bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Convective Activity over Africa and the Tropical Atlantic Inferred from 20 Years of Geostationary Meteosat Infrared Observations
Authors: Bennartz Ralf , Schroeder Marc
Published: July 2011

A 20-yr (1986–2005) time series of Meteosat Visible and Infrared Imager (MVIRI) geostationary infrared observations was used to study deep convection over Africa and the tropical Atlantic. The 20-yr time period is covered by six consecutive satellites (Meteosat-2–7). To correct for possible systematic differences between instruments on the different satellite platforms, a time series of Meteosat infrared observations over cloud-free ocean surfaces was compared to reanalysis-based radiative transfer results. Based on the comparison of simulations with observations, a homogenization was performed for the MVIRI infrared channel. The homogenized 20-yr dataset was then subjected to a tracking analysis for deep convection over Africa and the tropical Atlantic for the boreal summer months of July–September.

The mean state of convection as well as anomalies for high– and low–Sahel rainfall years were studied. Comparisons with the Global Precipitation Climatology Center’s (GPCC) rainfall estimates were performed for the Sahel region and interannual variability was evaluated comparing convection for the five driest and five wettest Sahel years. Results support earlier findings that precipitation in the Sahel region is strongly linked to the latitudinal position of the African Easterly Jet with deep convection being triggered more strongly if the jet is displaced northward. A relationship between the jet position and long-lived convective systems over the tropical Atlantic was found as well.
Geographical Dependence Observed in Blocking High Influence on the Stratospheric Variability through Enhancement and Suppression of Upward Planetary-Wave Propagation
Authors: Nishii Kazuaki , Nakamura Hisashi , Orsolini Yvan J.
Published: July 2011

Previous studies have suggested the importance of blocking high (BH) development for the occurrence of stratospheric sudden warming (SSW), while there is a recent study that failed to identify their statistical linkage. Through composite analysis applied to high-amplitude anticyclonic anomaly events observed around every grid point over the extratropical Northern Hemisphere, the present study reveals a distinct geographical dependence of BH influence on the upward propagation of planetary waves (PWs) into the stratosphere. Tropospheric BHs that develop over the Euro-Atlantic sector tend to enhance upward PW propagation, leading to the warming in the polar stratosphere and, in some cases, to major SSW events. In contrast, the upward PW propagation tends to be suppressed by BHs developing over the western Pacific and the Far East, resulting in the polar stratospheric cooling. This dependence is found to arise mainly from the sensitivity of the interference between the climatological PWs and upward-propagating Rossby wave packets emanating from BHs to their geographical locations. This study also reveals that whether a BH over the eastern Pacific and Alaska can enhance or reduce the upward PW propagation is case dependent. It is suggested that BHs that induce the stratospheric cooling can weaken the statistical relationship between BHs and SSWs.
Identities, Discipline and Routines
Authors: Brown Andrew D. , Lewis Michael A.
Published: July 2011

This paper analyses how people’s subjectively construed identities are disciplined by, and appropriated from, their talk about organizational routines. Identity work, we argue, is not just an expression of agency but also of power. Based on a study of a UK regional law firm, our research counter-balances understandings of professional lawyers as autonomous knowledge-workers, and emphasizes instead the extent of their subjection to disciplinary processes. It shows that power is intrinsic to discursive constructions of routine processes of organizing. We examine lawyers’ accounts of their time-keeping and billing routine, and how these both fabricated their identities, and how individuals said that they confronted, shifted and perverted organizationally sanctioned systems of meaning. The research contribution of this paper is to examine empirically and to theorize how discourse about routines both disciplines and is a resource for identity work.
Effect of early compensation of distal motor deficiency by the Chignon ankle-foot orthosis on gait in hemiplegic patients: a randomized pilot study
Authors: de Sèze Mathieu-Panchoa , Bonhomme Clément , Daviet Jean-Christophe , Burguete Emmanuel , Machat Hugues , Rousseaux Marc , Mazaux Jean Michel
Published: July 2011

Objective: To compare the effect of the Chignon ankle-foot orthosis on gait versus a standard ankle-foot orthosis.

Method: A multicentre randomized study was conducted in seven rehabilitation centres. Hemiplegic patients were recruited after unilateral stroke lasting less than six months. Exclusion criteria were: impossibility to stand for 10 seconds; ankle passive dorsiflexion <5 degrees with knee flexed to 90 degrees; triceps spasticity ≥3/4 on the Ashworth modified scale; diseases that might impair active participation in the study. Thirteen patients were randomized to the Chignon group and 15 to the control group. Included patients were given a standard ankle-foot orthosis or Chignon ankle-foot orthosis. The Chignon ankle-foot orthosis is an articulated double-stopped custom-made orthosis with elements to assist dorsiflexion and plantar flexion. Gait speed improvement (ten-metre test), kinematic assessment, and functional scales were assessed.

Results: Gain ratio of walking speed with the orthosis increased significantly more in the Chignon group than in the control group at day 0 (27.2  ±  36% versus −0.8  ±  17%; P = 0.006), day 30 (39.9  ±  19% versus 7.5  ±  17%; P = 0.0004) and day 90 (44.6  ±  27% versus 17.1  ±  0.3%; P = 0.04). There was also a significant improvement in kinematic parameters and spasticity in the Chignon group.

Conclusion: Early compensation of distal motor deficiency by the Chignon ankle-foot orthosis improves the immediate gait of hemiplegics more than the standard ankle-foot orthosis and seems to modify motor recovery processes in the legs after stroke.
Arrhythmias in the Coronary Care Unit
Authors: Badhwar Nitish , Kusumoto Fred , Goldschlager Nora
Published: July 2011

Symptomatic sustained cardiac arrhythmias are frequently observed in in the coronary care unit and often lead to hemodynamic compromise, especially in the presence of multisystem disease. The predominant arrhythmias noted in intensive care units are tachyarrhythmias, particularly atrial fibrillation and flutter, and ventricular tachycardia. Bradycardias, arguably less life-threatening than tachyarrhythmias, can arise from sinus node dysfunction or atrioventricular conduction block; transient vagally-mediated bradycardias are frequently encountered as well. Prompt diagnosis of the patient with tachycardia is critical as treatment depends on the accurate diagnosis of tachycardia mechanism. The electrocardiogram remains the most important diagnostic tool for the evaluation of both wide and narrow complex tachycardia. The electrocardiographic diagnosis of wide complex tachycardia is based on evaluation of atrioventricular relationship and QRS morphology while the diagnosis of narrow complex tachycardia is based on the location and morphology of P waves. It is important for critical care specialists to understand the principles of cardiac arrhythmia diagnosis and remain current with the recent advances in the pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic management of patients with arrhythmias.
Early Diagnosis and Evidence-Based Care of Surgical Sepsis
Authors: Moore Laura J. , Moore Frederick A.
Published: July 2011

Sepsis continues to be a common and serious problem among surgical patients. It is a leading cause of both morbidity and mortality in the perioperative period. The early identification of sepsis and the early implementation of evidence-based care can improve outcomes. This focused review will identify ways to improve the early identification of sepsis and discuss the current evidence-based guidelines for the early management of sepsis, severe sepsis, and septic shock in the surgical patients.
Chitosan-based thermosensitive hydrogel as a promising ocular drug delivery system: Preparation, characterization, and in vivo evaluation
Authors: Chen Xingwei , Li Xinru , Zhou Yanxia , Wang Xiaoning , Zhang Yanhui , Fan Yating , Huang Yanqing , Liu Yan
Published: July 2011

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of in situ thermosensitive hydrogel based on chitosan in combination with disodium α-d-Glucose 1-phosphate (DGP) for ocular drug delivery system. Aqueous solution of chitosan/DGP underwent sol–gel transition as temperature increased which was flowing sol at room temperature and then turned into non-flowing hydrogel at physiological temperature. The properties of gels were characterized regarding gelation time, gelation temperature, and morphology. The sol-to-gel phase transition behaviors were affected by the concentrations of chitosan, DGP and the model drug levocetirizine dihydrochloride (LD). The developed hydrogel presented a characteristic of a rapid release at the initial period followed by a sustained release and remarkably enhanced the cornea penetration of LD. The results of ocular irritation demonstrated the excellent ocular tolerance of the hydrogel. The ocular residence time for the hydrogel was significantly prolonged compared with eye drops. The drug-loaded hydrogel produced more effective anti-allergic conjunctivitis effects compared with LD aqueous solution. These results showed that the chitosan/DGP thermosensitive hydrogel could be used as an ideal ocular drug delivery system in terms of the suitable sol–gel transition temperature, mild pH environment in the hydrogel as well as the organic solvent free.
Measurement of the effects of the exhaust gas recirculation delay on the nitrogen oxide emissions within a turbocharged passenger car diesel engine
Authors: Peckham M S , Campbell B W , Finch A
Published: July 2011

Fast-response nitrogen oxide (NO x) and carbon dioxide (CO2) analysers have been used to study the effects of exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) delay within a modern diesel passenger car. These analysers have response times of the order of a few milliseconds, allowing the CO2 analyser to be used to study the effects of the EGR transit delay during engine transients and the effect of sudden EGR valve actuation during a drive cycle. The effect of the EGR system delays on the NO x emissions was measured with the fast-response NO x analyser. The results indicate that the EGR delay contributes to the sharp short-duration spikes of NO x.

Tests have also been carried out to identify the transient cylinder-to-cylinder EGR distribution by comparing the CO2 concentrations in the inlet ports, again using the fast-response CO2 analyser. The results of these tests show a variation between the CO2 concentrations in the intake ports, suggesting a poor EGR distribution under certain conditions.

Measurements have been recorded of the EGR in the intake port runner of just one of the engine’s cylinders and have been compared with the exhaust port NO x emissions. This provided some data on a cycle-by-cycle basis including the number of engine cycles required for the burned gas to complete the EGR circuit.
Impact of biofuel blends on the emissions of modern vehicles
Authors: Pelkmans L , Lenaers G , Bruyninx J , Scheepers K , De Vlieger I
Published: July 2011

Biodiesel and bio-ethanol are expected to be the most applied biofuels in Europe in the short- to mid-term, especially in blended form with diesel and gasoline, respectively. There is a clear need to see what impact this blending will have on emissions and fuel consumption of current vehicles. Public information on this topic is mostly based on older technology. Within the Belgian research project BIOSES, emission and fuel consumption tests were performed on recent types of vehicles running on various biodiesel–diesel blends for diesel vehicles, and bio-ethanol–gasoline blends for gasoline and flex-fuel vehicles. The vehicles were tested on a proving ground with on-board emission measurement equipment, following different test cycles, including the European test cycle (NEDC) and a real-traffic-based cycle (MOL30). The paper shows an overview and discussion of the test results.
Why is sad music pleasurable? A possible role for prolactin
Authors: Huron David
Published: July 2011

A hedonic theory of music and sadness is proposed. Some listeners report that nominally sad music genuinely makes them feel sad. It is suggested that, for these listeners, sad affect is evoked through a combination of empathetic responses to sad acoustic features, learned associations, and cognitive rumination. Among those listeners who report sad feelings, some report an accompanying positive affect, whereas others report the experience to be solely negative. Levels of the hormone prolactin increase when sad – producing a consoling psychological effect suggestive of a homeostatic function. It is proposed that variations in prolactin levels might account for the variability in individual hedonic responses. Specifically, it is conjectured that high prolactin concentrations are associated with pleasurable music-induced sadness, whereas low prolactin concentrations are associated with unpleasant music-induced sadness.
Emotional and psychophysiological responses to tempo, mode, and percussiveness
Authors: van der Zwaag Marjolein D. , Westerink Joyce H.D.M. , van den Broek Egon L.
Published: July 2011

People often listen to music to influence their emotional state. However, the specific musical characteristics which cause this process are not yet fully understood. We have investigated the influence of the musical characteristics of tempo, mode, and percussiveness on our emotions. In a quest towards ecologically valid results, 32 participants listened to 16 pop and 16 rock songs while conducting an office task. They rated experienced arousal, valence, and tension, while skin conductance and cardiovascular responses were recorded. An increase in tempo was found to lead to an increase in reported arousal and tension and a decrease in heart rate variability. More arousal was reported during minor than major mode songs. Level and frequency of skin conductance responses increased with an increase in percussiveness. Physiological responses revealed patterns that might not have been revealed by self-report. Interaction effects further suggest that musical characteristics interplay in modulating emotions. So, tempo, mode, and percussiveness indeed modulate our emotions and, consequently, can be used to direct emotions. Music presentation revealed subtly different results in a laboratory setting, where music was altered with breaks, from those in a more ecologically valid setting where continuous music was presented. All in all, this enhances our understanding of the influence of music on emotions and creates opportunities seamlessly to tap into listeners’ emotional state through their physiological responses.
Music and emotion
Authors: Lamont Alexandra , Eerola Tuomas
Published: July 2011

This special issue draws on a selection of papers presented at the inaugural International Conference on Music and Emotion in Durham in 2009, focusing on the scientific approach to understanding music and emotions. In this editorial we consider the current state of research into music and emotion, drawing comparisons with the earlier special issue of this journal published ten years ago and between the two edited collections which mark progress in this period. We consider issues of theory and methodology in relation to the wider field of psychology of music as illustrated by the papers in this volume and other recently published research, considering some of the barriers towards progress and some of the areas where new insights have been gained.
Measuring music-induced emotion
Authors: Vuoskoski Jonna K. , Eerola Tuomas
Published: July 2011

Most previous studies investigating music-induced emotions have applied emotion models developed in other fields to the domain of music. The aim of this study was to compare the applicability of music-specific and general emotion models – namely the Geneva Emotional Music Scale (GEMS), and the discrete and dimensional emotion models – in the assessment of music-induced emotions. A related aim was to explore the role of individual difference variables (such as personality and mood) in music-induced emotions, and to discover whether some emotion models reflect these individual differences more strongly than others. One hundred and forty-eight participants listened to 16 film music excerpts and rated the emotional responses evoked by the music excerpts. Intraclass correlations and Cronbach alphas revealed that the overall consistency of ratings was the highest in the case of the dimensional model. The dimensional model also outperformed the other two models in the discrimination of music excerpts, and principal component analysis revealed that 89.9% of the variance in the mean ratings of all the scales (in all three models) was accounted for by two principal components that could be labelled as valence and arousal. Personality-related differences were the most pronounced in the case of the discrete emotion model. Personality, mood, and the emotion model used were also associated with the intensity of experienced emotions. Implications for future music and emotion studies are raised concerning the selection of an appropriate emotion model when measuring music-induced emotions.
Valuing Professional Pride and Compensating for Lack of Experience
Authors: Sneltvedt Torild , Sørlie Venke
Published: July 2011

Newly educated nurses’ meeting with working life probably constitutes the most demanding period of their entire working career. This study aims to shed light on what leaders and colleagues can do to ensure newly educated nurses’ competency and retention. The design of this study uses a phenomenological approach with narrative interviews and text analysis. The results show that the newly educated nurse needs leaders and colleagues who take the right initiative with regard to receiving and incepting. They need help to clarify their professional role and to confirm their professional pride and commitment. Showing trust, providing competence time, and supporting the newly educated nurse’s initiative to increase his/her competence are all of vital importance during this period. The new generation nurses actively seek knowledge and generally possess good computer skills. They can therefore represent a major resource for the working environment. In exchange the newly educated nurse needs leaders and colleagues to share their experience with them and help them to develop professional standards. Leaders who encourage this exchange of experience and who make use of these differences in competence can create a sustainable nursing staff, and this will in turn promote recruitment and nurse retention.
An Exploratory Examination of Supervisor Undermining, Employee Involvement Climate, and the Effects on Customer Perceptions of Service Quality in Quick-Service Restaurants
Authors: Mathe Kimberly , Slevitch Lisa
Published: July 2011

Customer retention has become a continuous focus of service organizations and is especially salient in the quick-service restaurant industry due to the short time with the consumer. Restaurant employees being part of the product play imperative role in keeping customers happy and coming back. However, there is no complete understanding of factors that make employees perform their best and satisfy customers. The aim of this article is to explore how employee involvement climate, a construct composed of power, information, rewards and knowledge, and supervisor undermining are related to customer perceptions of service quality. Additionally, the interaction between employee involvement climate and supervisor undermining is tested. Results suggest that a significant interaction exists between these two constructs and are key predictors in increasing or decreasing customer perceptions of service quality.
Teacher Well-Being and the Implementation of School-Wide Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports
Authors: Ross Scott W. , Romer Natalie , Horner Robert H.
Published: July 2011

Teacher well-being has become a major issue in the United States with increasing diversity and demands across classrooms and schools. With this in mind, the current study analyzed the relationship between outcomes of teacher well-being, including burnout and efficacy, and the implementation of School-Wide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (SWPBIS). Using a multilevel regression approach, the surveys of 184 teachers across 40 elementary schools were analyzed at individual and school levels. Results indicated that teachers in schools implementing SWPBIS with fidelity had significantly lower levels of burnout and significantly higher levels of efficacy. In addition, an interaction effect implied that teachers benefited most from SWPBIS implementation in schools of low socioeconomic status. Limitations of the study are discussed and directions for future interventions and research are recommended.
Vibro-acoustic behavior of a multilayered viscoelastic sandwich plate under a thermal environment
Authors: Jeyaraj P. , Padmanabhan Chandramouli , Ganesan N.
Published: July 2011

This article presents numerical simulation studies on the vibration and acoustic response characteristics of a multilayered viscoelastic sandwich plate in a thermal environment. Initially the critical buckling temperature is obtained followed by free and forced vibration analyses considering the pre-stress due to the imposed thermal environment in the plate. The vibration response predicted is then used to compute the sound radiation. The critical buckling temperature and vibration response are obtained using finite element method while sound radiation characteristics are obtained using boundary element method. It is found that resonant amplitude of both the vibration and acoustic response decreases with increase in temperature. The influence of core thickness, number of layers, type of thermal field, and type of viscoelastic core material on vibration response sound radiation characteristics are studied in detail.
Social ecology of similarity
Authors: Bahns Angela J. , Pickett Kate M. , Crandall Christian S.
Published: July 2011

Social ecologies shape the way people initiate and maintain social relationships. Settings with much opportunity will lead to more fine-grained similarity among friends; less opportunity leads to less similarity. We compare two ecological contexts—a large, relatively diverse state university versus smaller colleges in the same state—to test the hypothesis that a larger pool of available friendship choices will lead to greater similarity within dyads. Participants in the large campus sample reported substantially more perceived ability to move in and out of relationships compared to participants in the small colleges sample. Dyads were significantly more similar on attitudes, beliefs, and health behaviors in the large campus than in the small colleges sample. Our findings reveal an irony—greater human diversity within an environment leads to less personal diversity within dyads. Local social ecologies create their own “cultures” that affect how human relationships are formed.
Hepatic and splenic trauma
Authors: Malaki Mo , Mangat Kamarjit
Published: July 2011

The spleen and liver are two organs commonly injured in various forms of abdominal trauma. Their relative size, relatively fixed positions, and abundant vascular supply make them prone both to injury and potential sources of catastrophic haemorrhage. With the evolution of computed tomography (CT), there has been a paradigm shift in the management of such injuries from operative to non-operative means. Advances in imaging techniques have also enabled clinicians to observe such patients for development of complications, and when appropriate, utilise the repertoire of interventional radiology techniques available. This review aims to summarise the epidemiology of splenic and hepatic trauma, the mechanisms of trauma and the classifications used in describing these injuries. The role of commonly used imaging modalities, namely ultrasound and CT, both in the acute setting and in observation of these patients for delayed complications is described, and finally a brief description of the current management strategies of such injuries is given.
Using Curriculum-Based Measurement To Monitor Kindergarteners’ Mathematics Development
Authors: Seethaler Pamela M. , Fuchs Lynn S.
Published: July 2011

The purpose of this study was to examine technical and instructional features of a kindergarten curriculum-based measurement (CBM) tool designed to track students’ mathematics progress in terms of computational concepts, procedures, and counting strategies. Students in 10 kindergarten classrooms in three elementary schools completed alternate forms of the CBM measure twice per month from January to May. Mathematics development was indexed on a standardized mathematics achievement test in May. Findings indicate strong reliability and validity of the CBM system, with coefficients exceeding .80 and .60, respectively. Technical features of the CBM system’s skills analysis suggest implications for teachers’ instructional decision-making.
Toward a more balanced pharmaceutical patent system for developing countries: some preliminary thoughts
Authors: Cárdenas T JL
Published: July 2011

This article seeks to overview some structural features of the pharmaceutical markets and pharmaceutical patent systems, which have a negative impact in terms of welfare outcomes (i.e. optimal level of pharmaceutical patent protection). It starts from the basic assumption that both innovation and health level are drivers of economic growth. By properly balancing incentives for innovation and access to affordable medicines, the combined (welfare) effect should be maximized. The dynamic interaction between patent seekers and patent challengers is critical this respect. The structural features of the pharmaceutical markets and pharmaceutical patent systems deter to a certain level patent challengers’ reaction against global patent strategies. We propose measures that could help to restore the pharmaceutical patent system’s ability to maximize welfare outcomes. It primarily focuses on pharmaceutical markets, pharmaceutical patent systems, and economies of developing countries.
On the use of uniformization to estimate transition probabilities in categorical condition data
Authors: Kallen M-J
Published: July 2011

Large groups of structures like bridges, pavements and sewer systems, are often inspected visually and their condition is quantified based on a discrete scale which results in categorical data. Markov chains have traditionally been used to model the uncertain rate at which these structures progress through such a condition scale. In order to determine optimal strategies for inspections and maintenance activities, these Markov chains must be fitted to the data obtained in the field. This paper presents details on how to implement the method of uniformization for the calculation of interval transition probabilities and their sensitivity towards model parameters. The primary benefit of uniformization is that it provides a robust and efficient method for use in maximum likelihood estimation of transition probabilities or intensities in Markov chains.
Maintenance policy on a finite time span for a gradually deteriorating system with imperfect improvements
Authors: Ponchet A , Fouladirad M , Grall A
Published: July 2011

The study deals with a gradually deteriorating system such as a large structure. This system is studied over a finite time span where the finite horizon can be seen, for example, as an insurance deadline which requires a specific maintenance policy. Maintenance actions are assumed to be imperfect in this work. An improvement function is used to model the impact of the maintenance on the degradation level of the system. The improvement function is based in the virtual age model ARA1. A maintenance policy is then proposed in which maintenance actions are systematically performed at given maintenance dates, if the system has not already failed. It is assumed that in the event of a failure the system is not repaired. The system is then unavailable until the finite horizon. The proposed maintenance policy is assessed on the finite time span, and both maintenance dates and the number of maintenance actions are optimized.
Selecting test sensitivity and specificity parameters to optimally maintain a degrading system
Authors: Maillart L M , Yeung T G , Gozde Icten Z
Published: July 2011

The formulation of a partially observed Markov decision process (POMDP) model to adaptively schedule testing, minimal repairs and overhauls for a two-state process with age-dependent degradation is presented. Structurally, the optimal maintenance policy is of control-limit type with respect to the repair and overhaul actions in both age and the probability of being out-of-control. A tailored solution algorithm is developed that iteratively determines an upper bound on the truncation age under the optimal policy. Numerical examples highlight the flexibility of the model, possible complexities of the optimal policy, and cost savings in comparison with less flexible models.
Frontline chemoimmunotherapy with fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, alemtuzumab, and rituximab for high-risk chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Parikh Sameer A. , Keating Michael J. , O'Brien Susan , Wang Xuemei , Ferrajoli Alessandra , Faderl Stefan , Burger Jan , Koller Charles , Estrov Zeev , Badoux Xavier , Lerner Susan , Wierda William G.
Published: July 2011

Frontline chemoimmunotherapy with fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, and rituximab (FCR) is associated with superior overall survival (OS) for patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Alemtuzumab (A) was added to FCR (CFAR) in a phase 2 trial for high-risk untreated patients < 70 years with serum β-2 microglobulin (β2M) ≥ 4 mg/L. Sixty patients were enrolled; median age was 59 years (range, 42-69); 75% were male; median β2M was 5.1 mg/L (range, 4-11.6); and 51% were Rai III-IV. Complete remission (CR) was achieved in 70%, partial remission (PR) in 18%, nodular PR in 3%, for an overall response of 92%. Of 14 patients with 17p deletion, CR was achieved by 8 (57%). Of 57 BM samples evaluated by 3-color flow cytometry at the end of treatment, 41 (72%) were negative for residual disease. Grade 3-4 neutropenia and thrombocytopenia occurred with 33% and 13% courses, respectively. The median progression-free survival was 38 months and median OS was not reached. In conclusion, CFAR is an active frontline regimen for high-risk CLL. Response rates and survival are comparable with historic high-risk FCR-treated patients. CFAR may be a useful frontline regimen to achieve CR in patients with 17p deletion before allogeneic stem cell transplantation.
TRPC1 transcript variants, inefficient nonsense-mediated decay and low up-frameshift-1 in vascular smooth muscle cells
Authors: Dedman Alexandra M , Majeed Yasser , Tumova Sarka , Zeng Fanning , Kumar Bhaskar , Munsch Christopher , Bateson Alan N , Wittmann Jürgen , Jäck Hans-Martin , Porter Karen E , Beech David J
Published: July 2011

Background

Transient Receptor Potential Canonical 1 (TRPC1) is a widely-expressed mammalian cationic channel with functional effects that include stimulation of cardiovascular remodelling. The initial aim of this study was to investigate variation in TRPC1-encoding gene transcripts.

Results

Extensive TRPC1 transcript alternative splicing was observed, with exons 2, 3 and 5-9 frequently omitted, leading to variants containing premature termination codons. Consistent with the predicted sensitivity of such variants to nonsense-mediated decay (NMD) the variants were increased by cycloheximide. However it was notable that control of the variants by NMD was prominent in human embryonic kidney 293 cells but not human vascular smooth muscle cells. The cellular difference was attributed in part to a critical protein in NMD, up-frameshift-1 (UPF1), which was found to have low abundance in the vascular cells. Rescue of UPF1 by expression of exogenous UPF1 was found to suppress vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation.

Conclusions

The data suggest: (i) extensive NMD-sensitive transcripts of TRPC1; (ii) inefficient clearance of aberrant transcripts and enhanced proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells in part because of low UPF1 expression.
Respiratory health effects and exposure to superabsorbent polymer and paper dust - an epidemiological study
Authors: Holm Mathias , Dahlman-Höglund Anna , Torén Kjell
Published: July 2011

Background

The primary aim of the present study was to investigate if exposure to dust from absorbent hygiene products containing superabsorbent polymer is related to symptoms from the airways and from the eyes. The secondary aim was to estimate the current exposure to superabsorbent polymer among production and maintenance workers in a plant producing hygiene products.

Methods

The cohort comprised 1043 workers of whom 689 were exposed to super absorbent polymer and 804 were exposed to paper dust (overlapping groups). There was 186 workers not exposed to either superabsorbent polymer or to paper dust They were investigated with a comprehensive questionnaire about exposure, asthma, rhinitis and symptoms from eyes and airways. The results were analyzed with logistic regression models adjusting for sex, age, atopy and smoking habits. An aerosol sampler equipped with a polytetrafluoroethylene filter with 1 μm pore size was used for personal samplings in order to measure inhalable dust and superabsorbent polymer.

Results

The prevalence of nasal crusts (OR 1.4, 95% CI 1.01-2.0) and nose-bleeding (OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.2-2.4) was increased among the paper dust exposed workers (adjusted for superabsorbent polymer exposure). There were no significant effects associated with exposure to superabsorbent polymer (adjusted for paper dust exposure). The average exposure to inhalable levels of total dust (paper dust) varied between 0.40 and 1.37 mg/m3. For superabsorbent polymer dust the average exposure varied between 0.02 and 0.81 mg/m3.

Conclusions

In conclusion, our study shows that workers manufacturing diapers in the hygiene industry have an increased prevalence of symptoms from the nose, especially nose-bleeding. There was no relation between exposure to superabsorbent polymer and symptoms from eyes, nose or respiratory tract, but exposure to paper dust was associated with nose-bleeding and nasal crusts. This group of workers had also a considerable exposure to superabsorbent polymer dust.
Simultaneous fabrication of line defects-embedded periodic lattice by topographically assisted holographic lithography
Authors: Choi Byung-Yeon , Pak Yusin , Kim Ki Seok , Lee Kwang-Ho , Jung Gun-Young
Published: July 2011

We have demonstrated simultaneous fabrication of designed defects within a periodic structure. For rapid fabrication of periodic structures incorporating nanoscale line-defects at large area, topographically assisted holographic lithography (TAHL) technique, combining the strength of hologram lithography and phase-shift interference, was proposed. Hot-embossing method generated the photoresist patterns with vertical side walls which enabled phase-shift mask effect at the edge of patterns. Embossing temperature and relief height were crucial parameters for the successful TAHL process. Periodic holes with a diameter of 600 nm at a 1 μm-pitch incorporating 250 nm wide line-defects were obtained simultaneously.
Intense ultraviolet emission from needle-like WO3 nanostructures synthesized by noncatalytic thermal evaporation
Authors: Park Sunghoon , Kim Hyunsu , Jin Changhyun , Lee Chongmu
Published: July 2011

Photoluminescence measurements showed that needle-like tungsten oxide nanostructures synthesized at 590°C to 750°C by the thermal evaporation of WO3 nanopowders without the use of a catalyst had an intense near-ultraviolet (NUV) emission band that was different from that of the tungsten oxide nanostructures obtained in other temperature ranges. The intense NUV emission might be due to the localized states associated with oxygen vacancies and surface states.
Genome-wide mapping of imprinted differentially methylated regions by DNA methylation profiling of human placentas from triploidies
Authors: Yuen Ryan KC , Jiang Ruby , Peñaherrera Maria S , McFadden Deborah E , Robinson Wendy P
Published: July 2011

Background

Genomic imprinting is an important epigenetic process involved in regulating placental and foetal growth. Imprinted genes are typically associated with differentially methylated regions (DMRs) whereby one of the two alleles is DNA methylated depending on the parent of origin. Identifying imprinted DMRs in humans is complicated by species- and tissue-specific differences in imprinting status and the presence of multiple regulatory regions associated with a particular gene, only some of which may be imprinted. In this study, we have taken advantage of the unbalanced parental genomic constitutions in triploidies to further characterize human DMRs associated with known imprinted genes and identify novel imprinted DMRs.

Results

By comparing the promoter methylation status of over 14,000 genes in human placentas from ten diandries (extra paternal haploid set) and ten digynies (extra maternal haploid set) and using 6 complete hydatidiform moles (paternal origin) and ten chromosomally normal placentas for comparison, we identified 62 genes with apparently imprinted DMRs (false discovery rate <0.1%). Of these 62 genes, 11 have been reported previously as DMRs that act as imprinting control regions, and the observed parental methylation patterns were concordant with those previously reported. We demonstrated that novel imprinted genes, such as FAM50B, as well as novel imprinted DMRs associated with known imprinted genes (for example, CDKN1C and RASGRF1) can be identified by using this approach. Furthermore, we have demonstrated how comparison of DNA methylation for known imprinted genes (for example, GNAS and CDKN1C) between placentas of different gestations and other somatic tissues (brain, kidney, muscle and blood) provides a detailed analysis of specific CpG sites associated with tissue-specific imprinting and gestational age-specific methylation.

Conclusions

DNA methylation profiling of triploidies in different tissues and developmental ages can be a powerful and effective way to map and characterize imprinted regions in the genome.
Role of TLR signaling inFrancisella tularensis-LPS-induced, antibody-mediated protection againstFrancisella tularensischallenge
Authors: Cole Leah E , Mann Barbara J , Shirey Kari Ann , Richard Katharina , Yang Yang , Gearhart Patricia J , Chesko Kirsty L , Viscardi Rose M , Vogel Stefanie N
Published: July 2011

Immunization with Ft-LPS provokes an antigen-specific, B-1a cell-derived antibody response that protects WT mice against an otherwise lethal challenge with Ft LVS. However, this same regimen offers limited protection to TLR2−/− mice, despite production of WT levels of anti-Ft-LPS antibodies. As Ft-LPS exhibits no TLR2 agonist activity, and macrophage-induced cytokine production in response to Ft LVS is overwhelmingly TLR2-dependent, we hypothesized that treatment of TLR2−/− mice with an alternative, MyD88-dependent TLR agonist would compensate for reduced recognition of Ft LVS in TLR2−/− mice and thereby, restore Ft-LPS-mediated protection. Administration of the nontoxic TLR4 agonist, synthetic Escherichia coli MPL, at the time of Ft-LPS immunization or Ft LVS challenge, fully protected TLR2−/− mice, whereas treatment of WT or TLR2−/− mice with MPL alone conferred partial protection. The TLR5 agonist, flagellin, also synergized with Ft-LPS to protect TLR2−/− mice from lethal Ft LVS challenge. In contrast to Ft LVS, Ft-LPS pretreatment failed to protect mice against i.n. challenge with Ft Schu S4, whereas MPL, administered in the absence or presence of Ft-LPS, conferred significant, albeit partial, protection. MPL treatment of macrophages increased the uptake of Ft LVS and decreased intracellular bacterial survival while shifting the macrophage-differentiation phenotype from “alternatively activated” to “classically activated”. Collectively, our data suggest that optimal, Ft-LPS-mediated protection against Ft LVS infection requires two discrete events, i.e., production of Ft-LPS-specific antibody, as well as TLR-mediated macrophage activation, to fully control Francisella infection.
Line of Escape: Gilles Deleuze's Encounter with George Jackson
Authors: Koerner Michelle
Published: July 2011

This article examines the use of George Jackson's prison letters in the philosophy of Gilles Deleuze and argues that the citations of Jackson in the books Deleuze wrote with Félix Guattari and Claire Parnet are best understood as an insinuation of the black radical tradition into French philosophy in the 1970s. Emphasizing the influence of Jackson's writing on the Deleuzian concept of a “line of flight,” this article aims to extend recent historical accounts of the circulation and translation of Soledad Brother in the 1970s (enabled by Jean Genet and the Prison Information Group). The article addresses the use of Jackson's letters as an example of Deleuze and Guattari's “diagrammatic” method of mapping connections between disparate political and intellectual traditions. Analyzing how, in Jackson's letters, running becomes both a figure of thought and a political concept, this article proposes that Deleuze's encounter with Jackson contributes to recent attempts to think the relation between blackness and fugitivity and demonstrates how such thinking challenges structuralist accounts of subjectivity associated with the Althusserian concept of ideology.
Orientation of hatchling loggerhead sea turtles to regional magnetic fields along a transoceanic migratory pathway
Authors: Fuxjager Matthew J. , Eastwood Brian S. , Lohmann Kenneth J.
Published: July 2011

Young loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) from the east coast of Florida, USA, undertake a transoceanic migration around the North Atlantic Gyre, the circular current system that flows around the Sargasso Sea. Previous experiments indicated that loggerhead hatchlings, when exposed to magnetic fields replicating those that exist at five widely separated locations along the migratory pathway, responded by swimming in directions that would, in each case, help turtles remain in the gyre and advance along the migratory route. In this study, hatchlings were exposed to several additional magnetic fields that exist along or outside of the gyre's northern boundary. Hatchlings responded to fields that exist within the gyre currents by swimming in directions consistent with their migratory route at each location, whereas turtles exposed to a field that exists north of the gyre had an orientation that was statistically indistinguishable from random. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that loggerhead turtles entering the sea for the first time possess a navigational system in which a series of regional magnetic fields sequentially trigger orientation responses that help steer turtles along the migratory route. By contrast, hatchlings may fail to respond to fields that exist in locations beyond the turtles' normal geographic range.
Dynamic Pricing of Limited Inventories When Customers Negotiate
Authors: Kuo Chia-Wei , Ahn Hyun-Soo , Aydın Göker
Published: July 2011

Although take-it-or-leave-it pricing is the main mode of operation for many retailers, a number of retailers discreetly allow price negotiation when some haggle-prone customers ask for a bargain. At these retailers, the posted price, which itself is subject to dynamic adjustments in response to the pace of sales during the selling season, serves two important roles: (i) it is the take-it-or-leave-it price to many customers who do not bargain, and (ii) it is the price from which haggle-prone customers negotiate down.

To effectively measure the benefit of dynamic pricing and negotiation in such a retail environment, one must take into account the interactions among inventory, dynamic pricing, and negotiation. The outcome of the negotiation (and the final price a customer pays) depends on the inventory level, the remaining selling season, the retailer's bargaining power, and the posted price.

We model the retailer's dynamic pricing problem as a dynamic program, where the revenues from both negotiation and posted pricing are embedded in each period. We characterize the optimal posted price and the resulting negotiation outcome as a function of inventory and time. We also show that negotiation is an effective tool to achieve price discrimination, particularly when the inventory level is high and/or the remaining selling season is short, even when implementing negotiation is costly.
Combination Vitamin D Therapy in Stage 5 Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Vondracek Sheryl F , Hoody Dorie W
Published: July 2011

Objective:

To review the data supporting combination therapy with vitamin D and vitamin D receptor activators (VDRAs) in patients with stage 5 chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Data Sources:

Literature was searched using PubMed and EMBASE using the terms kidney disease, kidney failure-chronic, and vitamin D. Limits applied included humans, adults (19 years or older), and clinical trials (and related), with publication dates between January 1, 1980, and May 16, 2011.

Study Selection and Data Extraction:

All English-language publications were analyzed for relevance. Studies appropriate to the objective were evaluated, including 3 prospective observational studies, 1 prospective cohort study, and 1 retrospective study.

Data Synthesis:

To our knowledge, there have been no randomized controlled trials evaluating the safety and efficacy of vitamin D supplementation in combination with VDRA therapy in patients with stage 5 CKD. Relatively small observational studies have demonstrated improvements in 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) concentrations and markers of mineral and bone metabolism as well as reduced VDRA use in patients with stage 5 CKD. Not all patients in these studies were receiving VDRA therapy. Therapy was safe, with no patients exceeding the recommended upper limit for 25-OHD concentrations and only a small percentage experiencing transient/correctable hypercalcemia.

Conclusions:

Vitamin D supplementation to maintain 25-OHD concentrations at 20-30 ng/mL or higher with or without VDRA therapy is inexpensive, appears safe, and may have additional health benefits in patients with stage 5 CKD, Well-designed, randomized controlled trials are needed to determine the efficacy and safety of combination vitamin D therapy in patients with stage 5 CKD.