bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Eye Excess Energy and the Rapid Intensification of Hurricane Lili (2002)
Authors: Barnes Gary M. , Fuentes Paul
Published: November 2009

Over 4.5 days, NOAA and U.S. Air Force personnel in reconnaissance aircraft deployed 44 global positioning system dropwindsondes (GPS sondes) in the eye of Hurricane Lili (2002). The vertical profiles derived from these GPS sondes were used to determine the evolution of the height of the inversion, presence, and height of the hub cloud, the height of the lifted condensation layer, and the depth of the mixed layer. As Lili deepened, underwent rapid intensification (RI), and eventually rapid decay, the lower portion of the eye moistened and the lapse rate became moist adiabatic. The inversion layer rose as Lili intensified and then quickly fell over 1500 m at the beginning of RI. Comparison of the equivalent potential temperature θe of the eye with that in the eyewall revealed that like many other hurricanes, the eye was a reservoir for the warmest θe. The authors define a variable called eye excess energy that is a function of the difference in θe between the eye and the eyewall and the depth over which this difference occurs and present evidence that this quantity became small during RI. The authors hypothesize that the warm θe in the eye served as a boost for convection in the eyewall that may, in turn, initiate RI. However, the small volume of eye excess energy available and the rapidity at which it was transferred to the eyewall demonstrate that eye excess energy cannot sustain RI, which typically continues for many hours. The results are discussed in light of eye–eyewall mixing arguments.
Effect of UD Carbon on the Specific Mechanical Properties of Glass Mat Composites for Marine Applications
Authors: Valenza A. , Fiore V. , Di Bella G.
Published: November 2009

In this work the influence of a uniaxial carbon fabric layer on the mechanical performances of a glass mat/epoxy composite used for marine applications has been studied. All the structures have been made, at room temperature, by vacuum bagging technique. Tension and flexural tests have been carried out in order to evaluate the specific mechanical properties of the composite and to compare these with those of the marine aluminium alloy 6016-T4. The glass composites have higher specific strength but lower specific modulus than aluminium alloy. To increase the specific modulus of the composites, each layer of glass mat has been replaced with a layer of uniaxial carbon fabric. In addition, a simplified numerical model has been proposed to understand better the relevant dependence of the specific mechanical properties from the position and the orientation of the fibers. The comparison of the predicted numerical results with experiments has shown the accuracy of this model.
Tourism-related Social Capital and Its Relationship with Other Forms of Capital: An Exploratory Study
Authors: McGehee Nancy Gard , Lee Seungwoo , O'Bannon Teresa L. , Perdue Richard R.
Published: November 2009

The purpose of this exploratory study is to examine tourism-related social capital and its relationship with other forms of capital. The concept of social capital has emerged from several disciplines. Social capital has been used extensively among communities exploring a variety of economic development options, including sustainable agriculture and entrepreneurship. As part of a larger project, 307 tourism stakeholders in a four-county region of Virginia are identified and surveyed regarding their (1) perceptions of tourism-related social capital of the area and (2) perceptions of built, financial, natural, cultural, human, and political capital. Using structural equation modeling, analysis of the results shows that there is a relationship between length of residence and tourism-related social capital as well as a relationship between tourism-related social capital and cultural capital, political capital, human capital, private built capital, and financial capital, but no relationship exists between tourism-related social capital and public built capital or natural capital.
Composite-to-composite Bonding using Scotch-WeldTM AF-555M Structural Adhesive
Authors: Hou T.H. , Boston K.G. , Baughman J.M. , Walker S. , Johnston W.M.
Published: November 2009

Processing and properties of composite-to-composite bonding using Scotch-Weld TM AF-555M structural adhesive were investigated. Bonding surfaces of T800H/3900-2 composite were prepared by co-curing the dry and wet peel-plies. Surface topologies of the peel-plies and the co-cured composite surfaces were examined by microscopy, contour mapping using a coordinate measuring machine equipped with a ruby sphere probe, and contact angle goniometry. Curing of the adhesive was conducted in an autoclave or vacuum press at 177°C (350°F) for 2 h under 310 KPa (45 psi). Common bagging practices for composite fabrication in an autoclave were followed. It was found that a prolonged vacuum application (i.e., overnight) prior to the application of temperature and pressure was a critical element to produce porosity-free, high-quality bonds with this adhesive system. Following this procedure, a strong bond line was consistently produced, which routinely provided a single-lap shear strength more than 10% higher than the nominal value of the adhesive (i.e., 35.9 MPa or 5200 psi) when tested at room temperature. An adhesive failure mode at the interface was noted on the fractured surfaces of specimens with strong bonds whereas a premature cohesive failure mode was more evident for the specimens with weaker bonds, probably due to porosities in the bond lines. Photomicrographs showed that the weak single-lap shear strengths occurred on specimens with significant porosity in the bond line, apparently caused by entrapped air from insufficient vacuum application prior to curing. The results of this study are discussed herein.
Where Credit Is Due
Authors: Jacobs Jerry A.
Published: November 2009

Gender & Society is the leading specialty journal in the sociology of gender, as indicated by its high ranking in the ISI Web of Knowledge Journal Citation Reports. The ISI system, however, does not track citations appearing in books, and thus a significant potential source of references for Gender & Society is missed. This article reports the results of an analysis of highly cited articles that compares their visibility in Google Scholar to that documented in the ISI data system. Google Scholar captures more than twice as many references to these Gender & Society articles than does the ISI Web of Knowledge. The analysis shows that the incremental coverage is greater for Gender & Society than for several other prominent sociology journals. The absolute and relative standing of Gender & Society would improve if a more comprehensive system of tracking citations were employed.
How Will We Recognize Each Other as Mapuche?
Authors: Warren Sarah D.
Published: November 2009

This article builds on the literature of “doing” identities through a case study of indigenous Mapuche people in Argentina. Argentina is a unique place to study indigenous identities because they are not rigidly defined by the state or by Argentine society, thus making social interactions more visible. My analysis shows that “doing” identities is an inherently intersectional process. Mapuche women engage in gendered interactions to create an authentic indigenous identity, often for the purpose of gaining rights, emphasizing traditional clothing to become “icons of tradition.” Yet, their interactions and choices about how and when to use traditional clothing highlight the paradoxical ways tradition works. My analysis suggests that tradition invokes a historical rigidity that constrains women within certain gender expectations, but it also invokes a sense of community wholeness that can empower women to define new ways of “doing” gendered indigeneity.
Sjögren's syndrome-onset lupus patients have distinctive clinical manifestations and benign prognosis: A case—control study
Authors: Xu D. , Tian X. , Zhang W. , Zhang X. , Liu B. , Zhang F.
Published: November 2009

The objective of this study was to investigate the clinical characteristics and prognosis of Sjögren’s syndrome-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (SS/SLE) patients. Medical charts of 41 consecutive SS/SLE inpatients admitted to Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH) from February 1998 to February 2008 were systematically reviewed, including demographic data, clinical features, laboratory findings, treatment as well as outcomes. Two hundred and fourteen cases were randomly selected as controls from 2331 SLE-only inpatients treated in PUMCH at the same time period. There were significant differences between SS/SLE and SLE-only patients in the following manifestations (p < 0.05): (1) sex ratio (F/M) (41/0 versus 184/30), age (42.8 ± 41.0 years versus 31.8 ± 31.0 years), disease duration (113.8 ± 84.0 months versus 44.9 ± 18.0 months); (2) clinical features, xerostomia (85.4% versus 6.1%), xerophthalmia (75.6% versus 2.3%), renal tubular acidosis (21.9% versus 0%), interstitial lung disease (12.2% versus 2.8%), facial rash (9.8% versus 46.3%), nephrotic syndrome (7.3% versus 31.3%), central nervous system involvement (4.9% versus 19.6%); (3) laboratory findings, ESR (64.6±75.0mm/h versus 46.5±34.0mm/h), C4 (14.8 ± 12.2 g/dl versus 12.0 ± 10.9 g/dl), IgG elevation (56.4% versus 29.9%) and IgA elevation (38.5% versus 20.4%), RF, anti-SSA and anti-SSB positive rates (70.8% versus 20.3%, 82.9% versus 43.4% and 39.0% versus 7.9%); (4) SLEDAI score (8.0 ± 8.0 versus 10.2 ± 10.0), glucocorticoid treatment (methylprednisolone bolus/1—2 mg kg-1 day-1 prednisone/<1 mg kg-1 day-1 prednisone) (8/26/7 versus 91/102/21), and importantly, rate of death and/or severe irreversible organ failure (2.4% versus 14.9%). SS/SLE patients were followed up for 33.0 ± 34.0 months, 40 cases remained stable at a low dose of corticosteroid. In conclusion, different from SLE-only patients, SS/SLE patients have distinctive clinical manifestations and benign prognosis that require less vigorous treatment with glucocorticoids and/or immunosuppressants. Lupus (2010) 19, 197—200.
Collaboration With Latino Families
Authors: Olivos Edward M.
Published: November 2009

This article focuses on how education personnel can foster a climate and infrastructure for working collaboratively with Latino families. The author argues that collaboration is facilitated when educators understand how they, as school agents, accept a Latino community’s culture, knowledge, and power within the school context and how educators align their values and beliefs, as well as school policies and practices, with those of the community. Included is a review of relevant literature as well as suggestions for Latino family collaboration that can be used to guide educators (special and general) in identifying mind-sets and practices that either permit or preclude authentic collaboration.
The Challenge of Doing Corporatized Research Revisited: Contrivances and the Presentation of Self
Authors: Sætre Alf Steinar
Published: November 2009

Browning and Sørnes’ article, “The Challenge of Doing Corporatized Research: An Ethnography of ICT use,” implies by its title that it explores the difficulties inherent in corporation-sponsored research, and also that it offers an ethnography of ICT (information and communication technologies) use in that same context. In fact, it does neither. By exposing a deliberate series of contrivances, this article shows how their effort is a deliberate attempt at impression management. The problems with their article are divided into three main categories: ethical issues, vying for credit, and relating to sponsors and using ICTs. This article concludes that the effort by Browning and Sørnes falls well short of the scrupulousness one expects from qualitative researchers.
Construct Validity of the Violence Risk Scale—Sexual Offender Version for Measuring Sexual Deviance
Authors: Canales Donaldo D. , Olver Mark E. , Wong Stephen C. P.
Published: November 2009

Previous studies have identified sexual deviance as a particularly strong predictor of sexual recidivism in sex offenders. The present study examined the construct validity (i.e., convergent and discriminant validity) of the three dynamic factor domains (Sexual Deviance, Criminality, Treatment Responsivity) of the Violence Risk Scale— Sexual Offender version (VRS-SO) as well as the Screening Scale for Pedophilic Interests (SSPI; for comparison purposes) with respect to phallometric measures of sexual deviance. VRS-SO and phallometric data were collected from 124 federally incarcerated sex offenders from a maximum security forensic psychiatric facility. The Sexual Deviance factor and SSPI were positively correlated to varying degrees with computed arousal indexes (Percent Full Erection, difference scores) for child stimuli but were not significantly correlated with nondeviant arousal, supporting the convergent and discriminant validity of these measures, respectively. Convergent validity also appeared stronger for sex offender subtypes with child victims. Criminality and Treatment Responsivity did not correlate with male stimuli, although they were positively correlated with arousal to female profiles. The VRS-SO Sexual Deviance factor and some phallometric indexes of deviant arousal (e.g., female children) were predictive of sexual recidivism whereas the SSPI was not. The pattern of findings across analyses broadly supports the construct validity of the VRS-SO in assessing sexual deviance.
Six Guiding Principles for Evaluating Mode-2 Strategies for Sustainable Development
Authors: Regeer Barbara J. , Hoes Anne-Charlotte , van Amstel-van Saane Mariette , Caron-Flinterman Francisca F. , Bunders Joske F. G.
Published: November 2009

A new generation of public programs emerges, which specifically addresses complex societal problems we witness today. Programs for these types of complex issues—in this article, we consider more closely the challenge of sustainable development—are characterized by emergent design, learning processes between diverse actors, and adaptive management. Managers of these kinds of programs have new demands for evaluation and evaluators. This article describes prevailing evaluation methods for sustainable development (progress assessment, goal-oriented program evaluation, and program theory evaluation) and the challenges they meet when confronted with the complexity of designing and conducting systemic intervention programs for sustainable development. The evaluation framework that we propose offers guiding principles to assist evaluators in evaluating complex programs.
Responding to schoolgirl pregnancy: the recognition and non-recognition of difference
Authors: Vincent Kerry
Published: November 2009

Teenage mothers in the UK have been found to be at risk of early school leaving, low levels of educational achievement and low levels of post-compulsory educational participation. Current policy in the UK emphasizes the importance of education as a way of improving the life chances of those who become pregnant while young and, as part of that, schools are encouraged to support the educational inclusion of those who become pregnant while still of statutory school age. Drawing on repeat qualitative interviews conducted over a 15-month period, this article examines the educational experiences of a group of students in one local authority in England who became pregnant while still at school. Particular attention is paid to how different schools addressed the ‘dilemma of difference’ posed by teenage pregnancy and how school attitudes and practices enhanced or inhibited educational participation.
Varieties of Universalism
Authors: Shijun Tong
Published: November 2009

Universalism can be religious or secular; within the category of secular universalism, a distinction can be made (especially in China) between universalism focused on ‘universality’ or the universal validity of certain ideas and universalism focused on ‘generality’ or the general extension of certain ideas. Within the category of universality-based universalism, ‘value universalism’ holds one or some values to be universally valid and ‘culture universalism’ holds a certain culture or a certain way of ranking various values to be universally valid. Within the category of ‘value universalism’, a distinction can be made between ‘dialogue-oriented universalism’, which argues for the priority of the right to communication over other rights and ‘monologueoriented universalism’, according to which one subject can unilaterally decide what is of universal validity for all. Not only ‘monologue-oriented universalism’, but also ‘dialogue-oriented universalism’ can be understood in a Euro-centrist way; there is thus a distinction between West-centrist and non-West-centrist varieties of universalism. The key to avoiding West-centrist universalism while upholding universalism is to make a distinction between essentialist universalism and constructivist universalism, and to see what is universally shared by all relevant parties as something to be constructed through the process of ‘ Verkehr’ in Marx’s sense that is informed by the process of ‘ Kommunikation’ in Habermas’s sense.
Corrosion behaviour of SUS304 stainless steel after UV–O3 treatment in sealed air environment
Authors: Wang Rongguang
Published: November 2009

Ultraviolet ozone (UV–O3) treatment was carried out on SUS304 stainless steel in a sealed chamber and polarisation curves on the steel were measured. The surface composition and the surface structure of the specimen following UV–O3 treatment and polarisation were discussed. As a result, the corrosion resistance of SUS304 stainless steel could be enhanced by UV–O3 treatment in a sealed chamber for short treatment times. However, longer illumination times of more than 14·4 or 21·6 ks did not additionally enhance the corrosion resistance. In addition, cyclic illumination with replenishment of air in the sealed chamber was helpful for improving corrosion resistance. The composition of the film on the steel surface changed after UV–O3 treatment, namely, chromium and carbon decreased considerably, oxygen increased slightly and iron increased considerably. This demonstrated that increased iron oxide and decreased chromium oxide affected the corrosion resistance of the steel.
NF-E2 domination over Nrf2 promotes ROS accumulation and megakaryocytic maturation
Authors: Motohashi Hozumi , Kimura Momoko , Fujita Rie , Inoue Ai , Pan Xiaoqing , Takayama Mariko , Katsuoka Fumiki , Aburatani Hiroyuki , Bresnick Emery H. , Yamamoto Masayuki
Published: November 2009

In megakaryocytes, the maturation process and oxidative stress response appear to be closely related. It has been suggested that increased oxygen tension and reactive oxygen species (ROS) promote megakaryopoiesis and that the expression of stress-responsive genes responsible for ROS elimination declines during megakaryocytic maturation. NF-E2 p45 is an essential regulator of megakaryopoiesis, whereas Nrf2 is a key activator of stress-responsive genes. Because p45 and Nrf2 have similar DNA-binding specificities, we hypothesized that p45 competes with Nrf2 to repress stress-responsive genes and achieves favorable intracellular conditions to allow ROS to be efficiently used as signaling molecules. We conducted comprehensive gene expression profiling with wild-type and p45-null megakaryocytes and examined the functional relationship between p45 and Nrf2. We found that 2 characteristic gene clusters are defined within p45 target genes: platelet genes and cytoprotective genes. The former are unique targets activated by p45, whereas the latter are common targets of p45 and Nrf2. Further analysis suggested that, as a less efficacious activator, p45 maintains moderate expression of cytoprotective genes through competing with Nrf2 and promotes ROS accumulation. Increased ROS enhanced platelet gene expression. These results suggest that p45 dominates over Nrf2 to enhance megakaryocytic maturation by promoting ROS accumulation.
MT1-MMP controls human mesenchymal stem cell trafficking and differentiation
Authors: Lu Changlian , Li Xiao-Yan , Hu Yuexian , Rowe R. Grant , Weiss Stephen J.
Published: November 2009

Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) localized to bone marrow, nonhematopoietic organs, as well as perivascular niches are postulated to traffic through type I collagen-rich stromal tissues to first infiltrate sites of tissue damage, inflammation, or neoplasia and then differentiate. Nevertheless, the molecular mechanisms supporting the ability of hMSCs to remodel 3-dimensional (3D) collagenous barriers during trafficking or differentiation remain undefined. Herein, we demonstrate that hMSCs degrade and penetrate type I collagen networks in tandem with the expression of a 5-member set of collagenolytic matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Specific silencing of each of these proteases reveals that only a single membrane-tethered metalloenzyme, termed MT1-MMP, plays a required role in hMSC-mediated collagenolysis, 3D invasion, and intravasation. Further, once confined within type I collagen-rich tissue, MT1-MMP also controls hMSC differentiation in a 3D-specific fashion. Together, these data demonstrate that hMSC invasion and differentiation programs fall under the control of the pericellular collagenase, MT1-MMP.
Reduced levels of reactive oxygen species correlate with inhibition of apoptosis, rise in thioredoxin expression and increased bovine leukemia virus proviral loads
Authors: Bouzar Amel Baya , Boxus Mathieu , Florins Arnaud , François Carole , Reichert Michal , Willems Luc
Published: November 2009

Background

Bovine Leukemia virus (BLV) is a deltaretrovirus that induces lymphoproliferation and leukemia in ruminants. In ex vivo cultures of B lymphocytes isolated from BLV-infected sheep show that spontaneous apoptosis is reduced. Here, we investigated the involvement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in this process.

Results

We demonstrate that (i) the levels of ROS and a major product of oxidative stress (8-OHdG) are reduced, while the thioredoxin antioxidant protein is highly expressed in BLV-infected B lymphocytes, (ii) induction of ROS by valproate (VPA) is pro-apoptotic, (iii) inversely, the scavenging of ROS with N-acetylcysteine inhibits apoptosis, and finally (iv) the levels of ROS inversely correlate with the proviral loads.

Conclusion

Together, these observations underline the importance of ROS in the mechanisms of inhibition of apoptosis linked to BLV infection.
Subgroup Analysis of Trials Is Rarely Easy (SATIRE): a study protocol for a systematic review to characterize the analysis, reporting, and claim of subgroup effects in randomized trials
Authors: Sun Xin , Briel Matthias , Busse Jason W , Akl Elie A , You John J , Mejza Filip , Bala Malgorzata , Diaz-Granados Natalia , Bassler Dirk , Mertz Dominik , Srinathan Sadeesh K , Vandvik Per Olav , Malaga German , Alshurafa Mohamed , Dahm Philipp , Alonso-Coello Pablo , Heels-Ansdell Diane M , Bhatnagar Neera , Johnston Bradley C , Wang Li , Walter Stephen D , Altman Douglas G , Guyatt Gordon H
Published: November 2009

Background

Subgroup analyses in randomized trials examine whether effects of interventions differ between subgroups of study populations according to characteristics of patients or interventions. However, findings from subgroup analyses may be misleading, potentially resulting in suboptimal clinical and health decision making. Few studies have investigated the reporting and conduct of subgroup analyses and a number of important questions remain unanswered. The objectives of this study are: 1) to describe the reporting of subgroup analyses and claims of subgroup effects in randomized controlled trials, 2) to assess study characteristics associated with reporting of subgroup analyses and with claims of subgroup effects, and 3) to examine the analysis, and interpretation of subgroup effects for each study's primary outcome.

Methods

We will conduct a systematic review of 464 randomized controlled human trials published in 2007 in the 118 Core Clinical Journals defined by the National Library of Medicine. We will randomly select journal articles, stratified in a 1:1 ratio by higher impact versus lower impact journals. According to 2007 ISI total citations, we consider the New England Journal of Medicine, JAMA, Lancet, Annals of Internal Medicine, and BMJ as higher impact journals. Teams of two reviewers will independently screen full texts of reports for eligibility, and abstract data, using standardized, pilot-tested extraction forms. We will conduct univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses to examine the association of pre-specified study characteristics with reporting of subgroup analyses and with claims of subgroup effects for the primary and any other outcomes.

Discussion

A clear understanding of subgroup analyses, as currently conducted and reported in published randomized controlled trials, will reveal both strengths and weaknesses of this practice. Our findings will contribute to a set of recommendations to optimize the conduct and reporting of subgroup analyses, and claim and interpretation of subgroup effects in randomized trials.
Reporting Iraqi civilian fatalities in a time of war
Authors: Henderson Schuyler W , Olander William E , Roberts Les
Published: November 2009

Background

In February, 2007, the Associated Press (AP) conducted a poll of 1,002 adults in the United States about their attitudes towards the war in Iraq. Respondents were remarkably accurate estimating the current death toll of US soldiers, yet were grossly inaccurate in estimating the current death toll of Iraqi civilians. We conducted a search of newspapers reports to determine the extent of the discrepancy between reporting Coalition and Iraqi civilian deaths, hypothesizing that there would be an over-representation of Coalition deaths compared to Iraqi civilian deaths.

Methods

We examined 11 U.S. newspapers and 5 non-U.S. newspapers using electronic databases or newspaper web-archives, to record any reports between March 2003 and March 2008 of Coalition and Iraqi deaths that included a numeric indicator. Reports were described as "events" where they described a specific occurrence involving fatalities and "tallies" when they mentioned the number of deaths over a period of time. We recorded the number of events and tallies related to Coalition deaths, Iraqi civilian deaths, and Iraqi combatant deaths

Results

U.S. newspapers report more events and tallies related to Coalition deaths than Iraqi civilian deaths, although there are substantially different proportions amongst the different U.S. newspapers. In four of the five non-US newspapers, the pattern was reversed.

Conclusion

This difference in reporting trends may partly explain the discrepancy in how well people are informed about U.S. and Iraqi civilian fatalities in Iraq. Furthermore, this calls into question the role of the media in reporting and sustaining armed conflict, and the extent to which newspaper and other media reports can be used as data to assess fatalities or trends in the time of war.
Genome Alteration Print (GAP): a tool to visualize and mine complex cancer genomic profiles obtained by SNP arrays
Authors: Popova Tatiana , Manié Elodie , Stoppa-Lyonnet Dominique , Rigaill Guillem , Barillot Emmanuel , Stern Marc Henri
Published: November 2009

We describe a method for automatic detection of absolute segmental copy numbers and genotype status in complex cancer genome profiles measured with single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) arrays. The method is based on pattern recognition of segmented and smoothed copy number and allelic imbalance profiles. Assignments were verified by DNA indexes of primary tumors and karyotypes of cell lines. The method performs well even for poor-quality data, low tumor content, and highly rearranged tumor genomes.
Care for Imminently Dying Cancer Patients: Family Members' Experiences and Recommendations
Authors: Shinjo Takuya , Morita Tatsuya , Hirai Kei , Miyashita Mitsunori , Sato Kazuki , Tsuneto Satoru , Shima Yasuo
Published: November 2009

Purpose

The aim of this study was to clarify the level of emotional distress experienced by bereaved family members and the perceived necessity for improvement in the care for imminently dying patients and to explore possible causes of distress and alleviating measures.

Methods

A cross-sectional nationwide survey was performed in 2007 of bereaved families of cancer patients at 95 palliative care units across Japan.

Results

Questionnaires were sent to 670 families, and 76% responded. Families reported their experiences as very distressing in 45% of cases. Regarding care, 1.2% of respondents believed that a lot of improvement was needed, compared with 58% who believed no improvement was needed. Determinants of high-level distress were a younger patient age, being a spouse, and overhearing conversations between the medical staff outside the room at the time of the patient's death; those reporting high-level necessity of improvement were less likely to have encountered attempts to ensure the patient's comfort, received less family coaching on how to care for the patient, and felt that insufficient time was allowed for the family to grieve after the patient's death.

Conclusion

A considerable number of families experienced severe emotional distress when their family member died. Thus, we propose that a desirable care concept for imminently dying cancer patients should include relief of patient suffering, family advisement on how to care for the patient, allowance of enough time for the family to grieve, and ensuring that family members cannot overhear medical staff conversations at the time of the patient's death.
Tracheoesophageal Fistula Formation in Patients With Lung Cancer Treated With Chemoradiation and Bevacizumab
Authors: Spigel David R. , Hainsworth John D. , Yardley Denise A. , Raefsky Eric , Patton Jeffrey , Peacock Nancy , Farley Cindy , Burris Howard A. , Greco F. Anthony
Published: November 2009

Purpose

Tracheoesophageal fistulae are rare complications of thoracic cancers and their treatments. Novel antiangiogenic agents in cancer treatment such as bevacizumab potentially impact wound healing and may contribute to tracheoesophageal fistula development.

Patients and Methods

We conducted two independent phase II clinical trials in small-cell lung cancer and non–small-cell lung cancer using bevacizumab in combination with chemotherapy and radiation. Both trials were intended to assess preliminary efficacy and safety outcomes.

Results

For the limited-stage small-cell lung cancer trial, 29 patients were enrolled beginning April 2006, and closed early due to toxicity in March 2007 (14-month median follow-up). The locally advanced, non–small-cell lung cancer trial opened with enrollment limited to five patients in February 2007, and closed early due to safety in December 2007. In each trial, we observed tracheoesophageal fistulae development and related morbidity and mortality, prompting early trial closures, US Food and Drug Administration warnings, and a change in bevacizumab labeling.

Conclusion

The current data from the final reports from these two trials suggest bevacizumab and chemoradiotherapy are associated with a relatively high incidence of tracheoesophageal fistulae formation in both small-cell lung cancer and non–small-cell lung cancer settings. Strategies to safely incorporate novel antiangiogenic agents into combined-modality therapy in lung cancer are needed.
Regulation of Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Function by Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators
Authors: DuSell Carolyn D. , Nelson Erik R. , Wittmann Bryan M. , Fretz Jackie A. , Kazmin Dmitri , Thomas Russell S. , Pike J. Wesley , McDonnell Donald P.
Published: November 2009

Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), such as tamoxifen (TAM), have been used extensively for the treatment and prevention of breast cancer and other pathologies associated with aberrant estrogen receptor (ER) signaling. These compounds exhibit cell-selective agonist/antagonist activities as a consequence of their ability to induce different conformational changes in ER, thereby enabling it to recruit functionally distinct transcriptional coregulators. However, the observation that SERMs can also regulate aspects of calcium signaling and apoptosis in an ER-independent manner in some systems suggests that some of the activity of drugs within this class may also arise as a consequence of their ability to interact with targets other than ER. In this study, we demonstrate that 4-hydroxy-TAM (4OHT), an active metabolite of TAM, directly binds to and modulates the transcriptional activity of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR). Of specific interest was the observation, that in the absence of ER, 4OHT can induce the expression of AHR target genes involved in estradiol metabolism, cellular proliferation, and metastasis in cellular models of breast cancer. The potential role for AHR in SERM pharmacology was further underscored by the ability of 4OHT to suppress osteoclast differentiation in vitro in part through AHR. Cumulatively, these findings provide evidence that it is necessary to reevaluate the relative roles of ER and AHR in manifesting the pharmacological actions and therapeutic efficacy of TAM and other SERMs.
The optimization of parts within complex assemblies
Authors: Cosmi F , Reggiani B
Published: November 2009

Optimization problems are frequently not straightforward. This is due, among other reasons, to the predefined design constraints and simultaneous target goals that have to be satisfied. In addition, uncontrollable variations can influence the robustness and stability of the design. Moreover, engineers often have to optimize mechanical components that are part of complex assemblies, in which it is difficult to extrapolate and define the boundary conditions to be applied for component optimization.

The aim of this work is to present a step-procedure for the multi-goal optimization of components that are integrated in multi-part engineering systems. In order to illustrate the method, optimization of a carry-mould, part of a blowing machinery composed by several components, was used as a test case. Minimization of the carry-mould moment of inertia and the global mass were imposed as the target goals of the optimization process, while the maximum allowable displacement was set for a number of control points. The proposed procedure was capable of a time efficient and cost saving extensive investigation of the optimization design space.
An additive method to fabricate conductive lines and electronic components directly by laser microcladding electronic materials
Authors: Zeng X , Cai Z , Li X
Published: November 2009

In this article, a laser direct-write method to fabricate conductive lines and electronic components on insulating boards by using laser microcladding electronic materials is reported. A workstation for implementing this direct-write method was developed, which integrated material deposition (micropen) and laser processing on a single machine. With the computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) capability of the workstation, conductive lines, resistors, capacitors, inductors, and thick-film sensors with different patterns were fabricated successfully by this technique in air without mask and with high deposition rates. The minimum widths of the conductive lines and other functional materials were much less than those obtained by the conventional screen printing method. The experimental results demonstrated that passive components and thick-film sensors made by this method have the same properties as those made by conventional thick-film methods, whereas thick films fabricated by this method have much lower widths than those fabricated by the conventional thick-film method. This technique provides a novel method to fabricate the conductive lines and electronic components with high precision and high speed.
Thermal post-buckling analysis of a laminated composite spherical shell panel embedded with shape memory alloy fibres using non-linear finite element method
Authors: Panda S K , Singh B N
Published: November 2009

In this article, the buckling and post-buckling behaviours of a laminated composite spherical shallow shell panel embedded with shape memory alloy (SMA) fibres are studied under a thermal environment. System equations for a laminated composite spherical shell panel embedded with SMA fibres are for the first time derived by modelling the geometric non-linearity in the Green—Lagrange sense and the material non-linearity in SMA fibres in the framework of the higher-order shear deformation theory. The shell panel model is discretized by using a non-linear finite-element approach. The governing algebraic equations are then derived by the variational approach and solved using a direct iterative technique. Influences of the thickness ratio, boundary condition, aspect ratio, curvature ratio, lamination scheme, SMA volume fraction, percentage of prestrain, and amplitude ratio on the buckling and post-buckling temperatures of a laminated composite shell panel with and without SMA have been examined in detail. The results are computed using the present model and compared with those available in the literature.
Shape optimization of mufflers hybridized with multiple connected tubes using the boundary element method, neural networks, and genetic algorithm
Authors: Chang Y-C , Chiu M-C , Wu L-W
Published: November 2009

Recently, research on new mufflers hybridized with connected curved tubes using phase cancellation techniques has been well addressed in the industrial field. Most researchers have explored noise reduction effects based on the transfer matrix method and the stiffness matrix method. However, the maximum noise reduction of a silencer within a constrained space, which frequently occurs in engineering problems, has been neglected. Therefore, the optimum design of mufflers becomes an essential issue. In this article, two kinds of phase-cancellation mufflers (a two-connected tube and a three-connected tube) within a fixed length are assessed.

In order to speed up the assessment of optimal mufflers hybridized with multiple connected curved tubes, a simplified objective function (OBJ) is established by linking the boundary element model (BEM; developed by the commercialized software SYSNOISE) with a polynomial neural network fitted with a series of real data: input design data (muffler dimensions) and output data approximated by BEM data in advance. To assess the optimal mufflers, a genetic algorithm is applied. Optimal results reveal that the maximum value of the sound transmission loss can be improved at the desired frequencies. Consequently, the optimum algorithm proposed in this study can provide an efficient way to develop optimal silencers for industry.
Design and control of a directly-driven bond head for thermosonic bonding
Authors: Wang F , Zhao X , Zhang D , Wu Y
Published: November 2009

This article presents a high-acceleration rotary bond head to improve the efficiency and precision of thermosonic bonding. The bond head is direct driven by a rotary voice coil actuator, and needle roller bearings are adopted as the rotary connection parts. Using the finite-element analysis and experiment tests, the dynamic characteristics of the bond head were investigated. The results indicate that the vibrations of the bond head have negative influences on the bonding process and the ultrasonic transducer system. They can reduce the efficiency of the ultrasonic energy transmission and even result in the bonder working abnormally. To avoid these vibration modes, high-frequency harmonic components of the driving signals were eliminated by adding a notch filter to the control system. Considering the remnant vibrations during high-frequency starts and stops, friction compensation and proportion integration differentiation (PID) feedback control with anti-windup correction were adopted. The controller was designed and co-simulated by using MATLAB and MSC.ADAMS software. The co-simulation and experiment results show that the bond head provides for good performances.
Lithotripsy
Authors: Leighton T G , Cleveland R O
Published: November 2009

Shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) is the process of fragmentation of renal or ureteric stones by the use of repetitive shock waves generated outside the body and focused onto the stone. Following its introduction in 1980, SWL revolutionized the treatment of kidney stones by offering patients a non-invasive procedure. It is now seen as a mature technology and its use is perceived to be routine. It is noteworthy that, at the time of its introduction, there was a great effort to discover the mechanism(s) by which it works, and the type of sound field that is optimal. Although nearly three decades of subsequent research have increased the knowledge base significantly, the mechanisms are still controversial. Furthermore there is a growing body of evidence that SWL results in injury to the kidney which may have long-term side effects, such as new onset hypertension, although again there is much controversy within the field. Currently, use of lithotripsy is waning, particularly with the advent of minimally invasive ureteroscopic approaches. The goal here is to review the state of the art in SWL and to present the barriers and challenges that need to be addressed for SWL to deliver on its initial promise of a safe, effective, non-invasive treatment for kidney stones.
Integrated friction measurements in hip wear simulations: Short-term results
Authors: Spinelli M , Affatato S , Tiberi L , Carmignato S , Viceconti M
Published: November 2009

Hip joint wear simulators are used extensively to simulate the dynamic behaviour of the human hip joint and, through the wear rate, gain a concrete indicator about the overall wear performance of different coupled bearings. Present knowledge of the dynamic behaviour of important concurrent indicators, such as the coefficient of friction, could prove helpful for the continuing improvement in applied biomaterials. A limited number of commercial or custom-made simulators have been designed specifically for friction studies but always separately from wear tests; thus, analysis of these two important parameters has remained unconnected. As a result, a new friction sensor has been designed, built, and integrated in a commercial biaxial rocking motion hip simulator. The aim of this study is to verify the feasibility of an experimental set-up in which the dynamic measurement of the friction factor could effectively be implemented in a standard wear test without compromising its general accuracy and repeatability. A short wear test was run with the new set-up for 1×106 cycles. In particular, three soft-bearings (metal-on-polyethylene, Φ = 28 mm) were tested; during the whole test, axial load and frictional torque about the vertical loading axis were synchronously recorded in order to calculate the friction factor. Additional analyses were performed on the specimens, before and after the test, in order to verify the accuracy of the wear test. The average friction factor was 0.110 ± 0.025. The friction sensors showed good accuracy and repeatability throughout. This innovative set-up was able to reproduce stable and reliable measurements. The results obtained encourage further investigations of this set-up for long-term assessment and using different combinations of materials.
Formation of a Chiral Host with Axially Chiral Cationic 1D Coordination Polymers Composed of Achiral Building Blocks and Inclusion of Anionic Tris-Chelate Complexes in an Unbalanced Δ/Λ Ratio
Authors: Yoshida Jun , Nishikiori Shin-ichi , Kuroda Reiko
Published: November 2009

Two crystals, [{Co(hfac)2}{Ni(pyterpy)2}][Co(hfac)3]2 (1) and [Co(CNacac)2][Ni(pyterpy)2]SO4·xG (2), composed of 1D cationic coordination polymers were prepared by self-assembly of achiral component metal complexes in solution (hfac = 1,1,1,5,5,5-hexafluoropentane-2,4-dionato, CNacac = 3-cyanopentane-2,4-dionato, pyterpy = 4′-(4-pyridyl)-2,2′:6′,2′′-terpyridine, G = methanol and water). 1 is chiral and spontaneously optically resolved, whereas 2 is achiral. In 1, an alternate linkage of [Co(hfac)2] and [Ni(pyterpy)2]2+ forms a 1D coordination polymer and twisting of the two complexes about the principal axis of the 1D polymer makes the polymer axially chiral. The 1D polymers stack to create two-types of 1D channels, where anionic complexes [Co(hfac)3]− are included. One channel contains only Δ-[Co(hfac)3]−, whereas the other contains an equal amount of Δ- and Λ-[Co(hfac)3]−. Therefore, the Δ/Λ ratio of [Co(hfac)3]− is 3/1. In the case of 2, 1D coordination polymers are formed by an alternate linkage of [Co(CNacac)2] and [Ni(pyterpy)2]2+. They are chiral due to twisting of one pyridine ring in [Ni(pyterpy)2]2+, however, there are inversion centers in 2. These results demonstrated that axial chirality can be introduced into 1D coordination polymers by twisting the two component metal complexes alternately linked. This method is useful and prospective for preparing chiral coordination polymers from achiral building blocks.
Nuclear Quantum Effect on Molecular Magnetic Properties for Low Barrier Hydrogen-bonded Systems Based on Multicomponent Density Functional Theory
Authors: Kita Yukiumi , Udagawa Taro , Tachikawa Masanori
Published: November 2009

We have theoretically analyzed the nuclear quantum effect on the nuclear magnetic shielding (σ) and molecular magnetic susceptibility (χ) of H3O2− and N2H7+ systems with a new implementation combined with the multicomponent density functional theory and the gauge-including atomic orbital or continuous set of gauge transformation techniques. Our method easily reproduces the “deshielding” effect of σ on hydrogen atoms and clearly indicates the existence of the H/D isotope effect on χ in H3O2− and N2H7+ systems.
Nickel-catalyzed Reactions between Enone and Two Ethylenes
Authors: Ogoshi Sensuke , Nishimura Akira , Haba Toshifumi , Ohashi Masato
Published: November 2009

In the presence of a catalytic amount of Ni(cod)2 and PCy3, the reaction of (E)-1-phenylbut-2-en-1-one (1a) with ethylene occurred to give three-component addition products, 1,6-enone 2a and 1,5-diketone 4a. The reaction of an enone with two ethylenes gave 2a. The reaction of two enones with an ethylene gave 4a. On the other hand, 2-methyl-1-phenylprop-2-en-1-one (1b) reacted with two ethylenes selectively to give a mixture of 2b and 3b. The reaction might proceed via oxidative cyclization of an enone and an ethylene with nickel(0).
Hydroxocentered [(OH)Tl3]2+ triangle as a building unit in thallium compounds: synthesis and crystal structure of Tl4(OH)2CO3
Authors: Siidra Oleg I. , Britvin Sergey N. , Krivovichev Sergey V.
Published: November 2009

The new thallium hydroxocarbonate Tl4(OH)2CO3 has been obtained by evaporation from aqueous solution. The crystal structure of the compound has been solved by direct methods: orthorhombic, Cmc21, a = 8.9963(18), b = 12.1500(30), c = 7.9542(15) Å, V = 869.43(3) Å3, R
1 = 0.056 for 763 unique reflections with |F
o| ≥ 4σ
F. There are three symmetrically independent Tl+ cations in the structure. The O atoms of the OH- groups are triangularly coordinated by three Tl atoms that results in formation of OHTl3 triangles with the O atom located at approx. 1.00 Å above the Tl3 plane. The OH- centered units are connected via common edges into [OH2Tl4]2+ dimers linked into chains through Tl–O bonds to CO3 groups. The structure contains channels parallel to the c axis. The formation of the lone pair cavity causes repulsion of Tl+ cations across these cavities and, as a consequence, distortion of the Tl+ cation arrangement.