bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Therapeutic effects of ezetimibe for non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis in fatty liver shionogi‐ob/ob mice
Authors: Matono Tomomitsu , Koda Masahiko , Tokunaga Shiho , Kato Jun , Sugihara Takaaki , Ueki Masaru , Murawaki Yoshikazu
Published: September 2011

Aim:  An effective therapy for non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis has yet to be defined. This study examined the therapeutic effects of ezetimibe, a lipid‐lowering medication, on steatosis and hepatic fibrosis in fatty liver Shionogi ob/ob (FLS‐ob) mice.

Methods:  Low‐dose (0.2 mg/kg body weight) and high‐dose (1.0 mg/kg body weight) of ezetimibe were administered to FLS‐ob mice orally for 12 weeks.

Results:  Administration of ezetimibe significantly and dose‐dependently decreased liver cholesterol content. The area of hepatic fibrosis and hepatic hydroxyproline content in the low‐ and high‐dose groups were significantly decreased compared with controls. Areas of α‐smooth muscle actin positivity and F4/80 positivity were significantly decreased in a dose‐dependent manner. Percentages of 8‐hydroxy‐2‐deoxyguanosine‐positive cells in low‐ and high‐dose groups were significantly decreased compared with those in controls, and 8‐hydroxy‐2‐deoxyguanosine DNA content and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances in the high‐dose group was also significantly decreased compared to controls. Gene expression levels of procollagen I and transforming growth factor β1 mRNA levels were lower in the low‐ and high‐dose groups than in controls. Tumor necrosis factor‐α and sterol regulatory element‐binding protein 1c mRNA levels were also lower in the low‐ and high‐dose groups than in controls.

Conclusions:  Ezetimibe attenuated steatosis and liver fibrosis by reducing oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation and suppressing activated hepatic stellate cells and Kupffer cells.
A collagenase gel/physical defect model for controlled induction of superficial digital flexor tendonitis
Authors: WATTS A. E. , NIXON A. J. , YEAGER A. E. , MOHAMMED H. O.
Published: September 2011

Reasons for performing study: A consistent and clinically relevant model for the induction of core lesions confined to the mid‐metacarpal superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) has not been previously reported. Injection of bacterial collagenase is commonly used but often results in large, irregular and inconsistent lesions that disrupt the superficial tendon layers and epitenon.

Objective: To develop and evaluate a new injection technique for collagenase induction of SDFT injury.

Methods: Collagenase gel was injected into a physical columnar defect created by longitudinally placing a curved 16 gauge 8.89 cm needle in the mid‐metacarpal SDFT in a randomly selected forelimb of 10 horses. A placebo treatment injection was performed 1 week later. Serial ultrasound examinations were performed. Horses were subjected to euthanasia at 2 (n = 2), 4 (n = 2), 8 (n = 4) and 16 (n = 2) weeks post treatment injection. Post mortem magnetic resonance imaging and histological analysis were performed. Gene expression (18S, SCX, TNC, TNMD, COL1A1, COL3A1, COMP, DCN, MMP1, MMP3 and MMP13), total DNA, glycosaminoglycan and collagen content were determined for experimental tendons (n = 10) and unaffected tendons (n = 9).

Results: Mid‐metacarpal SDFT core lesion induction was successful in all tendons with consistent lesion cross‐sectional area and minimal epitenon disruption. Histology confirmed loss of normal tendon architecture after tendonitis induction and subsequent healing of the tendon core lesion. Compared with gene expression in unaffected tendons, several tested genes were significantly upregulated (COL1A1, COL3A1, TNMD, SCX, TNC, MMP13), while others showed significant downregulation (COMP, DCN, and MMP3).

Conclusion: Compared with the previously used direct injection of collagenase, this injection technique was easily performed and induced more consistent lesions that were mid‐metacarpal and did not disrupt the epitenon.

Potential relevance: This model will allow for objective assessment of therapies for tendon regeneration in the mid‐metacarpal SDFT prior to clinical trials and routine clinical application.
Optical Density Measurements and Analysis for Single-Mode Initial-Condition Buoyancy-Driven Mixing
Authors: Doron Y. , Duggleby A.
Published: September 2011

The Texas A&M water channel experiment is modified to examine the effect of single-mode initial conditions on the development of buoyancy-driven mixing (Rayleigh-Taylor) with small density differences (low-Atwood number). Two separated stratified streams of ~5°C difference are convected and unified at the end of a splitter plate outfitted with a servo-controlled flapper. The top (cold) stream is dyed with Nigrosine and density is measured optically through the Beer-Lambert law. Quantification of the subtle differences between different initial conditions required the optical measurement uncertainties to be significantly reduced. Modifications include a near-uniform backlighting provided through quality, repeatable, professional studio flashes impinging on a white-diffusive surface. Also, a black, absorptive shroud isolates the experiment and the optical path from reflections. Furthermore, only the red channel is used in the Nikon D90 CCD camera where Nigrosine optical scatterring is lower. This new optical setup results in less than 1% uncertainty in density measurements, and 2.5% uncertainty in convective velocity. With the Atwood uncertainty reduced to 4% using a densitometer, the overall mixing height and time uncertainty was reduced to 5% and 3.5%, respectively. Initial single-mode wavelengths of 2, 3, 4, 6, and 8 cm were examined as well as the baseline case where no perturbations were imposed. All non-baseline cases commence with a constant velocity that then slows, eventually approaching the baseline case. Larger wavelengths grow faster, as well as homogenize the flow at a faster rate. The mixing width growth rates were shown to be dependent on initial conditions, slightly outside of experimental uncertainty.
Formation and transfer of GaAsN nanostructure layers
Authors: Collino R. R. , Wood A. W. , Estrada N. M. , Dick B. B. , Ro H. W. , Soles C. L. , Wang Y. Q. , Thouless M. D. , Goldman R. S.
Published: September 2011

The authors report the simultaneous formation and transfer of GaAsN nanostructure layers to alternative substrates, a process termed “ion-cut synthesis.” Ion-cut synthesis is induced by nitrogen ion implantation into GaAs (GaAs:N), followed by spin-on-glass (SOG) mediated wafer bonding and high temperature rapid thermal annealing (RTA). Due to the low ion-matrix diffusivity of GaAs:N, RTA induces the formation of both nanostructures and gas bubbles. The gas bubble pressure induces the formation and propagation of cracks, resulting in transfer of the nanostructured layer. The authors discuss the critical role of the physical properties and the thicknesses of the substrates and the SOG layer to the achievement of ion-cut synthesis.
Evaluation of three exposure schemes for absorbance-modulated interference lithography
Authors: Foulkes John E. , Holzwarth Charles W. , Blaikie Richard J.
Published: September 2011

Using absorbance-modulated interference lithography (AMIL), subdiffraction-limited gratings can be patterned using a variety of configurations. Three main configurations are compared here using results from a finite-element modeling simulation study, with combinations of standing-wave interference illumination and/or flood illumination for the two wavelengths needed for AMIL. Flood illumination for the short-wavelength exposure combined with standing-wave exposure in the longer wavelength is the simplest configuration, but does not provide the best imaging performance. This is achieved for standing-wave illumination for both sources with matched periods in the standing waves. For 405 nm short-wavelength exposure and azobenzenelike material characteristics in the absorbance-modulation layer 133-nm period grating images are shown with image contrast of 0.58. The sensitivity to misalignment of the two standing wave periods has been studied, and no significant increase in linewidth is found for phase errors between the two interference patterns of up to 20% of the period.
Study of amorphous lithium silicate thin films grown by atomic layer deposition
Authors: Hämäläinen Jani , Munnik Frans , Hatanpää Timo , Holopainen Jani , Ritala Mikko , Leskelä Markku
Published: September 2011

Lithium silicate thin films, which are interesting materials for example in lithium ion batteries, were grown by the atomic layer deposition technique from lithium hexamethyldisilazide [LiHMDS, Li(N(SiMe3)2)] and ozone precursors. Films were obtained at a wide deposition temperature range between 150 and 400 °C. All the films were amorphous except at 400 °C, where partial decomposition of LiHMDS was also observed. The growth behavior was examined in detail at 250 °C, and saturation of growth rates and refractive indices with precursor doses was confirmed, thereby verifying self-limiting surface reactions. Likewise, the linear thickness dependence of the films with the number of deposition cycles was verified. Strong dependence of growth rate and film composition on deposition temperature was also seen. Overall, the amorphous films grown at 250 °C had a stoichiometry close to lithium metasilicate (Li2.0SiO2.9) with 0.7 at. % carbon and 4.6 at. % hydrogen impurities. The corresponding growth rate and refractive index (n580) were 0.8 Å/cycle and about 1.55.
Amino-s-triazines — Synthesis and stereochemistry of restricted rotational phenomena — First use of a C-2-substituted serinol in tandem with masked 4-piperidone for selective amination of cyanuric chloride
Authors: Popa Flavia , Lameiras Pedro , Henon Eric , Moldovan Oana , Martinez Agathe , Bâtiu Carmen , Ramondenc Yvan , Darabantu Mircea
Published: September 2011

Starting from 4-piperidone monohydrate hydrochloride (or the hydrochloride of its ethylene ketal) alone, otherwise in tandem with a C-2-substituted 2-aminopropane-1,3-diol (“serinol”) as amino-nucleophiles in reaction with cyanuric chloride, the synthesis of novel N-substituted amino-s-triazines is reported. The stereochemistry of rotational phenomena occurring about the newly created C(s-triazine)–N< (exocyclic) partial double bonds in the title compounds, seen as new dendritic building blocks, is discussed.
Cobalt and nickel complexes of open-chain thioether ligands terminated by salicylaldimine functionality*This article has a companion paper in this issue (doi: 10.1139/v11-083).
Authors: Lucas C. Robert , Byrne John M.D. , Collins Julie L. , Dawe Louise N. , Miller David O.
Published: September 2011

Syntheses of 1,11-bis(salicylaldimine)-3,6,9-trithiaundecane (H2L1), 1,11-bis(salicylaldimine)-6-oxa-3,9-dithiaundecane (H2L2), and 1,8-bis(salicylaldimine)-3,6-dithiaundecane (H2L3), their nickel complexes [Ni(L1)]·H2O (I), [Ni(HL2)][OAc] (II), [Ni(L3)·HOAc]2[Ni(L3)·2HOAc]·3H2O (III), [Ni(HL1-sal)]Cl2·H2O (IV), [Ni(HL2-sal)]Cl2·CH3OH (V), [Ni(L3-sal)Cl]·H2O (VI), {[Ni(HL1-sal)]Br2}2{[Ni(L1-sal)]Br}·H2O (VII), {[Ni(HL2-sal)]Br2}2{[Ni(L2-sal)]Br}·2CH3OH (VIII), {[Ni(HL3-sal)Br]Br}[Ni(L3-sal)Br]·2CH3OH (IX), [Ni(HL3-sal)Br]Br·CH3OH (X), [Ni(HL3)Br]·2H2O (XI), [Ni(HL1)]2[BF4]2·5H2O (XII), [Ni(HL2)]2[BF4]2·3H2O (XIII), [Ni(HL3)]2[BF4]2·CH3CN (XIV), and [Ni(HL3)]2[BF4]2·3H2O (XV) and their cobalt complexes [Co(L1-sal)][BF4]2 (XVI), [Co(L2)][OAc]·3H2O (XVII), [Co(L3)][OAc]·3H2O (XVIII), [Co(L3)][BF4] (XIX), and [Co(L3-sal)(CH3OH)][BF4]2·CH3OH (XX) are reported. Single crystal X-ray structural studies for III, XIV, XVI, and XIX are described. Cyclic voltammograms of the ligands and of I, II, III, VII, VIII, X, XIV, and XIX are discussed. Electronic spectra of the ligands and complexes are discussed.
Novel bipodal, tripodal, and tetrapodal 1,4-dihydropyridines — Microwave-assisted synthesis and structural confinements
Authors: Rajesh Kancherla , Palakshi Reddy Bandapalli , Vijayakumar Vijayaparthasarathi
Published: September 2011

The one pot, three component reaction of p-hydroxy benzaldehyde, β-ketoester, and ammonium acetate afforded the corresponding monopodal 1,4-dihydropyridines as building blocks, which in turn converted into diversified novel bipodal, tripodal, and tetrapodal 1,4-dihydropyridines with different alkylating agents through conventional as well as microwave assisted reactions. The unambiguous structural confinements of the all the synthesized compounds were drawn out with the help of 2D NMR (H-H COSY and C-H COSY).
Silver nanotubes — Biopolymer-assisted hydrothermal synthesis
Authors: Yang Jianmao , Gao Shuyan , Jia Xiaoxia , Chen Yanli , Chen Zhigang , Hu Junqing
Published: September 2011

In this paper, we further the biopolymer-assisted hydrothermal approach to synthesize silver nanotubes with an outer diameter of 200–300 nm, a tube wall around 50 nm, and a length of several micrometers. Here, the biopolymer is a hyaluronic acid potassium salt (HAPS). This result further verified the validity of this green biopolymer-assisted hydrothermal route for the fabrication of nanomaterials. It also gives some proof that HAPS can provide an anisotropic growth environment, which favors the formation of silver nanotubes with a nonlayered structure. The formation mechanism has been tentatively explained based on Ostwald ripening and the capping action of HAPS. In the long run, the obtained silver nanotubes can be used as a chemical template to fabricate alloyed nanotubes through the galvanic replacement reaction.
THEORETICAL STUDY ON THE EFFECT OF VACANCY DEFECT RECONSTRUCTION ON ELECTRON TRANSPORT IN Si-C NANOTUBES
Authors: CHOUDHARY S. , QURESHI S.
Published: September 2011

We investigate the effect of vacancy defect reconstruction on electron transport properties in a (4, 0) zigzag and (5, 5) armchair silicon-carbide nanotubes ( SiCNTs ) by applying self consistent non-equilibrium Green's function formalism in combination with the density-functional theory to a two probe molecular junction constructed from SiCNTs . The geometry optimization results show that single vacancies and di-vacancies in SiCNTs have different reconstructions. A single vacancy when optimized, reconstructs into a 5-1DB configuration in both zigzag and armchair SiCNTs , and a di-vacancy reconstructs into a 5-8-5 configuration in zigzag and into a 5-2DB configuration in armchair SiCNTs . Analysis of frontier molecular orbitals (FMO) and transmission spectrum show that the vacancy defect increases the band gap of (4, 0) metallic SiCNT and decreases the band gap of (5, 5) semiconducting SiCNT . Bias voltage dependent current characteristic show reduction in overall current in metallic SiCNT and an increase in overall current in semiconducting SiCNT .
ON MONOTONIC SUFFICIENT CONDITIONS OF FUZZY INFERENCE SYSTEMS AND THEIR APPLICATIONS
Authors: TAY KAI MENG , LIM CHEE PENG
Published: September 2011

An important and difficult issue in designing a Fuzzy Inference System (FIS) is the specification of fuzzy sets and fuzzy rules. In this paper, two useful qualitative properties of the FIS model, i.e., the monotonicity and sub-additivity properties, are studied. The monotonic sufficient conditions of the FIS model with Gaussian membership functions are further analyzed. The aim is to incorporate the sufficient conditions into the FIS modeling process, which serves as a simple (which can be easily understood by domain users), easy-to-use (which can be easily applied to or can be a part of the FIS model), and yet reliable (which has a sound mathematical foundation) method to preserve the monotonicity property of the FIS model. Another aim of this paper is to demonstrate how these additional qualitative information can be exploited and extended to be part of the FIS designing procedure (i.e., for fuzzy sets and fuzzy rules design) via the sufficient conditions (which act as a set of useful governing equations for designing the FIS model). The proposed approach is able to avoid the "trial and error" procedure in obtaining a monotonic FIS model. To assess the applicability of the proposed approach, two practical problems are examined. The first is an FIS-based model for water level control, while the second is an FIS-based Risk Priority Number (RPN) model in Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA). To further illustrate the importance of the sufficient conditions as the governing equations, an analysis on the consequences of violating the sufficient conditions of the FIS-based RPN model is presented.
SINGLE-LAYER PERCEPTRON WITH NON-ADDITIVE PREFERENCE INDICES AND ITS APPLICATION TO BANKRUPTCY PREDICTION
Authors: CHEN HSIAO-CHI , HU YI-CHUNG
Published: September 2011

Preference Ranking Organization METHods for Enrichment Evaluations (PROMETHEE), based on outranking relation theory, are used extensively in Multi-Criteria Decision Aid (MCDA). In PROMETHEE, an overall preference index based on weighted average aggregation represents the intensity of preference for one pattern over another pattern and can be measured by a given preference function. Unfortunately, as the criteria making up the patterns are not always independent, the assumption of additivity among single-criterion preference indices may not be reasonable. This paper develops a novel PROMETHEE-based perceptron using nonadditive preference indices for ordinal sorting problems. The applicability of the proposed non-additive PROMETHEE-based single-layer perceptron (SLP) to bankruptcy prediction is examined by using a sample of 53 publicly traded, Taiwanese firms that encountered financial failure between 2000 and 2008. The proposed model performs well compared to PROMETHEE with additive preference indices and other additive PROMETHEE-based classification approaches.
Plasticity of spontaneous excitatory and inhibitory synaptic activity in morphologically defined vestibular nuclei neurons during early vestibular compensation
Authors: Shao Mei , Hirsch June C. , Peusner Kenna D.
Published: September 2011

After unilateral peripheral vestibular lesions, the brain plasticity underlying early recovery from the static symptoms is not fully understood. Principal cells of the chick tangential nucleus offer a subset of morphologically defined vestibular nuclei neurons to study functional changes after vestibular lesions. Chickens show posture and balance deficits immediately after unilateral vestibular ganglionectomy (UVG), but by 3 days most subjects begin to recover, although some remain uncompensated. With the use of whole cell voltage-clamp, spontaneous excitatory and inhibitory postsynaptic currents (sEPSCs and sIPSCs) and miniature excitatory and inhibitory postsynaptic currents (mEPSCs and mIPSCs) were recorded from principal cells in brain slices 1 and 3 days after UVG. One day after UVG, sEPSC frequency increased on the lesion side and remained elevated at 3 days in uncompensated chickens only. Also by 3 days, sIPSC frequency increased on the lesion side in all operated chickens due to major increases in GABAergic events. Significant change also occurred in decay time of the events. To determine whether fluctuations in frequency and kinetics influenced overall excitatory or inhibitory synaptic drive, synaptic charge transfer was calculated. Principal cells showed significant increase in excitatory synaptic charge transfer only on the lesion side of uncompensated chickens. Thus compensation continues when synaptic charge transfer is in balance bilaterally. Furthermore, excessive excitatory drive in principal cells on the lesion side may prevent vestibular compensation. Altogether, this work is important for it defines the time course and excitatory and inhibitory nature of changing spontaneous synaptic inputs to a morphologically defined subset of vestibular nuclei neurons during critical early stages of recovery after UVG.
Comparative transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis of fenofibrate and fish oil treatments in mice
Authors: Lu Yingchang , Boekschoten Mark V. , Wopereis Suzan , Müller Michael , Kersten Sander
Published: September 2011

Elevated circulating triglycerides, which are considered a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, can be targeted by treatment with fenofibrate or fish oil. To gain insight into underlying mechanisms, we carried out a comparative transcriptomics and metabolomics analysis of the effect of 2 wk treatment with fenofibrate and fish oil in mice. Plasma triglycerides were significantly decreased by fenofibrate (−49.1%) and fish oil (−21.8%), whereas plasma cholesterol was increased by fenofibrate (+29.9%) and decreased by fish oil (−32.8%). Levels of various phospholipid species were specifically decreased by fish oil, while levels of Krebs cycle intermediates were increased specifically by fenofibrate. Plasma levels of many amino acids were altered by fenofibrate and to a lesser extent by fish oil. Both fenofibrate and fish oil upregulated genes involved in fatty acid metabolism and downregulated genes involved in blood coagulation and fibrinolysis. Significant overlap in gene regulation by fenofibrate and fish oil was observed, reflecting their property as high or low affinity agonist for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α, respectively. Fenofibrate specifically downregulated genes involved in complement cascade and inflammatory response. Fish oil specifically downregulated genes involved in cholesterol and fatty acid biosynthesis and upregulated genes involved in amino acid and arachidonic acid metabolism. Taken together, the data indicate that despite being similarly potent toward modulating plasma free fatty acids, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels, fish oil causes modest changes in gene expression likely via activation of multiple mechanistic pathways, whereas fenofibrate causes pronounced gene expression changes via a single pathway, reflecting the key difference between nutritional and pharmacological intervention.
Bacterial Cellulose-Hydroxyapatite Nanocomposites for Bone Regeneration
Authors: Saska S. , Barud H. S. , Gaspar A. M. M. , Marchetto R. , Ribeiro S. J. L. , Messaddeq Y.
Published: September 2011

The aim of this study was to develop and to evaluate the biological properties of bacterial cellulose-hydroxyapatite (BC-HA) nanocomposite membranes for bone regeneration. Nanocomposites were prepared from bacterial cellulose membranes sequentially incubated in solutions of CaCl2followed by Na2HPO4. BC-HA membranes were evaluated in noncritical bone defects in rat tibiae at 1, 4, and 16 weeks. Thermogravimetric analyses showed that the amount of the mineral phase was 40%–50% of the total weight. Spectroscopy, electronic microscopy/energy dispersive X-ray analyses, and X-ray diffraction showed formation of HA crystals on BC nanofibres. Low crystallinity HA crystals presented Ca/P a molar ratio of 1.5 (calcium-deficient HA), similar to physiological bone. Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy analysis showed bands assigned to phosphate and carbonate ions.In vivotests showed no inflammatory reaction after 1 week. After 4 weeks, defects were observed to be completely filled in by new bone tissue. The BC-HA membranes were effective for bone regeneration.
Lymphocyte Rich Hodgkin's Lymphoma Presented with Warm Hemolytic Anemia: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Hurtado-Cordovi Jorge M. , Verma Vaibhav , Gotlieb Vladimir , Frieri Marianne
Published: September 2011

Hodgkin's lymphoma accounts for ten percent of all lymphomas. In the United States, there are about 8000 new cases every year. This paper describes a case of lymphocyte-rich Hodgkin's lymphoma (LRHL) manifested by autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA). A 27-year-old Israeli male presented with dizziness associated with one month of low-grade fevers and night sweats; he also complained of persistent cough, pruritus, and ten-pound weight lost during this time. The CBC revealed hemoglobin of 5.9 gm/dL, and direct Coomb's test detected multiple nonspecific antibodies consistent with the diagnosis of AIHA. Chest, abdomen, and pelvic CT scan showed mediastinal lymphadenopathy and splenomegaly. Lymph node biopsy revealed classic LRHL. AIHA resolved after completion of the first cycle of chemotherapy with adriamycin, bleomycin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine (ABVD); after six cycles, he went into complete remission. Although infrequent, AIHA can be responsible for the presenting symptoms of HL.
In Vitro Assessment of Shiitake Mushroom (Lentinula edodes) Extract for Its Antigingivitis Activity
Authors: Ciric Lena , Tymon Anna , Zaura Egija , Lingström Peter , Stauder Monica , Papetti Adele , Signoretto Caterina , Pratten Jonathan , Wilson Michael , Spratt David
Published: September 2011

Gingivitis is a preventable disease characterised by inflammation of the gums due to the buildup of a microbial biofilm at the gingival margin. It is implicated as a precursor to periodontitis, a much more serious problem which includes associated bone loss. Unfortunately, due to poor oral hygiene among the general population, gingivitis is prevalent and results in high treatment costs. Consequently, the option of treating gingivitis using functional foods, which promote oral health, is an attractive one. Medicinal mushrooms, including shiitake, have long been known for their immune system boosting as well as antimicrobial effects; however, they have not been employed in the treatment of oral disease. In the current study, the effectiveness of shiitake mushroom extract was compared to that of the active component in the leading gingivitis mouthwash, containing chlorhexidine, in an artificial mouth model (constant depth film fermenter). The total bacterial numbers as well as numbers of eight key taxa in the oral community were investigated over time using multiplex qPCR. The results indicated that shiitake mushroom extract lowered the numbers of some pathogenic taxa without affecting the taxa associated with health, unlike chlorhexidine which has a limited effect on all taxa.
Congenital Anterior Urethral Diverticulum in a Male Teenager: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Quoraishi Sadat Haider , Khan Faisal , Besarani Dler , Patil Krishna
Published: September 2011

We present the case of a 13-year-old boy with a congenital anterior urethral diverticulum. This is a rare condition in males which can lead to obstructive lower urinary tract symptoms and urosepsis. Diagnosis is by urethroscopy and radiological imaging. Surgical treatment can be open or endoscopic. Long-term followup is required to check for reoccurrence of the obstruction.
Noise Estimation for Single‐Slice Sinogram of Low‐Dose X‐Ray Computed Tomography Using Homogenous Patch
Authors: Liao Zhiwu , Hu Shaoxiang , Li Ming , Chen Wufan
Published: September 2011

We present a new method to estimate noise for a single‐slice sinogram of low‐dose CT based on the homogenous patches centered at a special pixel, called center point, which has the smallest variance among all sinogram pixels. The homogenous patch, composed by homogenous points, is formed by the points similar to the center point using similarity sorting, similarity decreasing searching, and variance analysis in a very large neighborhood (VLN) to avoid manual selection of parameter for similarity measures.Homogenous pixels in the VLN allow us find the largest number of samples, who have the highest similarities to the center point, for noise estimation, and the noise level can be estimated according to unbiased estimation.Experimental results show that for the simulated noisy sinograms, the method proposed in this paper can obtain satisfied noise estimation results, especially for sinograms with relatively serious noises.
Emergent Behaviors in Social Networks of Adaptive Agents
Authors: Leon Florin
Published: September 2011

Designing multiagent systems that can exhibit coherent group behavior based on a small number of simple rules is a very challenging problem. The evolution of mobile computing environments has created a need for adaptive, robust systems, whose components should be able to cooperate in order to solve the tasks continuously received from users or other software agents. In this paper, an interaction protocol for a task allocation system is proposed, which can reveal the formation of social networks as an emergent property. The agents can improve their solving ability by learning and can collaborate with their peers to deal with more difficult tasks. The experiments show that the evolution of the social networks is similar under a great variety of settings and depends only on the dynamism of the environment. The average number of connections and resources of the agents follows a power law distribution. Different configurations are studied in order to find the optimal set of parameters that leads to the maximum overall efficiency of the multiagent system.
Functional Outcome in Bipolar Disorder: The Big Picture
Authors: Levy Boaz , Manove Emily
Published: September 2011

Previous research on functional outcome in bipolar disorder (BD) has uncovered various factors that exacerbate psychosocial disability over the course of illness, including genetics, illness severity, stress, anxiety, and cognitive impairment. This paper presents an integrated view of these findings that accounts for the precipitous decline in psychosocial functioning after illness onset. The proposed model highlights a number of reciprocal pathways among previously studied factors that trap people in a powerful cycle of ailing forces. The paper discusses implications to patient care as well as the larger social changes required for shifting the functional trajectory of people with BD from psychosocial decline to growth.
Beyond VEGF: Inhibition of the Fibroblast Growth Factor Pathway and Antiangiogenesis
Authors: Lieu Christopher , Heymach John , Overman Michael , Tran Hai , Kopetz Scott
Published: September 2011

Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling regulates cell proliferation, differentiation, survival, angiogenesis, and wound healing. Compelling evidence for deregulated FGF signaling in tumorigenesis continues to emerge, and a growing body of research suggests that FGF may also play an integral role in the resistance to anti-VEGF therapy. Although agents targeting FGF signaling are early in development, the potential to target both the VEGF and FGF pathways may translate into improvements in the clinical care of cancer patients. Clin Cancer Res; 17(19); 6130–9. ©2011 AACR.
Constitutive Aberrant Endogenous Interleukin-1 Facilitates Inflammation and Growth in Human Melanoma
Authors: Qin Yong , Ekmekcioglu Suhendan , Liu Ping , Duncan Lyn M. , Lizée Gregory , Poindexter Nancy , Grimm Elizabeth A.
Published: September 2011

Interleukin (IL)-1–mediated inflammation is proposed to contribute to the development and progression of some cancers. IL-1 family member proteins are known to be expressed constitutively in many melanoma tumor cells, and we hypothesize that these support molecular pathways of inflammation and facilitate tumor growth. To investigate the expression of IL-1α and IL-1β in melanoma patients, and their association with disease progression, immunohistochemical staining was carried out on tissues from 170 patients including benign nevi, primary melanomas, and metastatic melanomas. IL-1β levels were low (or zero) in benign nevi and higher in primary and metastatic melanomas (P < 0.0001). IL-1α was expressed in about 73% of nevi and 55% of metastatic melanomas, with levels significantly higher in primary tumors (P < 0.0001); most (98%) primary melanoma samples were positive for IL-1α. In vitro studies with seven human melanoma cell lines showed that five cell lines expressed IL-1α and IL-1β proteins and mRNA. We identified for the first time several important downstream signaling pathways affected by endogenous IL-1, including reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, COX-2, and phosphorylated NF-κB inhibitor (IκB) and stress-activated protein kinase/c-jun-NH2-kinase; all of which were decreased by siRNA to IL-1s. Downregulation of IL-1α, IL-1β, or MyD88 substantially increased p21 and p53 levels. Treatment with IL-1 receptor type I neutralizing antibody or IL-1 pathway–specific siRNAs led to growth arrest in IL-1–positive melanoma cells. Furthermore, blocking the IL-1 pathway increased autophagy in IL-1–positive melanoma cells. These results indicate that the endogenous IL-1 system is functional in most human melanoma and interrupting its signaling inhibits the growth of IL-1–positive melanoma cells. Mol Cancer Res; 9(11); 1537–50. ©2011 AACR.
Professional Role Confidence and Gendered Persistence in Engineering
Authors: Cech Erin , Rubineau Brian , Silbey Susan , Seron Caroll
Published: September 2011

Social psychological research on gendered persistence in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professions is dominated by two explanations: women leave because they perceive their family plans to be at odds with demands of STEM careers, and women leave due to low self-assessment of their skills in STEM’s intellectual tasks, net of their performance. This study uses original panel data to examine behavioral and intentional persistence among students who enter an engineering major in college. Surprisingly, family plans do not contribute to women’s attrition during college but are negatively associated with men’s intentions to pursue an engineering career. Additionally, math self-assessment does not predict behavioral or intentional persistence once students enroll in a STEM major. This study introduces professional role confidence—individuals’ confidence in their ability to successfully fulfill the roles, competencies, and identity features of a profession—and argues that women’s lack of this confidence, compared to men, reduces their likelihood of remaining in engineering majors and careers. We find that professional role confidence predicts behavioral and intentional persistence, and that women’s relative lack of this confidence contributes to their attrition.
Defense Transformation and Legitimacy in Scandinavia after the Cold War
Authors: Petersson Magnus
Published: September 2011

This article analyzes how defense transformation in Scandinavia has been legitimized and which legitimacy it enjoys. The overall result is that it does not have unambiguous support. There are, however, similarities and differences, both between the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) members Denmark and Norway and nonaligned Sweden, and between the NATO members. Theoretically, the alliance members should be more willing to transform—even if it implies a “denationalization” of defense. In Denmark, that is, with some reservation, the case but not in Norway. Nonaligned Sweden should, according to the same logic, be resistant to downsizing the armed forces and gearing them for NATO expeditionary war fighting operations. However, that is not the case. A consequence of the negative attitude toward the transformation is less influence, resources, freedom of action, and so on, for the defense forces in general, and an even more lukewarm attitude toward conducting combat operations in a NATO context in particular.
Chronic Daily Headache, Medication Overuse, and Obesity in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Pakalnis Ann , Kring Donna
Published: September 2011

Obesity and headaches are common in children and adults. Adult studies suggest obesity is a risk factor for chronic daily headache and increased migraine frequency and severity. Pediatric studies have suggested a relationship between obesity, increasing headache frequency, and disability. The authors retrospectively evaluated 925 children from their Pediatric Headache Clinic between July 2004 and July 2008, assessing headache frequency, medication overuse, and body mass index compared to population-based norms. The pediatric headache group as a whole had a greater percentage of overweight than the general population. This was also true with the subgroup of patients with chronic tension-type headache, although the numbers were small. Data did not show increased incidence of overweight in children with medication overuse or chronic migraine. This contrasts with adult data, which have suggested a closer link between chronic migraine and obesity and have not supported a link with chronic tension-type headache.
The trajectory importance measure of the shaping machine under stochastic excitation
Authors: Cui L J , Lu Z Z , Zhou C C
Published: September 2011

Two trajectory importance measures, the trajectory importance measure based on variance and the moment-independent trajectory importance measure, are proposed to represent the time-variant effects of input uncertainty on the output uncertainty of the shaping machine under stochastic excitation in its work stroke, respectively. At the same time, the trajectory importance measure based on the failure probability is proposed to reflect the contribution of the input uncertainty on the dynamic reliability of the mechanism. These three trajectory importance measures provide different references to improve the performance and reliability of the mechanism from the time-variant perspective. As the probability density evolution method (PDEM) is employed to solve the proposed trajectory importance measures, it can improve the computational efficiency largely without losing precision. Results of the shaping mechanism illustrate the feasibility of the proposed trajectory importance measures and the veracity of the PDEM in solving the lathe mechanism.
Exact formulations of non-linear planar and spatial Euler–Bernoulli beams with finite strains
Authors: Abedinnasab M H , Zohoor H , Yoon Y-J
Published: September 2011

Using Hamilton’s principle, exact equations of motion for non-linear planar and spatial Euler–Bernoulli beams are derived. In the existing non-linear Euler–Bernoulli beam formulations, some elastic terms are dropped by differentiation from the incomplete Green–Lagrange strain tensor followed by negligible elastic deformations of cross-sectional frame. On the other hand, in this article, the exact strain field concerning considerable elastic deformations of cross-sectional frame is used as a source in differentiations. As a result, the achieved closed-form equations are exact and more accurate than formerly reported equations in the literature. Moreover, the applicable dynamic model of inextensional beams which is fully accurate, yet simple has been shown. The planar and inextensional dynamic models have been compared with the existing dynamic models in the literature, and the proposed dynamic models demonstrate significant improvements in the numerical results. Finally, experiments on the carbon fibre rods verify the model presented for inextensional beams.
Differences in clinical manifestations between childhood-onset lupus and adult-onset lupus: a meta-analysis
Authors: Livingston B , Bonner A , Pope J
Published: September 2011

Objective: It is known that age at disease onset has an impact on the clinical course andoutcome of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE); however, the precise differences in theprevalence of SLE manifestations are debated. Our objective was to conduct a systematicliterature review and meta-analysis of all studies that directly compare childhood-onset lupus with adult-onsetlupus to determine which clinical manifestations vary with age at disease onset. Methods: A comprehensive literature search of the MEDLINE/PubMed,EMBASE, CINAHL, and SCOPUS databases was conducted to identify relevant articles. Study quality was assessed using the STROBE checklist. Study sample characteristics and clinical manifestation event rates were extracted from each study. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) were calculated using the random effects method, and between-study heterogeneity was quantified using the I2 statistic. Results: Of the 484studies identified by the search strategy, 16 were included in this review. The total number of patients was 5993 adults and 905 children with SLE. Study quality was on average 16/32, ranging from 8 to 29. Several statistically significant differences were found: malar rash, ulcers/mucocutaneous involvement, renal involvement, proteinuria, urinary cellular casts, seizures, thrombocytopenia, hemolytic anemia, fever, and lymphadenopathy were more common in childhood-onset SLE with ORs ranging from 1.3 to 3.7; however, Raynaud's, pleuritis, and sicca were more common in adult-onset SLE (twice as common). Conclusions: The results of this meta-analysis suggest that some clinical manifestations of lupus are different in childhood-onset SLE and adult-onset SLE.
The involvement of immune semaphorins and neuropilin-1 in lupus nephritis
Authors: Vadasz Z , Ben-Izhak O , Bejar J , Sabo E , Kessel A , Storch S , Toubi E
Published: September 2011

Background and objectives: Neuropilin-1 (NP-1), a functional vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor, is important in the priming of resting T cells and contributes to the development of peripheral tolerance. Semaphorins, a family of axon guidance molecules, has been found to be involved in regulating the immune system.

The aim of this study was to explore the involvement of NP-1 and semaphorins in lupus glomerulonephritis (LGN).

Methods: Twelve kidney biopsies from LGN patients and five normal biopsies were examined in this study. In addition, eight biopsies from patients with primary nephropathy and proteinuria were included serving as a disease control group. Biopsies were stained with anti-VEGF, NP-1, and semaphorins. The Image Pro-Plus software was used to measure the intensity and extent of staining. The correlation with clinico-pathological parameters was evaluated.

Results: VEGF expression was slightly higher in LGN. NP-1 and semaphorins were stained with significantly higher intensity in LGN when compared with both the normal and the disease control groups. NP-1 deposits were found only in damaged glomerulus areas and positively correlated with clinico-pathological parameters of renal disease (a statistical trend). However, the semaphorins were found in inverse correlations.

Discussion: Being present in normal and slightly increased in diseased glomeruli, VEGF is considered protective during inflammation. Increased NP-1 expression in LGN may intensify the possible protective effect of VEGF, thereby preventing endothelial damage. However, one should consider the possibility that increased NP-1 expression is harmful and could play a role in the damage of LGN. NP-1 is suggested to be a reliable marker differentiating focal versus diffuse LGN. Semaphorin 3A can serve as a histological marker for tubular damage. The altered ability of kidneys to secrete semaphorins during advanced renal damage may in part explain its inverse correlation with renal function. Further work is needed in order to better understand the role of NP-1 and semaphorins in LGN.
Development of the GABAergic System from Birth to Adolescence
Authors: Kilb Werner
Published: September 2011

The neurotransmitter GABA (γ-aminobutyric acid), acting via inotropic GABAA and metabotropic GABAB receptors, plays an essential role in a variety of distinct neuronal processes, including regulation of neuronal excitability, determination of temporal aspects of spike trains, control of the size and propagation of neuronal assemblies, generation of oscillatory activity, and neuronal plasticity. Although the developmental switch between excitatory and inhibitory GABAA receptor–mediated responses is widely appreciated, the fact that the postnatal maturation of the GABAergic system lasts until late adolescence is not so persuasively promoted. This review summarizes recent knowledge of the maturation of various aspects of the GABAergic systems, like functional expression of GABA synthesizing/degrading enzymes and transporters, density of GABAergic synapses, GABAergic projection patterns, GABA receptor subunit composition, and properties of GABAergic interneurons, with an emphasis on the late developmental alterations. In addition, some aspects of the development of mental capabilities during adolescence and their relation the delayed maturation of the GABAergic system are presented.
In vitro antioxidant and radical-scavenging capacities of Citrullus colocynthes (L) and Artemisia absinthium extracts using promethazine hydrochloride radical cation and contemporary assays
Authors: Asghar M. Nadeem , Khan I. Ullah , Bano N.
Published: September 2011

A new, quick and economical decolorization assay based upon the generation of a radical cation made from promethazine hydrochloride (PMZH) is described for screening of antioxidant activity of plants/herbal extracts. PMZH radical cations, produced through a reaction between PMZH and potassium persulfate (K2S2O8) in phosphoric acid medium, have maximum absorption at 515 nm in their first-order derivative spectrum. Theconcentrations of chromagen and K2S2O8 were optimized (final concentration of PMZH and K2S2O8 were 0.166 mM and 0.11 mM, respectively) for better stability and sensitivity of the radical cation produced. Agood linear correlation was found between the percentage inhibition and the increasing amounts of standard antioxidants, with correlation coefficients ranging from 0.989 to 0.999. The newly developed assay was employed to evaluate the antioxidant capacity of Citrullus colocynthes L. and Artemisia absinthium extracts. The proposed assay involved a more stable radical cation and required only 1 h for preparation of a working solution in comparison to the 2,2′-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical cation decolorizaion assay, which was reported to be less sensitive at low pH and almost 12–16 h were required for preparation of a working ABTS solution. Other assays employed to evaluate the antioxidant potential andradical-scavenging capacities of the extracts were the ferric-reducing antioxidant power, 2,2′-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging, total phenolic contents assay, total flavonoid contents and metal-chelating activity assays, and the lipid peroxidation value in linoleic acid emulsion systems. The results indicate that boththe plants have potent free radical-scavenging activity and the ability to prevent lipid peroxidation and radical chain reactions.
Which walking capacity tests to use in multiple sclerosis? A multicentre study providing the basis for a core set
Authors: Gijbels Domien , Dalgas Ulrik , Romberg Anders , de Groot Vincent , Bethoux Francois , Vaney Claude , Gebara Benoit , Medina Carme Santoyo , Maamâgi Heigo , Rasova Kamila , de Noordhout Benoit Maertens , Knuts Kathy , Feys Peter
Published: September 2011

Background: Many different walking capacity test formats are being used. It is unclear whether walking speed, obtained from short tests, and walking distance, obtained from long tests, provide different clinical information.

Objectives: To determine the differential effect of various short and long walk test formats on gait velocity, and the actual relationship between walking speed and walking distance in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients with diverse ambulation status.

Methods: A cross-sectional multicentre study design was applied. Ambulatory MS patients (Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) 0–6.5; n = 189) were tested at 11 sites. Short tests consisted of the Timed 25-Foot Walk (static start, fastest speed) and 10-Metre Walk Test (dynamic start, usual and fastest speed). Long tests consisted of the 2- and 6-Minute Walk Tests (fastest speed). Subjects were divided into mild (EDSS 0–4; n = 99) or moderate (EDSS 4.5–6.5; n = 79) disability subgroups.

Results: In both subgroups, the start protocol, instructed pace and length of test led to significantly different gait velocities. Fastest walking speed and 6-Minute walking distance showed the strongest correlation ( R2 = 0.78 in mild and R2 = 0.81 in moderate MS; p < 0.01). Short tests’ relative estimation errors for 6-Minute walking distance were 8–12% in mildly and 15–16% in moderately affected subjects. Based on the 2-Minute Walk Test, estimation errors significantly reduced to approximately 5% in both subgroups.

Conclusions: A single short test format at fastest speed accurately describes an MS patient’s general walking capacity. For intervention studies, a long test is to be considered. We propose the Timed 25-Foot Walk and 2-Minute Walk Test as standards. Further research on responsiveness is needed.