bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Time Optimal Trajectory Tracking of Redundant Planar Cable-Suspended Robots Considering Both Tension and Velocity Constraints
Authors: Fahham Hamid Reza , Farid Mehrdad , Khooran Moosa
Published: November 2010

In this paper, time optimal trajectory tracking of redundant planar cable-suspended robots is investigated. The equations of motion of these cable robots are obtained as a system of second order differential equation in terms of path parameter s using the specified path. Besides, the bounds on the cable tensions and cable velocities are transformed into the bounds on the acceleration and velocity along the path. Assuming bang-bang control, the switching points in ṡ2−s plane are obtained. Then the cable tensions are found in terms of path parameter and, subsequently, versus time. The proposed approach is validated and the effect of the number of superfluous cables on the value of minimum time is studied. The next notable challenges include time optimal path planning of cable-suspended robots. By developing a hybrid genetic algorithm and bang-bang control approach, the minimum motion time from initial state to final one and also the corresponding path can be found. The optimum path is the one that minimizes traveling time from initial state to final one, while not exceeding the cable tensions and cable velocities limits, without collision with any obstacles.
Design of a Multijet Omnidirectional Propulsion System for Small Jet-Boats
Authors: Foley David , Plante Jean-Sebastien
Published: November 2010

Jet-boats perform remarkably well at high-speed but lack low speed maneuverability for tight maneuvers such as docking. This paper presents a joystick controlled omnidirectional propulsion system for jet-boats. The concept uses a set of fixed jet nozzles disposed around the hull. When a force is commanded by the joystick, valves on each nozzle modulate the flow so that the sum of nozzle thrusts correspond to the commanded force. The positions and angles of the nozzles are optimized with an index of omnidirectionality quality based on the projection of a set of force solutions on a shell with the shape of a desired force space. The choice of valve positions and engine speeds is done by the numerical inversion of an internal viscous flow model. A 3D simulator, backed by experimental results, serves to (1) evaluate the ability of the proposed concept in meeting its design requirements and (2) develop control algorithms. Experimental results show that the proposed omnidirectional system is effective for low speed maneuverability with open-loop force control. The present work also offers an effective omnidirectional propulsion system that is easy to enhance with advanced control laws. Velocity feedback control is given as an example and shows important improvement of maneuverability and robustness to miscalibration.
Dissemination and Systemic Colonization of Uropathogenic Escherichia coli in a Murine Model of Bacteremia
Authors: Smith Sara N. , Hagan Erin C. , Lane M. Chelsea , Mobley Harry L. T.
Published: November 2010

Infection with uropathogenic
Escherichia coli
(UPEC), the causative agent of most uncomplicated urinary tract infections, proceeds in an ascending manner and, if left untreated, may result in bacteremia and urosepsis. To examine the fate of UPEC after its entry into the bloodstream, we developed a murine model of sublethal bacteremia. CBA/J mice were inoculated intravenously with 1 × 10
6
 CFU of pyelonephritis strain
E. coli
CFT073 carrying a bioluminescent reporter. Biophotonic imaging, used to monitor the infection over 48 h, demonstrated that the bacteria disseminated systemically and appeared to localize at discrete sites. UPEC was recovered from the spleen, liver, kidneys, lungs, heart, brain, and intestines as early as 20 min postinoculation, peaking at 24 h postinoculation. A nonpathogenic
E. coli
K-12 strain, however, disseminated at significantly lower levels (
P
< 0.01) and was cleared from the liver and cecum by 24 h postinoculation. Isogenic mutants lacking type 1 fimbriae, P fimbriae, capsule, TonB, the heme receptors Hma and ChuA, or particularly the sialic acid catabolism enzyme NanA were significantly outcompeted by wild-type CFT073 during bacteremia (
P
< 0.05), while flagellin and hemolysin mutants were not.

IMPORTANCE
E. coli
is the primary cause of urinary tract infections. In severe cases of kidney infection, bacteria can enter the bloodstream and cause systemic disease. While the ability of
E. coli
to cause urinary tract infection has been extensively studied, the fate of these bacteria once they enter the bloodstream is largely unknown. Here we used an imaging technique to develop a mouse model of
E. coli
bloodstream infection and identify bacterial genes that are important for the bacteria to spread to and infect various organs. Understanding how urinary tract pathogens like
E. coli
cause disease after they enter the bloodstream may aid in the development of protective and therapeutic treatments.
Occurrence of injuries and illnesses during the 2009 IAAF World Athletics Championships
Authors: Alonso Juan-Manuel , Tscholl Philippe M , Engebretsen Lars , Mountjoy Margo , Dvorak Jiri , Junge Astrid
Published: November 2010

Objective

To analyse the frequency and characteristics of sports injuries and illnesses incurred during the World Athletics Championships.

Design

Prospective recording of newly occurred injuries and illnesses.

Setting

Twelfth International Association of Athletics Federations World Championships in Athletics 2009 in Berlin, Germany.

Participants

National team physicians and physiotherapists and 1979 accredited athletes; Local Organising Committee physicians working in the Medical Centres.

Main outcome measures

Incidence and characteristics of newly incurred injuries and illnesses.

Results

236 injury incidents with 262 injured body parts and 269 different injury types were reported, representing an incidence of 135.4 injuries per 1000 registered athletes. Eighty percent affected the lower extremity. Thigh strain (13.8%) was the main diagnosis. Overuse (44.1%) was the predominant cause. Most injuries were incurred during competition (85.9%). About 43.8% of all injury events were expected to result in time-loss. 135 illnesses were reported, signifying an incidence of 68.2 per 1000 registered athletes. Upper respiratory tract infection was the most common condition (30.4%) and infection was the most frequent cause (32.6%). The incidence of injury and illnesses varied substantially among the events.

Conclusion

The risk of injury varied with each discipline. Preventive measures should be specific and focused on minimising the potential for overuse. Attention should be paid to ensure adequate rehabilitation of previous injuries. The addition of the illness part to the injury surveillance system proved to be feasible. As most illnesses were caused by infection of the respiratory tract or were environmentally related, preventive interventions should focus on decreasing the risk of transmission, appropriate event scheduling and heat acclimatisation.
What do our patients understand about their trial participation? Assessing patients' understanding of their informed consent consultation about randomised clinical trials
Authors: Behrendt C , Gölz T , Roesler C , Bertz H , Wünsch A
Published: November 2010

Background

Ethically, informed consent regarding randomised controlled trials (RCTs) should be understandable to patients. The patients can then give free consent or decline to participate in a RCT. Little is known about what patients really understand in consultations about RCTs.

Methods

Cancer patients who were asked to participate in a randomised trial were surveyed using a semi-standardised interview developed by the authors. The interview addresses understanding, satisfaction and needs of the patients. The sample included eight patients who participated in a trial and two who declined. The data were analysed on the basis of Mayring's qualitative analysis.

Results

Patients' understanding of informed consent was less developed than anticipated, especially concerning key elements such as randomisation, content and procedure of RCTs. Analysing the result about satisfaction of the patients, most of the patients described their consultations as hectic and without advance notice. Health limitations due to cancer played a decisive role. However, most of the patients perceived their physician to be sympathetic. Analysing the needs of patients, they ask for a clear informed consent consultation with enough time and adequate advance notice.

Conclusion

This study fills an important empirical research gap of what is ethically demanded in an RCT consultation and what is really understood by patients. The qualitative approach enabled us to obtain new results about cancer patients' understanding of informed consent, to clarify patients' needs and to develop new ideas to optimise the informed consent.
Reporting standards for angioplasty and stent-assisted angioplasty for intracranial atherosclerosis
Authors: Schumacher H Christian , Meyers Philip M , Higashida Randall T , Derdeyn Colin P , Lavine Sean D , Nesbit Gary M , Sacks David , Rasmussen Peter , Wechsler Lawrence R
Published: November 2010

Background and purpose

Intracranial cerebral atherosclerosis causes ischemic stroke in a significant number of patients. Technological advances over the past 10 years have enabled endovascular treatment of intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis. The number of patients treated with angioplasty or stent-assisted angioplasty for this condition is increasing. Given the lack of universally accepted definitions, the goal of this document is to provide consensus recommendations for reporting standards, terminology, and written definitions when reporting clinical and radiological evaluation, technique, and outcome of endovascular treatment using angioplasty or stent-assisted angioplasty for stenotic and occlusive intracranial atherosclerosis.

Summary of report

This article was written under the auspices of Joint Writing Group of the Technology Assessment Committee, Society of Neurolnterventional Surgery, Society of Interventional Radiology; Joint Section on Cerebro-vascular Neurosurgery of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons and Congress of Neurological Surgeons; and the Section of Stroke and Interventional Neurology of the American Academy of Neurology. A computerized search of the National Library of Medicine database of literature (PubMed) from January 1997 to December 2007 was conducted with the goal to identify published endovascular cerebrovascular interventional data in stenotic intracranial atherosclerosis that could be used as benchmarks for quality assessment. We sought to identify those risk adjustment variables that affect the likelihood of success and complications. This document offers the rationale for different clinical and technical considerations that may be important during the design of clinical trials for endovascular treatment of intracranial stenotic and occlusive atherosclerosis. Included in this guidance document are suggestions for uniform reporting standards for such trials. These definitions and standards are primarily intended for research purposes; however, they should also be helpful in clinical practice and applicable to all publications.

Conclusion

In summary, the definitions proposed represent recommendations for constructing useful research data sets. The intent is to facilitate production of scientifically rigorous results capable of reliable comparisons between and among similar studies. In some cases, the definitions contained here are recommended by consensus of a panel of experts in this writing group for consistency in reporting and publication. These definitions should allow different groups to publish results that are directly comparable.
Endosaccular treatment of 113 cavernous carotid artery aneurysms
Authors: Choulakian Armen , Drazin Doniel , Alexander Michael J
Published: November 2010

Objective

Cavernous carotid aneurysms (CCAs) can present with visual symptoms or with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). As surgical treatment of these aneurysms can be technically challenging, endovascular management has emerged as the preferred treatment modality.

Methods

A retrospective review was conducted of 113 patients who underwent endosaccular treatment for CCAs. Presenting symptoms, aneurysm size, use of stent assistance, rate of thromboembolic complications, presence of SAH and angiographic follow-up were reviewed.

Results

29 patients (26%) with CCAs presented with diplopia due to cranial nerve palsies. Mean aneurysm size in this group was 17 mm. Three patients (2.6%) presented with SAH with a mean aneurysm size of 15.3 mm. Mean length of stay for ruptured versus non-ruptured aneurysms was 11.7 and 1.7 days, respectively. Clinically significant thromboembolic complications occurred in four cases (3.5%). Stent assistance was required in 53 cases (47%). Of the 86 patients (76%) returning for follow-up angiography (mean 6.2 months), 58 (75%) had no residual aneurysm and 14 (12%) showed regrowth. Thirteen patients (11.5%) underwent repeat endovascular treatment.

Conclusions

CCAs commonly produce diplopia and cranial nerve palsies when a critical size is reached (mean 17 mm in our series). Aneurysm obliteration with internal carotid artery preservation is the preferred treatment modality and can be accomplished with coil embolization with or without stent assistance. Although recurrence and retreatment can occur, the thromboembolic risk of endovascular treatment is low. Consideration should be given to treatment of asymptomatic CCAs 15 mm or larger due to potential risks of cranial neuropathy and SAH.
ONE-SPACE BOUNDED ALGORITHMS FOR TWO-DIMENSIONAL BIN PACKING
Authors: CHIN FRANCIS Y. L. , TING HING-FUNG , ZHANG YONG
Published: November 2010

In this paper, we study the bounded space variation, especially one-space bounded, of two-dimensional bin packing. A sequence of rectangular items arrive over time, and the following item arrives after the packing of the previous one. The height and width of each item are no more than 1, we need to pack these items into unit square bins of size 1 × 1 where rotation of 90° is allowed and our objective is to minimize the number of used bins. Once an item is packed into a square bin, the position of this item is fixed and it cannot be shifted within this bin. At any time, there is at most one active bin; the current unpacked item can be only packed into the active bin and the inactive bins (closed at some previous time) cannot be used for any future items. We first propose an online algorithm with a constant competitive ratio 12, then improve the competitive ratio to 8.84 by the some complicated analysis. Our results significantly improve the previous best known O(( log log m)2)-competitive algorithm [10], where m is the width of the square bin and the size of each item is a × b, where a, b are integers no more than m. Furthermore, the lower bound for the competitive ratio is also improved to 2.5.
TERMINATION ANALYSIS OF LINEAR LOOPS
Authors: XU MING , CHEN LIANGYU , ZENG ZHENBING , LI ZHI-BIN
Published: November 2010

Verification of program termination is an important problem in program correctness analysis. Automatically proving termination or finding nonterminating inputs as counter-examples for many programs will be a big breakthrough in theoretical computer science. A remarkable result, provided by Tiwari(2004), showed that the termination of linear loops is decidable and an eventually nonterminating input can be found for the given nonterminating loop. But some essential lemmas were missing in that proof and his algorithm could not generate a nonterminating input, which might be more widely utilized in software testing. In this paper, we discuss these details carefully and present an algorithm for producing a nonterminating input automatically. We reduce the problem of finding a nonterminating input to that of computing real root bound of a multi-exponential polynomial. This algorithm has been implemented in a Maple package based on symbolic computation. Thereby a stronger and complete decidable result in termination problem is established.
HIERARCHICAL IDENTITY-BASED PROXY RE-ENCRYPTION WITHOUT RANDOM ORACLES
Authors: REN YANLI , GU DAWU , WANG SHUOZHONG , ZHANG XINPENGU
Published: November 2010

In a proxy re-encryption scheme, a semi-trusted proxy converts a ciphertext for Alice into a ciphertext for Bob without seeing the underlying plaintext. A number of solutions have been proposed in public key settings. Hierarchical identity-based cryptography is a generalization of identity-based encryption that mirrors an organizational hierarchy, which allows a root private key generator to distribute the workload by delegating private key generation and identity authentication to lower-level private key generators. In this paper, we propose a hierarchical identity-based proxy re-encryption (HIBPRE) scheme which achieves IND-PrID-CCA2 security without random oracles. This is the first HIBPRE scheme up to now, and our scheme satisfies unidirectionality, non-interactivity and permits multiple re-encryptions.
PHASE TRANSITIONS OF EXPSPACE-COMPLETE PROBLEMS
Authors: ZHOU JUNPING , HUANG PING , YIN MINGHAO , ZHOU CHUNGUANG
Published: November 2010

This paper explores the phase transitions of the EXPSPACE-complete problems, which mainly focus on the conformant planning problems. The research presents two conformant planning algorithms—CONFORMANT PLAN-NONEXISTENCE algorithm and CONFORMANT PLAN-EXISTENCE algorithm. By analyzing the features of the two algorithms, the phase transition area of the conformant planning problems is obtained. If the number of the operators isn't greater than θub, the CONFORMANT PLAN-NONEXISTENCE algorithm can prove that nearly all the conformant planning instances have no solution. If the number of the operators isn't lower than θlb, the CONFORMANT PLAN-EXISTENCE algorithm can prove that nearly all the conformant planning instances have solutions. The results of the experiments show that there exist phase transitions from a region where almost all the conformant planning instances have no solution to a region where almost all the conformant planning instances have solutions.
ON THE DRAIN CURRENT SATURATION IN CARBON NANOTUBE FIELD EFFECT TRANSISTORS
Authors: BENFDILA A. , ABBAS S. , IZQUIERDO R. , TALMAT R. , VASEASHTA A.
Published: November 2010

Electronic devices based on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) show potential for circuit miniaturization due to their superior electrical characteristics and reduced dimensionality. The CNT field effect transistors (CNFETs) offer breakthrough in miniaturization of various electronic circuits. Investigation of ballistic transport governing the operation of CNFETs is essential for understanding the device's functional behavior. This investigation is focused on a study of current–voltage characteristics of device behavior in hard saturation region. The investigation utilizes a set of current–voltage characteristics obtained on typical devices. This work is an extension of our earlier work describing application of our approach to Si -MOSFET behavior in the saturation region.
Hydrothermal Synthesis of Pt–Ru–W Anode Catalyst Supported on Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes for Methanol Oxidation Fuel Cell
Authors: Oh Jun Young , Jee Seung Hyun , Kakati Nitul , Kim Su Hyun , Song Myeong Jun , Yoon Young Soo
Published: November 2010

PtRuW/multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) nanoparticles were synthesized using a hydrothermal method. To characterize the catalysts, X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) were carried out. The average diameter of the PtRuW nanoparticles supported on MWCNTs was 2.82 nm, and the particles were well dispersed. The catalytic activity of the PtRuW/MWCNTs was measured by cyclic voltammetry, chronoamperometry and impedance spectroscopy in a 0.5 M H2SO4solution containing 1.0 M CH3OH and was compared with that of a PtRu/MWCNTs catalyst prepared by the same method. The results demonstrate that the catalytic activity and tolerance performance of the PtRuW/MWCNTs for methanol oxidation are higher than that of PtRu/MWCNTs due to the effect of tungsten oxide, which cleans the active reaction sites on the platinum.
Synthesis of Silane-Modified Carbon Nanotubes via a Sol–Gel Process and Their Characteristics for Field Emission Applications
Authors: Wei Hsiao-Fen , Hsiue Ging-Ho , Chen Dong-Sen , Chang Yu-Yang
Published: November 2010

The silane-modified, acid-treated carbon nanotubes (silane-modified HCNTs) were prepared using acid-treated carbon nanotubes (HCNTs) and octyltriethoxysilane (OTES) via the sol–gel process. The silane-modified HCNTs and the HCNTs were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The Raman spectra showed that there were larger reactive sites on nanotubes treated in the H2SO4/HNO3 mixture acid for 2 h. The chemical structural effects on the morphology, dispersion, and thermal and emission properties of the carbon nanotube emitter paste were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), SEM mapping, ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) spectrophotometry, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), emission pattern, and current–voltage curve measurements. The UV–vis spectrophotometry indicated that the silane-modified HCNTs could be stably dispersed in toluene over 96 h. It was found that the compatibility between silane-modified HCNTs and the matrix material was mainly due to the interpenetrating polymer network structure between them. The thermal stability of the silane-modified HCNT emitter paste was improved by increasing the content of silane-modified HCNTs. A homogeneous emission was observed when using the silane-modified HCNT emitter paste. The current density extracted from the sample with the silane-modified HCNT emitter paste was higher than that with the HCNT emitter paste at a constant voltage. The turn-on fields of 3 wt % silane-modified HCNT emitter paste and HCNT emitter paste were 1.9 and 5.6 V/µm, respectively.
First-Principles Study of the Adsorption of Water on Tri-s-triazine-based Graphitic Carbon Nitride
Authors: Aspera Susan Meñez , David Melanie , Kasai Hideaki
Published: November 2010

As an initial step towards understanding the mechanism behind photocatalysis in graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4), we present a first-principles density functional theory (DFT) study of H2O molecular adsorption on the tri-s-triazine-based structure. The optimization of the system determined that the most stable configuration would be on top of the two-coordinated nitrogen atom in an orientation where one O–H bond is parallel to the surface and the other one is pointing to the surface. The adsorption energy at the most stable configuration was found to be 0.82 eV with a barrier energy of ∼0.02 eV. Partial density of states (PDOS) and charge density distribution analysis show that, primarily, the bonding occurs between the hydrogen atom of the water molecule and the two-coordinated nitrogen atom of g-C3N4. Results of this study would be useful not only to better understand the mechanism behind H2O molecule adsorption but also to give insight into the role of the catalyst in the photocatalytic process.
A Strain Rate Effect of Ni–Ti Shape Memory Alloy Wire
Authors: Kim Sanghaun , Cho Maenghyo
Published: November 2010

This paper presents a strain-rate thermo-mechanical description of stress-induced martensite phase transformation and the associated shape memory effect on shape memory alloys (SMAs). The main difficulty in describing the thermo-mechanical behavior of SMA lies in the modeling of the transformation stresses. Since there is a conflict between the strain hardening associated with the stress and the re-orientational hardening due to temperature variation according to the strain-rates of SMA, modeling the stress of SMA is not trivial. In this paper, a linear evolution of the temperature with deformation rate is experimentally and theoretically validated for low and medium strain rates. The transition stress increases during forward transformation and decreases during reverse transformation at a certain environmental temperature in the pseudo-elastic range. This variation of the transition stress is attributed to the temperature rise and fall related to the strain rate during the phase transformation.
Effects of Sputtering Gas Pressure on Electrochromic Properties of Ni Oxyhydroxide Thin Films Prepared by Reactive Sputtering in H2O Atmosphere
Authors: Abe Yoshio , Ueta Hideaki , Obata Takeshi , Kawamura Midori , Sasaki Katsutaka , Itoh Hidenobu
Published: November 2010

Ni oxyhydroxide (NiOOH) thin films were prepared by reactive sputtering in an atmosphere of H2O gas, and the effects of sputtering gas pressure on their electrochromic properties in KOH aqueous electrolyte were studied. The largest optical density change was obtained for the thin films deposited under high sputtering gas pressures of approximately 6.7 Pa because of their low film density and chemical composition close to NiOOH. Stable transmittance change during coloring and bleaching cycles was obtained for the film from the first cycle up to 100 cycles.
Synthesis of Aluminum Nitride Nanopowder with Particle Size Less than 10 nm by Pulsed Wire Discharge in Nitrogen Gas
Authors: Tokoi Yoshinori , Suzuki Tsuneo , Nakayama Tadachika , Suematsu Hisayuki , Kaneko Futao , Niihara Koichi
Published: November 2010

High purity aluminum nitride (AlN) nanopowders were synthesized by pulsed wire discharge (PWD) using aluminum wires in nitrogen gas rather than ammonia gas, which is harmful but traditionally considered mandatory for this reaction. The synthesis was carried out at various relative energies (K) of 24–289, where K was the ratio of the charged energy of the capacitor to the vaporization energy in the wire, and at nitrogen gas pressures (P) of 10–100 kPa. From the measurement of voltage and the current waveforms during PWD, it was determined that the deposited energy in the arc discharge (E
a) after wire heating increased with increasing K. Analysis of prepared nanopowders showed that an increase in AlN content (C
AlN) and a decrease in median particle diameter (D
50) resulted from an increase in K and/or E
a. The highest C
AlN of 97 wt % with a D
50 of 6 nm was obtained at K = 289 and P = 10 kPa. The arc discharge after wire heating was considered to generate active species from the nitrogen gas with higher decomposition energies than those observed with ammonia and to drive the nitriding process during PWD.
Periodic GaAs Convex and Hole Arrays Produced by Metal-Assisted Chemical Etching
Authors: Yasukawa Yukiko , Asoh Hidetaka , Ono Sachiko
Published: November 2010

Periodically ordered GaAs convex and hole arrays were fabricated through a combination of colloidal crystal templating and metal-assisted chemical etching using an ion-sputtered Pt–Pd catalyst. A change in the hydrofluoric acid concentration in the etchant results in different morphologies of hole arrays, such as circular and hexagonal holes. Pt–Pd-assisted chemical etching realizes an etching structure having an aspect ratio that is better than those realized by Ag-, Pd-, and Au-assisted chemical etching. GaAs undergoing Pt–Pd-assisted chemical etching exhibited anisotropy of the etching rates with respect to the two-dimensional crystallography of the substrate.
Development of Double-Sided CdTe Strip Detectors for γ-Ray Imaging and Spectroscopy
Authors: Ishikawa Shin-nosuke , Watanabe Shin , Fukuyama Taro , Sato Goro , Kokubun Motohide , Odaka Hirokazu , Saito Shinya , Takahashi Tadayuki , Nakazawa Kazuhiro , Tanaka Takaaki
Published: November 2010

By reading out both anode and cathode strips, double-sided CdTe strip detectors can achieve a large area and a high position resolution with few readout channels, which makes them very attractive for X-ray and γ-ray imaging and spectroscopy. We have developed double-sided CdTe strip detectors, 1.28 ×1.28 cm2 in size and 0.5 and 2.0 mm in thickness. Both electrodes are divided into 32 orthogonal strips with a pitch of 400 µm. For a detector of 0.5 mm thickness, the energy resolution was measured to be 1.5 keV (FWHM) at 60 keV. For the 2.0-mm-thick detector, an energy resolution of 8.0 keV (FWHM) at 662 keV was obtained using only the anode signal. By combining both the anode and cathode signals, we successfully improved the spectral performance and measured an energy resolution of 5.9 keV (FWHM) at 662 keV.
Potentiometric Dye Imaging for Pheochromocytoma and Cortical Neurons with a Novel Measurement System Using an Integrated Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor Imaging Device
Authors: Kobayashi Takuma , Tagawa Ayato , Noda Toshihiko , Sasagawa Kiyotaka , Tokuda Takashi , Hatanaka Yumiko , Tamura Hideki , Ishikawa Yasuyuki , Shiosaka Sadao , Ohta Jun
Published: November 2010

The combination of optical imaging with voltage-sensitive dyes is a powerful tool for studying the spatiotemporal patterns of neural activity and understanding the neural networks of the brain. To visualize the potential status of multiple neurons simultaneously using a compact instrument with high density and a wide range, we present a novel measurement system using an implantable biomedical photonic LSI device with a red absorptive light filter for voltage-sensitive dye imaging (BpLSI-red). The BpLSI-red was developed for sensing fluorescence by the on-chip LSI, which was designed by using complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor (CMOS) technology. A micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) microfabrication technique was used to postprocess the CMOS sensor chip; light-emitting diodes (LEDs) were integrated for illumination and to enable long-term cell culture. Using the device, we succeeded in visualizing the membrane potential of 2000–3000 cells and the process of depolarization of pheochromocytoma cells (PC12 cells) and mouse cerebral cortical neurons in a primary culture with cellular resolution. Therefore, our measurement application enables the detection of multiple neural activities simultaneously.
On-Line Adaptive Radiation Therapy: Feasibility and Clinical Study
Authors: Li Taoran , Zhu Xiaofeng , Thongphiew Danthai , Lee W. Robert , Vujaskovic Zeljko , Wu Qiuwen , Yin Fang-Fang , Wu Q. Jackie
Published: November 2010

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the feasibility and clinical dosimetric benefit of an on-line, that is, with the patient in the treatment position, Adaptive Radiation Therapy (ART) system for prostate cancer treatment based on daily cone-beam CT imaging and fast volumetric reoptimization of treatment plans. A fast intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) plan reoptimization algorithm is implemented and evaluated with clinical cases. The quality of these adapted plans is compared to the corresponding new plans generated by an experienced planner using a commercial treatment planning system and also evaluated by an in-house developed tool estimating achievable dose-volume histograms (DVHs) based on a database of existing treatment plans. In addition, a clinical implementation scheme for ART is designed and evaluated using clinical cases for its dosimetric qualities and efficiency.
Mixed Hepatoblastoma in a Young Male Adult: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Fiaschetti Valeria , Fiori Roberto , Gaspari Eleonora , Crusco Sonia , Simonetti Giovanni
Published: November 2010

Hepatoblastoma (HB) is a rare malignant tumour of the liver and usually occurs in the first three years of life. Most of these tumours arise in the embryo; hence it seems to be unusual that hepatoblastoma occurs in adults and is an exceptional cause of primary malignant liver tumour in adult patients. The diagnosis is often overlooked, and patients might be diagnosed at late stages of the disease at risk of increased mortality. In this paper we report a case of a 30-year-old man with mixed hepatoblastoma and abdominal pain, hepatomegaly and fever. The patient under went noninvasive diagnostic methods: duplex scanning, Computed Tomography (CT), and Magnetic Resonance imaging (MRI). In our experience, despite the important role of histological sample provided by biopsy in defining the diagnosis, very important was the role of MRI, more than ultrasonography and enhanced CT. The MRI detects tumor features as size, margins, and ratio with neighboring organs in order to get the best surgical approach.
Genetic Variation of VKORC1 and CYP4F2 Genes Related to Warfarin Maintenance Dose in Patients with Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Kringen Marianne K. , Haug Kari Bente Foss , Grimholt Runa M. , Stormo Camilla , Narum Sigrid , Opdal Mimi S. , Fosen Jan Toralf , Piehler Armin P. , Johansen Per W. , Seljeflot Ingebjørg , Berg Jens Petter , Brørs Odd
Published: November 2010

The aim of this study was to investigate whether the VKORC1*3 (rs7294/9041 G > A), VKORC1*4 (rs17708472/6009 C > T), and CYP4F2 (rs2108622/1347 C > T) polymorphisms were associated with elevated warfarin maintenance dose requirements in patients with myocardial infarction (n = 105) from the Warfarin Aspirin Reinfarction Study (WARIS‐II). We found significant associations between elevated warfarin dose requirements and VKORC1*3 and VKORC1*4 polymorphisms (P = .001 and P = .004, resp.), whereas CYP4F2 (1347 C > T) showed a weak association on higher warfarin dose requirements (P = .09). However, analysing these variant alleles in a regression analysis together with our previously reported data on VKORC1*2, CYP2C9*2 and CYP2C9*3 polymorphisms, gave no significant associations for neither VKORC1*3, VKORC1*4 nor CYP4F2 (1347 C > T). In conclusion, in patients with myocardial infarction, the individual contribution to warfarin dose requirements from VKORC1*3, VKORC1*4, and CYP4F2 (1347 C > T) polymorphisms was negligible. Our results indicate that pharmacogenetic testing for VKORC1*2, CYP2C9*2 and CYP2C9*3 is more informative regarding warfarin dose requirements than testing for VKORC1*3, VKORC1*4, and CYP4F2 (1347 C > T) polymorphisms.
High-Intensity Intermittent Exercise and Fat Loss
Authors: Boutcher Stephen H.
Published: November 2010

The effect of regular aerobic exercise on body fat is negligible; however, other forms of exercise may have a greater impact on body composition. For example, emerging research examining high-intensity intermittent exercise (HIIE) indicates that it may be more effective at reducing subcutaneous and abdominal body fat than other types of exercise. The mechanisms underlying the fat reduction induced by HIIE, however, are undetermined. Regular HIIE has been shown to significantly increase both aerobic and anaerobic fitness. HIIE also significantly lowers insulin resistance and results in a number of skeletal muscle adaptations that result in enhanced skeletal muscle fat oxidation and improved glucose tolerance. This review summarizes the results of HIIE studies on fat loss, fitness, insulin resistance, and skeletal muscle. Possible mechanisms underlying HIIE-induced fat loss and implications for the use of HIIE in the treatment and prevention of obesity are also discussed.
Expression and Functional Significance of HtrA1 Loss in Endometrial Cancer
Authors: Mullany Sally A. , Moslemi-Kebria Mehdi , Rattan Ramandeep , Khurana Ashwani , Clayton Amy , Ota Takayo , Mariani Andrea , Podratz Karl C. , Chien Jeremy , Shridhar Viji
Published: November 2010

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine if loss of serine protease HtrA1 in endometrial cancer will promote the invasive potential of EC cell lines.

Experimental design: Western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry methods were used to determine HtrA1 expression in EC cell lines and primary tumors, respectively. Migration, invasion assays and in vivo xenograft experiment were performed to compare the extent of metastasis between HtrA1 expressing and HtrA1 knocked down clones.

Results: Western blot analysis of HtrA1 in 13 EC cell lines revealed complete loss of HtrA1 expression in all seven papillary serous EC cell lines. Downregulation of HtrA1 in Hec1A and Hec1B cell lines resulted in a three- to fourfold increase in the invasive potential. Exogenous expression of HtrA1 in Ark1 and Ark2 cells resulted in three- to fourfold decrease in both invasive and migration potential of these cells. There was an increased rate of metastasis to the lungs associated with HtrA1 downregulation in Hec1B cells compared to control cells with endogenous HtrA1 expression. Enhanced expression of HtrA1 in Ark2 cells resulted in significantly less tumor nodules metastasizing to the lungs compared to parental or protease deficient (SA mutant) Ark2 cells. Immunohistochemical analysis showed 57% (105/184) of primary EC tumors had low HtrA1 expression. The association of low HtrA1 expression with high-grade endometrioid tumors was statistically significant (P = 0.016).

Conclusions: Collectively, these data indicate loss of HtrA1 may contribute to the aggressiveness and metastatic ability of endometrial tumors. Clin Cancer Res; 17(3); 427–36. ©2010 AACR.
Glucose-Insulin Infusion Reduces Kidney Injury in an Experimental Model of Ischemic Nephropathy
Authors: Melo Rosilene S. , Visoná Iria , Almeida Waldemar S. , Holthausen Campos Alexandre
Published: November 2010

Background/Aims: Intensive insulin therapy may reduce renal dysfunction during severe illness in adult patients. We evaluated the effects of insulin-glucose (IG) in normoglycemic rats subjected to ischemia-reperfusion (I/R)-induced acute kidney injury. Methods: Animals received intravenous infusions of 5% glucose [control (C)] or IG for 96 h. I/R was induced by means of bilateral renal artery clamping for 45 min. Serum creatinine (sCr) and urea (sUr) levels were evaluated before and up to 72 h after injury. Tissue samples were evaluated 72 h after I/R on a scale of 0 (normal) to 4 (above 75%) in relation to the extent of kidney injury. Results: After 48 h of I/R, sCr and sUr were increased 2- to 4-fold in C as compared to sham-operated controls (p < 0.05). IG produced significant improvements in renal function (p < 0.05). Upon histopathological analysis, the IG group presented less tubular damage in comparison to the C group: level 1, 60 versus 20%; level 2, 20 versus 30%; level 3, 20 versus 30%, and level 4, 0 versus 20%, respectively (n = 10; p = 0.057). Conclusion: Our results suggest that IG infusion attenuates the renal damage induced by severe I/R independently of blood glucose control. This strategy may constitute a therapeutic option for the prevention and treatment of ischemic renal injury.
Long-Term Phonatory Instability in Ataxic Dysarthria
Authors: Boutsen Frank , Duffy Joseph R. , Dimassi Hani , Christman Sarah S.
Published: November 2010

Aims: Long-term phonatory instability can be quantified using cyclical and noncyclical measures. The objective of this study is to evaluate phonation in ataxic dysarthria and a control group of normal speakers to answer two main questions: (1) How common is elevated cyclical and noncyclical instability in ataxic dysarthria compared to that in a normal control group? (2) Is cyclical instability predictive of noncyclical instability? Methods: Vowel prolongations of ataxic-dysarthric and normal speakers were compared using the Motor Speech Profile module of the Computerized Speech Lab. Cyclical measures included tremor rate, amplitude and periodicity. Noncyclical measures included the coefficient of variation for loudness and frequency. Results: Noncyclical measures are elevated in a subset of speakers with ataxic dysarthria regardless of whether cyclical instability (vocal tremor) is present. Cyclical instability was detected in nearly half the patients. Interestingly, elevations in both types of measures also described phonation of a number of the participants in the control group. Conclusion: Combined use of cyclical and noncyclical measures can document aspects of phonation in ataxic dysarthria that have clinical implications.
Oxidative Stress and Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase Induction in Carcinogenesis
Authors: Farinati Fabio , Piciocchi Marika , Lavezzo Enrico , Bortolami Marina , Cardin Romilda
Published: November 2010

Background: Chronic inflammation is linked to an increased risk of cancer. The molecular mechanisms underlying this correlation have been long investigated and it is well known that the inflammatory cells recruited in the inflamed tissues release chemical mediators, in particular reactive oxygen species (ROS). With respect to digestive systems, ROS have been implicated in a number of pathologies, including Helicobacter pylori-related gastritis, Barrett’s esophagus, inflammatory disease of the lower gastrointestinal tract, alcoholic liver disease and several other types of toxic and virus-mediated liver injury. ROS levels within cells and tissues are controlled by numerous antioxidant defense mechanisms, but in inflammation, ROS overproduction exceeds defenses and damage intracellular macromolecules, including nucleic acids, with formation of potentially mutagenic and carcinogenic DNA adducts. Aims: This paper summarizes our own experience investigating the link between inflammation, ROS production and oxidative DNA damage as well as the impact of the above events on cytokine and growth factor release, oncogene activation, telomere instability and microRNA in H. pylori-related gastritis, Barrett’s esophagus and, in particular, hepatitis C virus-related liver disease. The paper also describes, at least in part, the complex scenario involving nitric oxide production and its impact in some gastrointestinal diseases, as well as a number of other molecular and biochemical changes related to ROS production and inflammation. Conclusions: The paper falls obviously short of being an exhaustive summary of our understanding, but the data reported are intended as a stimulus to broaden the knowledge on the topic, also in view of the possible therapeutic implications of any advance obtained.
Chronic Liver Diseases as Liver Tumor Precursors
Authors: Lata Jan
Published: November 2010

Liver cancer is a major global health problem and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounts for 75% of all liver carcinoma. HCC occurs more often in men than in women and mostly in people 50 to 60 years old. The disease is more common in parts of sub-Saharan Africa and Asia than in North and South America and Europe. Nevertheless its incidence increased over the past 4 decades in some Western countries. Worldwide, liver carcinoma is the 5th most common cancer and 3rd most common cause of cancer mortality (behind only lung and colorectal cancer) with approximately 680,000 annual deaths. Unlike most of the other malignancies, HCC almost entirely develops in the context of inflammation and organ injury and is related to cirrhosis in about 85% of the cases. Among underlying etiologies of liver cirrhosis, most frequent are viral infection and toxic substances, mostly alcohol. The main HCC risk factor in Eastern Asia and Africa is hepatitis B virus infection. Hepatitis C virus infection is the main risk factor in Western countries. Hereditary hemochromatosis is not a very frequent cause of liver cirrhosis, but these patients are at higher risk for HCC compared with other etiologies of cirrhosis. Aflatoxins, cancer-causing substances made by a type of plant mold, can play a role in some countries in Asia and Africa, and can have a synergistic effect with hepatitis B infection.
The Use of Molecular Markers in the Diagnosis of Colorectal Cancer Screening
Authors: Schmid Gerald
Published: November 2010

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is among the most prevalent cancers. Despite remarkable advances in detection and treatment of the illness, more than a third of patients diagnosed with CRC ultimately succumb to the neoplastic lesions, mostly due to metastases. Chromosomal instability, DNA mismatch repair defects, epigenetic silencing due to aberrant methylation of promoters, defects in base excision repair and activation of oncogenic pathways are the prerequisites for CRC development. Early detection of CRC is of paramount importance and the key to ultimately curing the vast majority of patients. Methods: Additionally to testing for fecal occult blood, assays for the detection of CRC-specific mutations and aberrant promoter methylation of fecal DNA and of DNA isolated from blood have been established. Moreover, assays for profiling DNA, RNA and proteins in plasma to detect CRC in early stages have been the focus of intense research. Results: The improved and newly developed assays described in this article show the potential for strongly improved sensitivity at high specificity. Comparison of various assays shows that the accuracy of the tests strongly depends on the experimental setup and the samples used (e.g. blood vs. stool DNA, early vs. late cancer stage). Conclusion: The broad implementation of screens for CRC with high sensitivity and specificity, as developed in recent years, should strongly increase the early detection of neoplastic transformations and thereby, the survival rate of cancer patients.
Advanced Endoscopic Imaging Methods for Colon Neoplasia
Authors: Mönkemüller Klaus , Fry Lucia C. , Zimmermann Lars , Mania Andreas , Zabielski Marzena , Jovanovic Ivan
Published: November 2010

The main goal of lumenal endoscopic visualization of the colon is to detect mucosal pathologies, which when removed will result in cure or palliation of a disease process. Whereas traditionally endoscopic imaging was performed with fiber-optic technology, currently there are many new methods that improve our visual acuity when evaluating the colon mucosa. Most of these methods are collectively called ‘advanced colonic imaging’. The 2 main aims of standard (white light) and advanced colonic imaging are to enhance the superficial mucosal detail (i.e. ‘pit pattern’) and allow a detailed view of the submucosal capillary pattern, thus potentially improving the detection characterization of pathological lesions. However, the current literature dealing with most methods used for advanced endoscopic imaging of the colon is fraught with many controversial findings which have resulted in opposing views regarding its utility. Whereas some investigators vehemently support the use of most of these methods in routine clinical practice, most experts and practicing endoscopists still refuse to accept that these methods aid in the clinical routine. For now, white light video-colonoscopy and high-definition white light video-colonoscopy will remain the standard endoscopic methods for investigating the colon mucosa until new methods convincingly and clearly prove their superiority over white light endoscopy.