bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A New Submarine Paradigm
Authors: Ness C. C. , Simpson. W. M. 
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACTA new submarine design concept has been developed and patented with reduced wetted surface area and with a unique pressure hull combining arrangement flexibility with the inherent structural advantage of spheres. The pressure hull is a group of clustered intersecting spheres arranged to be geometrically compatible. Underwater performance is enhanced by its elliptical cross sectioned streamlined shape with reduced frictional resistance and which, by allowing efficient use of twin screw propulsion, provides increased maneuverability. As an illustration of the concept, a design is presented for a 63½ foot long (19.4m) submarine incorporating a forward viewing dome for dedicated oceanographic research with saturation diving capabilities. Propulsion is diesel‐electric with lead‐acid batteries for underwater operation. Capabilities include diver lock‐out to 1,000 feet (305m) and an operating depth of 2,500 feet (762m). The maximum mission endurance is 30 days with accommodations for 15 and a scientific payload of 5 tons. Other potential applications for the new submarine design concept are briefly suggested including military and industrial uses.
Trimaran Hullform Demonstrator High Speed Data Acquisition System
Authors: Marshall B. R. , Antenucci J. A. , Kraynik D. L. , Dianora M. D. , Woolaver D. A. 
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACTThe Research Vessel (R/V) Triton is a trimaran hullform prototype being built and evaluated by the Royal Navy with technical support from the United States Navy.This paper provides a synopsis, development approach, and key specifics of the Trials Instrumentation System (TIS), a highly flexible, distributed, data acquisition system. It highlights the many capabilities and features of the TIS and its Ethernet network, provides descriptions of the system architecture and interconnections, and presents an overview of the software which operates the TIS and the application software which has been tailored for the trials of the R/V Triton.
Overcoming the Challenges: Fire Protection of the Strategic SEALIFT Cargo Holds
Authors: Seaman D. , Pierson M. 
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACTAs the naval engineering community struggles with initiatives of reduced manning, computer integration, and use of commercial standards, many new technological advances are helping to make these changes possible. There are, however, areas of shipboard operations and engineering where the use of “old technology” used in conjunction with “new philosophies and configurations” are just as important; shipboard fire protection is one such consideration. Fire protection on the strategic SEALIFT LMSR (large medium speed RO/RO) ships is accomplished by the use of structural fire protection, fire zoning, detection and alarm systems, and suppression systems. These systems blend passive and active operation, which resulted from an extensive evolutionary process, starting with the operational requirements document (ORD) and has continued through installation, testing, and commissioning. This paper will concentrate on the largest and at times the most debated of these systems: the cargo hold foam fire protection system.
Reliability‐Based Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) of Hull Girders for Surface Ships
Authors: Ayyub B.M. , Assakkaf I.I. , Atua K. 
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACTThe main objective of structural design is to insure the safety, functional, and performance requirements of a structural system for target reliability levels, for a specified period of time, and for a specified environment. As this must be accomplished under conditions of uncertainty, probabilistic analyses are necessary in the development of such probability‐based design criteria of hull girders for surface ships. A methodology for developing load and resistance factor design (LRFD) rules for ship structures was developed in this paper, and demonstrated for surface ship hull girders.The methodology used in this paper for developing LRFD rules for ship hull girders consists of several steps as described herein. The probabilistic characteristics of strength and load random variables that are used in hull‐girder structural design were analyzed, and values for these characteristics were recommended for reliability‐based design purposes. Different load combinations for hull girders were established and presented with combinations and correlation factors that included the still water bending, wave‐induced bending, and wave dynamic bending moments.In this paper, the reliability methods for developing the partial safety factors (PSFs) for the ship hull girder in bending are described. These factors were determined to account for the uncertainties in strength and load effects. The First‐Order Reliability Method (FORM) was used to determine these factors based on prescribed probabilistic characteristic of strength and load effects. Also, strength factors were computed for a set of load factors to meet selected target reliability levels for demonstration purposes. The resulting LRFD rules are demonstrated in this paper using an example.
Serum vascular endothelial growth factor in adult haematological patients with neutropenic fever: a comparison with C‐reactive protein
Authors: Hämäläinen Sari , Juutilainen Auni , Matinlauri Irma , Kuittinen Taru , Ruokonen Esko , Koivula Irma , Jantunen Esa 
Published: March 2009

AbstractObjectives:  Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is considered to be of importance in patients with sepsis. No data are available on VEGF kinetics in haematological patients with neutropenic fever.Methods:  Forty‐two haematological patients were included into this prospective study. Median age was 57 yr (range 18–70). Fifteen patients received therapy for acute myeloid leukaemia and 27 patients received autologous stem cell transplantation for haematological malignancy. Laboratory samples for the determination of C‐reactive protein (CRP) and VEGF were collected at the start of fever (d0) and then daily.Results:  The median serum VEGF concentrations were low in all study patients. In patients with severe sepsis (n = 5) the median VEGF on d0 was higher than in septic patients without signs of hypoperfusion or hypotension (n = 37) (77 pg/mL vs. 52 pg/mL, P = 0.061). Also on d1 the median VEGF concentration was higher in patients with severe sepsis (82 pg/mL vs. 56 pg/mL, P = 0.048). There were no statistically significant differences in CRP values on any day during the study period between patients with severe sepsis and those without. Time from d0 to the peak VEGF concentration (mean 1.02, SE 0.18 d) was shorter than that to the peak CRP concentration (mean 1.93, SE 0.15 d) (P = 0.002).Conclusion:  Compared to CRP, serum VEGF was a more rapid indicator for sepsis in our haematological patients with neutropenic fever. Those with severe sepsis had higher VEGF concentrations than those without on d0 and d1 after the onset of fever. Further studies on VEGF are warranted in haematological patients.
EFFECTS OF ORAL RINSING ON THE PERCEPTION OF RESIDUAL COOLING AND BURN IN HIGHLY MENTHOLATED TOOTHPASTE
Authors: SUWONSICHON SUNTAREE , CHAMBERS EDGAR , CHAMBERS DELORES H. , MILLIKEN GEORGE A. 
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACT Oral rinsing with crackers and water previously was found to reduce residual menthol cooling and burn perception to some extent. In this study, the effectiveness of oral rinsing with sucrose, butter, milk or celery, in combination with crackers and water on reducing residual cooling and burn from highly mentholated toothpaste was compared with oral rinsing with only crackers and water. After toothbrushing, five highly trained descriptive panelists rinsed and rated oral cooling and burn intensity at various times over a 30‐min period. Only overall cooling intensity was reduced (slightly) when sucrose or butter was used in combination with crackers and water. However, the decay rate and truncated time for oral cooling and burn were not affected by these additional rinse agents. Celery and milk did not provide any additional effects. A 20 to 22‐min interstimulus delay between samples and liberal rinsing with cracker and water are recommended for sensory testing of mentholated products. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSThe use of rinse agents is common in sensory testing to help the mouth return to stasis and reduce carryover effects from prior samples. The typical cracker/water rinse regimen frequently is modified by using agents such as milk or other products. This research shows that such modifications probably do not produce the desired effect in products with relatively high menthol levels, such as those that might be found in some lozenges, candies, gums or toothpaste. The simple, common sensory rinse procedure of crackers and water – along with time – is not appreciably aided for those mentholated products by adding additional rinse agents to the regimen. This research helps researchers and manufacturers to better design sensory tests, taking into consideration time lags between products.
Silicone adjustable bundling devices: do they meet manufacturer's claims during cooking and cleaning?
Authors: Barber Nelson , Broz Charles , Boyce Janice 
Published: March 2009

AbstractSilicone cooking and baking devices are purportedly easy to use, can be stretched to hold and support a variety of foods, and are stick‐resistant, heat‐resistant, stain‐resistant and dishwasher‐safe. Also, depending on the silicone device, such as muffin pans, they are food safe and Food and Drug Administration compliant. Yet recent research has reported results to the contrary. Testing a new method of bundling or trussing food, this study found that adjustable silicone bundling devices, also known as ‘Foodloops’, are not as effective as manufacturers claim. The Foodloops often slipped off food while cooking, food stuck to the silicone, and using the aerobic plate count spiral method, significant levels of bacteria were found after cleaning.
Nd:YAG laser goniopuncture after deep sclerectomy: outcomes
Authors: Anand Nitin , Pilling Rachel 
Published: March 2009

Abstract.Purpose:  This study aimed to investigate the safety and efficacy of Nd:YAG laser goniopuncture (LGP) in lowering intraocular pressure (IOP) after deep sclerectomy (DS).Methods:  We reviewed the outcomes in 258 eyes of 258 consecutive patients who underwent DS or combined phacoemulsification and DS between August 2001 and December 2003. Mitomycin C was used during surgery in 192 eyes (74.4%).Results:  Mean follow‐up was 40 ± 11 months after DS and 31 ± 12 months after LGP. Laser goniopuncture was performed in 173 eyes (67.0%). The mean interval between LGP and DS was 10.3 ± 8.7 months. The probability of LGP being performed was 63.1% (95% confidence interval [CI] 57.3–69.4) at 36 months after surgery. At 2 years after LGP, the probability of maintaining IOP < 15 mmHg with a 20% decrease from the pre‐laser IOP and no further glaucoma procedure or medication was 49.7% (95% CI 41.9–57.1). Iris covering the trabeculo‐Descemet’s membrane was the only factor significantly associated with the failure of LGP (hazard ratio 3.0, p < 0.001). Complications observed after LGP included peripheral anterior synechiae in 23 (13.2%), hypotony in seven (4.0%), late acute IOP rise in three (1.7%), delayed bleb leak in one and blebitis in two eyes. Argon laser iridoplasty was performed in 45 (26.0%) and needle revision in 41 (23.7%) eyes.Conclusions:  ND:YAG laser goniopuncture is an effective procedure to further lower IOP after DS. An IOP of < 15 mmHg is achieved and maintained for ≥ 2 years in about 50% of cases after a single LGP procedure. There are potentially serious complications associated with the procedure. Regular gonioscopy is recommended following LGP to detect any occlusion of the goniopuncture by the iris.
Variations in Ceftazidime and Amoxicillin-Clavulanate Susceptibilities within a Clonal Infection of
Burkholderia pseudomallei
Authors: Sam I-Ching , See Kah Heng , Puthucheary Savithri D. 
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACT

A patient with a clonal infection of
Burkholderia pseudomallei
had subpopulations with ceftazidime and amoxicillin-clavulanate susceptibilities that differed among the clinical specimens. Resistance was associated with a novel Cys69Tyr substitution in the Ambler class A β-lactamase. Susceptibility testing of multiple colony variants from different sites should be performed for patients with culture-confirmed melioidosis.
Rapid Identification of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
and Nontuberculous Mycobacteria by Multiplex, Real-Time PCR
Authors: Richardson E. T. , Samson D. , Banaei N. 
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACT

The rapid identification of mycobacteria from culture is of primary importance for the administration of empirical antibiotic therapy and for the implementation of public health measures, yet there are few commercially available assays that can easily and accurately identify the mycobacteria in culture in a timely manner. Here we report on the development of a multiplex, real-time PCR assay that can identify 93% of the pathogenic mycobacteria in our laboratory in two parallel reactions. The mycobacteria identified by this assay include the
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
complex (MTC), the
M. avium
complex (MAC), the
M. chelonae
-
M
.
abscessus
group (MCAG), the
M. fortuitum
group (MFG), and
M. mucogenicum
. The primer targets included the 16S rRNA gene and the internal transcribed spacer. The assay was initially validated with a repository of reference strains and was subsequently tested with 314 clinical cultures identified by the AccuProbe assay or high-performance liquid chromatography. Of the 314 cultures tested, multiplex, real-time PCR produced congruent results for 99.8% of the 1,559 targets evaluated. The sensitivity and the specificity were each 99% or greater for MTC (
n
= 96), MAC (
n
= 97), MCAG (
n
= 68), and
M. mucogenicum
(
n
= 9) and 95% and 100%, respectively, for MFG (
n
= 19). We conclude that this multiplex, real-time PCR assay is a useful diagnostic tool for the rapid and accurate identification of MTC and clinically relevant nontuberculous mycobacteria.
Optimal Translation Initiation Enables Vif-Deficient Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 To Escape Restriction by APOBEC3G
Authors: Haché Guylaine , Abbink Truus E. M. , Berkhout Ben , Harris Reuben S. 
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACT
APOBEC3G restricts Vif-deficient human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) by deaminating viral cDNA cytosines to uracils. This promutagenic activity is counteracted by HIV-1 Vif, which is a natural APOBEC3G antagonist. However, we previously reported that Vif-deficient HIV-1 could evolve resistance to APOBEC3G by a novel mechanism requiring an A200-to-C/T transition mutation and Vpr inactivation. A pyrimidine at nucleotide 200 in the untranslated leader region contributed to resistance by increasing virus particle production, which resulted in fewer APOBEC3G molecules per particle. Here we show that the A200-to-C/T mutation functions posttranscriptionally by inactivating an upstream start codon, which in turn enables optimal viral mRNA translation from canonical start codons.
Effect of Transplantation of Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Mice Infected with Prions
Authors: Song Chang-Hyun , Honmou Osamu , Ohsawa Natsuo , Nakamura Kiminori , Hamada Hirofumi , Furuoka Hidefumi , Hasebe Rie , Horiuchi Motohiro 
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACT

Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been reported to migrate to brain lesions in experimental models of ischemia, tumors, and neurodegenerative diseases and to ameliorate functional deficits. In this study, we attempted to evaluate the therapeutic potential of MSCs for treating prion diseases. Immortalized human MSCs (hMSCs) that express the
LacZ
gene were transplanted into the unilateral hippocampi or thalami of mice, and their distributions were monitored by the expression of β-galactosidase. In mice infected with prions, hMSCs transplanted at 120 days postinoculation (dpi) were detected on the contralateral side at 2 days after transplantation and existed there even at 3 weeks after transplantation. In contrast, few hMSCs were detected on the contralateral side for mock-infected mice. Interestingly, the migration of hMSCs appeared to correlate with the severity of neuropathological lesions, including disease-specific prion protein deposition. The hMSCs also migrated to a prion-specific lesion in the brain, even when intravenously injected. Although the effects were modest, intrahippocampal and intravenous transplantation of hMSCs prolonged the survival of mice infected with prions. A subpopulation of hMSCs in the brains of prion-infected mice produced various trophic factors and differentiated into cells of neuronal and glial lineages. These results suggest that MSCs have promise as a cellular vehicle for the delivery of therapeutic genes to brain lesions associated with prion diseases and, furthermore, that they may help to regenerate neuronal tissues damaged by prion propagation.
Early Control of H5N1 Influenza Virus Replication by the Type I Interferon Response in Mice
Authors: Szretter Kristy J. , Gangappa Shivaprakash , Belser Jessica A. , Zeng Hui , Chen Hualan , Matsuoka Yumiko , Sambhara Suryaprakash , Swayne David E. , Tumpey Terrence M. , Katz Jacqueline M. 
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACTWidespread distribution of highly pathogenic avian H5N1 influenza viruses in domesticated and wild birds continues to pose a threat to public health, as interspecies transmission of virus has resulted in increasing numbers of human disease cases. Although the pathogenic mechanism(s) of H5N1 influenza viruses has not been fully elucidated, it has been suggested that the ability to evade host innate responses, such as the type I interferon response, may contribute to the virulence of these viruses in mammals. We investigated the role that type I interferons (alpha/beta interferon [IFN-α/β]) might play in H5N1 pathogenicity in vivo, by comparing the kinetics and outcomes of H5N1 virus infection in IFN-α/β receptor (IFN-α/βR)-deficient and SvEv129 wild-type mice using two avian influenza A viruses isolated from humans, A/Hong Kong/483/97 (HK/483) and A/Hong Kong/486/97 (HK/486), which exhibit high and low lethality in mice, respectively. IFN-α/βR-deficient mice experienced significantly more weight loss and more rapid time to death than did wild-type mice. HK/486 virus caused a systemic infection similar to that with HK/483 virus in IFN-α/βR-deficient mice, suggesting a role for IFN-α/β in controlling the systemic spread of this H5N1 virus. HK/483 virus replicated more efficiently than HK/486 virus both in vivo and in vitro. However, replication of both viruses was significantly reduced following pretreatment with IFN-α/β. These results suggest a role for the IFN-α/β response in the control of H5N1 virus replication both in vivo and in vitro, and as such it may provide some degree of protection to the host in the early stages of infection.
Differential Virological and Immunological Outcome of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Infection in Susceptible and Resistant Transgenic Mice Expressing Human Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2
Authors: Yoshikawa Naoko , Yoshikawa Tomoki , Hill Terence , Huang Cheng , Watts Douglas M. , Makino Shinji , Milligan Gregg , Chan Tehsheng , Peters Clarence J. , Tseng Chien-Te K. 
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACTWe previously reported that transgenic (Tg) mice expressing human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (hACE2), the receptor for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV), were highly susceptible to SARS-CoV infection, which resulted in the development of disease of various severity and even death in some lineages. In this study, we further characterized and compared the pathogeneses of SARS-CoV infection in two of the most stable Tg lineages, AC70 and AC22, representing those susceptible and resistant to the lethal SARS-CoV infection, respectively. The kinetics of virus replication and the inflammatory responses within the lungs and brains, as well as the clinical and pathological outcomes, were assessed in each lineage. In addition, we generated information on lymphocyte subsets and mitogen-mediated proliferation of splenocytes. We found that while both lineages were permissive to SARS-CoV infection, causing elevated secretion of many inflammatory mediators within the lungs and brains, viral infection appeared to be more intense in AC70 than in AC22 mice, especially in the brain. Moreover, such infection was accompanied by a more profound immune suppression in the former, as evidenced by the extensive loss of T cells, compromised responses to concanavalin A stimulation, and absence of inflammatory infiltrates within the brain. We also found that CD8+T cells were partially effective in attenuating the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV infection in lethality-resistant AC22 mice. Collectively, our data revealed a more intense viral infection and immunosuppression in AC70 mice than in AC22 mice, thereby providing us with an immunopathogenic basis for the fatal outcome of SARS-CoV infection in the AC70 mice.
Herd Immunity to GII.4 Noroviruses Is Supported by Outbreak Patient Sera
Authors: Cannon Jennifer L. , Lindesmith Lisa C. , Donaldson Eric F. , Saxe Lauryn , Baric Ralph S. , Vinjé Jan 
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACT

Noroviruses (NoVs) of genogroup II, cluster 4 (GII.4), are the most common cause of outbreaks of acute gastroenteritis worldwide. During the past 13 years, GII.4 NoVs caused four seasons of widespread activity globally, each associated with the emergence of a new strain. In this report, we characterized the most recent epidemic strain, GII.4-2006 Minerva, by comparing virus-like particle (VLP) antigenic relationships and histo-blood group antigen (HBGA) binding profiles with strains isolated earlier. We also investigated the seroprevalence and specificity of GII.4 antibody in the years prior to, during, and following the GII.4 pandemic of 1995 and 1996 using a large collection of acute- and convalescent-phase serum pairs (
n
= 298) collected from 34 outbreaks. In a surrogate neutralization assay, we measured the blockade of HBGA binding using a panel of GII.4 VLPs representing strains isolated in 1987, 1997, 2002, and 2006 and a GII.3 VLP representing a strain isolated in the mid-1990s. Serum titers required for 50% HBGA blockade were compared between populations. In general, blockade of GII.4 VLP-HBGA binding was greater with convalescent-phase outbreak sera collected near the time of origin of the VLP strain. Heterotypic genotypes did not contribute to herd immunity against GII.4 NoVs based on their inability to block GII.4 VLP binding to HBGA. However, previous exposure to GII.4 NoV followed by infection by GII.3 NoV appeared to evoke an immune response to GII.4 NoV. These results support the hypothesis that herd immunity is a driving force for GII.4 evolution in the U.S. population. The data also suggest that complex patterns of cross-protection may exist across NoV genotypes in humans.