bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Blood graft lymphocyte subsets after plerixafor injection in non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma patients mobilizing poorly with chemotherapy plus granulocyte–colony‐stimulating factor
Authors: Varmavuo Ville , Mäntymaa Pentti , Kuittinen Taru , Nousiainen Tapio , Jantunen Esa
Published: February 2012

BACKGROUND: A combination of chemotherapy plus granulocyte–colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF) (chemomobilization) is commonly used to mobilize CD34+ cells to circulation. Plerixafor, a chemokine CXCR4 antagonist, increases the mobilization of CD34+ cells and may also have effect on graft composition.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: We have analyzed lymphocyte subsets in grafts collected on the next morning after plerixafor injection in 13 chemomobilized patients with non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) mobilizing poorly. As controls we had the first leukapheresis products from 11 NHL patients mobilized with chemotherapy plus G‐CSF. The analyses were performed from cryopreserved apheresis products.

RESULTS: The median counts of both total CD3+ T cells and natural killer (NK) cells (CD3–CD16/56+) in the graft were significantly higher in plerixafor‐treated group compared to the control group. Both helper T‐lymphocytes (CD3+CD4+) and suppressor T‐lymphocytes (CD3+CD8+) were significantly increased in the plerixafor‐treated group so that CD4+/CD8+ ratio in the graft did not differ between the groups. CD19+ cells were evident only at very small amounts in few patients in both groups, and the CD34+ cell content of the graft did not differ between the groups. Engraftment after high‐dose therapy was comparable between the groups.

CONCLUSION: Plerixafor added to chemomobilization in poor mobilizers seems to mobilize more T cells and NK cells than chemomobilization. Larger patient numbers and longer follow‐up is needed in regard to evaluate posttransplant complications and risk of relapse in patients receiving plerixafor due to poor mobilization.
Assessment of Toll‐like receptor‐4 gene polymorphism on pyelonephritis and renal scar
Authors: Akil I. , Ozkinay F. , Onay H. , Canda E. , Gumuser G. , Kavukcu S.
Published: February 2012

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the TLR‐4 gene TLR4 c.896A<G polymorphism on the development and clinical severity of urinary tract infections (UTI) and renal scar formations in children. The patients with first diagnosis of UTI (n = 112) and healthy controls (n = 93) were enrolled in the study. The TLR4 c.896A<G polymorphism was analysed in groups. The mean age of the patients in the study group was 8.1 ± 3.5 years and 9.2 ± 2.7 years for those in the control group. The TLR4 c.896A<G polymorphism was detected in 12.5% in the UTI group and in 15.1% of the control group. Forty patients showed pyelonephritis (PN) with scar tissue, 37 patients had PN without scars, and 35 patients had lower UTI. The TLR4 c.896A<G polymorphism was found in 22.5% of patients with scar‐positive PN, and it was also present in 10.8% of patients with scar‐negative PN and 2.9% of patients with lower UTI. We found higher TLR4 c.896A<G polymorphism and allelic frequency in patients with upper UTI compared to patients with lower UTI (P = 0.041 and P = 0.039, respectively). No significant difference was observed between patients and the control group for TLR‐4 c.896A3. The TLR4 c.896A<G polymorphism and alleles were higher in patients with upper UTI than in patients with lower UTI. The TLR4 c.896A<G polymorphism frequency was nearly twice that in the scar‐positive PN patients when compared to the scar‐negative patients. Larger‐scale studies involving larger numbers of patients should be performed.
Detection of Chicken and Turkey Meat in Meat Mixtures by Using Real‐Time PCR Assays
Authors: Kesmen Zulal , Yetiman Ahmet E. , Şahin Fikrettin , Yetim Hasan
Published: February 2012

Abstract:  In this study, TaqMan‐based real‐time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) techniques were developed for the detection of chicken and turkey meat in raw and heat‐treated meat mixtures. Primers and TaqMan probe sets were designed to amplify 86 bp and 136 bp fragments for the chicken and turkey species, respectively, on the mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2 gene. In the results, it was possible to detect each species at the level of 0.1 pg template DNA with the TaqMan probe technique without any cross‐reactivity with nontarget species (bovine, ovine, donkey, pork, and horse) while the detection level was 1 pg template DNA using conventional PCR. The TaqMan probe assays used in this study allowed the detection of as little as 0.001% level of both species in the experimental meat mixtures, prepared by mixing chicken and turkey meat with beef at different levels (0.001% to 10%). In conclusion, TaqMan probe assays developed in this research are promising tools in the specific identification and sensitive quantification of meat species even in the case of heat‐treated meat products, and suitable for a rapid, automated, and routine analysis.
Clinical outcomes of palliative self‐expanding metallic stents in patients with malignant colorectal obstruction
Authors: KIM Byung Chang , HAN Kyung Su , HONG Chang Won , SOHN Dae Kyung , PARK Ji Won , PARK Sung Chan , KIM Sun Young , BAEK Ji Yeon , CHOI Hyo Seong , CHANG Hee Jin , KIM Dae Yong , OH Jae Hwan
Published: February 2012

OBJECTIVE:  Self‐expanding metallic stents (SEMS) are useful palliative option and a bridge to surgery in malignant colorectal obstruction. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of SEMS to palliate colorectal malignant obstruction.

METHODS:  Malignant colorectal obstructive patients who underwent SEMS insertion at the National Cancer Center, Korea from January 2004 to June 2008 were enrolled in the study. Patients' clinical characteristics, outcomes and complications for palliative SEMS insertion were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS:  A total of 54 patients were enrolled in the palliative SEMS group and 48 patients with obstructive CRC were included in the SEMS as the bridge to surgery group. Obstruction of the left colon occurred in 52 patients of the palliative SEMS group and all patients in SEMS as bridge to surgery group. For primary SEMS insertion, the technical success (TS) rate was 87.0% and the clinical success (CS) rate 89.4%, while the rates of early and late complications were 24.1% and 23.4%, respectively. There was no procedure‐related mortality. Stent migration rate was higher in the cases treated with small diameter and covered type of stents. Median time to reobstruction and migration were 85 and 101 days, respectively. TS and CS rates for SEMS reinsertion were comparable to those for primary SEMS insertion.

CONCLUSIONS:  Palliative SEMS are effective and favorable procedures for malignant colorectal obstruction but with some complications. Stent migration is associated with covered type and small diameter stents while other factors including length of stent and chemotherapy do not affect stent complications in the present study.
Relationship between pancreatic and/or extrapancreatic lesions and serum IgG and IgG4 levels in IgG4‐related diseases
Authors: IGARASHI Hisato , ITO Tetsuhide , OONO Takamasa , NAKAMURA Taichi , FUJIMORI Nao , NIINA Yusuke , HIJIOKA Masayuki , UCHIDA Masahiko , LEE Ringaku , IWAO Risa , NAKAMURA Kazuhiko , KOTOH Kazuhiro , TAKAYANAGI Ryoichi
Published: February 2012

OBJECTIVE:  We aimed to investigate the relationship between the number of involved organs or regions and serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4) levels.

METHODS:  The number of pancreatic and/or extrapancreatic lesions and serum IgG and IgG4 levels were examined by groups in 46 patients with IgG4‐related diseases at diagnosis prior to the initiation of steroid treatment: group A (one region involved, n = 7), group B (two regions involved, n = 11), group C (three regions involved, n = 12), group D (four regions involved, n = 9) and group E (five to seven regions involved, n = 7).

RESULTS:  Both serum IgG and IgG4 levels increased with the number of inflamed regions. Mean serum IgG levels were 15.11, 18.65, 20.92, 23.29 and 30.98 g/L while the mean IgG4 levels were 3.99, 4.70, 4.70, 9.86 and 16.49 g/L in group A, B, C, D and E, respectively. Regression analysis also suggested that IgG4 was positively correlated with the number of regions involved. Additionally, serum IgG4 was higher in patients with multiple lesions when accompanied by sclerosing sialadenitis.

CONCLUSION:  Patients having IgG4‐related disease with high serum IgG and IgG4 levels should be systematically examined for involved lesions.
A new nothogenus and nothospecies in the Oncidiinae (Orchidaceae) from Quintana Roo, Mexico
Authors: Cetzal‐Ix William , Balam‐Narváez Ricardo , Carnevali Germán
Published: February 2012

We propose the new nothogenus, ×Cohnlophiaris Cetzal & Balam (Cohniella×Lophiaris) based on a natural intergeneric hybrid, ×Cohnlophiaris quintanarooensis Cetzal & Carnevali (Cohniella ascendens×Lophiaris oerstedii) from a locality in Quintana Roo, Mexico, which is here described and illustrated. The new nothospecies is vegetatively similar to C. ascendens but the flowers show intermediate characters between the putative parents. ×Cohnlophiaris quintanarooensis is similar to C. ascendens by having yellow petals and sepals with brown or reddish spots, transversely subquadrate central lobe, central keel parallel to the proximal and distal teeth, and pollinarium of Cohniella type. On the other hand, is it similar to L. oerstedii in the papillose abaxial surface of petals and sepals, the oblong lateral lobes of the labellum, the subquadrate column base, the pentagonal cavity stigmatic and the pink clinandrium. A key to diagnose the new intergeneric hybrid and its putative parents, a comparative figure and a map showing their geographical distribution are provided.
A human autoantibody recognizing nuclear matrix‐associated nuclear protein localized in dot structures
Authors: Zuber Margit , Heyden Telse S , Lajous‐Petter Anne M
Published: February 2012

Summary— A human autoimmune serum is used to characterize a protein which is located within a dot‐like structure of the interphase nucleus. The dots are located in the nucleoplasma outside the nucleoli. The dot‐like structure could be observed on a variety of human substrates (HEp‐2, HepG2, HeLa, Molt‐4, WI‐38 cell lines, peripheral blood lymphocytes), mouse cell lines and tissues (3T3, L929, spleen sections), rat sections, marsupial PtK2 cells and hamster cell lines. The range of the number of dots and their size differed between cells and cell lines and varied between 1 and 24. The antigen could be identified as a 53 kDa protein with a pI of 8.7 and was named NDP53. Digestion experiments suggested that the protein is not associated with DNA or RNA, but is associated with the nuclear matrix. Immunelectron microscopy using ultra‐thin sections revealed filamentous structures with a diameter of 0.1 to 0.6 μm. The antigen colocalizes with Sp100, PML and NDP55, which are part of a multiprotein complex known as PML oncogenic domain (POD), nuclear bodies, Kr bodies or ND10.
Cytological events during the initiation of meristematic nodules in calli derived from eggplant protoplasts
Authors: Fournier Dominique , Lejeune Fabienne , Tourte Yves
Published: February 2012

Summary— Histological and ultrastructural studies have been undertaken in order to identify the particularities and, if possible, some mechanisms involved in regeneration from protoplasts in the eggplant Solanum melongena. The most important result consists of a peculiar and concomitant association of meristematic and differentiated features only in cells from which regenerative processes originate.
Effects of osmotic stress on metabolism, shape, and amino acid content of Leishmania
Authors: Blum J Joseph
Published: February 2012

Summary— An acute decrease in osmolality causes a rapid change in the shape of the parasitic protozoan Leishmania donovani as determined by light microscopy and by flow cytometry. Incubation of the cells in an isotonic buffer supplemented with glucose, 2‐deoxyglucose (2‐DG), alanine, or proline also causes a shape change, presumably due to the swelling caused by the water that accompanies these substrates as they are actively transported into the cells. Hypo‐osmolality also causes a rapid release of alanine and several other amino acids via a swelling activated amino acid channel. A sudden increase in osmolality causes a change in shape, an inhibition in the rates of oxidation of alanine, proline, leucine, and glucose, and in the rates of uptake of 2‐aminoisobutyrate (AIB) and 2‐DG. The protein kinase inhibitors staurosporine and genistein inhibited the rates of oxidation of alanine, glucose, and proline in a culture‐age dependent manner and also altered the rate of release of AIB in response to hypo‐osmotic stress. The possible roles of protein kinases in the culture‐age dependent changes in the uptake, release, and metabolism of several amino acids and of glucose are discussed.
Nuclear and cytoplasmic actin in dinoflagellates
Authors: Soyer‐Gobillard Marie‐Odile , Ausseil Jérôme , Géraud Marie‐Line
Published: February 2012

Summary— Experiments using monoclonal and polyclonal anti‐actin antibodies allowed us to demonstrate the presence of F‐ or G‐actin in original protists, dinoflagellates, either by biochemistry, immunofluorescence and in TEM. SDS‐PAGE electrophoresis and immunoblottings made either from total or nuclear protein extracts revealed the presence of a 44‐kDa band reacting with monoclonal anti‐actin antibody in two species, Prorocentrum micans and Crypthecodinium cohnii, and thus demonstrated the presence of actin in nuclear and cytoplasmic fractions. After squash preparation of P micans cells, actin was identified within the nucleus and in some regions of the cytoplasm by immunofluorescence microscopy. Labelling of both the nucleolus and the centrosome region was evident together with amorphous nucleoplasmic material surrounding the chromosomes. The use of cryosections of intact P micans and C cohnii cells for immunofluorescence along with staining with DAPI to delineate the chromosomes themselves, yielded finer resolution of the intranuclear network labelling pattern and allowed us to complete our observations, in particular on the cytoplasmic labelling. In P micans, in addition to the centrosome region, the cytoplasmic channels passing through the nucleus in dividing cells are labelled. In C cohnii, the cortex, the centrosome region, the cytoplasmic channels, the region surrounding the nucleus, the filaments linking it to the cortex and the cleavage furrow are also labelled. In the nucleus of the two species, there is a prominent ‘weft’ of fine actin filaments in the nucleoplasm forming a matrix of varying density around the persistent chromosomes. This actin matrix, of unknown function, is most conspicuous at the end of the S‐phase of the cell cycle. Fluorescent derivatives of phalloidin, used as diagnostic cytochemical probes for polymeric actin (F‐actin), gave similar results. Positive TEM immunolabelling of intranuclear actin confirms its presence in the nucleoplasm, in the nucleolus where the preribosomal region is labelled while C cohnii chromosomes are unlabelled and the P micans chromosomes very slightly. In the cytoplasm, lips of the cleavage furrow and kinetosome regions are labelled as well as the centrosome region. The possible functions of this protein located in several compartments of dinoflagellate cells are discussed.
Selective distribution of multiple protein kinase C isoforms in mouse cerebellar cortex
Authors: Bareggi Renato , Narducci Paola , Grill Vittorio , Lach Sonia , Martelli Alberto M
Published: February 2012

Summary— An immunohistochemical study concerning the distribution of protein kinase C isoforms, a lipid‐regulated serine/threonine kinase essential for signal transduction, was performed in mice cerebellar cortex, with particular emphasis on the localization of ‐ι and ‐λ isozymes. By the means of immunoblotting analyses we detected the presence of 11 PKC subspecies in whole cerebellar extracts. Immunoreactivity on cryostat sections revealed, using polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies, that a few isoforms were widely but discretely distributed in all three cortical layers (molecular, granular and Purkinje cells) whereas other isozymes were present in a limited neuronal compartment. Overall, the distribution of several isoforms was in agreement with data obtained by other authors using rat cerebellum. As far as ‐ι and ‐λ isozymes were concerned, we found them abundantly expressed in endothelial cells. Moreover, protein kinase C‐λ was also present in the body of Purkinje cell, conceivably associated with a 200‐kDa neurofilament component. In all, these results hint at the possibility that in the cerebellar cortex at least some protein kinase C isoforms are involved in functions other than signal transduction at the synaptic level.
The tubulin gene family of Paramecium: Characterization and expression of the αPT1 and αPT2 genes which code for α‐tubulins with unusual C‐terminal amino acids, GLY and ALA
Authors: Dupuis‐Williams Pascale , Klotz Catherine , Mazarguil Honoré , Beisson Janine
Published: February 2012

Summary— The ciliated protozoan Paramecium harbours a particularly large diversity of microtubule networks, ranging from the elaborate and stable ciliary axonemes and basal bodies to very dynamic cytoplasmic, cortical or intranuclear arrays. Their organization and individual cycle of assembly/disassembly are well known and extensive immunocytochemical studies of the post‐translational modifications in the various microtubule systems have been reported. However, in order to better understand the biogenesis of these multiple and diverse microtubule arrays, it seemed necessary to characterize the tubulin gene family. We show that P tetraurelia possesses four α‐ and three β‐genes and we report the cloning and sequencing of two intronless α‐genes, αPT1 and αPT2, which code for very similar polypeptides, differing only by their unusual C‐terminal amino acids, respectively GLY and ALA. Partial sequencing of the two other α‐genes suggests an absence of any further isotype diversity. In an attempt to study the expression of αPT1 and αPT2, polyclonal antibodies were raised against the twelve C‐terminal amino acids corresponding to the deduced polypeptide sequences. The reactivity of these anti‐sequence antibodies was studied on blots of soluble and in situ and compared with that of other well characterized anti‐α‐tubulin antibodies. The molecular data show that in Paramecium, like in other ciliates, microtubule diversity does not arise from tubulin isotype diversity. The immunocytological data indicate that the native C‐terminal sequences are predominantly detected in transient or nascent microtubule arrays and lead us to propose: 1) that the C‐terminal TYR, absent in Paramecium and in most cilate species, has no intrinsic functional role; and 2) that post‐translational modifications do not seem directly instrumental in the geometry and functions of microtubule arrays.
Argyrophilic proteins in Dinoflagellates: An ultrastructural, cytochemical and immunocytochemical study
Authors: Michel Laurée Salamin , Soyer‐Gobillard Marie‐Odile , Géraud Marie‐Line , Gautier Alain
Published: February 2012

Summary— Dinoflagellate protists constitute an original eukaryotic phylum and have an ancestor in common with ciliates. They are important tools in studies of structure and function of the nucleus because they present a mixing of prokaryotic characteristics such as chromatin devoid of histones and nucleosomes, eukaryotic characteristics such as the presence of a nuclear membrane, nucleoli and AgNOR‐like proteins and original characteristics of their own. Among them are the permanent compaction of the chromosomes, the presence of a nuclear envelope during the whole cell cycle, rare bases in their DNA, as well as an original mitosis. We have studied the distribution of the nuclear argyrophilic proteins (AgP) in three genera of Dinoflagellates (Prorocentrum, Crypthecodinium and Amphidinium) by means of light microscopy (LM) and electron microscopy (EM), using cytochemical silver staining and immunocytochemical reactions following various preparation procedures. By means of the silver staining reaction, we determined by LM the distribution of nucleoli in the three non‐synchronized cell populations and localized by EM the presence of AgP. These are always found in the nucleolar fibrillo‐granular compartment (FG) and partly in the chromosomes and in the nucleolar UCh (unwound region of the nucleolar chromosome corresponding to the NOR); the chromosomes and the UCh are always stained in P micans, under special conditions in C cohnii but never in A carterae. To determine whether these nucleolar and chromosomal proteins are similar or different, we modified the conditions of the silver staining reaction by acidic, alkaline or enzymatic pretreatments and changes in the reaction's temperature. Our results suggested that these proteins belong to different groups. We have characterized one of these proteins using a mammalian anti‐B23 Ab in P micans cells. Positive labeling was mostly detected in chromosomes and UCh and in a smaller amount in the nucleolar FG and G compartments, co‐locating with end‐products of the silver staining reaction. This suggests that: i) one among the dinoflagellate chromosomal AgP is analogous to the B23 mammalian protein; and ii) this B23‐like protein is probably a DNA partner.
A mini organ culture as a model for studying the gallbladder epithelium of mouse
Authors: Veranič Peter , Pšeničnik Majda
Published: February 2012

Summary— A mini organ culture of mouse gallbladder was developed as an alternative to primary cultures of epithelial cells of this organ. Small pieces of tissue were prepared and maintained in minimum essential Eagle medium with 10% foetal calf serum, for as long as 7 days. Qualitative and quantitative ultrastructural studies have been performed using electron microscopy. The viability of cells was evaluated by stereological quantification of endocytotic vesicles containing horseradish peroxidase and labelling of exocytotic glycoproteins with tannic acid. The morphology of tissue pieces during the 1st h of culturing and tissue isolated directly from animals exhibited no significant differences. However, after 4 h in culture degradative changes became evident in many cells. At that time, endo‐ and exocytosis were both dramatically reduced. After 24 h, the morphology, as well as endo‐ and exocytosis recovered and were comparable to the parameters of the tissue in vivo or after 1 h in culture. The endocytotic activity remained unchanged from day 1 to 7 of culturing, while the number of exocytotic vesicles gradually decreased after 2 days in culture. Our results prove that mini organ culture of gallbladder is morphologically and functionally comparable with the tissue in vivo and for studies of epithelium in culture it is more convenient than primary cultures.
Buckling of Unstiffened Steel Cones Subjected to Axial Compression and External Pressure
Authors: Błachut J. , Ifayefunmi O.
Published: February 2012

This is the first study into elastic-plastic buckling of unstiffened truncated conical shells under simultaneously acting axial compression and an independent external pressure. This is both a numerical and experimental study. Domains of combined stability are obtained using the finite element method for a range of geometrical parameters. Cones are clamped at one end and free to move axially at the other end, where all the other degrees of freedom remain constrained. Shells are assumed to be from mild steel and the material is modeled as elastic perfectly plastic. The FE results indicate that the static stability domains remain convex. The failure mechanisms, i.e., asymmetric bifurcation and axisymmetric collapse are discussed together with the spread of plastic strains through the wall thickness. Also, the combined stability domains are examined for regions of purely elastic behavior and for regions where plastic straining exists. The latter is not convex and repercussions of that are discussed. The spread of plastic strain is computed for a range of the (radius-to-wall-thickness) ratios.

Experimental results are based on laboratory scale models. Here, a single geometry was chosen for validation of numerically predicted static stability domain. Parameters of this geometry were assumed as follows: the ratio of the bigger radius, r2, to the smaller radius, r1, was taken as (r2/r1) = 2.02; the ratio of radius-to-wall-thickness, (r2/t), was 33.0, and the cone semiangle was 26.56°, while the axial length-to-radius ratio was (h/r2) = 1.01. Shells were formed by computer numerically controlled machining from 252 mm diameter solid steel billet. They had heavy integral flanges at both ends and models were not stress relieved prior to testing. Details about the test arrangements are provided in the paper.
Development of a DSM-Based Methodology in an Academic Setting
Authors: Platanitis George , Pop-Iliev Remon , Barari Ahmad
Published: February 2012

This paper proposes the use of a design structure matrix/work transformation matrix (DSM/WTM)-based methodology in academic settings to serve engineering educators as a facilitating tool for predetermining the difficulty and feasibility of design engineering projects they assign, given both the time constraints of the academic term and the expected skill level of the respective learners. By using a third-year engineering design project as a case study, engineering students actively participated in this comprehensive use of DSM methodologies. The engineering design process has been thoroughly analyzed to determine convergence characteristics based on the eigenvalues of the system followed by a sensitivity analysis on the originally determined DSM based on data provided by students in terms of task durations and number of iterations for each task. Finally, an investigation of the design process convergence due to unexpected events or random disturbances has been conducted. The obtained predictive model of the design process was compared to the actual dynamics of the project as experienced by the students and the effect of random disturbances at any point in the design process has thereby been evaluated.
KALUZA–KLEIN MODE CORRECTIONS TO $\bar{B}\rightarrow X_s\gamma$ IN ACD MODEL
Authors: GAO TIE-JUN , FENG TAI-FU , CHEN JIAN-BIN
Published: February 2012

We discuss the corrections from the Kaluza–Klein (KK) modes to the branching ratio of the rare process [Formula: see text] in extension of the standard model with a universal extra dimension, which was proposed by Appelquist, Cheng and Dobrescu (ACD). Assuming 1/R≫mW, we sum over the series composed by the KK towers, and get the decoupling result in the limit 1/R→∞. The numerical analysis indicates that the corrections from the KK-excitations to the branching ratio of [Formula: see text] is about 3.5% as 1/R = 400 GeV .
SPIN-POLARIZED FERMIONS IN AN AHARONOV–BOHM FIELD
Authors: KHALILOV V. R. , LEE K. E. , MAMSUROV I. V.
Published: February 2012

The quantum-mechanical treatment of a fermion motion in an infinitely thin magnetic flux is given physically rigorous for a Dirac Hamiltonian with an Aharonov–Bohm potential in (2+1) dimensions. The Dirac Hamiltonian contains a parameter s, which can be applied to characterize two states of the fermion spin. The Hamiltonian on this background requires additional specification of a one-parameter self-adjoint extension, which can be given in terms of physically acceptable boundary conditions. It is shown that for some values of the parameter that labels the extensions there exists a bound state. Expressions for the scattering amplitudes and cross-sections are obtained and discussed for different values of the extension parameter. The scattering of spin-polarized electrons off a thin solenoid are studied in the plane perpendicular to the solenoid axis for three spatial dimensions. The scattering amplitudes and cross-sections for quantum transitions of spin-polarized electrons are determined and discussed.
LIMITS OF METABELIAN GROUPS
Authors: GUYOT LUC
Published: February 2012

We describe the two-generated limits of abelian-by-(infinite cyclic) groups in the space of marked groups using number theoretic methods. We also discuss universal equivalence of these limits.
DESIGN OF ADEHSIVE JOINTS IN FRP-BONDED STEEL BEAMS
Authors: HAGHANI REZA , AL-EMRANI MOHAMMAD , KLIGER ROBERT
Published: February 2012

The use of bonded carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) laminates to strengthen and upgrade existing structures has attracted a great deal of attention during the past two decades. Fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) bonding has been widely researched and practiced in the strengthening of concrete members. However, when it comes to steel structures, it is somewhat limited in terms of field applications. One of the most important obstacles to the widespread use of FRP bonding in steel structures is the lack of design codes. This is mainly due to the lack of suitable design models for adhesive joints used to bond FRP laminates to steel substrates. Issues such as the lack of knowledge about the behavior of adhesive joints, the lack of suitable material models for structural adhesives, and analyzing adhesive joints are contributing to the difficulty associated with establishing design models.

This paper is mainly concerned with a proposal and verification of a new design model for adhesive joints used to bond FRP laminates to steel beams. The paper, first, shortly reviews the most commonly used failure criteria and presents the background to the newly proposed model. Quasi-static tests were then performed on steel plate and full-scale beam specimens bonded with CFRP laminates to evaluate the new design model. The new design model presented in this paper was found to be accurate in terms of predicting the ultimate load and failure mode of the joints. To illustrate the application of the new design model, an example is appended to this paper.
Highly efficient conversion of aldehydes to carboxylic acid in the presence of platinum porphyrin sensitizers, air and sunlight
Authors: Hajimohammadi Mahdi , Mofakham Hamid , Safari Nasser , Manesh Anahita Mortazavi
Published: February 2012

A variety of aromatic and aliphatic aldehydes were oxidized to the corresponding carboxylic acids in the presence of platinum porphyrin, sunlight and air in acetonitrile solvent under mild conditions. Nitrobenzaldehydes were found to be very efficient 1O2 scavengers that quench the formation of acids from any aldehyde in the presence of free-base porphyrin sensitizers. However, nitrobenzaldehydes were converted to the corresponding acids in the presence of platinum porphyrins. The platinum porphyrins are very good and efficient catalysts for a wide range of applications in the aerobic conversion of aldehydes to acids.
Epitomize Your Photos
Authors: Vajda Peter , Ivanov Ivan , Lee Jong-Seok , Ebrahimi Touradj
Published: February 2012

With the rapid growth of digital photography, sharing of photos with friends and family has become very popular. When people share their photos, they usually organize them into albums according to events or places. To tell the story of some important events in one’s life, it is desirable to have an efficient summarization tool which can help people to receive a quick overview of an album containing large number of photos. In this paper, we present and analyze an approach for photo album summarization through a novel social game “Epitome” as a Facebook application. This social game can collect research data, and, at the same time, it provides a collage or a cover photo of the user’s photo album, while the user enjoys playing the game. The proof of concept of the proposed method is demonstrated through a set of experiments on several photo albums. As a benchmark comparison to this game, we perform automatic visual analysis considering several state-of-the-art features. We also evaluate the usability of the game by making use of a questionnaire on several subjects who played the “Epitome” game. Furthermore, we address privacy issues concerning shared photos in Facebook applications.
Proposed Configurations for the Use of Smart Dampers with Bracings in Tall Buildings
Authors: Aly Sayed Ahmed A. M. , Zasso Alberto , Resta Ferruccio
Published: February 2012

This paper presents wind-induced response reduction in a very slender building using smart dampers with proposed bracings-lever mechanism system. The building presents a case study of an engineered design that is instructive. The paper shows that shear response and flexural response of tall buildings present two very different cases for vibration suppression. Smart dampers are implemented optimally in the building to reduce its response in the lateral directions for both structural safety and occupant comfort concerns. New bracings-lever mechanism configurations are proposed for the dampers to improve their performance. The study shows how the proposed configurations can enable application to flexural response and scenarios where the interstory drift is not enough for dampers to work effectively. In addition, a decentralized bang-bang controller improved the performance of the smart dampers.
Application of Multiprotocol Medical Imaging Communications and an Extended DICOM WADO Service in a Teleradiology Architecture
Authors: Koutelakis George V. , Anastassopoulos George K. , Lymberopoulos Dimitrios K.
Published: February 2012

Multiprotocol medical imaging communication through the Internet is more flexible than the tight DICOM transfers. This paper introduces a modular multiprotocol teleradiology architecture that integrates DICOM and common Internet services (based on web, FTP, and E-mail) into a unique operational domain. The extended WADO service (a web extension of DICOM) and the other proposed services allow access to all levels of the DICOM information hierarchy as opposed to solely Object level. A lightweight client site is considered adequate, because the server site of the architecture provides clients with service interfaces through the web as well as invulnerable space for temporary storage, called as User Domains, so that users fulfill their applications' tasks. The proposed teleradiology architecture is pilot implemented using mainly Java-based technologies and is evaluated by engineers in collaboration with doctors. The new architecture ensures flexibility in access, user mobility, and enhanced data security.
A Teething Problem: Artefactual X-Ray Appearances of Odontoid Fracture due to Superimposed Incisor
Authors: Crocker Matthew , Crocker Maeve E.
Published: February 2012

We report a case of artefactual C2 fracture caused by a superimposed incisor tooth in a seven-year-old boy. CT refuted the diagnosis. Trauma clinicians should be aware of this entity to guide correct interpretation of trauma X-rays.
Design of Meander-Line Antennas for Radio Frequency Identification Based on Multiobjective Optimization
Authors: Travassos X. L. , Lisboa A. C. , Vieira D. A. G.
Published: February 2012

This paper presents optimization problem formulations to design meander-line antennas for passive UHF radio frequency identification tags based on given specifications of input impedance, frequency range, and geometric constraints. In this application, there is a need for directive transponders to select properly the target tag, which in turn must be ideally isotropic. The design of an effective meander-line antenna for RFID purposes requires balancing geometrical characteristics with the microchip impedance. Therefore, there is an issue of optimization in determining the antenna parameters for best performance. The antenna is analyzed by a method of moments. Some results using a deterministic optimization algorithm are shown.
Small- and Large-angle X-ray Scattering Studies of Nanometer-order Sulfuric Acid Solution in Carbon Micropores
Authors: Futamura Ryusuke , Iiyama Taku , Hamasaki Atom , Ozeki Sumio
Published: February 2012

The structure of nanometer-order sulfuric acid solution in carbon micropores is investigated by large- and small-angle X-ray scattering experiments. The electron radial distribution function of the nanosolution is different from that of bulk solution. The intermolecular structure of nanosolution does not change with fractional filling. These results and the dependency of density fluctuations of the system with fractional filling showed that the nanometer-order sulfuric acid solutions in carbon micropores form a small molecular assembly with a hydration structure at low fractional filling.
An Intermediate Conformational State during Ligand Binding to Cytochrome c Oxidase Detected by Time-resolved Resonance Raman Analyses of Heme Peripheral Groups
Authors: Ishigami Izumi , Nishigaki Takeshi , Shinzawa-Itoh Kyoko , Yoshikawa Shinya , Nakashima Satoru , Ogura Takashi
Published: February 2012

A time-resolved resonance Raman analysis shows that the vinyl stretching band (1629 cm−1) of the O2-binding heme of cytochrome c oxidase shifts to 1627 cm−1 instantaneously upon photolysis of CO and remains for at least 5 ms before reaching the static band (1626 cm−1). Within the same time scale, an intermediate vinyl bending mode of another heme appears at 435 cm−1. These results suggest that both hemes cooperatively control O2 binding by forming an intermediate conformation for effective proton pumping.
Organic Thin Layer of Molecular Gel-forming Glutamide Lipid on Silica Particles for Practical Application to Molecular Recognition
Authors: Takafuji Makoto , Charoenraks Thiraporn , Izumi Jin , Ihara Hirotaka
Published: February 2012

Molecular gel-forming glutamide lipid-grafted porous silica particles (Sil-SiDg) are designed and prepared as the stationary phase in high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for molecular shape recognition. It was proven that the glutamide lipids formed a highly oriented structure on the silica surface and showed thermally reversible phase transition like self-assembled molecular gels even on the silica surface. Unprecedented excellent results were achieved in the separation of tocopherols (Vitamin E) using Sil-SiDg as the stationary phase in HPLC analysis.
Imaging features of paediatric haemophilic pseudotumour of the maxillary bone: report of three cases and review of the literature
Authors: Yang B T , Wang Y Z , Wang X Y , Wang Z C
Published: February 2012

Objectives: Haemophilic pseudotumour (HP) is an extremely rare lesion. The purpose of this study was to describe the CT and MRI features of maxillary bone HPs and introduce the key points to differentiate HP from the mimicking entities in the region.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed three paediatric patients with histology-proven HPs arising from the maxillary bone. All three patients underwent CT and/or MRI. Combined with six previously reported cases in the literature, the imaging features were comprehensively analysed.

Results: All HPs showed a well-demarcated, multilobulated expansile osteolytic lesion in the maxillary bone. On non-enhanced CT, HPs appeared of mixed density relative to grey matter. The lesions appeared to have markedly heterogeneous signal intensity on both T  1 and T  2 weighted images, with septa-like enhancement following the administration of contrast material, which corresponded to blood products in various stages of evolution. The lesions caused cortical thinning and even focal disappearance and multiple bone septa were identified within the involved maxillary bone. Some HPs were associated with radiated periosteal proliferation, which can easily be misdiagnosed as a malignant bone tumour.

Conclusion: A high index of suspicion for HP and a familiarity with imaging findings may help to accurately diagnose this rare entity.
Imaging carotid body chemodectomas with 68Ga-DOTA-NOC PET-CT
Authors: Naswa N , Kumar A , Sharma P , Bal C , Malhotra A , Kumar R
Published: February 2012

Objective: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the role of 68-gallium-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid-1-Nal3-octreotide (68Ga-DOTA-NOC) positron emission tomography CT (PET-CT) in carotid body chemodectomas (CBCs).

Methods: 5 patients with known CBCs (conventional imaging and angiography) were evaluated retrospectively (3 males, 2 females; mean age 36.6 years). All underwent PET-CT after injection of 148 MBq (4 mCi) of 68Ga-DOTA-NOC.

Results: At baseline there were four bilateral CBCs and one unilateral CBC with an additional glomus tympanicum and bilateral glomus jugulare tumour in these five patients. All these lesions showed intense uptake on 68Ga-DOTA-NOC PET-CT. Apart from these known lesions, additional tumours were detected in three patients; glomus jugulare in one, aortic body tumour and multiple abdominal paragangliomas in another and unsuspected vertebral metastasis in the last. Overall it led to a change in management in 3 of the 5 patients (60%).

Conclusion: 68Ga-DOTA-NOC PET-CT is a promising non-invasive imaging modality in the detection and characterisation of CBCs.
Adjusted subpixel method enables optimisation of bronchial measurements in high-resolution CT
Authors: Mincewicz G , Aloszko A , Rumiński J , Krzykowski G
Published: February 2012

Objectives: The purpose of this paper is to present a new technique of high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) bronchial measurement, which was worked out in our centre and is based on a mathematically adjusted subpixel method (ASM).

Methods: This study used a bronchial tree model comprising two polyvinyl chloride/rubber pipes with various densities placed in a larger plastic object. External and internal diameters of both pipes corresponded to the sizes of structures that are usually evaluated in HRCT scans (i.e. the bronchus with accompanying blood vessel). The model was subjected to repeated HRCT measurements of the external and internal diameters of model pipes using a subpixel technique and ASM.

Results: Significant differences were observed between mean values of external and internal diameters of model pipes determined by means of subpixel method or ASM, with the latter being the ones that resembled real diameters of the model pipes more closely. Mean external diameters of the larger and smaller model pipes determined by ASM differed from the real diameters by 0.23% and 0.57%, respectively. The internal diameter of the larger pipe was on average 25.96% larger, whereas the internal diameter of the smaller pipe was 48.05% smaller than the real diameter.

Conclusion: The technique of non-linear prediction of HRCT bronchial measurements described in this paper raises attractive prospects in its clinical application owing to potential improvements in the objectivity and reproducibility of bronchial wall measurements.
Accessing chemical diversity by stereoselective gold-catalyzed manipulation of allylic and propargylic alcohols
Authors: Cera Gianpiero , Chiarucci Michel , Bandini Marco
Published: February 2012

The combined use of asymmetric Au(I) catalysis with allylic as well as propargylic alcohols proved to be a competent synthetic tool, toward the realization of complex molecular organic architectures in a stereochemically defined manner. In particular, allylic alcohols have been utilized as alkylating agents in the synthesis of tetrahydrocarbazoles/carbolines and morpholines by means of new C–C and C–X bond-forming processes. Analogously, the direct activation of indole-propargylic alcohols with cationic Au complexes opened a direct access to tetracyclic fused indolines in a highly stereoselective manner.
Rastreamento global via controle por modos deslizantes e observador com ganho dinâmico
Authors: Peixoto Alessandro Jacoud , Hsuz Liu , Oliveira Tiago Roux
Published: February 2012

Uma nova estratégia de controle por modos deslizantes via realimentação de saída é proposta para uma classe de sistemas não-lineares incertos, monovariáveis e variantes no tempo, para a qual um observador da norma do estado possa ser implementado. Esta classe inclui sistemas de fase-mínima com não-linearidades limitadas de modo afim nos estados não-medidos e com taxa de crescimento dependendo não-linearmente da saída medida e de estados internos relacionados com a dinâmica dos zeros. A superfície de deslizamento é gerada utilizando-se os estados de um observador de alto ganho (HGO), enquanto que a amplitude de controle livre de peaking é obtida a partir de um observador da norma do estado. Diferentemente das outras soluções semi-globais encontradas na literatura de controle por modos deslizantes disponíveis para a classe de plantas considerada aqui, o esquema proposto é livre de peaking e alcança o rastreamento global com respeito a um pequeno conjunto residual. A idéia chave é projetar um HGO com ganho variável, implementado a partir de sinais medidos.
Florescimento e produção de sementes de Lotus subbiflorus Lag. cv. El Rincón
Authors: Gomes Priscila Silva da Costa Ferreira , Franke Lúcia Brandão , Lopes Rodrigo Ramos
Published: February 2012

Objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar a dinâmica do florescimento e o potencial de produção de sementes de Lotus subbiflorus Lag. cv. El Rincón. Por meio de amostragens semanais realizadas entre 13/11/2008 e 4/2/2009, estudaram-se as variáveis número de botões florais, número de inflorescências, número de flores, número de legumes totais, peso de mil sementes e produção de sementes. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi de blocos casualizados com os tratamentos arranjados como níveis de um fator experimental, constituído pelas datas após a semeadura. Dessa forma, o experimento foi realizado com dois blocos e doze unidades experimentais por bloco. A produção de sementes de L. subbiflorus no Sul do Brasil tem problemas decorrentes do florescimento contínuo, o que dificulta a colheita. A produção máxima obtida foi de 63,2 kg/ha em janeiro de 2009 (4372 graus-dia). O peso de mil sementes e o número de legumes foram as características que mais se correlacionaram com a produção de sementes. A emissão constante de botões florais contribui negativamente sobre os demais componentes da produção de sementes.
Tratamento de exposição a estímulos e treinamento de habilidades como coadjuvantes no manejo do craving em um dependente de crack
Authors: Araujo Renata Brasil , Balbinot Alexandre Didó , Castro Maria da Graça Tanori de , Rocha Marcelo Rossoni da , Miguel Sandro Rene Pinto de Sousa , Cohen Mírian , Pedroso Rosemeri Siqueira
Published: February 2012

OBJETIVO: Tem-se observado um aumento da prevalência de dependentes de crack em amostras clínicas, o que torna necessária a realização de pesquisas quanto a estratégias de tratamento direcionadas a essa clientela. O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever o caso de um dependente de crack internado no qual foram utilizados o tratamento de exposição a estímulos (TEE) e o treinamento de habilidades (TH) como coadjuvantes ao tratamento tradicional. DESCRIÇÃO DO CASO: O paciente é do sexo masculino, 29 anos de idade, solteiro, ensino médio completo. Era dependente de crack e de maconha e fazia uso nocivo de álcool. O paciente já estava internado havia 2 semanas e tinha passado por um protocolo de quatro sessões com entrevista motivacional e prevenção à recaída. Foram feitas seis sessões, ao longo de 2 semanas, de TEE e TH, nas quais o paciente foi exposto in vivo e pela imaginação a estímulos evocadores de fissura, como cachimbo de crack, isqueiro, pedras simuladas, lembranças de locais e amigos associados ao uso da droga. Ele também foi treinado para utilizar estratégias de manejo da fissura. Após 3 meses da alta hospitalar, foi realizado screening toxicológico para avaliar a manutenção de abstinência. O paciente avaliou o uso das técnicas como importante para a manutenção da abstinência após 3 meses da alta e para sua baixa média de fissura pelo crack. COMENTÁRIOS: Talvez o TEE e o TH para manejo da fissura possam ser úteis como coadjuvantes no tratamento de dependentes de crack. Tal uso deve ser avaliado em ensaios clínicos para demonstrar seu real benefício.