bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Radiological Classification of Glenoid Deformity in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Miyoshi Naoki , Suenaga Naoki , Katayama Kou , Oizumi Naomi , Yamaguchi Hiroshi , Matsuno Takeo
Published: October 2011

We report a classification system based on the changes in shape of the glenoid fossa and on an evaluation of the upward migration of the humeral head, because a simple classification based on X-ray evaluation would be of great assistance to physicians dealing with the diagnosis and treatment of RA. We evaluated 150 shoulders of 118 RA patients who showed changes in the glenoid fossa after radiological examinations. The morphology of the glenoid fossa of the RA shoulder was classified into 3 types and we were able to classify a total of six types of deformities by adding the problem of upward migration of the humeral head. An additional investigation on the difference in the type of deformity between the right and left shoulder, the changes in type during the course of the study, and the relationship between this particular classification and certain patient characteristics was also included.
Ectoparasite Community Structure of Two Bats (Myotis lucifugusandM. septentrionalis) from the Maritimes of Canada
Authors: Czenze Zenon J. , Broders Hugh G.
Published: October 2011

Prevalence of bat ectoparasites on sympatricMyotis lucifugusandM. septentrionaliswas quantitatively characterized in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick by making systematic collections at swarming sites. Six species of ectoparasite were recorded, includingMyodopsylla insignis,Spinturnix americanus,Cimex adjunctus,Macronyssu scrosbyi,Androlaelap scasalis, and an unknown species of the genusAcanthophthirius. MaleM. lucifugusandM. septentrionalishad similar prevalence of any ectoparasite (22% and 23%, resp.). FemaleM. lucifugusandM. septentrionalishad 2-3 times higher prevalence than did conspecific males (68% and 44%, resp.). Prevalence of infection of both genders of young of the year was not different from one another and the highest prevalence of any ectoparasite (M. lucifugus64%,M. septentrionalis72%) among all bat groups. Ectoparasite prevalence and intensity varied positively with roost group size and negatively with grooming efficacy and energy budgets, suggesting that these variables may be important in ectoparasite community structure.
Multiple Fractional Dual Solutions in PEMC Backed Chiral Nihility Slab
Authors: Aftab Kanwer , Naveed M. , Syed Aqeel A. , Ahmed Shakeel , Naqvi Q. A.
Published: October 2011

Inside a chiral nihility slab which is backed by perfect electromagnetic conductor, all valid fractional dual solutions are determined using the fractional curl operator. Fractional dual solutions may be regarded as intermediate step between the original and dual to the original solution. Corresponding fields outside the nihility slab for each case are also determined and analyzed. It is noted that only for one out of three cases the corresponding field outside chiral nihility slab is also fractional dual, while for other two cases, corresponding fields are not fractional dual. It is noted that time average power density vanishes inside the PEC‐backed chiral nihility slab, while it exists outside the nihility slab.
Posterior Uterine Rupture Causing Fetal Expulsion into the Abdominal Cavity: A Rare Case of Neonatal Survival
Authors: Navaratnam K. , Ulaganathan P. , Akhtar M. A. , Sharma S. D. , Davies M. G.
Published: October 2011

Introduction. Uterine rupture is a potentially catastrophic complication of vaginal birth after caesarean section. We describe the sixth case of posterior uterine rupture, with intact lower segment scar, and the first neonatal survival after expulsion into the abdominal cavity with posterior rupture.Case Presentation. A multiparous woman underwent prostaglandin induction of labour for postmaturity, after one previous caesarean section. Emergency caesarean section for bradycardia revealed a complete posterior uterine rupture, with fetal and placental expulsion. Upon delivery, the baby required inflation breaths only. The patient required a subtotal hysterectomy but returned home on day 5 postnatally with her healthy baby.Discussion. Vaginal birth after caesarean section constitutes a trial of labour, and the obstetrician must be reactive to labour events. Posterior uterine rupture is extremely rare and may occur without conventional signs. Good maternal and fetal outcome is possible with a prompt, coordinated team response.
Dynamic Production of Soluble Extracellular Polysaccharides byStreptococcus mutans
Authors: Decker Eva-Maria , Dietrich Ilka , Klein Christian , von Ohle Christiane
Published: October 2011

Caries development in the presence ofStreptococcus mutansis associated not only with the production of extracellular water-insoluble polymers but also is based on water-soluble polysaccharides. The aim of this study was the evaluation of a novel glucan-specific Lectin assay for monitoring water-soluble EPS produced byS. mutansduring several growth periods in different media.S. mutanscultures were grown for 24 h, 48 h, and 144 h in medium deficient of sucrose (A) and medium supplemented with 5% sucrose (B). Microtiter well plates were coated with cell-free supernatants followed by the addition of labeled Concanavalin-A and enzyme substrate. The substrate reactions were kinetically detected at 405 nm. The validation of the assay was performed using carbohydrates dextran, xanthan, and sucrose as reference. This new Concanavalin-A-based assay showed the highest sensitivity for dextran and revealed that the glucan production ofS. mutansreached its maximum at 144 h in medium B according to bacterial maturation.
General Cubic‐Quartic Functional Equation
Authors: Gordji M. Eshaghi , Kamyar M. , Rassias Th. M.
Published: October 2011

We obtain the general solution and the generalized Hyers‐Ulam stability of the general cubic‐quartic functional equation for fixed integers k with k ≠ 0, ±1: f(x+ky) + f(x − ky) = k2(f(x+y) + f(x − y)) + 2(1 − k2)f(x)+((k4 − k2)/4)(f(2y) − 8f(y)), where .
Full-Color LCD Microdisplay System Based on OLED Backlight Unit and Field-Sequential Color Driving Method
Authors: Woo Sungho , Kim Dae-Hwan , Han Yoon Soo , Choi Byeong-Dae
Published: October 2011

We developed a single-panel LCD microdisplay system using a field-sequential color (FSC) driving method and an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) as a backlight unit (BLU). The 0.76′′ OLED BLU with red, green, and blue (RGB) colors was fabricated by a conventional UV photolithography patterning process and by vacuum deposition of small molecule organic layers. The field-sequential driving frequency was set to 255 Hz to allow each of the RGB colors to be generated without color mixing at the given display frame rate. A prototype FSC LCD microdisplay system consisting of a 0.7′′ LCD microdisplay panel and the 0.76′′ OLED BLU successfully exhibited color display and moving picture images using the FSC driving method.
ADe NovoWhole GCK Gene Deletion Not Detected by Gene Sequencing, in a Boy with Phenotypic GCK Insufficiency
Authors: Birkebæk N. H. , Sørensen J. S. , Vikre-Jørgensen J. , Jensen P. K. A. , Pedersen O. , Hansen T.
Published: October 2011

We report on a boy with diabetes mellitus and a phenotype indicatingglucokinase(GCK) insufficiency, but a normalGCKgene examination applying direct gene sequencing. The boy was referred for diabetes mellitus at 7.5 years old. His father, grandfather and great grandfather suffered type 2 DM. Several blood glucose profiles showed (BG) of 6.5–10 mmol/L L. After three years on neutral insulin Hagedorn (NPH) in a dose of 0.3 IU/kg/day haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) was 6.8%. Treatment was changed to sulphonylurea 750 mg a day, and after 4 years HbA1c was 7%. At that time a multiplex ligation-dependent amplification gene dosage assay (MLPA) was done, revealing a wholeGCKgene deletion. Medical treatment was ceased, and after one year HbA1c was 6.8%. This case underscores the importance of a MLPA examination if the phenotype of a patient is strongly indicative ofGCKinsufficiency and no mutation is identified using direct sequencing.
Unusual Displacement of a Mobilised Dental Bridge during Orotracheal Intubation
Authors: Feltracco Paolo , Barbieri Stefania , Salvaterra Francesca , Tiano Letizia , Gaudio Rosa Maria , Galligioni Helmut , Ori Carlo , Avato Francesco Maria
Published: October 2011

Dental trauma during tracheal intubation mostly happens in case of poor dentition, restricted mouth opening, and/or difficult laryngoscopy.57-year-old man undergoing laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma had his dental work detached at induction of anesthesia. Oropharyngeal direct view, manual inspection, fibreoptic nosendoscopy, tracheobronchoscopy, and fiberoptic inspection of the esophagus and stomach were unsuccessful in locating the dislodged bridge. While other possible exams were considered, such as lateral and AP x-ray of head and neck, further meticulous manual “sweepings” of the mouth were performed, and by moving the first and second fingers below the soft palate deep towards the posterolateral wall of the pharynx, feeling consistent with a dental prosthesis was detected in the right pharyngeal recess. Only after pulling the palatopharyngeal arch upward was it possible to grasp it and extract it out with the aid of a Magill Catheter Forceps. Even though the preexisting root and bridge deficits were well reported by the consultant dentist, the patient was fully reimbursed. The lack of appropriate documentation of the advanced periodontal disease in the anesthesia records, no mention of potential risks on anesthesia consent, and insufficient protective measures during airway instrumentation reinforced the reimbursement claim.
Erdheim-Chester Disease Associated with Marginal Zone Lymphoma and Monoclonal Proteinemia
Authors: Pavlidakey Peter G. , Mohanty Alok , Kohler Lisa J. , Meyerson Howard J.
Published: October 2011

Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD) is a rare non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis. We report a fatal case of ECD with extensive cardiac involvement associated with a marginal zone lymphoma and monoclonal proteinemia in a young man. This is the first reported association of ECD with a monoclonal gammopathy or a lymphoma.
Preparation, Characterization, and Photocatalytic Property ofCu2O-TiO2Nanocomposites
Authors: Li Longfeng , Zhang Maolin
Published: October 2011

The Cu2O-TiO2nanocomposites were successfully synthesized by the homogeneous hydrolysation, followed by the solvothermal crystallization and ethylene glycol-thermal reduction process, respectively. The obtained products were characterized by means of X-ray diffraction(XRD), Uv-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, laser particle size analysis, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively. The photocatalytic performance of Cu2O-TiO2nanocomposites was evaluated by the degradation of methyl orange (MO) as a model compound. The experimental results showed that the prepared Cu2O-TiO2nanocomposite exhibited higher photocatalytic activity for the decomposition of MO than the pure Cu2O and the commercial Degussa P25 TiO2under visible light irradiation.
Cultural Considerations: Pharmacological and Nonpharmacological Means for Improving Blood Pressure Control among Hispanic Patients
Authors: Patel Neela K. , Wood Robert C. , Espino David V.
Published: October 2011

Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States, and its prevention and treatment remain a priority for the medical community. Ethnic variations account for some differences in the prevalence of hypertension and blood pressure (BP) control rates among Hispanics, indicating the need for culturally appropriate management models. Aggressive treatment strategies are key to achieving optimal BP control in high-risk Hispanic patients. Hypertension in this ethnic group continues to be a major health concern. Of note, when provided access to comprehensive care, Hispanics demonstrate similar response rates to treatment as the majority of non-Hispanic whites. This highlights the importance of effective, culturally responsive hypertension management among high-risk Hispanic patients for achieving observable, positive health outcomes.
A Framework to Select Clinically Relevant Cancer Cell Lines for Investigation by Establishing Their Molecular Similarity with Primary Human Cancers
Authors: Dancik Garrett M. , Ru Yuanbin , Owens Charles R. , Theodorescu Dan
Published: October 2011

Experimental work on human cancer cell lines often does not translate to the clinic. We posit that this is because some cells undergo changes in vitro that no longer make them representative of human tumors. Here, we describe a novel alignment method named Spearman's rank correlation classification method (SRCCM) that measures similarity between cancer cell lines and human tumors via gene expression profiles, for the purpose of selecting lines that are biologically relevant. To show utility, we used SRCCM to assess similarity of 36 bladder cancer lines with 10 epithelial human tumor types (N = 1,630 samples) and with bladder tumors of different stages and grades (N = 144 samples). Although 34 of 36 lines aligned to bladder tumors rather than other histologies, only 16 of 28 had SRCCM assigned grades identical to that of their original source tumors. To evaluate the clinical relevance of this approach, we show that gene expression profiles of aligned cell lines stratify survival in an independent cohort of 87 bladder patients (HR = 3.41, log-rank P = 0.0077) whereas unaligned cell lines using original tumor grades did not. We repeated this process on 22 colorectal cell lines and found that gene expression profiles of 17 lines aligning to colorectal tumors and selected based on their similarity with 55 human tumors stratified survival in an independent cohort of 177 colorectal cancer patients (HR = 2.35, log-rank P = 0.0019). By selecting cell lines that reflect human tumors, our technique promises to improve the clinical translation of laboratory investigations in cancer. Cancer Res; 71(24); 7398–409. ©2011 AACR.
A Rare Variant at the
KYNU
Gene Is Associated With Kynureninase Activity and Essential Hypertension in the Han Chinese Population
Authors: Zhang Yi , Shen Jie , He Xin , Zhang Kuixing , Wu Shengnan , Xiao Bing , Zhou Xueya , Phillips Robert S. , Gao Pingjin , Jeunemaitre Xavier , Zhu Dingliang
Published: October 2011

Background—

Genetic studies in mouse and human suggest that kynureninase activity may influence blood pressure and renal function. The gene coding kynureninase (
KYNU
) is also located on chromosome band 2q14-q23, where a linkage peak for essential hypertension was previously detected in the Chinese Han population.

Methods and Results—

After having found no association with common polymorphisms, this study aimed to assess the role of 1 rare variant of
KYNU
, Arg188Gln, and kynureninase activity in relation to hypertension. Thirty-three of 1124 Chinese patients with hypertension were heterozygous for Arg188Gln, whereas only 14 of 1084 normotensive controls were heterozygous for Arg188Gln (188G1n allele frequency, 0.015 versus 0.006;
P
=0.0075). A genotype-discordant sibling-pair study was performed in another 924 individuals from 213 families, indicating that 188G1n carriers had higher systolic blood pressure (168.29±24.67 versus 139.00±12.82 mm Hg,
P
<0.001) and diastolic blood pressure (105.50±14.08 versus 90.75±11.07 mm Hg,
P
=0.001) than did Arg188 homozygous siblings. The Arg188Gln variant was found to be rarer in 2 other ethnic groups (3 heterozygous among 880 hypertensive French whites and 0 of 90 black Africans with hypertension). The kynureninase activity in plasma was correlated with blood pressure in subjects from hypertensive families (
P
<0.05). The Kinetic Michaelis constants of 188Gln carriers was lower than that of Arg188 homozygous subjects (0.05±0.02 versus 0.10±0.02 mmol/L,
P
=0.005). Arg188Gln mutation in vitro also showed less catalytic efficiency than the wild-type KYNU enzyme (maximal reaction velocity/Kinetic Michaelis constant ratio, 0.050±0.012 versus 0.11±0.016 mL/min per mg;
P
=0.029).

Conclusions—

The results show that the rare
KYNU
variant Arg188Gln affects kynureninase activity and are consistent with the hypothesis that this mutation can predispose to essential hypertension.
Cross-Polarized Synthetic Aperture Radar: A New Potential Measurement Technique for Hurricanes
Authors: Zhang Biao , Perrie William
Published: October 2011

We present an empirical C-band Cross-Polarization Ocean (C-2PO) model for wind retrievals from synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data collected by the RADARSAT-2 satellite. The C-2PO model relates normalized radar cross section (NRCS) in cross polarization to wind speed at 10-m height. This wind retrieval model has the characteristic that it is independent of wind direction and radar incidence angle but is quite linear with respect to wind speed. To evaluate the accuracy of the proposed model, winds with a resolution on the scale of 1 km were retrieved from a dual-polarization SAR image of Hurricane Earl on 2 September 2010, using the C-2PO model and compared with CMOD5.N, the newest available C-band geophysical model function (GMF), and validated with collocated airborne stepped-frequency microwave radiometer measurements and National Data Buoy Center data. Results suggest that for winds up to 38 m s−1, C-2PO has a bias of −0.89 m s−1 and a root-meansquare error of 3.23 m s−1 compared to CMOD5.N, which has a bias of −4.14 m s−1 and an rms difference of 6.24 m s−1. Similar results are obtained from Hurricane Ike, comparing wind retrievals from C-2PO and CMOD5.N with H*Wind data. The advantage of C-2PO over CMOD5.N and other GMFs is that it does not need any external wind direction and radar incidence angle inputs. Moreover, in the presently available quad-polarization dataset, C-2PO has the feature that the cross-polarized NRCS linearly increases even for wind speeds up to 26 m s−1 and reproduces the hurricane eye structure well, thereby providing a potential technique for hurricane observations from space.
How to write your will in an age of risk: The institutionalization of individualism in estate planning in English Canada
Authors: Raddon Mary-Beth , Ciupa Kristin
Published: October 2011

Employing the concepts of risk and individualization of Beck and Beck-Gernsheim, this article analyses moral discourse in Canadian advice books on how to write a will and situates this advice within a history of inheritance in English Canada. The main finding is that estate planning experts downplay specific familial obligations and instead present estate planning as a procedural matter that entails risk calculations in areas such as familial relationships, care in old age and financial management. The moral issues in writing a will derive from this administrative emphasis. Our prime duty, apparently, is to avoid burdening others with decisions that were ours to make. Hence, the advice literature of estate planning affirms Beck and Beck-Gernsheim’s individualization thesis by asserting that in death, as in life, our social responsibility is to arrange and manage our personal affairs.
Fabrication of photocatalytic TiO2 nanoparticle film on PET fabric by hydrothermal method
Authors: Zhang Hui , Zhu Hong , Sun Runjun
Published: October 2011

A layer of TiO2 nanoparticle was immobilized on PET fiber using titanium sulfate and urea under hydrothermal condition. The TiO2-loaded fiber was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, thermal gravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry analysis, respectively. PET fabric before and after treatment was also examined for the reflectance spectrum, tensile properties, water absorption and degradation of methyl orange dye under UV irradiation. The results show that pure anatase nanocrystalline TiO2 is precipitated in the presence of PET fabric and deposited on the surface of fiber via the hydrothermal process. The thin film is constituted of sphere nanoparticles of an average size 3.0 nm, which is grafted onto the fiber surface by chemical reaction. For the TiO2-coated fiber, the onset decomposition temperature decreases, but the exothermic temperature increases as compared with the untreated fiber. Owing to the shrinkage of fabric size, the breaking load and tensile strain in warp and weft directions increase. The TiO2-loaded PET fabric can absorb more ultraviolet radiation even after being washed for 30 times. The water absorbency is also slightly increased. The capability of photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange dye is obtained.
Investigation on the spinnability of metallocene cyclic olefins copolymer melt
Authors: Rwei Syang-Peng , Lin Yung-Tan , Su Yuan-Yuan
Published: October 2011

This work investigates the melt spinning process of the metallocene cyclic olefins copolymer (mCOC), which had never been successfully developed before. The shear-viscosity examination reveals that the mCOC has a mild shear thinning tendency due to the presence of cyclic olefins, but is very sensitive to the temperature variation. The optimal melt extrusion temperature for the mCOC is found between 320 and 330°C. The mCOC is known to have high Tg, which would cause early solidification, seriously broken filaments, and winding interruption during the melt spinning process. Accordingly, the traditional spinning process employing an air-quenching system at 18°C for polyolefins, such as polypropylene and polyethylene, is inappropriate for the mCOC. Experimental results reveal that in melt spinning of the mCOC, it is necessary to install a heating board of 1.4 meters length and heated up to 180°C to assisting with the spin draw ratio of the mCOC. The elongation rheology of the mCOC was found to be greatly affected by the presence of cyclic olefins. The optimal spinning speed is 1500 m/min. In such a speed, the spin draw ratio of the mCOC is 90, which is higher than the literature value of 10[11], but still far smaller than 200–400 for typical linear polymers. Experimental results suggest that hot drawing, with a drawing ratio of 1.15 and godet temperature of 200°C, can yield yarn with optimal tenacity of 1.4 g/den. Birefringence observations indicate that mCOC yarn, even via melt spinning and hot drawing, does not exhibit any bulk orientation. The result of X-ray diffraction implies that hot drawing can enhance the formation of nano-crystals with an average size of approximately 6.5 nm. This takes place on the short linear olefin chains among the cyclic segments. The degree of crystallization increases slightly as the godet temperature increases.
Garment smoothness appearance evaluation through computer vision
Authors: Silvestre-Blanes Javier , Berenguer-Sebastiá Joaquin , Pérez-Lloréns Rubén , Miralles Ignacio , Moreno Jorge
Published: October 2011

The measurement and evaluation of the appearance of wrinkling in textile products after domestic washing and drying is performed currently by the comparison of the fabric with the replicas. This kind of evaluation has certain drawbacks, the most significant of which are its subjectivity and its limitations when used with garments. In this paper, we present an automated wrinkling evaluation system. The system developed can process fabrics as well as any type of garment, independent of size or pattern on the material. The system allows us to label different parts of the garment. Thus, as different garment parts have different influence on human perception, this labeling enables the use of weighting, to improve the correlation with the human visual system. The system has been tested with different garments showing good performance and correlation with human perception.
Hemiplegic migraine, seizures, progressive spastic paraparesis, mood disorder, and coma in siblings with low systemic serotonin
Authors: Horvath Gabriella A , Selby Kathryn , Poskitt Ken , Hyland Keith , Waters Paula J , Coulter-Mackie Marion , Stockler-Ipsiroglu Sylvia G
Published: October 2011

Background: Serotonin has an important role in vascular resistance and blood pressure control, and a functional serotonin transporter polymorphism has been associated with migraine. Disturbances in serotonin metabolism have been associated with autism, depression, and myoclonus related conditions, but serotonin has far more functions in the body. Familial hemiplegic migraine is a rare autosomal dominant subtype of migraine with aura in which attacks are associated with hemiparesis.

Cases: We present two siblings with hemiplegic migraine, depression, progressive spastic paraparesis, myelopathy, and spinal cord atrophy. One of the sisters presented with prolonged coma after a migraine episode. Both sisters were found to have low cerebrospinal fluid serotonin metabolite (5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid), low platelet serotonin levels, and diminished serotonin transport capacity. Their clinical symptoms improved on 5-hydroxytryptophan replacement therapy. Mutational analysis of the CACNA1A and ATP1A2 genes was negative.

Conclusion: This is the first time that systemic serotonin deficiency has been described in familial hemiplegic migraine. We hypothesize that the deficiency of serotonin transport may be part of a complex cellular membrane trafficking dysfunction involving not only the serotonin transporter but also other transporters and ion channels.
Thickness effect on flame spread characteristics of expanded polystyrene in different environments
Authors: Huang XJ , Wang QS , Zhang Y , Yin Y , Sun JH
Published: October 2011

The objective of this study was to reveal flame spread characteristics of the insulation material, expanded polystyrene (EPS) with different thicknesses under different environmental conditions (pressure and oxygen concentration). Experiments were carried out in small-scale flame spread experimental benches in the Tibetan plateau and Hefei, respectively, with EPS sample sheets inclined horizontally. Changes in the flame spread speed, average length of the pool fire, average maximum flame height, and maximum flame temperature in the surface flame zone were used to determine the effect of the plateau and plain environments on flame spread characteristics. The results showed that with the increase in sample thickness, the values of these parameters increased both in Lhasa and Hefei. The values of flame spread speed, average length of the pool fire, and average maximum flame height in Hefei were all larger than those in Lhasa, while the maximum flame temperature in the surface flame zone in Hefei was less than that in Lhasa for the EPS of the same thickness.
Morphology and properties of EVA/empty fruit bunch composites
Authors: Sefadi J. S. , Luyt A. S.
Published: October 2011

Composites based on ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymers with 18% and 28% VA contents and empty fruit bunch (EFB) fibre were reported in this study. The EVA-EFB composites were prepared by melt mixing using a Brabender plastograph mixer. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results show an improved extent of interfacial adhesion between the polymer and the fibre, with an increase amount of VA in the copolymers. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) results reveal that the melting and crystallization enthalpies decreased significantly with increasing VA content, while the presence of EFB fibre had very little influence on the melting and crystallization behaviour of both EVA18 and EVA28. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) results show that EVA18 is more thermally stable than EVA28 due to the higher amount of VA in EVA28, and the decomposition of EFB fibre seems to be retarded when it is incorporated into the EVA copolymers. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) results show that both the storage modulus and loss modulus decrease significantly with an increase in VA content, and that these two properties observably increased with the incorporation of the fibre. The glass transition temperature also increased observably with increasing fibre loading, and decreased with an increase in the VA content. The stress and strain at break showed a similar decrease with increasing fibre content for both EVA18 and EVA28, while Young’s modulus increased much more significantly with increasing fibre content for EVA28. Generally, it seems as if the improvement in interaction between EVA28 and EFB was not significant enough to overcome the inherent weak properties of EVA28.
Prediction of boundary layer transition on a flat plate subject to surface waviness
Authors: Lin Y , Raghunathan S , Raghunathan B , McIlwain S
Published: October 2011

The current understanding of the boundary layer transition is reviewed briefly. The effects of leading edge geometry, inlet turbulence, and surface waviness, on boundary layer transition on a flat plate are predicted using a commercial computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code, STAR-CCM+ which incorporates the γ − R θ correlation model. The investigations on surface waviness were focused on sinusoidal waves with the ratios of wave amplitude to wavelength h/ Lw and wave amplitude to boundary layer displacement thickness h/ δ* in the range 0.0025–0.015 and 0.3–2.8, respectively. It is recommended that in wind tunnel testing/CFD analysis of boundary layer transition, a leading edge aspect ratio of 12 is maintained to avoid significant effect of leading edge geometry. The predictions for the effect of surface waviness on transition for multiple waves, using γ − R θ model, agree well with those using the stability theory. New correlations for the effect of waviness on transition Reynolds number are proposed. The correlations combine the effects of upstream boundary layer displacement thickness, wave height, and wavelength ( h* or h**). It is recommended that a value of h* < 2 or h** < 0.03 is maintained on aircraft surfaces to avoid any significant effect of waviness on drag. The variation of transition Reynolds number with h* for a surface with waviness is of the same order to that on a surface with a forward facing step, but significantly smaller when compared with a surface with a backward facing step (BFS). A value of h* < 0.5 is recommended for a BFS to avoid significant effect on transition.
Factors Influencing the Responses of Crisis Intervention Team–Certified Law Enforcement Officers
Authors: Lord Vivian B. , Bjerregaard Beth , Blevins Kristie R. , Whisman Holly
Published: October 2011

Research indicates that Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) programs, a police response to citizens with mental illness (consumers), are beneficial; however, much of it is qualitative and limited to assessing the impact of the training CIT officers receive without considering other factors affecting consumer dispositional outcomes. It also is unclear whether the observed benefits persist over time. The purpose of this research is to use empirical data to address some of these unanswered questions, especially as they surround officer behavior. This study found differences between large and small law enforcement agencies and changes in dispositions of consumers over time. Policy and practice implications are discussed.
Paediatric multiple sclerosis: examining utility of the McDonald 2010 criteria
Authors: Sedani S , Lim MJ , Hemingway C , Wassmer E , Absoud M
Published: October 2011

The new McDonald 2010 criteria have been recommended in paediatric multiple sclerosis (PMS). We aimed to assess the utility of McDonald 2010 criteria in comparison with 2007 International Paediatric Multiple Sclerosis Study Group (IPMSSG)-recommended criteria for PMS diagnosis. Retrospective analysis of 38 PMS cases from three UK demyelination clinics was conducted. Dissemination in space (DIS) and time (DIT) for both McDonald and IPMSSG criteria were noted on initial and follow-up magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). At first MRI scan, IPMSSG DIS criteria were fulfilled in 68% of scans and McDonald DIS criteria in 84%. In total, 11/18 children given gadolinium contrast fulfilled both McDonald DIS and DIT criteria on initial scan. The 2010 McDonald criteria appear more sensitive than IPMSSG and may allow PMS diagnosis at first presentation of CIS in at least a half of cases.
New media, old criticism: Bloggers’ press criticism and the journalistic field
Authors: Vos Tim P , Craft Stephanie , Ashley Seth
Published: October 2011

Bourdieu’s field theory suggests that the rise of the internet and blogs could generate a shift in the journalistic field – the realm where actors struggle for autonomy – as new agents gain access. This textual analysis of 282 items of media criticism appearing on highly trafficked blogs reveals an emphasis on traditional journalistic norms, suggesting a stable field. Occasional criticisms of the practicability of traditional norms and calls for greater transparency, however, may suggest an emerging paradigm shift.
Language choices and ‘blind shadows’: investigating interviews with Chinese participants
Authors: Cortazzi Martin , Pilcher Nick , Jin Lixian
Published: October 2011

This article shows the importance of the language chosen for research interviewing when more than one language could be used. It does so through the context of research with Chinese speakers published in English. The article has two research aims: first, to investigate research reports regarding how they deal with the issue of language choice. Second, it presents and discusses the procedure and results of seven pairs of interviews with Chinese interviewees, in order to investigate empirically the issue of language choice. The first interviews were conducted in English (by a native speaker of English); second, ‘blind shadow’ interviews were then conducted in Chinese (by a native speaker of Chinese) using Chinese translations of the same questions with the same participants. Results show numerous differences in the quality of the data obtained depending upon the choice of language for interviewing. These results arguably apply to languages other than Chinese; this is indicated within a framework of scenarios for language choices for research interviewing, and through recommendations for researchers.
From ethnographic ‘self’-discovery to processes of identification
Authors: Landén Angelika Sjöstedt
Published: October 2011

Descriptions of the research experience are vital to ethnography and have often been mediated through the writings about the researcher ‘self’. Consequently, the concept of self has taken up a central position in literature on ethnographic work. In order to renew the discussion on the ethnographic researcher position, I intend to explore further what status is given to such descriptions and notions of self. In this article I analyse how researcher identity claims were made through the practice of ethnographic description drawn from field notes produced during a study of a Swedish workplace. Building on the results of the analysis, I suggest that the ethnographic researcher will not be able to discover her self in the process of research. Rather, I argue, researcher identity is constructed in ethnographic research practice where the researcher goes into processes of identification.
Effects of the transition rate uncertainty on the steady state probabilities of Markov models using interval arithmetic
Authors: Rocco S C M
Published: October 2011

Markov models are often used to assess the reliability or availability of a system. Such assessment generally involves calculations of the steady state probability for each possible state in the system by solving a linear system of simultaneous equations based on the transition rates between states or using ad hoc algorithms such as the state reduction algorithm. Transition rates are usually subject to uncertainty. This paper proposes the use of interval arithmetic as an alternative approach for dealing with uncertainties in the transition rates that are modelled through lower and upper bounds. Interval arithmetic takes into account the uncertainty of all the parameters and is able to provide strict bounds with only one evaluation. The interval version of the state reduction algorithm, with additional procedures to enhance its precision, is proposed as an alternative method to evaluate uncertainty propagation. Several examples illustrate the proposed approach. Results are compared with other classical approaches, such as Monte Carlo simulation or solving a linear system of simultaneous equations.
Whole-exome sequencing identifies somatic mutations of BCOR in acute myeloid leukemia with normal karyotype
Authors: Grossmann Vera , Tiacci Enrico , Holmes Antony B. , Kohlmann Alexander , Martelli Maria Paola , Kern Wolfgang , Spanhol-Rosseto Ariele , Klein Hans-Ulrich , Dugas Martin , Schindela Sonja , Trifonov Vladimir , Schnittger Susanne , Haferlach Claudia , Bassan Renato , Wells Victoria A. , Spinelli Orietta , Chan Joseph , Rossi Roberta , Baldoni Stefano , De Carolis Luca , Goetze Katharina , Serve Hubert , Peceny Rudolf , Kreuzer Karl-Anton , Oruzio Daniel , Specchia Giorgina , Di Raimondo Francesco , Fabbiano Francesco , Sborgia Marco , Liso Arcangelo , Farinelli Laurent , Rambaldi Alessandro , Pasqualucci Laura , Rabadan Raul , Haferlach Torsten , Falini Brunangelo
Published: October 2011

Among acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients with a normal karyotype (CN-AML), NPM1 and CEBPA mutations define World Health Organization 2008 provisional entities accounting for approximately 60% of patients, but the remaining 40% are molecularly poorly characterized. Using whole-exome sequencing of one CN-AML patient lacking mutations in NPM1, CEBPA, FLT3-ITD, IDH1, and MLL-PTD, we newly identified a clonal somatic mutation in BCOR (BCL6 corepressor), a gene located on chromosome Xp11.4. Further analyses of 553 AML patients showed that BCOR mutations occurred in 3.8% of unselected CN-AML patients and represented a substantial fraction (17.1%) of CN-AML patients showing the same genotype as the AML index patient subjected to whole-exome sequencing. BCOR somatic mutations were: (1) disruptive events similar to the germline BCOR mutations causing the oculo-facio-cardio-dental genetic syndrome; (2) associated with decreased BCOR mRNA levels, absence of full-length BCOR, and absent or low expression of a truncated BCOR protein; (3) virtually mutually exclusive with NPM1 mutations; and (4) frequently associated with DNMT3A mutations, suggesting cooperativity among these genetic alterations. Finally, BCOR mutations tended to be associated with an inferior outcome in a cohort of 422 CN-AML patients (25.6% vs 56.7% overall survival at 2 years; P = .032). Our results for the first time implicate BCOR in CN-AML pathogenesis.
A modified Stokes-Einstein equation for Aβ aggregation
Authors: Achuthan Srisairam , Chung Bong Jae , Ghosh Preetam , Rangachari Vijayaraghavan , Vaidya Ashwin
Published: October 2011

Background

In all amyloid diseases, protein aggregates have been implicated fully or partly, in the etiology of the disease. Due to their significance in human pathologies, there have been unprecedented efforts towards physiochemical understanding of aggregation and amyloid formation over the last two decades. An important relation from which hydrodynamic radii of the aggregate is routinely measured is the classic Stokes-Einstein equation. Here, we report a modification in the classical Stokes-Einstein equation using a mixture theory approach, in order to accommodate the changes in viscosity of the solvent due to the changes in solute size and shape, to implement a more realistic model for Aβ aggregation involved in Alzheimer’s disease. Specifically, we have focused on validating this model in protofibrill lateral association reactions along the aggregation pathway, which has been experimentally well characterized.

Results

The modified Stokes-Einstein equation incorporates an effective viscosity for the mixture consisting of the macromolecules and solvent where the lateral association reaction occurs. This effective viscosity is modeled as a function of the volume fractions of the different species of molecules. The novelty of our model is that in addition to the volume fractions, it incorporates previously published reports on the dimensions of the protofibrils and their aggregates to formulate a more appropriate shape rather than mere spheres. The net result is that the diffusion coefficient which is inversely proportional to the viscosity of the system is now dependent on the concentration of the different molecules as well as their proper shapes. Comparison with experiments for variations in diffusion coefficients over time reveals very similar trends.

Conclusions

We argue that the standard Stokes-Einstein’s equation is insufficient to understand the temporal variations in diffusion when trying to understand the aggregation behavior of Aβ 42 proteins. Our modifications also involve inclusion of improved shape factors of molecules and more appropriate viscosities. The modification we are reporting is not only useful in Aβ aggregation but also will be important for accurate measurements in all protein aggregation systems.
Latent Semantic Indexing of PubMed abstracts for identification of transcription factor candidates from microarray derived gene sets
Authors: Roy Sujoy , Heinrich Kevin , Phan Vinhthuy , Berry Michael W , Homayouni Ramin
Published: October 2011

Background

Identification of transcription factors (TFs) responsible for modulation of differentially expressed genes is a key step in deducing gene regulatory pathways. Most current methods identify TFs by searching for presence of DNA binding motifs in the promoter regions of co-regulated genes. However, this strategy may not always be useful as presence of a motif does not necessarily imply a regulatory role. Conversely, motif presence may not be required for a TF to regulate a set of genes. Therefore, it is imperative to include functional (biochemical and molecular) associations, such as those found in the biomedical literature, into algorithms for identification of putative regulatory TFs that might be explicitly or implicitly linked to the genes under investigation.

Results

In this study, we present a Latent Semantic Indexing (LSI) based text mining approach for identification and ranking of putative regulatory TFs from microarray derived differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Two LSI models were built using different term weighting schemes to devise pair-wise similarities between 21,027 mouse genes annotated in the Entrez Gene repository. Amongst these genes, 433 were designated TFs in the TRANSFAC database. The LSI derived TF-to-gene similarities were used to calculate TF literature enrichment p-values and rank the TFs for a given set of genes. We evaluated our approach using five different publicly available microarray datasets focusing on TFs Rel, Stat6, Ddit3, Stat5 and Nfic. In addition, for each of the datasets, we constructed gold standard TFs known to be functionally relevant to the study in question. Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) curves showed that the log-entropy LSI model outperformed the tf-normal LSI model and a benchmark co-occurrence based method for four out of five datasets, as well as motif searching approaches, in identifying putative TFs.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that our LSI based text mining approach can complement existing approaches used in systems biology research to decipher gene regulatory networks by providing putative lists of ranked TFs that might be explicitly or implicitly associated with sets of DEGs derived from microarray experiments. In addition, unlike motif searching approaches, LSI based approaches can reveal TFs that may indirectly regulate genes.
Immunodominant proteins α-1 giardin and β-giardin are expressed in both assemblages A and B of Giardia lamblia
Authors: Feliziani Constanza , Merino María C , Rivero María R , Hellman Ulf , Pistoresi-Palencia María C , Rópolo Andrea S
Published: October 2011

Background

To date, eight assemblages of Giardia lamblia have been described, but only assemblages A and B are known to infect humans. Despite the fact that the genomic, biological, and clinical differences found between these two assemblages has raised the possibility that they may be considered different species, there is relatively limited information on their phenotypic differences. In the present study, we developed monoclonal antibodies against alpha-1 and beta giardin, two immunodominant proteins produced during G. lamblia infection, and studied their expression and localization in WB (assemblage A) and GS trophozoites (assemblage B).

Results

The polyclonal antibodies generated against WB trophozoites, particularly those recognizing intracellular proteins as well as the proteins present at the plasma membrane (variable-specific surface proteins), showed cross-reactivity with intracellular proteins in GS trophozoites. The use of monoclonal antibodies against beta giardin indicated ventral disc localization, particularly at the periphery in WB trophozoites. Interestingly, although beta giardin was also restricted to the ventral disc in GS trophozoites, the pattern of localization clearly differed in this assemblage. On the other hand, monoclonal antibodies against alpha-1 giardin showed plasma membrane localization in both assemblages with the bare area of GS trophozoites also being distinguished. Moreover, the same localization at the plasma membrane was observed in Portland-1 (Assemblage A) and in P15 (Assemblage E) trophozoites.

Conclusions

We found differences in localization of the beta giardin protein between assemblages A and B, but the same pattern of localization of alpha-1 giardin in strains from Assemblages A, B and E. These findings reinforce the need for more studies based on phenotypic characteristics in order to disclose how far one assemblage is from the other.
CBG Santiago: A Novel CBG Mutation
Authors: Torpy D. J. , Lundgren B. Ardesjö , Ho J. T. , Lewis J. G. , Scott H. S. , Mericq V.
Published: October 2011

Context:

Corticosteroid-binding globulin (CBG; SERPIN A6) gene mutations are rare; only four mutations have been described, often in association with fatigue and chronic pain, albeit with incomplete penetrance.

Patient:

We report a kindred with a novel SERPINA6 mutation. The proband, a 9-yr-old male, had excessive postexertional fatigue, weakness, and migraine.

Main Outcome Measures and Results:

Investigations revealed low morning and ACTH-stimulated peak cortisol levels. SERPIN A6 sequencing detected a novel exon 2 single base deletion (c.13delC) leading to a frameshift generating a stop codon within the signal peptide coding region (p.Leu5CysfsX26) and 50% reduced CBG levels in heterozygotes. The patient's father and two sisters share the mutation. Symptom expression within the family may have been modified by a polymorphic CBG allele (c.735G>T). Exogenous hydrocortisone had no effect on the fatigue.

Conclusion:

This report documents the fifth CBG gene mutation in humans and the second causing major effects on CBG levels. Individuals with low CBG levels may be misdiagnosed as having secondary hypocortisolism. The association with fatigue and idiopathic pain is again noted and may relate to altered stress system function. Variability of the phenotype may relate to other genetic variations of the CBG gene or environmental factors.
Future Coal Production Outlooks in the Ipcc Emission Scenarios: Are They Plausible?
Authors: Höök Mikael
Published: October 2011

Anthropogenic climate change caused by CO2 emissions is strongly linked to the future energy production, specifically coal. The Special Report on Emission Scenarios (SRES) contains 40 scenarios for future fossil fuel production and is used by the IPCC to assess future climate change. This study examines the SRES coal production outlooks. Fundamental assumptions regarding coal availability and production in SRES was also compared with recent studies on reasonable future production outlooks. It was found that SRES puts unreasonable expectation on just a few countries. Is it reasonable to expect that China, already accounting for 46% of the global output, would increase their production by a factor of 8 over the next 90 years, as implied by certain SRES scenarios? It is concluded that SRES is underpinned by a paradigm of perpetual growth and technological optimism as well as old and outdated resource estimates. This has resulted in overoptimistic production outlooks.