bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Targeting Multiple Kinase Pathways: A Change In Paradigm
Authors: Gossage Lucy , Eisen Tim
Published: March 2010

Anticancer drugs that target protein kinases include small molecule inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies. Feedback loops and cross talk between signaling pathways impact significantly on the efficacy of cancer therapeutics, and resistance to targeted agents is a major barrier to effective treatments. Increasingly, therapies are being designed to target multiple kinase pathways. This can be achieved using a single agent that inhibits multiple signaling pathways or a combination of highly selective agents. In this review we discuss the principles of specifically targeting multiple kinase pathways with particular reference to angiogenic signaling pathways. Clin Cancer Res; 16(7); 1973–8. ©2010 AACR.
GCP Data Quality for Early Clinical Development
Authors: Rock Edwin P. , Molloy Vernette J. , Humphrey Jeffrey S.
Published: March 2010

Good Clinical Practice (GCP) provides an internationally accepted standard to ensure subject safety and data quality in clinical trials. Much of GCP parallels ethical considerations that have accumulated in successive versions of the World Medical Association's Declaration of Helsinki. This document advocates for preservation of rights, safety, and well-being of human study participants. By contrast, GCP data quality provisions follow from evolution in the United States drug regulatory system during the 1960s. Evidence of fraudulent or otherwise biased data-gathering ultimately led to U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) data integrity regulations that were subsequently embraced as GCP principles in the Declaration of Helsinki. This manuscript summarizes GCP data quality provisions and describes practices that clinical site investigators can adopt to comply with these principles and to prevent adverse audit findings in the event of a regulatory inspection. Clin Cancer Res; 16(6); 1756–63
Anti-inflammatory Triterpenoid Blocks Immune Suppressive Function of MDSCs and Improves Immune Response in Cancer
Authors: Nagaraj Srinivas , Youn Je-In , Weber Hannah , Iclozan Cristina , Lu Lily , Cotter Matthew J. , Meyer Colin , Becerra Carlos R. , Fishman Mayer , Antonia Scott , Sporn Michael B. , Liby Karen T. , Rawal Bhupendra , Lee Ji-Hyun , Gabrilovich Dmitry I.
Published: March 2010

Purpose: Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) are one of the major factors responsible for immune suppression in cancer. Therefore, it would be important to identify effective therapeutic means to modulate these cells.

Experimental Design: We evaluated the effect of the synthetic triterpenoid C-28 methyl ester of 2-cyano-3,12-dioxooleana-1,9,-dien-28-oic acid (CDDO-Me; bardoxolone methyl) in MC38 colon carcinoma, Lewis lung carcinoma, and EL-4 thymoma mouse tumor models, as well as blood samples from patients with renal cell cancer and soft tissue sarcoma. Samples were also analyzed from patients with pancreatic cancer treated with CDDO-Me in combination with gemcitabine.

Results: CDDO-Me at concentrations of 25 to 100 nmol/L completely abrogated immune suppressive activity of MDSC in vitro. CDDO-Me reduced reactive oxygen species in MDSCs but did not affect their viability or the levels of nitric oxide and arginase. Treatment of tumor-bearing mice with CDDO-Me did not affect the proportion of MDSCs in the spleens but eliminated their suppressive activity. This effect was independent of antitumor activity. CDDO-Me treatment decreased tumor growth in mice. Experiments with severe combined immunodeficient–beige mice indicated that this effect was largely mediated by the immune system. CDDO-Me substantially enhanced the antitumor effect of a cancer vaccines. Treatment of pancreatic cancer patients with CDDO-Me did not affect the number of MDSCs in peripheral blood but significantly improved the immune response.

Conclusions: CDDO-Me abrogated the immune suppressive effect of MDSCs and improved immune responses in tumor-bearing mice and cancer patients. It may represent an attractive therapeutic option by enhancing the effect of cancer immunotherapy. Clin Cancer Res; 16(6); 1812–23
The COOH-Terminal Peptide of Platelet Factor-4 Variant (CXCL4L1/PF-4var47-70) Strongly Inhibits Angiogenesis and Suppresses B16 Melanoma Growth In vivo
Authors: Vandercappellen Jo , Liekens Sandra , Bronckaers Annelies , Noppen Samuel , Ronsse Isabelle , Dillen Chris , Belleri Mirella , Mitola Stefania , Proost Paul , Presta Marco , Struyf Sofie , Van Damme Jo
Published: March 2010

Chemokines influence tumor growth directly or indirectly via both angiogenesis and tumor-leukocyte interactions. Platelet factor-4 (CXCL4/PF-4), which is released from α-granules of activated platelets, is the first described angiostatic chemokine. Recently, it was found that the variant of CXCL4/PF-4 (CXCL4L1/PF-4var) could exert a more pronounced angiostatic and antitumoral effect than CXCL4/PF-4. However, the molecular mechanisms of the angiostatic activities of the PF-4 forms remain partially elusive. Here, we studied the biological properties of the chemically synthesized COOH-terminal peptides of CXCL4/PF-4 (CXCL4/PF-447-70) and CXCL4L1/PF-4var (CXCL4L1/PF-4var47-70). Both PF-4 peptides lacked monocyte and lymphocyte chemotactic activity but equally well inhibited (25 nmol/L) endothelial cell motility and proliferation in the presence of a single stimulus (i.e., exogenous recombinant fibroblast growth factor-2). In contrast, when assayed in more complex angiogenesis test systems characterized by the presence of multiple mediators, including in vitro wound-healing (2.5 nmol/L versus 12.5 nmol/L), Matrigel (60 nmol/L versus 300 nmol/L), and chorioallantoic membrane assays, CXCL4L1/PF-4var47-70 was found to be significantly (5-fold) more angiostatic than CXCL4/PF-447-70. In addition, low (7 μg total) doses of intratumoral CXCL4L1/PF-4var47-70 inhibited B16 melanoma growth in mice more extensively than CXCL4/PF-447-70. This antitumoral activity was predominantly mediated through inhibition of angiogenesis (without affecting blood vessel stability) and induction of apoptosis, as evidenced by immunohistochemical and fluorescent staining of B16 tumor tissue. In conclusion, CXCL4L1/PF-4var47-70 is a potent antitumoral and antiangiogenic peptide. These results may represent the basis for the design of CXCL4L1/PF-4var COOH-terminal–derived peptidomimetic anticancer drugs. Mol Cancer Res; 8(3); 322–34
Next Generation Sequencing of Serum Circulating Nucleic Acids from Patients with Invasive Ductal Breast Cancer Reveals Differences to Healthy and Nonmalignant Controls
Authors: Beck Julia , Urnovitz Howard B. , Mitchell William M. , Schütz Ekkehard
Published: March 2010

Circulating nucleic acids (CNA) isolated from serum or plasma are increasingly recognized as biomarkers for cancers. Recently developed next generation sequencing provides high numbers of DNA sequences to detect the trace amounts of unique serum biomarkers associated with breast carcinoma. Serum CNA of 38 women with ductal carcinoma was extracted and sequenced on a 454/Roche high-throughput GS-FLX platform and compared with healthy controls and patients with other medical conditions. Repetitive elements present in CNA were detected and classified, and each repetitive element was normalized based on total sequence count or repeat count. Multivariate regression models were calculated using an information-theoretical approach and multimodel inference. A total of 423,150 and 953,545 sequences for the cancer patients and controls, respectively, were obtained. Data from 26 patients with stages II to IV tumors and from 67 apparently healthy female controls were used as the training data set. Using a bootstrap method to avoid sampling bias, a five-parameter model was developed. When this model was applied to a validation data set consisting of patients with tumor stage I (n = 10) compared with healthy and nonmalignant disease controls (n = 87; 1,261,561 sequences) a sensitivity of 70% at a specificity of 100% was obtained. At a diagnostic specificity level of 95%, a sensitivity of 90% was calculated. Identification of specific breast cancer–related CNA sequences provides the basis for the development of a serum-based routine laboratory test for breast cancer screening and monitoring. Mol Cancer Res; 8(3); 335–42
Estrogen Receptor Regulates E2F1 Expression to Mediate Tamoxifen Resistance
Authors: Louie Maggie C. , McClellan Ashley , Siewit Christina , Kawabata Lauren
Published: March 2010

Antiestrogen resistance often develops with prolonged exposure to hormone therapies, including tamoxifen, and is a major problem in the treatment of breast cancer. Understanding the mechanisms involved in the development of antiestrogen resistance is an important step in the development of new targeted therapies. Two forms of antiestrogen resistance exist: de novo resistance and acquired resistance. To mimic acquired resistance, we have established a tamoxifen-resistant breast cancer cell line (MCF-7TamR) by treating parental MCF-7 cells with tamoxifen over a period of 6 months to select for cells with the resistant phenotype. Characterization of the MCF-7TamR cells under normal, hormone-deprived, and tamoxifen-treated conditions suggests that these cells continue to grow in the presence of tamoxifen. Additionally, a greater percentage of resistant cells enter the S phase under tamoxifen conditions, compared with parental MCF-7 cells. Consistent with these growth results, molecular analysis indicates that tamoxifen-resistant cells express higher levels of cyclin E1, cdk2, ACTR, and E2F1. Faslodex or ICI 182, 780 (ICI)-mediated degradation of estrogen receptor (ER) reduced the proliferation of these cells, as well as the level of E2F1 expression in tamoxifen-resistant cells, suggesting that tamoxifen resistance and E2F1 expression are in part dependent on ER. We further showed that tamoxifen enhances the ERα/Sp-1 interaction and promotes the recruitment of ERα and Sp-1 to the proximal promoter of E2F1 in resistant cells. Collectively, our findings suggest that tamoxifen resistance is a result of increased ERα/Sp-1 interaction, which enhances the expression of E2F1 to promote tamoxifen resistance. Mol Cancer Res; 8(3); 343–52
Wild-Type BRCA1, but not Mutated BRCA1, Regulates the Expression of the Nuclear Form of β-Catenin
Authors: Li Huchun , Sekine Masayuki , Tung Nadine , Avraham Hava Karsenty
Published: March 2010

BRCA1 is an essential caretaker protein in the surveillance of DNA damage, is mutated in ∼50% of all hereditary breast cancer cases, and its expression is frequently decreased in sporadic breast cancer. β-Catenin is a multifunctional protein that forms adhesion complex with E-cadherins, α-catenin, and actin, and plays a central role in Wnt signaling through its nuclear translocation and activation of β-catenin–responsive genes. Although significant progress has been made in understanding the Wnt/β-catenin and BRCA1 signaling cascades, it is not known whether there is a link between β-catenin and BRCA1. We observed that the expression of the active nuclear form of β-catenin (also known as ABC, Ser37/Thr41-nonphosphorylated β-catenin, dephosphorylated β-catenin) was lower or absent in the nucleus in most BRCA1 familial breast cancer tissues (17 cases) compared with sporadic breast cancer (14 samples) and normal breast tissues. Wild-type-BRCA1, but not mutated BRCA1, interacted with β-catenin and increased the levels of β-catenin protein expression in vitro. Furthermore, H2O2 induced the interaction of the nuclear form of β-catenin with BRCA1. The active form of β-catenin protein was downregulated upon exposure to H2O2 in the nucleus of BRCA1-deficient HCC1937 breast cancer cells, whereas reconstitution of WT-BRCA1 in HCC1937 cells inhibited this downregulation. This study provides evidence of a novel interaction between BRCA1 and β-catenin, and that loss of BRCA1 leads to impaired expression of the nuclear form of β-catenin, which may contribute to the pathogenesis of breast cancer. Mol Cancer Res; 8(3); 407–20
Covalent antithrombin-heparin effect on thrombin-thrombomodulin and activated protein C reaction with factor V/Va
Authors: Walderveen Maria Christina Van , Berry Leslie Roy , Atkinson Helen Mary , Chan Anthony Kam Chuen
Published: March 2010

Thrombomodulin (TM), which variably contains a chondroitin sulfate (±CS), forms an anticoagulant complex with thrombin (IIa). IIaTM(±CS) converts protein C (PC) into activated PC (APC), which then inactivates activated factors V (FVa) and VIII (FVIIIa). This reduces prothrombinase and tenase complexes that generate IIa. Heparin (H) increases the rate of IIa-TM inhibition by antithrombin (AT) and enhances FV cleavage by APC. Our novel covalent AT-H (ATH) product, has superior anticoagulant activity compared to AT + unfractionated H (UFH). We studied mechanisms by which ATH versus AT + UFH inhibits IIaTM(±CS), and ATH influences on APC cleavage of FV/FVa compared to UFH. Findings would determine how these reactions moderate ATH’s overall effects as an anticoagulant. Discontinuous second order rate inhibition assays of IIa-TM(±CS) inhibition by AT + UFH or ATH were performed in presence or absence of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). FV/FVa cleavage by APC in the presence of UFH or ATH was analysed by Western blots. ATH increased IIa-TM(±CS) inhibition to a greater degree than AT + UFH, both on plastic and HUVEC surfaces. Unlike UFH, ATH did not accelerate FV cleavage by APC, but ATH did enhance FVa cleavage relative to UFH. Increased IIa-TM inhibition by ATH downregulates PC activation. However, ATH does accelerate downstream inactivation of FVa, which increases its potency for IIa generation inhibition compared to UFH. This trend holds true in the presence of APC’s cofactor, protein S. Overall, ATH may have a balanced function towards inhibiting or accelerating PC pathway activities.
Role of glycoprotein Ibα mobility in platelet function
Authors: van der Wal Dianne , Verhoef Sandra , Schutgens Roger , Peters Marjolein , Wu Yaping , Akkerman Jan Willem
Published: March 2010

Incubation at 0°C is known to expose β-N-acetyl-D-glucosamine residues on glycoprotein (GP) Ibα inducing receptor clustering and αMβ2-mediated platelet destruction by macrophages. Here we show that incubation at 0/37°C (4 hours at 0°C, followed by 1 hour at 37°C to mimic cold-storage and post-transfusion conditions) triggers a conformational change in the N-terminal flank (NTF, amino acids, aa 1–35) but not in aa 36–282 of GPIbα as detected by antibody binding. Addition of the sugar N-acetyl-D-glucosamine (GN) inhibits responses induced by 0/37°C. Incubation at 0°C shifts GPIbα from the membrane skeleton to the cytoskeleton. Different GPIbα conformations have little effect on VWF/ristocetin-induced aggregation, but arrest of NTF change by GN interferes with agglutination and spreading on a VWF-coated surface under flow. Strikingly, incubation at 0/37°C initiates thromboxane A2 formation through a von Willebrand factor (VWF)-independent and GPIbα-dependent mechanism, as confirmed in VWF- and GPIbαﺹdeficient platelets. We conclude that the NTF change induced by 0/37°C incubation reflects clustering of GPIbα supports VWF/ristocetin-induced agglutination and spreading and is sufficient to initiate platelet activation in the absence of VWF.
Thrombolysis for pulmonary embolism: Past, present and future
Authors: Lankeit Mareike , Konstantinides Stavros
Published: March 2010

Patients with high-risk pulmonary embolism (PE), i.e. those with shock or hypotension at presentation, are at high risk of in-hospital death, particularly during the first hours after admission. A meta-analysis of trials which included haemodynamically compromised patients indicated that thrombolytic treatment significantly reduces the rate of inhospital death or PE recurrence. Therefore, thrombolysis should be administered to patients with high-risk PE unless there are absolute contraindications to its use. Uncontrolled data further suggest that thrombolysis may be a safe and effective alternative to surgery in patients with PE and free-floating thrombi in the right heart. On the other hand, normotensive patients generally have a favourable short-term prognosis if heparin anticoagulation is instituted promptly, and they are thus considered to have non-high-risk PE. Generally, the bleeding risk of thrombolysis appears to outweigh the clinical benefits of this treatment in patients without haemodynamic compromise. However, within the group of normotensive patients with PE, some may have evidence of right ventricular dysfunction on echocardiography or computed tomography, or of myocardial injury based on elevated cardiac biomarkers (troponin I or T, heart-type fatty acid-binding protein). These patients have an intermediate risk of an adverse outcome in the acute phase of PE. Existing data suggest that selected patients with intermediate-risk PE may benefit from early thrombolytic treatment, particularly if they have a low bleeding risk. However, controversy will continue to surround the optimal treatment for this group until the results of a large ongoing thrombolysis trial are available in a few years.
The Diffusion of Internet Technologies to Rural Communities: A Portrait of Broadband Supply and Demand
Authors: Whitacre Brian E.
Published: March 2010

Rural communities suffer from supply- and demand-side disadvantages when dealing with Internet access. Telecommunications companies are less likely to provide such communities with needed infrastructure because of their lower population densities; these communities also tend to have lower levels of factors known to influence the access decision, such as education and income.This study looks at the broadband Internet setting in Oklahoma over a 3-year period, examining the diffusion of infrastructure and access rates. A nonlinear decomposition technique allows for measurement of how characteristics such as the availability of infrastructure contribute to observed metropolitan—micropolitan or metropolitan—noncore digital divides.The results suggest that although differences in infrastructure are consistently only minor contributors to the divide, their importance has increased as knowledge about the Internet has diffused.
Transmittance of Infrared Radiation Through Fabric in the Range 8-14 μm
Authors: Hui Zhang  , Tieli Hu  , Jianchun Zhang
Published: March 2010

A mathematical model of measuring transmittance of infrared (IR) radiation through fabric is presented here. Combined with a specially made blackbody, a Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectral radiometer was developed to measure the transmittances of polyester (PET) and cotton fabrics within the range of 8—14 µm at different ambient temperatures. The results showed that the influence of cover tightness on transmittance was much in evidence. For cotton fabric, the transmittance was less than 65 %, but for PET fabric, it was less than 75 %. As expected, IR radiation transmitted fabric easily, but it was limited to some extent. The hairiness in the fabric, especially those made of staple yarns, played an important role in the shading parts of IR radiation. The relationship between transmittance and cover tightness was very complicated for different fabrics (the exponential equation for cotton fabric, the linear function for polyester fabric). Similarly, the exponential relationship between transmittance and fabric thickness, the linear relationship between transmittance and area density could be obtained. The blackbody’s temperature did not have an effect on transmittance below 200 °C.
Micromechanical Tensile Model of Woven Fabric and Parameter Optimization for Fit with KES Data
Authors: Šomođi Željko , Rolich Tomislav , Hursa Anica , Pavlinić Daniela Zavec
Published: March 2010

Nonlinear tensile behavior of woven fabric is simulated using a simplified model of the basic cell in which tensile and bending resistances of the yarn are geometrically discretized. Geometry of the basic cell, which undergoes changes in the deformation process, is represented by the slope of the yarn. Geometric nonlinearity is accounted for by writing static equations in current configuration, and the corresponding nonlinear set of equations is solved incrementally. In order to compare the computed tensile curve with the one experimentally recorded in KES procedure of textile evaluation, residual deformation in unloading needs to be accounted for. This is done by introducing elastoplastic tensile response of the yarn into the nonlinear micromechanical model. In that way, the model covers both geometric and material nonlinearities in fabric deformation with a limited set of basic parameters. In order to refine the initial estimate of the parameters and make up for neglected secondary phenomena, the set of model parameters is optimized for best fit of computed and recorded tensile curves. The optimization is done using genetic algorithm. Very good accuracy is obtained, which seems promising for future engineering of woven fabrics.
Surface Modification of Polypropylene Non-woven Substrates by Padding with Antistatic Agents for Deposition of Polyvinyl Alcohol Nanofiber Webs by Electrospinning
Authors: Blanes M. , Marco B. , Gisbert M.J. , Bonet M.A. , Balart R.
Published: March 2010

In recent years, the electrospinning process has become one of the most interesting processes to obtain nanofiber webs with interesting properties for uses in a wide variety of industrial sectors such as filtration, chemical barriers, medical devices, etc., as a consequence of the relatively high surface-to-volume ratio. Among the wide variety of polymers, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) offers good advantages since it is water-soluble and this fact enables easy processing by electrospinning. There are many variables and parameters to be considered in order to optimize PVA nanofiber webs: some of them are related to the polymer solution, some others are related to the process, and some of them are related to the collector substrate. In this work a study on the effects of two different surface pre-treatments on a non-woven polypropylene substrate as a collector of PVA nanofiber webs has been carried out. In particular, a chemical treatment with anionic antistatics and a physical treatment with low-pressure plasma have been investigated. The effects of these pre-treatments on morphology of PVA nanofiber webs have been evaluated by scanning electron microscopy. Results show that surface resistivity is one of the main parameters influencing the web formation as well as the nature of the electric charge achieved by the pre-treatment. The plasma treatment promotes changes in surface resistivity but it is not enough for good web deposition. Chemical pre-treatment (padding) with anionic antistatic leads to a decrease in surface resistivity up to values in the 1 × 10 9— 1 × 1011 Ω which is enough for good nanofiber deposition.
Spontaneous Metastatic Angiosarcoma of the Tongue in a Wistar Rat
Authors: Pace V. , Wieczorek G. , Pace M. , Weber K. , Perentes E.
Published: March 2010

A primary angiosarcoma was found in the tongue of a six-week-old female Wistar rat, sacrificed for humane reasons during the course of a four-week toxicology study. At necropsy, a nodule protruding from the dorsal part of the tongue was found. The nodule displayed microscopically, irregularly shaped vascular spaces separated by collagenous stroma. The spindle-shaped endothelial cells showed pleomorphism, hyperchromatism, and low mitotic activity; large nuclei with one or more nucleoli were present. Multiple metastases were found in the lungs, and the morphology of the cells resembled that of the primary tumor. Immunohistochemically, the primary tumor and the lung metastases were positive for von Willebrand factor and vimentin. The diagnosis of tongue angiosarcoma metastasizing to the lungs was made on the basis of microscopic and immunohistochemical findings.
Evaluation of Possible Carcinogenic Risk to Humans Based on Liver Tumors in Rodent Assays
Authors: Cohen Samuel M.
Published: March 2010

The two-year rodent bioassay remains the mainstay for carcinogenicity testing, although numerous difficulties have been identified. Fundamentally, a chemical can increase the risk of cancer (1) by damaging DNA directly (DNA reactive) or (2) indirectly by increasing the number of DNA replications (non–DNA reactive). Mechanistic research has identified numerous precursor lesions in the sequence of key events necessary for neoplasia development. Based on these concepts, the author has proposed a short-term (thirteen-week) assay for screening for carcinogenic potential based on a mode of action analysis and on readily available, identifiable preneoplastic changes. A screening assay that detects all potential rodent hepatocarcinogens has been previously identified ( Toxicol Pathol32 [2004], 393–401) including increased liver weight, hepatocellular necrosis, hypertrophy, and cytomegaly. Labeling index for DNA replication might supply additional support. These markers have high sensitivity but low specificity. However, most chemicals can be appropriately classified as to their mode(s) of action for hepatocarcinogenesis with follow-up mechanistic studies, and a rational evaluation of their relevance to humans can be made. A similar process can be envisioned for other tissues for evaluation for carcinogenic potential.
Mission impossible?
Authors: Johnson Ian M.
Published: March 2010

National developmental needs and forms of assistance have changed, and may change again. How well equipped are the library and information science professions to advise on their role in national development? How effectively have Schools of Librarianship and Information Studies embraced national development as part of their mission?
Politics in the indigenization of library and information services: The way forward for East Africa
Authors: Magara Elisam
Published: March 2010

This paper puts forward a case for the indigenization of LIS in the East African region. The paper recognizes that the politics of LIS in East African Region is influenced by both the global developments, agendas and goals in LIS (including World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) and IFLA), and the political and socio-economic environment of the indigenous society. This article emphasizes the need for the LIS profession to redefine itself in addressing the global needs in a knowledge society. This requires international cooperation and networking and a well defined educational, research and development programme. For this to work within the East African economic and political blocks requires that a supportive environment is nurtured by the East African Community and the member countries.
Effect of Shortening Deformity of the Clavicle on Scapular Kinematics
Authors: Matsumura Noboru , Ikegami Hiroyasu , Nakamichi Noriaki , Nakamura Toshiyasu , Nagura Takeo , Imanishi Nobuaki , Aiso Sadakazu , Toyama Yoshiaki
Published: March 2010

Background

In some short malunion cases, midshaft clavicular fractures are reported to result in unsatisfactory clinical outcomes. Shortening deformity of the clavicle could change the anatomical alignment of the shoulder girdle and is surmised to affect shoulder kinematics on arm movements. Nevertheless, no report has ever referred to documented changes.

Hypothesis

Scapular motion will change with clavicular shortening in cadaveric models.

Study Design

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods

Twelve cadaveric shoulders were used, and sequential clavicular shortening by 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% from the original length was simulated in this study. The scapulothoracic motion during passive arm elevation in 3 planes was monitored using an electromagnetic tracking device. Differences in kinematics of the scapula between the 0% shortening models and the other 4 experimental groups were analyzed.

Results

During arm elevation, posterior tilting and external rotation of the scapula significantly decreased with ≥10% shortening of the clavicle. Decreased posterior tilting was found with a shorter clavicle and at higher positions of arm elevation in all planes and became obvious during coronal plane elevation. Upward rotation of the scapula did not change with shortening at any elevated arm positions.

Conclusion

The findings of this study clearly indicated that shortening of the clavicle affects the kinematics in the shoulder girdle.

Clinical Relevance

The results of this cadaveric study suggest that clavicular shortening of ≥10% affects scapular kinematics and might produce clinical symptoms.
Mechanical and Rheological Properties of PA6/ABS Blends - With and Without Short Glass Fiber
Authors: Arsad Agus , Rahmat Abdul Razak , Hassan Azman , Iskandar Shaipul Nizam
Published: March 2010

Polyamide-6 (PA6), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), and their blends are an important class of engineering thermoplastics that are widely used for electronic and automotive industries. Many efforts have been made to improve the properties of both pure components and the blends. It was for this reason that the mechanical and rheological properties of PA6/ABS blend systems compatibilized by acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene-maleic anhydride was studied. Short glass fiber was also used to enhance the compatibilized blends. The systems were prepared using a twin screw extruder. The specimens for mechanical test were molded using injection molding. The compatibilized blends showed higher mechanical properties compared to uncompatibilized blend. However, the impact strength reduced with the introduction of short glass fiber in the blends. The processing properties of the materials have been investigated using dynamic rheometer. The rheological measurements confirmed the increased in interaction between the blend components with the incorporation of compatibilizer. The incorporation of short glass fiber (SGF) into the compatibilized blends increased the storage and loss modulus as well as the viscosity of the blends.
Influence of Radiation Cross-linking and Nano-filler on the Flammability of Ethylene Vinyl Acetate and Low Density Polyethylene Blends for Wire and Cable Applications
Authors: Coudreuse A. , Noireaux P. , Noblat R. , Basfar A.
Published: March 2010

Magnesium hydroxide and huntite hydromagnesite were used in halogen free flame retardant (HFFR) compounds based on blends of ethylene vinyl acetate and low density polyethylene. The effect of both cross-linking with electron beam (EB) and the introduction of nano-filler on flammability were investigated. The developed compounds exhibited an improved oxidation induction temperature. A delay in the beginning of the decomposition of compounds was observed due to barrier effect as demonstrated by the cone calorimeter test. In addition, time to ignition increased with increase of irradiation dose and heat release rate was inhibited due to use of nano-fillers.
Unstable Celluloid
Authors: Hoek Lotte
Published: March 2010

This article tracks the exhibition of a single Bangladeshi action film through the cinema halls of different provincial towns in Bangladesh. The ethnographic case shows that film projection undermines the narrative coherence of a film by changing its form from one screening to the next. Unstable celluloid refers to such practices of including, excising or re-editing during the screening of a film. Audiences can urge such changes and once changed, a single film can gather many different audience responses, effectively creating unstable celluloid, or a de-standarized film product. On the basis of this case, I argue that the study of cinema audiences and film reception in South Asia needs to pay closer attention to the relationship between empirical audience and practices of exhibition.
Place, Space, and Representation
Authors: Jain Jyotindra
Published: March 2010

Building upon the notion that “space is a practiced place” and that spatial practices activate places, the article explores Indian pilgrimage maps and painted narrative panels of itinerant picture showmen as examples of portable geographies. It argues that these materials act as condensed and iconized places of pilgrimage activated in the case of maps by their worship and by audio-visual performance in the case of the painted narrative panels of Dev Narayan.

These visual forms are not merely imaginary or imaged representations of particular sacred places but are representations of a very specific type: akin to mobile shrines, they facilitate the translocation of ritual, symbolic and performative functions. When delineated as pilgrimage maps, picture showmen’s panels, or theater backdrops, sacred place and sacred space become iconized and transportable. In turn, they become vehicles for the imaginary transportation of audiences into their spatial form.
Case Studies of Hispanic Caregivers of Persons With Dementia: Reconciliation of Self
Authors: Simpson Cherie
Published: March 2010

An interpretive phenomenology perspective is used to explore the lived experience of two Hispanic caregivers and the phenomenon of mastery. The analysis showed how theses caregivers derive meaning of their experience through a process of reconciliation of self between the roles of parental caretaker, respectful daughter, and caregiver. This reconciliation of self is a form of mastery, and the process of reconciliation is grounded in cultural values of intergenerational reciprocity and familism. Nurses have the unique opportunity to support a caregiver in his or her interaction with the person with dementia. The implications for practice include the need for nurses to acknowledge, validate, and support caregiver’s experience of reconciling self as a form of health promotion.
Knowledge of Substance Abuse Among High School Students in Jordan
Authors: Haddad Linda , Shotar Ali , Umlauf Mary , Al-Zyoud Sukaina
Published: March 2010

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to explore the knowledge, attitude, and beliefs about substance abuse among Jordanian adolescents (aged 15-18 years). Design: A descriptive design was employed using a self-administrated questionnaire to collect the data from 400 high school students. Methods: A multistage, random sample was generated in selecting schools from the educational directorate located in a large urban city located in the north of Jordan.This city district contains 23 public secondary schools and serves 56.8% of the adolescents in the entire province. Results: The results revealed the following: Students of both sexes were knowledgeable about aspects of substance abuse, including its harmful effects on the body and society and reported that even occasional or frequent use of cigarettes, alcohol, and other drugs was extremely harmful. A majority of the students perceived substance abuse as a problem, although the older students were more acutely aware than the younger group. However, the results revealed that the students lack in-depth knowledge of substance abuse. In addition, the adolescents consistently refer to Islamic principles forbidding use of intoxicants but mistakenly presume that mosques are sources for assistance regarding substance abuse. Conclusions: Policy makers, health workers, and religious leaders must collaborate to build structured educational programs and readily accessible, evidence-based treatment programs for adolescents. Given that young people constitute the majority of the Jordanian population and that drug trafficking is prevalent in the region, the implications of prevention programs are critical to maintaining gains in public health outcomes as well as economic progress and development in Jordan.
Cancer Care Experiences and the Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine at End of Life in Nova Scotia’s Black Communities
Authors: Maddalena Victor J. , Bernard Wanda Thomas , Etowa Josephine , Murdoch Sharon Davis , Smith Donna , Marsh Jarvis Phyllis
Published: March 2010

Purpose: This qualitative study examines the meanings that African Canadians living in Nova Scotia, Canada, ascribe to their experiences with cancer, family caregiving, and their use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) at end of life. Design: Case study methodology using in-depth interviews were used to examine the experiences of caregivers of decedents who died from cancer in three families. Findings: For many African Canadians end of life is characterized by care provided by family and friends in the home setting, community involvement, a focus on spirituality, and an avoidance of institutionalized health services. Caregivers and their families experience multiple challenges (and multiple demands). There is evidence to suggest that the use of CAM and home remedies at end of life are common. Discussion: The delivery of palliative care to African Canadian families should consider and support their preference to provide end-of-life care in the home setting.
Metabolic Syndrome in African Americans: Views on Making Lifestyle Changes
Authors: Kirkendoll Kenya , Clark Patricia C. , Grossniklaus Daurice , Igho-Pemu Pricilla , Mullis Rebecca , Dunbar Sandra B.
Published: March 2010

This study explores African American adults’ understanding of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and their motivations for making lifestyle changes. African Americans have a greater risk for components of MetS, such as hypertension. Three focus groups were conducted with African American adults ( n = 11) with MetS. Content analysis revealed five themes: Threat of Poor Health, Building Trust With Providers, Gaining Social Support, Seeking Culturally Acceptable Alternatives, and Getting on Track and Staying on Track. Lifestyle interventions for African Americans with MetS need to focus on building trust, developing self-monitoring skills, social support, and identifying low-cost/convenient opportunities for physical activity.
Subethnic Differences in the Menopausal Symptom Experience of Asian American Midlife Women
Authors: Im Eun-Ok , Seung Hee Lee  , Chee Wonshik
Published: March 2010

Purpose: To compare the menopausal symptom experiences of subethnic groups of Asian American midlife women. Design: A cross-sectional study among 91 Asian American women online. Questions about background characteristics, ethnic identity, and health and menopausal status, and the Midlife Women’s Symptom Index were used. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings: The most frequently reported and the most severe symptoms differed by subethnicity. The total number of symptoms differed by subethnicity, as did total severity scores for the symptoms. Discussion, Conclusion, and Implications for Practice: Researchers and clinicians should be aware of subethnic differences.
Effect of Alloy Purity on Fracture Behavior of Overaged 7000 Alloy Plates
Authors: Cvijović Z. , Vratnica M. , Cvijović-Alagić I.
Published: March 2010

The article deals with the relations between microstructural parameters, microscopic fracture mechanisms, and resultant plane-strain fracture toughness, KIC, of hot-forged 7000 alloy plates in overaged condition. Three industrially produced alloys with the (Zn + Mg + Cu) content of ∼11.5 mass% and different contents of (Fe + Si) impurities (from 0.23 to 0.37 mass%) were used. The variation in alloy purity generated differences in the geometric characteristics of coarse intermetallic phase particles, exerting significant effect on fracture behavior of these alloys. To evaluate the fracture mechanism, characterization of the broken KIC test specimen surfaces was performed using scanning electron microscopy. Three micromechanisms governing fracture process were identified. The extent of primary voiding at coarse intermetallic phase particles increases systematically with the increase of (Fe + Si) level, whereas the extent of intergranular/transgranular fracture decreases. This observation was confirmed by a quantitative description of fractures by means of a profilometric method. It was found that morphological parameters of the fracture profiles clearly differentiate between different fracture modes and offer conclusive proof that coarse voiding at fractured intermetallic phase particles dominates fracture at low alloy purity. A higher fraction of coarse voiding is shown to result in an overall reduction of fracture toughness.
The Effect of Stiffness on Stress Intensity Factor for a Crack in Annular Disc Under Constant Central Torque
Authors: Sakhaee-Pour A. , Gowhari-Anaraki A.R. , Hardy S.J.
Published: March 2010

The finite element method has been used to predict the stress intensity factors for cracked annular discs under constant central torque. Linear elastic fracture mechanics finite element analyses have been performed and the results are demonstrated in the form of crack configuration factors. To this end, the extensive ranges of crack configuration factors have been employed while considering the effect of disc stiffness. Then, the finite element results are applied to develop equivalent prediction equations using a statistical multiple nonlinear regression model. The accuracy of this model is measured using a multiple coefficient of determination, R2, where 0 ≤ R2 ≤ 1. This coefficient is found to be greater than or equal to 0.98 for all cases considered in this study, demonstrating the quality of the model fit to the data.
Numerical Simulation of Multiple Cracking in ANSI 304 Stainless Steel Under Thermal Fatigue
Authors: Hai Qing  , Wei Yang  , Jian Lu
Published: March 2010

We simulate in this article for multiple cracking in ANSI 304 stainless steel under thermal fatigue loading, with the usage of a two-surfaces cyclic plastic model. The fatigue process of multiple cracks is studied, from crack nucleation to crack propagation. The simulation is performed in two steps. First, the crack nucleation is simulated. Monte-Carlo randomization is used to determine the size and the position of surface grains. A modified Jiang’s multiaxial fatigue damage model, in combination with linear damage accumulation law, is used to describe the damage of each grain on the specimen surface. Secondly, the growth behavior of short cracks and long cracks is simulated by using a generalized Paris’ law. The model presented in this study gives predictions in agreement with the experimental data in the depth direction.
Evolution of Localized Damage Zone in Heterogeneous Media
Authors: Hao Sheng-Wang , Xia Meng-Fen , Ke Fu-Jiu , Bai Yi-Long
Published: March 2010

Evolution of localized damage zone is a key to catastrophic rupture in heterogeneous materials. In the present article, the evolutions of strain fields of rock specimens are investigated experimentally. The observed evolution of fluctuations and autocorrelations of strain fields under uniaxial compression demonstrates that the localization of deformation always appears ahead of catastrophic rupture. In particular, the localization evolves pronouncedly with increasing deformation in the rock experiments. By means of the definition of the zone with high strain rate and likely damage localization, it is found that the size of the localized zone decreases from the sample size at peak load to an eventual value. Actually, the deformation field beyond peak load is bound to suffer bifurcation, namely an elastic unloading part and a continuing but localized damage part will co-exist in series in a specimen. To describe this continuous bifurcation and localization process observed in experiments, a model on continuum mechanics is developed. The model can explain why the decreasing width of localized zone can lead stable deformation to unstable, but it still has not provided the complete equations governing the evolution of the localized zone.
Surface Energy Effect on Damage Evolution in a Viscoelastic Nanocomposite
Authors: Chen Jian-Kang , Wang Wen-Cai , Huang Zhu-Ping
Published: March 2010

In this article, the surface energy effect on damage evolution in a linear viscoelastic material filled with second phase nano-particles is studied. Because of the difference in mechanical properties between the matrix material and second phase particles, the progressive debonding of particle—matrix interface may occur under high stress triaxiality, and hence the damage evolution may be described by the nucleation and growth of these debonded voids. In order to study the surface energy effect on this kind of damage evolution, an energy criterion of interfacial debonding under spherically symmetrical loading is proposed, and an expression of the growth of debonded voids in a viscoelastic matrix material is derived, in which the effect of surface tension is also taken into account. Thus, a macroscopic constitutive model of the considered nanocomposite is presented. It is shown that the overall mechanical properties of such a nanocomposite are size dependent, due to the existence of the surface/interface energy effect.
A Microstructure-Damage-Based Description for the Size Effect of the Constitutive Behavior of Pearlitic Steels
Authors: Peng X. , Pi W. , Fan J.
Published: March 2010

A microstructure-based description is proposed for the size effect of the elastoplastic behavior and damage of pearlitic steel. Pearlitic steel is composed of numerous randomly orientated colonies, and each colony is further composed of many fine lamellas of ferrite and cementite. Experiments showed that pearlitic steels with smaller interlamellar spacing possess better mechanical properties such as higher rupture strength, better ductility, longer fatigue life, and so on. The dependence of the mechanical properties of pearlitic steels on the interlamellar spacing during elastoplastic deformation is investigated with a microstructure-damage-based micro-macro approach. A unified evolution law is obtained for the damage corresponding to different patterns of microdefects in different phases by making use of the concepts of energy release rate and continuum damage mechanics. It is interesting that the damage evolution contains the interlamellar spacing as an explicit parameter. The constitutive and damage description for each phase is formulated by embedding the obtained damage and evolution in its elastoplastic model. The constitutive formulation for a single pearlitic colony is then derived based on its multiphase lamellar microstructure. Finally, the constitutive description for pearlitic steel is obtained with the Hill’s self-consistent scheme. The proposed model can easily account for the size effect of the multiphase materials with lamellar microstructure. The corresponding numerical algorithm is developed. The analytical results are in satisfactory agreement with the experimental ones, demonstrating the validity of the proposed approach.
Some Observations Regarding Stochasticity of Dynamic Response of 2D Disordered Brittle Lattices
Authors: Mastilovic S.
Published: March 2010

It had been long recognized that the tensile strength of brittle materials increases with increase of the loading rate. In the present article, a statistical approach to rupture of a disordered 2D triangular truss lattice consisting of fragile nonlinear springs is attempted in hope to elucidate some generic effects of structural and geometrical disorder on the tensile strength and the (stress-peak and post-peak) damage energy rates. The simulation results reveal increase of the mean and decrease of the standard deviation of the macroscopic tensile strength with increase of the structural and geometrical order till the ‘theoretical strength’ saturation. At the same time, the increase in lattice disorder results in increase of the mean and standard deviation of the stress-peak damage energy rate, followed by the decrease of the same in the softening regime.