bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phase Transition Mastering Technology for the Stamper of Blu-ray Recordable Disc
Authors: Chang Chun-Cheng , Chen Jung-Po , Chiu Kuo-Chi , Chen Chieh-Wen , Wang Wei-Hsiang
Published: September 2011

This study presents a novel phase transition mastering (PTM) technology, having examined the feasibility to manufacture a stamper of Blu-ray recordable discs (BD-R). The presented PTM technology involves triple-layers coated on glass comprising a silicon layer, a inorganic photoresist layer, and a typical organic photoresist layer. The results reveal that the silicon layer is an integral part of light absorption in increasing the absorbed energy of the laser beam and an inorganic photoresist material, instead of traditional organic photoresist material used as the active layer for laser lithography. Moreover, an organic photoresist layer was formed on the top of the inorganic photoresist layer to prevent damage from the developing process, ensuring that the PTM stamper has a smooth surface. Detailed processes were revealed and the characteristics of BD-R 4× disc using PTM stamper were demonstrated to confirm the feasibility of commercialization.
Improvement of Thermal Interference for High-Density Thermal Recording Mastering
Authors: Murakami Shigenori , Yamaoka Nobuki , Matsukawa Makoto , Sugawara Yukihiro , Jinno Satoshi , Takishita Toshihiko , Yokogawa Fumihiko
Published: September 2011

We optimized the silicon master structure with the dielectric material as the recording material of the thermal recording. We confirmed that a 48-nm-long pit was able to be recorded with a laser of 405 nm wavelength. As a result of that, we could make a 250 gigabyte (GB) data capacity master with a conventional laser beam recorder (LBR). 75 and 100 GB discs with a photopolymer cover film made by the same method were able to be read with a solid immersion lens (SIL)-equipped tester. The 75 and 100 GB disc jitter values were 6 and 10%, respectively. We also confirmed that a 37-nm-long pit could be formed with the SIL-equipped tester as the recording machine of the thermal recording.
Analysis of Phase Multilevel Recording on Microholograms
Authors: Ide Tatsuro , Mikami Hideharu , Osawa Kentaro , Watanabe Koichi
Published: September 2011

An optical phase multilevel recording technique using a microholographic system and phase-diversity homodyne detection for enhancement of optical disc capacity is investigated. In this technique, multilevel phase signals are stored as the fringe shifts along the optical axis and recovered from the arctangent of two homodyne-detected signals. For comparison, phase signals from Blu-ray Disc read-only memory (BD-ROM) and Blu-ray Disc recordable (BD-R) media obtained by phase-diversity homodyne detection are experimentally evaluated. From the experimental results, we demonstrated that phase-diversity homodyne detection is useful for detecting the phase signal modulation of the signal beam from an optical disc. Furthermore, simulation results on microholograms indicate that phase signals from the microholograms are much more stable despite the variety of their sizes than those from BD-ROM. These results demonstrate the potential of this multilevel recording method.
Adaptive Trellis Using Interim Maximum-Likelihood Detector Output for a Holographic Storage System
Authors: Kim Gukhui , Kim Jinyoung , Lee Jaejin
Published: September 2011

The performance of partial response maximum likelihood (PRML) for holographic data storage can be reduced by asymmetric channel characteristics such as radial/tangential tilts. Therefore, we proposed the adaptive trellis scheme to improve performance. The proposed algorithm updates the reference branch values through using interim maximum-likelihood detector output, using the changed channel condition. Thus, this system guarantees better bit error rate performance than conventional PRML detection.
Multilayer Collinear Holographic Memory with Movable Random Phase Mask
Authors: Shibukawa Atsushi , Okamoto Atsushi , Tomita Akihisa , Takabayashi Masanori , Sato Kunihiro
Published: September 2011

We proposed a new multilayer collinear holographic memory (MCHM) with a movable random phase mask that can act as an interlayer crosstalk reducer. First, to clarify the feasibility of our proposed device, we showed that it has an extremely sharp shift selectivity along the thickness direction of medium of nearly 5.0 µm when the numerical aperture of the objective lens is 0.60. Next, we demonstrated that the utilization of the movable random phase mask can suppress interlayer crosstalk sufficiently, resulting in the improvement in the quality of reconstructed signals. Moreover, we revealed that the MCHM, in which the parallel use of a multilayered technique and collinear shift multiplexing is performed, brings out the medium potential sufficiently in terms of signal to noise ratio and medium dynamic range consumption. Finally, we verified that the MCHM can achieve a nearly 2 times larger data density at least compared with a conventional collinear holographic memory.
Face Recognition System with Holographic Memory and Stereovision Technology
Authors: Honma Satoshi , Yagisawa Yasuaki , Momose Hidetomo , Sekiguchi Toru
Published: September 2011

We have proposed a face recognition system with holographic memory and stereovision technology (FARSHAS). In this system, facial three-dimensional data is captured by stereovision technology and then the facial images at a position in front of the virtual camera is reconstructed automatically. Using the corrected facial images, we estimated theoretically the error rate of the facial recognition system.
Sixteen-Layer Write Once Disc with a Separated Guide Layer
Authors: Ogasawara Masakazu , Takahashi Kazuo , Nakano Masaharu , Inoue Motohiro , Kosuda Atsuko , Kikukawa Takashi
Published: September 2011

We proposed a new recordable multilayer optical disc and its recording system. The new optical disc has multiple-plane-recordable layers and a separated guide layer, and we fabricated 16 recording layers made of high-transmittance inorganic recording materials stacked on the separated guide layer. The recorded signals were evaluated on all recording layers by using jitter and i-MLSE as the evaluation indicators. As a result, the technical feasibility of our proposal was confirmed to achieve the total capacities of 400 and 512 Gbytes, respectively, by the continuous recording of all 16 recording layers with a track pitch of 0.32 µm and two bit lengths. We believe that our multilayer optical disc and recording system are the most practical solutions for realizing huge-capacity data storage.
Two-photon Recording and Plasmon-Enhanced Read-Out of Three-Dimensional Optical Disk with Ten Recording Layers
Authors: Tanaka Takuo
Published: September 2011

A novel recording medium for three-dimensional multilayered memory is proposed. The memory medium can store digital data as a fluorescent pattern by two-photon-induced gold-ion reduction, and stored data can be read-out with a high signal-to-noise ratio (S/N ratio) by the field enhancement of surface plasmon resonance on gold nanoparticles. Using this memory material, a multilayered disk with 10 recording layers separated by transparent buffer layers is fabricated, and storing and retrieving data without any significant crosstalk from the adjacent recording layers are demonstrated. The stability and durability of the memory material against reading light irradiation is also examined and discussed.
Effect of Stress Engineering on the Electrical Properties of BaTiO3 Thin Film
Authors: Fukamachi Kohei , Sakamoto Naonori , Ohno Tomoya , Fu Desheng , Wakiya Naoki , Matsuda Takeshi , Suzuki Hisao
Published: September 2011

Nano porous LaNiO3 (LNO) thin-film oxide electrodes were deposited on Si substrates by a chemical solution deposition (CSD) to control the residual stress in sputtered BaTiO3 (BTO) thin film. The BTO thin film was deposited on the LNO/Si substrate by RF magnetron sputtering to elucidate the effect of the LNO thin-film electrode on the ferroelectric and dielectric properties of the resulting BTO thin film. The orientation of the LNO thin film was successfully controlled in the (100) direction even on the Si substrates, and therefore, the resulting BTO thin films also exhibited preferred orientation in the (001) direction. The BTO thin films deposited at a relatively low temperature of 500 °C exhibited a good hysteresis loop, indicating the usefulness of our CSD-derived LNO thin-film electrode. We also investigated the effect of the thickness of the LNO thin-film electrode on the ferroelectric property of the resulting BTO thin films.
Effect of Ferroelectric Polarization Domain Structure on Electronic Transport Property of Ferroelectric/ZnO Heterostructure
Authors: Yamada Hiroaki , Fukushima Tadahiro , Yoshimura Takeshi , Fujimura Norifumi
Published: September 2011

To discuss the effect of the ferroelectric domain structure on the electronic transport property in the channel of a ferroelectric gate thin film transistor, the electrical property of the ferroelectric gate stack structure of an organic ferroelectric copolymer of vinylidenefluoride and tetrafluoroethylene [P(VDF–TeFE)] and ZnO was investigated. Unlike the gate stack structure using a paraelectric layer, ferroelectrics possibly affect the electron transport in the channel through its domain structure. In this study, the Hall-effect measurements were carried out at various polarized states of P(VDF–TeFE). The Hall mobility at poling voltages from 100 to -100 V showed a gradual decrease with decreasing poling voltage, whereas the carrier concentration shows a slight change in the accumulation state. The change in the carrier concentration indicates the formation of the multidomain structure in P(VDF–TeFE). The multidomain structure might be attributed to the electron scattering in the ZnO channel layer.
Effect of Internal Electrode Materials in Multilayer Ceramic Capacitors on Electrical Properties
Authors: Takeoka Shinsuke , Mizuno Youichi
Published: September 2011

The influence of internal electrode materials on electrical properties in multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs) fabricated by low-temperature co-firing was discussed. The lifetime of MLCCs is considerably improved by using copper rather than nickel internal electrodes. The leakage current density for various dc electric fields (I–Vcharacteristics) and thermally stimulated current (TSC) were measured to investigate the lifetime improvement mechanism. TheI–Vcharacteristics demonstrated that the leakage current in a high dc electric field was suppressed in the case of copper internal electrodes. The TSC spectra demonstrated that the internal electrode materials hardly influenced the quantity of polarization charge formed by the electromigration of oxygen vacancies. Therefore, we considered that the improved lifetime by using copper internal electrodes was mainly due to the suppressed leakage current in a high dc electric field, not the quantity of polarization charge formed by the electromigration of oxygen vacancies in the MLCCs.
Structural Transformation of Hexagonal (0001)BaTiO3 Ceramics to Tetragonal (111)BaTiO3 Ceramics
Authors: Watanabe Takayuki , Shimada Mikio , Aiba Toshiaki , Yabuta Hisato , Miura Kaoru , Oka Kengo , Azuma Masaki , Wada Satoshi , Kumada Nobuhiro
Published: September 2011

A ceramic slurry that contains a 6H-type Ba(Ti0.95Mn0.05)O3 powder was casted into a plaster mold under 10 T magnetic field to form a green compact of (0001)-oriented Ba(Ti0.95Mn0.05)O3. After sintering the green compact at 1300 °C in air, it was confirmed that the (0001)-oriented 6H-type perovskite structure transformed to a (111)-oriented 3C-type perovskite structure. The structural transformation was again examined using hexagonal BaTiO3 prepared by reducing pseudo-cubic BaTiO3 powder in H2 atmosphere. In this case, the preferred (0001) orientation was not confirmed for the green compacts. After sintering the green compacts at 1300 °C in air, mixed crystal orientations of (100)/(001) and (111) were observed for the resultant tetragonal BaTiO3 ceramics. This (100)/(001) orientation was suppressed by annealing the hexagonal BaTiO3 powder at 1000 °C before slip-casting, leading to highly (111)-oriented ceramics. It was found that the green compacts of (0001)-oriented hexagonal BaTiO3 can transform into (111)-oriented tetragonal BaTiO3 ceramics, maintaining the macroscopic crystal orientations due to a similar atomic stacking along [0001] of 6H-type BaTiO3 and [111] of 3C-type BaTiO3.
Effect of Surfactants on Morphology of Niobate Hydrate Particles in Hydrothermal Synthesis
Authors: Bai Shan , Zhang Fan , Karaki Tomoaki , Adachi Masatoshi
Published: September 2011

The effect of surfactants on the morphology of niobate hydrate particles including potassium niobate hydrate (KN-hydrate), sodium niobate hydrate (NN-hydrate), and potassium sodium niobate hydrate (KNN-hydrate) in the hydrothermal synthesis process have been investigated. X-ray study revealed that the main constituents of these particles were K8Nb6O19·10H2O, Na8Nb6O19·13H2O, and K4Na4Nb6O19·9H2O, respectively. The morphology of the KN- and KNN-hydrate particles showed a plate-like shape with aspect ratios (diameter/thickness) of 9.2–13 and 4.5–10, respectively, which were strongly affected by sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate (SDBS) surfactant. However, NN-hydrate showed a strip-like morphology and was not affected by SDBS quantity. Therefore, the surfactant type and its quantity play an important role in controlling the morphology of the niobate hydrate particles.
Fabrication and Characterization of Optical Micro-Electro-Mechanical System Scanning Devices Using BaTiO3-Based Lead-Free Piezoelectric-Coated Substrate Sheet by Aerosol Deposition
Authors: Park Jae-Hyuk , Kawakami Yoshihiro , Suzuki Muneyasu , Akedo Jun
Published: September 2011

We demonstrated high-speed metal-based Lamb-wave-resonance piezoelectric-drive optical micro-electric-mechanical system (MEMS) scanning devices using lead-free piezoelectric direct coated substrate sheets. The BaTiO3-based lead-free piezoelectric direct coated substrate sheet prepared by aerosol deposition achieved a piezoelectric d
31 of approximately -138 pm/V. The metal-based optical scanning devices have a 1 mm circular mirror. Under the ambient air, the wide optical scanning angle of 58° and the high resonance frequency of 26.681 kHz were achieved at the applied voltage of less than 30 V.
Domain Structure Analyses of Tetragonal BaTiO3 Single Crystal by Scanning Second-Harmonic Generation Microscopy: Birefringence Effect on Second-Harmonic Generation Polarization Diagram
Authors: Kaneshiro Junichi , Uesu Yoshiaki
Published: September 2011

The effects of birefringence on polarization dependences of the second-harmonic generation (SHG) measured with a focused optical system are examined experimentally and theoretically for tetragonal domain structures of ferroelectric BaTiO3. Polar diagram shapes of the SHG intensity are modified owing to the phase difference of mutually perpendicular waves due to birefringence, but no essential change in the spontaneous polarization direction is observed.
Effect of macronutrients, age, and obesity on 6- and 24-h postprandial glucose metabolism in cats
Authors: Hoenig Margarethe , Jordan Erin T. , Glushka John , Kley Saskia , Patil Avinash , Waldron Mark , Prestegard James H. , Ferguson Duncan C. , Wu Shaoxiong , Olson Darin E.
Published: September 2011

Obesity and age are risk factors for feline diabetes. This study aimed to test the hypothesis that age, long-term obesity, and dietary composition would lead to peripheral and hepatorenal insulin resistance, indicated by higher endogenous glucose production (EGP) in the fasted and postprandial state, higher blood glucose and insulin, and higher leptin, free thyroxine, and lower adiponectin concentrations. Using triple tracer—2H2O, [U-13C3] propionate, and [3,4-13C2] glucose infusion, and indirect calorimetry—we investigated carbohydrate and fat metabolic pathways in overnight-fasted neutered cats (13 young lean, 12 old lean, and 12 old obese), each fed three different diets (high protein with and without polyunsaturated fatty acids, and high carbohydrate) in a crossover design. EGP was lowest in fasted and postprandial obese cats despite peripheral insulin resistance, indicated by hyperinsulinemia. Gluconeogenesis was the most important pathway for EGP in all groups, but glycogen contributed significantly. Insulin and leptin concentrations were higher in old than in young lean cats; adiponectin was lowest in obese cats but surprisingly highest in lean old cats. Diet had little effect on metabolic parameters. We conclude that hepatorenal insulin resistance does not develop in the fasted or postprandial state, even in long-term obese cats, allowing the maintenance of euglycemia through lowering EGP. Glycogen plays a major role in EGP, especially in lean fasted cats, and in the postprandial state. Aging may predispose to insulin resistance, which is a risk factor for diabetes in cats. Mechanisms underlying the high adiponectin of healthy old lean cats need to be further explored.
Toll-like receptor 4 activates NF-κB and MAP kinase pathways to regulate expression of proinflammatory COX-2 in renal medullary collecting duct cells
Authors: Küper Christoph , Beck Franz-Xaver , Neuhofer Wolfgang
Published: September 2011

Binding of bacterial LPS to the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) complex of inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD) cells plays a central role in recognition of ascending bacterial infections and activation of proinflammatory responses. Since proinflammatory cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 is induced in IMCD cells upon LPS exposure, the present study addressed the question of whether TLR4 mediates COX-2 induction in IMCD cells and characterized the underlying signaling mechanisms. Enhanced COX-2 expression and activity in the presence of LPS was diminished by TLR4 inhibition. LPS induced a TLR4-dependent stimulation of NF-κB and the MAPKs p38, ERK1/2, and JNK. Activation of NF-κB was under negative control of JNK, as inhibition of JNK increased NF-κB activity and COX-2 expression. Phosphorylation of p38 and ERK1/2 required TLR4-dependent release of TGF-α with subsequent activation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), whereas JNK activation was EGFR independent. Inhibition of p38 or ERK1/2 had no significant effect on LPS-induced NF-κB activation, nor on activator protein 1-, cAMP response element-, or serum response element-driven reporter constructs. However, the transcriptional regulator SP-1 appears to contribute to COX-2 expression after LPS exposure. In conclusion, these results propose that LPS mediates enhanced COX-2 expression in IMCD cells by 1) TLR4-mediated activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway, 2) TLR4-dependent release of TGF-α with subsequent activation of the EGFR and downstream MAPKs p38 and ERK1/2, and 3) TLR4-mediated, EGFR-independent activation of JNK that negatively regulates NF-κB activation.
Physiological interactions between Nav1.7 and Nav1.8 sodium channels: a computer simulation study
Authors: Choi Jin-Sung , Waxman Stephen G.
Published: September 2011

We have examined the question of how the level of expression of sodium channel Nav1.8 affects the function of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons that also express Nav1.7 channels and, conversely, how the level of expression of sodium channel Nav1.7 affects the function of DRG neurons that also express Nav1.8, using computer simulations. Our results demonstrate several previously undescribed effects of expression of Nav1.7: 1) at potentials more negative than −50 mV, increasing Nav1.7 expression reduces current threshold. 2) Nav1.7 reduces, but does not eliminate, the dependence of action potential (AP) threshold on membrane potential. 3) In cells that express Nav1.8, the presence of Nav1.7 results in larger amplitude subthreshold oscillations and increases the frequency of repetitive firing. Our results also demonstrate multiple effects of expression of Nav1.8: 1) dependence of current threshold on membrane potential is eliminated or reversed by expression of Nav1.8 at ≥50% of normal values. 2) Expression of Nav1.8 alone, in the absence of Nav1.7, can support subthreshold oscillation. 3) Nav1.8 is required for generation of overshooting APs, and its expression results in a prolonged AP with an inflection of the falling phase. 4) Increasing levels of expression of Nav1.8 result in a reduction in the voltage threshold for AP generation. 5) Increasing levels of expression of Nav1.8 result in an attenuation of Nav1.7 current during activity evoked by sustained depolarization due, at least in part, to accumulation of fast inactivation by Nav1.7 following the first AP. These results indicate that changes in the level of expression of Nav1.7 and Nav1.8 may provide a regulatory mechanism that tunes the excitability of small DRG neurons.
Sensorimotor integration for multisegmental frontal plane balance control in humans
Authors: Goodworth Adam D. , Peterka Robert J.
Published: September 2011

To quantify the contribution of sensory information to multisegmental frontal plane balance control in humans, we developed a feedback control model to account for experimental data. Subjects stood with feet close together on a surface that rotated according to a pseudorandom waveform at three different amplitudes. Experimental frequency-response functions and impulse-response functions were measured to characterize lower body (LB) and upper body (UB) motion evoked during surface rotations while subjects stood with eyes open or closed. The model assumed that corrective torques in LB and UB segments were generated with no time delay from intrinsic musculoskeletal mechanisms and with time delay from sensory feedback mechanisms. It was found that subjects' LB control was primarily based on sensory feedback. Changes in the LB control mechanisms across stimulus amplitude were consistent with the hypothesis that sensory reweighting contributed to amplitude-dependent changes in balance responses whereby subjects decreased reliance on proprioceptive cues that oriented the LB toward the surface and increased reliance on vestibular/visual cues that oriented the LB upright toward earth vertical as stimulus amplitude increased in both eyes open and closed conditions. Sensory reweighting in the LB control system also accounted for most of the amplitude-dependent changes observed in UB responses. In contrast to the LB system, sensory reweighting was not a dominant mechanism of UB control, and UB control was more influenced by intrinsic musculoskeletal mechanisms. The proposed model refines our understanding of sensorimotor integration during balance control by including multisegmental motion and explaining how intersegmental interactions influence frontal plane balance responses.
Treatment of Pulmonary Sequestrations by Means of Endovascular Embolization: Future or Fashion?
Authors: Diks Jeroen , Schütte P. Ronald , Cheung David , Schnater J. Marco
Published: September 2011

Bronchopulmonary sequestration is a rare malformation of the lower respiratory tract. Several methods of treatment have been described since the first publication. We present two cases of female adult patients with bronchopulmonary sequestration. In the first patient an unsuccessful attempt to treat the bronchopulmonary sequestration by means of arterial embolization is described. She was subsequently treated by means of surgical resection, which was the primary treatment for the second patient. Although endovascular techniques are becoming promising, in our opinion surgical resection remains the unique treatment for bronchopulmonary sequestration.
Design of Fixed and Ladder Mutation Factor‐Based Clonal Selection Algorithm for Solving Unimodal and Multimodal Functions
Authors: Chittineni Suresh , Pradeep A. N. S. , Godavarthi Dinesh , Satapathy Suresh Chandra , Mohan Krishna S. , Prasad Reddy P. V. G. D.
Published: September 2011

Clonal selection algorithms (CSAs) is a special class of immune algorithms (IA), inspired by the clonal selection principle of the human immune system. To improve the algorithm′s ability to perform better, this CSA has been modified by implementing two new concepts called fixed mutation factor and ladder mutation factor. Fixed mutation factor maintains a constant factor throughout the process, where as ladder mutation factor changes adaptively based on the affinity of antibodies. This paper compared the conventional CLONALG, with the two proposed approaches and tested on several standard benchmark functions. Experimental results empirically show that the proposed methods ladder mutation‐based clonal selection algorithm (LMCSA) and fixed mutation clonal selection algorithm (FMCSA) significantly outperform the existing CLONALG method in terms of quality of the solution, convergence speed, and solution stability.
Dynamic Takagi‐Sugeno Model for the Control of Ultrasonic Motor
Authors: Jingzhuo Shi , Lin Lv , Yu Zhang
Published: September 2011

Model of ultrasonic motor is the foundation of the design of ultrasonic motor′s speed and position controller. A two‐input and one‐output dynamic Takagi‐Sugeno model of ultrasonic motor driving system is worked out using fuzzy reasoning modeling method in this paper. Many fuzzy reasoning modeling methods are sensitive to the initial values and easy to fall into local minimum, and have a large amount of calculation. In order to overcome these defects, equalized universe method is used in this paper to get clusters centers and obtain fuzzy clustering membership functions, and then, the unknown parameters of the conclusions of fuzzy rules are identified using least‐square method. Different experimental data that are tested with different operational conditions are used to examine the validity of the fuzzy model. Comparison between experimental data and calculated data of the model indicates that the model can well describe the nonlinear characteristics among the frequency, amplitude of driving voltage and rotating speed. The proposed fuzzy model can be used to analyze the performance of ultrasonic motor driving system, and also can be used to design the speed and position controller of ultrasonic motor.
Paracrine Molecules of Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Hematopoietic Stem Cell Niche
Authors: Li Tian , Wu Yaojiong
Published: September 2011

Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are both adult stem cells residing in the bone marrow. MSCs interact with HSCs, they stimulate and enhance the proliferation of HSCs by secreting regulatory molecules and cytokines, providing a specialized microenvironment for controlling the process of hematopoiesis. In this paper we discuss how MSCs contribute to HSC niche, maintain the stemness and proliferation of HSCs, and support HSC transplantation.
Uterine Artery Pseudoaneurysm in the Setting of Delayed Postpartum Hemorrhage: Successful Treatment with Emergency Arterial Embolization
Authors: Sharma Ankur M. , Burbridge Brent E.
Published: September 2011

Postpartum hemorrhage is a major cause of maternal mortality. Though uncommon, uterine artery pseudoaneurysm can follow uterine dilatation and curettage (D + C) and needs to be considered in the differential diagnosis. This 30-year-old G1P1 woman presented with right upper quadrant pain and vaginal bleeding. She was afebrile but her white blood count was significantly increased (22.2×109 /L). One week prior, she had undergone a Cesarean delivery which was complicated by hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count syndrome (HELLP), fetal dystocia, and chorioamnionitis. Uterine dilatation and curettage (D & C) and placement of a Bakri intrauterine balloon, performed for suspected retained products of conception, failed to control her postpartum bleeding. The patient wished to have a hysterectomy only as a last resort in order to preserve fertility. Emergency uterine artery angiography revealed a left uterine artery pseudoaneurysm and contrast extravasation. The patient was successfully treated with selective embolization. Computed tomography (CT) later revealed dehiscence of her uterine Cesarean section incision with an intra-abdominal fluid collection. This collection was drained. She also developed disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (DIC) syndrome as well as multiple pulmonary emboli which were both successfully treated. We discuss this unique case of uterine artery pseudoaneurysm with associated uterine dehiscence.
Carbohydrate Mouth Rinse Effects on Exercise Capacity in Pre- and Postprandial States
Authors: Fares Elie-J. M. , Kayser Bengt
Published: September 2011

Background. Oropharyngeal receptors signal presence of carbohydrate to the brain. Mouth rinses with a carbohydrate solution facilitate corticomotor output and improve time-trial performance in well-trained subjects in a fasted state. We tested for this effect in nonathletic subjects in fasted and nonfasted state.Methods. 13 healthy non-athletic males performed 5 tests on a cycle ergometer. After measuring maximum power output (Wmax), the subjects cycled four times at 60% Wmax until exhaustion while rinsing their mouth every 5 minutes with either a 6.4% maltodextrin solution or water, one time after an overnight fast and another after a carbohydrate rich breakfast.Results. Mouth rinsing with maltodextrin improved time-to-exhaustion in pre- and postprandial states. This was accompanied by reductions in the average and maximal rates of perceived exertion but no change in average or maximal heart rate was observed.Conclusions. Carbohydrate mouth rinsing improves endurance capacity in both fed and fasted states in non-athletic subjects.
Optimization of a 12.5 GHz Microstrip Antenna Array Using Taguchi's Method
Authors: Spasos M. , Nilavalan R. , Tsiakmakis K. , Charalampidis N. , Cheung S. W.
Published: September 2011

This paper presents Taguchi's optimization method implemented in the design of a single feed (without any matching network) microstrip antenna array operating around 12.5 GHz. The proposed optimization method is statistical and is widely used for quality assurance in many fields such as mechanical and chemical production, consumer electronics, services; however it has been underused in the field of electromagnetics. It allows optimization of multiparameter, multitarget complex designs in a very short time in conjunction with advanced simulation tools. The proposed antenna has been fully evaluated under Taghuchi's and PSO's optimization methods, and the experimental results show total Gain of 15 dB, and good matching withS11 better than 20 dB, in the frequency range 12.3 to 12.8 GHz.
The Effects of UV Radiation on Chloroplast Clumping and Photosynthesis in the SeagrassHalophila stipulaceaGrown under High-PAR Conditions
Authors: Sharon Yoni , Dishon Gal , Beer Sven
Published: September 2011

Since potentially harmful ultraviolet radiation (UVR, 280–400 nm) and high photosynthetically active radiation (PAR, 400–700 nm) are present in the shallow waters of the Gulf of Aqaba where part of the seagrassHalophila stipulacea'spopulation thrives, we examined the effects of high PAR with and without UVR on its photosynthesis and midday chloroplast “clumping phenomenon” (Sharon and Beer 2008). It was found that midday clumping occurred only under high PAR in the presence of UVR, which resulted in a 44% reduction in the absorption cross section (or absorption factor, AF) of the leaves and, accordingly, a parallel lowering of midday electron transport rates (ETR). In addition, UVR had a direct effect on the photosynthetic apparatus by lowering quantum yields and, thus, ETRs, while pigment relations remained unaltered. We conclude that the potentially harmful effects of UVR and high PAR on the photosynthetic apparatus ofHalophila stipulaceaare mitigated by their activation of chloroplast clumping, which functions as a means of protecting most chloroplasts from high irradiances, including UVR.
Partial Nephrectomy in a Patient with a Left Ventricular Assist Device
Authors: Manger Jules P. , Kern John A. , Krupski Tracey L.
Published: September 2011

Left ventricular assist device (LVAD) use has increased as a bridge to heart transplant as well as destination therapy in patients with severe heart failure. Presence of LVAD is not a contraindication to noncardiac surgery but does present special challenges to the surgical, anesthesia, and cardiac teams. We present the case of a 40-year-old woman with idiopathic cardiomyopathy necessitating LVAD who underwent left partial nephrectomy for a renal mass. She had undergone three nondiagnostic percutaneous image-guided biopsies. Left partial nephrectomy was performed. Perioperative care was without incident due to careful oversight by a multidisciplinary team. Pathology revealed high-grade clear cell renal cell carcinoma (RCC) with negative margins. Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) bolsters were misidentified six months postoperatively on computed tomography (CT) at an outside institution as a retained laparotomy sponge. This is, to our knowledge, the first report of a partial nephrectomy performed in a patient with LVAD.
The Gut Hormones in Appetite Regulation
Authors: Suzuki Keisuke , Jayasena Channa N. , Bloom Stephen R.
Published: September 2011

Obesity has received much attention worldwide in association with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cancer. At present, bariatric surgery is the only effective treatment for obesity in which long-term weight loss is achieved in patients. By contrast, pharmacological interventions for obesity are usually followed by weight regain. Although the exact mechanisms of long-term weight loss following bariatric surgery are yet to be fully elucidated, several gut hormones have been implicated. Gut hormones play a critical role in relaying signals of nutritional and energy status from the gut to the central nervous system, in order to regulate food intake. Cholecystokinin, peptide YY, pancreatic polypeptide, glucagon-like peptide-1, and oxyntomodulin act through distinct yet synergistic mechanisms to suppress appetite, whereas ghrelin stimulates food intake. Here, we discuss the role of gut hormones in the regulation of food intake and body weight.
Association of Sensory Processing and Eating Problems in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Nadon Geneviève , Feldman Debbie Ehrmann , Dunn Winnie , Gisel Erika
Published: September 2011

“Selective” or “picky eating” is a frequent problem in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Many of these children do not treat sensory input, particularly olfactory, auditory, visual, and tactile information in the same manner as their typically developing peers of the same age. The purpose of this paper was to examine the relationship between problems of sensory processing and the number of eating problems in children with ASD. Of 95 children with ASD, 3 to 10 years of age, 65 percent showed a definite difference and 21 percent a probable difference in sensory processing on the total score of theShort Sensory Profile. These results were significantly related to an increase in the number of eating problems measured by theEating Profile. These results could not be explained by age, sex, mental retardation, attention deficit disorder, or hyperactivity. Timely interventions focusing on the sensory components of eating must now be developed.
A Finite Element‐Based Elastic‐Plastic Model for the Contact of Rough Surfaces
Authors: Sepehri Ali , Farhang Kambiz
Published: September 2011

Three‐dimensional elastic‐plastic contact of two nominally flat rough surfaces is considered. Equations governing the shoulder‐shoulder contact of asperities are derived based on the asperity constitutive relations from a finite element model of the elastic‐plastic interaction proposed by Kogut and Etsion (2002), in which asperity scale constitutive relations are derived using piecewise approximate functions. An analytical fusion technique is developed to combine the piecewise asperity level constitutive relations. Shoulder‐shoulder asperity contact yields a slanted contact force consisting of two components, one in the normal direction and a half‐plane tangential component. Statistical summation of the asperity level contact force components and asperity level contact area results in the total contact force and total contact area formulae between two rough surfaces. Approximate equations are developed in closed form for contact force components and contact area.
Proteomic Analysis of Sera from Common Variable Immunodeficiency Patients Undergoing Replacement Intravenous Immunoglobulin Therapy
Authors: Spadaro Giuseppe , D′Orio Concetta , Genovese Arturo , Galeotafiore Antonella , D′Ambrosio Chiara , Di Giovanni Stefano , Vitale Monica , Capasso Mario , Lamberti Vincenzo , Scaloni Andrea , Marone Gianni , Zambrano Nicola
Published: September 2011

Common variable immunodeficiency is the most common form of symptomatic primary antibody failure in adults and children. Replacement immunoglobulin is the standard treatment of these patients. By using a differential proteomic approach based on 2D‐DIGE, we examined serum samples from normal donors and from matched, naive, and immunoglobulin‐treated patients. The results highlighted regulated expression of serum proteins in naive patients. Among the identified proteins, clusterin/ApoJ serum levels were lower in naive patients, compared to normal subjects. This finding was validated in a wider collection of samples from newly enrolled patients. The establishment of a cellular system, based on a human hepatocyte cell line HuH7, allowed to ascertain a potential role in the regulation of CLU gene expression by immunoglobulins.
Evidence for the Role of B Cells and Immunoglobulins in the Pathogenesis of Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Wootla Bharath , Denic Aleksandar , Keegan B. Mark , Winters Jeffrey L. , Astapenko David , Warrington Arthur E. , Bieber Allan J. , Rodriguez Moses
Published: September 2011

The pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS) remains elusive. Recent reports advocate greater involvement of B cells and immunoglobulins in the initiation and propagation of MS lesions at different stages of their ontogeny. The key role of B cells and immunoglobulins in pathogenesis was initially identified by studies in which patients whose fulminant attacks of demyelination did not respond to steroids experienced remarkable functional improvement following plasma exchange. The positive response to Rituximab in Phase II clinical trials of relapsing-remitting MS confirms the role of B cells. The critical question is how B cells contribute to MS. In this paper, we discuss both the deleterious and the beneficial roles of B cells and immunoglobulins in MS lesions. We provide alternative hypotheses to explain both damaging and protective antibody responses.
Consequences of Neutralization on the Proliferation and Cytoskeletal Organization of Chondrocytes on Chitosan-Based Matrices
Authors: Noriega Sandra E. , Subramanian Anuradha
Published: September 2011

In tissue engineering strategies that seek to repair or regenerate native tissues, adhesion of cells to scaffolds or matrices is essential and has the potential to influence subsequent cellular events. Our focus in this paper is to better understand the impact of cellular seeding and adhesion in the context of cartilage tissue engineering. When scaffolds or surfaces are constructed from chitosan, the scaffolds must be first neutralized with sodium hydroxide and then washed copiously to render the surface, cell compatible. We seek to better understand the effect of surface pretreatment regimen on the cellular response to chitosan-based surfaces. In the present paper, sodium hydroxide concentration was varied between 0.1 M and 0.5 M and two different contacting times were studied: 10 minutes and 30 minutes. The different pretreatment conditions were noted to affect cell proliferation, morphology, and cytoskeletal distribution. An optimal set of experimental parameters were noted for improving cell growth on scaffolds.
Dietary Restriction Ameliorates Diabetic Nephropathy through Anti-Inflammatory Effects and Regulation of the Autophagy via Restoration of Sirt1 in Diabetic Wistar Fatty (fa/fa) Rats: A Model of Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Kitada Munehiro , Takeda Ai , Nagai Takako , Ito Hiroki , Kanasaki Keizo , Koya Daisuke
Published: September 2011

Aim. Despite the beneficial effects of dietary restriction (DR) on lifespan, age-related diseases, including diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, its effects on type 2 diabetic nephropathy remain unknown. This study examined the renoprotective effects of DR in Wistar fatty (fa/fa) rats (WFRs).Methods. WFRs were treated with DR (40% restriction) for 24 weeks. Urinary albumin excretion, creatinine clearance, renal histologies, acetylated-NF-κB (p65), Sirt1 protein expression, and p62/Sqstm 1 accumulation in the renal cortex, as well as electron microscopic observation of mitochondrial morphology and autophagosomes in proximal tubular cells were estimated.Results. DR ameliorated renal abnormalities including inflammation in WFRs. The decrease in Sirt1 levels, increase in acetylated-NF-κB, and impaired autophagy in WFRs were improved by DR.Conclusions. DR exerted anti-inflammatory effects and improved the dysregulation of autophagy through the restoration of Sirt1 in the kidneys of WFRs, which resulted in the amelioration of renal injuries in type 2 diabetes.
A New Application for the Optimal Foraging Theory: The Extraction of Medicinal Plants
Authors: Soldati Gustavo Taboada , de Albuquerque Ulysses Paulino
Published: September 2011

The Optimal Foraging Theory was used to identify possible patterns in bark extraction and the selective cutting ofAnadenanthera colubrina(Angico), a medicinal plant. The hypotheses were built on two approaches: selection of collection place and bark exploitation occurrence in only one of these resource areas. The results suggest that the distance that must be traveled to reach each gathering site determines the extent of the extraction process, showing that people minimize the time and energy spent inA. colubrinacollection. The availability of each site appears not to influence the operation. The resource amount was the optimized variable for bark extraction, which was analyzed in only one collection zone. In contrast to the phenomenon of collection place selection, the distance between angico individuals, the management period, and the tannin content did not affect bark extraction. This study also discusses how certain cultural aspects influence the extraction of angico.
Ambulatory Pessary Trial Unmasks Occult Stress Urinary Incontinence
Authors: Chughtai Bilal , Spettel Sara , Kurman Jonathan , De Elise
Published: September 2011

Objective. We evaluated the use of a one-week ambulatory pessary trial in predicting patients' postoperative outcomes for occult stress incontinence.Methods. Patients with anterior vaginal wall prolapse were offered a pessary trial to predict response to reconstruction. We performed a retrospective review of 4 years of cases. All patients underwent a detailed evaluation including videourodynamics with and without pessary reduction.Results. Twenty-six patients completed the 1-week pessary trial. Ten (38%) women showing no evidence of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) underwent surgical repair of prolapse without anti-incontinence procedure. None of these patients had SUI postoperatively. Sixteen women (61%) had occult stress urinary incontinence on evaluation and underwent concurrent sling procedure. Three (19%) of these patients were identified by the pessary trial alone. Twenty-five of the 26 patients were without clinical stress incontinence at a mean follow up of 12 months (range 4–37 months). The pessary trial correctly predicted persistent urgency in six patients and persistent frequency in five. No patients with SUI or persistent voiding difficult were missed in a pessary trial.Conclusion. An ambulatory pessary trial is an effective, easy, and inexpensive method to approximate anatomic results achieved by surgery under real-life conditions. In our series, 20% of patients with occult SUI were identified by pessary trial alone.
Antihypertensive Treatment in the Elderly and Very Elderly: Always “the Lower, the Better?”
Authors: Mazza Alberto , Ramazzina Emilio , Cuppini Stefano , Armigliato Michela , Schiavon Laura , Rossetti Ciro , Marzolo Marco , Santoro Giancarlo , Ravenni Roberta , Zuin Marco , Zorzan Sara , Rubello Domenico , Casiglia Edoardo
Published: September 2011

Arterial hypertension (HT) is age dependent and, with the prolongation of life expectancy, affects more and more elderly people. In the elderly, HT is a risk factor for organ damage and cardiovascular (CV) events. Both pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic reduction of blood pressure (BP) is associated with a corresponding decrease in systolic-diastolic or isolated systolic HT. Clinical trials have shown that BP lowering is associated with a decrease in stroke and other CV events. Therefore, BP reductionper seappears more important than a particular class of antihypertensive drugs. The benefit of antihypertensive treatment has been confirmed up to the age of 80 years, remaining unclear in the octogenarians. The benefit in lowering diastolic BP between 80 and 90 mmHg is well established, while that of lowering systolic BP below 140 mmHg requires further confirmations.
Prevention of Congenital Transmission of Malaria in Sub-Saharan African Countries: Challenges and Implications for Health System Strengthening
Authors: Osungbade Kayode O. , Oladunjoye Olubunmi O.
Published: September 2011

Objectives. Review of burden of congenital transmission of malaria, challenges of preventive measures, and implications for health system strengthening in sub-Saharan Africa.Methods. Literature from Pubmed (MEDLINE), Biomed central, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Database were reviewed.Results. The prevalence of congenital malaria in sub-Saharan Africa ranges from 0 to 23%. Diagnosis and existing preventive measures are constantly hindered by weak health systems and sociocultural issues. WHO strategic framework for prevention: intermittent preventive therapy (IPT), insecticide-treated nets (ITNs), and case management of malaria illness and anaemia remain highly promising; though, specific interventions are required to strengthen the health systems in order to improve the effectiveness of these measures.Conclusion. Congenital malaria remains a public health burden in sub-Saharan Africa. Overcoming the challenges of the preventive measures hinges on the ability of national governments and development partners in responding to the weak health systems.
RNA Helicase DDX5 Is a p53-Independent Target of ARF That Participates in Ribosome Biogenesis
Authors: Saporita Anthony J. , Chang Hsiang-Chun , Winkeler Crystal L. , Apicelli Anthony J. , Kladney Raleigh D. , Wang Jianbo , Townsend R. Reid , Michel Loren S. , Weber Jason D.
Published: September 2011

The p19ARF tumor suppressor limits ribosome biogenesis and responds to hyperproliferative signals to activate the p53 checkpoint response. Although its activation of p53 has been well characterized, the role of ARF in restraining nucleolar ribosome production is poorly understood. Here we report the use of a mass spectroscopic analysis to identify protein changes within the nucleoli of Arf-deficient mouse cells. Through this approach, we discovered that ARF limited the nucleolar localization of the RNA helicase DDX5, which promotes the synthesis and maturation of rRNA, ultimately increasing ribosome output and proliferation. ARF inhibited the interaction between DDX5 and nucleophosmin (NPM), preventing association of DDX5 with the rDNA promoter and nuclear pre-ribosomes. In addition, Arf-deficient cells transformed by oncogenic RasV12 were addicted to DDX5, because reduction of DDX5 was sufficient to impair RasV12-driven colony formation in soft agar and tumor growth in mice. Taken together, our findings indicate that DDX5 is a key p53-independent target of the ARF tumor suppressor and is a novel non-oncogene participant in ribosome biogenesis. Cancer Res; 71(21); 6708–17. ©2011 AACR.