bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma in a Branchial Cleft Cyst without a Thyroid Primary: Navigating a Diagnostic Dilemma
Authors: Ruhl Douglas S. , Sheridan Mark F. , Sniezek Joseph C.
Published: July 2013

We report a rare case of papillary thyroid carcinoma incidentally found within a branchial cleft cyst. Only four other cases have been described in the literature. A total thyroidectomy and selective neck dissection was performed, and no evidence of occult primary disease was found after review of fine sections. Branchial cleft cysts are the most common lateral neck masses. Ectopic thyroid tissue within a branchial cleft cyst is an unusual phenomenon, and papillary thyroid carcinoma arising from this tissue is extremely rare. Clinicians are left with a diagnostic dilemma when presented with thyroid tissue neoplasm within a neck cyst in the absence of a thyroid primary—is this a case of metastatic disease with a missed primary or rather carcinoma arising in ectopic thyroid tissue? A thorough discussion of the etiologies of these lateral neck masses is reviewed including the embryogenesis of thyroid tissue in a branchial cleft cyst. The prognosis of patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma in lateral neck cysts without a primary site identified appears to be good following excision of the cyst and total thyroidectomy. Other management recommendations regarding these unique lateral neck malignancies are also presented.
Adaptive Sliding Mode Control of Uncertain High-Order Nonholonomic Systems with Unknown Control Coefficients
Authors: Zhao Yan
Published: July 2013

This paper investigates the global stabilization problem for a class of high-order nonholonomic systems with unknown control coefficients and uncertain nonlinearities. An adaptive sliding mode control (SMC) law based on a constructive manipulation is proposed by adding a power integrator technique. A switching control strategy is employed in the control scheme to overcome the uncontrollability problem associated with the nonholonomic systems. The designed sliding mode controller could guarantee the attractiveness of the sliding surfaceS=0and achieve the asymptotical convergence of the state as well as the boundedness of the estimated parameters. A simulation example is provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
Simultaneous Right Retroperitoneal Schwannoma and Left Renal Hydatid Cyst
Authors: Kamalati Ali , Tabrizchi Hamid
Published: July 2013

Retroperitoneal schwannomas are quite rare tumors. Isolated renal hydatid cyst is also rare, and it forms 2–4% of hydatid disease. Because of their infrequent occurrence, nonspecific signs and symptoms, and lack of distinguishing radiologic features, we report herein a case of right retroperitoneal mass in a 26-year-old woman which was found to be benign schwannoma following a percutaneous core needle biopsy and a large cortical cyst in the lower pole of the left kidney which was diagnosed as isolated renal hydatid cyst following exploration.
Ultradurable Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells under 120°C Using Cross-Linkage Dye and Ionic-Liquid Electrolyte
Authors: Ito Seigo , Takahashi Kaoru , Yusa Shin-ichi , Saito Masayuki , Shigetomi Toshiyuki
Published: July 2013

A double-bond-edged Ru dye (code name: SG1051) has been studied as a novel sensitizing dye for ultradurable dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs). The SG1051 Ru dye showed the quick dye-uptake time (1 h for the optimized condition:η=9.2%, using volatile electrolyte) and the strong adsorption strength compared with standard Ru dyes (N719 and Z907), which was checked by successive dipping of dye-adsorbed nanocrystalline-TiO2electrodes into NaOH aqueous. solution and acetonitrile. The resulting DSCs using SG1051 Ru dye and ionic-liquid electrolyte survived the durability test at 120°C for 480 h, which can be the strong interest of the industrial groups.
Comparison of Two PARAFAC Models of Dissolved Organic Matter Fluorescence for a Mid-Atlantic Forested Watershed in the USA
Authors: Singh Shatrughan , Inamdar Shreeram , Scott Durelle
Published: July 2013

The composition of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in a mid-Atlantic forested watershed was evaluated using two fluorescence models—one based on previously validated model (Cory and McKnight, 2005) and the other developed specifically for our study site. DOM samples for the models were collected from multiple watershed sources over a two-year period. The previously validated parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC) model had 13 DOM components whereas our site-specific model yielded six distinct components including two terrestrial humic-like, two microbial-derived humic-like, and two protein-like components. The humic-like components were highest in surficial watershed sources and decreased from soil water to groundwater whereas the protein-like components were highest for groundwater sources. Discriminant analyses indicated that our site-specific model was more sensitive to subtle differences in DOM and the sum of the humic- and protein-like constituents yielded more pronounced differences among watershed sources as opposed to the prevalidated model. Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) concentrations and selected DOM metrics were also more strongly correlated with the site-specific model components. These results suggest that while the pre-validated model may capture broader trends in DOM composition and allow comparisons with other study sites, a site-specific model will be more sensitive for characterizing within-site differences in DOM.
Design and Modeling of New UWB Metamaterial Planar Cavity Antennas with Shrinking of the Physical Size for Modern Transceivers
Authors: Alibakhshi Kenari Mohammad
Published: July 2013

A variety of antennas have been engineered with MTMs and MTM-inspired constructs to improve their performance characteristics. This report describes the theory of MTMs and its utilization for antenna's techniques. The design and modeling of two MTM structures withε-μconstitutive parameters for patch antennas are presented. The framework presents two novel ultrawideband (UWB) shrinking patch antennas filled with composite right-/left-handed transmission line (CRLH-TL) structures. The CRLH-TL is presented as a general TL possessing both left-handed (LH) and right-handed (RH) natures. The CRLH-TL structures enhance left-handed (LH) characteristics which enable size reduction and large frequency bandwidth. The large frequency bandwidth and good radiation properties can be obtained by adjusting the dimensions of the patches and CRLH-TL structures. This contribution demonstrates the possibility of reducing the size of planar antennas by using LH-transmission lines. Two different types of radiators are investigated—a planar patch antenna composed of fourO-formed unit cells and a planar patch antenna composed of sixO-shaped unit cells. A CRLH-TL model is employed to design and compare these two approaches and their realization with a varying number ofL-Cloaded unit cells. Two representative antenna configurations have been selected and subsequently optimized with full-wave electromagnetic analysis. Return loss and radiation pattern simulations of these antennas prove the developed concept.
Difficulties in Evaluating Lyapunov Exponents for Lie Governed Dynamics
Authors: Sarris C. M. , Plastino A. , Proto A. N.
Published: July 2013

We consider here an environment in which the fact that a semiquantum Hamiltonian obeys SU(2) symmetries poses serious difficulties if one wants to compute Lyapunov exponents.
Assessing Competence of Broccoli Consumption on Inflammatory and Antioxidant Pathways in Restraint-Induced Models: Estimation in Rat Hippocampus and Prefrontal Cortex
Authors: Khalaj Leila , Chavoshi Nejad Sara , Mohammadi Marzieh , Sarraf Zadeh Sadaf , Hossein Pour Marieh , Ashabi Ghorbangol , Khodagholi Fariba , Ahmadiani Abolhassan
Published: July 2013

A growing body of evidence advocated the protective and therapeutic potential of natural compounds and phytochemicals used in diets against pathological conditions. Herein, the outcome of dietary whole broccoli consumption prior to restraint stress has been investigated in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex of male rats, two important regions involved in the processing of responses to stressful events. Interestingly, a region-specific effect was detected regarding some of antioxidant defense system factors: nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-related factor 2 (Nrf-2) antioxidant pathway, mitochondrial prosurvival proteins involved in mitochondrial biogenesis, and apoptotic cell death proteins. Dietary broccoli supplementation modulated the restraint-induced changes towards a consistent overall protection in the hippocampus. In the prefrontal cortex, however, despite activation of most of the protective factors, presumably as an attempt to save the system against the stress insult, some detrimental outcomes such as induced malate dehydrogenase (MDA) level and cleaved form of caspase-3 were detectable. Such diversity may be attributed in one hand to the different basic levels and/or availability of defensive mechanisms within the two studied cerebral regions, and on the other hand to the probable dose-dependent and hormetic effects of whole broccoli. More experiments are essential to demonstrate these assumptions.
New Sensors and Techniques for the Structural Health Monitoring of Propulsion Systems
Authors: Woike Mark , Abdul-Aziz Ali , Oza Nikunj , Matthews Bryan
Published: July 2013

The ability to monitor the structural health of the rotating components, especially in the hot sections of turbine engines, is of major interest to aero community in improving engine safety and reliability. The use of instrumentation for these applications remains very challenging. It requires sensors and techniques that are highly accurate, are able to operate in a high temperature environment, and can detect minute changes and hidden flaws before catastrophic events occur. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), through the Aviation Safety Program (AVSP), has taken a lead role in the development of new sensor technologies and techniques for the in situ structural health monitoring of gas turbine engines. This paper presents a summary of key results and findings obtained from three different structural health monitoring approaches that have been investigated. This includes evaluating the performance of a novel microwave blade tip clearance sensor; a vibration based crack detection technique using an externally mounted capacitive blade tip clearance sensor; and lastly the results of using data driven anomaly detection algorithms for detecting cracks in a rotating disk.
A Comparison between Adomian Decomposition and Tau Methods
Authors: Bildik Necdet , Inc Mustafa
Published: July 2013

We present a comparison between Adomian decomposition method (ADM) and Tau method (TM) for the integro-differential equations with the initial or the boundary conditions. The problem is solved quickly, easily, and elegantly by ADM. The numerical results on the examples are shown to validate the proposed ADM as an effective numerical method to solve the integro-differential equations. The numerical results show that ADM method is very effective and convenient for solving differential equations than Tao method.
Maintenance of Mitochondrial Morphology by Autophagy and Its Role in High Glucose Effects on Chronological Lifespan ofSaccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Aung-Htut May T. , Lam Yuen T. , Lim Yu-Leng , Rinnerthaler Mark , Gelling Cristy L. , Yang Hongyuan , Breitenbach Michael , Dawes Ian W.
Published: July 2013

InSaccharomyces cerevisiae, mitochondrial morphology changes when cells are shifted between nonfermentative and fermentative carbon sources. Here, we show that cells ofS. cerevisiaegrown in different glucose concentrations display different mitochondrial morphologies. The morphology of mitochondria in the cells growing in 0.5% glucose was similar to that of mitochondria in respiring cells. However, the mitochondria of cells growing in higher glucose concentrations (2% and 4%) became fragmented after growth in these media, due to the production of acetic acid; however, the fragmentation was not due to intracellular acidification. From a screen of mutants involved in sensing and utilizing nutrients, cells lackingTOR1had reduced mitochondrial fragmentation, and autophagy was found to be essential for this reduction. Mitochondrial fragmentation in cells grown in high glucose was reversible by transferring them into conditioned medium from a culture grown on 0.5% glucose. Similarly, the chronological lifespan of cells grown in high glucose medium was reduced, and this phenotype could be reversed when cells were transferred to low glucose conditioned medium. These data indicate that chronological lifespan seems correlated with mitochondrial morphology of yeast cells and that both phenotypes can be influenced by factors from conditioned medium of cultures grown in low glucose medium.
Study on Integrated Control of Vehicle Yaw and Rollover Stability Using Nonlinear Prediction Model
Authors: Cao Jianyong , Jing Lixin , Guo Konghui , Yu Fan
Published: July 2013

This paper proposes the integrated controller of the yaw and rollover stability controls based on the prediction model. A nonlinear 3-DoF vehicle model with a piecewise linearization tire model is built up as the rollover predictive model, and its accuracy is verified by vehicle tests. A yaw stability controller and a rollover stability controller are proposed, respectively. Then coordinated control strategy is investigated for the integration of vehicle yaw and roll stability controls. The additional yaw torque and braking torque of each wheel are calculated. The unified command of valves is sent combined with ABS control algorithm. Virtual tests in CarSim are carried out, including slalom condition and double-lane change condition. Results indicate that the coordinated control algorithm improves vehicle yaw and roll stability effectively.
Synthesis, Crystal Structure, and Characterization of a New Organic-Inorganic Hybrid Material:
Authors: Ferjani Hela , Boughzala Habib , Driss Ahmed
Published: July 2013

The title compound is an organic-inorganic hybrid material. The single crystal X-ray diffraction investigation reveals that the studied compound crystallizes in the orthorhombic system, space group Pbca with the following lattice parameters:  (4) Å,  (3) Å,  (6) Å, and . The crystal lattice is composed of a discrete anion surrounded by piperazinium cations, chlorine anions, and water molecules. Complex hydrogen bonding interactions between , , organic cations, and water molecules form a three-dimensional network. Room temperature IR, Raman spectroscopy, and optical absorption of the title compound were recorded and analysed. The observed crystal morphology was compared to the simulated one using the Bravais-Friedel, Donnay-Harker model.
Nondestructive Damage Evaluation in Ceramic Matrix Composites for Aerospace Applications
Authors: Dassios Konstantinos G. , Kordatos Evangelos Z. , Aggelis Dimitrios G. , Matikas Theodore E.
Published: July 2013

Infrared thermography (IRT) and acoustic emission (AE) are the two major nondestructive methodologies for evaluating damage in ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) for aerospace applications. The two techniques are applied herein to assess and monitor damage formation and evolution in a SiC‐fiber reinforced CMC loaded under cyclic and fatigue loading. The paper explains how IRT and AE can be used for the assessment of the material’s performance under fatigue. IRT and AE parameters are specifically used for the characterization of the complex damage mechanisms that occur during CMC fracture, and they enable the identification of the micromechanical processes that control material failure, mainly crack formation and propagation. Additionally, these nondestructive parameters help in early prediction of the residual life of the material and in establishing the fatigue limit of materials rapidly and accurately.
Intelligent Monitoring and Predicting Output Power Losses of Solar Arrays Based on Particle Filtering
Authors: Fang Hongzheng , Chen Bing , Ma Haodong , Zhang Liguo
Published: July 2013

Solar arrays are the main source of energy to the on-orbit satellite, whose output power largely determines the life cycle of on-orbit satellites. Monitoring and further forecasting the output power of solar arrays by using the real-time observational data are very important for the study of satellite design and on-orbit satellite control. In this paper, we firstly describe the dynamical model of output power with summarizing the influencing factors of attenuation for solar arrays and elaborating the evolution trend of influencing factors which change with time. Based on the empirical model, a particle filtering algorithm is formulated to predict the output power of solar arrays and update the model parameters, simultaneously. Finally, using eight-year observational data of voltage and current from a synchronous on-orbit satellite, an experiment is carried out to illustrate the reliability and accuracy of the particle filtering method. Comparative results with classical curve fitting also are presented with statistical root mean square error and mean relative error analysis.
Some Fuzzy-Wavelet-Like Operators and Their Convergence
Authors: Ezzati R. , Mokhtarnejad F. , Hassasi N.
Published: July 2013

Firstly, we define some new fuzzy-wavelet-like operators via a real-valued scaling function to approximate the continuous fuzzy functions of one and two variables. Then, by using the modulus of continuity, we prove their pointwise and uniform convergence with rates to the fuzzy unit operatorI. Using these fuzzy-wavelet-like operators, we present some numerical examples to illustrate the applicability of the proposed method. Also, we give a new method to approximate the integration of continuous fuzzy real-number-valued function of two variables by using the fuzzy-wavelet-like operator.
Button Battery Foreign Bodies in Children: Hazards, Management, and Recommendations
Authors: Thabet Mohammed Hossam , Basha Waleed Mohamed , Askar Sherif
Published: July 2013

Objective. The demand and usage of button batteries have risen. They are frequently inadvertently placed by children in their ears or noses and occasionally are swallowed and lodged along the upper aerodigestive tract. The purpose of this work is to study the different presentations of button battery foreign bodies and present our experience in the diagnosis and management of this hazardous problem in children.Patients and Methods. This study included 13 patients. The diagnostic protocol was comprised of a thorough history, head and neck physical examination, and appropriate radiographic evaluation. The button batteries were emergently extracted under general anesthesia.Results. The average follow-up period was 4.3 months. Five patients had a nasal button battery. Four patients had an esophageal button battery. Three patients had a button battery in the stomach. One patient had a button battery impacted in the left external ear canal. Apart from a nasal septal perforation and a tympanic membrane perforation, no major complications were detected.Conclusion. Early detection is the key in the management of button battery foreign bodies. They have a distinctive appearance on radiography, and its prompt removal is mandatory, especially for batteries lodged in the esophagus. Physicians must recognize the hazardous potential and serious implications of such an accident. There is a need for more public education about this serious problem.
Solving a Class of Singular Fifth-Order Boundary Value Problems Using Reproducing Kernel Hilbert Space Method
Authors: Wang Yulan , Lu Shuai , Tan Fugui , Du Mingjing , Yu Hao
Published: July 2013

We use the reproducing kernel Hilbert space method to solve the fifth-order boundary value problems. The exact solution to the fifth-order boundary value problems is obtained in reproducing kernel space. The approximate solution is given by using an iterative method and the finite section method. The present method reveals to be more effective and convenient compared with the other methods.
The Christchurch Earthquake: Crush Injury, Neuropathic Pain, and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Authors: Cammack Frances , Shipton Edward A.
Published: July 2013

On February 22, 2011, an earthquake of magnitude 6.3 struck Christchurch, New Zealand. The peak ground acceleration, a measure of the shaking or intensity of an earthquake, was one of the highest ever recorded worldwide. One hundred and eighty-five people lost their lives; many others were injured. Two cases both involving young women are presented; they sustained crush injuries to limbs after being trapped by falling debris and went on to develop severe neuropathic pain. This report examines the mechanisms of neuropathic pain in the setting of crush injury, the treatment modalities, and the association between chronic pain and posttraumatic stress disorder. These case reports highlight the fact that crush injury is relatively common during major earthquakes and that neuropathic pain is an important sequel of this. Post-traumatic stress disorder is common in earthquake survivors with a recognised association with chronic pain. Pain-related disability may increase as well. Issues such as chronic pain and physical disability should not be overlooked as attention focuses on disaster management and the treatment of life-threatening injuries.
Complementary Roles of Orexin and Melanin-Concentrating Hormone in Feeding Behavior
Authors: Barson Jessica R. , Morganstern Irene , Leibowitz Sarah F.
Published: July 2013

Transcribed within the lateral hypothalamus, the neuropeptides orexin/hypocretin (OX) and melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) both promote palatable food intake and are stimulated by palatable food. While these two neuropeptides share this similar positive relationship with food, recent evidence suggests that this occurs through different albeit complementary effects on behavior, with OX promoting food seeking and motivation for palatable food and MCH functioning during ongoing food intake, reinforcing the consumption of calorically dense foods. Further differences are evident in their effects on physiological processes, which are largely opposite in nature. For example, activation of OX receptors, which is neuronally excitatory, promotes waking, increases energy expenditure, and enhances limbic dopamine levels and reward. In contrast, activation of MCH receptors, which is neuronally inhibitory, promotes paradoxical sleep, enhances energy conservation, reduces limbic dopamine, and increases depressive behavior. This review describes these different effects of the neuropeptides, developing the hypothesis that they stimulate the consumption of palatable food through excessive seeking in the case of OX and through excessive energy conservation in the case of MCH. It proposes that OX initiates food intake and subsequently stimulates MCH which then acts to prolong the consumption of palatable, energy-dense food.
A 3-Plex Methylation Assay Combined with the FGFR3 Mutation Assay Sensitively Detects Recurrent Bladder Cancer in Voided Urine
Authors: Kandimalla Raju , Masius Roy , Beukers Willemien , Bangma Chris H. , Orntoft Torben F. , Dyrskjot Lars , van Leeuwen Nikki , Lingsma Hester , van Tilborg Angela A.G. , Zwarthoff Ellen C.
Published: July 2013

Purpose: DNA methylation is associated with bladder cancer and these modifications could serve as useful biomarkers. FGFR3 mutations are present in 60% to 70% of non–muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). Low-grade bladder cancer recurs in more than 50% of patients. The aim of this study is to determine the sensitivity and specificity of a urine assay for the diagnosis of recurrences in patients with a previous primary NMIBC G1/G2 by using cystoscopy as the reference standard.

Experimental Design: We selected eight CpG islands (CGI) methylated in bladder cancer from our earlier genome-wide study. Sensitivity of the CGIs for recurrences detection was investigated on a test set of 101 preTUR urines. Specificity was determined on 70 urines from healthy males aged more than 50 years. A 3-plex assay for the best combination was developed and validated on an independent set of 95 preTUR, recurrence free, and nonmalignant urines (n = 130).

Results: The 3-plex assay identified recurrent bladder cancer in voided urine with a sensitivity of 74% in the validation set. In combination with the FGFR3 mutation assay, a sensitivity of 79% was reached (specificity of 77%). Sensitivity of FGFR3 and cytology was 52% and 57%, respectively.

Conclusion: The combination of methylation and FGFR3 assays efficiently detects recurrent bladder cancer without the need for stratification of patients regarding methylation/mutation status of the primary tumor. We conclude that the sensitivity of this combination is in the same range as cystoscopy and paves the way for a subsequent study that investigates a modified surveillance protocol consisting of the urine test followed by cystoscopy only when the urine test is positive. Clin Cancer Res; 19(17); 4760–9. ©2013 AACR.
Modulation of Circulating Angiogenic Factors and Tumor Biology by Aerobic Training in Breast Cancer Patients Receiving Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy
Authors: Jones Lee W. , Fels Diane R. , West Miranda , Allen Jason D. , Broadwater Gloria , Barry William T. , Wilke Lee G. , Masko Elisabeth , Douglas Pamela S. , Dash Rajesh C. , Povsic Thomas J. , Peppercorn Jeffrey , Marcom P. Kelly , Blackwell Kimberly L. , Kimmick Gretchen , Turkington Timothy G. , Dewhirst Mark W.
Published: July 2013

Aerobic exercise training (AET) is an effective adjunct therapy to attenuate the adverse side-effects of adjuvant chemotherapy in women with early breast cancer. Whether AET interacts with the antitumor efficacy of chemotherapy has received scant attention. We carried out a pilot study to explore the effects of AET in combination with neoadjuvant doxorubicin–cyclophosphamide (AC+AET), relative to AC alone, on: (i) host physiology [exercise capacity (VO2 peak), brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (BA-FMD)], (ii) host-related circulating factors [circulating endothelial progenitor cells (CEP) cytokines and angiogenic factors (CAF)], and (iii) tumor phenotype [tumor blood flow (15O–water PET), tissue markers (hypoxia and proliferation), and gene expression] in 20 women with operable breast cancer. AET consisted of three supervised cycle ergometry sessions/week at 60% to 100% of VO2 peak, 30 to 45 min/session, for 12 weeks. There was significant time × group interactions for VO2 peak and BA-FMD, favoring the AC+AET group (P < 0.001 and P = 0.07, respectively). These changes were accompanied by significant time × group interactions in CEPs and select CAFs [placenta growth factor, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-2], also favoring the AC+AET group (P < 0.05). 15O–water positron emission tomography (PET) imaging revealed a 38% decrease in tumor blood flow in the AC+AET group. There were no differences in any tumor tissue markers (P > 0.05). Whole-genome microarray tumor analysis revealed significant differential modulation of 57 pathways (P < 0.01), including many that converge on NF-κB. Data from this exploratory study provide initial evidence that AET can modulate several host- and tumor-related pathways during standard chemotherapy. The biologic and clinical implications remain to be determined. Cancer Prev Res; 6(9); 925–37. ©2013 AACR.
Rasburicase Causing Severe Oxidative Hemolysis and Methemoglobinemia in a Patient with Previously Unrecognized Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency
Authors: Cheah Chan Y. , Lew Thomas E. , Seymour John F. , Burbury Kate
Published: July 2013

Rasburicase is frequently used in tumor lysis syndrome (TLS). Although it is very well tolerated, it can cause severe oxidative hemolytic anemia and methemoglobinemia in patients with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency. We report another case of rasburicase-induced methemoglobinemia in a patient with previously unrecognized G6PD deficiency and review the cases of methemoglobinemia and oxidative hemolysis reported in the literature to date. Patients from ethnicities in which G6PD deficiency is prevalent at high risk of TLS should be screened for G6PD deficiency prior to administration of rasburicase where practical. Asymptomatic decrease in oxygen saturation by oximetry and cyanosis are signs of methemoglobinemia; patients recover with conservative measures including supplemental oxygen and packed red cell transfusion.
Developmental Methamphetamine Exposure Results in Short- and Long-Term Alterations in Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal-Axis-Associated Proteins
Authors: Zuloaga Damian G. , Siegel Jessica A. , Acevedo Summer F. , Agam Maayan , Raber Jacob
Published: July 2013

Developmental exposure to methamphetamine (MA) causes long-term behavioral and cognitive deficits. One pathway through which MA might induce these deficits is by elevating glucocorticoid levels. Glucocorticoid overexposure during brain development can lead to long-term disruptions in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. These disruptions affect the regulation of stress responses and may contribute to behavioral and cognitive deficits reported following developmental MA exposure. Furthermore, alterations in proteins associated with the HPA axis, including vasopressin, oxytocin, and glucocorticoid receptors (GR), are correlated with disruptions in mood and cognition. We therefore hypothesized that early MA exposure will result in short- and long-term alterations in the expression of HPA axis-associated proteins. Male mice were treated with MA (5 mg/kg daily) or saline from postnatal day (P) 11 to P20. At P20 and P90, mice were perfused and their brains processed for vasopressin, oxytocin, and GR immunoreactivity within HPA axis-associated regions. At P20, there was a significant decrease in the number of vasopressin-immunoreactive cells and the area occupied by vasopressin immunoreactivity in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of MA-treated mice, but no difference in oxytocin immunoreactivity in the PVN, or GR immunoreactivity in the hippocampus or PVN. In the central nucleus of the amygdala, the area occupied by GR immunoreactivity was decreased by MA. At P90, the number of vasopressin-immunoreactive cells was still decreased, but the area occupied by vasopressin immunoreactivity no longer differed from saline controls. No effects of MA were found on oxytocin or GR immunoreactivity at P90. Thus developmental MA exposure has short- and long-term effects on vasopressin immunoreactivity and short-term effects on GR immunoreactivity.
Large Agminated Cellular ‘Plaque-Type' Blue Nevus Surrounding the Ear: A Case and Review
Authors: Spring P. , Perrier P. , Erba P. , Hagmann P. , Mihm M.C. , Hohl D.
Published: July 2013

Large or giant cellular blue nevi are usually congenital and represent a challenge for the physician. Close anatomic structures may be altered by the size of the moles. In this article, we report the case of an uncommon large, agminated, cellular blue nevus of the ‘plaque type' in a 42-year-old female. Due to the risks of malignant melanoma development on a large or giant blue nevus, we highlight the importance of proper histopathological diagnosis. Furthermore, because of the possibility that the nevus may invade the bone and cerebral tissues, we discuss the indication of a radiological diagnosis. The accurate correlation to clinical and histopathological findings and appropriate multidisciplinary management can save the lives of patients.
Effect of Myostatin on Chemokine Expression in Regenerating Skeletal Muscle Cells
Authors: Iwasaki Shunsuke , Miyake Masato , Hayashi Shinichiro , Watanabe Hitoshi , Nagasawa Yuya , Terada Shunsuke , Watanabe Kouichi , Ohwada Shyuichi , Kitazawa Haruki , Rose Michael T. , Aso Hisashi
Published: July 2013

Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is implicated in the regulatory expression of chemokines that control multiple steps in myogenesis. However, it remains to be established whether myostatin, a member of the TGF-β superfamily, affects chemokine expression in skeletal muscle. We investigated the effects of myostatin on the expression of mRNAs and proteins for 4 chemokines (CXCL1, CXCL2, CXCL6, CCL2) in intact and regenerating musculus longissimus thoracis from normal-muscled (NM) and double-muscled (DM) cattle. These chemokines were expressed in regenerating muscle, and their expression was always lower in DM than in NM cattle. Immunohistochemistry revealed that CXCL1 and CXCL6 were detected in the regenerating areas of myoblasts and myotubes in both NM and DM cattle. In cultures of myoblasts isolated from the regenerating muscles, significantly less CXCL1, CXCL2 and CCL2 mRNA was expressed in DM myoblasts than in NM myoblasts during the proliferating stage (P-stage). The expression of CXCL1, CXCL2 and CCL2 mRNAs in NM myoblasts and CXCL1, CXCL2 and CXCL6 mRNAs in DM myoblasts decreased upon switching from P-stage to fusion stage (F-stage). Also, the expression of CXCL1, CXCL2 and CXCL6 mRNAs was significantly lower in DM than in NM myoblasts during the F-stage. The addition of 100 ng/ml myostatin during the F-stage attenuated the expression of CXCL1 and CXCL2 mRNAs and augmented that of CCL2. These results show for the first time that myostatin regulates the differential expression of chemokines in skeletal muscle cells.
Pre-Hospital Cardiac Arrest in Acute Coronary Syndromes: Insights from the Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events and the Canadian Registry of Acute Coronary Events
Authors: Li Qin , Goodman Shaun G. , Yan Raymond T. , Gore Joel M. , Polasek Petr , Lai Kevin , Baer Carolyn , Goldberg Robert J. , Pinter Arnold , Ahmad Kamran , Kornder Jan M. , Yan Andrew T. ,   on behalf of the Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events and the Canadian Registry of Acute Coronary Events Investigators
Published: July 2013

Objectives: Cardiac arrest in acute coronary syndromes (ACS) is associated with high morbidity and mortality. We examined the clinical characteristics, contemporary management patterns and outcomes of ACS patients with pre-hospital cardiac arrest. Methods: The Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events and the Canadian Registry of Acute Coronary Events enrolled 14,010 ACS patients in 1999-2008. We compared the clinical characteristics, in-hospital treatment and outcomes between patients with and without pre-hospital cardiac arrest. Results: Overall, 206 (1.4%) patients had cardiac arrest prior to hospital presentation. ACS patients with pre-hospital cardiac arrest were less frequently treated with aspirin, β-blocker, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, and statins within the first 24 h of presentation, but the use of cardiac procedures was similar compared to the group without cardiac arrest. Patients with pre-hospital cardiac arrest had significantly higher rates of in-hospital adverse events. Factors independently associated with pre-hospital cardiac arrest included male gender, current smoker status, tachycardia, higher Killip class and ST-segment deviation. Conclusion: ACS patients with pre-hospital cardiac arrest continue to have more in-hospital complications and higher mortality. Their use of evidence-based medical therapies was lower but the use of cardiac procedures was similar compared to the group without cardiac arrest. Better utilization of evidence-based therapies in these patients may translate into improved outcomes.
Breast Osteosarcoma 29 Years after Radiation Therapy for Epithelial Breast Cancer
Authors: Nwankwo Nwabundo , Barbaryan Aram , Ali Alaa M. , Hussain Nasir , Saba Raya , Prueksaritanond Suartcha , Mirrakhimov Aibek E. , Zdunek Teresita , Bucher Nora
Published: July 2013

Radiation therapy has a solid role in the management of breast adenocarcinoma. It significantly reduces the rates of disease recurrence. Nevertheless, radiation therapy is not without side effects and patients who have undergone breast irradiation are at increased risk for lung disease, sarcomas, acute leukemia and esophageal cancer. We present a case of radiation-induced breast osteosarcoma 29 years after radiation therapy and lumpectomy for breast adenocarcinoma. The patient had several disease recurrences after surgical resection and was found to have pulmonary metastases.
Secularity, Religion and the Possibilities for Religious Citizenship
Authors: Parker Lyn , Hoon Chang-Yau
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Scholarly predictions of the secularization of the world have proven premature. We see a heterogeneous world in which religion remains a significant and vital social and political force. This paper reflects critically upon secularization theory in order to see how scholars can productively respond to the, at least partly, religious condition of the world at the beginning of the twenty first century. We note that conventional multiculturalism theory and policy neglects religion, and argue the need for a reconceptualization of understanding of religion and secularity, particularly in a context of multicultural citizenship — such as in Australia and Indonesia. We consider the possibilities for religious pluralism in citizenship and for “religious citizenship”. Finally, we propose that religious citizenship education might be a site for fostering a tolerant and enquiring attitude towards religious diversity.
Conceptual-theoretical Re-orientation in Social Movement Discourse
Authors: Mukherji Partha Nath
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Western ethnocentrism in the social movement discourse keeps cropping up now and again. An attempt is made to arrive at a theoretical orientation unconstrained by historical contingency, but at the same time, without being a-historical. Conceptually, a distinction is made between social mobilisations and social movements, and between social movements and quasi-social movements. Since social movements are inevitably linked with social changes, a classification of social movements by its intended changes is presented to distinguish between varieties of social movements. Finally, the use of means — institutional and non-institutional — is factored into the theoretical orientation.
Terraranans of the Lost World: a new species of Pristimantis (Amphibia, Craugastoridae) from Abakapá-tepui in the Chimantá massif, Venezuelan Guayana, and additions to the knowledge of P. muchimuk
Authors: ROJAS-RUNJAIC FERNANDO J. M. , SALERNO PATRICIA E. , SEÑARIS J. CELSA , PAULY GREGORY B.
Published: July 2013

A new frog of the genus Pristimantis is named and described from the summit of Abakapá-tepui in the Chimantá massif, south-eastern Venezuela. The new species is known from two adult specimens and is the second craugastorid species described from this massif. It can be readily distinguished from all congeners inhabiting the highlands of the Guiana Shield by the unique combination of the following characters: dorsal skin shagreen and ventral skin coarsely areolate, tympanum small and ill-defined, vocal slits absent in males, finger I shorter than II, thumbs with two whitish and non-spinous nuptial pads in adult males, fingers and toes with broad lateral fringes, basal webbing between all toes, throat and chest nacreous white in life. Also, based on five specimens of Pristimantis muchimuk recently collected from Churí-tepui, we provide new information on this little known species, including an amended diagnosis, notes on morphology, color variation, advertisement calls, and natural history.
Dieneremia rueckeri, a new genus and species of minute brown scavenger beetle from Baltic amber, with notes on other fossil Latridiidae (Coleoptera: Cucujoidea)
Authors: REIKE HANS-PETER , ALEKSEEV VITALY I. , BUKEJS ANDRIS
Published: July 2013

Dieneremia rueckeri gen. et sp. nov. is described and illustrated from Upper Eocene Baltic amber (Yantarny village, the Kaliningrad Region, Russia). A new synonymy is established: Latridius jacquelinae Hawkeswood, Makhan and Turner, 2009 = Latridius jantaricus Borowiec, 1985. New fossil records on Latridius jantaricus Borowiec, 1985 are presented.
Illegitimate affairs: The sex of politics and the politics of sex in French contemporary politics
Authors: Bargel Lucie , Fassin Eric , Latté Stéphane
Published: July 2013

Is it necessary to draw on details from a person’s ‘private life’ to describe his (or her) ‘public life’? During fieldwork conducted on the politics of a medium-sized French city, the authors garnered a good amount of information – real or alleged – about the sexuality of local elected officials (most often women). Rather than keeping sexuality out of the scope of their research, as is common in social sciences, the authors examine how it is used locally to interpret political life. They look at two elected municipal officials with atypical career paths whose rapid rise to power defied the common rules of political selection, and who were rumoured to engage in romantic relationships with men who benefitted from a greater political capital. The study addresses two dimensions: social explanation by sexuality, which requires analysing the social functions of rumours; and the sociological explanation of sexuality, which implies examining the political role of sexuality. For both of these dimensions, the authors draw from analyses of the political context: the use of these sexual explanations does not make sense per se, but can only be understood within the context local politics in France during the 2000s, shaped by the application of the parity law. Finally, the demonstration leads the authors to plead in favour of normalizing the analysis of intimate relationships.
Investigation of Specific Learning Disability and Testing Accommodations Based Differential Item Functioning Using a Multilevel Multidimensional Mixture Item Response Theory Model
Authors: Finch W. Holmes , Hernández Finch Maria E.
Published: July 2013

The assessment of test data for the presence of differential item functioning (DIF) is a key component of instrument development and validation. Among the many methods that have been used successfully in such analyses is the mixture modeling approach. Using this approach to identify the presence of DIF has been touted as potentially superior for gaining insights into the etiology of DIF, as compared to using intact groups. Recently, researchers have expanded on this work to incorporate multilevel mixture modeling, for cases in which examinees are nested within schools. The current study further expands on this multilevel mixture modeling for DIF detection by using a multidimensional multilevel mixture model that incorporates multiple measured dimensions, as well as the presence of multiple subgroups in the population. This model was applied to a national sample of third-grade students who completed math and language tests. Results of the analysis demonstrate that the multidimensional model provides more complete information regarding the nature of DIF than do separate unidimensional models.
Performance evaluation of carbide tools in drilling CFRP-Al stacks
Authors: Ashrafi S Alizadeh , Sharif S , Farid A Akhavan , Yahya MY
Published: July 2013

Composite-metal stack is an ideal combination of materials which unites the advantages of each dissimilar material in a substantial weight. However, drilling dissimilar materials has been a challenge since the composite-metal stacks are at demand in industries. It is important to choose the appropriate drill geometry regarding the stacking sequence and utilize proper machining parameters in order to achieve damage free and precession holes. This experimental study was conducted on dry drilling of CFRP/Al2024/CFRP (carbon fiber-reinforced plastic). Four types of twist drills with various geometries, both coated and uncoated, were utilized to study the effect of machining parameters on hole quality. It was observed that increasing feed rate entails an increase in entrance delamination, whereas exit delaminations and fiber fraying at 2nd CFRP exit diminished with increasing feed rate. It was also found that four facet tools performed better than two facet tools in terms of fiber delamination. Most accurate hole was attained on 2nd CFRP; however, it was found that increasing feed significantly affects the hole size on 1st CFRP.
Absorbable Collagen Membranes for Periodontal Regeneration
Authors: Stoecklin-Wasmer C. , Rutjes A.W.S. , da Costa B.R. , Salvi G.E. , Jüni P. , Sculean A.
Published: July 2013

Guided tissue regeneration (GTR) with bioabsorbable collagen membranes (CM) is commonly used for the treatment of periodontal defects. The objective of this systematic review of randomized clinical trials was to assess the clinical efficacy of GTR procedures with CM, with or without bone substitutes, in periodontal infrabony defects compared with that of open flap debridement (OFD) alone. Primary outcomes were tooth loss and gain in clinical attachment level (CAL). Screening of records, data extraction, and risk-of-bias assessments were performed by two reviewers. Weighted mean differences were estimated by random effects meta-analysis. We included 21 reports on 17 trials. Risk of bias was generally high. No data were available for the primary outcome tooth loss. The summary treatment effect for change in CAL for GTR with CM compared with OFD was 1.58 mm (95% CI, 1.27 to 1.88). Despite large between-trial heterogeneity (I2 = 75%, p < .001), all trials favored GTR over OFD. No differences in treatment effects were detected between trials of GTR with CM alone and trials of GTR with CM in combination with bone substitutes ( p for interaction, .31). GTR with CM, with or without substitutes, may result in improved clinical outcomes compared with those achieved with OFD alone. Our findings support GTR with CM for the treatment of infrabony periodontal defects.
“It’s Never a Sure Deal”
Authors: van Dun Mirella
Published: July 2013

Because of the lack of any in-depth research on the workings of the cocaine industry in the processing regions and on social changes of the drug trade, scholarly writings on the cocaine industry are full of assumptions and speculation. This article, on the contrary, tries to capture how the illegal cocaine industry and its related violence became integrated into the daily lives of the local residents of the Upper Huallaga, one of Peru’s largest cocaine enclaves. It is argued that for those drug smugglers lower on the economic scale, involvement in an illegal industry involves an ongoing sense of economic and physical vulnerability. Moreover, it is described that higher echelons involved lived under a constant threat of violence.
Legal aspects in implantable defibrillator extraction
Authors: D’Ovidio C , Costantini S , Vellante P , Carnevale A
Published: July 2013

At the Institute of Legal Medicine in Chieti, a case of iatrogenic superior vena cava perforation was observed during laser extraction of an infected biventricular implantable cardiac defibrillator. The presentation of this particular case represented a starting point for studying the occurrence of similar complications in literature, since their knowledge and understanding should induce resolution of any organisation problems, aid in increasing physicians’ training and impose the availability of cardiac surgeons during such operations.