bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pedunculated Angiomyofibroblastoma of the Vulva: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Giannella Luca , Costantini Matteo , Mfuta Kabala , Cavazza Alberto , Cerami Lillo Bruno , Gardini Giorgio , Boselli Fausto
Published: September 2011

Angiomyofibroblastoma (AMFB) is a rare benign mesenchymal tumour that occurs almost exclusively in the vulvovaginal region of women but can also occur occasionally in the inguinoscrotal region of men. It is a well-circumscribed lesion that clinically is often thought to represent a Bartholin's gland cyst and usually does not form a pedunculated mass. To our knowledge, only five cases of vulvar AMFB with pedunculated mass have been reported in the English literature and all cases involving the labia majora and middle-aged women. We report the first case of pedunculated AMFB of the vulva occurring in a young woman of 21 years old and involving the left labia minora. After excluding the most common diseases, pedunculated AMFB should be part of differential diagnosis in the workup of any pedunculated vulvar mass even in young women with a lesion involving the labia minora. We reviewed the literature and summarized all reported cases.
Cognitive and Affective Correlates of Temperament in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Pluck Graham , Brown Richard G.
Published: September 2011

Parkinson's disease (PD) patients display low novelty seeking scores on the Tridimensional Personality Questionnaire (TPQ), which may reflect the low dopamine function that characterises the disease. People with PD also display raised harm avoidance scores. Due to these and other observations, a “parkinsonian personality” has been suggested. However, little is known about how these features relate to cognitive and affective disorders, which are also common in PD. We examined links between TPQ scores and performance on an attentional orienting task in a sample of 20 people with PD. In addition, associations between TPQ and depression and anxiety scores were explored. It was found that novelty seeking scores were significantly correlated with a reaction time measure of attentional orienting to visual novelty. Harm avoidance scores were significantly correlated with anxiety, but not depression scores. These findings extend our understanding of how temperament interacts with cognitive and affective features of the disorder.
A Study of Nanoclay Reinforcement of Biocomposites Made by Liquid Composite Molding
Authors: Bensadoun Farida , Kchit Nadir , Billotte Catherine , Bickerton Simon , Trochu François , Ruiz Edu
Published: September 2011

Liquid composite molding (LCM) processes are widely used to manufacture composite parts for the automotive industry. An appropriate selection of the materials and proper optimization of the manufacturing parameters are keys to produce parts with improved mechanical properties. This paper reports on a study of biobased composites reinforced with nanoclay particles. A soy-based unsaturated polyester resin was used as synthetic matrix, and glass and flax fiber fabrics were used as reinforcement. This paper aims to improve mechanical and flammability properties of reinforced composites by introducing nanoclay particles in the unsaturated polyester resin. Four different mixing techniques were investigated to improve the dispersion of nanoclay particles in the bioresin in order to obtain intercalated or exfoliated structures. An experimental study was carried out to define the adequate parameter combinations between vacuum pressure, filling time, and resin viscosity. Two manufacturing methods were investigated and compared: RTM and SCRIMP. Mechanical properties, such as flexural modulus and ultimate strength, were evaluated and compared for conventional glass fiber composites (GFC) and flax fiber biocomposites (GFBiores-C). Finally, smoke density analysis was performed to demonstrate the effects and advantages of using an environment-friendly resin combined with nanoclay particles.
Should We Monitor ScVO2in Critically Ill Patients?
Authors: Nebout Sophie , Pirracchio Romain
Published: September 2011

Hemodynamic monitoring has become a real challenge in the intensive care unit. As an integrative parameter for oxygen supply/demand, venous oxygen saturation (SvO2) provided by pulmonary artery catheterization is one of the most popular parameters to assess the adequacy of cardiac output. However, technical limitations and potential iatrogenic complications constitute important limits for a widespread use. Regular central venous catheters coupled with a fiberoptic lumen for central venous oxygen saturation (ScvO2) monitoring have been proposed as a surrogate for SvO2monitoring. The purpose of the present article is to review the physiological backgrounds of circulation, the pathophysiology of circulatory failure and subsequent venous oxygen saturation alterations, and finally the merits and the limits of the use of ScvO2in different clinical situations.
Effects of FK506 on Hippocampal CA1 Cells Following Transient Global Ischemia/Reperfusion in Wistar Rat
Authors: Sharifi Zahra-Nadia , Abolhassani Farid , Zarrindast Mohammad Reza , Movassaghi Shabnam , Rahimian Nasrin , Hassanzadeh Gholamreza
Published: September 2011

Transient global cerebral ischemia causes loss of pyramidal cells in CA1 region of hippocampus. In this study, we investigated the neurotrophic effect of the immunosuppressant agent FK506 in rat after global cerebral ischemia. Both common carotid arteries were occluded for 20 minutes followed by reperfusion. In experimental group 1, FK506 (6 mg/kg) was given as a single dose exactly at the time of reperfusion. In the second group, FK506 was administered at the beginning of reperfusion, followed by its administration intraperitoneally (IP) 6, 24, 48, and 72 hours after reperfusion. FK506 failed to show neurotrophic effects on CA1 region when applied as a single dose of 6 mg/kg. The cell number and size of the CA1 pyramidal cells were increased, also the number of cell death decreased in this region when FK506 was administrated 48 h after reperfusion. This work supports the possible use of FK506 in treatment of ischemic brain damage.
Multimodal MRI Neuroimaging Biomarkers for Cognitive Normal Adults, Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment, and Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Lin Ai-Ling , Laird Angela R. , Fox Peter T. , Gao Jia-Hong
Published: September 2011

Multimodal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques have been developed to noninvasively measure structural, metabolic, hemodynamic and functional changes of the brain. These advantages have made MRI an important tool to investigate neurodegenerative disorders, including diagnosis, disease progression monitoring, and treatment efficacy evaluation. This paper discusses recent findings of the multimodal MRI in the context of surrogate biomarkers for identifying the risk for AD in normal cognitive (NC) adults, brain anatomical and functional alterations in amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI), and Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. Further developments of these techniques and the establishment of promising neuroimaging biomarkers will enhance our ability to diagnose aMCI and AD in their early stages and improve the assessment of therapeutic efficacy in these diseases in future clinical trials.
Serum Galectin-2, -4, and -8 Are Greatly Increased in Colon and Breast Cancer Patients and Promote Cancer Cell Adhesion to Blood Vascular Endothelium
Authors: Barrow Hannah , Guo Xiuli , Wandall Hans H. , Pedersen Johannes W. , Fu Bo , Zhao Qicheng , Chen Chen , Rhodes Jonathan M. , Yu Lu-Gang
Published: September 2011

Purpose: Adhesion of disseminating tumor cells to the blood vascular endothelium is a pivotal step in metastasis. Previous investigations have shown that galectin-3 concentrations are increased in the bloodstream of patients with cancer and that galectin-3 promotes adhesion of disseminating tumor cells to vascular endothelium in vitro and experimental metastasis in vivo. This study determined the levels of galectin-1, -2, -3, -4, -8, and -9 in the sera of healthy people and patients with colon and breast cancer and assessed the influence of these galectins on cancer-endothelium adhesion.

Experimental Design: Serum galectins and auto–anti-MUC1 antibodies were assessed using ELISA and mucin protein (MUC1) glycan microarrays, and cancer-endothelium adhesion was determined using monolayers of human microvascular lung endothelial cells.

Results: The levels of serum galectin-2, -3, -4, and -8 were significantly increased up to 31-fold in patients with cancer and, in particular, those with metastases. As previously shown for galectin-3, the presence of these galectins enhances cancer-endothelium adhesion by interaction with the Thomsen-Friedenreich (TF; Galβ1,3GalNAcα-) disaccharide on cancer-associated MUC1. This causes MUC1 cell surface polarization, thus exposing underlying adhesion molecules that promote cancer-endothelium adhesion. Elevated circulating galectin-2 levels were associated with increased mortality in patients with colorectal cancer, but this association was suppressed when anti-MUC1 antibodies with specificity for the TF epitope of MUC1 were also present in the circulation.

Conclusions: Increased circulation of several members of the galectin family is common in patients with cancer and these may, like circulating galectin-3, also be involved in metastasis promotion. Clin Cancer Res; 17(22); 7035–46. ©2011 AACR.
Immunoendocrinology of the Thymus in Chagas Disease
Authors: Pérez Ana Rosa , Silva-Barbosa Suse Dayse , Roggero Eduardo , Calmon-Hamaty Flavia , Villar Silvina R. , Gutierrez Fredy R. , Silva João Santana , Savino Wilson , Bottasso Oscar
Published: September 2011

During immune response to infectious agents, the host develops an inflammatory response which could fail to eliminate the pathogen or may become dysregulated. In this case, the ongoing response acquires a new status and turns out to be detrimental. The same elements taking part in the establishment and regulation of the inflammatory response (cytokines, chemokines, regulatory T cells and counteracting compounds like glucocorticoids) may also mediate harmful effects. Thymic disturbances seen during Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi) infection fit well with this conceptual framework. After infection, this organ suffers a severe atrophy due to apoptosis-induced thymocyte exhaustion, mainly affecting the immature double-positive (DP) CD4+CD8+ population. Thymus cellularity depletion, which occurs in the absence of main immunological mediators involved in anti-T. cruzi defense, seems to be linked to a systemic cytokine/hormonal imbalance, involving a dysregulated increase in Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha (TNF-α) and corticosterone hormone levels. Additionally, we have found an anomalous exit of potentially autoimmune DP cells to the periphery, in parallel to a shrinkage in the compartment of natural regulatory T cells. In this context, our data clearly point to the view that the thymus is a target organ of T. cruzi infection. Preserved thymus may be essential for the development of an effective immune response against T. cruzi, but this organ is severely affected by a dysregulated circuit of proinflammatory cytokines and glucocorticoids. Also, the alterations observed in the DP population might have potential implications for the autoimmune component of human Chagas disease.
The Role of the Sympathetic Nervous System in the Thymus in Health and Disease
Authors: Roggero Eduardo , Besedovsky Hugo O. , del Rey Adriana
Published: September 2011

The existence of a network of immunoneuroendocrine interactions that results in the reciprocal modulation of the classical functions of each system is well established at present. Most of the evidence derives from studies on secondary lymphoid organs, such as the spleen and lymph nodes. In this article, several aspects relevant to understand the role of the sympathetic nervous system in the establishment of these interactions in the thymus are discussed. At present, the sympathetic innervation of the thymus, the expression of adrenergic receptors in thymic cells, particularly of β-adrenergic receptors, and the effect of sympathetic neurotransmitters, although mainly derived from in vitro or pharmacological studies, seem to be relatively well studied. However, other aspects, such as the relevance that immune-sympathetic interactions at the thymic level may have for certain diseases, specially autoimmune or other diseases that primarily involve the activation of the immune system, as well as how the integration of sympathetic and hormonal signals at local levels may affect thymic functions, certainly deserve further investigation.
Monitoring of Medical Complications after Acute Ischemic Stroke in a Neurological Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Chen Yu-dan , Li Shu-juan , Sun Feng-hui , Liu Yue-yang , Hu Wen-li
Published: September 2011

Background/Aims: Post-stroke complications may influence prognosis, and may even become potentially life-threatening. The aim of this prospective study was to examine the frequency and timing of medical complications during the acute stage of critical ischemic stroke in patients treated in a neurological intensive care unit. Methods: Seventy acute ischemic stroke patients in a critical condition with morbid changes in organs other than the brain or with severe complications were admitted to a neurological intensive care unit and followed up with assessments of 15 specified complications during the first 2 weeks on days 2, 4, 7, and 14. Results: The most common complications within 2 weeks of onset were chest infection (90%), fever (64%), hypoalbuminemia (56%), arrhythmia (46%), irritable ulcer (44%), gastrointestinal dysfunction (39%), progression or recurrence of stroke (33%), and urinary tract infection (30%). The incidence of progression or recurrence of stroke and urinary tract infection peaked at day 2, and the incidence of arrhythmia, fever, chest infection, irritable ulcer, gastrointestinal dysfunction, and malnutrition peaked from 1 to 2 weeks. Conclusion: Progression or recurrence of stroke, fever, and chest infection are common complications in the acute stage of critical ischemic stroke.
Hemodialysis Reduces Augmentation Index but Not Aortic or Brachial Pulse Wave Velocity in Dialysis-Requiring Patients
Authors: Georgianos Panagiotis I. , Sarafidis Pantelis A. , Malindretos Pavlos , Nikolaidis Pavlos , Lasaridis Anastasios N.
Published: September 2011

Background/Aims: Arterial stiffening characterizes the vasculature of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients and is a strong predictor of their cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Previous studies evaluating the effect of hemodialysis on large artery elasticity gave contradictory results. This study aimed to investigate the impact of hemodialysis on arterial stiffness and wave reflections on chronic hemodialysis patients. Methods: A total of 51 stable ESRD patients on maintenance hemodialysis were evaluated before and after the first and second dialysis session of the week. Arterial stiffness was assessed by measuring aortic and brachial pulse wave velocity (PWV). Central arterial pressure waveform parameters were estimated by radial artery applanation tonometry. Heart rate-adjusted augmentation index [AIx(75)] was used as measure of wave reflections. Results: During both dialysis sessions systolic blood pressure (SBP) and pulse pressure (PP) at brachial artery and central aorta were reduced. AIx(75) was decreased in first and second weekly dialysis session (27.5 ± 1.2 vs. 21.0 ± 1.5, p < 0.001 and 24.7 ± 1.2 vs. 20.5 ± 1.5, p < 0.001, respectively). In contrast, aortic and brachial PWV remained unchanged during both dialysis sessions. Changes in AIx(75) during hemodialysis were associated with changes in central aortic SBP, PP and ejection duration. Conclusions: This study shows that hemodialysis does not acutely affect arterial stiffness, but reduces wave reflections from periphery. This dissociation between effects of hemodialysis on PWV and AIx(75) may reflect differential impact on large and small branches of the arterial tree.
Thin-Cap Fibroatheroma as High-Risk Plaque for Microvascular Obstruction in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Ozaki Yuichi , Tanaka Atsushi , Tanimoto Takashi , Kitabata Hironori , Kashiwagi Manabu , Kubo Takashi , Takarada Shigeho , Ishibashi Kohei , Komukai Kenichi , Ino Yasushi , Hirata Kumiko , Mizukoshi Masato , Imanishi Toshio , Akasaka Takashi
Published: September 2011

Background—

Plaque contents can cause microvascular impairment, which is an important determinant of clinical outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). We hypothesized that percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for thin-cap fibroatheroma (TCFA) could easily disrupt the fibrous cap and expose the contents of plaque to coronary flow, possibly resulting in microvascular obstruction (MVO). The purpose of this study was to investigate whether TCFA was associated with MVO after PCI in patients with ACS.

Methods and Results—

We enrolled 115 patients with ACS who were successfully recanalized with PCI. The patients were divided into a ruptured plaque group (n=59), a nonrupture with TCFA group (n=21), and a nonrupture and non-TCFA group (n=35), according to optical coherence tomography findings of the culprit lesion. Using contrast-enhanced MRI, we assessed MVO. There were no statistically significant differences in patient characteristics. The nonrupture with TCFA group more frequently presented MVO (ruptured plaque, 27%; versus nonrupture with TCFA, 43%; versus non-TCFA and nonrupture, 9%;
P
=0.012). The prevalence of MVO increases as cap thickness decreases.

Conclusions—

TCFA is more frequently associated with MVO after PCI. TCFA is a high-risk plaque for MVO after PCI in patients with ACS.
The Relational Tradition
Authors: Harris Adrienne E.
Published: September 2011

This essay charts the origins, influences, and evolution of the relational tradition in contemporary psychoanalysis. Considering the theoretical and philosophical influences from nineteenth-century Americans like William James and C. S Pierce, and noting the seminal modern work of Steven Mitchell and Jay Greenberg in opening a critique of one-person focused drive theory, the essay follows developments over a quarter century. Hallmarks of the relational approach—social construction, two-person psychologies, multiple self-states, social regulation and construction of identities like gender and sexual orientation, and an evolving theory of clinical practice—are reviewed. New developments in clinical theory, in the study of identity categories, in the work on embodiment and enactment, and in developmental models are also reviewed.
Gender, embodiment and place: The gendering of skills shortages in the Australian mining and food and beverage processing industries
Authors: Bryant Lia , Jaworski Katrina
Published: September 2011

This article examines skills shortages in the context of the Australian mining and food and beverage processing industries. Drawing on Acker’s concept of inequality regimes, we examine gendered and classed bodies in relation to place. We argue that organizations are situated in place, and here, Australian rural places. We also argue that while specific industries are important to the rural economies, these economies are influenced by the gendered politics of place that occur at the site where the enterprise is located. Guided by the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ quantitative analyses of workforce profiles, and predominantly drawing on qualitative interviews with Human Resource (HR) personnel, we analyse the gendering of work, place and organizations across three themes: a) women, work and reproducing bodies; b) male embodiment, organization and place; and c) absent bodies: women and apprenticeships. The purpose is to show that assumptions about gender, embodiment and place influence how organizations understand and respond to skills shortages in the given industries.
Gender and communal politics in Shama Futehally’s Reaching Bombay Central
Authors: Jackson Elizabeth
Published: September 2011

Most of the best-known women writers of anglophone Indian fiction have been Hindu, and in the context of the intensification of communal politics in India, it is important to also consider the voices of their Muslim counterparts. Shama Futehally’s novel Reaching Bombay Central ( 2002 ) engages with both gender and communal politics from a Muslim perspective, and this article examines the ways in which the narrative implicitly challenges a number of popular perceptions about the disadvantaged position of Muslim women in India. The novel dramatizes the environment of inter-communal tension but conspicuously downplays the role of religious ideology and legal disadvantage, both of which have been prominent in public debates about Muslim women in India. In its dramatization of the power dynamics within a middle-class Muslim marriage, the narrative suggests that women’s disempowerment is located above all in the domestic sphere and in interpersonal relationships, and that their subordinate status is not specific to particular religious communities.
Turning Into Teachers
Authors: Haston Warren , Russell Joshua A.
Published: September 2011

The purpose of this study was to examine the occupational identity development of undergraduate music education majors as they participated in a yearlong authentic context learning (ACL) experience situated within a professional development school (PDS). Five undergraduate music education majors enrolled in either a string pedagogy class or an instrumental methods class were required to teach in the band or string projects at the PDS. The authors utilized a multiple case study method and collected data from interviews, observations, and participant written reflections. The transformation of data included transcribing interviews and indexing student reflections. The authors identified four emergent themes: the development of general pedagogical knowledge, knowledge of self, performer/teacher symbiotic outcomes, and professional perspectives. The impact of the perceived positive or negative ACL experiences as well as interactions with peers was mediated by either adaptive or maladaptive participant responses to ACL experiences. Participants’ descriptions fit the framework of an extended apprenticeship of what the authors labeled a critical apprenticeship of observation. Based on these findings, they developed a conceptual diagram in order to describe the impact of the ACL experiences on teacher occupational identity development.
The Development of a Measure of Self-Regulated Practice Behavior for Beginning and Intermediate Instrumental Music Students
Authors: Miksza Peter
Published: September 2011

The purpose of this study was to develop and test the construct validity and reliability of a self-report measure of self-regulated practice behaviors for beginning and intermediate instrumentalists. A questionnaire was designed to assess the motive, method, behavior, time management, and social influences dimensions of the theoretical model of self-regulation proposed by McPherson and Zimmerman. The questionnaire’s construct validity was tested using confirmatory factor analysis, and a preliminary assessment of predictive validity was estimated by correlating the measure with self-reported practice habits. The measure’s reliability in regard to internal consistency and consistency over time was assessed as well. The sample consisted of middle school band students in grades 6 to 8 ( N = 302). Confirmatory factor analyses indicated that a model including factors representing the dimensions self-efficacy, method/behavior combined, time management, and social influences was the best fit. Cronbach’s alpha and test–retest reliability results indicated good to excellent consistency across all self-regulation subscales, with coefficients ranging from .76 to .90. Significant correlations ( p < .001) between the self-regulation subscales and self-reported practice habits (i.e., time spent practicing, average daily practice efficiency, percentage of time spent on formal practice) provided preliminary evidence of predictive validity of the measure.
Linking Different Types of Crime Using Geographical and Temporal Proximity
Authors: Tonkin Matthew , Woodhams Jessica , Bull Ray , Bond John W. , Palmer Emma J.
Published: September 2011

In the absence of forensic evidence (such as DNA or fingerprints), offender behavior can be used to identify crimes that have been committed by the same person (referred to as behavioral case linkage). The current study presents the first empirical test of whether it is possible to link different types of crime using simple aspects of offender behavior. The discrimination accuracy of the kilometer distance between offense locations (the intercrime distance) and the number of days between offenses (temporal proximity) was examined across a range of crimes, including violent, sexual, and property-related offenses. Both the intercrime distance and temporal proximity were able to achieve statistically significant levels of discrimination accuracy that were comparable across and within crime types and categories. The theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed and recommendations made for future research.
The changing role of employment tribunals: The case of the Employment Appeals Tribunal in Ireland
Authors: Hann Deborah , Teague Paul
Published: September 2011

Employment tribunals were first established to provide a cheap and accessible service for the quick resolution of legally based employment disputes. With the decline of collective industrial relations and the growth of legislation on individual employment rights, employment tribunals have acquired a new prominence. However, in doing so employment tribunals have also been heavily criticized for becoming too legalistic and formal. This article takes issue with this tendency to criticize the work of employment tribunals. It closely investigates the role of the Employment Appeals Tribunal (EAT) in Ireland and finds that while it has become legalistic it still plays an important role in employment standard-setting. The article argues that employment relations systems in Anglo-Saxon countries are increasingly rights-based and that bodies like the EAT now play a key role in the functioning of such systems.
The Evolutionary Armistice
Authors: Eastwick Paul W. , Finkel Eli J.
Published: September 2011

Natural selection modified the attachment-behavioral system to bond adult mating partners in early members of the genus Homo, thus facilitating increased investment, especially paternal investment, in offspring. Previously existing adaptations that fostered intersexual conflict (e.g., ovulatory adaptations) could have threatened attachment bonds; therefore, the attachment-behavioral system might have evolved the ability to mute or refocus such adaptations for the purpose of strengthening the bond. Two studies offer support for this prediction. Women who were strongly attached to their romantic partner revealed positive associations of fertility with reports of romantic physical intimacy, but these associations were negative among unbonded women. This moderational effect of attachment bond strength was robust beyond dispositional attachment anxiety and avoidance, relationship satisfaction, relationship commitment, and partner physical attractiveness, none of which revealed robust moderational effects. Findings highlight how researchers can use the timeline of hominid evolution (i.e., phylogeny) as a tool to complement functional, adaptationist hypotheses.
Role of Stromal Cell‐Derived Factor‐1 Expression in the Injured Mouse Auditory Nerve
Authors: Kilpatrick Lauren A. , Zhu Juhong , Lee Fu‐Shing , Lang Hainan
Published: September 2011

Objective

The degeneration of hair cells and spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) is an important pathologic process in the development of sensorineural hearing loss. In a murine model, predictable and reproducible damage to SGNs occurs through the application of ouabain to the round window. Recent evidence has shown that the chemokine stromal cell–derived factor‐1 (SDF‐1) is a potent chemoattractant of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and provides trophic support to injured tissues during development and maturation. The hypothesis for the current study is that expression of SDF‐1 plays an important role in protecting SGNs and preventing further degeneration in the setting of cochlear injury.

Study Design

Prospective, controlled.

Setting

Academic research laboratory.

Subject and Methods

Auditory brainstem response (ABR) and the expression of SDF‐1 mRNA and protein were examined 1, 3, 7, 14, and 30 days after application of ouabain in 35 adult mice.

Results

Following ouabain application, real‐time reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction for SDF demonstrates increased mRNA expression following ouabain injury in nontransplanted mice. A significant increase in SDF protein expression was also observed using immunolabeling techniques and Western blot analysis.

Conclusions

SDF‐1 expression is increased in the auditory nerve following cochlear injury. Further knowledge about the cochlear microenvironment, including SDF‐1, is critical to maximizing HSC engraftment in the injured cochlea and providing a therapeutic option for sensorineural hearing loss.
Radiofrequency Inferior Turbinate Reduction
Authors: Garzaro Massimiliano , Pezzoli Matteo , Landolfo Vincenzo , Defilippi Simona , Giordano Carlo , Pecorari Giancarlo
Published: September 2011

Objective

The aim of this study was to assess the long‐term effects of radiofrequency inferior turbinate reduction (RITR) on nasal function in patients affected by nasal obstruction secondary to turbinate hypertrophy, focusing attention on increased sense of smell and its persistence after a 2‐year follow‐up.

Study Design

Case series with planned data collection.

Setting

ENT division, university hospital.

Subjects and Methods

A total of 40 consecutive patients undergoing RITR for allergic or nonallergic chronic rhinitis with inferior turbinate hypertrophy were included. We planned a series of tests, including the “Sniffin’ Sticks” test battery, anterior rhinomanometry, and the nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scale, on the day of the procedure and at the 2‐month and 2‐year follow‐up visits.

Results

Of the 40 patients, 35 completed all the objective and subjective examinations on the day of the procedure and at the 2‐month and 2‐year follow‐up visits. The authors found a significant decrease in nasal resistances from a mean of 1.13 Pa/cm3s−1 preoperatively to a mean of 0.29 Pa/cm3s−1 2 years postoperatively and improvement in odor threshold, discrimination, and identification scores 2 years postoperatively. The NOSE score diminished significantly 2 years after surgery from a mean of 23.14 to a mean of 4.14 (all P <. 01 with the t test for repeated measures).

Conclusion

This long‐term evaluation showed that radiofrequency treatment for allergic or nonallergic inferior turbinate hypertrophy appeared to provide improvement in olfaction, decrease nasal resistances, and have subjective benefits, maintained 2 years after the procedure.
Interview with Laura Mulvey
Authors: Sassatelli Roberta
Published: September 2011

This conversation between Laura Mulvey and Roberta Sassatelli offers a historical reconstruction of Mulvey’s work, from her famous essay ‘Visual Pleasure and Narrative Cinema’ to her most recent reflections on male gaze, film technology and visual culture. The conversation initially deals with the socio-cultural context in which the ‘Visual Pleasure...’ essay was produced by outlining a number of possible theoretical parallelisms with other scholars, from Foucault to Barthes to Goffman. Then, on the basis of Mulvey’s latest book, Death 24× a Second, and of a variety of contemporary examples, the emphasis is on the relative shift in Mulvey’s work from gender to time and visual technology. Finally, the conversation focuses on the concept of ‘gendered scopic regime’ and the potential re-articulation of the male gaze through the technological re-direction and control of the visual.
Return-to-Sport Outcomes at 2 to 7 Years After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Surgery
Authors: Ardern Clare L. , Taylor Nicholas F. , Feller Julian A. , Webster Kate E.
Published: September 2011

Background: Most people have not returned to their preinjury level of sports participation at 12 months after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgery. Twelve months’ follow-up may be too early to assess return-to-sport outcomes accurately.

Purpose: This study was undertaken to evaluate the medium-term return-to-sport outcomes after ACL reconstruction surgery.

Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods: A self-report questionnaire was used to collect data at 2 to 7 years after ACL reconstruction surgery regarding preinjury sports participation, postoperative sports participation, and subjective knee function. The main inclusion criteria were participation in regular sports activity before injury and the attendance at routine surgical follow-up appointments.

Results: A total of 314 participants (mean age, 32.5 ± 10.2 years) were included at a mean 39.6 ± 13.8 months after ACL reconstruction surgery. At follow-up, 45% were playing sport at their preinjury level and 29% were playing competitive sport. Ninety-three percent of the study sample had attempted sport at some time after their ACL reconstruction surgery. Those who had not attempted their preinjury level of sport by 12 months after surgery were just as likely to have returned to preinjury level by 39 months after surgery as those who had played sport by 12 months (risk ratio, 1.1; 95% confidence interval, 0.76-1.6).

Conclusion: Less than 50% of the study sample had returned to playing sport at their preinjury level or returned to participating in competitive sport when surveyed at 2 to 7 years after ACL reconstruction surgery. Return to the preinjury level of sport at 12 months after surgery was not predictive of participation at the preinjury level in the medium term, which suggests that people who return to sport within 12 months may not maintain their sports participation.
Older Adults’ Views About “Managing Your Medications” Booklet
Authors: Robertson Jill , Farris Karen B. , Schultz Susan K. , Carnahan Ryan M. , Gryzlak Brian , Chrischilles Elizabeth A.
Published: September 2011

The objectives were to evaluate Managing Your Medications (MYM) booklet to improve medication management. Mailed packets, including MYM booklet and 4-page survey assessing comprehensibility, communicative effectiveness, and usefulness, were sent to a random sample of 250 older adults. The survey included perceptions of booklet, how to disseminate, and respondent’s health history. Descriptive statistics were used, and individuals were stratified by number of prescription medications and whether they reported side effects. A 59.6% response rate was obtained. The readability was Grade 8. Older adults reported it was comprehensible and 17% reported behavioral intentions to change their current actions regarding medications. Overall, 12.7% of respondents agreed that MYM changed their opinion of the topic. The most popular means to disseminate were doctors’ offices and senior citizens’ centers. Most older adults indicated the MYM booklet was readable, comprehensible, and would generate some behavior change regarding medication management.
Juvenile Justice Contact of Youth in Systems of Care
Authors: Matthews Shelley Keith , Krivelyova Anna , Stephens Robert L. , Bilchik Shay
Published: September 2011

Youth with serious emotional disturbance involved in juvenile justice systems have complex needs that often are best addressed through collaborative systems that coordinate the efforts of individual agencies. This study examines the effectiveness of a system-of-care-grant-funded community in Birmingham, AL compared to a matched comparison community in Montgomery, AL in reducing youth contact with the juvenile justice system. Logistic regression results demonstrate greater reductions in the likelihood of juvenile justice involvement among youth served in systems of care over time compared to those served in a services-as-usual environment. These findings show the benefits of the incorporation of system-of-care principles for youth with a multitude of needs.
Tool life and surface integrity issues in continuous and interrupted finish hard turning with coated carbide and CBN tools
Authors: Dogra M , Sharma V , Sachdeva A , Suri NM
Published: September 2011

In this paper, turning experiments on hardened steel were carried out with three kinds of cylindrical workpiece surfaces – continuous, interrupted, and fully interrupted – using coated carbide and cubic boron nitride (CBN) tools. The objective of this work was to investigate the conditions under which coated carbide tools give optimum results in terms of both tool life and surface integrity of the machined surface in comparison to costly CBN tools. The turning performance was evaluated in terms of maximum flank wear of the inserts and issues related to surface integrity like white layer formation, microhardness variation, residual stress generated, and surface roughness of the machined surface. The results indicated that the longest tool life was achieved with CBN tools, but the accumulated machining time of all the four cutting edges in coated carbide tools was comparable to that of CBN. The surface integrity achieved with carbide tools was also comparable to that achieved with CBN. The performance of carbide tools deteriorated at higher cutting speeds. The surface roughness value with all inserts under all cutting conditions was below 1.6 µm. The thickness of the white layer only varied from 0.4 to 1 µm, and no white layer was observed with interrupted and fully interrupted surfaces. Compressive residual stress was observed on the machined surface with a selected tool life criterion.
Application of three-parameter Weibull mixture model for reliability assessment of NC machine tools: a case study
Authors: Wang Z , Yang J , Wang G , Zhang G
Published: September 2011

To analyse the reliability of numerical control (NC) machine tools, a three-parameter Weibull mixture model is proposed in this case study. Negative log-likelihood function is used as an optimal objective instead of solving complex system of equations; the problem of parameter estimation of mixture model is solved by a non-linear programming method. A comprehensive criteria, which include Akaike information criterion, Bayesian information criterion, and root mean squared error, is presented for selecting the number of components of mixture model. The field failure data of three NC machine tools are analysed and the results of reliability assessment, such as the reliability, maintainability, availability, etc., are all presented. The results show that the mixture model of three-parameter Weibull distribution, with advantages over other Weibull models, is suitable for modelling failure data of multiple NC machine tools with multiple failure modes and causes.
Large-eddy simulation of aircraft wake vortex deformation and topology
Authors: Hennemann I , Holzäpfel F
Published: September 2011

On the one hand, it is known from visual observations, Lidar measurements, and numerical simulations that aircraft wake vortices may live significantly longer than anticipated by todays standard regulations of air traffic control. On the other hand, the initially counter-rotating, parallel vortex pair deforms quickly, which reduces the impact time of adverse forces and moments on encountering aircraft. Therefore, large-eddy simulations of wake vortex evolution in different meteorological conditions are conducted in order to analyse the physics of vortex deformation. A new post-processing algorithm has been developed that at first determines the three-dimensional path of the vortex core line and then computes piecewise curvature radii as a measure of vortex deformation. It is found that larger turbulence levels and neutral to weakly stable temperature stratification particularly support vortex ring formation. The vortex ring regime is characterized by a reduced descent rate and by a surprising variability of its core radius. It is shown that the varying core size directly affects the evolution of radii-averaged circulation. Comparisons with field experiments indicate good agreement with the considerable life time of the vortex rings and topology.
Analytical study on possible self-excited oscillation in S-shaped regions of pump-turbines
Authors: Zhou J X , Karney B W , Hu M , Xu J C
Published: September 2011

As a renewable energy resource, the pumped storage power station has great prospects for better balancing supply and demand, particularly with further development of intermittent power sources and the growing need for an intelligent electric grid. However, pump-turbines often involve problematic S-shaped regions in their machine characteristics and thus, while pumped storage may solve some problems in the grid, pump-turbine operation and control can lead to other problems including severe self-excited oscillation in the hydro-mechanical system. These operational challenges have been so severe that they have even led to some reported accidents. Based on two typical and complex water conveyance systems, including two pump-turbine system sharing a common tail tunnel and two pump-turbine systems sharing an upstream penstock, the mathematical equations for self-excited oscillation are deduced from the basic equations of pressurized pipe flow coupled to the pump-turbine’s characteristics; moreover, the behaviour of a single pump-turbine system is obtained through simplification of the first analysis. An analytical study is performed and the amplitude–frequency characteristic is investigated by means of both non-linear vibration theory and its corresponding analytical solution algorithm through a multi-scale method. With a given case study in detail, the results show that, for the turbines staying in the S-shaped regions for a relatively long time, self-excited oscillation inevitably occurs with severe oscillation superposed by several oscillation modes by the use of power spectral analysis module in MATLAB, and numerical results are shown to agree well with the theoretical analysis.
Biomarkers of Inflammation, Growth Factor, and Coagulation Activation in Patients With Sickle Cell Disease
Authors: Qari M. H. , Dier U. , Mousa S. A.
Published: September 2011

Acute painful crisis is a common sequela that can cause significant morbidity and negatively impact the quality of life of patients with sickle cell disease (SCD). Plasma levels of several chemokines and cytokines including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin 1β (IL-1β), IL-6, IL-8, monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1), macrophage inflammatory protein 1α (MIP-1α), and interferon γ (IFN-γ) in patients with SCD showed a distinct and statistically significant rise either during painful crisis or at steady state. Plasma levels of various growth factors, including human vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), human basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF), and human hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), showed a sustained 2- to 3-fold increase either during painful crisis or at steady state in patients with SCD. Furthermore, plasma levels of the biomarker d-Dimer, a marker of hypercoagulation, showed a 2- to 3-fold increase either during painful crisis or at steady state in patients with SCD as compared to that in healthy participants, suggesting an increased risk of thrombosis.
Convergence of the descent Dai–Yuan conjugate gradient method for unconstrained optimization
Authors: Dehghan Mehdi , Hajarian Masoud
Published: September 2011

The conjugate gradient method is one of the most useful and the earliest-discovered techniques for solving large-scale nonlinear optimization problems. Many variants of this method have been proposed, and some are widely used in practice. In this article, we study the descent Dai–Yuan conjugate gradient method which guarantees the sufficient descent condition for any line search. With exact line search, the introduced conjugate gradient method reduces to the Dai–Yuan conjugate gradient method. Finally, a global convergence result is established when the line search fulfils the Goldstein conditions.
Sliding mode tracking control of a very lightweight single-link flexible robot robust to payload changes and motor friction
Authors: Mamani Gabriela , Becedas Jonathan , Feliu Vicente
Published: September 2011

A sliding mode control design methodology is applied to solve the position tracking problem of an uncertain very lightweight single-link flexible robot arm. Throughout this work we seek a control scheme robust with regards to payload and actuator friction changes, without the establishment of any bounding limits on these parameter variations. Based on the decomposition of the robot dynamics into the motor and flexible link submodels, two nested control loops are proposed, each one of these controlled by an independent sliding mode controller. By carrying on this model decomposition, both motor friction and payload changes become matched uncertainties in their respective models, allowing for their effective rejection using these sliding controllers. Simulations and experimental results are shown to demonstrate the performance of the control system proposed.
Kinetics of Trihalogenated Acetic Acid Metabolism and Isoform Specificity in Liver Microsomes
Authors: Saghir Shakil A. , Ghanayem Burhan I. , Schultz Irvin R.
Published: September 2011

This study determined the metabolism of 3 drinking water disinfection by-products (halogenated acetic acids [HAAs]), bromodichloroacetic acid (BDCAA), chlorodibromoacetic acid (CDBAA), and tribromoacetic acid (TBAA), using rat, mouse, human liver microsomes, and recombinant P450. Metabolism proceeded by reductive debromination forming a di-HAA; the highest under nitrogen >>2% oxygen > atmospheric headspaces. Vmax for the loss of tri-HAA was 4 to 5 times higher under nitrogen than atmospheric headspace. Intrinsic metabolic clearance was TBAA>CDBAA>>BDCAA. At the high substrate concentrations, tri-HAA consumption rate was 2 to 3 times higher than the formation of di-HAA. Liberation of Br− from TBAA corresponded to the expected amount produced after DBAA formation, indicating retention of Br− by additional metabolite/metabolites. Subsequent experiments with CDBAA detected negligible formation of chlorodibromomethane (CDBM) and failed to account for the missing tri-HAA. Carbon monoxide and especially diphenyleneiodonium ([DPI] P450 reductase inhibitor) blocked CDBAA metabolism. Other chemical inhibitors were only partially able to block CDBAA metabolism. Most effective were inhibitors of CYP 2E1 and CYP 3A4. Immunoinhibition studies using human liver microsomes and anti-human CYP 2E1 antibodies were successful in reducing CDBAA metabolism. However, CDBAA metabolism in wild-type (WT) and CYP 2E1 knockout (KO) mouse liver microsomes was similar, suggesting significant interspecies differences in CYP isoform in tri-HAA metabolism. Additional assessment of CYP isoform involvement was complicated by the finding that recombinantly expressed rat and human P450 reductase was able to metabolize CDBAA, which may be a contributing factor in interspecies differences in tri-HAA metabolism.