bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The unacknowledged impact of chronic schistosomiasis
Authors: King Charles H. , Dangerfield-Cha Madeline
Published: March 2008

Objectives: To summarize new knowledge on the range of disease due to chronic schistosomiasis and examine the debilitating burden of both light and heavy infection; to outline goals of disease prevention, including current age-targeted strategies and more extended programmes aimed at preventing transmission.

Methods: A systematic search of 2004—2007 papers via PUBMED and related databases using `schistosom' and disability- or treatment-related subject headings. Reports were independently reviewed for inclusion.

Results: Sixty-eight papers met review objectives. These suggest new evidence for a causative link between schistosome infection, antiparasite inflammation, and risk for anaemia, growth stunting and undernutrition in affected populations, as well as exacerbation of co-infections and impairment of cognitive development and work capacity. Formal quality-of-life assessment defines a significant 9.5—24% disability with the most aggressive schistosome species, Schistosoma japonicum.

Discussion: Schistosomiasis represents a serious but under-recognized disease burden for many developing countries. Infection (and not intensity of infection) should be considered the defining feature of morbidity formation. Links between infection and long-term disabilities reduce the chances of combating rural poverty. Changes in our appreciation of schistosomiasis-related disease burden means it is no longer appropriate to leave infected persons untreated, and newer approaches to control should focus on preventing transmission.
Empowered to change: evidence from a qualitative exploration of a user-informed psycho-educational programme for people with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Booker S. , Morris M. , Johnson A.
Published: March 2008

Objectives: To evaluate the impact of a user-informed psycho-educational programme for people with type 1 diabetes.

Methods: Qualitative data derived from repeated interviews and diaries enabled an appraisal of participants' unique, individual experiences.

Results: Thematic analysis elicited a number of themes from each type of data (interview and diaries) which bore similarities in their representation of a process whereby change was desired, solutions were found to bring about that change, and then the process was planned or embarked upon.

Discussion: The acquisition of trustworthy information and a repertoire of coping skills accompanied by regular contact with other people with type 1 diabetes meant that participants achieved an increased sense of control in their lives and were empowered to change.
Chronic illness, reproductive health and moral work: women's experiences of epilepsy
Authors: Thompson Diane , Thomas Hilary , Solomon Juliet , Nashef Lina , Kendall Sally
Published: March 2008

Background: The impact of chronic illness on families has long been noted in the literature, but in such studies families appear as ready-formed entities. This exploratory qualitative study addresses the largely unacknowledged work involved in the production of families and the maintenance of reproductive health by women with epilepsy, a condition whose symptoms and treatment have serious implications for all aspects of reproductive health.

Methods: Qualitative in-depth interviews were conducted with a sample of 15 women aged 20—40 years diagnosed with epilepsy and recruited from across the UK. The women had a range of neurological symptoms and hence different diagnostic categories; most had been diagnosed during childhood or adolescence. Ten women had at least one child.

Results: Women's experiences of healthcare services for key phases of reproduction are explored. While some women reported that they had received good healthcare, others reported that they were given inadequate information and that advice was offered too late to enable them to take appropriate action.

Discussion: Management of both epilepsy and reproductive health involves work with a significant moral dimension, the accomplishment of which is contingent on appropriate and timely advice from healthcare practitioners.
Concentration and purification by magnetic separation of the erythrocytic stages of all human Plasmodium species
Authors: Ribaut Clotilde , Berry Antoine , Chevalley Séverine , Reybier Karine , Morlais Isabelle , Parzy Daniel , Nepveu Françoise , Benoit-Vical Françoise , Valentin Alexis
Published: March 2008

Background

Parasite concentration methods facilitate molecular, biochemical and immunological research on the erythrocytic stages of Plasmodium. In this paper, an adaptation of magnetic MACS® columns for the purification of human Plasmodium species is presented. This method was useful for the concentration/purification of either schizonts or gametocytes.

Results and conclusions

The magnetic removal of non-parasitized red blood cells (in vivo and in vitro) using magnetic columns (MACS) was evaluated. This easy-to-use technique enriched schizonts and gametocytes from Plasmodium falciparum in vitro cultures with a very high degree of purity. In addition, all haemozoin-containing stages (schizonts and/or gametocytes) from the peripheral blood of infected patients could be concentrated using this method. This method is particularly useful for the concentration of non-falciparum species, which do not grow in culture and are otherwise difficult to obtain in large amounts.
Dopamine-beta hydroxylase polymorphism and cocaine addiction
Authors: Guindalini Camila , Laranjeira Ronaldo , Collier David , Messas Guilherme , Vallada Homero , Breen Gerome
Published: March 2008

Cocaine addiction involves a number of medical, psychological and social problems. Understanding the genetic aetiology of this disorder will be essential for design of effective treatments. Dopamine-beta hydroxylase (DbH) catalyzes the conversion of dopamine to norepinephrine and could, therefore, have an influence on both cocaine action and the basal sensitivity of neurotransmitter systems to cocaine. Recently, the -1021C>T polymorphism have been found to strongly correlated with individual variation in plasma DbH activity. To test the influence of this polymorphism on the susceptibility of cocaine addiction, we decided to genotype it in a sample of 689 cocaine addicts and 832 healthy individuals. Genotypic and allelic analyses did not show any evidence of association with cocaine addiction, even after correcting for the effect of population stratification and other possible confounders. Our results do not support a major role of the -1021C>T polymorphism or the gene itself in the development of cocaine addiction but further examination of other variants within this gene will be necessary to completely rule out an effect.
Ethnopharmacological uses of Erythrina senegalensis: a comparison of three areas in Mali, and a link between traditional knowledge and modern biological science
Authors: Togola Adiaratou , Austarheim Ingvild , Theïs Annette , Diallo Drissa , Paulsen Berit Smestad
Published: March 2008

This paper describes ethnopharmacological knowledge on the uses of Erythrina senegalensis DC (Fabaceae) in traditional medicine in three different areas (Dioila, Kolokani and Koutiala) in Mali. Data were collected using interviews of traditional healers selected randomly. The main reported diseases for which E. senegalensis was used by the traditional healers were amenorrhea, malaria, jaundice, infections, abortion, wound, and body pain (chest pain, back pain, abdominal pain etc). The fidelity level (which estimates the agreement of traditional healers on the same area about a reported use of the plant) was calculated to compare the results from the three areas. Certain differences were noticed, the most striking was the fact that amenorrhea was the most reported disease in Dioila and Kolokani with 21% of agreement for both areas, while this use was not reported in Koutiala at all. Similarities existed between the three areas on the use of the plant against malaria and infections, although with different degree of agreement among the healers. We also report the results of a literature survey on compounds isolated from the plant and their biological activities. A comparison of these results with the ethnopharmacological information from Mali and other countries showed that some of the traditional indications in Mali are scientifically supported by the literature. For instance, the use of E. senegalensis against infectious diseases (bilharzias, schistosomiasis, pneumonia etc.) is sustained by several antibacterial and antifungal compounds isolated from different parts of the plant. The comparison also showed that pharmacologists have not fully investigated all the possible bioactivities that healers ascribe to this plant.
Suppression of adenine nucleotide translocase-2 by vector-based siRNA in human breast cancer cells induces apoptosis and inhibits tumor growth in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Jang Ji-Young , Choi Yun , Jeon Yoon-Kyung , Kim Chul-Woo
Published: March 2008

Introduction

Adenine nucleotide translocator (ANT) 2 is highly expressed in proliferative cells, and ANT2 induction in cancer cells is known to be directly associated with glycolytic metabolisms and carcinogenesis. In addition, ANT2 repression results in the growth arrest of human cells, implying that ANT2 is a candidate for cancer therapy based on molecular targeting.

Methods

We utilized an ANT2-specific RNA interference approach to inhibit ANT2 expression for evaluating its antitumor effect in vitro and in vivo. Specifically, to investigate the therapeutic potential of ANT2 repression, we used a DNA vector-based RNA interference approach by expressing shRNA to knockdown ANT2 in breast cancer cell lines overexpressing ANT2.

Results

ANT2 shRNA treatment in breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 repressed cell growth as well as proliferation. In addition, cell cycle arrest, ATP depletion and apoptotic cell death characterized by the potential disruption of mitochondrial membrane were observed from the ANT2 shRNA-treated breast cancer cells. Apoptotic breast cancer cells transfected with ANT2 shRNA also induced a cytotoxic bystander effect that generates necrotic cell death to the neighboring cells. The intracellular levels of TNFα and TNF-receptor I were increased in ANT2 shRNA transfected cells and the bystander effect was partly blocked by anti-TNFα antibody. Ultimately, ANT2 shRNA effectively inhibited tumor growth in vivo.

Conclusion

These results suggest that vector-based ANT2 RNA interference could be an efficient molecular therapeutic method for breast cancer with high expression of ANT2.
Detecting myocardial infarction in critical illness using screening troponin measurements and ECG recordings
Authors: Lim Wendy , Holinski Paula , Devereaux PJ , Tkaczyk Andrea , McDonald Ellen , Clarke France , Qushmaq Ismael , Terrenato Irene , Schunemann Holger , Crowther Mark , Cook Deborah
Published: March 2008

Introduction

To use screening cardiac troponin (cTn) measurements and electrocardiograms (ECGs) to determine the incidence of elevated cTn and of myocardial infarction (MI) in patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU), and to assess whether these findings influence prognosis. This is a prospective screening study.

Materials and methods

We enrolled consecutive patients admitted to a general medical-surgical ICU over two months. All patients underwent systematic screening with cTn measurements and ECGs on ICU admission, then daily for the first week in ICU, alternate days for up to one month and weekly thereafter until ICU death or discharge, for a maximum of two months. Patients without these investigations ordered during routine clinical care underwent screening for study purposes but these results were unavailable to the ICU team. After the study, all ECGs were interpreted independently in duplicate for ischaemic changes meeting ESC/ACC criteria supporting a diagnosis of MI. Patients were classified as having MI (elevated cTn and ECG evidence supporting diagnosis of MI), elevated cTn only (no ECG evidence supporting diagnosis of MI), or no cTn elevation.

Results

One hundred and three patients were admitted to the ICU on 112 occasions. Overall, 37 patients (35.9 per cent) had an MI, 15 patients (14.6 per cent) had an elevated cTn only and 51 patients (49.5 per cent) had no cTn elevation. Patients with MI had longer duration of mechanical ventilation (p < 0.0001), longer ICU stay (p = 0.001), higher ICU mortality (p < 0.0001) and higher hospital mortality (p < 0.0001) compared with those with no cTn elevation. Patients with elevated cTn had higher hospital mortality (p = 0.001) than patients without cTn elevation. Elevated cTn was associated with increased hospital mortality (odds ratio 27.3, 95 per cent CI 1.7 – 449.4), after adjusting for APACHE II score, MI and advanced life support. The ICU team diagnosed 18 patients (17.5 per cent) as having MI on clinical grounds; four of these patients did not have MI by adjudication. Thus, screening detected an additional 23 MIs not diagnosed in practice, reflecting 62.2 per cent of MIs ultimately diagnosed. Patients with MI diagnosed by the ICU team had similar outcomes to patients with MI detected by screening alone.

Conclusion

Systematic screening detected elevated cTn measurements and MI in more patients than were found in routine practice. Elevated cTn was an independent predictor of hospital mortality. Further research is needed to evaluate whether screening and subsequent treatment of these patients reduces mortality.
AVO-sensitive semblance analysis for wide-azimuth data
Authors: Yan Jia , Tsvankin Ilya
Published: March 2008

Conventional semblance-based moveout analysis models prestack reflection data with events that have hyperbolic move-out and no amplitude variation with offset (AVO). Substantial amplitude variation and even phase change with offset do not significantly compromise the semblance operator. However, polarity reversal associated with a change in the sign of the reflection coefficient may cause conventional semblance to fail. An existing modification of the semblance operator that takes amplitude variations into account (so-called AK semblance) is limited to narrow-azimuth data and cannot handle nonhyperbolic moveout at large offsets. We employ a 3D nonhyperbolic moveout inversion algorithm to extend the AK semblance method to wide-azimuth data recorded on long spreads. To preserve velocity resolu-tion, the ratio [Formula: see text] of the AVO gradient and intercept is kept constant within each semblance window. In the presence of azimuthal anisotropy, however, the parameter [Formula: see text] has to be azimuthally dependent. Synthetic tests confirm that distortions in moveout analysis caused by polarity reversals become more common for long-offset data. Conventional semblance produces substantial errors in the NMO ellipse and azimuthally varying anellipticity parameter [Formula: see text] not just for class 2 AVO response but also for some models with class 1 AVO. In contrast, the AK semblance algorithm gives accurate estimates of the moveout parameters even when the position of the polarity reversal varies with azimuth. The AK method not only helps to flatten wide-azimuth reflection events prior to stacking and azimuthal AVO analysis but also provides input parameters for the anisotropic geometrical-spreading correction.
Interferometric imaging condition for wave-equation migration
Authors: Sava Paul , Poliannikov Oleg
Published: March 2008

The fidelity of depth seismic imaging depends on the accuracy of the velocity models used for wavefield reconstruction. Models can be decomposed in two components, corresponding to large-scale and small-scale variations. In practice, the large-scale velocity model component can be estimated with high accuracy using repeated migration/tomography cycles, but the small-scale component cannot. When the earth has significant small-scale velocity components, wavefield reconstruction does not completely describe the recorded data, and migrated images are perturbed by artifacts. There are two possible ways to address this problem: (1) improve wavefield reconstruction by estimating more accurate velocity models and image using conventional techniques (e.g., wavefield crosscorrelation) or (2) reconstruct wavefields with conventional methods using the known background velocity model but improve the imaging condition to alleviate the artifacts caused by the imprecise reconstruction. Wedescribe the unknown component of the velocity model as a random function with local spatial correlations. Imaging data perturbed by such random variations is characterized by statistical instability, i.e., various wavefield components image at wrong locations that depend on the actual realization of the random model. Statistical stability can be achieved by preprocessing the reconstructed wavefields prior to the imaging condition. We use Wigner distribution functions to attenuate the random noise present in the reconstructed wavefields, parameterized as a function of image coordinates. Wavefield filtering using Wigner distribution functions and conventional imaging can be lumped together into a new form of imaging condition that we call an interferometric imaging condition because of its similarity to concepts from recent work on interferometry. The interferometric imaging condition can be formulated both for zero-offset and for multioffset data, leading to robust, efficient imaging procedures that effectively attenuate imaging artifacts caused by unknown velocity models.
Low Testosterone Levels Are Common and Associated with Insulin Resistance in Men with Diabetes
Authors: Grossmann Mathis , Thomas Merlin C. , Panagiotopoulos Sianna , Sharpe Ken , MacIsaac Richard J. , Clarke Sophie , Zajac Jeffrey D. , Jerums George
Published: March 2008

Context: Low testosterone levels are common in men with type 2 diabetes and may be associated with insulin resistance.

Objective: We investigated prevalence of testosterone deficiency and the relationship between testosterone and insulin resistance in a large cohort of men with type 2 and type 1 diabetes.

Design: The study was a cross-sectional survey of 580 men with type 2 diabetes and 69 men with type 1 diabetes. A subgroup of 262 men with type 2 diabetes was then reassessed after a median of 6 months.

Results: Forty-three percent of men with type 2 diabetes had a reduced total testosterone, and 57% had a reduced calculated free testosterone. Only 7% of men with type 1 diabetes had low total testosterone. By contrast, 20.3% of men with type 1 diabetes had low calculated free testosterone, similar to that observed in type 2 diabetes (age-body mass index adjusted odds ratio = 1.4; 95% confidence interval = 0.7–2.9). Low testosterone levels were independently associated with insulin resistance in men with type 1 diabetes as well as type 2 diabetes. Serial measurements also revealed an inverse relationship between changes in testosterone levels and insulin resistance.

Conclusions: Testosterone deficiency is common in men with diabetes, regardless of the type. Testosterone levels are partly influenced by insulin resistance, which may represent an important avenue for intervention, whereas the utility of testosterone replacement remains to be established in prospective trials.
Visceral Obesity and Plasma Glucose-Insulin Homeostasis: Contributions of Interleukin-6 and Tumor Necrosis Factor-α in Men
Authors: Cartier Amélie , Lemieux Isabelle , Alméras Natalie , Tremblay Angelo , Bergeron Jean , Després Jean-Pierre
Published: March 2008

Objective: This study examined the relationships of two inflammatory cytokines, IL-6 and TNF-α, to visceral adiposity and indices of plasma glucose-insulin homeostasis.

Research Design and Methods: Plasma levels of IL-6 and TNF-α were measured in 189 untreated asymptomatic men (aged 43.7 ± 7.8 yr; body mass index 29.0 ± 4.3 kg/m2; waist girth 98.6 ± 10.3 cm).

Results: Significant and positive associations were found between both cytokines with adiposity and adipose tissue distribution indices (0.15 ≤ r < 0.32; P < 0.05) as well as plasma glucose-insulin homeostasis variables (0.22 ≤ r < 0.28; P <0.05). Comparison of two subgroups, each composed of 32 overweight men (≥25 kg/m2) with similar body mass index values (28.7 kg/m2 in both groups) but with markedly different levels of visceral adipose tissue (< vs. ≥ 130 cm2), revealed significant differences only for IL-6 levels (1.42 ± 1.15 vs. 0.86 ± 0.52 pg/ml; P < 0.02 for men with high vs. low visceral adipose tissue, respectively). Finally, when subjects were stratified on the basis of their respective concentrations of IL-6 and TNF-α (using the 50th percentile of their overall distribution), an ANOVA revealed an independent contribution of IL-6 to the variation of fasting insulin (P < 0.01) and each of these two cytokines to the variation of insulin levels measured after a 75-g oral glucose challenge (P <0.01 for IL-6 and P < 0.05 for TNF-α).

Conclusions: Because IL-6 appeared to be clearly associated with visceral adiposity, TNF-α rather showed associations with indices of total body fatness. Thus, TNF-α may contribute to the insulin resistance of overall obesity, whereas IL-6 may be one of the mediators of the hyperinsulinemic state specifically related to excess visceral adiposity.
Comparison of Pancreas-Transplanted Type 1 Diabetic Patients with Portal-Venous Versus Systemic-Venous Graft Drainage: Impact on Glucose Regulatory Hormones and the Growth Hormone/Insulin–Like Growth Factor-I Axis
Authors: Frystyk Jan , Ritzel Robert A. , Maubach J. , Büsing Martin , Lück Rainer , Klempnauer Jürgen , Schmiegel Wolff , Nauck Michael A.
Published: March 2008

Context: Pancreas grafts can be drained through the iliac vein (systemic drainage) or the portal vein.

Objective: We hypothesized that normalization of portal insulin in patients with portal pancreas graft drainage stimulates the GH/IGF-I axis and thereby contributes to glucose control.

Methods: We compared patients after combined kidney and pancreas transplantation with portal drainage (n = 7) to patients with systemic drainage of the pancreas graft (n = 8) and nondiabetic controls (n = 8). Overnight fasting sera were analyzed for free and total IGF-I and IGF-binding proteins. Glucose regulatory hormones were examined after an oral glucose tolerance test and GH after stimulation with GHRH.

Results: Systemic drainage led to higher basal and stimulated insulin levels than portal drainage (P < 0.05), but increments in response to oral glucose were reduced in both transplanted groups (P < 0.05 vs. controls). However, glucose tolerance was similar in all groups. Circulating free and total IGF-I and IGF-binding protein-3 were similar to control levels in the systemic drainage group but elevated in the portal drainage group (P < 0.05). Consistently, the GH response was reduced in the portal drainage group (P < 0.05 vs. controls) and correlated inversely with free IGF-I (r = −0.63, P < 0.05).

Conclusion: Portal drainage of pancreatic endocrine secretion in pancreas graft recipients raises IGF-I and lowers GH secretion. These changes might explain that glucose regulation is maintained despite lower peripheral insulin levels, compared with patients with systemic graft drainage and nondiabetic control subjects.
Cdc42- and Rac1-mediated endothelial lumen formation requires Pak2, Pak4 and Par3, and PKC-dependent signaling
Authors: Koh Wonshill , Mahan Rachel D. , Davis George E.
Published: March 2008

Rho GTPases regulate a diverse spectrum of cellular functions involved in vascular morphogenesis. Here, we show that Cdc42 and Rac1 play a key role in endothelial cell (EC) lumen and tube formation as well as in EC invasion in three-dimensional (3D) collagen matrices and that their regulation is mediated by various downstream effectors, including Pak2, Pak4, Par3 and Par6. RNAi-mediated or dominant-negative suppression of Pak2 or Pak4, two major regulators of cytoskeletal signaling downstream of Cdc42 or Rac1, markedly inhibits EC lumen and tube formation. Both Pak2 and Pak4 phosphorylation strongly correlate with the lumen formation process in a manner that depends on protein kinase C (PKC)-mediated signaling. We identify PKCϵ and PKCζ as regulators of EC lumenogenesis in 3D collagen matrices. Two polarity proteins, Par3 and Par6, are also required for EC lumen and tube formation, as they establish EC polarity through their association with Cdc42 and atypical PKC. In our model, disruption of any member in the Cdc42-Par3-Par6-PKCζ polarity complex impairs EC lumen and tube formation in 3D collagen matrices. This work reveals novel regulators that control the signaling events mediating the crucial lumen formation step in vascular morphogenesis.
Structural basis for the nuclear import of the human androgen receptor
Authors: Cutress Mark L. , Whitaker Hayley C. , Mills Ian G. , Stewart Murray , Neal David E.
Published: March 2008

Ligand-dependent nuclear import is crucial for the function of the androgen receptor (AR) in both health and disease. The unliganded AR is retained in the cytoplasm but, on binding 5α-dihydrotestosterone, it translocates into the nucleus and alters transcription of its target genes. Nuclear import of AR is mediated by the nuclear import factor importin-α, which functions as a receptor that recognises and binds to specific nuclear localisation signal (NLS) motifs on cargo proteins. We show here that the AR binds to importin-α directly, albeit more weakly than the NLS of SV40 or nucleoplasmin. We describe the 2.6-Å-resolution crystal structure of the importin-α–AR-NLS complex, and show that the AR binds to the major NLS-binding site on importin-α in a manner different from most other NLSs. Finally, we have shown that pathological mutations within the NLS of AR that are associated with prostate cancer and androgen-insensitivity syndrome reduce the binding affinity to importin-α and, subsequently, retard nuclear import; surprisingly, however, the transcriptional activity of these mutants varies widely. Thus, in addition to its function in the nuclear import of AR, the NLS in the hinge region of AR has a separate, quite distinct role on transactivation, which becomes apparent once nuclear import has been achieved.
Fixture optimization for sheet panel assembly considering welding gun variations
Authors: Cai W
Published: March 2008

Sheet panel assembly in automotive body manufacturing typically involves fixturing (including locating and clamping), joining (especially welding), and unclamping. Research has shown that the choices of fixturing schemes are important and that fixture optimization can generally improve the assembly dimensional quality with reduced assembly distortions. However, these research studies generally modelled weld guns as constant disturbances (such as deterministic forces) without considering the weld gun variations to avoid the complexity of Monte Carlo simulations. In the current paper, a fixture optimization model is formulated to minimize the assembly dimensional variations under welding gun variations. It is shown that, by using the proposed weld gun variations model, an assembly variation simulation can be converted to a deterministic assembly model, eliminating the need for Monte Carlo simulation. The efficiency improvement makes it feasible for a full scale optimization solution for optimal fixture locations with welding variations. The current paper further introduces the fixture-element models for continuous variable optimization in finite-element analysis, an enabler for fixture optimization. Numerical examples are shown to demonstrate the proposed methods.
Kinematics of a partially decoupled 3R2T symmetrical parallel manipulator 3-RCRR
Authors: Zhu S-J , Huang Z , Zhao M Y
Published: March 2008

The 3R2T (three rotational and two independent translational degree of freedom (DoF)) symmetrical parallel manipulator may be adopted in bionics, for example, simulating the motion of a cervical spine based on their mobility property and performance close to isotropic limit. However, up to now, characteristics of this class of manipulators have not been well studied because of its short history. Hence, to study the feasibility of this class of manipulator for bionics, kinematics for 3-RCRR is analysed including position, singularity, velocity, and acceleration. Different from other 3R2T 5-DoF symmetrical parallel manipulators, the mobility of 3-RCRR is partially decoupled, which makes the realization of control system easier than in others.
The hydraulic actuation of multi-body structures through large scale motions. Part 1: Development and validation of system model
Authors: Branson D T , Keogh P S , Tilley D G
Published: March 2008

Modern engineering design is leading towards structures that are complex and lightweight. These structures often contain flexible and rigid components actuated through large displacements by a non-linear hydraulic system. Due to the increased system complexities, there is a need to define structural models that can be easily coupled to models of the hydraulic system for use in the design of suitable controllers. The current paper develops a modular system model composed of rigid and flexible structural components coupled directly to a non-linear hydraulic system. The resulting model allows for changes to be made to the hydraulic and structural components in an independent manner such that the entire system may be incorporated in a single simulation domain. A structural damping matrix is introduced that allows a control system designer to assign realistic modal damping ratios to well established modes, and higher damping to modes with significant uncertainty. This allows for increased steady-state accuracy and model run-time efficiency, which is beneficial to the controller design process presented in Part 2. The system modelling approach is applied to a hydraulically actuated experimental rig for validation purposes.
Biological Degradation of Taxol by Action of Cultured Cells on 7-Acetyltaxol-2″-yl Glucoside
Authors: Shimoda Kei , Mikuni Katsuhiko , Nakajima Kiyoshi , Hamada Hatsuyuki , Hamada Hiroki
Published: March 2008

Biodegradation pathways of taxol in cultured cells of Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803, Synechococcus sp. PCC 7942, Marchantia polymorpha, Nicotiana tabacum, and Glycine max were investigated using a water-soluble taxol derivative, 7-acetyltaxol-2″-yl glucoside, as the substrate. Although cyanobacteria, Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 and Synechococcus sp. PCC 7942, and a lower plant, M. polymorpha, catalyzed the epimerization at 7-position of taxol skeleton, no epimerization occurred with higher plants, N. tabacum and G. max. On the other hand, Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803, Synechococcus sp. PCC 7942, M. polymorpha, and N. tabacum catalyzed hydrolysis at 13-position of taxol to give baccatin III and 10-deacetyl baccatin III. Both cyanobacteria cells also deacetylated 7-epi-baccatin III at its 10-position. M. polymorpha and G. max deacetylated at 10-position of taxol.
Novel Reproducible Fabrication of MgTiO3 Nanoparticles by Electrodeposition
Authors: Hashimoto Nobuaki , Hatakeyama Satomi , Doki Norihito , Yokota Masaaki , Shimizu Kenji
Published: March 2008

While a high supply voltage (>15 V) is needed in the conventional EPD (electrophoretic deposition) methods, we propose a novel method in which deposition of dielectric films can be carried out using a low voltage (<10 V); we have used this method for the deposition of MgTiO3 films. MgTiO3 powder was dispersed in a solution of ethanol–Ti4+ with 3–9 V. Subsequently, the deposition of a MgTiO3 film with spherical nano-particles in aggregated random shape particles was observed at the anode.
Electrolytic Properties of Ethyl Fluoroethyl Carbonate and Its Application to Lithium Battery
Authors: Tsukimori Naoko , Nanbu Noritoshi , Takehara Masahiro , Ue Makoto , Sasaki Yukio
Published: March 2008

Monofluorination of solvents exerts the strong polar effect on various properties. We have investigated the electrolytic properties of ethyl fluoroethyl carbonate (EFEC) and its application to a lithium battery. Conductivities of EFEC solutions are higher than those of diethyl carbonate (DEC) counterparts above 25 °C or below 1 mol dm−3 of LiPF6. The anodic stability of EFEC is also higher than that of DEC. The use of EFEC as a cosolvent improves the performance of a Li/LiCoO2 coin cell.
Fabrication and Luminescent Characteristics of Y2O3:Eu3+ Nanotubes by Hydrothermal Treatment
Authors: Jin Tetsuro , Jin Erika , Sano Mamoru , Chi Bo , Yazawa Tetsuo
Published: March 2008

Y2O3:Eu3+ nanotube phosphors were prepared using polyethylene glycol via a hydrothermal treatment and a subsequent heat treatment. Scanning electron microscopy indicated that the crystal was a tube with an outer diameter of 80 nm. A higher emission intensity was observed with nanotubular Y2O3 doped with 7.5 mol % Eu3+ ions after heated more than 900 °C compared with that of the commercial one. In addition, the examination of toxicity using cell line suggested that the toxicity of the lanthanide oxide nanotubes indeed was much less than the case of asbestos.
Electroluminescence Quenching Caused by a Spin-crossover Transition
Authors: Matsuda Masaki , Isozaki Hikaru , Tajima Hiroyuki
Published: March 2008

A film of a spin-crossover complex [Fe(dpp)2](BF4)2 (dpp = 2,6-di(pyrazol-1-yl)pyridine) was embedded into the light-emitting layer of an organic electroluminescent (EL) device with chlorophyll a. While the EL spectrum was observed at 300 K, the spectrum could not be observed at 200 K. The temperature dependence of the EL spectra shows the quenching of the emission below 260 K, which is the spin-transition temperature of [Fe(dpp)2](BF4)2. This suggests that the EL quenching accompanied the spin transition.
Preparation of Cathode Active Material for Rechargeable Magnesium Battery by Atmospheric Pressure Microwave Discharge Using Carbon Felt Pieces
Authors: Kurihara Hideki , Yajima Tatuhiko , Suzuki Susumu
Published: March 2008

Magnesium manganese oxide (MMO) with spinel structure was prepared from powders of MgO and Mn2O3 by atmospheric pressure microwave discharge using CF pieces. The produced MMO was strained in the crystal structure by the barrier discharge between CF pieces and the raw powder. Cyclic voltammograms of the strained MMO showed a reduction current peak, and the discharge capacity increased.
Indications for Dual Antiplatelet Therapy with Aspirin and Clopidogrel: Evidence-Based Recommendations for Use
Authors: Reaume Kristen T , Regal Randolph E , Dorsch Michael P
Published: March 2008

OBJECTIVE:

To review the literature assessing dual antiplatelet therapy with aspirin and clopidogrel and subsequently provide evidence-based recommendations for appropriate indications and length of therapy.

DATA SYNTHESIS:

An English-language MEDLINE search (1950–December 2007) was conducted using the search terms antiplatelet, aspirin, thienopyridine, and clopidogrel to identify articles assessing dual antiplatelet therapy. Evaluation of references from identified trials for possible inclusion was also conducted.

STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION:

All studies that assessed treatment with the combination of aspirin and clopidogrel for any indication were included.

DATA SYNTHESIS:

Aspirin and clopidogrel have complementary mechanisms of action to inhibit platelet function. Indications that have been studied include coronary artery disease (CAD), atherosclerotic ischemic stroke, and atrial fibrillation. This combination has been beneficial in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) with or without percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), and in PCI patients without an acute event. There is a small but significant risk for increased bleeding with dual antiplatelet therapy for these indications. When used in patients with a history of atherosclerotic ischemic stroke or for prevention of cardioembolic stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation, this combination has been shown to increase bleeding, providing no clinical benefit, and to increase outcomes including stroke, myocardial infarction, and death, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS:

There is evidence to support use of aspirin in combination with clopidogrel for patients presenting with all ACS types, as well as for patients presenting with PCI for any indication. The treatment duration varies, but patients who have received stenting should receive at least 1 year of combination therapy. There is no evidence to support this combination for primary prevention of CAD or atherosclerotic ischemic events, secondary prevention of stable CAD, or prevention of cardioembolic stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation. The possible benefits of dual antiplatelet therapy also must be weighed against the risk of bleeding.
Pharmacist Monitoring of QTc Interval–Prolonging Medications in Critically Ill Medical Patients: A Pilot Study
Authors: Ng Tien MH , Bell Adrienne M , Hong Chandra , Hara Jill M , Touchette Daniel R , Danskey Karine N , Lindsay Tanya T , Puumala Susan E
Published: March 2008

BACKGROUND:

No data exist regarding the value of pharmacist monitoring of drugs associated with QTc interval prolongation.

OBJECTIVE:

To assess the capability, clinical impact, and economic impact of pharmacists monitoring for drug-induced QTc interval prolongation in critically ill medical adult patients.

METHODS:

In a prospective, parallel-group study, 149 consecutive medical intensive care unit (ICU) patients prescribed a QTc interval–prolonging drug at the Los Angeles County + University of Southern California Medical Center were assigned on alternating days to an intervention group (clinical pharmacist on physician team monitored drugs using a standardized algorithm) or a standard care group (team without pharmacist using an algorithm). The monitoring algorithm used daily assessments of electrocardiograms and laboratory data to generate pharmacotherapeutic recommendations. The primary endpoint was the frequency of QTc interval prolongation (>500 msec at any time or an increase ≥60 msec over baseline). Secondary endpoints included QTc interval greater than 470 msec in women or greater than 450 msec in men, mean increase in QTc interval at 48 hours, recommendation acceptance rate, and cost of care.

RESULTS:

QTc interval prolongation occurred less frequently in the intervention group compared with the standard care group (19% vs 39%, respectively; p = 0.006). Incidence of QTc interval greater than 500 msec (13% vs 33%, respectively; p = 0.003) was also lower in the intervention group. Incidence of QTc interval increase of 60 msec or more over baseline (12% vs 21%, respectively; p = 0.12) and increase in QTc interval at 48 hours over baseline (mean ± SD; 6.4 ± 40.8 vs 18.2 ± 42.3 msec, respectively; p = 0.097) were not significantly different between the groups. Algorithm-generated recommendations were accepted 70% of the time by the intervention group physician team. Total cost and cost per day were not significantly different between groups.

CONCLUSIONS:

In this preliminary study, pharmacist monitoring of QTc interval–prolonging drugs using a simple algorithm was feasible and reduced the risk of QTc interval prolongation. Further studies that monitor other proarrhythmic medications are warranted.
Matrix Mineralization as a Trigger for Osteocyte Maturation
Authors: Irie Kazuharu , Ejiri Sadakazu , Sakakura Yasunori , Shibui Toru , Yajima Toshihiko
Published: March 2008

The morphology of the osteocyte changes during the cell's lifetime. Shortly after becoming buried in the matrix, an osteocyte is plump with a rich rough endoplasmic reticulum and a well-developed Golgi complex. This “immature” osteocyte reduces its number of organelles to become a “mature” osteocyte when it comes to reside deeper in the bone matrix. We hypothesized that mineralization of the surrounding matrix is the trigger for osteocyte maturation. To verify this, we prevented mineralization of newly formed matrix by administration of 1-hydroxyethylidene-1,1-bisphosphonate (HEBP) and then examined the morphological changes in the osteocytes in rats. In the HEBP group, matrix mineralization was disturbed, but matrix formation was not affected. The osteocytes found in the unmineralized matrix were immature. Mature osteocytes were seen in the corresponding mineralized matrix in the control group. The immature osteocytes in the unmineralized matrix failed to show immunoreactivity with anti-sclerostin antibody, whereas mature osteocytes in the mineralized matrix showed immunoreactivity in both control and HEBP groups. These findings suggest that mineralization of the matrix surrounding the osteocyte is the trigger for cytodifferentiation from a plump immature form to a mature osteocyte. The osteocyte appears to start secreting sclerostin only after it matures in the mineralized bone matrix.
Inverse electromagnetic scattering by a perfect conductor in a chiral environment
Authors: Athanasiadis C. , Kardasi E.
Published: March 2008

In this paper electromagnetic Herglotz dyadics are used to develop a superposition method and apply it for the study of an inversion scheme for electromagnetic scattering in chiral media. The direct scattering problem for the perfect conductor is formulated and Beltrami Herglotz dyadics and dyadic electromagnetic Herglotz pairs are being used. Assuming that the incident electromagnetic field is produced by a superposition of plane incident waves, the scattered field and the corresponding far-field pattern are expressed as the superposition of the scattered fields and the corresponding to them far-field patterns respectively. Far-field operators are defined and studied and an integral equation is posed. The solvability of this equation is related to the solution of the interior perfect conductor boundary value problem. Finally, an inversion scheme is posed and a theorem for it's solvability is proved.
Recovering a potential from Cauchy data in the two-dimensional case
Authors: Bukhgeim A. L.
Published: March 2008

In this paper we prove that the Cauchy data for the Schrödinger equation in the two-dimensional case determines a potential from Lp
(for p > 2) uniquely. We also obtain a linear inversion formula for smooth potentials.
Solving constraint ill-posed problems using Ginzburg–Landau regularization functionals
Authors: Frühauf F. , Grossauer H.
Published: March 2008

We consider constrained ill-posed operator equations. The constraints are such that in one case we restrict the domain to functions which are piecewise constant. In another case we allow only functions that attain values in a certain interval. We use Ginzburg–Landau regularization methods for solving these equations. In our numerical examples we consider the inverse conductivity problem which has applications in electrical impedance tomography. We present a numerical implementation along with some results and compare them with modified H
1-Tikhonov regularization methods.
An inverse problem of identifying source coefficient in solute transportation
Authors: Gongsheng Li , De Yao , Fugui Yang
Published: March 2008

This paper deals with an inverse problem of identifying a source coefficient in the process of solute transport in 1-D groundwater flow. With help of an adjoint problem, the solute concentration can be made to be monotone on time by some constraints to the known data and the unknown parameters, and an integral identity connecting varies of the known data with corresponding changes of the unknown is constructed. Furthermore, by analyzing the adjoint problem with the variable separation method, a suitable norm for the unknown is well-defined based on the integral identity by which a conditional stability for the inverse problem considered here is obtained.
A note on logarithmic convergence rates for nonlinear Tikhonov regularization
Authors: Kaltenbacher B.
Published: March 2008

This note is concerned with proving convergence rates for nonlinear Tikhonov regularization under mild regularity assumptions on the solution, namely source conditions of logarithmic type. For the choice of the regularization parameter, either a priori or a posteriori parameter choice strategies according to the discrepancy principle can be used. As usual in showing convergence rates for nonlinear ill-posed problems, restrictions on the nonlinearity of the forward operator have to be made unless the initial error is sufficiently smooth.
Analytic approximation with real constraints, with applications to inverse diffusion problems
Authors: Leblond J. , Marmorat J.-P. , Partington J. R.
Published: March 2008

The methods of constrained approximation in Hilbert spaces of analytic functions are applied to the solution of the inverse problems of detecting cracks or sources in a two-dimensional material by means of boundary measurements. Issues of well-posedness are discussed, and results on continuity and robustness with respect to the given data are established. Constructive and efficient methods for resolution of the above approximation problems are presented. The techniques are illustrated by numerical examples incorporating a further rational approximation step.
Generation of Eupnea and Sighs by a Spatiochemically Organized Inspiratory Network
Authors: Ruangkittisakul Araya , Schwarzacher Stephan W. , Secchia Lucia , Ma Yonglie , Bobocea Nicoleta , Poon Betty Y. , Funk Gregory D. , Ballanyi Klaus
Published: March 2008

The discovery of the rhythmogenic pre-Bötzinger complex (preBötC) inspiratory network, which remains active in a transverse brainstem slice, greatly increased the understanding of neural respiratory control. However, basic questions remain unanswered such as (1) What are the necessary and sufficient slice boundaries for a functional preBötC? (2) Is the minimal preBötC capable of reconfiguring between inspiratory-related patterns (e.g., fictive eupnea and sighs)? (3) How is preBötC activity affected by surrounding structures? Using newborn rat slices with systematically varied dimensions in physiological [K+] (3 mm), we found that a 175 μm thickness is sufficient for generating inspiratory-related rhythms. In 700-μm-thick slices with unilaterally exposed preBötC, a kernel <100 μm thick, centered 0.5 mm caudal to the facial nucleus, is necessary for rhythm generation. Slices containing this kernel plus caudal structures produced eupneic bursts of regular amplitude, whereas this kernel plus rostral tissue generated sighs, intermingled with eupneic bursts of variable amplitude (“eupnea–sigh pattern”). After spontaneous arrest of rhythm, substance-P or neurokinin-1 (NK1) receptor agonist induced the eupnea–sigh burst pattern in ≥250-μm-thick slices, whereas thyrotropin-releasing hormone or phosphodiesterase-4 blockers evoked the eupnea burst pattern. Endogenous rhythm was depressed by NK1 receptor antagonism. Multineuronal Ca2+imaging revealed that preBötC neurons reconfigure between eupnea and eupnea–sigh burst patterns. We hypothesize a (gradient-like) spatiochemical organization of regions adjacent to the preBötC, such that a small preBötC inspiratory-related oscillator generates eupnea under the dominant influence of caudal structures or thyrotropin-releasing hormone-like transmitters but eupnea–sigh activity when the influence of rostral structures or substance-P-like transmitters predominates.