bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Vibrotactile “On-Thigh” Alerting System in the Cockpit
Authors: Salzer Yael , Oron-Gilad Tal , Ronen Adi , Parmet Yisrael 
Published: April 2011

Background: Alerts in the cockpit must be robust, difficult to ignore, and easily recognized. Tactile alerts can provide means to direct the pilot’s attention in the already visual-auditory overloaded cockpit environment. Objective: This research examined the thigh as a placement for vibrotactile display in the cockpit. The authors (a) report initial findings concerning the loci and properties of the display, (b) evaluate the added value of tactile cuing with respect to the existing audio-visual alerting system, and (c) address the issue of tactile orienting—whether the cue should display “flight” or “fight” orienting. The tactor display prototype was developed by a joint venture of Israel Aerospace Industries, Lahav Division, and the Ben Gurion University of the Negev (patent pending 11/968,405). Method: A vibrotactile display mounted on the thigh provided directional cues in the vertical plane. Two vibrotactile display modes (eight and four tactors) and two response modes (compatible, i.e., fight [toward vibrotactile cue], and inverse, i.e., flight [away from vibrotactile cue]) were evaluated. Results: Vertical directional orienting can be achieved by a vibrotactile display assembled on the thigh. The four-tactor display mode and the compatible response mode produced more accurate results. Conclusion: Tactile cues can provide directional orienting in the vertical plane. The benefit of adding compatible tactile cues compared with visual and auditory cues alone has yet to be reinforced. Nevertheless, fight mode, that is, directing the way to escape from hazardous situations, was preferred. Application: Potential applications include providing directional collision alerts within the vertical plane, assisting pilot’s elevation control, or navigation.
Meta-analysis of cultural differences in Western and Asian patient-perceived barriers to managing cancer pain
Authors: Chen Chen Hsiu , Tang Siew Tzuh , Chen Chien Hao 
Published: April 2011

Purpose: barriers to managing cancer pain contribute to cancer patients’ reluctance to report pain and use prescribed analgesics, resulting in inadequate pain control. Patients’ perceived barriers to managing cancer pain may be influenced by culture. This meta-analysis compared differences in Western and Asian patient-perceived barriers to managing cancer pain. Methods: the literature was systematically reviewed to compare pain barriers in Western and Asian cancer patients in 22 studies that used Ward’s Barrier Questionnaire. Differences in weighted barrier scores were compared by meta-regression analysis. Results: Asian cancer patients had higher barrier scores than Western patients, except for barriers of ‘good patient’, ‘side effects’, ‘distract physician’, ‘fear of injections’, and ‘addiction’. Meta-regression analysis indicated that Asian patients’ perceived pain barriers differed significantly from those of Western patients for disease progression (weighted mean difference [WMD] = 1.32; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.80, 1.84, p < 0.0001), tolerance (WMD = 1.63; 95% CI 0.91, 2.36, p < 0.0001), fatalism (WMD = 0.89; 95% CI 0.28, 1.52, p = 0.004), and total score (WMD = 0.82; 95% CI 0.36, 1.28, p < 0.0001). Conclusion: Asian patients’ perceived barriers to managing cancer pain were significantly higher than those for Western patients (especially for concerns about disease progression, tolerance, and fatalism). Asian cancer patients need to be assessed and carefully treated for perceived barriers to optimize cancer pain management.
Optimization of the volumetric accuracy of high-speed computer numerical control milling with dynamic quality characteristics
Authors: Chen F-C , Tzeng Y-F 
Published: April 2011

This paper used the Taguchi robust method to develop an optimized high-speed computer numerical control (CNC) milling technique that can be used for multi-geometrical shapes. The designed shapes studied included the three basic geometries of rectangle, circle and triangle as the distinct characteristics of the workpiece. To increase the robustness of the manufacturing process, the experiment was designed to consider also the effect of manufacturing noises and to compound them as two extreme conditions for assessing the quality characteristics of the workpiece. The experimental results revealed that, under the ideal function model of volume versus volume, the optimum set of design parameters for the high-speed CNC milling process can reduce the manufacturing variation by 81.97 per cent. In other words, the manufacturing accuracy was improved 5.55 times, a substantial improvement to the robustness of the process. Further, by analysing the variance, it was shown that experimental errors accounted for only 0.0204 per cent. The experiment showed that a good selection and combination of control and noise factors could result in high robustness of the experimental results.
Special issue on freight: Part 2
Authors: Schmid Felix 
Published: April 2011

Most railways in the world (at least in terms of route km) are concerned primarily with the carriage of freight. Freight railways can make a substantial contribution to the welfare of society by allowing the efficient and effective movement of goods over long distances with minimal impact on the environment. This role of the rail mode should not be neglected even though passenger services dominate main line railway operations in some European countries (e.g. Britain) and in parts of Asia (e.g. Japan), especially in urban areas. In the Editorial to Part 1 of the Special Issue on Freight ( Proceedings Part F, 1999, 213(F4)) the author dwelt briefly on the problems facing the operators of rail-based transport in freight markets world-wide. The market share of the rail mode has been declining world-wide since the 1960s, perhaps with the exception of long-haul freight in the United States and China, and to some extent in Russia. Poor reliability, punctuality and extended transit times are some of the reasons for this decline. There are encouraging signs of a recovery in some areas, largely, however, because of reduced performance of rail's main competitors. Railways must re-establish themselves as the carrier of choice by the adoption of better technologies and the development of new operational approaches. The present issue of the Journal of Rail and Rapid Transit is therefore focused on solutions for the challenges facing freight railways. A brief overview of the current state of railways in Europe and an assessment of the most important drivers for change and conditions for success may serve as an introduction to Part 2 of the Special Issue on Freight.
Simulation of power plant transients with artificial neural networks: Application to an existing combined cycle
Authors: Fantozzi F , Desideri U 
Published: April 2011

To maintain the high performance of gas-turbine-based combined cycles, transients must be properly taken into account in the design phase and efficiently monitored in the operational phase, because they are not negligible time intervals. The use of artificial intelligence techniques such as expert systems, fuzzy sets and neural networks (NNs), coupled with advanced measurement and monitoring devices, can provide a reliable and efficient monitoring system. An existing two-pressure-level combined cycle has been simulated by dividing its simplified model into blocks representative of the main elements. An NN is associated with each of these blocks. Once the training and testing of the NN are complete, using data from a simulator, the blocks are put either in a cascade arrangement or in a parallel arrangement, providing reliable systems that can predict the load-change transient behaviour of the entire plant. The parallel approach was then tested on data from the real plant. The excessive simplification introduced with the simulator required the addition of selected real cases to the training set that are able to fit the NN response to reality. The results obtained are encouraging for use in an on-line monitoring system which evaluates the difference between the measured data and the predicted data.
Integrin β7-mediated regulation of multiple myeloma cell adhesion, migration, and invasion
Authors: Neri Paola , Ren Li , Azab Abdel Kareem , Brentnall Matthew , Gratton Kathy , Klimowicz Alexander C. , Lin Charles , Duggan Peter , Tassone Pierfrancesco , Mansoor Adnan , Stewart Douglas A. , Boise Lawrence H. , Ghobrial Irene M. , Bahlis Nizar J. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractIntegrin-β7 (ITGB7) mRNA is detected in multiple myeloma (MM) cells and its presence is correlated with MAF gene activation. Although the involvement of several integrin family members in MM-stoma cell interaction is well documented, the specific biologic functions regulated by integrin-β7 in MM are largely unknown. Clinically, we have correlated integrin-β7 expression in MM with poor survival outcomes post autologous stem cell transplantation and postsalvage therapy with bortezomib. Functionally, we have found that shRNA-mediated silencing of ITGB7 reduces MM-cell adhesion to extra-cellular matrix elements (fibronectin, E-cadherin) and reverses cell-adhesion–mediated drug resistance (CAM-DR) sensitizing them to bortezomib and melphalan. In addition, ITGB7 silencing abrogated MM-cell transwell migration in response to SDF1α gradients, reduced vessel density in xenografted tumors, and altered MM cells in vivo homing into the BM. Mechanistically, ITGB7 knockdown inhibited focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and Src phosphorylation, Rac1 activation, and SUMOylation, reduced VEGF production in MM–BM stem cell cocultures and attenuated p65-NF-κB activity. Our findings support a role for integrin-β7 in MM-cell adhesion, migration, and BM homing, and pave the way for a novel therapeutic approach targeting this molecule.
NFIL3/E4BP4 is a key transcription factor for CD8α+ dendritic cell development
Authors: Kashiwada Masaki , Pham Nhat-Long L. , Pewe Lecia L. , Harty John T. , Rothman Paul B. 
Published: April 2011

Abstract
Antigen presentation by mature dendritic cells (DCs) is the first step for initiating adaptive immune responses. DCs are composed of heterogeneous functional subsets; however, the molecular mechanisms that regulate differentiation of specific DC subsets are not understood. Here, we report that the basic leucine zipper transcription factor NFIL3/E4BP4 is essential for the development of CD8α+ conventional DCs (cDCs). Nfil3−/− mice specifically lack CD8α+ cDCs but not CD8α− cDCs or plasmacytoid DCs in lymphoid tissues. Flt3 ligand–dependent generation of CD8α+ cDCs in lymphoid tissues and CD8α+-equivalent cDCs from Nfil3−/− bone marrow cells was also impaired. NFIL3 regulates CD8α+ cDC development in part through Batf3 expression. Importantly, Nfil3−/− mice exhibited impaired cross-priming of CD8+ T cells against cell-associated antigen, a process normally performed by CD8α+ cDCs, and failed to produce IL-12 after TLR3 stimulation. Thus, NFIL3 plays an essential role in the development of CD8α+ cDCs.
Regulation of membrane-cytoskeletal interactions by tyrosine phosphorylation of erythrocyte band 3
Authors: Ferru Emanuela , Giger Katie , Pantaleo Antonella , Campanella Estela , Grey Jesse , Ritchie Ken , Vono Rosa , Turrini Francesco , Low Philip S. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractThe cytoplasmic domain of band 3 serves as a center of erythrocyte membrane organization and constitutes the major substrate of erythrocyte tyrosine kinases. Tyrosine phosphorylation of band 3 is induced by several physiologic stimuli, including malaria parasite invasion, cell shrinkage, normal cell aging, and oxidant stress (thalassemias, sickle cell disease, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, etc). In an effort to characterize the biologic sequelae of band 3 tyrosine phosphorylation, we looked for changes in the polypeptide's function that accompany its phosphorylation. We report that tyrosine phosphorylation promotes dissociation of band 3 from the spectrin-actin skeleton as evidenced by: (1) a decrease in ankyrin affinity in direct binding studies, (2) an increase in detergent extractability of band 3 from ghosts, (3) a rise in band 3 cross-linkability by bis-sulfosuccinimidyl-suberate, (4) significant changes in erythrocyte morphology, and (5) elevation of the rate of band 3 diffusion in intact cells. Because release of band 3 from its ankyrin and adducin linkages to the cytoskeleton can facilitate changes in multiple membrane properties, tyrosine phosphorylation of band 3 is argued to enable adaptive changes in erythrocyte biology that permit the cell to respond to the above stresses.
Adrenomedullin in inflammatory process associated with experimental pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Di Paola Rosanna , Talero Elena , Galuppo Maria , Mazzon Emanuela , Bramanti Placido , Motilva Virginia , Cuzzocrea Salvatore 
Published: April 2011

Abstract

Background
Adrenomedullin (AM), a 52-amino acid ringed-structure peptide with C-terminal amidation, was originally isolated from human pheochromocytoma. AM are widely distributed in various tissues and acts as a local vasoactive hormone in various conditions.

Methods
In the present study, we investigated the efficacy of AM on the animal model of bleomycin (BLM)-induced lung injury. Mice were subjected to intratracheal administration of BLM and were assigned to receive AM daily by an intraperitoneal injection of 200 ngr/kg.

Results and Discussion
Myeloperoxidase activity, lung histology, immunohistochemical analyses for cytokines and adhesion molecules expression, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), nitrotyrosine, and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) were performed one week after fibrosis induction. Lung histology and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) were performed 14 and 21 days after treatments. After bleomycin administration, AM-treated mice exhibited a reduced degree of lung damage and inflammation compared with BLM-treated mice, as shown by the reduction of (1) myeloperoxidase activity (MPO), (2) cytokines and adhesion molecules expression, (3) nitric oxide synthase expression, (4) the nitration of tyrosine residues, (5) poly (ADP-ribose) (PAR) formation, a product of the nuclear enzyme poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) (6) transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) (7)and the degree of lung injury.

Conclusions
Our results indicate that AM administration is able to prevent bleomycin induced lung injury through the down regulation of proinflammatory factors.
Alterations in PTEN and PIK3CA in colorectal cancers in the EPIC Norfolk study: associations with clinicopathological and dietary factors
Authors: Naguib Adam , Cooke James C , Happerfield Lisa , Kerr Lucy , Gay Laura J , Luben Robert N , Ball Richard Y , Mitrou Panagiota N , McTaggart Alison , Arends Mark J 
Published: April 2011

Abstract

Background
The PTEN tumour suppressor gene and PIK3CA proto-oncogene encode proteins which contribute to regulation and propagation of signal transduction through the PI3K/AKT signalling pathway. This study investigates the prevalence of loss of PTEN expression and mutations in both PTEN and PIK3CA in colorectal cancers (CRC) and their associations with tumour clinicopathological features, lifestyle factors and dietary consumptions.

Methods
186 adenocarcinomas and 16 adenomas from the EPIC Norfolk study were tested for PTEN and PIK3CA mutations by DNA sequencing and PTEN expression changes by immunohistochemistry. Dietary and lifestyle data were collected prospectively using seven day food diaries and lifestyle questionnaires.

Results
Mutations in exons 7 and 8 of PTEN were observed in 2.2% of CRC and PTEN loss of expression was identified in 34.9% CRC. Negative PTEN expression was associated with lower blood low-density lipoprotein concentrations (p = 0.05). PIK3CA mutations were observed in 7% of cancers and were more frequent in CRCs in females (p = 0.04). Analysis of dietary intakes demonstrated no link between PTEN expression status and any specific dietary factor. PTEN expression negative, proximal CRC were of more advanced Dukes' stage (p = 0.02) and poor differentiation (p < 0.01). Testing of the prevalence of PIK3CA mutations and loss of PTEN expression demonstrated that these two events were independent (p = 0.55).

Conclusion
These data demonstrated the frequent occurrence (34.9%) of PTEN loss of expression in colorectal cancers, for which gene mutations do not appear to be the main cause. Furthermore, dietary factors are not associated with loss of PTEN expression. PTEN expression negative CRC were not homogenous, as proximal cancers were associated with a more advanced Dukes' stage and poor differentiation, whereas distal cancers were associated with earlier Dukes' stage.
Altering α-dystroglycan receptor affinity of LCMV pseudotyped lentivirus yields unique cell and tissue tropism
Authors: Dylla Douglas E , Xie Litao , Michele Daniel E , Kunz Stefan , McCray Paul B 
Published: April 2011

Abstract

Background
The envelope glycoprotein of lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) can efficiently pseudotype lentiviral vectors. Some strains of LCMV exploit high affinity interactions with α-dystroglycan (α-DG) to bind to cell surfaces and subsequently fuse in low pH endosomes. LCMV strains with low α-DG affinity utilize an unknown receptor and display unique tissue tropisms. We pseudotyped non-primate feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) vectors using LCMV derived glycoproteins with high or low affinity to α-DG and evaluated their properties in vitro and in vivo.

Methods
We pseudotyped FIV with the LCMV WE54 strain envelope glycoprotein and also engineered a point mutation in the WE54 envelope glycoprotein (L260F) to diminish α-DG affinity and direct binding to alternate receptors. We hypothesized that this change would alter in vivo tissue tropism and enhance gene transfer to neonatal animals.

Results
In mice, hepatic α- and β-DG expression was greatest at the late gestational and neonatal time points. When displayed on the surface of the FIV lentivirus the WE54 L260F mutant glycoprotein bound weakly to immobilized α-DG. Additionally, LCMV WE54 pseudotyped FIV vector transduction was neutralized by pre-incubation with soluble α-DG, while the mutant glycoprotein pseudotyped vector was not. In vivo gene transfer in adult mice with either envelope yielded low transduction efficiencies in hepatocytes following intravenous delivery. In marked contrast, neonatal gene transfer with the LCMV envelopes, and notably with the FIV-L260F vector, conferred abundant liver and lower level cardiomyocyte transduction as detected by luciferase assays, bioluminescent imaging, and β-galactosidase staining.

Conclusions
These results suggest that a developmentally regulated receptor for LCMV is expressed abundantly in neonatal mice. LCMV pseudotyped vectors may have applications for neonatal gene transfer.

Abbreviations
Armstrong 53b (Arm53b); baculovirus Autographa californica GP64 (GP64); charge-coupled device (CCD); dystroglycan (DG); feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV); glycoprotein precursor (GP-C); firefly luciferase (Luc); lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV); nuclear targeted β-galactosidase (ntLacZ); optical density (OD); PBS/0.1% (w/v) Tween-20 (PBST); relative light units (RLU); Rous sarcoma virus (RSV); transducing units per milliliter (TU/ml); vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV-G); wheat germ agglutinin (WGA); 50% reduction in binding (C50).
Valence band offset of InN/BaTiO3 heterojunction measured by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy
Authors: Jia Caihong , Chen Yonghai , Guo Yan , Liu Xianglin , Yang Shaoyan , Zhang Weifeng , Wang Zhanguo 
Published: April 2011

AbstractX-ray photoelectron spectroscopy has been used to measure the valence band offset of the InN/BaTiO3 heterojunction. It is found that a type-I band alignment forms at the interface. The valence band offset (VBO) and conduction band offset (CBO) are determined to be 2.25 ± 0.09 and 0.15 ± 0.09 eV, respectively. The experimental VBO data is well consistent with the value that comes from transitivity rule. The accurate determination of VBO and CBO is important for use of semiconductor/ferrroelectric heterojunction multifunctional devices.
Wettability of amorphous and nanocrystalline Fe78B13Si9 substrates by molten Sn and Bi
Authors: Shen Ping , Sun JianXin , Yang Jun , Qi Yan , Jiang QiChuan 
Published: April 2011

AbstractThe wettability of amorphous and annealing-induced nanocrystalline Fe78B13Si9 ribbons by molten Sn and Bi at 600 K was measured using an improved sessile drop method. The results demonstrate that the structural relaxation and crystallization in the amorphous substrates do not substantially change the wettability with molten Bi because of their invariable physical interaction, but remarkably deteriorate the wettability and interfacial bonding with molten Sn as a result of changing a chemical interaction to a physical one for the atoms at the interface.
Sequence analysis for the complete proviral genome of subgroup J Avian Leukosis virus associated with hemangioma: a special 11 bp deletion was observed in U3 region of 3'UTR
Authors: Shi Min , Tian Mingxing , Liu Cheng , Zhao Yang , Lin Yan , Zou Nianli , Liu Ping , Huang Yong 
Published: April 2011

Abstract

Background
Avian Leukosis virus (ALV) of subgroup J (ALV-J) belong to retroviruses, which could induce tumors in domestic and wild birds. Myelocytomatosis was the most common neoplasma observed in infected flocks; however, few cases of hemangioma caused by ALV-J were reported in recent year.

Results
An ALV-J strain SCDY1 associated with hemangioma was isolated and its proviral genomic sequences were determined. The full proviral sequence of SCDY1 was 7489 nt long. Homology analysis of the env, pol and gag gene between SCDY1 and other strains in GenBank were 90.3-94.2%, 96.6-97.6%, and 94.3-96.5% at nucleotide level, respectively; while 85.1-90.7%, 97.4-98.7%, and 96.2-98.4% at amino acid level, respectively. Alignment analysis of the genomic sequence of ALV-J strains by using HPRS-103 as reference showed that a special 11 bp deletion was observed in U3 region of 3'UTR of SCDY1 and another ALV-J strain NHH isolated from case of hemangioma, and the non-functional TM and E element were absent in the genome of SCDY1, but the transcriptional regulatory elements including C/EBP, E2BP, NFAP-1, CArG box and Y box were highly conserved. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that all analyzed ALV-J strains could be separated into four groups, and SCDY1 as well as another strain NHH were included in the same cluster.

Conclusion
The variation in envelope glycoprotein was higher than other genes. The genome sequence of SCDY1 has a close relationship with that of another ALV-J strain NHH isolated from case of hemangioma. A 11 bp deletion observed in U3 region of 3'UTR of genome of ALV-J isolated from case of hemangioma is interesting, which may be associated with the occurrence of hemangioma.