Chu Xiangcheng , Wang Xiaohui
Published: July 2011

The solid solutions of (1−x)Pb(Zr0.56Ti0.44)O3–xBi(Zn0.5Ti0.5)O3 ((1−x)PZ56T44–xBZT) were synthesized via a solid‐state reaction method. X‐ray diffraction results indicated that the tetragonality of (1−x)PZ56T44–xBZT was enhanced with increasing the BZT content, and a morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) between rhombohedral and tetragonal ferroelectric phases was identified to be in the range of 0.15 < x < 0.18. In addition, the dielectric diffuseness and frequency dispersion behavior were induced with increasing the BZT content, owing to increased disorder degree of both A‐site and B‐site cations in (1−x)PZ56T44–xBZT perovskite lattice. Contrary to the case in PT–BZT, the increased tetragonality accompanies reduced Curie temperatures (Tc) as PZ56T44 was substituted by BZT. The electrical properties of solid solutions exhibit obviously compositional dependence. The optimum dielectric and piezoelectric properties of  = 1430, d33 = 365 pC/N, kp = 50%, Qm = 32, and Tc = 260°C were achieved in (1−x)PZ56T44–xBZT ceramics with x = 0.18 owing to the co‐existence of two ferroelectric phases near the MPB.
Synthesis and Biological Activity of Novel 1‐Substituted Phenyl‐4‐[N‐[(2′‐morpholinothoxy)phenyl]aminomethyl]‐1H‐1,2,3‐Triazoles
Authors: Mao Ming‐Zhen , Li Yu‐Xin , Zhou Yun‐Yun , Chen Wei , Liu Tuan‐Wei , Yu Shu‐Jing , Wang Su‐Hua , Li Zheng‐Ming
Published: July 2011

In an attempt to search for potent antifungal agents, a series of novel 1‐substituted phenyl‐4‐[N‐[(2′‐morpholinothoxy)phenyl]aminomethyl]‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazoles 5a–m was designed and synthesized via Huisgen cycloaddition reaction between various (2‐morpholinoethoxy)‐N‐(prop‐2‐ynyl)aniline and different azidobenzene. Their chemical structures were characterized by 1H NMR and elemental analysis. A cleaner reaction with milder conditions and satisfactory yields was observed in the micorwave‐assisted synthesis of 4a–c. The fungicidal activity of some target compounds were evaluated in vitro against Fusarium omysporum, Physalospora piricola, Alternaria solani, Cercospora arachidicola and Gibberella zeae at 50 μg/mL. The bioassay results indicated that some compounds exhibited moderate fungicidal activities. Furthermore, compound 5h displayed equal activity to the positive control compounds against Alternaria solani.
The Complexity of Multiparty Negotiations: Wading into the Muck
Authors: Gray Barbara
Published: July 2011

Multiparty negotiations have received less attention than two‐party or group negotiations in the literature. This article attributes this to their greater complexity and explores how this can be remedied. Several theoretical lens for studying multiparty negotiations are proposed along with some of the challenges such research presents for negotiations’ researchers.
Cultural Differences in Goal‐directed Interaction Patterns in Negotiation
Authors: Liu Meina
Published: July 2011

This study examines cultural differences in how negotiators reciprocate, complement, and transform their counterpart’s strategic approach as a result of their and (detection of) their counterparts’ interaction goals and how such strategic sequences predict joint gains. Sixty‐seven negotiation dyads (35 Chinese, 32 US Americans) simulated an employment contract negotiation. In response to counterparts’ competitive goals, Chinese increased distributive complementary sequences, whereas US Americans reduced distributive transformation. In response to counterparts’ cooperative goals, US Americans increased integrative reciprocity, whereas Chinese reduced integrative transformation. In addition, although Chinese used less integrative reciprocity and less integrative transformation, these sequences had a significant effect on their joint profit, whereas such effect was nonsignificant for US Americans. The study provides insights about the impact of culture as domain‐specific knowledge structures on micro‐level communication processes.
An Open‐Label, Dose‐Escalating Phase I Study of Elsamitrucin (SPI 28090) in Treatment of Malignant Solid Tumors in Dogs
Authors: Fiocchi S.C. , Selting K.A. , Rosenberg M.P. , Kolli P. , Lenaz G. , Henry C.
Published: July 2011

Background: Elsamitrucin, the most potent topoisomerase II inhibitor available, is unique in that it does not cause neutropenia or cardiotoxicosis. It has antitumor activity in human patients with relapsed or refractory non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Objectives: To determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD), safety, and toxicity of elsamitrucin when administered to tumor‐bearing dogs and to evaluate the incidence and severity of adverse events.

Animals: Twenty client‐owned dogs with spontaneous malignant solid tumors or lymphoma that were refractory to, or for which the owner declined, conventional therapy were enrolled.

Methods: Prospective, open‐label, single‐agent study. Escalating doses of elsamitrucin were administered once weekly IV for up to 16 weeks in a modified 3 + 3 Phase I design. The starting dose was 0.06 mg/kg with escalation to 0.08 and 0.09 mg/kg. Dogs that remained on the study were monitored for evidence of toxicoses for at least 4 weeks and for survival every 2 months.

Results: Serious adverse events (SAEs) possibly attributable to elsamitrucin include: 1 dog developed heart failure and another developed hepatotoxicosis manifested by increased alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and total bilirubin (0.06 mg/kg dose); 1 dog developed severe anorexia and diarrhea, another developed severe diarrhea alone, and a 3rd dog went into cardiac arrest (0.09 mg/kg dose). A dose of 0.08 mg/kg was well tolerated with no SAEs.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance: The MTD and recommended dose for Phase II trials of elsamitrucin is 0.08 mg/kg IV weekly. Elsamitrucin might be considered for combination protocols with myelosuppressive chemotherapy agents.
Three-Dimensional Plasto-Elastohydrodynamic Lubrication (PEHL) for Surfaces with Irregularities
Authors: Ren Ning , Zhu Dong , Wang Q. Jane
Published: July 2011

Elastohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL) is one of the most common types of lubrication, which widely exists in many machine elements such as gears, rolling bearings, cams and followers, metal rolling tools, and continuous variable transmissions. These components often transmit substantial power under heavy loading conditions that may possibly induce plastic deformation of contacting surfaces. Moreover, the roughness of machined surfaces is usually of the same order of magnitude as, or greater than, the average EHL film thickness. Consequently, most components operate in mixed lubrication with considerable asperity contacts, which may result in localized pressure peaks much higher than the Hertzian pressure, causing subsurface stress concentrations possibly exceeding the material yield limit. Plastic deformation, therefore, often takes place, which not only permanently changes the surface profiles and contact geometry, but alters material properties through work-hardening as well. Available mixed EHL models, however, do not consider plastic deformation, often yielding unrealistically high pressure spikes and subsurface stresses around asperity contact locations. Recently, a three-dimensional (3D) plasto-elastohydrodynamic lubrication (PEHL) model has been developed for investigating the effects of plastic deformation and material work-hardening on the EHL characteristics and subsurface stress/strain fields. The present paper is a continuation of the previous work done by Ren et al. (2010, “PEHL in point contacts,” ASME J. Tribol., 132(3), pp. 031501) that focused on model development and validation, as well as investigation of fundamental PEHL mechanisms in smooth surface contacts. This part of the study is mainly on the PEHL behavior involving simple surface irregularities, such as a single asperity or dent, which can be considered as basic elements of more complicated surface roughness. It is found that considerable plastic deformation may occur due to the pressure peaks caused by the surface irregularity, even though sometimes external loading is not heavy and the irregularity is concave. The plastic deformation may significantly affect contact and lubrication characteristics, resulting in considerable reductions in peak pressure and maximum subsurface stresses.
Comparative Study of Viscoelastic Arterial Wall Models in Nonlinear One-Dimensional Finite Element Simulations of Blood Flow
Authors: Raghu Rashmi , Vignon-Clementel Irene E. , Figueroa C. Alberto , Taylor Charles A.
Published: July 2011

It is well known that blood vessels exhibit viscoelastic properties, which are modeled in the literature with different mathematical forms and experimental bases. The wide range of existing viscoelastic wall models may produce significantly different blood flow, pressure, and vessel deformation solutions in cardiovascular simulations. In this paper, we present a novel comparative study of two different viscoelastic wall models in nonlinear one-dimensional (1D) simulations of blood flow. The viscoelastic models are from papers by Holenstein et al. in 1980 (model V1) and Valdez-Jasso et al. in 2009 (model V2). The static elastic or zero-frequency responses of both models are chosen to be identical. The nonlinear 1D blood flow equations incorporating wall viscoelasticity are solved using a space-time finite element method and the implementation is verified with the Method of Manufactured Solutions. Simulation results using models V1, V2 and the common static elastic model are compared in three application examples: (i) wave propagation study in an idealized vessel with reflection-free outflow boundary condition; (ii) carotid artery model with nonperiodic boundary conditions; and (iii) subject-specific abdominal aorta model under rest and simulated lower limb exercise conditions. In the wave propagation study the damping and wave speed were largest for model V2 and lowest for the elastic model. In the carotid and abdominal aorta studies the most significant differences between wall models were observed in the hysteresis (pressure-area) loops, which were larger for V2 than V1, indicating that V2 is a more dissipative model. The cross-sectional area oscillations over the cardiac cycle were smaller for the viscoelastic models compared to the elastic model. In the abdominal aorta study, differences between constitutive models were more pronounced under exercise conditions than at rest. Inlet pressure pulse for model V1 was larger than the pulse for V2 and the elastic model in the exercise case. In this paper, we have successfully implemented and verified two viscoelastic wall models in a nonlinear 1D finite element blood flow solver and analyzed differences between these models in various idealized and physiological simulations, including exercise. The computational model of blood flow presented here can be utilized in further studies of the cardiovascular system incorporating viscoelastic wall properties.
Running with the Red Queen: Host-Parasite Coevolution Selects for Biparental Sex
Authors: Morran Levi T. , Schmidt Olivia G. , Gelarden Ian A. , Parrish Raymond C. , Lively Curtis M.
Published: July 2011

Outcrossing provides better survival than self-fertilization during coevolution between a host and its parasite.
Galactic Paleontology
Authors: Tolstoy Eline
Published: July 2011

Individual low-mass stars have very long lives, comparable to the age of the universe, and can thus be used to probe ancient star formation. At present, such stars can be identified and studied only in the Milky Way and in the very closest of our neighboring galaxies, which are predominantly small dwarf galaxies. These nearby ancient stars are a fossil record that can provide detailed information about the physical processes that dominated the epoch of galaxy formation and subsequent evolution.
Precision, Not Power
Authors: Eyler Edward E.
Published: July 2011

A combination of optical trapping and frequency combs is used to precisely probe an extraordinarily weak transition in atomic helium.
Unseen World of Clinical Trials Emerges From U.S. Database
Authors: Marshall Eliot
Published: July 2011

Deborah Zarin, who directs the National Institutes of Health's registry of clinical trials, called ClinicalTrials.gov, says the data are revealing a whole "world of clinical trials" never seen before.
Cash Advance, New Approach Aim to Relaunch Biosphere 2
Authors: Stokstad Erik
Published: July 2011

The University of Arizona, aided by two major gifts last week, is pushing ahead with plans to revive the scientific fortunes of Biosphere 2, the massive, enclosed facility in the Arizona desert.
DARPA Offers $30 Million to Jump-Start Cellular Factories
Authors: Pennisi Elizabeth
Published: July 2011

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency is hoping it can help scientists get much better at modifying the metabolic and genetic machinery of cells to produce useful products such as fuels.
Picking Up the Pieces at Ravaged Tohoku University
Authors: Normile Dennis
Published: July 2011

Four months after the earthquake and tsunami disaster, Tohoku researchers are finding new meaning in their work.
Monoclonal Antibodies to Hyphal Exoantigens Derived from the Opportunistic Pathogen Aspergillus terreus
Authors: Nayak Ajay P. , Green Brett J. , Janotka Erika , Hettick Justin M. , Friend Sherri , Vesper Steve J. , Schmechel Detlef , Beezhold Donald H.
Published: July 2011

Aspergillus terreushas been difficult to identify in cases of aspergillosis, and clinical identification has been restricted to the broad identification of aspergillosis lesions in affected organs or the detection of fungal carbohydrates. As a result, there is a clinical need to identify species-specific biomarkers that can be used to detect invasiveA. terreusdisease. Monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) were developed to a partially purified preparation of cytolytic hyphal exoantigens (HEA) derived fromA. terreusculture supernatant (CSN). Twenty-three IgG1 isotype murine MAbs were developed and tested for cross-reactivity against hyphal extracts of 54 fungal species. Sixteen MAbs were shown to be specific forA. terreus. HEA were detected in conidia, hyphae, and in CSN ofA. terreus. HEA were expressed in high levels in the hyphae during early stages ofA. terreusgrowth at 37°C, whereas at room temperature the expression of HEA peaked by days 4 to 5. Expression kinetics of HEA in CSN showed a lag, with peak levels at later time points at room temperature and 37°C than in hyphal extracts. Serum spiking experiments demonstrated that human serum components do not inhibit detection of the HEA epitopes by MAb enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Immunoprecipitation and proteomic analysis demonstrated that MAbs 13E11 and 12C4 immunoprecipitated a putative uncharacterized leucine aminopeptidase (Q0CAZ7), while MAb 19B2 recognized a putative dipeptidyl-peptidase V (DPP5). Studies using confocal laser scanning microscopy showed that the uncharacterized leucine aminopeptidase mostly localized to extracellular matrix structures while dipeptidyl-peptidase V was mostly confined to the cytoplasm.
Real-Time Detection of
bla
KPC
in Clinical Samples and Surveillance Specimens
Authors: Mangold Kathy A. , Santiano Kristine , Broekman Ronit , Krafft Catherine A. , Voss Barbara , Wang Vivien , Hacek Donna M. , Usacheva Elena A. , Thomson Richard B. , Kaul Karen L. , Peterson Lance R.
Published: July 2011

A real-time PCR assay was developed targeting the
bla
KPC
responsible for
Klebsiella pneumoniae
carbapenemase (KPC)-mediated carbapenem resistance and was validated for testing colonies or enrichment broth cultures. The assay accurately detects KPC-containing strains with high analytical specificity and sensitivity.
Hallucinations, Sensory Neuropathy, and Peripheral Visual Deficits in a Young Woman Infected with Bartonella koehlerae
Authors: Breitschwerdt Edward B. , Mascarelli Patricia E. , Schweickert Lori A. , Maggi Ricardo G. , Hegarty Barbara C. , Bradley Julie M. , Woods Christopher W.
Published: July 2011

A young woman experiencing depression, anxiety, mood swings, severe headaches, muscle spasms, interphalangeal joint stiffness, decreased peripheral vision, diminished tactile sensation, and hallucinations was persistently
Bartonella koehlerae
seroreactive and bacteremic. Following antibiotic treatment,
B. koehlerae
antibodies and DNA were not detected and all symptoms resolved.
Ribosomal Protein S6 Interacts with the Latency-Associated Nuclear Antigen of Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus
Authors: Chen Wuguo , Dittmer Dirk P.
Published: July 2011

The latency-associated nuclear antigen (LANA) is central to the maintenance of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) and to the survival of KSHV-carrying tumor cells. In an effort to identify interaction partners of LANA, we purified authentic high-molecular-weight complexes of LANA by conventional chromatography followed by immunoprecipitation from the BC-3 cell line. This is the first analysis of LANA-interacting partners that is not based on forced ectopic expression of LANA. Subsequent tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) analysis identified many of the known LANA-interacting proteins. We confirmed LANA's interactions with histones. Three classes of proteins survived our stringent four-step purification procedure (size, heparin, anion, and immunoaffinity chromatography): two heat shock proteins (Hsp70 and Hsp96 precursor), signal recognition particle 72 (SRP72), and 10 different ribosomal proteins. These proteins are likely involved in structural interactions within LANA high-molecular-weight complexes. Here, we show that ribosomal protein S6 (RPS6) interacts with LANA. This interaction is mediated by the N-terminal domain of LANA and does not require DNA or RNA. Depletion of RPS6 from primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) cells dramatically decreases the half-life of full-length LANA. The fact that RPS6 has a well-established nuclear function beyond its role in ribosome assembly suggests that RPS6 (and by extension other ribosomal proteins) contributes to the extraordinary stability of LANA.
Human Cytomegalovirus Infection Maintains mTOR Activity and Its Perinuclear Localization during Amino Acid Deprivation
Authors: Clippinger Amy J. , Maguire Tobi G. , Alwine James C.
Published: July 2011

The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) kinase is present in 2 functionally distinct complexes, mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) and complex 2 (mTORC2). Active mTORC1 mediates phosphorylation of eIF4E-binding protein (4E-BP) and p70 S6 kinase (S6K), which is important for maintaining translation. During human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection, cellular stress responses are activated that normally inhibit mTORC1; however, previous data show that HCMV infection circumvents stress responses and maintains mTOR kinase activity. Amino acid deprivation is a stress response that normally inhibits mTORC1 activity. Amino acids can signal to mTORC1 through the Rag proteins, which promote the colocalization of mTORC1 with its activator Rheb-GTP in a perinuclear region, thereby inducing 4E-BP and S6K phosphorylation. As expected, our results show that amino acid depletion in mock-infected cells caused loss of mTORC1 activity and loss of the perinuclear localization; however, there was no loss of activity or perinuclear localization in HCMV-infected cells where the perinuclear localization of Rheb-GTP and mTOR coincided with the perinuclear assembly compartment (AC). This suggested that HCMV infection bypasses normal Rag-dependent amino acid signaling. This was demonstrated by short hairpin RNA (shRNA) depletion of Rag proteins, which had little effect on mTORC1 activity in infected cells but inhibited activity in mock-infected cells. Our data show that HCMV maintains mTORC1 activity in an amino acid- and Rag-independent manner through the colocalization of mTOR and Rheb-GTP, which occurs in association with the formation of the AC, thus bypassing inhibition that may result from lowered amino acid levels.
Parasite-Mediated Upregulation of NK Cell-Derived Gamma Interferon Protects against Severe Highly Pathogenic H5N1 Influenza Virus Infection
Authors: O'Brien Kevin B. , Schultz-Cherry Stacey , Knoll Laura J.
Published: July 2011

Outbreaks of influenza A viruses are associated with significant human morbidity worldwide. Given the increasing resistance to the available influenza drugs, new therapies for the treatment of influenza virus infection are needed. An alternative approach is to identify products that enhance a protective immune response. In these studies, we demonstrate that infecting mice with the Th1-inducing parasiteToxoplasma gondiiprior to highly pathogenic avian H5N1 influenza virus infection led to decreased lung viral titers and enhanced survival. A noninfectious fraction ofT. gondiisoluble antigens (STAg) elicited an immune response similar to that elicited by live parasites, and administration of STAg 2 days after H5N1 influenza virus infection enhanced survival, lowered viral titers, and reduced clinical disease. STAg administration protected H5N1 virus-infected mice lacking lymphocytes, suggesting that while the adaptive immune response was not required for enhanced survival, it was necessary for STAg-mediated viral clearance. Mechanistically, we found that administration of STAg led to increased production of gamma interferon (IFN-γ) from natural killer (NK) cells, which were both necessary and sufficient for survival. Further, administration of exogenous IFN-γ alone enhanced survival from H5N1 influenza virus infection, although not to the same level as STAg treatment. These studies demonstrate that a noninfectiousT. gondiiextract enhances the protective immune response against severe H5N1 influenza virus infections even when a single dose is administered 2 days postinfection.
Interaction and Interdependent Packaging of Tegument Protein UL11 and Glycoprotein E of Herpes Simplex Virus
Authors: Han Jun , Chadha Pooja , Meckes David G. , Baird Nicholas L. , Wills John W.
Published: July 2011

The UL11 tegument protein of herpes simplex virus plays a critical role in the secondary envelopment; however, the mechanistic details remain elusive. Here, we report a new function of UL11 in the budding process in which it directs efficient acquisition of glycoprotein E (gE) via a direct interaction.In vitrobinding assays showed that the interaction required only the first 28, membrane-proximal residues of the cytoplasmic tail of gE, and the C-terminal 26 residues of UL11. A second, weaker binding site was also found in the N-terminal half of UL11. The significance of the gE-UL11 interaction was subsequently investigated with viral deletion mutants. In the absence of the gE tail, virion packaging of UL11, but not other tegument proteins such as VP22 and VP16, was reduced by at least 80%. Reciprocally, wild-type gE packaging was also drastically reduced by about 87% in the absence of UL11, and this defect could be rescued intransby expressing UL11 at the UL35 locus. Surprisingly, a mutant that lacks the C-terminal gE-binding site of UL11 packaged nearly normal amounts of gE despite its strong interaction with the gE tailin vitro, indicating that the interaction with the UL11 N terminus may be important. Mutagenesis studies of the UL11 N terminus revealed that the association of UL11 with membrane was not required for this function. In contrast, the UL11 acidic cluster motif was found to be critical for gE packaging and was not replaceable with foreign acidic clusters. Together, these results highlight an important role of UL11 in the acquisition of glycoprotein-enriched lipid bilayers, and the findings may also have important implications for the role of UL11 in gE-mediated cell-to-cell spread.
Intramolecular addition of oxyradicals to benzene rings: A DFT study
Authors: Bucher Götz
Published: July 2011

The reactivity of a series of oxyradicals related to the triplet state of β-phenylpropiophenone was investigated by density functional theory. Analysis of the potential energy hypersurfaces indicates that radical addition to the β-phenyl ring should occur with a smaller barrier than intramolecular hydrogen abstraction from the benzylic position, although the latter reaction is far more exothermic. Addition can occur in ipso- and ortho-position of the β-phenyl ring, with ortho addition being slightly more favourable. As both addition reactions are predicted to be mildly exothermic and exergonic, intermolecular trapping of the resulting cyclohexadienyl- type radicals should be feasible.
WIGGLY STRINGS OF RADIAL CONFIGURATION IN THE SCHWARZSCHILD AND REISSNER–NORDSTRÖM BLACK HOLES
Authors: SUZUKI HIROMI
Published: July 2011

We study classical motion of a string in (3+1)-dimensional spherically symmetric neutral and charged black holes. The solutions for the wiggly string exhibit open strings lying in the radial direction in the equatorial plane outside the horizon.
BALLISTIC PHONON TRANSPORT THROUGH GAUSSIAN ACOUSTIC NANOCAVITIES
Authors: LI SHU-JUAN , HUANG GUI-FANG , CHEN YUAN , HUANG WEI-QING , HU WANGYU , WANG LING-LING , PAN ANLIAN
Published: July 2011

We investigate ballistic phonon transport through Gaussian acoustic nanocavities in a semiconductor nanowire at low temperatures. When the transverse widths of acoustic nanocavities takes a Gaussian function, it is found that wide band gap and resonant peaks appear in transmission spectra. The phonon-cavity confined modes exist as the number of the nanocavities is large. The phonon transmission and thermal conductance strongly depend on the number and length of nanocavities. The results suggest that the Gaussian acoustic nanocavities may be useful for controlling thermal conductance artificially and the design of phonon devices to manipulate ballistic phonons in nanophononics.
DISCONTINUOUS DEFORMATION ANALYSIS BASED ON VARIATIONAL INEQUALITY THEORY
Authors: JIANG WEI , ZHENG HONG
Published: July 2011

In the conventional discontinuous deformation analysis (DDA) method, the contact conditions are enforced by the penalty function method. Improperly selected penalty parameters might cause numerical problems. In order to evade the introduction of the penalty parameters and to avoid "open–close iteration" that can not assure convergence, this study reformulates the DDA as a variational inequality problem. Based on the fact that the solution of a variational inequality is a fixed point of a natural projection map, the problem is reduced to the solution of nonsmooth equations with weak nonlinearity. Then, the Path Newton Method (PNM) is utilized to solve the equations. Some practical examples originally designed by Shi are reanalyzed, which demonstrates that the new DDA method is feasible.
STUDY ON THE FORMATION MECHANISM OF TANGJIASHAN LANDSLIDE TRIGGERED BY WENCHUAN EARTHQUAKE USING DDA SIMULATION
Authors: WU AIQING , YANG QIGUI , MA GUISHENG , LU BO , LI XIAOJUN
Published: July 2011

Wenchuan earthquake, Ms 8.0 in magnitude and occurred on May 12, 2008 in Sichuan Province, China, triggered a lot of landslides, rock collapses, debris flow, etc. The Tangjiashan landslide, with its total volume 20.37 million m3, was the biggest and the most notable one for its effects. Based on the field geological investigation and the typical acceleration records of the main shock obtained in the period of the earthquake, numerical simulation of the whole sliding process of Tangjiashan landslide has been carried out by DDA method. It is shown that the Tangjiashan landslide was a high-speed landslide, behaved with nonlinear features in the whole sliding process. The total duration of the landslide was about 30 s while nearly all of their slipping displacements were carried out in the beginning 25 s, with the maximum sliding velocity about 30 m/s, and the average 15–17 m/s in the beginning 25 s. The crash of rock blocks induced a much higher stresses near the middle and lower parts of the landslide, with the maximum value of 6–7 MPa. The dynamic earthquake load caused an incessant deformation of the landslide, resulting in the reduction of mechanical parameters, especially the shear strength on the sliding surface and the ratio of friction coefficient on sliding surface in kinematical and static conditions are no more than 0.35. DDA simulation considering the displacement-based parameter reduction has been developed in the original DDA code, and its results primarily reflect the evolvement process of a landslide under strong seismic loads.