bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detection of inferolateral trunk syndrome by neuromonitoring during catheter angiography with provocative testing
Authors: Le Scheherazade , Dodd Robert , López Jaime , Nguyen Viet , Cho S Charles , Lee Leslie
Published: February 2012

Background and importance

It is not uncommon that endovascular balloon test occlusion (BTO) is performed to assess collateral blood flow and risk of injury of permanent occlusion of the internal carotid artery (ICA). This case is the first reported of detection and reversal of the inferolateral trunk (ILT) syndrome in an awake patient during provocative BTO; prompt recognition of the syndrome effectively prevented permanent neurologic deficits.

Clinical presentation

The case of a 42-year-old woman is reported who had a left sphenoid wing meningioma with extension into the cavernous sinus and who underwent awake catheter angiography with provocative BTO of the ICA. Serial examinations by intraoperative monitoring neurologists and neurointerventionalists detected acute progressive left retro-orbital pressure followed by sudden inability to adduct the left eye, or a left medial rectus palsy, indicative of the ILT syndrome which led to immediate balloon deflation and resolution of the deficits. The hypothesis was that hypoperfusion of the ILT, an arterial branch of the ICA which provides blood supply to several cranial nerves (CN) III, CN V1 and CN V2, caused her acute symptoms.

Conclusion

Although cerebral ischemia is a well known complication of endovascular procedures, CN ischemia is a rare potential risk. Knowledge of cerebrovascular anatomy and serial examinations prevented neurologic deficits; this case underscores the added utility of examinations by intraoperative monitoring neurologists and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Development, clinical presentation and endovascular management of congenital intracranial pial arteriovenous fistulas
Authors: Paramasivam Srinivasan , Toma Naoki , Niimi Yasunari , Berenstein Alejandro
Published: February 2012

Introduction

Pial arteriovenous fistulas (AVF) are vascular disorder of the brain consisting of a direct connection between arteries and veins without a nidus located in the subpial space, and are frequently associated with venous varix.

Materials and Results

This study reviewed a series of 16 children with congenital pial AVF, treated between January 2005 and August 2011. All cases presented before 5 years of age and the mode of presentation varied with age. Fourteen had a single fistula while two had multiple fistulas, one among them had cutaneous features suggestive of RASA1 mutation. MRI is the preferred initial imaging, to demonstrate anatomical location, feeders, venous varix and regional, hemispheric or diffuse cerebralmalacia. Digital subtraction angiography performed during the first therapeutic attempt showed venous varix along with arterial enlargement as the most common angio-architecture. All cases were embolized with N-butyl-cyanoacrylate (NBCA) with or without coiling of the venous sac to attain flow control. Hypotension and a higher concentration of glue were used to aid controlled glue injections. Dural AVF and reactive angiogenesis are not uncommon sequlae found on follow-up angiogram. Outcomes were excellent in 75% and good in 19%.

Conclusion

Congenital pial AVF are caused by a missed step in vascular development during the early embryonic stage. Transarterial endovascular embolizaiton using NBCA with or without using coils to attain flow control is the treatment of choice, with low morbidity. The efficacy of treatment is high as demonstrated by the high cure rate. Follow-up angiogram is mandatory to look for recanalization, reactive angiogenesis and denovo dural AVF development.
ON THE COMPLEXITY OF THE EVALUATION OF TRANSIENT EXTENSIONS OF BOOLEAN FUNCTIONS
Authors: BRZOZOWSKI JANUSZ , LI BAIYU , YE YULI
Published: February 2012

Transient algebra is a multi-valued algebra for hazard detection in gate circuits. Sequences of alternating 0's and 1's, called transients, represent signal values, and gates are modeled by extensions of boolean functions to transients. Formulas for computing the output transient of a gate from the input transients are known for NOT, AND, OR and XOR gates and their complements, but, in general, even the problem of deciding whether the length of the output transient exceeds a given bound is NP-complete. We propose a method of evaluating extensions of general boolean functions. We study a class of functions for which, instead of evaluating the extensions on a given set of transients, it is possible to get the same values by using transients derived from the given ones, but having length at most 3. We prove that all functions of three variables, as well as certain other functions, have this property, and can be efficiently evaluated.
STATE-SIZE HIERARCHY FOR FINITE-STATE COMPLEXITY
Authors: CALUDE CRISTIAN S. , SALOMAA KAI , ROBLOT TANIA K.
Published: February 2012

Finite-state complexity is a variant of algorithmic information theory obtained by replacing Turing machines with finite transducers. We consider the number of states needed for transducers used in minimal descriptions of arbitrary strings and, as our main result, show that the state-size hierarchy with respect to a standard encoding is infinite. We consider corresponding hierarchies yielded by more general computable encodings and establish that for a suitably chosen computable encoding every level of the state-size hierarchy can be strict.
STATE COMPLEXITY OF TWO COMBINED OPERATIONS: CATENATION-STAR AND CATENATION-REVERSAL
Authors: CUI BO , GAO YUAN , KARI LILA , YU SHENG
Published: February 2012

This paper is a continuation of our research work on state complexity of combined operations. Motivated by applications, we study the state complexities of two particular combined operations: catenation combined with star and catenation combined with reversal. We show that the state complexities of both of these combined operations are considerably less than the compositions of the state complexities of their individual participating operations.
FORMAL DESCRIPTIONS OF CODE PROPERTIES: DECIDABILITY, COMPLEXITY, IMPLEMENTATION
Authors: DUDZINSKI KRYSTIAN , KONSTANTINIDIS STAVROS
Published: February 2012

The branch of coding theory that is based on formal languages has produced several methods for defining code properties, including word relations, dependence systems, implicational conditions, trajectories, and language inequations. Of those, the latter three can be viewed as formal methods in the sense that a certain formal expression can be used to denote a code property. Here we present a formal method which is based on transducers. Each transducer of a certain type defines/describes a desired code property. The method provides simple and uniform decision procedures for the basic questions of property satisfaction and maximality for regular languages. Our work includes statements about the hardness of deciding some of the problems involved. It turns out that maximality can be hard to decide even for "classical" code properties of finite languages. We also present an initial implementation of a LAnguage SERver capable of deciding the satisfaction problem for a given transducer code property and regular language.
ORDINAL AUTOMATA AND CANTOR NORMAL FORM
Authors: ÉSIK ZOLTÁN
Published: February 2012

It is known that an ordinal is the order type of the lexicographic ordering of a regular language if and only if it is less than ωω. We design a polynomial time algorithm that constructs, for each well-ordered regular language L with respect to the lexicographic ordering, given by a deterministic finite automaton, the Cantor Normal Form of its order type. It follows that there is a polynomial time algorithm to decide whether two deterministic finite automata accepting well-ordered regular languages accept isomorphic languages. We also give estimates on the state complexity of the smallest "ordinal automaton" representing an ordinal less than ωω, together with an algorithm that translates each such ordinal to an automaton.
L-SYSTEMS IN GEOMETRIC MODELING
Authors: PRUSINKIEWICZ PRZEMYSLAW , SHIRMOHAMMADI MITRA , SAMAVATI FARAMARZ
Published: February 2012

We show that parametric context-sensitive L -systems with affine geometry interpretation provide a succinct description of some of the most fundamental algorithms of geometric modeling of curves. Examples include the Lane-Riesenfeld algorithm for generating B -splines, the de Casteljau algorithm for generating Bézier curves, and their extensions to rational curves. Our results generalize the previously reported geometric-modeling applications of L -systems, which were limited to subdivision curves.
MODEL PARTITIONS AND COMPACT TEST CASE SUITES
Authors: BONIFACIO ADILSON LUIZ , MOURA ARNALDO VIEIRA , SIMAO ADENILSO
Published: February 2012

We present a generalized test case generation method, called the G method. Although inspired by the W method, the G method, in contrast, allows for test case suite generation even in the absence of characterization sets for the specification models. Instead, the G method relies on knowledge about the index of certain equivalences induced at the implementation models. We show that the W method can be derived from the G method as a particular case. Moreover, we discuss some naturally occurring infinite classes of FSM models over which the G method generates test suites that are exponentially more compact than those produced by the W method.
PHASE TRANSITIONS OF EXPSPACE-COMPLETE PROBLEMS: A FURTHER STEP
Authors: ZHOU JUNPING , YIN MINGHAO , LI XIANGTAO , WANG JINYAN
Published: February 2012

This paper further explores the phase transitions of the EXPSPACE-complete problems, focusing on the conformant plan modification. By analyzing features of the conformant plan modification, quantitative results are obtained. If the number of actions is't greater than θub, almost all the conformant planning instances can't be solved with the conformant plan modification. If the number of actions is't lower than θlb, almost all the conformant planning instances can be solved with the conformant plan modification. The results of the experiments show that there indeed exists an experimental threshold γc of density (ratio of number of actions to number of propositions), which separates the region where almost all conformant planning instances can't be solved with the conformant plan modification from the region where almost all conformant planning instances can be solved with the conformant plan modification.
A PARAMETERIZATION PROCESS: FROM A FUNCTORIAL POINT OF VIEW
Authors: DOMÍNGUEZ CÉSAR , DUVAL DOMINIQUE
Published: February 2012

The parameterization process used in the symbolic computation systems Kenzo and EAT is studied here as a general construction in a categorical framework. This parameterization process starts from a given specification and builds a parameterized specification by adding a parameter as a new variable to some operations. Given a model of the parameterized specification, each interpretation of the parameter, called an argument, provides a model of the given specification. Moreover, under some relevant terminality assumption, this correspondence between the arguments and the models of the given specification is a bijection. It is proved in this paper that the parameterization process is provided by a functor and the subsequent parameter passing process by a natural transformation. Various categorical notions are used, mainly adjoint functors, pushouts and lax colimits.
EFFECT OF CORRELATED-HOPPING INTERACTION ON A ONE-DIMENSIONAL EXTENDED HUBBARD MODEL WITH SPIN-EXCHANGE INTERACTION
Authors: DING HANQIN , ZHANG JUN
Published: February 2012

By using the field-theoretical techniques combining bosonization with renormalization group, we study a one-dimensional (1D) model of interacting electrons with on-site repulsion (U > 0), nearest-neighbor (nn) exchange (J) and correlated-hopping (t2, t3) interactions at weak coupling. In the case of a half-filled band, the two-body interaction t2 does not influence phase diagram of the model, while the presence of three-body interaction t3 makes the physics of the system highly non-trivial. By a Hartree–Fock decoupling, the effects of t3 bring about hopping of pairs, V-like (nn Coulomb interaction) and isotropic exchange terms in the reduced model Hamiltonian. Interestingly, a negative t3 provides a possibility for the occurrence of the triplet superconductivity in 1D system with purely repulsive interactions (U, J > 0). The ground state phase diagram including the insulating and superconducting phases is discussed analytically.
BIFURCATION AND CONTROL IN AN INERTIAL TWO-NEURON SYSTEM WITH TIME DELAYS
Authors: ZHAO HONG YONG , YU XIAO HONG , WANG LING
Published: February 2012

In this paper, we discuss in detail the local stability, Hopf bifurcation and pitchfork bifurcation of an inertial two-neuron system with time delays by applying the second-order approximation approach and analyzing the associated transcendental equation, respectively. Comparison has been made between the two methods. Numerical results have been presented to verify the analytical predictions. Specially, numerical examples show the time-varying control and the impulsive control which can both improve the stability of the system effectively.
Neutropenia Prediction Based on First-Cycle Blood Counts Using a FOS-3NN Classifier
Authors: Shirdel Elize A. , Korenberg Michael J. , Madarnas Yolanda
Published: February 2012

Background. Delivery of full doses of adjuvant chemotherapy on schedule is key to optimal breast cancer outcomes. Neutropenia is a serious complication of chemotherapy and a common barrier to this goal, leading to dose reductions or delays in treatment. While past research has observed correlations between complete blood count data and neutropenic events, a reliable method of classifying breast cancer patients into low- and high-risk groups remains elusive. Patients and Methods. Thirty-five patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy for early-stage breast cancer under the care of a single oncologist are examined in this study. FOS-3NN stratifies patient risk based on complete blood count data after the first cycle of treatment. All classifications are independent of breast cancer subtype and clinical markers, with risk level determined by the kinetics of patient blood count response to the first cycle of treatment. Results. In an independent test set of patients unseen by FOS-3NN, 19 out of 21 patients were correctly classified (Fisher’s exact test probability P<0.00023 [2 tailed], Matthews’ correlation coefficient +0.83). Conclusions. We have developed a model that accurately predicts neutropenic events in a population treated with adjuvant chemotherapy in the first cycle of a 6-cycle treatment.
Effect of Food on the Steady-State Pharmacokinetics of Tenofovir and Emtricitabine plus Efavirenz in Ugandan Adults
Authors: Lamorde Mohammed , Byakika-Kibwika Pauline , Tamale William S. , Kiweewa Francis , Ryan Mairin , Amara Alieu , Tjia John , Back David , Khoo Saye , Boffito Marta , Kityo Cissy , Merry Concepta
Published: February 2012

We investigated the effect of food on the steady-state pharmacokinetics of a proprietary fixed-dose combination (FDC) tablet containing tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF)/emtricitabine/efavirenz. Fifteen Ugandan HIV-1 patients at steady-state dosing with TDF/emtricitabine/efavirenz were admitted for 24-hour intensive pharmacokinetic sampling after dosing in the fasting state. Blood sampling was repeated seven days later with TDF/emtricitabine/efavirenz administered with food (19 g fat). Drug concentrations in plasma were determined by liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry. Geometric mean ratios (GMRs) and confidence intervals (CIs) of parameters were calculated (reference, fasting). For efavirenz, GMRs (90% CIs) forCmax,AUC0-24, andC24were 1.47 (1.24–1.75), 1.13 (1.03–1.23), and 1.01 (0.91–1.11), respectively. Corresponding GMRs were 1.04 (0.84–1.27), 1.19 (1.10–1.29), and 0.99 (0.82–1.19) for tenofovir, 0.83 (0.76–0.92), 0.87 (0.78–0.97), and 0.91 (0.73–1.14) for emtricitabine. Stable patients may take the FDC without meal restrictions. The FDC should be taken without food by patients experiencing central nervous system toxicities.
Consecutive k‐within‐m‐out‐of‐n:F System with Nonidentical Components
Authors: Eryilmaz Serkan
Published: February 2012

As a generalisation of consecutive k‐out‐of‐n:F and k‐out‐of‐n:F system models, a consecutive k‐within‐m‐out‐of‐n:F system consists of n linearly ordered components and fails if and only if there are m consecutive components which include among them at least k failed components. In this paper, we study the survival function of a consecutive k‐within‐m‐out‐of‐n:F system consisting of independent but nonidentical components. We obtain exact expressions for the survival function when 2m ≥ n. A detailed analysis for consecutive 2‐within‐m‐out‐of‐n:F systems is presented and the asymptotic behaviour of hazard rate of these systems is investigated using mixture representations.
Regularized Methods for the Split Feasibility Problem
Authors: Yao Yonghong , Jigang Wu , Liou Yeong-Cheng
Published: February 2012

Many applied problems such as image reconstructions and signal processing can
be formulated as the split feasibility problem (SFP). Some algorithms have been introduced in the literature for solving the (SFP). In this paper, we will continue to consider the convergence analysis of the regularized methods for the (SFP). Two
regularized methods are presented in the present paper. Under some different control
conditions, we prove that the suggested algorithms strongly converge to the minimum
norm solution of the (SFP).
The Cytoplasm-to-Vacuole Targeting Pathway: A Historical Perspective
Authors: Umekawa Midori , Klionsky Daniel J.
Published: February 2012

From today's perspective, it is obvious that macroautophagy (hereafter autophagy) is an important pathway that is connected to a range of developmental and physiological processes. This viewpoint, however, is relatively recent, coinciding with the molecular identification of autophagy-related (Atg) components that function as the protein machinery that drives the dynamic membrane events of autophagy. It may be difficult, especially for scientists new to this area of research, to appreciate that the field of autophagy long existed as a “backwater” topic that attracted little interest or attention. Paralleling the development of the autophagy field was the identification and analysis of the cytoplasm-to-vacuole targeting (Cvt) pathway, the only characterized biosynthetic route that utilizes the Atg proteins. Here, we relate some of the initial history, including some never-before-revealed facts, of the analysis of the Cvt pathway and the convergence of those studies with autophagy.
Habitat Choice and Speciation
Authors: Webster Sophie E. , Galindo Juan , Grahame John W. , Butlin Roger K.
Published: February 2012

The role of habitat choice in reproductive isolation and ecological speciation has often been overlooked, despite acknowledgement of its ability to facilitate local adaptation. It can form part of the speciation process through various evolutionary mechanisms, yet where habitat choice has been included in models of ecological speciation little thought has been given to these underlying mechanisms. Here, we propose and describe three independent criteria underlying ten different evolutionary scenarios in which habitat choice may promote or maintain local adaptation. The scenarios are the result of all possible combinations of the independent criteria, providing a conceptual framework in which to discuss examples which illustrate each scenario. These examples show that the different roles of habitat choice in ecological speciation have rarely been effectively distinguished. Making such distinctions is an important challenge for the future, allowing better experimental design, stronger inferences and more meaningful comparisons among systems. We show some of the practical difficulties involved by reviewing the current evidence for the role of habitat choice in local adaptation and reproductive isolation in the intertidal gastropodLittorina saxatilis, a model system for the study of ecological speciation, assessing whether any of the proposed scenarios can be reliably distinguished, given current research.
Existence of Almost Periodic Solutions to Nth‐Order Neutral Differential Equations with Piecewise ConstantArguments
Authors: Zhuang Rong-Kun
Published: February 2012

We present some conditions for the existence and uniqueness of almost periodic solutions of Nth‐order neutral differential equations with piecewise constant arguments of the form (x(t) + px(t − 1)) (N) = qx([t]) + f(t), here [·] is the greatest integer function, p and q are nonzero constants, N is a positive integer, and f(t) is almost periodic.
Three‐Step Fixed Point Iteration for Generalized Multivalued Mapping in Banach Spaces
Authors: Zuo Zhanfei
Published: February 2012

The convergence of three‐step fixed point iterative processes for generalized multivalued nonexpansive mapping was considered in this paper. Under some different conditions, the sequences of three‐step fixed point iterates strongly or weakly converge to a fixed point of the generalized multivalued nonexpansive mapping. Our results extend and improve some recent results.
Novel Intriguing Strategies Attenuating to Sarcopenia
Authors: Sakuma Kunihiro , Yamaguchi Akihiko
Published: February 2012

Sarcopenia, the age-related loss of skeletal muscle mass, is characterized by a deterioration of muscle quantity and quality leading to a gradual slowing of movement, a decline in strength and power, increased risk of fall-related injury, and, often, frailty. Since sarcopenia is largely attributed to various molecular mediators affecting fiber size, mitochondrial homeostasis, and apoptosis, the mechanisms responsible for these deleterious changes present numerous therapeutic targets for drug discovery. Resistance training combined with amino acid-containing supplements is often utilized to prevent age-related muscle wasting and weakness. In this review, we summarize more recent therapeutic strategies (myostatin or proteasome inhibition, supplementation with eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) or ursolic acid, etc.) for counteracting sarcopenia. Myostatin inhibitor is the most advanced research with a Phase I/II trial in muscular dystrophy but does not try the possibility for attenuating sarcopenia. EPA and ursolic acid seem to be effective as therapeutic agents, because they attenuate the degenerative symptoms of muscular dystrophy and cachexic muscle. The activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptorγcoactivator 1α(PGC-1α) in skeletal muscle by exercise and/or unknown supplementation would be an intriguing approach to attenuating sarcopenia. In contrast, muscle loss with age may not be influenced positively by treatment with a proteasome inhibitor or antioxidant.
Right Lower Quadrant Abdominal Pain in a Patient with Prior Ventriculoperitoneal Shunting: Consider the Tip!
Authors: Charalampoudis Petros
Published: February 2012

Introduction. Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunting is the treatment of choice for nonobstructive hydrocephalus. In patients with such a device, right lower quadrant abdominal pain can puzzle the surgeon, posing a differential diagnostic problem among appendicitis, nonsurgical colicky pain, and primary shunt catheter tip infection. Treatment is different in either case.Presentation of Case. We hereby present a case of a young woman with prior ventriculoperitoneal shunt positioning who presented to our department with right lower quadrant abdominal pain. The patient underwent a 24-hour observation including a neurosurgery consult in order to exclude acute appendicitis and VP shunt tip infection. Twenty four hours later, the patient’s symptomatology improved, and she was discharged with the diagnosis of atypical colicky abdominal pain seeking a gastroenterologist consult.Discussion. This case supports that when a patient with prior VP shunting presents with right lower quadrant abdominal pain, differential diagnosis can be tricky for the surgeon.Conclusion. Apart from acute appendicitis, primary or secondary VP catheter tip infection must be considered because the latter can be disastrous.
Mitochondrial Sensorineural Hearing Loss: A Retrospective Study and a Description of Cochlear Implantation in a MELAS Patient
Authors: Scarpelli Mauro , Zappini Francesca , Filosto Massimiliano , Russignan Anna , Tonin Paola , Tomelleri Giuliano
Published: February 2012

Hearing impairment is common in patients with mitochondrial disorders, affecting over half of all cases at some time in the course of the disease. In some patients, deafness is only part of a multisystem disorder. By contrast, there are also a number of “pure” mitochondrial deafness disorders, the most common probably being maternally inherited. We retrospectively analyzed the last 60 genetically confirmed mitochondrial disorders diagnosed in our Department: 28 had bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, whereas 32 didn't present ear's abnormalities, without difference about sex and age of onset between each single group of diseases. We reported also a case of MELAS patient with sensorineural hearing loss, in which cochlear implantation greatly contributed to the patient's quality of life. Our study suggests that sensorineural hearing loss is an important feature in mitochondrial disorders and indicated that cochlear implantation can be recommended for patients with MELAS syndrome and others mitochondrial disorders.
Existence of Positive Solutions of Neutral Differential Equations
Authors: Dorociaková B. , Kubjatková M. , Olach R.
Published: February 2012

The paper contains some suffcient conditions for the existence of positive solutions which are bounded below and above by positive functions for the nonlinear neutral differential equations of higher order. These equations can also support the existence of positive solutions approaching zero at infinity.
Extrapulmonary Small Cell Carcinoma of the Anal Canal: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Eberhardt Joshua M. , Brown Karen , Lo Shelly , Nagda Suneel , Yong Sherri
Published: February 2012

Purpose. Extrapulmonary small cell carcinoma affecting the anal canal is a rare and poorly understood entity which can, in its early stages, masquerade as benign anorectal disease such as hemorrhoids.Methods. We report a case of this rare malignancy which initially presented with hematochezia and anal pain. We also review the literature with regard to previously described cases and management strategies including the role of surgery.Results. Despite aggressive multidisciplinary treatment consisting of chemotherapy and radiation, the disease progressed rapidly with dissemination occurring only three months after completion of treatment. Because of the aggressive nature of this tumor, the treatment options for this almost universally fatal malignancy are often palliative in nature.Conclusion. Chemoradiotherapy is likely the most reasonable approach to extrapulmonary small cell carcinoma of the anal canal given its aggressiveness.
Applications of Symmetric and Nonsymmetric MSSOR Preconditioners to Large‐Scale Biot′s Consolidation Problems with Nonassociated Plasticity
Authors: Chen Xi , Phoon Kok Kwang
Published: February 2012

Two solution schemes are proposed and compared for large 3D soil consolidation problems with nonassociated plasticity. One solution scheme results in the nonsymmetric linear equations due to the Newton iteration, while the other leads to the symmetric linear systems due to the symmetrized stiffness strategies. To solve the resulting linear systems, the QMR and SQMR solver are employed in conjunction with nonsymmetric and symmetric MSSOR preconditioner, respectively. A simple footing example and a pile‐group example are used to assess the performance of the two solution schemes. Numerical results disclose that compared to the Newton iterative scheme, the symmetric stiffness schemes combined with adequate acceleration strategy may lead to a significant reduction in total computer runtime as well as in memory requirement, indicating that the accelerated symmetric stiffness method has considerable potential to be exploited to solve very large problems.
Control the Morphologies and the Pore Architectures of Mesoporous Silicas through a Dual‐Templating Approach
Authors: Wang Hairui , Chen Hao , Xu Zhen , Wang Sibing , Li Baozong , Li Yi
Published: February 2012

Mesoporous silica nanospheres were prepared using a chiral cationic low‐molecular‐weight amphiphile and organic solvents such as toluene, cyclohexane, and tetrachlorocarbon through a dual‐templating approach. X‐ray diffraction, nitrogen sorption, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy techniques have been used to characterize the mesoporous silicas. The volume ratio of toluene to water plays an important role in controlling the morphologies and the pore architectures of the mesoporous silicas. It was also found that mesoporous silica nanoflakes can be prepared by adding tetrahydrofuran to the reaction mixtures.
Plant Fitness Assessment for Wild Relatives of Insect Resistant Bt-Crops
Authors: Letourneau D. K. , Hagen J. A.
Published: February 2012

When field tests of transgenic plants are precluded by practical containment concerns, manipulative experiments can detect potential consequences of crop-wild gene flow. Using topical sprays of bacterialBacillus thuringiensislarvicide (Bt) and larval additions, we measured fitness effects of reduced herbivory onBrassica rapa(wild mustard) andRaphanus sativus(wild radish). These species represent different life histories among the potential recipients of Bt transgenes from Bt cole crops in the US and Asia, for which rare spontaneous crosses are expected under high exposure. Protected wild radish and wild mustard seedlings had approximately half the herbivore damage of exposed plants and 55% lower seedling mortality, resulting in 27% greater reproductive success, 14-day longer life-spans, and 118% more seeds, on average. Seed addition experiments in microcosms andin situindicated that wild radish was more likely to spread than wild mustard in coastal grasslands.
High Physiological Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation Affects Muscle Fatty Acid Composition and Glucose and Insulin Homeostasis in Obese Adolescents
Authors: Dangardt Frida , Chen Yun , Gronowitz Eva , Dahlgren Jovanna , Friberg Peter , Strandvik Birgitta
Published: February 2012

Obese adolescents have high concentrations of saturated fatty acids and low omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCUFAs) in plasma phospholipids. We aimed to investigate effects of omega-3 LCPUFA supplementation to obese adolescents on skeletal muscle lipids and glucose and insulin homeostasis. Twenty-five obese adolescents (14–17 years old, 14 females) completed a randomized double-blind crossover study supplying capsules containing either 1.2 g omega-3 LCPUFAs or placebo, for 3 months each with a six-week washout period. Fasting blood glucose, insulin, leptin, adiponectin, and lipids were measured. Intravenous glucose tolerance test (IVGTT) and euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp were performed, and skeletal muscle biopsies were obtained at the end of each period. The concentrations of EPA, DHA, and total omega-3 PUFA in muscle phospholipids increased in both sexes. In the females, omega-3 LCPUFA supplementation improved glucose tolerance by 39% (P=0.04) and restored insulin concentration by 34% (P=0.02) during IVGTT. Insulin sensitivity improved 17% (P=0.07). In males, none of these parameters was influenced by omega-3 supplementation. Thus, three months of supplementation of omega-3 LCPUFA improved glucose and insulin homeostasis in obese girls without influencing body weight.
Optimal Timing for Oocyte Denudation and Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection
Authors: Patrat Catherine , Kaffel Aida , Delaroche Lucie , Guibert Juliette , Jouannet Pierre , Epelboin Sylvie , De Ziegler Dominique , Wolf Jean-Philippe , Fauque Patricia
Published: February 2012

Objectives. To analyze the impact of oocyte denudation and microinjection timings on intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) outcomes.Study Design. We included ICSI cycles with the following parameters: rank 1 or 2, female age years, male factor infertility, long protocol using GnRH agonist and rFSH for ovarian stimulation, and use of freshly ejaculated sperm (). Several ICSI parameters were analyzed according to the time between oocyte retrieval and denudation () and the time between denudation and ICSI () using a statistical logistic regression analysis.Results. Neither nor had a significant influence on the Metaphase II (MII) rate but the fertilisation rate (FR) showed a significant improvement when was longer (optimal results at hours) while FR significantly decreased with the increase of . Optimal implantation (IR) and pregnancy (PR) rates were obtained when was around 2 hours.Conclusion. Incubation of oocytes around 2 hours between retrieval and denudation may not increase MII rate but appears to lead to the optimal combination of FR and IR.
Giant Fibrolipoma of the Esophagus
Authors: Kau Ryan L. , Patel Alpen B. , Hinni Michael L.
Published: February 2012

Benign tumors of the esophagus are uncommon, representing <0.5% of esophageal tumors. Fibrolipomas are a subset of benign fibrovascular tumors, which present with dysphagia, odynophagia, and substernal fullness. These intraluminal tumors can become elongated and molded into a long pedunculated polyp by constant peristaltic movements. They can cause esophageal obstruction if large and long enough and can cause asphyxiation if they become lodged into the glottis. A barium swallow is the main diagnostic tool; treatment is surgical via a transoral, transcervical, or transthoracic approach. We report the excision of a large esophageal fibrolipoma through a transoral laser microsurgical approach.
The Filling Discs Dealing with Multiple Values of an Algebroid Function in the Unit Disc
Authors: Xuan Zu-Xing , Wu Nan
Published: February 2012

In this paper, by using the potential theory we prove the existence of filling discs dealing with multiple values of an algebroid function of finite order defined in the unit disc.
Complex Regulation of the Pericellular Proteolytic Microenvironment during Tumor Progression and Wound Repair: Functional Interactions between the Serine Protease and Matrix Metalloproteinase Cascades
Authors: Wilkins-Port Cynthia E. , Higgins Stephen P. , Higgins Craig E. , Kobori-Hotchkiss Issey , Higgins Paul J.
Published: February 2012

Spatial and temporal regulation of the pericellular proteolytic environment by local growth factors, such as EGF and TGF-β, initiates a wide repertoire of cellular responses coupled to a plasmin/matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) dependent stromal-remodeling axis. Cell motility and invasion, tumor metastasis, wound healing, and organ fibrosis, for example, represent diverse events controlled by expression of a subset of genes that encode various classes of tissue remodeling proteins. These include members of the serine protease and MMP families that functionally constitute a complex system of interacting protease cascades and titrated by their respective inhibitors. Several structural components of the extracellular matrix are upregulated by TGF-β as are matrix-active proteases (e.g., urokinase (uPA), plasmin, MMP-1, -3, -9, -10, -11, -13, -14). Stringent controls on serine protease/MMP expression and their topographic activity are essential for maintaining tissue homeostasis. Targeting individual elements in this highly interactive network may lead to novel therapeutic approaches for the treatment of cancer, fibrotic diseases, and chronic wounds.
Efficacy of Sublingual Immunotherapy versus Subcutaneous Injection Immunotherapy in Allergic Patients
Authors: Saporta Diego
Published: February 2012

While it is generally accepted that Subcutaneous Injection Immunotherapy (SCIT) and Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT) are both efficacious, there is not yet a significant amount of information regarding their comparative efficacy. In this paper, we performed a retrospective chart review and compared treatment results in two groups of patients (both with nasal allergies with or without asthma) that were treated either with SCIT or SLIT. Both treatment modalities were found to be of similar efficacy.
Application of Raman Spectroscopy to the Biooxidation Analysis of Sulfide Minerals
Authors: García-Meza J. V. , Lara R. H. , Navarro-Contreras H. R.
Published: February 2012

We report the application of confocal laser scanning microscopy CLSM and Raman spectroscopy on the (bio)chemical oxidation of pyrite and chalcopyrite, in order to understand how surface sulfur species () affects biofilm evolution during mineral colonization by Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans. We found that cells attachment occurs as cells clusters and monolayered biofilms within the first 12 h. Longer times resulted in the formation of micro- and macrocolonies with variable cell density and higher epifluorescence signal of the extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), indicating double dynamic activity of A. thiooxidans: sulfur biooxidation and biofilm formation. Raman spectra indicated consumption modification during biofilm evolution. Hence, cell density increase was primarily associated with the presence of ; the presence of refractory sulfur species on the mineral surfaces does not to affect biofilm evolution. The EPS of the biofilms was mainly composed of extracellular hydrophobic compounds (vr. gr. lipids) and a minor content of hydrophilic exopolysaccharides, suggesting a hydrophobic interaction between attached cells and the altered pyrite and chalcopyrite.
Control Systems and Number Theory
Authors: Li Fuhuo
Published: February 2012

We try to pave a smooth road to a proper understanding of control problems in terms of mathematical disciplines, and partially show how to number-theorize some practical problems. Our primary concern is linear systems from the point of view of our principle of visualization of the state, an interface between the past and the present. We view all the systems as embedded in the state equation, thus visualizing the state. Then we go on to treat the chain-scattering representation of the plant of Kimura 1997, which includes the feedback connection in a natural way, and we consider theH∞-control problem in this framework. We may view in particular the unit feedback system as accommodated in the chain-scattering representation, giving a better insight into the structure of the system. Its homographic transformation works as the action of the symplectic group on the Siegel upper half-space in the case of constant matrices. Both ofH∞- and PID-controllers are applied successfully in the EV control by J.-Y. Cao and B.-G. Cao 2006 and Cao et al. 2007, which we may unify in our framework. Finally, we mention some similarities between control theory and zeta-functions.
Preparation and Characterization of Nano‐Polyaniline Film on ITO Conductive Glass by Electrochemical Polymerization
Authors: Qin Qi , Guo Yunxia
Published: February 2012

Polyaniline (PANI) films were synthesized on a conducting ITO glass by potentiostatic techniques to construct a low‐cost counter electrode for dye‐sensitized solar cell (DSSC). The compact layer, nanoparticles, nanorods‐ and fibrils were observed on the top of PANI films with different constant potentials by SEM. Then the conductivity test illuminated that a polyaniline film with the highest conductivity was electrodeposited at 1.0 V. Finally, the photoelectric measurement showed that the energy conversion efficiency of DSSC with the PANI electrode was increased with the potential decreasing. And the efficiency of DSSC with PANI counter electrode at 1.0 V was higher than that with Pt electrode, owing to the high surface area, high conductivity, and excellent catalytic activity of PANI electrode. Therefore, the PANI counter electrode with excellent catalytic performance is a potential substitute for platinized electrode to save cost of DSSC.
Recent Advances in Potential Clinical Application of Ghrelin in Obesity
Authors: Delporte Christine
Published: February 2012

Ghrelin is the natural ligand of the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R1a). Ghrelin is a 28 amino acid peptide possessing a unique acylation on the serine in position 3 catalyzed by ghrelinO-acyltransferase (GOAT). Ghrelin stimulates growth hormone secretion, but also appetite, food intake, weight gain, and gastric emptying. Ghrelin is involved in weight regulation, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. Furthermore, a better understanding of ghrelin biology led to the identification of molecular targets modulating ghrelin levels and/or its biological effects: GOAT, ghrelin, and GHS-R1a. Furthermore, a recent discovery, showing the involvement of bitter taste receptor T2R in ghrelin secretion and/or synthesis and food intake, suggested that T2R could represent an additional interesting molecular target. Several classes of ghrelin-related pharmacological tools for the treatment of obesity have been or could be developed to modulate the identified molecular targets.
Autoimmunity in Rheumatic Diseases Is Induced by Microbial Infections via Crossreactivity or Molecular Mimicry
Authors: Rashid Taha , Ebringer Alan
Published: February 2012

A general consensus supports fundamental roles for both genetic and environmental, mainly microbial, factors in the development of autoimmune diseases. One form of autoimmune rheumatic diseases is confined to a group of nonpyogenic conditions which are usually preceded by or associated with either explicit or occult infections. A previous history of clinical pharyngitis, gastroenteritis/urethritis, or tick-borne skin manifestation can be obtained from patients with rheumatic fever, reactive arthritis, or Lyme disease, respectively, whilst, other rheumatic diseases like rheumatoid arthritis (RA), ankylosing spondylitis (AS), and Crohn’s disease (CD) are usually lacking such an association with a noticeable microbial infection. A great amount of data supports the notion that RA is most likely caused byProteusasymptomatic urinary tract infections, whilst AS and CD are caused by subclinical bowel infections withKlebsiellamicrobes. Molecular mimicry is the main pathogenetic mechanism that can explain these forms of microbe-disease associations, where the causative microbes can initiate the disease with consequent productions of antibacterial and crossreactive autoantibodies which have a great impact in the propagation and the development of these diseases.
Dimension Estimate for the Global Attractor of an Evolution Equation
Authors: Colucci Renato , Chacón Gerardo R.
Published: February 2012

We estimate the dimension of the global attractor of an evolution equation by the study of the evolution of the n‐dimensional volumes under the flow. We compare these results with the estimate of the dimension of the inertial manifold.
Prognostic Impacts of Hypoxic Markers in Soft Tissue Sarcoma
Authors: Smeland Eivind , Kilvaer Thomas K. , Sorbye Sveinung , Valkov Andrej , Andersen Sigve , Bremnes Roy M. , Busund Lill-Tove , Donnem Tom
Published: February 2012

Background.We aimed to explore the prognostic impact of the hypoxia-induced factors (HIFαs) 1 and 2, the metabolic HIF-regulated glucose transporter GLUT-1, and carbonic anhydrase IX (CAIX) in non-gastrointestinal stromal tumor soft tissue sarcomas (non-GIST STS).Methods.Duplicate cores with viable tumor tissue from 206 patients with non-GIST STS were obtained and tissue microarrays were constructed. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to evaluate expression of hypoxic markers.Results.In univariate analyses, GLUT-1 (P<0.001) and HIF-2α (P=0.032) expression correlated significantly with a poor disease-specific survival (DSS). In the multivariate analysis, however, only high expression of GLUT-1 (HR 1.7, CI 95% 1.1–2.7,P=0.021) was a significant independent prognostic indicator of poor DSS.Conclusion.GLUT-1 is a significant independent negative prognostic factor in non-GIST STS.
Feasibility Evaluation of Radioimmunoguided Surgery of Breast Cancer
Authors: Ravi Ananth , Reilly Raymond M. , Holloway Claire M. B. , Caldwell Curtis B.
Published: February 2012

Breast-conserving surgery involves completely excising the tumour while limiting the amount of normal tissue removed, which is technically challenging to achieve, especially given the limited intraoperative guidance available to the surgeon. This study evaluates the feasibility of radioimmunoguided surgery (RIGS) to guide the detection and delineation of tumours intraoperatively. The 3D point-response function of a commercial gamma-ray-detecting probe (GDP) was determined as a function of radionuclide (131I, 111In, 99mTc), energy-window threshold, and collimator length (0.0–3.0-cm). This function was used to calculate the minimum detectable tumour volumes (MDTVs) and the minimum tumour-to-background activity concentration ratio (T:B) for effective delineation of a breast tumour model. The GDP had larger MDTVs and a higher minimum required T:B for tumour delineation with 131I than with 111In or 99mTc. It was shown that for 111In there was a benefit to using a collimator length of 0.5-cm. For the model used, the minimum required T:B required for effective tumour delineation was 5.2 ± 0.4. RIGS has the potential to significantly improve the accuracy of breast-conserving surgery; however, before these benefits can be realized, novel radiopharmaceuticals need to be developed that have a higher specificity for cancerous tissue in vivo than what is currently available.
Growth and Income Inequality: A Comparative Analysis
Authors: Ogus Binatli Ayla
Published: February 2012

This paper investigates whether the relationship between income inequality and growth changes over time. Two time periods, covering 1970–1985 and 1985–1999, are analyzed and compared. A statistically significant relationship between inequality and growth in either time period fails to emerge. However, there are indications that effect of inequality on growth may be different in the nineties when compared to the seventies. In the literature, a consistent negative effect of inequality on growth is documented although the significance of the effect is open to debate. This paper also finds a negative effect of income inequality on growth in the seventies but, although statistically insignificant, a consistently positive effect in the nineties.
Combined Idiopathic Macular Hole Vitrectomy with Phacoemulsification without Face-Down Positioning
Authors: Yagi Fumihiko , Takagi Seiji , Tomita Goji
Published: February 2012

Purpose. To evaluate the outcome of combined vitrectomy with phacoemulsification without postoperative face-down positioning for idiopathic macular holes (MHs).Design. Retrospective, observational case series.Participants. Forty-two eyes of 42 patients with MH.Methods. We studied 42 eyes of 42 cases followed up for 6 months postoperatively. MH closure rate and preoperative and postoperative visual acuity (VA) were evaluated.Main Outcome Measures. MH closure rate and VA were evaluated after combined vitrectomy with phacoemulsification without postoperative face-down positioning.Results. Of the 42 holes, 40 (95.2%) were initially closed, and the final closure rate was 100%. Compared with preoperative VA, the mean VA was significantly improved at 1 month and the improvement was maintained for at least 6 months postoperatively.Conclusions. Combined vitrectomy with phacoemulsification without postoperative face-down positioning produced favorable anatomic and functional results for MH repair. Improvement in VA can be expected for up to at least 6 months postoperatively.
Univalence Criteria for Two Integral Operators
Authors: Stanciu Laura Filofteia , Breaz Daniel
Published: February 2012

We study the univalence conditions for two integral operators to be univalent in the open unit disk. Many known univalence conditions are written to prove our main results.