bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Small-strain stiffness of Zenoz kaolin in unsaturated conditions
Authors: Biglari Mahnoosh , d’Onofrio Anna , Mancuso Claudio , Jafari Mohammad Kazem , Shafiee Ali , Ashayeri Iman 
Published: February 2012

An experimental study has been carried out to investigate the effects of isotropic compression, wetting, and drying on the initial shear stiffness of Zenoz kaolin, an unsaturated lean clay, both in normally consolidated and overconsolidated conditions. The proposed study was conducted using fixed–free resonant column – torsional shear (RCTS). Specimens were compacted using the undercompaction technique. Initial shear stiffness was measured almost continuously along complex stress paths including (i) an initial equalization stage to a suction value of 0, 50, 150, and 300 kPa; (ii) an isotropic compression stage at constant suction, up to a net stress high enough to move the loading collapse line; (iii) an isotropic unloading stage at constant suction; (iv) a wetting and (or) drying path. The mentioned stress path allowed elimination or determination of the overconsolidation effect on the initial shear stiffness measured. The behavior observed is qualitatively similar to that of saturated soil, while wetting data clearly indicate that G0 depends significantly on volumetric behavior. In normally consolidated samples where wetting is accompanied by collapse, reduction in suction has no remarkable effect on G0. Conversely, in overconsolidated samples G0 reduces significantly as suction decreases.
Hydrogeology in support of British military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan 2003 to 2009
Authors: Dow Robert I. L. , Rose Edward P. F. 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
In 2003, three British reserve army geologists contributed hydrogeological advice to assist planning for the Coalition invasion of Iraq by predicting likely groundwater and drilling conditions. In consequence, 521 Specialist Team Royal Engineers (Water Development) was deployed in theatre soon after hostilities began, to provide a water supply infrastructure for British troops. However, a speedy end to combat, and concentration of British troops in southern Iraq where surface waters were the primary source of supply, necessitated only four new boreholes. Elements of 521 STRE deployed to Afghanistan in 2006, again with hydrogeological guidance, to enhance water supplies for a Provincial Reconstruction Team and Forward Operating Base (FOB), and to develop a water supply infrastructure for the main British operational base at Camp Bastion. Local contractors were used to drill 11 wells, each to over 100 m depth, in Quaternary alluvium. Subsequently, hydrogeology was used to guide successful groundwater development at four out of five FOBs, involving 28 new boreholes, minimizing risks associated with water supply by road or helicopter, and to facilitate expansion of Camp Bastion to accommodate a surge of Coalition troops. Tasks in Afghanistan have generated the most significant British military use of hydrogeology in recent years.
Opportunity-driven hydrological model development in US Army research and development programs
Authors: Downer Charles W. , Ogden Fred L. , Martin William D. , Harmon Russell S. 
Published: February 2012

Abstract

The US Army has compelling needs for making hydrological forecasts. These range from tactical predictions of water levels and soil moisture, to strategic protection of both Army and civilian assets and environmental resources. This paper discusses the history of hydrological model development by the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) as influenced by changes in needs and technologies. It concludes with a description of the Gridded Surface/Subsurface Hydrologic Analysis (
GSSHA
™) model, a two-dimensional, structured-grid, physics-based hydrological, hydrodynamic, sediment and nutrient/contaminant transport model, developed over the past two decades, that is currently used by the USACE. The surface hydrology of the USA has been divided by the US Geological Survey into 21 major geographic domains that contain either the drainage area of a major river or the combined drainage areas of a series of rivers of similar character developed in one geographic province. Eighteen of the regions occupy the land area of the conterminous USA. Alaska, the Hawaiian Islands and Puerto Rico are separate domains. This approach provides a framework for the hydrological modelling discussed in this paper for sites within six of these regions. That the physics-based
GSSHA
modelling capability has so far been applied with success gives confidence in its more widespread application.
Tension over equitable allocation of water: estimating renewable groundwater resources beneath the West Bank and Israel
Authors: Mansour M. M. , Peach D. W. , Hughes A. G. , Robins N. S. 
Published: February 2012

Abstract

Competition for water resources between Palestine and Israel is an ongoing cause of tension. The Western Aquifer Basin forms a major part of the complex, largely karst, limestone system of the West Bank Mountain Aquifer. The aquifer crops out and is recharged solely in the semi-arid uplands of the West Bank and groundwater flows west beneath Israel to discharge at the Yarqon and Nahal Taninim springs near the Mediterranean coast. Annual recharge to the aquifer is not easy to quantify but lies within the range 270×10
6
to 455×10
6
m
3
a
−1
, and current uncertainties do not support definition of a single value of long-term average recharge. The resource is heavily exploited and abstraction is directly controlled and apportioned between Israel and the West Bank by Israel. The key to equitable apportionment is the determination of the long-term average recharge to the basin, which also requires definition of the eastern boundary of the basin to confirm the recharge area. Calculations include empirical formulae and process-based models that are likely to constrain the best estimate provided that there is appropriate, ongoing monitoring. Improved understanding can then be fed back into the model.
Making alive register transfer level and transaction level modeling in Ada
Authors: Mahani Negin 
Published: February 2012

Over the past 50 years, design of hardware has evolved from transistor level to register transfer level (RTL), and now to transaction level. Transaction Level Modeling (TLM) enhances simulation performance of today's complex digital systems and also provides the ability of early design space exploration. TLM divides a system into computation parts, i.e. processing elements, and communication parts, i.e. channels and sockets. The inherent concurrency of Ada along with its object oriented features gives it potentials for being used as a TLM language.
In this paper, we use a specialized form of Ada as a system description language, like the way SystemC is used for description of systems. We refer to our form of Ada as SystemAda and we use a public Ada compiler (Gnat) to evaluate system descriptions written in Ada. SystemAda is meant for modeling system behavior and structure at the transaction level and we consider possible approaches for extending Ada to meet these requirements. This paper discusses the specification of our proposed SystemAda, its hardware description style, its RTL link, and description of a TLM 1.0 channel using SystemAda.
AZD4547: An Orally Bioavailable, Potent, and Selective Inhibitor of the Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Family
Authors: Gavine Paul R. , Mooney Lorraine , Kilgour Elaine , Thomas Andrew P. , Al-Kadhimi Katherine , Beck Sarah , Rooney Claire , Coleman Tanya , Baker Dawn , Mellor Martine J. , Brooks A. Nigel , Klinowska Teresa 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
The fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling axis is increasingly implicated in tumorigenesis and chemoresistance. Several small-molecule FGF receptor (FGFR) kinase inhibitors are currently in clinical development; however, the predominant activity of the most advanced of these agents is against the kinase insert domain receptor (KDR), which compromises the FGFR selectivity. Here, we report the pharmacologic profile of AZD4547, a novel and selective inhibitor of the FGFR1, 2, and 3 tyrosine kinases. AZD4547 inhibited recombinant FGFR kinase activity in vitro and suppressed FGFR signaling and growth in tumor cell lines with deregulated FGFR expression. In a representative FGFR-driven human tumor xenograft model, oral administration of AZD4547 was well tolerated and resulted in potent dose-dependent antitumor activity, consistent with plasma exposure and pharmacodynamic modulation of tumor FGFR. Importantly, at efficacious doses, no evidence of anti-KDR–related effects were observed, confirming the in vivo FGFR selectivity of AZD4547. Taken together, our findings show that AZD4547 is a novel selective small-molecule inhibitor of FGFR with potent antitumor activity against FGFR-deregulated tumors in preclinical models. AZD4547 is under clinical investigation for the treatment of FGFR-dependent tumors. Cancer Res; 72(8); 2045–56. ©2012 AACR.
Effect of Depo-Medroxyprogesterone Acetate on Breast Cancer Risk among Women 20 to 44 Years of Age
Authors: Li Christopher I. , Beaber Elisabeth F. , Chen Tang Mei Tzu , Porter Peggy L. , Daling Janet R. , Malone Kathleen E. 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
Depo-medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) is an injectable contraceptive that contains the same progestin as the menopausal hormone therapy regimen found to increase breast cancer risk among postmenopausal women in the Women's Health Initiative clinical trial. However, few studies have evaluated the relationship between DMPA use and breast cancer risk. Here, we conducted a population-based case–control study among 1,028 women ages 20 to 44 years to assess the association between DMPA use and breast cancer risk. Detailed information on DMPA use and other relevant covariates was obtained through structured interviewer-administered in-person questionnaires, and unconditional logistic regression was used to evaluate associations between various aspects of DMPA use and breast cancer risk. We found that recent DMPA use for 12 months or longer was associated with a 2.2-fold [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.2–4.2] increased risk of invasive breast cancer. This risk did not vary appreciably by tumor stage, size, hormone receptor expression, or histologic subtype. Although breast cancer is rare among young women and the elevated risk of breast cancer associated with DMPA appears to dissipate after discontinuation of use, our findings emphasize the importance of identifying the potential risks associated with specific forms of contraceptives given the number of available alternatives. Cancer Res; 72(8); 2028–35. ©2012 AACR.
Expression of Epstein-Barr Virus–Encoded Proteins in Extranodal NK/T-cell Lymphoma, Nasal Type (ENKL): Differences in Biologic and Clinical Behaviors of LMP1-Positive and -Negative ENKL
Authors: Kanemitsu Naoko , Isobe Yasushi , Masuda Azuchi , Momose Shuji , Higashi Morihiro , Tamaru Jun-ichi , Sugimoto Koichi , Komatsu Norio 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
Purpose: Extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type (ENKL) is closely associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). To elucidate its pathogenetic role, we examined the expression profiles of EBV-encoded proteins, especially focusing on latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1).
Experimental Design: Immunohistochemistry was carried out using clinical samples from ENKL cases, which were diagnosed between 1996 and 2010 at our institution. We statistically assessed the correlation between LMP1 positivity and the clinicopathologic data and further examined phosphorylation status of NF-κB RelA and Akt in ENKL cell lines.
Results: Most of the 30 examined cases showed pleomorphic morphology, natural killer cell immunophenotype, and a localized disease. Immunohistochemistry detected EBERs, but not EBNA2, in all cases. LMP1 and LMP2A were positive in 22 (73.3%) and 12 cases (40.0%), respectively. LMP1-positive cases tended to show a localized disease (P = 0.060, the Fisher exact test). Nuclear localization of phosphorylated RelA and detection of phosphorylated Akt were predominantly observed in LMP1-positive cases (P = 0.002 and P &lt; 0.001, respectively, the Fisher exact test). RNA silencing experiments of LMP1 in Hank1 cells suggested a positive correlation between LMP1 expression and phosphorylation of RelA and Akt. With a median follow-up period of 26.7 months (range, 0.2–142.3 months), the 2.5-year overall survival rates for LMP1-positive and -negative cases were estimated at 78.3% and 12.5%, respectively (P = 0.001, log-rank test).
Conclusions: LMP1 expression shows correlations with phosphorylation of RelA and Akt and possibly has a favorable impact on clinical outcome in ENKL. Clin Cancer Res; 18(8); 2164–72. ©2012 AACR.
Mesothelin Overexpression Promotes Mesothelioma Cell Invasion and MMP-9 Secretion in an Orthotopic Mouse Model and in Epithelioid Pleural Mesothelioma Patients
Authors: Servais Elliot L. , Colovos Christos , Rodriguez Luis , Bograd Adam J. , Nitadori Jun-ichi , Sima Camelia , Rusch Valerie W. , Sadelain Michel , Adusumilli Prasad S. 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
Purpose: Mesothelin (MSLN) is a tumor-associated antigen, being investigated as a biomarker and therapeutic target in malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). The biologic function of MSLN overexpression in MPM is unknown. We hypothesized that MSLN may promote tumor invasion in MPM, a tumor characterized primarily by regional aggressiveness and rare distant metastases.
Experimental Design: Human and murine MPM cells with MSLN forced expression and short hairpin RNA knockdown were examined for proliferation, invasion, and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) secretion. The influence of MSLN overexpression on MPM cell invasion was assessed in an orthotopic mouse model and in patient samples.
Results: MSLN expression promotes MPM cell invasion and MMP secretion in both human and murine MPM cells. In an orthotopic MPM mouse model characterized by our laboratory, MPM cells with MSLN overexpression preferentially localized to the tumor invading edge, colocalized with MMP-9 expression, and promoted decreased survival without an increase in tumor burden progression. In a tissue microarray from epithelioid MPM patients (n = 139, 729 cores), MSLN overexpression correlated with higher MMP-9 expression at individual core level. Among stage III MPM patients (n = 72), high MSLN expression was observed in 26% of T2 tumors and 51% of T3 tumors.
Conclusions: Our data provide evidence elucidating a biologic role for MSLN as a factor promoting tumor invasion and MMP-9 expression in MSLN expressing MPM. As regional invasion is the characteristic feature in MSLN expressing solid cancers (MPM, pancreas, and ovarian), our observations add rationale to studies investigating MSLN as a therapeutic target. Clin Cancer Res; 18(9); 2478–89. ©2012 AACR.
Factor VIIa binding to endothelial cell protein C receptor: Differences between mouse and human systems
Authors: Sen Prosenjit , Clark Curtis A. , Gopalakrishnan Ramakrishnan , Hedner Ulla , Esmon Charles T. , Pendurthi Usha R. , Rao L. Vijaya 
Published: February 2012

SummaryRecent in vitro studies have shown that the zymogen and activated form of factor (F)VII bind to endothelial cell protein C receptor (EPCR). At present, there is no evidence that FVIIa binds to EPCR on vascular endothelium in vivo in the presence of circulating protein C, a primary ligand for EPCR. The present study was carried out to investigate the interaction of murine and human ligands with murine EPCR both in vivo and in vitro. Measurement of endogenous plasma levels of FVII in wild-type, EPCR-deficient and EPCR-over expressing mice showed slightly lower levels of FVII in EPCR-over expressing mice. However, infusion of high concentrations of competing ligands, either human APCi or FVIIai, to EPCR-over expressing mice failed to increase plasma levels of mouse FVII whereas they increased the plasma levels of protein C by two- to three-fold. Examining the association of exogenously administered mouse FVIIa or human FVIIa by immunohistochemistry revealed that human, but not murine FVIIa, binds to the murine endothelium in an EPCR-dependent manner. In vitro binding studies performed using surface plasmon resonance and endothelial cells revealed that murine FVIIa binds murine EPCR negligibly. Human FVIIa binding to EPCR, particularly to mouse EPCR, is markedly enhanced by availability of Mg2+ ions. In summary, our data show that murine FVIIa binds poorly to murine EPCR, whereas human FVIIa binds efficiently to both murine and human EPCR. Our data suggest that one should consider the use of human FVIIa in mouse models to investigate the significance of FVIIa and EPCR interaction.
Platelet-derived microparticles during and after acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Skeppholm Mika , Mobarrez Fariborz , Malmqvist Karin , Wallén Håkan 
Published: February 2012

SummaryAs microparticles are shedded upon platelet activation, and may be used to assess platelet function, we measured plasma concentrations of platelet-derived microparticles (PMPs) during and after an acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Fifty-one patients with ACS were investigated at admission, within 24 hours (before coronary angiography), and six months later. Sixty-one sex- and age-matched healthy controls were investigated once. PMPs were defined as particles <1.0 μm in size, negative to phalloidin (labels cell-fragments), and positive to CD61. Exposure of phosphatidylserine (PS+), CD62P and CD142 were also measured. Plasma concentrations of PS+PMPs exposing CD61, CD62P and CD142 were elevated 2.5, 6.0-, and 5.0-fold at admission (p<0.001 for all, compared to controls; aspirin only), decreased significantly 24 hours later following initiation of treatment with clopidogrel and subcutaneous anticoagulation (p<0.001 for all), and decreased even further six months later (p<0.01 for all). However, PS+PMPs exposing CD62P or CD142 were still between 1.2-and 2.3-fold higher than in controls (p<0.001 for both). The pattern for PS−PMPs during and after the ACS was very similar to that for PS+PMPs although the numbers were approximately 1/3 lower. In conclusion, PMP concentrations follow the pattern of platelet activation during and after an ACS. Decreased concentrations are observed after initiation of antithrombotic treatment, but PMP exposing CD62P or CD142 are still elevated after six months. Flow cytometric measurements of PMP in frozen-thawed samples enable studies of platelet function in larger clinical trials.
Trends in Total Laryngectomy in the Era of Organ Preservation
Authors: Maddox Patrick Tate , Davies Louise 
Published: February 2012

ObjectiveTo describe time trends in total laryngectomy health services utilization across the United States, such as rates of surgery, cost, length of stay, and insurance payer, and to compare this to important milestones in recommendations for laryngeal cancer treatment.Study DesignPopulation‐based cohort studySettingHealthcare Cost and Utilization Project‐Nationwide Inpatient Sample (HCUP‐NIS) 1997‐2008: stratified sample of all US hospital discharges.Subjects and MethodsAll patients with the principal procedure of complete laryngectomy. The unit of analysis was the discharge.ResultsBetween 1997 and 2008, the number of laryngectomies done in the United States decreased by 48%. New cases of laryngeal cancer decreased 33% during the same time. The proportion of patients older than 65 years decreased from 48% to 43%. Mortality for the procedure was 1.4% in 1997 and 1.1% in 2008. Mean length of stay over the study period increased from 13 days to 14 days. Mean hospital charges rose from $58,000 in 1997 to $109,000 in 2008, consistent with the overall rise in US health care costs. Medicare was the dominant insurer throughout. Home health was ordered in 50% of 2008 discharges but only 32% in 1997.ConclusionsThe rate of total laryngectomy has dropped more than the incidence of laryngeal cancer has dropped, consistent with the trend toward nonsurgical treatment. Lower surgical volumes and/or salvage laryngectomy surgeries are hypothesized to play a role in longer length of stay, stable mortality rates despite younger patient age, and increased need for home services after discharge.
Isolated Skip Nodal Metastasis Is Rare in T1 and T2 Oral Tongue Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Balasubramanian Deepak , Thankappan Krishnakumar , Battoo Azhar Jan , Rajapurkar Mayuri , Kuriakose Moni Abraham , Iyer Subramania 
Published: February 2012

ObjectiveNodal metastasis from oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma follows a predictable pattern. Isolated level IV involvement, termed skip metastases, is described. This study attempts to identify the incidence of skip metastasis.Study DesignCase series with chart review.SettingTertiary academic hospital.SubjectsFifty‐two consecutive patients with T1 to T4 N0 stage who underwent excision of the primary tumor with neck dissection (levels I‐IV).MethodsRetrospective study. The incidence of isolated level III or IV involvement pathologically and isolated nodal recurrence in levels III and IV was analyzed.ResultsPathologically, isolated level III involvement occurred in 2 (3.8%) patients. Isolated level IV occurred in 1 (1.9%) patient. Mean follow‐up was 24 months. Two patients had recurrence in the primary site; 1 had recurrence in neck level II. None had recurrence in level III or IV.ConclusionSkip metastasis is rare in T1 and T2 oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma. Inclusion of level IV is not mandatory in selective neck dissection for clinically and radiologically negative neck disease in early tumors (T1 and T2).
Job Satisfaction of Dotcom Employees
Authors: Panda Tapan K 
Published: February 2012

The internet revolution has initiated a distinctive “click model” of business operation. Even brick and mortar enterprises are trying to start click components. The nature of the business operation, the work culture and the level of job satisfaction have undergone a sea change in the dotcom companies. As a business proposition dotcoms have brought in large investments, while a majority of their stocks is now going down, resulting in a high level of apprehension and job insecurity among the employees. This paper highlights some of these problems and presents a picture of the level of job satisfaction among employees of dotcom companies. It also identifies unique issues of job satisfaction in click companies, rarely found in “brick and mortar” businesses. The paper presents a diagnosis of job satisfaction indices in the dotcom business.
A Roadmap for B2B Marketplace
Authors: Pani Ashis K. 
Published: February 2012

B2B phenomena are changing the lives of millions of people and altering the way people think about business and the way businesses are done. A plethora of companies is becoming Business-to-Business. (B2B) market players that will restructure procurement, reduce costs and enhance revenue in their respective market places. B2B e-Commerce reduces human contact with customers and promotes an efficient purchasing process with a focus on product price, quality, and lead times. Given the land-grab mindset of the last two years to establish a stake in the B2B world, there are many B2B portals claiming to be a “market leader”, with only a few likely to survive. This paper takes an in depth look at the forces that drive the B2B market as well as the strategies for maintaining its niche among newer, more highly funded entrants.