bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High Accurate Simple Approximation of Normal Distribution Integral
Authors: Vazquez-Leal Hector , Castaneda-Sheissa Roberto , Filobello-Nino Uriel , Sarmiento-Reyes Arturo , Sanchez Orea Jesus
Published: February 2012

The integral of the standard normal distribution function is an integral without solution and represents
the probability that an aleatory variable normally distributed has values between zero and x. The normal
distribution integral is used in several areas of science. Thus, this work provides an approximate solution
to the Gaussian distribution integral by using the homotopy perturbation method (HPM). After solving
the Gaussian integral by HPM, the result served as base to solve other integrals like error function and the
cumulative distribution function. The error function is compared against other reported approximations
showing advantages like less relative error or less mathematical complexity. Besides, some integrals related
to the normal (Gaussian) distribution integral were solved showing a relative error quite small. Also, the
utility for the proposed approximations is verified applying them to a couple of heat flow examples.
Last, a brief discussion is presented about the way an electronic circuit could be created to implement
the approximate error function.
A GIS Framework for Fish Habitat Prediction at the River Basin Scale
Authors: Meixler Marcia S. , Bain Mark B.
Published: February 2012

We present a geographic information system (GIS) framework to classify stream habitats and provide fish distribution predictions comprehensively at the landscape scale. Stream segments were classified into one of eighteen habitat types using three landscape attributes: stream size (three categories), stream quality (three categories), and water quality (two categories). An extensive literature search was undertaken to classify fish species into the same eighteen habitat types based on preferences for the three landscape attributes. We tested our framework in 39 sites throughout the upper Allegheny River basin in western New York. No difference was detected between observed and predicted numbers of fish species among stream habitats. Further, field collected bankfull width measurements, stream quality ratings, and water quality sampling results were largely consistent with predicted values. The habitat type expected to have the greatest fish species richness was large streams or small rivers with intact stream quality and suitable water quality. Our framework is rapidly applied, comprehensive, inexpensive, and built on widely available data thereby offering an efficient alternative to traditional field-based efforts for regional habitat classification and fish distribution prediction.
On Functions of Bounded(p,k)-Variation
Authors: Merentes N. , Rivas S. , Sanchez J. L.
Published: February 2012

We introduce and study the concept of(p,k)-variation (1<p<∞,k∈N)of a real function on a compact interval. In particular, we prove that a functionu:[a,b]→Rhas bounded(p,k)-variation if and only ifu(k-1)is absolutely continuous on[a,b]andu(k)belongs toLp[a,b]. Moreover, an explicit connection between the(p,k)-variation ofuand theLp-norm ofu(k)is given which is parallel to the classical Riesz formula characterizing functions in the spacesRVp[a,b]andAp[a,b]. This may also be considered as an alternative characterization of the one variable Sobolev spaceWpk[a,b].
Environmental Factors Preceding A40 Monomer to Oligomers and the Detection of Oligomers in Alzheimer's Disease Patient Serum
Authors: Matsunaga Yoichi , Suenaga Midori
Published: February 2012

We present here environmental factors including pH shifts, temperature, and metal ions surrounding Aβ40 monomer to precede the oligomers. We also suggest a new idea to detect Aβ40 oligomers with anti-Aβ40 monoclonal antibody using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. This method involves the different sensitivity of the thermal shifts between Aβ40 monomer and the oligomers. The idea is useful for the diagnostics of Alzheimer's disease to detect Aβ40 oligomers in the serum from the patients.
DNA Damage Protecting Activity and Free Radical Scavenging Activity of Anthocyanins from Red Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) Bran
Authors: Devi P. Suganya , Kumar M. Saravana , Das S. Mohan
Published: February 2012

There is increasing interest in natural food colorants like carotenoids and anthocyanins with functional properties. Red sorghum bran is known as a rich source for anthocyanins. The anthocyanin contents extracted from red sorghum bran were evaluated by biochemical analysis. Among the three solvent system used, the acidified methanol extract showed a highest anthocyanin content (4.7 mg/g of sorghum bran) followed by methanol (1.95 mg/g) and acetone (1 mg/g). Similarly, the highest total flavonoids (143 mg/g) and total phenolic contents (0.93 mg/g) were obtained in acidified methanol extracts than methanol and acetone extracts. To study the health benefits of anthocyanin from red sorghum bran, the total antioxidant activity was evaluated by biochemical and molecular methods. The highest antioxidant activity was observed in acidified methanol extracts of anthocyanin in dose-dependent manner. The antioxidant activity of the red sorghum bran was directly related to the total anthocyanin found in red sorghum bran.
Self-Optimization of Pilot Power in Enterprise Femtocells Using Multi objective Heuristic
Authors: Mohjazi Lina S. , Al-Qutayri Mahmoud A. , Barada Hassan R. , Poon Kin F. , Shubair Raed M.
Published: February 2012

Deployment of a large number of femtocells to jointly provide coverage in an enterprise environment raises critical challenges especially in future self-organizing networks which rely on plug-and-play techniques for configuration. This paper proposes a multi-objective heuristic based on a genetic algorithm for a centralized self-optimizing network containing a group of UMTS femtocells. In order to optimize the network coverage in terms of handled load, coverage gaps, and overlaps, the algorithm provides a dynamic update of the downlink pilot powers of the deployed femtocells. The results demonstrate that the algorithm can effectively optimize the coverage based on the current statistics of the global traffic distribution and the levels of interference between neighboring femtocells. The algorithm was also compared with the fixed pilot power scheme. The results show over fifty percent reduction in pilot power pollution and a significant enhancement in network performance. Finally, for a given traffic distribution, the solution quality and the efficiency of the described algorithm were evaluated by comparing the results generated by an exhaustive search with the same pilot power configuration.
Evaluation of Antithrombogenicity and Hydrophilicity on Zein-SWCNT Electrospun Fibrous Nanocomposite Scaffolds
Authors: Dhandayuthapani Brahatheeswaran , Varghese Saino Hanna , Aswathy Ravindran Girija , Yoshida Yasuhiko , Maekawa Toru , Sakthikumar D.
Published: February 2012

Design of blood compatible surfaces is required to minimize platelet surface interactions and increase the thromboresistance of foreign surfaces when they are used as biomaterials especially for artificial blood prostheses. In this study, single wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and Zein fibrous nanocomposite scaffolds were fabricated by electrospinning and evaluated its antithrombogenicity and hydrophilicity. The uniform and highly smooth nanofibers of Zein composited with different SWCNTs content (ranging from 0.2 wt% to 1 wt%) were successfully prepared by electrospinning method without the occurrence of bead defects. The resulting fiber diameters were in the range of 100–300 nm without any beads. Composite nanofibers with and without SWCNT were characterized through a variety of methods including scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and tensile mechanical testing. The water uptake and retention ability of composite scaffolds decreased whereas thermal stability increased with an addition of SWCNTs. Hemolytic property and platelet adhesion ability of the nanocomposite (Zein-SWCNTs) were explored. These observations suggest that the novel Zein-SWCNTs composite scaffolds may possibly hold great promises as useful antithrombotic material and promising biomaterials for tissue engineering application.
Brainstem Infarction and Panuveitis due to Sarcoidosis Successfully Treated with Steroid Pulse Therapy
Authors: Yoshida-Hata Natsuyo , Yashiro Shigeko , Arai Noritoshi , Takeuchi Sousuke
Published: February 2012

A 36-year-old man visited our hospital because of blurred vision and redness of the conjunctiva. Slit-lamp examination showed panuveitis. Two days later, he suddenly experienced dizziness, speech disturbance, paralysis of his right extremities, and gait disturbances. Neurological examinations suggested that his symptoms were caused by a left lateral medullary lesion. He also had erythema mainly on his trunk. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of his brain demonstrated a small infarct on the left side of the medulla oblongata. Clinical presentation and MRI findings were consistent with the diagnosis of a Wallenberg’s syndrome. He also had bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy. A skin biopsy showed granulomatous nodular dermatitis compatible with sarcoidosis. He was treated with steroid pulse therapy and his neurological and ocular symptoms immediately improved. Only seven similar cases of intracranical sarcoidosis have been reported, but none had been treated with steroid pulse therapy. We recommend that steroid pulse therapy be considered to treat patients with sarcoidosis with signs of lesions in the central nervous system.
Axisymmetric Stagnation Flow of a Micropolar Nanofluid in a Moving Cylinder
Authors: Nadeem S. , Rehman Abdul , Vajravelu K. , Lee Jinho , Lee Changhoon
Published: February 2012

An analysis is carried out for axisymmetric stagnation flow of a micropolar nanofluid in a moving cylinder with finite radius. The coupled nonlinear partial differential equations of the problem are simplified with the help of similarity transformations and the resulting coupled nonlinear differential equations are solved analytically by homotopy analysis method (HAM). The features of the flow phenomena, inertia, heat transfer, and nanoparticles are analyzed and discussed.
Giant Cell Tumors of the Axial Skeleton
Authors: Balke Maurice , Henrichs Marcel P. , Gosheger Georg , Ahrens Helmut , Streitbuerger Arne , Koehler Michael , Bullmann Viola , Hardes Jendrik
Published: February 2012

Background. We report on 19 cases of giant cell tumor of bone (GCT) affecting the spine or sacrum and evaluate the outcome of different treatment modalities.Methods. Nineteen patients with GCT of the spine (n=6) or sacrum (n=13) have been included in this study. The mean followup was 51.6 months. Ten sacral GCT were treated by intralesional procedures of which 4 also received embolization, and 3 with irradiation only. All spinal GCT were surgically treated.Results. Two (15.4%) patients with sacral and 4 (66.7%) with spinal tumors had a local recurrence, two of the letter developed pulmonary metastases. One local recurrence of the spine was successfully treated by serial arterial embolization, a procedure previously described only for sacral tumors. At last followup, 9 patients had no evidence of disease, 8 had stable disease, 1 had progressive disease, 1 died due to disease. Six patients had neurological deficits.Conclusions. GCT of the axial skeleton have a high local recurrence rate. Neurological deficits are common. En-bloc spondylectomy combined with embolization is the treatment of choice. In case of inoperability, serial arterial embolization seems to be an alternative not only for sacral but also for spinal tumors.
Design Optimization of Transistors Used for Neural Recording
Authors: Basham Eric , Parent David
Published: February 2012

Neurons cultured directly over open-gate field-effect transistors result in a hybrid device, the neuron-FET. Neuron-FET amplifier circuits reported in the literature employ the neuron-FET transducer as a current-mode device in conjunction with a transimpedance amplifier. In this configuration, the transducer does not provide any signal gain, and characterization of the transducer out of the amplification circuit is required. Furthermore, the circuit requires a complex biasing scheme that must be retuned to compensate for drift. Here we present an alternative strategy based on thegm/Iddesign approach to optimize a single-stage common-source amplifier design. Thegm/Iddesign approach facilitates in circuit characterization of the neuron-FET and provides insight into approaches to improving the transistor process design for application as a neuron-FET transducer. Simulation data for a test case demonstrates optimization of the transistor design and significant increase in gain over a current mode implementation.
Qualitative and Computational Analysis of a Mathematical Model for Tumor‐Immune Interactions
Authors: Rihan F. A. , Safan M. , Abdeen M. A. , Abdel Rahman D.
Published: February 2012

We provide a family of ordinary and delay differential equations to model the dynamics of tumor‐growth and immunotherapy interactions. We explore the effects of adoptive cellular immunotherapy on the model and describe under what circumstances the tumor can be eliminated. The possibility of clearing the tumor, with a strategy, is based on two parameters in the model: the rate of influx of the effector cells and the rate of influx of IL‐2. The critical tumor‐growth rate, below which endemic tumor does not exist, has been found. One can use the model to make predictions about tumor dormancy.
Electrical Properties of Rapidly Annealed Ir and Ir/Au Schottky Contacts on n-Type InGaN
Authors: Reddy V. Rajagopal , Prasanna Lakshmi B. , Padma R.
Published: February 2012

The effect of annealing temperature on electrical characteristics of iridium (Ir) and iridium/gold (Ir/Au) Schottky contacts to n-type InGaN have been investigated by means of current-voltage (I-V) and capacitance-voltage (C-V) techniques. It is observed that the barrier height of Ir/n-InGaN and Au/Ir/n-InGaN Schottky diodes increases after annealing at 300∘C for 1 min in N2 ambient compared to the as-deposited. However, the barrier heights are found to be decreased somewhat after annealing at 500∘C for the both Ir and Ir/Au Schottky contacts. From the above observations, it is clear that the optimum annealing temperature for both Ir and Ir/Au Schottky contacts is 300∘C. Moreover, the barrier height (ϕb), ideality factor (n) and series resistance (RS) are determined using Cheung’s and Norde methods. Besides, the energy distribution of interface state densities are determined from the forward bias I-V characteristics by taking into account the bias dependence of the effective barrier height. Based on the above results, it is clear that both Ir and Ir/Au Schottky contacts exhibit a kind of thermal stability during annealing.
Improving Community Healthcare for Patients with Parkinson's Disease: The Dutch Model
Authors: Keus S. H. J. , Oude Nijhuis L. B. , Nijkrake M.J. , Bloem B. R. , Munneke M.
Published: February 2012

Because of the complex nature of Parkinson's disease, a wide variety of health professionals are involved in care. Stepwise, we have addressed the challenges in the provision of multidisciplinary care for this patient group. As a starting point, we have gained detailed insight into the current delivery of allied healthcare, as well as the barriers and facilitators for optimal care. To overcome the identified barriers, a tertiary referral centre was founded; evidence-based guidelines were developed and cost-effectively implemented within regional community networks of specifically trained allied health professionals (the ParkinsonNet concept). We increasingly use ICT to bind these professional networks together and also to empower and engage patients in making decisions about their health. This comprehensive approach is likely to be feasible for other countries as well, so we currently collaborate in a European collaboration to improve community care for persons with Parkinson's disease.
Common Errors in Digital Panoramic Radiographs of Patients with Mixed Dentition and Patients with Permanent Dentition
Authors: Peretz Benjamin , Gotler Maya , Kaffe Israel
Published: February 2012

Purpose. To compare errors in digital panoramic radiographs of permanent and mixed dentitions.Methods. 143 and 146 digital radiographs of mixed and permanent dentitions were examined.Results. Significantly fewer errors presented in the mixed dentition. Positioning too forward significantly prevalent in the mixed dentition; slumped position and nonpositioning of chin properly were significantly prevailed in the permanent dentition. Blurred or shortened upper incisors were significantly more prevalent in the mixed dentition. Diagnostic ability could be improved by manipulating the brightness or contrast in nearly 45% of all radiographs. In the mixed dentition, tilting the chin down and a slumped position made the lower incisors significantly nondiagnostic. In the permanent dentition, tilting the chin down made the lower incisors to be significantly nondiagnostic.Conclusions. More errors were prevalent in panoramic radiographs of permanent dentitions. Properly positioning the patient is the most important factor in preventing a cascade of errors.
Radiation Analysis for Two Trajectory Points of the Fire II Entry
Authors: Savajano Romain , Potter Daniel F. , Joshi Ojas , Leyland Pénélope
Published: February 2012

Numerical rebuilding of two trajectory points (t=1634 s andt=1643 s) of the Fire II mission has been carried out to predict the radiative heat flux for nonequilibrium and close-to-equilibrium conditions. The simulations have been performed with eilmer3 in an uncoupled way and using a tangent slab method for the radiation transport. Different population models (QSS and Boltzmann) have been compared, and the influence of catalytic wall condition was taken into account. An analysis on the spectral range and on the spectral resolution has also been carried out.
Rational Generalized Offsets of Rational Surfaces
Authors: Georgiev Georgi Hristov
Published: February 2012

The rational surfaces and their offsets are commonly used in modeling and manufacturing. The purpose of this paper is to present relationships between rational surfaces and orientation‐preserving similarities of the Euclidean 3‐space. A notion of a similarity surface offset is introduced and applied to different constructions of rational generalized offsets of a rational surface. It is shown that every rational surface possesses a rational generalized offset. Rational generalized focal surfaces are also studied.
Effectiveness of Space Spraying on the Transmission of Dengue/Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DF/DHF) in an Urban Area of Southern Thailand
Authors: Thammapalo Suwich , Meksawi Supaporn , Chongsuvivatwong Virasakdi
Published: February 2012

Timely and extensive space spraying has been widely used to prevent the spread of dengue fever/dengue hemorrhagic fever (DF/DHF). Field evaluations on its effectiveness have been rarely reported. This study aimed to evaluate the timeliness, coverage, and effectiveness of space spraying for DF/DHF control using a geographic information system (GIS). Longitudinal monitoring of DF/DHF cases and spray activities in Songkhla municipality was done between May 2006 and April 2007. After a case was detected, subsequent cases occurring within a 100 meter radius of the index case’s house and between 16–35 days of onset were considered as potential secondary cases. During the study period, 140 cases of DF/DHF were detected. Of these, 25 were identified as secondary infections from 20 index cases. Where a secondary infection occurred, the mean attack rate was 2.7 per 1,000 population. Two significant predictors for being a secondary case were both related to the house of the index case, namely, absence of window screens and being constructed with corrugated iron sheets. Our findings suggest that space spraying in the study area was inadequate and often failed to prevent secondary cases of DF/DHF. Control programs should target houses constructed with corrugated iron sheets.
Effects of High-Mobility Group A Protein Application on Canine Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem CellsIn Vitro
Authors: Ismail A. A. , Wagner S. , Murua Escobar H. , Willenbrock S. , Sterenczak K. A. , Samy M. T. , Abd El-Aal A. M. , Nolte I. , Wefstaedt P.
Published: February 2012

Multipotency and self-renewal are considered as most important features of stem cells to persist throughout life in tissues. In this context, the role of HMGA proteins to influence proliferation of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell (ASCs) while maintaining their multipotent and self-renewal capacities has not yet been investigated. Therefore, extracellular HMGA1 and HMGA2 application alone (10–200 ng/mL) and in combination with each other (100, 200 ng/mL each) was investigated with regard to proliferative effects on canine ASCs (cASCs) after 48 hours of cultivation. Furthermore, mRNA expression of multipotency marker genes in unstimulated and HMGA2-stimulated cASCs (50, 100 ng/mL) was analyzed by RT-qPCR. HMGA1 significantly reduced cASCs proliferation in concentrations of 10–200 ng/mL culture medium. A combination of HMGA1 and HMGA2 protein (100 and 200 ng/mL each) caused the same effects, whereas no significant effect on cASCs proliferation was shown after HMGA2 protein application alone. RT-qPCR results showed that expression levels of marker genes including KLF4, SOX2, OCT4, HMGA2, and cMYC mRNAs were on the same level in both HMGA2-protein-stimulated and -unstimulated cASCs. Extracellular HMGA protein application might be valuable to control proliferation of cASCs in context with their employment in regenerative approaches without affecting their self-renewal and multipotency abilities.
Analytic Model for Conduction Current in AlGaN/GaN HFETs/HEMTs
Authors: Hou Danqiong , Bilbro Griff L. , Trew Robert J.
Published: February 2012

We have developed a new, zone-based compact physics-based AlGaN/GaN heterojunction field-effect transistor (HFET) model suitable for use in commercial harmonic-balance microwave circuit simulators. The new model is programmed in Verilog-A, an industry-standard compact modeling language. The new model permits the dc, small-signal, and large-signal RF performance for the transistor to be determined as a function of the device geometric structure and design features, material composition parameters, and dc and RF operating conditions. The new physics-based HFET model does not require extensive parameter extraction to determine model element values, as commonly employed for traditional equivalent-circuit-based transistor models. The new model has been calibrated and verified. We report very good agreement between simulated and measured dc and RF performance of an experimental C-band microwave power amplifier.
Subsurface Lateral Flow in Texture-Contrast (Duplex) Soils and Catchments with Shallow Bedrock
Authors: Hardie Marcus A. , Doyle Richard B. , Cotching William E. , Lisson Shaun
Published: February 2012

Development-perched watertables and subsurface lateral flows in texture-contrast soils (duplex) are commonly believed to occur as a consequence of the hydraulic discontinuity between the A and B soil horizons. However, in catchments containing shallow bedrock, subsurface lateral flows result from a combination of preferential flow from the soil surface to the soil—bedrock interface, undulations in the bedrock topography, lateral flow through macropore networks at the soil—bedrock interface, and the influence of antecedent soil moisture on macropore connectivity. Review of literature indicates that some of these processes may also be involved in the development of subsurface lateral flow in texture contrast soils. However, the extent to which these mechanisms can be applied to texture contrast soils requires further field studies. Improved process understanding is required for modelling subsurface lateral flows in order to improve the management of waterlogging, drainage, salinity, and offsite agrochemicals movement.
Refractive Development in the “ROP Rat”
Authors: Chui Toco Y. P. , Bissig David , Berkowitz Bruce A. , Akula James D.
Published: February 2012

Although retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is clinically characterized by abnormal retinal vessels at the posterior pole of the eye, it is also commonly characterized by vascular abnormalities in the anterior segment, visual dysfunction which is based in retinal dysfunction, and, most commonly of all, arrested eye growth and high refractive error, particularly (and paradoxically) myopia. The oxygen-induced retinopathy rat model of ROP presents neurovascular outcomes similar to the human disease, although it is not yet known if the “ROP rat” also models the small-eyed myopia characteristic of ROP. In this study, magnetic resonance images (MRIs) of albino (Sprague-Dawley) and pigmented (Long-Evans) ROP rat eyes, and age- and strain-matched room-air-reared (RAR) controls, were examined. The positions and curvatures of the various optical media were measured and the refractive state (℞) of each eye estimated based on a previously published model. Even in adulthood (postnatal day 50), Sprague-Dawley and Long-Evans ROP rats were significantly myopic compared to strain-matched controls. The myopia in the Long-Evans ROP rats was more severe than in the Sprague-Dawley ROP rats, which also had significantly shorter axial lengths. These data reveal the ROP rat to be a novel and potentially informative approach to investigating physiological mechanisms in myopia in general and the myopia peculiar to ROP in particular.
Oncolytic Virus and Anti–4-1BB Combination Therapy Elicits Strong Antitumor Immunity against Established Cancer
Authors: John Liza B. , Howland Linda J. , Flynn Jacqueline K. , West Alison C. , Devaud Christel , Duong Connie P. , Stewart Trina J. , Westwood Jenny A. , Guo Z. Sheng , Bartlett David L. , Smyth Mark J. , Kershaw Michael H. , Darcy Phillip K.
Published: February 2012

Oncolytic virotherapy using vaccinia virus (Vv) has shown some encouraging antitumor responses in mouse models and patients, but the breadth of efficacy in clinical trials has been somewhat limited. Given that antitumor effects have correlated with increased host immune responses, we hypothesized that improved therapeutic outcomes may be achieved by using oncolytic virus (OV) in combination with a potent immune agonist reagent. In this study, we carried out a preclinical evaluation of a genetically engineered strain of oncolytic vaccinia virus (Vvdd) for its capacity to induce antitumor responses when combined with an agonist antibody (Ab) specific for the costimulatory molecule 4-1BB (CD137). In immune-competent syngeneic mouse models of cancer, this combination therapy significantly reduced the growth of established subcutaneous tumors relative to either treatment alone. Importantly, the development of pulmonary metastatic lesions was also reduced. Tumor growth inhibition was associated with increased numbers of CD11b+ and CD11c+ myeloid cells in the tumor draining lymph nodes, greater infiltration of CD8+ effector T and natural killer (NK) cells, and a more sustained presence of neutrophils at the tumor site. Depletion of T or NK cells or neutrophils reduced efficacy, confirming their contribution to an effective therapeutic response. We further extended this conclusion through results from IFNγ-deficient mice. In summary, our findings offered a proof-of-concept for a combinatorial approach to enhance the antitumor efficacy of an OV, suggesting a strategy to improve their use as an immunotherapeutic treatment for cancer. Cancer Res; 72(7); 1651–60. ©2012 AACR.
Concomitant Tumor Resistance: The Role of Tyrosine Isomers in the Mechanisms of Metastases Control
Authors: Ruggiero Raúl A. , Bruzzo Juan , Chiarella Paula , Bustuoabad Oscar D. , Meiss Roberto P. , Pasqualini Christiane D.
Published: February 2012

Concomitant tumor resistance (CR) is a phenomenon in which a tumor-bearing host is resistant to the growth of secondary tumor implants and metastasis. Although previous studies indicated that T-cell–dependent processes mediate CR in hosts bearing immunogenic small tumors, manifestations of CR induced by immunogenic and nonimmunogenic large tumors have been associated with an elusive serum factor. In a recently published study, we identified this factor as meta-tyrosine and ortho-tyrosine, 2 isomers of tyrosine that would not be present in normal proteins. In 3 different murine models of cancer that generate CR, both meta- and ortho-tyrosine inhibited tumor growth. Additionally, we showed that both isoforms of tyrosine blocked metastasis in a fourth model that does not generate CR but is sensitive to CR induced by other tumors. Mechanistic studies showed that the antitumor effects of the tyrosine isomers were mediated in part by early inhibition of the MAP/ERK pathway and inactivation of STAT3, potentially driving tumor cells into a state of dormancy in G0-phase. Other mechanisms, putatively involving the activation of an intra–S-phase checkpoint, would also inhibit tumor proliferation by accumulating cells in S-phase. By revealing a molecular basis for the classical phenomenon of CR, our findings may stimulate new generalized approaches to limit the development of metastases that arise after resection of primary tumors or after other stressors that may promote the escape of metastases from dormancy, an issue that is of pivotal importance to oncologists and their patients. Cancer Res; 72(5); 1043–50. ©2012 AACR.
Consistency Test of the Cell Cycle: Roles for p53 and EGR1
Authors: Zwang Yaara , Oren Moshe , Yarden Yosef
Published: February 2012

Mammalian cells are constantly exposed to multiple mitogens and, hence, have developed machineries that help them ignore fortuitous signals. In a recent report in Molecular Cell, we highlighted the molecular details of such a noise-reduction filter, including roles for EGR1, AKT, and p53. Brief exposure to a mitogen drives formation of inhibitory p53-chromatin complexes, which are disabled only if the growth factor is still present several hours later. We propose that this “consistency test” prevents repeated division cycles of normal cells but might become defective in most cancer cells. Cancer Res; 72(5); 1051–4. ©2012 AACR.
A Universal Strategy for Adoptive Immunotherapy of Cancer through Use of a Novel T-cell Antigen Receptor
Authors: Urbanska Katarzyna , Lanitis Evripidis , Poussin Mathilde , Lynn Rachel C. , Gavin Brian P. , Kelderman Sander , Yu Jason , Scholler Nathalie , Powell Daniel J.
Published: February 2012

Adoptive immunotherapies composed of T cells engineered to express a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) offer an attractive strategy for treatment of human cancer. However, CARs have a fixed antigen specificity such that only one tumor-associated antigen (TAA) can be targeted, limiting the efficacy that can be achieved because of heterogeneous TAA expression. For this reason, a more generalized and effective application of CAR therapy would benefit from the capability to produce large panels of CARs against many known TAAs. In this study, we show a novel strategy to extend the recognition specificity potential of a bioengineered lymphocyte population, allowing flexible approaches to redirect T cells against various TAAs. Our strategy employs a biotin-binding immune receptor (BBIR) composed of an extracellular-modified avidin linked to an intracellular T-cell signaling domain. BBIR T cells recognized and bound exclusively to cancer cells pretargeted with specific biotinylated molecules. The versatility afforded by BBIRs permitted sequential or simultaneous targeting of a combination of distinct antigens. Together, our findings show that a platform of universal T-cell specificity can significantly extend conventional CAR approaches, permitting the tailored generation of T cells of unlimited antigen specificity for improving the effectiveness of adoptive T-cell immunotherapies for cancer. Cancer Res; 72(7); 1844–52. ©2012 AACR.
Distinct Development of Peripheral Trigeminal Pathways in the Platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) and Short-Beaked Echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus)
Authors: Ashwell Ken W.S. , Hardman Craig D. , Giere Peter
Published: February 2012

The extant monotremes (platypus and echidnas) are believed to all be capable of electroreception in the trigeminal pathways, although they differ significantly in the number and distribution of electroreceptors. It has been argued by some authors that electroreception was first developed in an aquatic environment and that echidnas are descended from a platypus-like ancestor that invaded an available terrestrial habitat. If this were the case, one would expect the developmental trajectories of the trigeminal pathways to be similar in the early stages of platypus and short-beaked echidna development, with structural divergence occurring later. We examined the development of the peripheral trigeminal pathway from snout skin to trigeminal ganglion in sectioned material in the Hill and Hubrecht collections to test for similarities and differences between the two during the development from egg to adulthood. Each monotreme showed a characteristic and different pattern of distribution of developing epidermal sensory gland specializations (electroreceptor primordia) from the time of hatching. The cross-sectional areas of the trigeminal divisions and the volume of the trigeminal ganglion itself were also very different between the two species at embryonic ages, and remained consistently different throughout post-hatching development. Our findings indicate that the trigeminal pathways in the short-beaked echidna and the platypus follow very different developmental trajectories from the earliest ages. These findings are more consistent with the notion that the platypus and echidna have both diverged from an ancestor with rudimentary electroreception and/or trigeminal specialization, rather than the contention that the echidna is derived from a platypus-like ancestor.
Alcohol Consumption and Its Relation to Visceral and Subcutaneous Adipose Tissues in Healthy Male Koreans
Authors: Kim Kyae Hyung , Oh Seung-Won , Kwon Hyuktae , Park Jin-Ho , Choi Hochun , Cho BeLong
Published: February 2012

Aims: The purpose of the present study is to investigate the association of alcohol with visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) distribution and metabolic syndrome (MetS). Design: We conducted a cross-sectional study in 951 healthy male Korean participants who underwent health checkups. We measured the cross-sectional areas of VAT and SAT by computed tomography of the abdomen and performed a study of alcohol consumption based on questionnaire responses and a 24-hour dietary recall assessment. We analyzed the relationship of alcohol consumption with VAT, SAT, and MetS. Results: Alcohol consumption showed a negative association with SAT (β = -18.76, p = 0.047) but a positive association with VAT (β = 17.70, p = 0.037), independent of other factors. The adjusted odds ratios for MetS for those who consumed <7, 7 to <14, 14 to <28, and ≧28 standard drinks per week were 0.99 (0.59-1.68), 1.49 (0.84-2.63), 1.95 (1.10-3.45), and 1.99 (1.07-3.70), respectively (p for linear trend = 0.042). Conclusions: Alcohol consumption is associated with decreased SAT and increased VAT accumulation. Further, alcohol consumption of ≧14 standard drinks is associated with an increased risk of MetS. Light-to-moderate drinking, which has been regarded to lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases, did not show a protective effect on adipose tissue accumulation.
Perception versus Reality: The Measuring of Pleural Fluid pH in the United States
Authors: Bowling Mark , Lenz Peter , Chatterjee Arjun , Conforti John F. , Haponik Edward F. , Chin, Jr. Robert
Published: February 2012

Background: Pleural fluid pH measured by a blood gas analyzer is the only recommended method of pH measurement to guide management for patients with parapneumonic pleural effusions. Not all hospitals use blood gas analyzers for pleural fluid pH determination and it is unknown if physicians are aware of this problem. Objective: To determine if a discrepancy exists between the modality used for measuring pleural fluid pH and how physicians believe it is measured. Methods: We surveyed pulmonologists randomly across the USA by e-mail inquiring how they thought pleural fluid pH was measured at their laboratory. We then independently contacted the laboratory and asked how pleural fluid pH was actually measured. Results: Two hundred and sixty-seven pulmonologists completed the survey. Eighty-six percent of the pulmonologists use pleural fluid pH to manage complicated parapneumonic effusions. Forty-three percent did not recognize blood gas analyzer solely as the most accurate and validated method. Thirty-nine percent of the physicians who use pleural pH to manage effusions and believe that blood gas analyzers are the most accurate were wrong in their assumption that their laboratory was using this tool for pleural pH measurement. Conclusions: Whether it is due to inaccurate knowledge or a perception of how pleural fluid pH is tested, a significant number of pulmonologists, when treating complicated parapneumonic effusions, may be making management decisions based on erroneous information.
Differences in Survival between Patients with Dementia with Lewy Bodies and Patients with Alzheimer's Disease - Measured from a Fixed Cognitive Level
Authors: Stubendorff Kajsa , Hansson Oskar , Minthon Lennart , Londos Elisabet
Published: February 2012

Introduction: The aim of this study was to compare survival in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and patients with dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). Since anamnestic and retrospective information about disease duration are unreliable variables, we measured survival from a fixed cognitive level. Methods: Survival time was measured from the reported disease onset, from the time of diagnosis, from Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) 20 ± 1, and from MMSE 17 ± 1. Results: Survival time was significantly shorter in the DLB group compared to the AD group both from the time of diagnosis and from the cognitive levels of 20 and 17 on the MMSE. There was no difference in survival when measured from the reported disease onset. Discussion: Our findings indicate that DLB patients have a more malignant clinical course. Our method of investigating survival in a cognitively homogenous population may gain scientific power. Reliable methods to predict survival and the clinical course are of great value for patients, caregivers, doctors, and society.
Cochlear Implantation in Posttraumatic Bilateral Temporal Bone Fracture
Authors: Vermeire K. , Brokx J.P.L. , Dhooge I. , Van de Heyning P.H.
Published: February 2012

Temporal bone (TB) fractures can cause loss of audiovestibular function. Four cases of profound hearing impairment following bilateral TB fracture are presented in this report. All patients received a cochlear implant. All 4 patients became regular users of their implants. None of the patients experienced facial nerve stimulation. Implant-aided audiometry demonstrated a hearing threshold of 28 dB HL. The performance in speech understanding was comparable to standard postlingual adult patients implanted. We believe that cochlear implantation in patients suffering from profound sensorineural hearing losses secondary to TB fractures can be an effective tool for rehabilitation.
Feasibility and Safety of Early Removal of Incisional Dressings following Thoracic Surgery
Authors: Zhou Hai-Bin , Wu Yu , Wang Li-Quan , Zou Sheng-Lu , Qiao Yi-Ze , Wang Le-Xin
Published: February 2012

Objective: To investigate the feasibility and safety of early dressing removal of clean wounds following thoracotomy. Subjects and Methods: A total of 230 patients (127 males, mean age 55.6 ± 16.7 years) were randomly divided into study and control groups. In the study group the cotton gauze dressing was removed 48 h after the surgery, whereas in the control group the dressing was kept on for 7–8 days until the removal of skin sutures. The infection and healing of the wounds were examined, and patients were followed up for 30 days. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in age, sex, smoking rates, concurrent illnesses and operational characteristics between the study and control groups (p > 0.05). The wound infection rate in the study and control groups was 6 (5.2%) and 7 patients (6.1%), respectively (p = 0.775). Two patients (1.7%) from the study group and 1 (0.9%, p = 0.561) from the control group had partial wound approximation by day 7. Surrounding skin integrity was normal in 106 (92.2%) of the study group and 107 (93.0%) of the control group patients by postoperative day 7 (p = 0.801). Conclusion: Removal of wound dressing 48 h after thoracic surgery was not associated with an increased risk of surgical site infection. Hence the early removal of wound dressing did not appear to have an adverse impact on wound healing.
Prehospital Abciximab in ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Ohlmann Patrick , Reydel Philippe , Jacquemin Laurent , Adnet Frédéric , Wolf Olivier , Bartier Jean-Claude , Weiss Anne , Lapostolle Frédéric , Gaultier Cédric , Salengro Emmanuel , Benamer Hakim , Guyon Philippe , Chevalier Bernard , Catan Simon , Ecollan Patrick , Chouihed Tahar , Angioi Michael , Zupan Michel , Bronner François , Bareiss Pierre , Steg Gabriel , Montalescot Gilles , Monassier Jean-Pierre , Morel Olivier
Published: February 2012

Background—

The value of prehospital initiation of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors remains a controversial issue. We sought to investigate whether in-ambulance initiation of abciximab in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) improves ST-segment elevation resolution (STR) after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Methods and Results—

MISTRAL (Myocardial Infarction with ST-elevation Treated by Primary Percutaneous Intervention Facilitated by Early Reopro Administration in Alsace) is a prospective, randomized, double-blind study. Two hundred and fifty-six patients with acute STEMI were allocated to receive abciximab either in the ambulance (ambulance group, n=127) or in the catheterization laboratory (hospital group, n=129). The primary end point was complete (>70%) STR after PCI. Complete STR was not significantly different between the 2 groups (before PCI, 21.6% versus 15.5%,
P
=0.28; after PCI, 70.3% versus 65.8%,
P
=0.49). Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) 2 to 3 flow rates before PCI tended to be higher in the ambulance group (46.8% versus 35%,
P
=0.08) but not after PCI (70.3% versus 65.8%,
P
=0.49). Slow flow tended to be lower (5.6% versus 13.4%,
P
=0.07), and distal embolization occurred significantly less often in the ambulance group (8.1% versus 21.1%,
P
=0.008). One- and 6-month major adverse cardiac event rates were low and similar in both groups.

Conclusions—

Early ambulance administration of abciximab in STEMI did not improve either STR or TIMI flow rate after PCI. However, it tended to improve TIMI flow pre-PCI and decreased distal embolization during procedure. Larger studies are needed to confirm these results.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00638638.
An Idealized Semi-Empirical Framework for Modeling the Madden–Julian Oscillation
Authors: Sobel Adam , Maloney Eric
Published: February 2012

The authors present a simple semi-empirical model to explore the hypothesis that the Madden–Julian oscillation can be represented as a moisture mode destabilized by surface flux and cloud–radiative feedbacks. The model is one-dimensional in longitude; the vertical and meridional structure is entirely implicit. The only prognostic variable is column water vapor W. The zonal wind field is an instantaneous diagnostic function of the precipitation field.

The linearized version of the model has only westward-propagating (relative to the mean flow) unstable modes because wind-induced surface latent heat flux anomalies occur to the west of precipitation anomalies. The maximum growth rate occurs at the wavelength at which the correlation between precipitation and surface latent heat flux is maximized. This wavelength lies in the synoptic- to planetary-scale range and is proportional to the horizontal scale associated with the assumed diagnostic wind response to precipitation anomalies.

The nonlinear version of the model has behavior that can be qualitatively different from the linear modes and is strongly influenced by horizontal advection of moisture. The nonlinear solutions are very sensitive to small shifts in the phasing of wind and precipitation. Under some circumstances nonlinear eastward-propagating disturbances emerge on a state of mean background westerlies. These disturbances have a shocklike discontinuous jump in humidity and rainfall at the leading edge; humidity decreases linearly and precipitation decreases exponentially to the west.
Future Changes in the South Asian Summer Monsoon: An Analysis of the CMIP3 Multimodel Projections
Authors: Fan Fangxing , Mann Michael E. , Lee Sukyoung , Evans Jenni L.
Published: February 2012

The projected future behavior of the South Asian summer monsoon (SASM) is analyzed for the 720-ppm stabilization experiments [Special Report on Emissions Scenarios (SRES) A1B] of phase 3 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP3) simulations. The multimodel ensemble collectively exhibits a clear tendency for weakening SASM circulation and strengthening SASM precipitation during the twenty-first century. These tendencies are consistent, moreover, among multiple realizations for the same model where available.

An annual correlation analysis and thermodynamic energy budget analysis are used to investigate the changes in the monsoon circulation, precipitation (latent heating), and dry static stability across time scales of variation. The strength of the SASM circulation is interpreted in terms of two competing factors: convective latent heating and dry static stability. It is found that on interannual time scales the latent heating wins out over the dry static stability to dominate the interannual fluctuations of the monsoonal circulation. However, the long-term trends in the SASM circulation are governed by the competing effects of the convective latent heating term and the adiabatic term to modify dry static stability in the thermodynamic energy budget.
Twentieth-Century Surface Temperature Trends in the Western Ross Sea, Antarctica: Evidence from a High-Resolution Ice Core
Authors: Sinclair Kate E. , Bertler Nancy A. N. , van Ommen Tas D.
Published: February 2012

A 125-yr ice core record of climate from the Whitehall Glacier ice divide provides exceptionally high-resolution stable isotope data from the northwest margin of the Ross Sea, Antarctica. This is the only proxy data available to extend the instrumental record of temperature in this region, where little is known about climate variability over the past two centuries. Using ECMWF Interim Re-Analysis (ERA-Interim) data, this study develops a precipitation-weighted δ18O-temperature transfer function of 0.62‰ °C−1, which is comparable to other proximal ice cores, such as Taylor, Talos, and Law Domes. Reconstructed mean annual temperatures show no significant change between 1882 and 2006. However, a decrease in cold season [April–September (AMJJAS)] temperatures of −1.59° ± 0.84°C decade−1 (at 90% confidence) is observed since 1979. This cooling trend is in contrast to a surface temperature record from Ross Island (Scott Base) where significant spring warming is observed. It is also coincident with a positive trend in the southern annular mode, which is linked to stronger southerly winds and increased sea ice extent and duration in the western Ross Sea.