bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of a High-Specific-Speed Centrifugal Compressor
Authors: Rodgers C.
Published: November 2011

This paper describes the development of a subscale single-stage centrifugal compressor with a dimensionless specific speed (Ns) of 1.8, originally designed for full-size application as a high volume flow, low pressure ratio, gas booster compressor. The specific stage is noteworthy in that it provides a benchmark representing the performance potential of very high-specific-speed compressors, of which limited information is found in the open literature. Stage and component test performance characteristics are presented together with traverse results at the impeller exit. Traverse test results were compared with recent CFD computational predictions for an exploratory analytical calibration of a very high-specific-speed impeller geometry. The tested subscale (0.583) compressor essentially satisfied design performance expectations with an overall stage efficiency of 74 percent including, excessive exit casing losses. It was estimated that stage efficiency could be increased to 81 percent with exit casing losses halved.
Bulk Flow Pulsations and Film Cooling: Flow Structure Just Downstream of the Holes
Authors: Ligrani P. M. , Gong R. , Cuthrell J. M.
Published: November 2011

Experimental results are presented that describe the effects of bulk flow pulsations on film cooling from a single row of simple angle film cooling holes. The pulsations are in the form of sinusoidal variations of static pressure and streamwise velocity. Such pulsations are important in turbine studies because: (i) Static pressure pulsations result in significant periodic variations of film cooling flow rates, coverage, and trajectories, and (ii) static pressure pulsations occur near blade surfaces in operating engines from potential flow interactions between moving blade rows and from families of passing shock waves. Distributions of ensemble-averaged and time-averaged Reynolds stress tensor components are investigated just downstream of the holes along with distributions of all three mean velocity components. Important changes are evident in all measured quantities. In particular, maximum Reynolds shear stresses −2u′υ′/u∞2 are lower in regions containing the largest film concentrations because the strong shear layer produced by the injectant is more three dimensional, larger in extent, and oscillates its position from the wall with time.
Combined Effect of Grid Turbulence and Unsteady Wake on Film Effectiveness and Heat Transfer Coefficient of a Gas Turbine Blade With Air and CO2 Film Injection
Authors: Ekkad S. V. , Mehendale A. B. , Han J. C. , Lee C. P.
Published: November 2011

Experiments were performed to study the combined effect of grid turbulence and unsteady wake on film effectiveness and heat transfer coefficient of a turbine blade model. Tests were done on a five-blade linear cascade at the chord Reynolds number of 3.0 × 105 at cascade inlet. Several combinations of turbulence grids, their locations, and unsteady wake strengths were used to generate various upstream turbulence conditions. The test blade had three rows of film holes in the leading edge region and two rows each on the pressure and suction surfaces. Air and CO2 were used as injectants. Results show that Nusselt numbers for a blade with film injection are much higher than that without film holes. An increase in mainstream turbulence level causes an increase in Nusselt numbers and a decrease in film effectiveness over most of the blade surface, for both density injectants, and at all blowing ratios. A free-stream turbulence superimposed on an unsteady wake significantly affects Nusselt numbers and film effectiveness compared with only an unsteady wake condition.
Experimental Investigation of Steady and Unsteady Flow Field Downstream of an Automotive Torque Converter Turbine and Inside the Stator: Part I—Flow at Exit of Turbine
Authors: Marathe B. V. , Lakshminarayana B. , Maddock D. G.
Published: November 2011

The objective of this investigation is to understand the steady and the unsteady flow field at the exit of an automotive torque converter turbine and inside the stator with a view toward improving its performance. The measurements were conducted in a stationary frame of reference using a high-frequency response five-hole probe, and the data were processed to derive the flow properties in the relative (turbine) frame of reference. The experimental data were processed in the frequency domain by spectrum analysis and in the temporal-spatial domain by ensemble averaging technique. The flow properties (e.g., pressure and velocity) were resolved into mean, periodic, aperiodic, and unresolved components. A velocity profile similar to that of a fully developed flow was observed at all radii. The periodic data in relative reference frame revealed a small separation zone near the suction surface in the core region. The rms values of the unresolved component were found to be significantly higher in this region. The secondary flow vectors show underturning, radially inward flow in the entire passage with a small region of overturning near the separation zone. The overall flow at the turbine exit was nearly two dimensional in nature except in the zone of flow separation. The unsteady flow data show that unresolved and aperiodic components dominate the unsteadiness in the pressure, whereas the periodic components dominate the unsteadiness in velocities and flow angles. Pressure and velocity fluctuations were moderate, whereas the flow angle fluctuations were found to be high. The overall flow at the exit of turbine was found to be highly unsteady.
Laser Velocimeter Measurements in the Turbine of an Automotive Torque Converter: Part I—Average Measurements
Authors: Brun K. , Flack R. D.
Published: November 2011

The three-dimensional average velocity field in an automotive torque converter turbine was examined. Two significantly different operating conditions of the torque converter were tested: the 0.065 and 0.800 turbine/pump speed ratio. Velocities were measured using a one-directional, frequency-shifted laser velocimeter. The instantaneous angular positions of the torque converter turbine and pump were recorded using digital shaft encoders. Shaft encoder information and velocities were correlated to generate average velocity blade-to-blade profiles and velocity vector plots. Measurements were taken in the inlet, quarter, mid, and exit planes of the turbine. From the experimental velocity measurements, mass flows, turbine output torque, average vorticities, viscous dissipation, inlet incidence flow angles, and exit flow angles were calculated. Average mass flows were 23.4 kg/s and 14.7 kg/s for the 0.065 and 0.800 speed ratios, respectively. Velocity vector plots for both turbine/pump speed ratios showed the flow field in the turbine quarter and midplanes to be highly nonuniform with separation regions and reversed flows at the core-suction corner. For the conditions tested, the turbine inlet flow was seen to have a high relative incidence angle, while the relative turbine exit flow angle was close to the blade angle.
HIV-1 Protease Inhibitors and Clinical Malaria: a Secondary Analysis of the AIDS Clinical Trials Group A5208 Study
Authors: Porter Kimberly A. , Cole Stephen R. , Eron Joseph J. , Zheng Yu , Hughes Michael D. , Lockman Shahin , Poole Charles , Skinner-Adams Tina S. , Hosseinipour Mina , Shaffer Doug , D'Amico Ronald , Sawe Frederick K. , Siika Abraham , Stringer Elizabeth , Currier Judith S. , Chipato Tsungai , Salata Robert , McCarthy James S. , Meshnick Steven R.
Published: November 2011

HIV-1 protease inhibitors (PIs) have antimalarial activity
in vitro
and in murine models. The potential beneficial effect of HIV-1 PIs on malaria has not been studied in clinical settings. We used data from Adult AIDS Clinical Trials Group A5208 sites where malaria is endemic to compare the incidence of clinically diagnosed malaria among HIV-infected adult women randomized to either lopinavir/ritonavir (LPV/r)-based antiretroviral therapy (ART) or to nevirapine (NVP)-based ART. We calculated hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals. We conducted a recurrent events analysis that included both first and second clinical malarial episodes and also conducted analyses to assess the sensitivity of results to outcome misclassification. Among the 445 women in this analysis, 137 (31%) received a clinical diagnosis of malaria at least once during follow-up. Of these 137, 72 (53%) were randomized to LPV/r-based ART. Assignment to the LPV/r treatment group (
n
= 226) was not consistent with a large decrease in the hazard of first clinical malarial episode (hazard ratio = 1.11 [0.79 to 1.56]). The results were similar in the recurrent events analysis. Sensitivity analyses indicated the results were robust to reasonable levels of outcome misclassification. In this study, the treatment with LPV/r compared to NVP had no apparent beneficial effect on the incidence of clinical malaria among HIV-infected adult women. Additional research concerning the effects of PI-based therapy on the incidence of malaria diagnosed by more specific criteria and among groups at a higher risk for severe disease is warranted.
Binding of the RamR Repressor to Wild-Type and Mutated Promoters of the
ramA
Gene Involved in Efflux-Mediated Multidrug Resistance in Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium
Authors: Baucheron Sylvie , Coste Franck , Canepa Sylvie , Maurel Marie-Christine , Giraud Etienne , Culard Françoise , Castaing Bertrand , Roussel Alain , Cloeckaert Axel
Published: November 2011

The transcriptional activator RamA is involved in multidrug resistance (MDR) by increasing expression of the AcrAB-TolC RND-type efflux system in several pathogenic
Enterobacteriaceae
. In
Salmonella enterica
serovar Typhimurium (
S.
Typhimurium),
ramA
expression is negatively regulated at the local level by RamR, a transcriptional repressor of the TetR family. We here studied the DNA-binding activity of the RamR repressor with the
ramA
promoter (P

ramA

). As determined by high-resolution footprinting, the 28-bp-long RamR binding site covers essential features of P

ramA

, including the −10 conserved region, the transcriptional start site of
ramA
, and two 7-bp inverted repeats. Based on the RamR footprint and on electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSAs), we propose that RamR interacts with P

ramA

as a dimer of dimers, in a fashion that is structurally similar to the QacR-DNA binding model. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) measurements indicated that RamR has a 3-fold-lower affinity (

K
D

[equilibrium dissociation constant] = 191 nM) for the 2-bp-deleted P

ramA

of an MDR
S.
Typhimurium clinical isolate than for the wild-type P

ramA

(

K
D

= 66 nM). These results confirm the direct regulatory role of RamR in the repression of
ramA
transcription and precisely define how an alteration of its binding site can give rise to an MDR phenotype.
Anidulafungin for Neonatal Hematogenous Candida Meningoencephalitis: Identification of Candidate Regimens for Humans Using a Translational Pharmacological Approach
Authors: Warn Peter A. , Livermore Joanne , Howard Susan , Felton Timothy W. , Sharp Andrew , Gregson Lea , Goodwin Joanne , Petraitiene Ruta , Petraitis Vidmantas , Cohen-Wolkowiez Michael , Walsh Thomas J. , Benjamin Daniel K. , Hope William W.
Published: November 2011

Hematogenous
Candida
meningoencephalitis (HCME) is a serious infection in premature neonates. Anidulafungin is an echinocandin antifungal agent with potent activity against
Candida
spp., but its efficacy and optimal regimens for human neonates with HCME are not known. A well-validated rabbit model of HCME was used to define pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PK-PD) relationships of anidulafungin. A mathematical model was fitted to the entire data set. The experimental data were bridged to humans. A population PK model was fitted to the data from human neonates receiving anidulafungin receiving a loading dose of 3 mg/kg, followed by 1.5 mg/kg/day. Monte Carlo simulations were performed to identify candidate anidulafungin regimens for humans. All untreated rabbits succumbed by ≤96 h postinoculation. The PK of anidulafungin was linear with dose-dependent penetration into the cerebrum. Anidulafungin exerted a rapid antifungal effect that was apparent in the first dosing interval. Near-maximal antifungal activity was observed with dosages of 10 to 20 mg/kg/day. The bridging studies suggested that the current regimen of first 3 mg/kg, followed by 1.5 mg/kg/day, is suboptimal. Higher dosages were associated with progressively greater antifungal effect. Anidulafungin is effective for the treatment of experimental HCME. Higher dosages than those currently used for clinical care are required for maximal antifungal effect.
An unusual stone circle, Chilcotin Range, British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Czajkowski Michael , Okulitch Andrew V.
Published: November 2011

A unique circular feature of uncertain origin lies above the tree line on the eastern flanks of the Coast Range of British Columbia, Canada. It is composed of white, fractured, angular cobbles to boulders predominantly under 1 m across, arrayed in a slightly flattened circle nearly 50 m in diameter with the ring mostly about 4 m in width. The felsic granitoid lithology of the circle is unlike any in the immediate region, and no clasts of this composition occur within the circle. The debris rests on soliflucted soil containing rounded pebbles to cobbles of granodiorite that forms the regional lithology. The age of the circle is deglacial with post-glacial modification. Given the absence of similar lithologic units in the region and no obvious symbolic purpose for such a feature, an anthropogenic origin for the circle is improbable. Mechanisms for transporting the foreign rock unit to its final location, distributing fragments into a circle, and preserving it include flow of alpine and fringing continental ice masses, deglaciation, freeze–thaw cycles, and post-glacial solifluction and erosion. One large slab was either entrained within or fell onto a flowing glacier from some unknown outcrop at least 2 km from the site of the circle. During deglaciation, the insulating cap preserved the ice beneath it forming an isolated stagnant mass of ice. Freeze–thaw cycles likely affected the slab when it was on the surface of the ice, but it remained coherent, otherwise glacial flow or meltwater streams might have scattered loose clasts. Once the ice became stagnant, continued freeze–thaw cycles eventually created a rubble pile, which slid off the presumably symmetrical mass of ice to become arranged in a roughly circular ring. Having lost its protective cover, the ice melted and subsequent solifluction slightly modified the ring.
Adrenarche and Puberty in Children with Classic Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia due to 21-Hydroxylase Deficiency
Authors: Völkl Thomas M.K. , Öhl Lisa , Rauh Manfred , Schöfl Christof , Dörr Helmuth G.
Published: November 2011

There have been only a few studies on adrenarche in girls with classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) showing that dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) levels did not rise at the physiological age of adrenarche. Objective: Longitudinal analysis of serum DHEAS levels and Tanner stages in CAH children. Design: We studied 98 CAH patients (52 females), aged between 1 month and 18.0 years. All patients had genetically proven classic CAH and received steroid substitution therapy. Results: Serum DHEAS levels did not differ between CAH children and healthy children from the age of 1 year until 5–6 years. Beginning at the age of 7–8 years, there was a continuous but blunted increase in DHEAS levels in CAH boys and girls compared to healthy children. There was no correlation of DHEAS levels with the genotype, glucocorticoid dosage, auxological data, or quality of metabolic control. Pubarche (PH2) as well as gonadarche (G2) and thelarche (B2) occurred significantly earlier in CAH boys and girls than in the reference group, but timing of menarche was normal. Conclusions: Pubarche and adrenarche are dissociated in classic CAH: earlier pubarche, gonadarche and thelarche, respectively, in both sexes contrast with the absence of typical adrenarche.
Mice With Cardiac Overexpression of Peroxisome Proliferator–Activated Receptor γ Have Impaired Repolarization and Spontaneous Fatal Ventricular Arrhythmias
Authors: Morrow John P. , Katchman Alexander , Son Ni-Huiping , Trent Chad M. , Khan Raffay , Shiomi Takayuki , Huang Haiyan , Amin Vaibhav , Lader Joshua M. , Vasquez Carolina , Morley Gregory E. , D'Armiento Jeanine , Homma Shunichi , Goldberg Ira J. , Marx Steven O.
Published: November 2011

Background—

Diabetes mellitus and obesity, which confer an increased risk of sudden cardiac death, are associated with cardiomyocyte lipid accumulation and altered cardiac electric properties, manifested by prolongation of the QRS duration and QT interval. It is difficult to distinguish the contribution of cardiomyocyte lipid accumulation from the contribution of global metabolic defects to the increased incidence of sudden death and electric abnormalities.

Methods and Results—

In order to study the effects of metabolic abnormalities on arrhythmias without the complex systemic effects of diabetes mellitus and obesity, we studied transgenic mice with cardiac-specific overexpression of peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor γ 1 (PPARγ1) via the cardiac α-myosin heavy-chain promoter. The PPARγ transgenic mice develop abnormal accumulation of intracellular lipids and die as young adults before any significant reduction in systolic function. Using implantable ECG telemeters, we found that these mice have prolongation of the QRS and QT intervals and spontaneous ventricular arrhythmias, including polymorphic ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation. Isolated cardiomyocytes demonstrated prolonged action potential duration caused by reduced expression and function of the potassium channels responsible for repolarization. Short-term exposure to pioglitazone, a PPARγ agonist, had no effect on mortality or rhythm in WT mice but further exacerbated the arrhythmic phenotype and increased the mortality in the PPARγ transgenic mice.

Conclusions—

Our findings support an important link between PPARγ activation, cardiomyocyte lipid accumulation, ion channel remodeling, and increased cardiac mortality.
Reconfiguring welfare states in the post-industrial age: What role for trade unions?
Authors: Schelkle Waltraud
Published: November 2011

This special issue identifies the forces which weaken or strengthen the role of unions in the reconfiguration of welfare states. The contributions cover a wide range of institutions in employment relations, different degrees of welfare state maturity and diverse social policy areas. This introduction argues that we may discern a pattern against the background of both an economic and a political role of trade unions and collective rights. Trade unions are not weakened or strengthened in any unilinear manner, but their economic and political roles evolve in different directions.
Cell type-dependent gene regulation by Staufen2 in conjunction with Upf1
Authors: Miki Takashi , Kamikawa Yasunao , Kurono Sadamu , Kaneko Yuka , Katahira Jun , Yoneda Yoshihiro
Published: November 2011

Background

Staufen2 (Stau2), a double-stranded RNA-binding protein, is a component of neuronal RNA granules, which are dendritic mRNA transport machines. Although Stau2 is thought to be involved in the dendritic targeting of several mRNAs in neurons, the mechanism whereby Stau2 regulates these mRNAs is unknown. To elucidate the functions of Stau2, we screened for novel binding partners by affinity purification of GST-tagged Stau2 from 293F cells.

Results

Three RNA helicases, RNA helicase A, Upf1 and Mov10, were identified in Stau2-containing complexes. We focused our studies on Upf1, a key player in nonsense-mediated mRNA decay. Stau2 was found to bind directly to Upf1 in an RNA-independent manner in vitro. Tethering Stau2 to the 3'-untranslated region (UTR) of a reporter gene had little effect on its expression in HeLa cells. In contrast, when the same tethering assay was performed in 293F cells, we observed an increase in reporter protein levels. This upregulation of protein expression by Stau2 turned out to be dependent on Upf1. Moreover, we found that in 293F cells, Stau2 upregulates the reporter mRNA level in an Upf1-independent manner.

Conclusions

These results indicate that the recruitment of Stau2 alone or in combination with Upf1 differentially affects the fate of mRNAs. Moreover, the results suggest that Stau2-mediated fate determination could be executed in a cell type-specific manner.
Multiallelic epistatic model for an out-bred cross and mapping algorithm of interactive quantitative trait loci
Authors: Tong Chunfa , Zhang Bo , Wang Zhong , Xu Meng , Pang Xiaoming , Si Jingna , Huang Minren , Wu Rongling
Published: November 2011

Background

Genetic mapping has proven to be powerful for studying the genetic architecture of complex traits by characterizing a network of the underlying interacting quantitative trait loci (QTLs). Current statistical models for genetic mapping were mostly founded on the biallelic epistasis of QTLs, incapable of analyzing multiallelic QTLs and their interactions that are widespread in an outcrossing population.

Results

Here we have formulated a general framework to model and define the epistasis between multiallelic QTLs. Based on this framework, we have derived a statistical algorithm for the estimation and test of multiallelic epistasis between different QTLs in a full-sib family of outcrossing species. We used this algorithm to genomewide scan for the distribution of mul-tiallelic epistasis for a rooting ability trait in an outbred cross derived from two heterozygous poplar trees. The results from simulation studies indicate that the positions and effects of multiallelic QTLs can well be estimated with a modest sample and heritability.

Conclusions

The model and algorithm developed provide a useful tool for better characterizing the genetic control of complex traits in a heterozygous family derived from outcrossing species, such as forest trees, and thus fill a gap that occurs in genetic mapping of this group of important but underrepresented species.
Selective targeted delivery of the TNF-alpha receptor p75 and uteroglobin to the vasculature of inflamed tissues: a preliminary report
Authors: Ventura Elisa , Balza Enrica , Borsi Laura , Tutolo Giorgia , Carnemolla Barbara , Castellani Patrizia , Zardi Luciano
Published: November 2011

Background

Ligand-targeted approaches have proven successful in improving the therapeutic index of a number of drugs. We hypothesized that the specific targeting of TNF-alpha antagonists to inflamed tissues could increase drug efficacy and reduce side effects.

Results

Using uteroglobin (UG), a potent anti-inflammatory protein, as a scaffold, we prepared a bispecific tetravalent molecule consisting of the extracellular ligand-binding portion of the human TNF-alpha receptor P75 (TNFRII) and the scFv L19. L19 binds to the ED-B containing fibronectin isoform (B-FN), which is expressed only during angiogenesis processes and during tissue remodeling. B-FN has also been demonstrated in the pannus in rheumatoid arthritis. L19-UG-TNFRII is a stable, soluble homodimeric protein that maintains the activities of both moieties: the immuno-reactivity of L19 and the capability of TNFRII to inhibit TNF-alpha. In vivo bio-distribution studies demonstrated that the molecule selectively accumulated on B-FN containing tissues, showing a very fast clearance from the blood but a very long residence time on B-FN containing tissues. Despite the very fast clearance from the blood, this fusion protein was able to significantly improve the severe symptomatology of arthritis in collagen antibody-induced arthritis (CAIA) mouse model.

Conclusions

The recombinant protein described here, able to selectively deliver the TNF-alpha antagonist TNFRII to inflamed tissues, could yield important contributions for the therapy of degenerative inflammatory diseases.
Hypercholesterolemia promotes early renal dysfunction in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice
Authors: Balarini Camille M , Oliveira Mariana ZT , Pereira Thiago MC , Silva Nyam F , Vasquez Elisardo C , Meyrelles Silvana S , Gava Agata L
Published: November 2011

Background

Aging and dyslipidemia are processes which can lead to deleterious consequences to renal function. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the effects of both hypercholesterolemia and aging on renal function in mice.

Methods

Male hypercholesterolemic apolipoprotein E-deficient mice (ApoE, n = 13) and age-matched C57BL/6 control mice (C57, n = 15) were studied at 2 (young) and 8 (adult) month-old. At each time point, animals were placed in metabolic cages for 24 hours to urine volume and urinary creatinine quantification. Blood samples were collected for serum cholesterol, urea and creatinine measurements. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was estimated through creatinine clearance determination. Mesangial expansion was evaluated by Periodic Acid Schiff staining, renal fibrosis was determined through Masson's trichrome staining and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) expression in the kidney was performed by Western Blotting. To statistical analysis two-way ANOVA followed by Fisher's post hoc test was used.

Results

Total plasma cholesterol was increased about 5-fold in ApoE mice at both time points compared to C57 animals. At 2-month-old, GFR was already markedly reduced in ApoE compared to C57 mice (187 ± 28 vs 358 ± 92 μL/min, p < 0.05). Adult C57 (-77%) and ApoE (-50%) mice also presented a significant reduction of GFR. In addition, serum urea was significantly increased in young ApoE animals compared to C57 mice (11 ± 1.3 vs 7 ± 0.9 mmol/L, p < 0.01). A significant mesangial expansion was observed at 2-month old ApoE mice compared to C57 mice (35 ± 0.6 vs 30 ± 0.9%, respectively, p < 0.05), which was aggravated at 8-month old animals (40 ± 3 and 35 ± 3%, respectively). Tubulointersticial fibrosis was augmented at both young (17 ± 2%, p < 0.05) and adult (20 ± 1%, p < 0.05) ApoE mice compared to respective C57 age controls (8 ± 1 and 12 ± 2%, respectively). The expression of nNOS was markedly reduced in a time-dependent manner in both strains.

Conclusions

These data show that both hypercholesterolemia and aging contribute to the loss of renal function in mice.
Effect of route of delivery on heterologous protection against HCV induced by an adenovirus vector carrying HCV structural genes
Authors: Guan Jie , Wen Bo , Deng Yao , Zhang Ke , Chen Hong , Wu Xiaobing , Ruan Li , Tan Wenjie
Published: November 2011

Background

An effective vaccine and new therapeutic methods for hepatitis C virus (HCV) are needed, and a potent HCV vaccine must induce robust and sustained cellular-mediated immunity (CMI). Research has indicated that adenoviral and vaccinia vectors may have the ability to elicit strong B and T cell immune responses to target antigens.

Results

A recombinant replication-defective adenovirus serotype 5 (rAd5) vector, rAd5-CE1E2, and a recombinant Tian Tan vaccinia vector, rTTV-CE1E2, were constructed to express the HCV CE1E2 gene (1-746 amino acid HCV 1b subtype). Mice were prime-immunised with rAd5-CE1E2 delivered via intramuscular injection (i.m.), intranasal injection (i.n.), or intradermal injection (i.d.) and boosted using a different combination of injection routes. CMI was evaluated via IFN-γ ELISPOT and ICS 2 weeks after immunisation, or 16 weeks after boost for long-term responses. The humoral response was analysed by ELISA. With the exception of priming by i.n. injection, a robust CMI response against multiple HCV antigens (core, E1, E2) was elicited and remained at a high level for a long period (16 weeks post-vaccination) in mice. However, i.n. priming elicited the highest anti-core antibody levels. Priming with i.d. rAd5-CE1E2 and boosting with i.d. rTTV-CE1E2 carried out simultaneously enhanced CMI and the humoral immune response, compared to the homologous rAd5-CE1E2 immune groups. All regimens demonstrated equivalent cross-protective potency in a heterologous surrogate challenge assay based on a recombinant HCV (JFH1, 2a) vaccinia virus.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that a rAd5-CE1E2-based HCV vaccine would be capable of eliciting an effective immune response and cross-protection. These findings have important implications for the development of T cell-based HCV vaccine candidates.
Pilose antler polypeptides promote chondrocyte proliferation via the tyrosine kinase signaling pathway
Authors: Lin Jian-Hua , Deng Ling-Xiao , Wu Zhao-Yang , Chen Lei , Zhang Li
Published: November 2011

Background

Pilose antler polypeptides (PAP) have been reported to promote chondrocyte proliferation. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. The present study was to investigate the effects of PAP on the proliferation of chondrocytes and its underlying mechanism.

Methods

Chondrocytes isolated from the knee of Zealand white rabbits were cultured. The second generation chondrocytes were collected and identified using safranin-O staining. The chondrocytes were divided into the following 4 groups including serum-free, PAP, genistein (an inhibitor of tyrosine kinases), and PAP plus genistein group. Cell viability was analyzed using the MTT assay. The cell cycle distribution of the chondrocytes was analyzed by flow cytometry. The expression levels of cyclin A was detected using immunocytochemical staining.

Results

No significant difference was observed between serum-free and genistein group. Treatment of the cultures with PAP produced a significant dose-dependent increase in cell viability, the percentage proportion of chondrocytes in the S phase and Cyclin A expression as well. However, the promoting effect of PAP on chondrocyte proliferation were dose-dependently inhibited by genistein, whereas genistein alone had no effect on proliferation of isolated chondrocytes.

Conclusions

The data demonstrate that PAP promotes chondrocyte proliferation with the increased cell number, percentage proportion of chondrocytes in S phase and expression of protein cyclin A via the TK signaling pathway.
Perceptions of environmental changes and Lethargic crab disease among crab harvesters in a Brazilian coastal community
Authors: Firmo Angélica MS , Tognella Mônica MP , Có Walter LO , Barboza Raynner RD , Alves Rômulo RN
Published: November 2011

Background

Lethargic Crab Disease (LCD) has caused significant mortalities in the population of Ucides cordatus crabs in the Mucuri estuary in Bahia State, Brazil, and has brought social and economic problems to many crab-harvesting communities that depend on this natural resource. The present work examined the perceptions of members of a Brazilian crab harvesting community concerning environmental changes and the Lethargic Crab Disease.

Methods

Field work was undertaken during the period between January and April/2009, with weekly or biweekly field excursions during which open and semi-structured interviews were held with local residents in the municipality of Mucuri, Bahia State, Brazil. A total of 23 individuals were interviewed, all of whom had at least 20 years of crab-collecting experience in the study region. Key-informants (more experienced crab harvesters) were selected among the interviewees using the "native specialist" criterion.

Results

According to the collectors, LCD reached the Mucuri mangroves between 2004 and 2005, decimating almost all crab population in the area, and in 2007, 2008 and 2009 high mortalities of U. cordatus were again observed as a result of recurrences of this disease in the region. In addition to LCD, crabs were also suffering great stock reductions due to habitat degradation caused by deforestation, landfills, sewage effluents, domestic and industrial wastes and the introduction of exotic fish in the Mucuri River estuary. The harvesting community was found to have significant ecological knowledge about the functioning of mangrove swamp ecology, the biology of crabs, and the mass mortality that directly affected the economy of this community, and this information was largely in accordance with scientific knowledge.

Conclusions

The study of traditional knowledge makes it possible to better understand human interactions with the environment and aids in the elaboration of appropriate strategies for natural resource conservation.
Association screening for genes with multiple potentially rare variants: an inverse-probability weighted clustering approach
Authors: Liu Ying , Huang Chien Hsun , Hu Inchi , Lo Shaw-Hwa , Zheng Tian
Published: November 2011

Both common variants and rare variants are involved in the etiology of most complex diseases in humans. Developments in sequencing technology have led to the identification of a high density of rare variant single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on the genome, each of which affects only at most 1% of the population. Genotypes derived from these SNPs allow one to study the involvement of rare variants in common human disorders. Here, we propose an association screening approach that treats genes as units of analysis. SNPs within a gene are used to create partitions of individuals, and inverse-probability weighting is used to overweight genotypic differences observed on rare variants. Association between a phenotype trait and the constructed partition is then evaluated. We consider three association tests (one-way ANOVA, chi-square test, and the partition retention method) and compare these strategies using the simulated data from the Genetic Analysis Workshop 17. Several genes that contain causal SNPs were identified by the proposed method as top genes.
A weighted accumulation test for associating rare genetic variation with quantitative phenotypes
Authors: Xing Chuanhua , Satten Glen A , Allen Andrew S
Published: November 2011

Currently there is a great deal of interest in developing methods for testing the role that rare variation plays in disease development. Here we propose a weighted association test that accumulates genetic variation across a signaling pathway. We evaluate our approach by analyzing simulated phenotype data from an exome sequencing study of 697 unrelated individuals from the Genetic Analysis Workshop 17 (GAW17) data set. Although our weighted approach identifies several interesting pathways associated with phenotype Q1, so does an alternative unweighted accumulation approach. Such a result is not unexpected because there is no systematic relationship between the allele frequency of a variant and its effect on phenotype in the GAW17 simulation model.
Evaluation of association tests for rare variants using simulated data sets in the Genetic Analysis Workshop 17 data
Authors: Chen Wenan , Gao Xi , Wang Jiexun , Sun Chuanyu , Wan Wen , Zhi Degui , Liu Nianjun , Chen Xiangning , Gao Guimin
Published: November 2011

We evaluate four association tests for rare variants—the combined multivariate and collapsing (CMC) method, two weighted-sum methods, and a variable threshold method—by applying them to the simulated data sets of unrelated individuals in the Genetic Analysis Workshop 17 (GAW17) data. The family-wise error rate (FWER) and average power are used as criteria for evaluation. Our results show that when all nonsynonymous SNPs (rare variants and common variants) in a gene are jointly analyzed, the CMC method fails to control the FWER; when only rare variants (single-nucleotide polymorphisms with minor allele frequency less than 0.05) are analyzed, all four methods can control FWER well. All four methods have comparable power, which is low for the analysis of the GAW17 data sets. Three of the methods (not including the CMC method) involve estimation of p-values using permutation procedures that either can be computationally intensive or generate inflated FWERs. We adapt a fast permutation procedure into these three methods. The results show that using the fast permutation procedure can produce FWERs and average powers close to the values obtained from the standard permutation procedure on the GAW17 data sets. The standard permutation procedure is computationally intensive.
Impact of Body Mass Index on Survival After Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis: The Cancer Prevention Study-II Nutrition Cohort
Authors: Campbell Peter T. , Newton Christina C. , Dehal Ahmed N. , Jacobs Eric J. , Patel Alpa V. , Gapstur Susan M.
Published: November 2011

Purpose

The impact of body mass index (BMI) on survival after colorectal cancer diagnosis is poorly understood. This study assessed the association of pre- and postdiagnosis BMI with all-cause and cause-specific survival among men and women diagnosed with colorectal cancer in a prospective cohort.

Patients and Methods

Participants in the Cancer Prevention Study-II Nutrition Cohort reported weight and other risk factor information via a self-administered questionnaire at baseline in 1992 to 1993. Updated information on current weight and incident cancer was reported via periodic follow-up questionnaires. This analysis includes 2,303 cohort participants who were diagnosed with nonmetastatic colorectal cancer between baseline and mid 2007 and were observed for mortality from diagnosis through December 2008.

Results

A total of 851 participants with colorectal cancer died during the 16-year follow-up period, including 380 as a result of colorectal cancer and 153 as a result of cardiovascular disease (CVD). In analyses of prediagnosis BMI (weight reported at baseline in 1992 to 1993; mean, 7 years before colorectal cancer diagnosis), obese BMI (≥ 30 kg/m2) relative to normal BMI (18.5 to 24.9 kg/m2) was associated with higher risk of mortality resulting from all causes (relative risk [RR], 1.30; 95% CI, 1.06 to 1.58), colorectal cancer (RR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.01 to 1.80), and CVD (RR, 1.68; 95% CI, 1.07 to 2.65). Postdiagnosis BMI (based on weight reported; mean, 1.5 years after diagnosis) was not associated with all-cause or cause-specific mortality.

Conclusion

This study suggests that prediagnosis BMI, but not postdiagnosis BMI, is an important predictor of survival among patients with nonmetastatic colorectal cancer.
Predicting the service life of buildings and components
Authors: Cole Ivan , Corrigan Penny
Published: November 2011

The prediction of the service life of buildings and engineered structures is complex. Such predictions are usually carried out on a component-by-component basis, but must incorporate variations in component design, material type, usage and environment. Extensive databases of life prediction are required to cover the vast number of components/environments/usage combinations that exist in buildings or engineered structures. This study investigated the diverse methods used to model the life of components in structures, including data mining of maintenance and service records, expert opinion surveys (Delphi surveys), multiscale process modelling, and sensing. These methods were analysed in terms of the issues identified above and their applicability to meet the differing uses of life prediction data. Detailed case studies are presented and the strengths and weaknesses of the methods are analysed with respect to the final uses of life prediction.
Historical arch bridges in Hamedan province, Iran
Authors: Makarchian Masoud , Khodaverdian Alireza
Published: November 2011

Iran, one of the oldest countries in the world, is home to a number of historic arch bridges. Hamedan was the kingdom’s first capital city and contains monuments, buildings and bridges of great cultural heritage. Arch bridges in Hamedan province date from some 400 years ago. Despite natural disasters such as earthquakes and floods, some of these bridges exist and are still used today. This paper describes some of the most important masonry arch bridges in the province. Related information about their engineering history, construction method, materials, foundations, cut waters and geometric data is also presented. The paper introduces the Iranian mortar called ‘sarooj’, which contains innovative components and is diverse in variety and applications. Interesting aspects of cut waters resulting from the integrity of ancient Iranian designers’ knowledge are also mentioned. The paper also indicates the rehabilitation and repair programmes that have been carried out to safeguard these valuable historical bridges against failure.
Eurocode reduction factors for U-profile sheet pile walls
Authors: Bourne-Webb Peter J. , Potts David M. , Rowbottom David
Published: November 2011

The standard BS EN 1993: Part 5 Steel piling (Eurocode 3) requires that in-plane bending effects and reduced modulus action (RMA) be considered where appropriate in the ultimate limit state (ULS) design of steel sheet pile (SSP) walls. Appropriate reduction factors are defined on a country by country basis in a national annex to the Eurocode. However, there are contradictory experiences in practice both between countries and with respect to experimental and theoretical evidence for such effects. Without challenging the actual values suggested for use, in this paper a simplified approach is used to assess the impact of section modulus and inertia reduction factors on the available section resistance and bending moments likely to be mobilised in the wall system. This assessment has been undertaken by comparing moment demand curves, generated from a suite of numerical analyses, with structural curves derived from a set of generic SSP sections, to which section modulus and inertia reduction factors, recommended by the Eurocode, have been applied. It is concluded that the effects of moment reduction due to wall system flexibility effects may, in many instances, either completely or partially compensate for reductions in moment resistance due to RMA or in-plane bending, although this will lead to the safety margin with respect to structural ULSs becoming ill defined. It is considered inappropriate to apply the modulus reduction factors in isolation, due to the strong interaction between wall system flexibility and the bending moment mobilised in SSP retaining walls.
Effect of pilot hole diameter and tapping on insertion torque and axial pullout strength of 4.0-mm cancellous bone screws
Authors: Kunkel Kevin A. R. , Suber Jonathan T. , Gerard Patrick D. , Kowaleski Michael P.
Published: November 2011

Objective—To evaluate the effects of pilot hole diameter and tapping on insertion torque and axial pullout strength of 4.0-mm cancellous bone screws in a synthetic canine cancellous bone substitute.

Sample—75 synthetic cancellous bone blocks (15 blocks/group).

Procedures—For groups 1 through 5, screw size-pilot hole diameter combinations were 3.5–2.5 mm (cortical screws), 4.0–2.5 mm, 4.0–2.5 mm, 4.0–2.0 mm, and 4.0–2.0 mm, respectively. Holes were tapped in groups 1, 2, and 4 only (tap diameter, 3.5, 4.0, and 4.0 mm, respectively). One 70-mm-long screw was inserted into each block; in a servohydraulic materials testing machine, the screw was extracted (rate, 5 mm/min) until failure. Mean group values of maximum insertion torque, axial pullout strength, yield strength, and stiffness were determined.

Results—Mean maximum insertion torque differed significantly among the 5 groups; the group 5 value was greatest, followed by group 3, 4, 2, and 1 values. Group 3, 4, and 5 axial pullout strengths were similar and significantly greater than the group 2 value; all values were significantly greater than that for group 1. Group 5 and 4 yield strengths were similar and significantly greater than the group 3, 2, and 1 values. Stiffness in group 3 was similar to group 4 and 2 values but significantly greater than the group 5 value; all values were significantly greater than that for group 1.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—These synthetic cancellous bone model findings suggested that tapping a 2.0-mm-diameter pilot hole when placing a 4.0-mm screw is the optimal insertion technique.
Recombination luminescence of CaSO4:Tb3+ and CaSO4:Gd3+phosphors
Authors: Kudryavtseva Irina , Lushchik Aleksandr , Maaroos Aarne , Azmaganbetova Zhannur , Nurakhmetov Turlybek , Salikhoja Zhussupbek
Published: November 2011

A comparative study of the excitation of luminescence by VUV radiation as well as of thermally and photostimulated luminescence has been carried out for CaSO4:Tb3+ and CaSO4:Gd3+ phosphors, where Na+ or F− ions are used for charge compensation. The distinction in hole processes for the phosphors with Na+ or F− compensators is determined by the differing thermal stability of the holes localized at/near Tb3+Na+ and Gd3+Na+ (up to 100–160 K) or at/near Tb3+F−
V
Ca and Gd3+F−
V
Ca centers involving also a cation vacancy (up to 400–550 K). Tunnel luminescence in the pairs of localized electrons and holes nearby Tb3+ or Gd3+ has been detected. The mechanisms of electron-hole, hole-electron and tunnel recombination luminescence as well as a subsequent released energy transfer to RE3+ ions are considered.
Information Theory of Networks
Authors: Dehmer Matthias
Published: November 2011

The paper puts the emphasis on surveying information-theoretic network measures for analyzing the structure of networks. In order to apply the quantities interdisciplinarily, we also discuss some of their properties such as their structural interpretation and uniqueness.
Pacific Islanders in New Zealand
Authors: Bedford Richard
Published: November 2011

Les Océaniens en Nouvelle-Zélande.

Cet article fait suite à un autre précédemment paru en français (l'Espace Géographique, 1986/3). Il analyse les développements récents de l'immigration océanienne des îles en Nouvelle-Zélande. Les changements survenus au cours de la période 1986-1994 tant dans les îles de départ (coup d'Etat militaire à Fiji en 1987) qu'en Nouvelle-Zélande (restructuration économique, contrôle plus sévère qu'auparavant de l'immigration) ont modifié les flux en quantité et en direction. Plus nombreux sont désormais les Polynésiens qui se dirigent vers l'Australie et les Etats-Unis, y compris ceux qui s'étaient installés en Nouvelle-Zélande.
Comment analyser les statistiques du système de soins dans les Pays en voie de développement ?
Authors: Fenech Carine
Published: November 2011

How Can We Analyse the Health Care System Statistics in the Developing Countries ?

Access to and analysis of data available in health care systems in Developing Countries present many methodological problems in Geography. This paper attempts to develop a critical method of the use of that kind of data. The method mainly consists in building, comparing and spatializing indicators, standardized or not. Two perspectives of the implications of this method are discussed : one in Public Health, the other in Epidemiology. It is illustrated through the case of malaria diagnosed in Togo in 1 to 4 year-old boys,
Corée du Nord : particularisme socio-économique, parallélisme démographique avec le Sud.
Authors: Larivière Jean-Pierre
Published: November 2011

North Korea : Socio-Economie Characteristics, Demographic Parallels with the South.

The two states of the Korean peninsula have similarities in their demographic evolution.The North, where the drop in fertility arrived later and was weaker, is, today, like the South, well advanced in the second phase of its demographic transition. Indeed, North Korea, with some characteristics linked to its political and economic organization, has experienced a profound social change. Its development into a largely city-and-industry-based society has prompted the demographic transformation.