bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Drug utilization according to reason for prescribing: a pharmacoepidemiologic method based on an indication hierarchy
Authors: Wallach Kildemoes Helle , Hendriksen Carsten , Andersen Morten
Published: August 2011

Purpose

To develop a pharmacoepidemiologic method for drug utilization analysis according to indication, gender, and age by means of register‐based information. Statin utilization in 2005 was applied as an example.

Methods

Following the recommendations for statin therapy, we constructed an indication hierarchy with eight mutually exclusive levels of register markers of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Danish residents, as of January 1, 1996, were followed at the individual level in nationwide registers with respect to dispensed prescriptions of cardiovascular drugs and antidiabetics (1996–2005) along with discharge diagnoses and surgical procedures (1977–2005). The highest current possible indication level was assigned to all cohort members. Stratified by indication, gender, and age, statin treatment prevalence and incidence were calculated.

Results

Statin treatment prevalence was highest among individuals with myocardial infarction and tended to be higher among men with indications in the upper part of the hierarchy, but it was higher among women (especially the elderly) in the lower part of the hierarchy. Treatment incidence rates followed roughly the same pattern. Women with no register marker or primary hypertension accounted for almost 50% of all incident female users; among men, the figure was 35%. The proportion of incident users with ischemic heart disease or myocardial infarction increased with age.

Conclusion

The proposed indication hierarchy provided new insight into prescription patterns of statins. The method can be implemented for other drug categories and could be useful for studying trends in drug utilization, differential drug adherence, and cross‐national comparisons. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The incidence of hepatosplenic T‐cell lymphoma in a large managed care organization, with reference to anti‐tumor necrosis factor therapy, Northern California, 2000–2006
Authors: Herrinton Lisa J. , Liu Liyan , Abramson Oren , Jaffe Elaine S.
Published: August 2011

Background

Hepatosplenic T‐cell lymphoma (HSTCL), a rare and rapidly progressive subtype of peripheral T‐cell lymphoma, has been reported following TNF‐α‐blocker therapy. To better understand this relationship, we conducted an epidemiologic study in the Kaiser Permanente membership.

Methods

The retrospective cohort study was conducted among Northern California members of all ages. The Kaiser Permanente Cancer Registry, supplemented with review of medical charts and pathology slides, was used to identify and confirm cases of HSTCL. Medical histories were obtained, and we computed the standardized incidence rate for the 7‐year period 2000–2006, when immunohistochemical staining was fully established throughout the health plan for diagnosing lymphoma.

Results

Six cases were diagnosed during 2000–2006, for an annual age‐standardized incidence rate of 0.3 (95%CI, 0.11–0.65) per million person‐years. One case had a prior diagnosis of human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS); another had a prior diagnosis of Crohn's disease treated with steroids, thiopurine and infliximab.

Conclusion

Prior cases of HIV/AIDS‐linked HSTCL are uncommon in the existing literature. Multiple case reports of HSTCL in the setting of Crohn's disease treated with anti‐TNF plus thiopurine have been published, but HSTCL is rare, making epidemiologic assessments difficult. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation and characterization of biodegradable poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐4‐hydroxybutyrate)/silica nanocomposites
Authors: Han Lijing , Han Changyu , Cao Wenling , Wang Xuemei , Bian Junjia , Dong Lisong
Published: August 2011

Biodegradable poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐4‐hydroxybutyrate) [P(3HB‐co‐4HB)]/silica nanocomposites were prepared by melt compounding. The effects of silica on the morphology, crystallization, thermal stability, mechanical properties, and biodegradability of P(3HB‐co‐4HB) were investigated. The nanoparticles showed a fine and homogeneous dispersion in the P(3HB‐co‐4HB) matrix for silica contents below 5 wt%, whereas some aggregates were detected with further increasing silica content. The addition of silica enhanced the crystallization of P(3HB‐co‐4HB) in the nanocomposites due to the heterogeneous nucleation effect of silica. However, the crystal structure of P(3HB‐co‐4HB) was not modified in the presence of silica. The thermal stability of P(3HB‐co‐4HB) was enhanced by the incorporation of silica. Silica was an effective reinforcing agent for P(3HB‐co‐4HB), and the modulus and tensile strength of the nanocomposites increased, whereas the elongation at break decreased with increasing silica loading. The exciting aspect of this work was that the rate of enzymatic degradation of P(3HB‐co‐4HB) was enhanced significantly after nanocomposites preparation. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2012. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers
Crystal modulus of a new semiaromatic polyamide 9‐T
Authors: Uddin Ahmed Jalal , Gotoh Yasuo , Ohkoshi Yutaka , Nishino Takashi , Endo Ryokei
Published: August 2011

The elastic modulus (El) of crystalline regions in the direction parallel to the chain axis in a new semiaromatic polyamide 9‐T (PA9‐T) containing a long aliphatic chain unit was measured by X‐ray diffraction and the derived El value was discussed in terms of its molecular conformation and mechanical properties. For low and high molecular weight PA9‐Ts, the El value of 40 GPa was obtained. The low El value for PA9‐T is due to the presence of aromatic groups with long crankshaft arms, which result in a greater moment of force during deformation compared with those polymers with planner zigzag molecular conformation like polyethylene and nylon 6 α‐form. Another factor for the low El is due to the contraction of its molecular chains that is likely originated from the existence of a torsional conformation. The presence of contraction causes some internal rotation in the polymer chain during extensional deformation, which results in low El. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2012. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers
Crosslinked polysulfone obtained by Wittig‐Horner reaction in biphase system
Authors: Popa Adriana , Avram Ecaterina , Lisa Gabriela , Visa(Pascariu) Aurelia , Iliescu Smaranda , Parvulescu Viorica , Ilia Gheorghe
Published: August 2011

Phase transfer catalyzed reactions are often more easily and cheaply performed than conventional method and they are therefore of particular interest. A polysulfone functionalized with phosphonate (2‐PSF) was prepared under phase transfer catalysis (PTC) conditions, and it was evaluated by spectrometric method (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, using potassium bromide (KBr) pellet). The phosphorus content of the modified polysulfone was determined, and it was used for the determination the fraction of repeating units functionalized with phosphonate groups. The modified polysulfone contains 1.40 mmol phosphonate/g polysulfone. Polysulfone functionalized with phosphonate groups and polysulfone functionalized with aldehyde groups (3‐PSF) were used in Wittig‐Horner reaction, to introduce double bonds on polymer and to obtain crosslinked polysulfone (4‐PSF). The reactions were performed using PTC method, solid‐liquid (potassium carbonate (K2CO3), tetrahydrofuran (THF), tetraethylammonium iodide (TEAI)) system. The structure of polysulfone functionalized with phosphonate groups and polysulfone functionalized with aldehyde group were confirmed by 1H‐, 13C‐, and 31P‐nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). The peak for phosphorus in PSF‐phosphonate appears in 31P NMR spectrum as a singlet at 25.712 ppm. The thermal properties of aldehyde, phosphonate, and crosslinked polysulfone were studied by thermogravimetric analysis (TG) and differential thermogravimetric analysis (DTG). Scanning electron microscopy images for polysulfone functionalized with phosphonate and crosslinked polysulfone are in concordance with nitrogen (N2) adsorption‐desorption isotherms.POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2012. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers
Integration of protein motions with molecular networks reveals different mechanisms for permanent and transient interactions
Authors: Bhardwaj Nitin , Abyzov Alexej , Clarke Declan , Shou Chong , Gerstein Mark B.
Published: August 2011

The integration of molecular networks with other types of data, such as changing levels of gene expression or protein‐structural features, can provide richer information about interactions than the simple node‐and‐edge representations commonly used in the network community. For example, the mapping of 3D‐structural data onto networks enables classification of proteins into singlish‐ or multi‐interface hubs (depending on whether they have >2 interfaces). Similarly, interactions can be classified as permanent or transient, depending on whether their interface is used by only one or by multiple partners. Here, we incorporate an additional dimension into molecular networks: dynamic conformational changes. We parse the entire PDB structural databank for alternate conformations of proteins and map these onto the protein interaction network, to compile a first version of the Dynamic Structural Interaction Network (DynaSIN). We make this network available as a readily downloadable resource file, and we then use it to address a variety of downstream questions. In particular, we show that multi‐interface hubs display a greater degree of conformational change than do singlish‐interface ones; thus, they show more plasticity which perhaps enables them to utilize more interfaces for interactions. We also find that transient associations involve smaller conformational changes than permanent ones. Although this may appear counterintuitive, it is understandable in the following framework: as proteins involved in transient interactions shuttle between interchangeable associations, they interact with domains that are similar to each other and so do not require drastic structural changes for their activity. We provide evidence for this hypothesis through showing that interfaces involved in transient interactions bind fewer classes of domains than those in a control set.
Secondary dust explosions: How to prevent them or mitigate their effects?
Authors: Taveau Jérôme
Published: August 2011

Dust explosions are frequent and particularly devastating in the process industries. Secondary dust explosions are the most severe ones, and occur when the blast wave from a primary explosion entrains dust layers already present in the plant, creating a large dust‐air flammable mixture ignited by the first explosion. As the blast wave propagates through the plant, dust fuels the emerging flame, leading to extensive damage owing to the large quantity of dusts involved and the consequent strong pressure wave.

Several cases of secondary dust explosions have been analyzed by Eckhoff. Major accidents have also occurred in the US in recent years, causing the Chemical Safety Board (CSB) to produce a specific report highlighting the increasing number of dust explosions. An illustration of this point is the massive explosion that occurred on 7 February 2008 at the Imperial Sugar Company in Port Wentworth (Georgia), causing 14 fatalities and injuring 36 people.

The consequences of secondary dust explosions can be disastrous. However, only a minor initiating “primary” explosion can quickly develop into a major secondary explosion if appropriate measures have not been taken in advance.

This article describes several secondary dust explosion accidents that occurred in France and in the US and present some practical solutions to prevent or mitigate these accidents. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog, 2012
Deposition of cluster‐free P‐doped a‐Si:H films using SiH4+PH3 multi‐hollow discharge plasma CVD
Authors: Koga Kazunori , Nakahara Kenta , Kim Yeon‐Won , Kawashima Yuki , Matsunaga Takeaki , Sato Muneharu , Yamashita Daisuke , Matsuzaki Hidefumi , Uchida Giichiro , Kamataki Kunihiro , Itagaki Naho , Shiratani Masaharu
Published: August 2011

We deposited cluster‐free P‐doped a‐Si:H films using a SiH4+PH3 multi‐hollow discharge plasma CVD method. The deposition rate sharply increased from 0.49 nm/s with an increasing gas flow rate ratio R = [PH3]/[SiH4] from 0% to 1.17 nm/s at R = 1.0%, then slightly increased to 1.27 nm/s for R = 10%. SiH* emission intensity monotonically increased with increasing R. The increase in deposition rate with increasing R was much higher than that of the SiHx generation rate. The surface reaction probability β of SiH3 increased from 0.33 for R = 0% to 0.62 for R = 0.6%, then remained nearly constant for R > 0.6%. The sticking probability s of SiH3 increased from 0.1 for R = 0% to 0.162 for R = 0.6%, then slightly increased to 0.181 for R = 10%. These results suggest that PHx radicals enhance the surface reaction probability and surface sticking probability of SiH3 radicals. We successfully deposited P‐doped a‐Si:H films with a low stabilized defect density of 2.9 × 1015 cm–3. This defect density is much lower than that of conventional doped a‐Si:H films (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Testing the evolution process of prostate‐specific antigen in early stage prostate cancer: what is the proper underlying model?
Authors: Prisman Eliezer Z. , Gafni Amiram , Finelli Antonio
Published: August 2011

This paper empirically tests a model of stochastic evolutions of prostate‐specific antigen (PSA), a trigger for intervention in an early stage prostate cancer surveillance program. It conducts hypothesis testing of the Geometric Browning Motion model based on its attributes of independent increments and linearity of the variance in the increment length versus a wide range of stochastic and deterministic alternatives. These alternatives include the currently accepted deterministic growth model. The paper reports strong empirical evidence in favour of the Geometric Browning Motion model. A model that best describes PSA evolution is a prerequisite to the establishment of decision‐making criteria for abandoning active surveillance (i.e. a strategy that involves close monitoring) in early stage prostate cancer. Thus, establishing empirically the type of PSA process is a first step toward the identification of more accurate triggers for abandoning active surveillance and starting treatment while the chances of curing the disease are still high. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cold‐formed steel structures around the world
Authors: Schafer Benjamin W.
Published: August 2011

The objective of this paper is to provide a brief review of recent (over approximately the last five years) advances in the application, analysis and design of cold‐formed steel structures. Attention here is focused on load‐bearing cold‐formed steel structures; as opposed to secondary systems, curtain walls, etc. Cold‐formed steel applications continue to advance in three primary categories: framing, metal buildings, and racks. Examples largely derived from the author’s experiences in North America are used to illustrate the applications. The behaviour of cold‐formed steel structures can be complicated due to the thin‐walled nature of the sections; thus, analysis advances are required. Recent work in Generalized Beam Theory and the constrained Finite Strip Method demonstrate that, at least when it comes to thin‐walled members, significant advances in structural analysis are still possible and desirable. Design of cold‐formed steel structures continues to see significant improvements and refinements. Recent efforts related to the Direct Strength Method of design are highlighted, including novel extensions from the member to the system level. Finally, similar to many other areas of structural engineering, seismic engineering has motivated notable advances in applications, analysis, and design. For cold‐formed steel structures these advances are reviewed to demonstrate current progress and future directions in this important area.
The Pentele Danube‐bridge in Dunaújváros, Hungary Design, Research and Construction
Authors: Horváth Adrián
Published: August 2011

The main part of the bridge is a basket handle type tied‐arch bridge. The geometrical size, structural solutions and erection method of the bridge required preliminary research and advanced design methodology. This paper gives a general outline about the construction of the steel structure of the arch bridge and emphasizes some of the design aspects.
Comparative reliability of two 24‐story braced buildings: traditional versus innovative
Authors: Montiel Marco , Teran‐Gilmore Amador
Published: August 2011

The seismic reliability of two 24‐story buildings that have the same geometry and structural layout was evaluated and compared. The structural system of the first building consists of ductile steel braces and composite moment‐resisting frames (traditional building). The structural system of the second building consists of nonductile flexible steel frames stiffened through a system of buckling‐restrained braces (innovative building). Whereas the former was designed according to the Mexico City Building Code, the latter was designed according to a displacement‐based methodology. Both buildings were assumed to be located at the same site in the lake zone of Mexico City. The study shows that in spite of being considerably lighter, the innovative building exhibits higher levels of reliability. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Correction factors for NRG #40 anemometers potentially affected by dry friction whip: characterization, analysis, and validation
Authors: Hale Erik , Fusina Lesley , Brower Michael
Published: August 2011

Over 50,000 NRG Systems #40 anemometers manufactured between May 2006 and December 2008 are potentially affected by a self‐excited vibratory phenomenon termed dry friction whip (DFW). Affected anemometers can report wind speeds that are lower than true speeds by up to several percent. An analysis of post‐deployment wind tunnel calibration tests on 99 anemometers manufactured in this period found that about 85% were affected by the problem. The mean wind speed bias between 4 and 16 m s −1 for most of the anemometers compared with pre‐deployment tests ranged from −1.5% to −3.0%, and for some, the bias was as large as −6.5%. This finding was confirmed by field tests carried out for a mostly different sample of 53 potentially affected anemometers deployed in pairs with WindSensor P2546A or Vector A100LK anemometers. The field tests further indicated that the problem tends to worsen over time and varies with wind speed. However, the pattern of response varies greatly among anemometers. Based on this research, a method of adjusting data from NRG #40 anemometers manufactured in this period is proposed. The adjustments eliminate the mean bias in the field test data set, although significant scatter remains. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Computation of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory Phase‐VI rotor in pitch motion during standstill
Authors: Sørensen Niels N. , Schreck Scott
Published: August 2011

Previously, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) computations of dynamic stall on wind turbine blades have been performed for stand still conditions with moderate success by among others the present authors. In the present work, numerical investigations are performed to illustrate the possibilities of state of the art CFD methods for this problem, including the numerical requirements as time‐step and grid resolution. Additionally, the effect of different types of modeling is investigated, ranging from fully turbulent Reynolds‐averaged Navier‐Stokes (RANS), transitional RANS, to transitional delayed detached‐eddy simulation computations. The investigation indicates that detailed information and fair agreement with measurements can be obtained. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Relating Engagement to Outcomes in Prevention: The Case of a Parenting Program for Couples
Authors: Brown Louis D. , Goslin Megan C. , Feinberg Mark E.
Published: August 2011

Analyses of program engagement can provide critical insight into how program involvement leads to outcomes. This study examines the relation between participant engagement and program outcomes in Family Foundations (FF), a universal preventive intervention designed to help couples manage the transition to parenthood by improving coparenting relationship quality. Previous intent‐to‐treat outcome analyses from a randomized trial indicate FF improves parental adjustment, interparental relationships, and parenting. Analyses for the current study use the same sample, and yield statistically reliable relations between participant engagement and interparental relationships but not parental adjustment or parenting. Discussion considers implications for FF and the difficulties researchers face when examining the relation between engagement and outcomes in preventive interventions.
Cerebellar hypoplasia and brainstem thinning associated with severe white matter and basal ganglia abnormalities in a child with an mtDNA deletion
Authors: Biancheri Roberta , Bruno Claudio , Cassandrini Denise , Bertini Enrico , Santorelli Filippo M. , Rossi Andrea
Published: August 2011

Cerebellar and brainstem hypoplasia may occur in different conditions, including those disorders designated as pontocerebellar hypoplasia (PCH). In particular, when PCH is combined with severe supratentorial white matter involvement and cerebral atrophy, mutations in the mitochondrial arginyl‐tRNA synthethase (RARS2) gene causing PCH6 are possible. We describe a patient with a lethal mitochondrial encephalomyopathy due to a mtDNA deletion and no alterations in RARS2, whose magnetic resonance (MR) findings mimicked PCH6. A thorough diagnostic work‐up for mitochondrial disorders should be carried out when facing with a PCH‐like and severe white matter and basal ganglia involvement on brain MR imaging in children, even if clinical and laboratory mitochondrial “stigmata” are scant or nonspecific.
Influence of Genetic Risk Information on Parental Role Identity in Adolescent Girls and Young Women from Families with Fragile X Syndrome
Authors: McConkie‐Rosell Allyn , Heise Elizabeth Melvin , Spiridigliozzi Gail A.
Published: August 2011

Using a multi‐group cross‐sectional design, we explored self‐concept related to parental role salience and enactment in 53 young women (14 to 24 years) with knowledge they were either carriers, non‐carriers, or could be a carrier of fragile X syndrome (FXS). Parental role salience included the participants’ desire “to be a mother” and the importance they placed on this role. Enactment focused on the participants’ views regarding ways to become a mother (reproductive options), parenting a child affected by FXS, and the development of partner relationships (marriage). Participants completed the FXS Adolescent Interview and the FX‐Visual Analog Scale. Participants’ knowledge of their genetic risk status appears to have influenced both salience and enactment of the parental role, and the effect varied based on carrier status. For many, knowledge of genetic risk appears to have led to reappraisal, redefinition, and re‐engagement with the goal of becoming a parent. This process was prominent in those who were carriers and less so in those who were at‐risk, and it did not typically occur in those who were non‐carriers. Findings offer valuable insight into the impact of genetic risk information on developing perceptions of the parental role and offer new directions for genetic counseling with adolescents and young women with a family history of FXS.
ApoB siRNA‐induced Liver Steatosis is Resistant to Clearance by the Loss of Fatty Acid Transport Protein 5 (Fatp5)
Authors: Ason Brandon , Castro‐Perez Jose , Tep Samnang , Stefanni Alice , Tadin‐Strapps Marija , Roddy Thomas , Hankemeier Thomas , Hubbard Brian , Sachs Alan B. , Michael Flanagan W. , Kuklin Nelly A. , Mitnaul Lyndon J.
Published: August 2011

The association between hypercholesterolemia and elevated serum apolipoprotein B (APOB) has generated interest in APOB as a therapeutic target for patients at risk of developing cardiovascular disease. In the clinic, mipomersen, an antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) APOB inhibitor, was associated with a trend toward increased hepatic triglycerides, and liver steatosis remains a concern. We found that siRNA‐mediated knockdown of ApoB led to elevated hepatic triglycerides and liver steatosis in mice engineered to exhibit a human‐like lipid profile. Many genes required for fatty acid synthesis were reduced, suggesting that the observed elevation in hepatic triglycerides is maintained by the cell through fatty acid uptake as opposed to fatty acid synthesis. Fatty acid transport protein 5 (Fatp5/Slc27a5) is required for long chain fatty acid (LCFA) uptake and bile acid reconjugation by the liver. Fatp5 knockout mice exhibited lower levels of hepatic triglycerides due to decreased fatty acid uptake, and shRNA‐mediated knockdown of Fatp5 protected mice from diet‐induced liver steatosis. Here, we evaluated if siRNA‐mediated knockdown of Fatp5 was sufficient to alleviate ApoB knockdown‐induced steatosis. We determined that, although Fatp5 siRNA treatment was sufficient to increase the proportion of unconjugated bile acids 100‐fold, consistent with FATP5's role in bile acid reconjugation, Fatp5 knockdown failed to influence the degree, zonal distribution, or composition of the hepatic triglycerides that accumulated following ApoB siRNA treatment.
Enhanced pain and autonomic responses to ambiguous visual stimuli in chronic Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) type I
Authors: Cohen H.E. , Hall J. , Harris N. , McCabe C.S. , Blake D.R. , Jänig W.
Published: August 2011

Cortical reorganisation of sensory, motor and autonomic systems can lead to dysfunctional central integrative control. This may contribute to signs and symptoms of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), including pain. It has been hypothesised that central neuroplastic changes may cause afferent sensory feedback conflicts and produce pain. We investigated autonomic responses produced by ambiguous visual stimuli (AVS) in CRPS, and their relationship to pain. Thirty CRPS patients with upper limb involvement and 30 age and sex matched healthy controls had sympathetic autonomic function assessed using laser Doppler flowmetry of the finger pulp at baseline and while viewing a control figure or AVS. Compared to controls, there were diminished vasoconstrictor responses and a significant difference in the ratio of response between affected and unaffected limbs (symmetry ratio) to a deep breath and viewing AVS. While viewing visual stimuli, 33.5% of patients had asymmetric vasomotor responses and all healthy controls had a homologous symmetric pattern of response. Nineteen (61%) CRPS patients had enhanced pain within seconds of viewing the AVS. All the asymmetric vasomotor responses were in this group, and were not predictable from baseline autonomic function. Ten patients had accompanying dystonic reactions in their affected limb: 50% were in the asymmetric sub‐group. In conclusion, there is a group of CRPS patients that demonstrate abnormal pain networks interacting with central somatomotor and autonomic integrational pathways.
Sir2-Related Protein 1 fromLeishmania amazonensisis a glycosylated NAD+-dependent deacetylase
Authors: FESSEL M. R. , LIRA C. B. , GIORGIO S. , RAMOS C. H. I. , CANO M. I. N.
Published: August 2011

Sirtuin proteins form a family of NAD+-dependent protein deacetylases that are considered potential drug targets against parasites. Here, we present the first characterization of a sirtuin orthologue fromLeishmania amazonensis, an aetiological agent of American tegumentary leishmaniasis that has been the subject of many studies focused in the development of therapeutic approaches. The protein has high sequence identity with other Kinetoplastid Silent information regulator 2 Related Protein 1 (Sir2RP1) and was named LaSir2RP1. The gene exists as a single copy, encoding a monomeric protein (LaSir2RP1) of approximately 41 kDa that has NAD+-dependent deacetylase activity. LaSir2RP1 was immunodetected in total protein extracts, in cytoplasmic granules, and in the secreted material of both promastigotes and lesion-derived amastigotes. Analysis of both lectin‑affinity purified promastigote and amastigote extracts revealed the presence of a major enriched protein of approximately 66 kDa that was recognized by an anti-LaSir2RP1 serum, suggesting that a parasite sirtuin could be glycosylatedin vivo.
Increased metacyclogenesis of antimony-resistant Leishmania donovani clinical lines
Authors: OUAKAD M. , VANAERSCHOT M. , RIJAL S. , SUNDAR S. , SPEYBROECK N. , KESTENS L. , BOEL L. , DE DONCKER S. , MAES I. , DECUYPERE S. , DUJARDIN J.-C.
Published: August 2011

Mathematical models predict that the future of epidemics of drug-resistant pathogens depends in part on the competitive fitness of drug-resistant strains. Considering metacyclogenesis (differentiation process essential for infectivity) as a major contributor to the fitness of Leishmania donovani, we tested its relationship with pentavalent antimony (SbV) resistance in clinical lines. Different methods for the assessment of metacyclogenesis were cross-validated: gene expression profiling (META1 and SHERP), morphometry (microscopy and FACS), in vitro infectivity to macrophages and resistance to complement lysis. This was done on a model constituted by 2 pairs of reference strains cloned from a SbV-resistant and -sensitive isolate. We selected the most adequate parameter and extended the analysis of metacyclogenesis diversity to a sample of 20 clinical lines with different in vitro susceptibility to the drug. The capacity of metacyclogenesis, as measured by the complement lysis test, was shown to be significantly higher in SbV-resistant clinical lines of L. donovani than in SbV-sensitive lines. Together with other lines of evidence, it is concluded that L. donovani constitutes a unique example and model of drug-resistant pathogens with traits of increased fitness. These findings raise a fundamental question about the potential risks of selecting more virulent pathogens through massive chemotherapeutic interventions.
Native and nonnative processing of Japanese pitch accent
Authors: WU XIANGHUA , TU JUNG-YUEH , WANG YUE
Published: August 2011

The theoretical framework of this study is based on the prevalent debate of whether prosodic processing is influenced by higher level linguistic-specific circuits or reflects lower level encoding of physical properties. Using the dichotic listening technique, the study investigates the hemispheric processing of Japanese pitch accent by native Japanese listeners and two groups of nonnative listeners with no prior pitch accent experience but differing in their native language experience with linguistic pitch: native listeners of Mandarin (a tone language with higher linguistic functional use of pitch) and native listeners of English (a stress language with lower functional use of pitch). The overall results reveal that, for both native and nonnative listeners, the processing of Japanese pitch accent is less lateralized (compared to lexical tone processing, which has been found to be a left hemisphere property). However, detailed analysis with individual pitch accents across groups shows a right hemisphere preference for processing the high–accent–low (H*L) pattern, a left hemisphere preference for LH*, and no hemisphere dominance for LH, indicating a significant reliance on the acoustic cues. These patterns are particularly prominent with the English listeners who are least experienced with linguistic pitch. Together, the findings suggest an interplay of linguistic and acoustic aspects in the processing of Japanese pitch accent by native and nonnative listeners.
Robotic wheelchair controlled through a vision-based interface
Authors: Perez Elisa , Soria Carlos , Nasisi Oscar , Bastos Teodiano Freire , Mut Vicente
Published: August 2011

In this work, a vision-based control interface for commanding a robotic wheelchair is presented. The interface estimates the orientation angles of the user's head and it translates these parameters in command of maneuvers for different devices. The performance of the proposed interface is evaluated both in static experiments as well as when it is applied in commanding the robotic wheelchair. The interface calculates the orientation angles and it translates the parameters as the reference inputs to the robotic wheelchair. Control architecture based on the dynamic model of the wheelchair is implemented in order to achieve safety navigation. Experimental results of the interface performance and the wheelchair navigation are presented.
Incomplete utopias: embedded inequalities in Brazilian modern architecture
Authors: Lara Fernando Luiz
Published: August 2011

Modern architecture has always had a complex relationship with its own utopian roots. From Marinetti proclaiming that war is the most beautiful choreography in 1918 to Le Corbusier's famous concluding sentence from 1923, ‘architecture can avoid revolution’, the attempt to build a better world through architecture has constantly been tainted by skewed definitions of what exactly this new world should be. The case of Brazil is not much different. The architecture of the 1930s and '40s was much more successful in promoting a national image of modernisation than in addressing modernisation as such. Traditional gender roles abide in modern housing design, which sadly has also absorbed class (and racial) inequalities in its spatial organisation. This paper departs from the discussion of the origins of modern architecture in Brazil to discuss the extent to which certain inequalities were so thoroughly embedded in Brazilian society that they were even incorporated into a utopian discourse about modernity - a discourse that is still very much present.
Architecture and energy: questioning regulative and architectural paradigms for Danish low-energy housing
Authors: Marsh Rob , Lauring Michael
Published: August 2011

What is low-energy architecture? What at first glance would seem to be a simple question turns out to be rather more complex. Architectural practice does not exist in a vacuum, but responds to society's wider demands. In this way, low-energy architecture can be seen as developing in relation to the regulative framework that exists at any given time and which sets the boundaries for what is accepted as low-energy, or not.
The business of skyscrapers
Authors: Kohn Eugene
Published: August 2011

Eugene (Gene) Kohn is one of the founders of Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates, or KPF. As the firm's website puts it, he has been responsible for developing ‘a global strategy that has made the firm into a global player’. Some idea of the scale of the operation may be gained from the fact that they are presently working in sixteen different cities in China and that their completed work there includes the world's third and fourth highest buildings (Shanghai World Financial Center, 2008, at 492 metres and the International Commerce Centre in Hong Kong, 2010, at 484 metres). By comparison, their spiralling Pinnacle building, on site in London just a mile from where I meet Gene Kohn, is a baby at 288 metres, though still comfortably within the world's tallest 100. Such league tables go with the territory. So it seems do jolly nicknames – such as Helter Skelter (for the Pinnacle), Shard, Walkie-Talkie, Cheese Grater and Gherkin – whose kindergarten quality belies the highly competitive market they represent for architects and their clients as well as their users. As a business, KPF itself was successful almost as soon as it opened its doors in 1976. The timing and manner of that beginning are revealing. Kohn's partners were both good friends but chosen for different reasons, in the case of Sheldon Fox because he was, as Kohn told me, ’more of a manager, a fine architect but extremely conservative … I thought it would be good if somebody who wasn't like me shared the balance‘ [with Bill Pedersen]
BOUNDS FOR HARDY DIFFERENCES
Authors: HUSSAIN SABIR , PEČARIĆ JOSIP
Published: August 2011

Bounds for Hardy differences, that is, improvements and reverses of the well-known Hardy inequality, are obtained.
A rain height model to predict fading due to wet snow on terrestrial links
Authors: Paulson K. , Al‐Mreri A.
Published: August 2011

Recommendation ITU‐R P.530‐13 provides an internationally recognized prediction model for the fading due to wet snow on low‐elevation, terrestrial microwave links. An important parameter in this model is the altitude difference between the link and the rain height. The top of rain events is usually assumed to be 360 m above the zero‐degree isotherm (ZDI). Above this height, hydrometeors are ice with low specific attenuation. Below this level, melting ice particles produce a specific attenuation up to 4 times that of the associated rain rate. A previous paper identified increasing ZDI height trends across northern Europe, North America and central Asia with slopes up to 10 m/yr. This paper examines NOAA National Centers for Environmental Prediction–National Center for Atmospheric Research Reanalysis 1 data to identify global distributions of ZDI height around mean levels that increase linearly over time. The average annual distribution of ZDI heights relative to the annual mean are calculated for each NOAA Reanalysis grid square and skew normal distributions are fitted. These are compared to models in Recommendation ITU‐R P.530‐13 and Recommendation ITU‐R 452‐14. The effects of ZDI trends and the calculated skew normal distributions are illustrated using calculated trends in fading due to wet snow for two notional 38 GHz links in Edinburgh. A slow decrease in the incidence of fading due to wet snow is predicted over most of Europe. However, some links could experience increases where warming has increased the wetness of snow.
Persistence in intra‐annual snow depth distribution: 1. Measurements and topographic control
Authors: Schirmer M. , Wirz V. , Clifton A. , Lehning M.
Published: August 2011

Terrestrial and airborne laser scanning (TLS and ALS) techniques have only recently developed to the point where they allow wide‐area measurements of snow distribution in varying terrain. In this paper we present multiple TLS measurements showing the snow depth development for a series of precipitation events. We observe that the pattern of maximum accumulation is similar for the two years presented here (correlation up to r = 0.97). Storms arriving from the northwest show persistent snow depth distributions and contribute most to the final accumulation pattern. Snow depth patterns of maximum accumulation for the two years are more similar than the distribution created by any two pairs of individual storms. Based on the strong link between accumulation patterns and terrain, we investigated the ability of a model based on terrain and wind direction to predict accumulation patterns. This approach of Winstral et al. (2002), which describes wind exposure and shelter, was able to predict the general accumulation pattern over scales of slopes but failed to match observed variance. Furthermore, a high sensitivity to the local wind direction was demonstrated. We suggest that Winstral et al.'s model could form a useful tool for application from hydrology and avalanche risk assessment to glaciology.
Quantifying watershed sensitivity to spatially variable N loading and the relative importance of watershed N retention mechanisms
Authors: Gardner Kristin K. , McGlynn Brian L. , Marshall Lucy A.
Published: August 2011

The link between watershed nitrogen (N) loading and watershed nitrate (NO3−) export is poorly understood yet critical to addressing the growing global problem of watershed N enrichment. We introduce the Big Sky nutrient export model (BiSN) which incorporates spatial stream water chemistry, data from instream tracer additions and geologic weathering experiments, and terrain and land use analysis to quantify the spatial variability of watershed sensitivity to N loading and the relative importance of upland, riparian, and instream N retention (storage, removal, or transformation) across land use/land cover (LULC) and landscape positions. Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) methods were used for model specification and were helpful in assessing model and parameter uncertainty and advancing understanding of the primary processes governing watershed NO3− export. Modeling results revealed that small amounts of wastewater loading occurring in watershed areas with short travel times to the stream had disproportionately large impacts on watershed nitrate (NO3−) export compared to spatially distributed N loading or localized N loading in watershed areas with longer travel times. In contrast, spatially distributed N inputs of greater magnitude (terrestrial storage release and septic systems) had little influence on NO3− export. During summer base flow conditions, 98%–99% of watershed N retention occurred in the uplands, most likely from biological assimilation or lack of hydrologic transport. The relative role of instream N retention increased with N loading downstream through the stream network. This work demonstrates the importance of characterizing the spatial variability of watershed N loading, export and retention mechanisms, and considering landscape position of N sources to effectively manage watershed N.
Invariant morphometric properties of headwater subcatchments
Authors: Moussa Roger , Colin François , Rabotin Michaël
Published: August 2011

The distinction between the channel network, the headwater subcatchments, and the lateral subcatchments plays an important role in distributed hydrological and ecohydrological applications. This paper presents some newly found invariance properties of headwater and upstream subcatchments and shows that the invariant morphometric properties characterize only natural networks and virtual networks verifying optimal channel networks (OCN) properties but are not verified for virtual non‐OCNs. A model based on self‐affine properties was developed in order to calculate the number of headwater catchments N and the total upstream area of headwater catchments U as a function of the cutoff area A used to delineate streams. For 18 French catchments between 43 and 116,450 km2 and for 4 virtual OCNs, results show that U(A)/A0 (with A0 being the catchment area) is independent of A for 0.5 < A < 5 km2 and seems to be constant (0.29 ± 0.03) for various shapes and sizes of channel networks and, consequently, can be considered as an invariant general descriptor of natural channel and virtual OCN networks. On the contrary, this is not the case when the approach is applied on six virtual non‐OCNs. Moreover, results show that the knowledge of six morphometric indices enable us to calculate both functions N(A) and U(A) for all values of A < A0. These indices can be considered as geometric and topological properties of headwater and upstream subcatchments and are useful for studying the effects of cutoffs on self‐affine river networks or as similarity indices for channel network comparison.
Honors
Authors: Anonymous
Published: August 2011

William Kuperman, professor of oceanography and director of the Marine Physical Laboratory of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego, has been selected as the 2011 recipient of the Walter Munk Award for distinguished research in oceanography related to sound and the sea. The award, to be presented by the Oceanography Society this fall, recognizes significant original contributions to the understanding of physical ocean processes related to sound in the sea, among other factors. Laurie Leshin, deputy associate administrator of the Exploration Systems Mission Directorate (ESMD) at NASA Headquarters, is leaving the agency in September to become dean of the School of Science at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, N. Y. Leshin, who has served as ESMD deputy since 2010, joined NASA in 2005 as director of science and exploration at the Goddard Space Flight Center. She is president of the AGU Planetary Sciences section.
Using satellite microwave sensors to develop climate data records
Authors: Ferraro Ralph , Meng Huan , Luo Zhengzhao
Published: August 2011

NOAA Workshop on Climate Data Records From Satellite Passive Microwave Sounders: AMSU/MHS/SSMT2; College Park, Maryland, 2–3 March 2011; The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Climate Data Record (CDR) program (http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/cdr/index.html) is an effort to create long‐term homogeneous records of satellite measurements and derived products. As part of this effort, scientists at two related projects that focus on passive microwave sensors with the goal of hydrological applications—one led by a National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service/Center for Satellite Applications and Research (STAR) team and one led by the City College of New York (CCNY)—held a joint workshop with the following objectives:

To allow the CDR teams to interact with satellite data and product users and other CDR developers on relevant aspects of sensor characteristics and intercalibration that will lead to mature CDRs;

To provide a formal mechanism for input by subject matter experts, in particular, sensor scientists and engineers; and>

To move toward a community consensus approach for NOAA microwave sounder CDRs.
Estimating groundwater recharge
Authors: Stonestrom David A.
Published: August 2011

Groundwater recharge is the entry of fresh water into the saturated portion of the subsurface part of the hydrologic cycle, the modifier “saturated” indicating that the pressure of the pore water is greater than atmospheric. Briefly stated, recharge is downward flux across the water table. The term “groundwater recharge” can refer either to the multiple interacting processes generating and controlling the flux or to the fluxR itself. When referring to flux, R can represent either (1) a value integrated over large areas and long periods of time or (2) a point value, or instantaneous flux density, that varies erratically as well as continuously in time and space. Knowing how R is distributed through space and time is required for understanding the dynamics of groundwater flow and transport in any watershed, aquifer, or selected domain of interest and for understanding heads, flow paths, and discharges to streams, wetlands, and other surface water bodies. Clearly among the most important of hydrologic fluxes, R is also one of the most difficult to measure. Advancements in hydrologic science have proceeded surprisingly in lockstep with advances in determining R.
Did Aboriginal vegetation burning affect the Australian summer monsoon?
Authors: Balcerak Ernie
Published: August 2011

For thousands of years, Aboriginal Australians burned forests, creating grasslands. Some studies have suggested that in addition to changing the landscape, these burning practices also affected the timing and intensity of the Australian summer monsoon. Different vegetation types can alter evaporation, roughness, and surface reflectivity, leading to changes in the weather and climate. On the basis of an ensemble of experiments with a global climate model, Notaro et al. conducted a comprehensive evaluation of the effects of decreased vegetation cover on the summer monsoon in northern Australia. They found that although decreased vegetation cover would have had only minor effects during the height of the monsoon season, during the premonsoon season, burning‐induced vegetation loss would have caused significant decreases in precipitation and increases in temperature. Thus, by burning forests, Aboriginals altered the local climate, effectively extending the dry season and delaying the start of the monsoon season. (Geophysical Research Letters, doi:10.1029/2011GL047774, 2011)