bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Low‐dose endostatin normalizes the structure and function of tumor vasculature and improves the delivery and anti‐tumor efficacy of cytotoxic drugs in a lung cancer xenograft murine model
Authors: Ning Tao , Jiang Ming , Peng Qian , Yan Xi , Lu Ze‐Jun , Peng Yu‐Lan , Wang He‐Lan , Lei Na , Zhang Hui , Lin Hong‐jun , Li Mei , Luo Feng 
Published: January 2012

AbstractIntroduction:  To some extent endostatin normalizes tumor vasculature. However, the optimum time window and optimum drug dose for tumor vascular normalization need to be explored. Here we investigate the effect of low‐dose endostatin on the structure and function of tumor vasculature and the delivery and anti‐tumor efficacy of cytotoxic drugs.Methods:  A lung cancer xenograft murine model was treated with low‐dose endostatin for 10 days. The structure and function of the tumor vasculature were evaluated using various techniques. Paclitaxel was added in different schedules.Results:  Endostatin caused a significant reduction in microvessel density. Tumor vascular walls after endostatin treatment were better structured. Tumor blood perfusion was increased on day six after endostatin administration. On days three, six, and 10, Evans blue extravasation into the parenchyma of tumors was decreased. On days three and six, endostatin‐treated mice had greater paclitaxel delivery. The time window of vascular normalization was approximately three to six days. On days one to three, and days four to six, combined therapy with paclitaxel significantly inhibited tumor growth.Conclusions:  Low‐dose endostatin aids normalization of tumor vasculature. This resulted in improved delivery of cytotoxic drugs to the tumor, which closely correlates with synergistic efficacy when combined with paclitaxel during the normalization window.
Intruders below the Radar: Molecular Pathogenesis of Bartonella spp
Authors: Harms Alexander , Dehio Christoph 
Published: January 2012

SUMMARYBartonellaspp. are facultative intracellular pathogens that employ a unique stealth infection strategy comprising immune evasion and modulation, intimate interaction with nucleated cells, and intraerythrocytic persistence. Infections withBartonellaare ubiquitous among mammals, and many species can infect humans either as their natural host or incidentally as zoonotic pathogens. Upon inoculation into a naive host, the bartonellae first colonize a primary niche that is widely accepted to involve the manipulation of nucleated host cells, e.g., in the microvasculature. Consistently,in vitroresearch showed thatBartonellaharbors an ample arsenal of virulence factors to modulate the response of such cells, gain entrance, and establish an intracellular niche. Subsequently, the bacteria are seeded into the bloodstream where they invade erythrocytes and give rise to a typically asymptomatic intraerythrocytic bacteremia. While this course of infection is characteristic for natural hosts, zoonotic infections or the infection of immunocompromised patients may alter the path ofBartonellaand result in considerable morbidity. In this review we compile current knowledge on the molecular processes underlying both the infection strategy and pathogenesis ofBartonellaand discuss their connection to the clinical presentation of human patients, which ranges from minor complaints to life-threatening disease.
Dairy Cows: Workers in the Shadows?
Authors: Porcher Jocelyne , Schmitt Tiphaine 
Published: January 2012

AbstractDespite the interest that sociologists, especially in the English-speaking world, show in animals and human-animal relations, we know little about the place that animals actually have in work. The social sciences still see work as a distinctive feature of humans. Based on the hypothesis that animals are actors involved in the process of work, and not simply objects, the relationship of a herd of 60 cows was studied (a) with their farmer, (b) among themselves, and (c) with a milking robot. Our findings show that cows do collaborate in the farmer’s work, and our results raise the question: can cows’ collaboration in work be considered work?
Practical Work at School Reduces Disgust and Fear of Unpopular Animals
Authors: Randler Christoph , Hummel Eberhard , Prokop Pavol 
Published: January 2012

AbstractDisgust and fear are basic emotions that protect humans against pathogens and/or predators. Natural selection favored individuals who successfully escaped or avoided harmful animals; thus animals who pose a disease threat activate aversive responses in humans. However, all these animals who are generally disliked have rights to their own existence and play important roles in ecosystems. Here, we used three unpopular live animals (wood louse, snail, and mouse) in practical biology work with 11-13-year-old children (experimental group). The control group had no opportunity to work with animals. Reported disgust and fear of these animals significantly decreased during the study in the experimental group but not in the control group. This study experimentally supports the idea that attitudes toward animals are positively influenced by physical contact with them.
Tropical Atlantic Biases in CCSM4
Authors: Grodsky Semyon A. , Carton James A. , Nigam Sumant , Okumura Yuko M. 
Published: January 2012

This paper focuses on diagnosing biases in the seasonal climate of the tropical Atlantic in the twentieth-century simulation of the Community Climate System Model, version 4 (CCSM4). The biases appear in both atmospheric and oceanic components. Mean sea level pressure is erroneously high by a few millibars in the subtropical highs and erroneously low in the polar lows (similar to CCSM3). As a result, surface winds in the tropics are ~1 m s−1 too strong. Excess winds cause excess cooling and depressed SSTs north of the equator. However, south of the equator SST is erroneously high due to the presence of additional warming effects. The region of highest SST bias is close to southern Africa near the mean latitude of the Angola–Benguela Front (ABF). Comparison of CCSM4 to ocean simulations of various resolutions suggests that insufficient horizontal resolution leads to the insufficient northward transport of cool water along this coast and an erroneous southward stretching of the ABF. A similar problem arises in the coupled model if the atmospheric component produces alongshore winds that are too weak. Erroneously warm coastal SSTs spread westward through a combination of advection and positive air–sea feedback involving marine stratocumulus clouds. This study thus highlights three aspects to improve to reduce bias in coupled simulations of the tropical Atlantic: 1) large-scale atmospheric pressure fields; 2) the parameterization of stratocumulus clouds; and 3) the processes, including winds and ocean model resolution, that lead to errors in seasonal SST along southwestern Africa. Improvements of the latter require horizontal resolution much finer than the 1° currently used in many climate models.
Performance of a Wind-Profiling Lidar in the Region of Wind Turbine Rotor Disks
Authors: Aitken Matthew L. , Rhodes Michael E. , Lundquist Julie K. 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
As the wind energy sector continues to grow, so does the need for reliable vertical wind profiles in the assessment of wind resources and turbine performance. In situ instrumentation mounted on meteorological towers can rarely probe the atmosphere across the full span of modern turbine rotor disks, which typically extend from 40 to 120 m above the surface. However, by measuring the Doppler shift of laser light backscattered by particles in the atmosphere, remote sensing lidar is capable of estimating wind speeds and turbulence at several altitudes in this range and above. Consequently, lidar has proven a promising technology for both wind resource assessment and turbine response characterization. The aim of this study is to quantify data availability for a coherent detection wind-profiling lidar—namely, the Leosphere Windcube.
To determine situations of suitable data return rates, a Windcube, collocated with a Vaisala CL31 ceilometer, was deployed as part of the Skywatch Observatory at the University of Colorado at Boulder. Aerosol backscatter, as measured by the ceilometer, and lidar carrier-to-noise ratio (CNR) are strongly correlated. Additionally, lidar CNR was found to depend on atmospheric turbulence characteristics and relative humidity in another deployment at a location in the United States Great Plains. These relationships suggest an ability to predict lidar performance based on widely available air quality assessments (such as PM2.5 concentration) and other climatic conditions, thus providing guidance for determining the utility of lidar deployments at wind farms to characterize turbine performance.
Optimum Sampling Designs for a Glider–Mooring Observing Network
Authors: Alvarez A. , Mourre B. 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
Ocean observing systems (OOSs) constituted by moorings and gliders are becoming relevant in oceanographic and climate studies. In these observing networks, the temporal variability is captured by mooring observations, while the spatial variability is obtained from gliders sampling in the surrounding area. The advent of this observing capability brings the need to find optimal procedures to sample a given ocean region with a glider in the presence of a neighboring mooring, in order to maximize the information content of the data collected by this observing network. Different criteria (e.g., A, G, or E optimality) commonly used in the geosciences to obtain an optimum design lead to different sampling strategies. The question of which criterion performs better for optimal design in the marine environment remains open. This work investigates optimal procedures to sample a given ocean region with a glider in the presence of a mooring. Specifically, observing systems simulation experiments (OSSEs) are carried out in the Ligurian Sea (western Mediterranean) in August 2010 to study the different sampling strategies. Three criteria, which respectively aim at minimizing the trace (A optimal), maximum diagonal value (G optimal), and maximum eigenvalue of the error covariance matrix (E optimal), are considered. The resulting temperature field estimations are evaluated against a control field at 50-, 100-, and 150-m depth. The results indicate that the most appropriate strategy for environmental characterization using gliders employs the A optimal criterion, minimizing the mean uncertainty over the study area.
The Tornadic Vortex Signature: An Update
Authors: Brown Rodger A. , Wood Vincent T. 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
A tornadic vortex signature (TVS) is a degraded Doppler velocity signature of a tornado that occurs when the core region of a tornado is smaller than the half-power beamwidth of the sampling Doppler radar. Soon after the TVS was discovered in the mid-1970s, simulations were conducted to verify that the signature did indeed represent a tornado. The simulations, which used a uniform reflectivity distribution across a Rankine vortex model, indicated that the extreme positive and negative Doppler velocity values of the signature should be separated by about one half-power beamwidth regardless of tornado size or strength. For a Weather Surveillance Radar-1988 Doppler (WSR-88D) with an effective half-power beamwidth of approximately 1.4° and data collected at 1.0° azimuthal intervals, the two extreme Doppler velocity values should be separated by 1.0°. However, with the recent advent of 0.5° azimuthal sampling (“superresolution”) by WSR-88Ds at lower elevation angles, some of the extreme Doppler velocity values unexpectedly were found to be separated by 0.5° instead of 1.0° azimuthal intervals. To understand this dilemma, the choice of vortex model and reflectivity profile is investigated. It is found that the choice of vortex model does not have a significant effect on the simulation results. However, using a reflectivity profile with a minimum at the vortex center does make a difference. The revised simulations indicate that it is possible for the distance between the peak Doppler velocity values of a TVS to be separated by 0.5° with superresolution data collection.
Functional design of porous drug delivery systems based on laser assisted manufactured nitinol
Authors: Shishkovsky Igor V. 
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACTOur previous studies proved the occurrence of the shape memory effect (SME) in a biocompatible porous nitinol (inter-metallic phase NiTi), obtained by the selective laser sintering (SLS) method. In this report we propose to use the SME peculiar to the nitinol, for a functional design of the drug delivery system and to discuss the process flow pattern. In living tissues (flesh) the elevated temperature at the disease origination leads to the nitinol pores size reduction caused by the austenite phase transformation, and to the pharmaceutical composition extrusion from the pores. And vice versa, during the cooling stage when the tissue temperature reverts to normal level, the drug intake will stop. Depending on the type of the three dimensional structure of a porous matrix (scaffold) identified at the stage of a computer-aid-design, the velocity of penetration can be controllable.
Super Electronics, Inc.: Financial Reporting of Sales Incentives and Vendor Allowances Using FASB Codification
Authors: Gujarathi Mahendra R. 
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACT
Super Electronics, Inc., a specialty retailer, has recently initiated several sales incentives and has entered into a long-term purchase arrangement with a major vendor that entitles it to sliding discounts based on its level of purchases. Using FASB Accounting Standards Codification, you are to determine whether the Company's existing policies comply with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). You are also required to evaluate the soundness of the proposals that SE's management has made during the process of annual audit and explore plausible motivations behind them. The case provides an opportunity to examine several technical and conceptual accounting issues in a real-world setting, strengthen accounting research capabilities, understand implications of the choice of an accounting policy for performance measurement and financial statement analysis, and develop advanced critical thinking and professional judgment skills.
Effect of the tip state during qPlus noncontact atomic force microscopy of Si(100) at 5 K: Probing the probe
Authors: Sweetman Adam , Jarvis Sam , Danza Rosanna , Moriarty Philip 
Published: January 2012

Background: Noncontact atomic force microscopy (NC-AFM) now regularly produces atomic-resolution images on a wide range of surfaces, and has demonstrated the capability for atomic manipulation solely using chemical forces. Nonetheless, the role of the tip apex in both imaging and manipulation remains poorly understood and is an active area of research both experimentally and theoretically. Recent work employing specially functionalised tips has provided additional impetus to elucidating the role of the tip apex in the observed contrast.Results: We present an analysis of the influence of the tip apex during imaging of the Si(100) substrate in ultra-high vacuum (UHV) at 5 K using a qPlus sensor for noncontact atomic force microscopy (NC-AFM). Data demonstrating stable imaging with a range of tip apexes, each with a characteristic imaging signature, have been acquired. By imaging at close to zero applied bias we eliminate the influence of tunnel current on the force between tip and surface, and also the tunnel-current-induced excitation of silicon dimers, which is a key issue in scanning probe studies of Si(100).Conclusion: A wide range of novel imaging mechanisms are demonstrated on the Si(100) surface, which can only be explained by variations in the precise structural configuration at the apex of the tip. Such images provide a valuable resource for theoreticians working on the development of realistic tip structures for NC-AFM simulations. Force spectroscopy measurements show that the tip termination critically affects both the short-range force and dissipated energy.
Proximal Femoral Locking Plate With Cannulated Screws for the Treatment of Femoral Neck Fractures
Authors: Lin Dasheng , Lian Kejian , Ding Zhenqi , Zhai Wenliang , Hong Jiayuan 
Published: January 2012

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the proximal femoral locking plate with cannulated screws for the treatment of femoral neck fractures. A prospective study was performed in 41 patients with femoral neck fractures treated with a proximal femoral locking plate with cannulated screws between January 2005 and December 2008. Twenty-five men and 16 women had a mean age of 47 years (range, 21–65 years). The time from injury to surgery ranged from 2 hours to 7 days. Three patients had a Garden type I fracture, 9 a type II, 18 a type III and 11 a type IV. Operative time, intraoperative blood loss, fracture healing time, Harris Hip Score for hip function, and complications were recorded to evaluate treatment effects.
Mean operative time was 63.6 minutes (range, 40–90 minutes), with mean intraoperative blood loss of 84.2 mL (range, 50–200 mL). Mean time to union was 15.5 weeks (range, 12–36 weeks). Two patients (Garden type III and type IV) did not achieve union, and 4 patients (1 Garden type III and 3 type IV) had avascular necrosis of the femoral head. In patients with nonunion, 1 (Garden type III) underwent intertrochanteric osteotomy, and the other underwent total hip replacement (THR). In patients with avascular necrosis, 2 required THR and the others (1 Garden type III) required no further surgery. Twenty-six (63%) patients had excellent results, 8 (20%) had good results, 3 (7%) had moderate results, and 4 (10%) had poor results. These findings suggest that the proximal femoral locking plate with cannulated screws for the treatment of femoral neck fractures is effective and results in fewer complications, especially for Garden type I, II, and III fractures.
Evaluation of Arthroscopic Stabilization of Acute Acromioclavicular Joint Dislocation Using the TightRope System
Authors: El Sallakh Sameh A. 
Published: January 2012

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of the arthroscopic treatment of acute acromioclavicular dislocation using the TightRope system (Arthrex, Naples, Florida). Between January 2006 and May 2007, ten shoulders in 10 patients with acute acromioclavicular joint dislocation (Rockwood types IV and V) underwent arthroscopic acromioclavicular joint stabilization using the TightRope. Average patient age was 30 years (range, 22–42 years), and mean follow-up was 24 months (range, 18–30 months). Follow-up occurred at 2 and 6 weeks, 3 months, and then every 6 months postoperatively. The shoulders were evaluated radiologically by comparing the acromioclavicular joint with the normal side and clinically by assessing the pain, function, and range of joint motion using the Constant score.
Ten patients returned to work without pain 10 to 12 weeks postoperatively. Average Constant score was 96.3 (range, 94–99) at last follow-up. Because of technical error, 1 patient experienced TightRope fixation failure on the coracoid side, and the acromioclavicular joint was redislocated, which was treated by an open technique. The 10 patients were satisfied with their functional results and cosmetic appearance.
The arthroscopic treatment of acute acromioclavicular dislocation using the TightRope is a minimally invasive surgical technique that has been proven effective for the treatment of these lesions. It is characterized by less morbidity, less hospitalization, excellent cosmoses, and early rehabilitation.
Pedicle Screw Placement With O-arm and Stealth Navigation
Authors: Patil Suresh , Lindley Emily M. , Burger Evalina L. , Yoshihara Hiroyuki , Patel Vikas V. 
Published: January 2012

Various navigation systems are available to aid pedicle screw placement. The O-arm replaces the need for fluoroscopy and generates a 3-dimensional volumetric dataset that can be viewed as transverse, coronal, and sagittal images of the spine, similar to computed tomography (CT) scanning. The dataset can be downloaded to the Stealth system (Medtronic Navigation, Louisville, Colorado) for real-time intraoperative navigation.
The main objectives of the current study were to assess (1) accuracy of pedicle screw placement using the O-arm/Stealth system, and (2) time for draping, positioning of the O-arm, and screw placement. Of 188 screws (25 patients), 116 had adequate images for analysis. The average time for O-arm draping was 3.5 minutes. Initial O-arm positioning was 6.1 minutes, and final positioning was 4.9 minutes. Mean time for screw placement, including O-arm draping and positioning and array attachment, was 8.1 minutes per screw. Mean time for screw placement alone was 5.9 minutes per screw. Screw placements on final O-arm images were on average 3.14 mm deeper than on the snapshot navigation images. Three screws (2.6%) breached the medial cortex, and 3 screws (2.6%) were misaligned and did not follow the pilot hole trajectory.
The use of the O-arm/Stealth system was associated with a low rate of pedicle screw misalignment. The time to place screws was less than previously reported with CT navigation, but longer than conventional techniques. It is important to be aware of the potential discrepancy between snapshot navigation images and actual screw placement on final O-arm images. Our findings suggest that final screw positions may be deeper than awl positions appear on navigation images.
Methicillin-sensitive
Staphylococcus aureus
Infection After Steroid Hip Injection
Authors: Apyan Paul , Rudd Joseph 
Published: January 2012

Infection after intra-articular steroid injection of the hip is rare, occurring in <1 of 15,000 cases. Septic arthritis following intra-articular injection is even rarer. This is the only documented case of systemic septicemia following intra-articular injection.
The patient received an intra-articular steroid injection to the left hip under fluoroscopic guidance, which resulted in reduced pain and increased mobility. Two weeks after the injection, the patient noticed sharp pain in the left hip and groin and malaise. Over a 48-hour period, he became progressively ill and was hospitalized for severe groin and thigh pain, inability to extend his hip, and diaphoresis. He underwent aspiration of the hip, which revealed Gram-positive cocci in clusters.

At admission, the patient underwent incision and drainage of the left hip with removal of approximately 25 cc of fluid. The patient was started on intravenous vancomycin, then converted to nafcillin as the cultures and sensitivities revealed methicillin-sensitive
Staphylococcus aureus
. After 6 days of intravenous methicillin, the blood cultures were negative, and the patient was discharged. The patient’s laboratory findings were normal, and cultures for aerobic anaerobic bacteria were negative. The patient underwent hip resurfacing and aggressive rehabilitation and was able to return to work. Thirty months after hip resurfacing, the patient had no evidence of infection, walked without a limp, had normal laboratory findings, and was pain free.