bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Renoprotective effects of C-peptide in the Dahl salt-sensitive rat
Authors: Sawyer R. Taylor , Flynn Elizabeth R. , Hutchens Zachary M. , Williams Jan M. , Garrett Michael R. , Maric-Bilkan Christine
Published: July 2012

Previous studies have demonstrated that renoprotective effects of C-peptide in experimental models of diabetes-induced renal disease may be mediated via lowering blood glucose. The present study examined the renoprotective effects of C-peptide in a model of nondiabetic renal disease, the Dahl salt-sensitive (SS/jr) rat. SS/jr rats were placed on a 2% NaCl diet for 2 wk (HS2, resulting in mild to moderate renal injury) or 4 wk (HS4, resulting in advanced renal injury) and then received either vehicle (veh) or C-peptide (Cpep) for additional 4 wk. Urine albumin (UAE) and protein (UPE) excretion rates were measured at baseline (i.e., before initiation of veh or Cpep treatment) and 4 wk later (i.e., at the time of death). Glomerular permeability, indexes of glomerulosclerosis and tubulointerstitial fibrosis, the presence of inflammatory cells, and protein expression of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and podocin were measured at the time of death. In HS2 + veh rats, UAE and UPE increased by 74 and 92%, respectively, from baseline and the time of death. While HS2 + Cpep attenuated this increase in UAE and UPE, HS4 + Cpep had no effect on these parameters. Similarly, HS2 + Cpep reduced glomerular permeability, tubulointerstitial fibrosis, renal inflammation, TGF-β, and podocin protein expression, while HS4 + Cpep had no effect. These studies indicate that C-peptide is renoprotective in nondiabetic experimental models with mild to moderate renal injury.
hERG K+Channels: Structure, Function, and Clinical Significance
Authors: Vandenberg Jamie I. , Perry Matthew D. , Perrin Mark J. , Mann Stefan A. , Ke Ying , Hill Adam P.
Published: July 2012

The human ether-a-go-go related gene (hERG) encodes the pore-forming subunit of the rapid component of the delayed rectifier K+channel, Kv11.1, which are expressed in the heart, various brain regions, smooth muscle cells, endocrine cells, and a wide range of tumor cell lines. However, it is the role that Kv11.1 channels play in the heart that has been best characterized, for two main reasons. First, it is the gene product involved in chromosome 7-associated long QT syndrome (LQTS), an inherited disorder associated with a markedly increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. Second, blockade of Kv11.1, by a wide range of prescription medications, causes drug-induced QT prolongation with an increase in risk of sudden cardiac arrest. In the first part of this review, the properties of Kv11.1 channels, including biogenesis, trafficking, gating, and pharmacology are discussed, while the second part focuses on the pathophysiology of Kv11.1 channels.
Kisspeptins and Reproduction: Physiological Roles and Regulatory Mechanisms
Authors: Pinilla Leonor , Aguilar Enrique , Dieguez Carlos , Millar Robert P. , Tena-Sempere Manuel
Published: July 2012

Procreation is essential for survival of species. Not surprisingly, complex neuronal networks have evolved to mediate the diverse internal and external environmental inputs that regulate reproduction in vertebrates. Ultimately, these regulatory factors impinge, directly or indirectly, on a final common pathway, the neurons producing the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which stimulates pituitary gonadotropin secretion and thereby gonadal function. Compelling evidence, accumulated in the last few years, has revealed that kisspeptins, a family of neuropeptides encoded by the Kiss1 gene and produced mainly by neuronal clusters at discrete hypothalamic nuclei, are pivotal upstream regulators of GnRH neurons. As such, kisspeptins have emerged as important gatekeepers of key aspects of reproductive maturation and function, from sexual differentiation of the brain and puberty onset to adult regulation of gonadotropin secretion and the metabolic control of fertility. This review aims to provide a comprehensive account of the state-of-the-art in the field of kisspeptin physiology by covering in-depth the consensus knowledge on the major molecular features, biological effects, and mechanisms of action of kisspeptins in mammals and, to a lesser extent, in nonmammalian vertebrates. This review will also address unsolved and contentious issues to set the scene for future research challenges in the area. By doing so, we aim to endow the reader with a critical and updated view of the physiological roles and potential translational relevance of kisspeptins in the integral control of reproductive function.
Compensation of Linear Multiscale Doppler for OFDM‐Based Underwater Acoustic Communication Systems
Authors: Abdelkareem A. E. , Sharif B. S. , Tsimenidis C. C. , Neasham J. A.
Published: July 2012

In particular cases, such as acceleration, it is required to design a receiver structure that is capable of accomplishing time varying Doppler compensation. In this paper, two approaches are taken into consideration in order to estimate the symbol timing offset parameter. The first method employed to achieve an estimate of this particular parameter is based upon centroid localization and this prediction is reinforced by a second technique which utilises linear prediction, based on the assumption that the speed changes linearly during the OFDM symbol time. Subsequently, the two estimations of the symbol timing offset parameter are smoothed in order to obtain a fine tuned approximation of the Doppler scale. Additionally, the effects of weighting coefficients on smoothing the Doppler scale and on the performance of the receiver are also investigated. The proposed receiver is investigated, incorporating an improvement that includes fine tuning of the coarse timing synchronization in order to accommodate the time‐varying Doppler. Based on this fine‐tuned timing synchronization, an extension to the improved receiver is presented to assess the performance of two point correlations. The proposed algorithms′ performances were investigated using real data obtained from an experiment that took place in the North Sea in 2009.
pH-Dependent Interaction between C-Peptide and Phospholipid Bicelles
Authors: Unnerståle Sofia , Mäler Lena
Published: July 2012

C-peptide is the connecting peptide between the A and B chains of insulin in proinsulin. In this paper, we investigate the interaction between C-peptide and phospholipid bicelles, by circular dichroism and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and in particular the pH dependence of this interaction. The results demonstrate that C-peptide is largely unstructured independent of pH, but that a weak structural induction towards a short stretch of β-sheet is induced at low pH, corresponding to the isoelectric point of the peptide. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that C-peptide associates with neutral phospholipid bicelles as well as acidic phospholipid bicelles at this low pH. C-peptide does not undergo a large structural rearrangement as a consequence of lipid interaction, which indicates that the folding and binding are uncoupled. In vivo, local variations in environment, including pH, may cause C-peptide to associate with lipids, which may affect the aggregation state of the peptide.
Psychological Disturbances and Quality of Life in Obese and Infertile Women and Men
Authors: Kocełak Piotr , Chudek Jerzy , Naworska Beata , Bąk-Sosnowska Monika , Kotlarz Barbara , Mazurek Monika , Madej Paweł , Skrzypulec-Plinta Violetta , Skałba Piotr , Olszanecka-Glinianowicz Magdalena
Published: July 2012

Anovulatory cycles and endometriosis are the main causes of female infertility. The most frequently anovulatory cycles are related to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) commonly associated with obesity and hormonal disturbances in the course of obesity. Recently published studies revealed that infertility affects about one in six couples during their lifetime and is more frequent in obese. Obesity is also associated with male infertility related to erectile dysfunction, hormonal disturbances and lower semen quality. Any of these above mentioned disorder is the important risk factor of psychological disturbances and poor quality of life among women and men in the reproductive age. On the other hand the mood disorders may exacerbate the hormonal disturbances and worsen the effectiveness of infertility management. Infertility, its therapy with accompanying psychological disturbances may also significantly affect the partners relationships. The review summarize the results described in the current literature on the association between obesity and infertility and psychological disturbances as well as their impact on quality of life and sexual functioning in women and men. Moreover, the impact of infertility and psychological disturbances on partners relationships is discussed.
Japanese Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Complex Disorders Diagnosis Based on Mitochondrial SNP Haplogroups
Authors: Takasaki Shigeru
Published: July 2012

This paper first explains how the relations between Japanese Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients and their mitochondrial SNP frequencies at individual mtDNA positions examined using the radial basis function (RBF) network and a method based on RBF network predictions and that Japanese AD patients are associated with the haplogroups G2a and N9b1. It then describes a method for the initial diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease that is based on the mtSNP haplogroups of the AD patients. The method examines the relations between someone’s mtDNA mutations and the mtSNPs of AD patients. As the mtSNP haplogroups thus obtained indicate which nucleotides of mtDNA loci are changed in the Alzheimer’s patients, a person’s probability of becoming an AD patient can be predicted by comparing those mtDNA mutations with that person’s mtDNA mutations. The proposed method can also be used to diagnose diseases such as Parkinson’s disease and type 2 diabetes and to identify people likely to become centenarians.
A Comparison of Two Dust Uplift Schemes within the Same General Circulation Model
Authors: Ackerley Duncan , Joshi Manoj M. , Highwood Eleanor J. , Ryder Claire L. , Harrison Mark A. J. , Walters David N. , Milton Sean F. , Strachan Jane
Published: July 2012

Aeolian dust modelling has improved significantly over the last ten years and many institutions now consistently model dust uplift, transport and deposition in general circulation models (GCMs). However, the representation of dust in GCMs is highly variable between modelling communities due to differences in the uplift schemes employed and the representation of the global circulation that subsequently leads to dust deflation. In this study two different uplift schemes are incorporated in the same GCM. This approach enables a clearer comparison of the dust uplift schemes themselves, without the added complexity of several different transport and deposition models. The global annual mean dust aerosol optical depths (at 550 nm) using two different dust uplift schemes were found to be 0.014 and 0.023—both lying within the estimates from the AeroCom project. However, the models also have appreciably different representations of the dust size distribution adjacent to the West African coast and very different deposition at various sites throughout the globe. The different dust uplift schemes were also capable of influencing the modelled circulation, surface air temperature, and precipitation despite the use of prescribed sea surface temperatures. This has important implications for the use of dust models in AMIP-style (Atmospheric Modelling Intercomparison Project) simulations and Earth-system modelling.
Schneider Membrane Elevation in Presence of Sinus Septa: Anatomic Features and Surgical Management
Authors: Beretta Mario , Cicciù Marco , Bramanti Ennio , Maiorana Carlo
Published: July 2012

Maxillary sinus floor elevation via a lateral approach is a predictable technique to increase bone volume of the edentulous posterior maxilla and consequently for dental implants placement. The sinus floor is elevated and it can be augmented with either autologous or xenogeneic bone grafts following an opening bone window created on the facial buccal wall. Maxillary septa are walls of cortical bone within the maxillary sinus. The septa shape has been described as an inverted gothic arch arising from the inferior or lateral walls of the sinus and may even divide the sinus into two or more cavities. Some authors have reported a higher prevalence of septa in atrophic edentulous areas than in nonatrophic ones. Radiographic identification of these structures is important in order to perform the right design of the lateral window during sinus lift. Aim of this investigation is to highlight the correct steps for doing sinus lift surgery in presence of those anatomic variations. Clinicians should always perform clinical and radiographic diagnosis in order to avoid complications related to the sinus lift surgery.
Polysaccharides of St. John’s Wort Herb Stimulate NHDF Proliferation and NEHK Differentiation via Influence on Extracellular Structures and Signal Pathways
Authors: Abakuks S. , Deters A. M.
Published: July 2012

St. John's Wort herb extracts often contain undesirable or volitional polysaccharides. As polysaccharides exhibit structure-dependent biological functions in the present study water-soluble polysaccharides were extracted from herb material, fractionated by anion exchange chromatography into four main polysaccharide fractions (denominated as Hp1, Hp2, Hp3 and Hp4) and characterized by HPAEC-PAD, CE, IR and GC-MS. Biological activity on human skin keratinocytes and fibroblasts was assessed by investigation of their effect on proliferation, metabolism, cytotoxicity, apoptosis and differentiation. The underlying mechanisms were investigated in gene expression studies. Polysaccharide fraction Hp1 was mainly composed ofβ-D-glucose. Hp2, Hp3 and Hp4 contained pectic structures and arabinogalactan proteins varying in composition and quantity. Polysaccharides of Hp1 induced the keratinocyte differentiation by inhibiting the gene expression of the epidermal growth factor and insulin receptor. While the collagen secretion of fibroblasts was stimulated by each polysaccharide fraction only Hp1 stimulated the synthesis. The fibroblast proliferation was reduced by Hp1 and increased by Hp4. This effect was related to the influence on genes that referred to oxidative stress, metabolism, transcription processes and extracellular proteins. In conclusion polysaccharides have been shown as biologically active ingredients of aqueous St. John's Wort extracts with a relation between their structural characteristics and function.
Approximate Solutions for Nonlinear Initial Value Problems Using the Modified Variational Iteration Method
Authors: Nofal Taher A.
Published: July 2012

We have used the modified variational iteration method (MVIM) to find the approximate solutions for some nonlinear initial value problems in the mathematical physics, via the Burgers‐Fisher equation, the Kuramoto‐Sivashinsky equation, the coupled Schrodinger‐KdV equations, and the long‐short wave resonance equations together with initial conditions. The results of these problems reveal that the modified variational iteration method is very powerful, effective, convenient, and quite accurate to systems of nonlinear equations. It is predicted that this method can be found widely applicable in engineering and physics.
Challenges and Benefits of Utilizing Carbon Nanofilaments in Cementitious Materials
Authors: Yazdanbakhsh Ardavan , Grasley Zachary , Tyson Bryan , Abu Al-Rub Rashid
Published: July 2012

Carbon nanofibers/tubes (CNF/Ts) are very strong and stiff and as a result, are expected to be capable of enhancing the mechanical properties of cementitious materials significantly. Yet there are practical issues concerning the utilization of CNF/Ts in cementitious materials. This study summarizes some of the past efforts made by different investigators for utilizing carbon nanofilaments in cementitious materials and also reports recent experimental research performed by the authors on the mechanical properties of CNF‐reinforced hardened cement paste. The major difficulties concerning the utilization of CNF/Ts in cementitious materials are introduced and discussed. Most of these difficulties are related to the poor dispersibility of CNF/Ts. However, the findings from the research presented in this work indicate that, despite these difficulties, carbon nanofilaments can significantly improve the mechanical properties of cementitious materials. The results show that CNFs, even when poorly dispersed within the cementitious matrix, can remarkably increase the flexural strength and cracking resistance of concrete subjected to drying conditions.
Cyclic Iterative Method for Strictly Pseudononspreading in Hilbert Space
Authors: Deng Bin-Chao , Chen Tong , Li Zhi-Fang
Published: July 2012

Let be N strictly pseudononspreading mappings defined on closed convex subset C of a real Hilbert space H. Consider the problem of finding a common fixed point of these mappings and introduce cyclic algorithms based on general viscosity iteration method for solving this problem. We will prove the strong convergence of these cyclic algorithm. Moreover, the common fixed point is the solution of the variational inequality .
Lacunary Statistical Limit and Cluster Points of Generalized Difference Sequences of Fuzzy Numbers
Authors: Kumar Pankaj , Kumar Vijay , Bhatia S. S.
Published: July 2012

The aim of present work is to introduce and study lacunary statistical limit and lacunary statistical cluster points for generalized difference sequences of fuzzy numbers. Some inclusion relations among the sets of ordinary limit points, statistical limit points, statistical cluster points, lacunary statistical limit points, and lacunary statistical cluster points for these type of sequences are obtained.
Paroxysmal Hypnogenic Dyskinesia Responsive to Doxylamine: A Case Report
Authors: Williams Daniel M.
Published: July 2012

Paroxysmal hypnogenic dyskinesia is a rare clinical entity characterized by intermittent dystonia and choreoathetoid movements that begin exclusively during sleep, often with consciousness preserved once the patient is awakened during the episodes. They occur almost every night and are often misdiagnosed as sleeping disorders. Paroxysmal hypnogenic dyskinesia is currently known to be a form of frontal lobe epilepsy, but not in all cases. We present a 19-year-old male patient with paroxysmal hypnogenic dyskinesia who responded to antihistamines. This supports an alternative theory from 1977 (before the cases had been adequately described) that the disorder lies in dysregulation in the basal ganglia. This description now appears similar to acute dystonic reactions such as extrapyramidal symptoms from antipsychotic medications, which also respond to antihistamines.
MicroRNAs in Insulin Resistance and Obesity
Authors: Williams Michael D. , Mitchell Geraldine M.
Published: July 2012

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of short, single-stranded non-protein coding gene products which can regulate the gene expression through post-transcriptional inhibition of messenger RNA (mRNA) translation. They are known to be involved in many essential biological processes including development, insulin secretion, and adipocyte differentiation. miRNAs are involved in complex metabolic processes, such as energy and lipid metabolism, which have been studied in the context of diabetes and obesity. Obesity, hyperlipidemia (elevated levels of blood lipids), and insulin resistance are strongly associated with the onset of type 2 diabetes. These conditions are also associated with aberrant expression of multiple essential miRNAs in pancreatic islets of Langerhans and peripheral tissues, including adipose tissue. A thorough understanding of the physiological role these miRNAs play in these tissues, and changes to their expression under pathological conditions, will allow researchers to develop new therapeutics with the potential to correct the aberrant expression of miRNAs in type 2 diabetes and obesity.
Effect of Cr Content on the Properties of Magnetic Field Processed Cr‐Doped ZnO‐Diluted Magnetic Semiconductors
Authors: Wang Shiwei , Bo Weiqiang , Zhong Min , Liu Cong , Li Ying , Zhu Mingyuan , Hu Yemin , Jin Hongmin
Published: July 2012

Cr‐doped ZnO‐diluted magnetic semiconductor (DMS) nanocrystals with various Cr contents were synthesized by hydrothermal method under high magnetic field. The result indicated that both the amount of Cr contents and high magnetic field significantly influenced crystal structure, morphology, and magnetic property of Cr‐doped ZnO DMSs. When the Cr contents increased from 1 at% to 5 at%, the morphology of grains sequentially changed from flower‐like to rod‐like and then to the flake‐like form. All the samples remained hexagonal wurtzite structure after Cr ions were doped into the ZnO crystal lattice. The Cr doping led to the increasing amount of defects and even enhanced the magnetic property of the matrix materials. All the Cr‐doped ZnO DMSs obtained under high magnetic field exhibited obvious ferromagnetic behavior at room temperature. The results have also shown the successful substitution of the Cr3+ ions for the Zn2+ ions in the crystal lattice.
Robust Adaptive Switching Control for Markovian Jump NonlinearSystems via Backstepping Technique
Authors: Zhu Jin , Xi Hongsheng , Ling Qiang , Xie Wanqing
Published: July 2012

This paper investigates robust adaptive switching controller
design for Markovian jump nonlinear systems with unmodeled
dynamics and Wiener noise. The concerned system is of
strict‐feedback form, and the statistics information of noise is
unknown due to practical limitation. With the ordinary
input‐to‐state stability (ISS) extended to jump case, stochastic
Lyapunov stability criterion is proposed. By using backstepping
technique and stochastic small‐gain theorem, a switching
controller is designed such that stochastic stability is ensured.
Also system states will converge to an attractive region whose
radius can be made as small as possible with appropriate control
parameters chosen. A simulation example illustrates the validity
of this method.
Predicting Unsteady Loads in Marine Propulsor Crashback Using Large Eddy Simulation
Authors: Jang Hyunchul , Verma Aman , Mahesh Krishnan
Published: July 2012

Propulsor crashback is an off-design operating condition where a propulsor rotates in the reverse direction to yield negative thrust. Crashback is characterized by the interaction of the free stream with the reverse flow generated by propulsor rotation. This causes a highly unsteady vortex ring which leads to flow separation and unsteady forces and moments on the blades. Large eddy simulation (LES) is performed for marine propulsors in crashback for various configurations and advance ratios and validated against experiments. The predictive capability of LES as a tool for propulsor crashback is demonstrated on an open propulsor, open propulsor with a submarine hull, and ducted propulsor with and without stator blades. LES is in good agreement with experiments for the mean and RMS levels, and spectra of the unsteady loads on the propulsors.
Real-Time Clinical Decision Support System with Data Stream Mining
Authors: Zhang Yang , Fong Simon , Fiaidhi Jinan , Mohammed Sabah
Published: July 2012

This research aims to describe a new design of data stream mining system that can analyze medical data stream and make real-time prediction. The motivation of the research is due to a growing concern of combining software technology and medical functions for the development of software application that can be used in medical field of chronic disease prognosis and diagnosis, children healthcare, diabetes diagnosis, and so forth. Most of the existing software technologies are case-based data mining systems. They only can analyze finite and structured data set and can only work well in their early years and can hardly meet today's medical requirement. In this paper, we describe a clinical-support-system based data stream mining technology; the design has taken into account all the shortcomings of the existing clinical support systems.
Is Lifelong Knee Joint Force from Work, Home, and Sport Related to Knee Osteoarthritis?
Authors: Ratzlaff Charles R. , Koehoorn Mieke , Cibere Jolanda , Kopec Jacek A.
Published: July 2012

Purpose. To investigate the association of cumulative lifetime knee joint force on the risk of self-reported medically-diagnosed knee osteoarthritis (OA).Methods. Exposure data on lifetime physical activity type (occupational, household, sport/recreation) and dose (frequency, intensity, duration) were collected from 4,269 Canadian men and women as part of the Physical Activity and Joint Heath cohort study. Subjects were ranked in terms of the “cumulative peak force index”, a measure of lifetime mechanical knee force. Multivariable logistic regression was conducted to obtain adjusted effects for mean lifetime knee force on the risk of knee OA.Results. High levels of total lifetime, occupational and household-related force were associated with an increased in risk of OA, with odds ratio’s ranging from approximately 1.3 to 2. Joint injury, high BMI and older age were related to risk of knee OA, consistent with previous studies.Conclusions. A newly developed measure of lifetime mechanical knee force from physical activity was employed to estimate the risk of self-reported, medically-diagnosed knee OA. While there are limitations, this paper suggests that high levels of total lifetime force (all domains combined), and occupational force in men and household force in women were risk factors for knee OA.
A Two-Level Routing Scheme for Wireless Sensor Network
Authors: Shi Jinglun , Shan Zhilong , Liu Xuxun
Published: July 2012

A new two-level routing scheme is proposed using the energy features of wireless sensor network. The proposed scheme consists of two levels: (i) sink node level and (ii) sensor node level. The proposed scheme exploits independent gradients for each sink node so that the exploratory messages forwarded by the intermediate sensor nodes can be significantly reduced. Experiments are conducted using two evaluation criterions, which are average dissipated energy and hop counts, to demonstrate the superior performance of the proposed scheme.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Epoxyeicosatrienoic Acids
Authors: Thomson Scott J. , Askari Ara , Bishop-Bailey David
Published: July 2012

Epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) are generated by the activity of both selective and also more general cytochrome p450 (CYP) enzymes on arachidonic acid and inactivated largely by soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH), which converts them to their corresponding dihydroxyeicosatrienoic acids (DHETs). EETs have been shown to have a diverse range of effects on the vasculature including relaxation of vascular tone, cellular proliferation, and angiogenesis as well as the migration of smooth muscle cells. This paper will highlight the growing evidence that EETs also mediate a number of anti-inflammatory effects in the cardiovascular system. In particular, numerous studies have demonstrated that potentiation of EET activity using different methods can inhibit inflammatory gene expression and signalling pathways in endothelial cells and monocytes and in models of cardiovascular diseases. The mechanisms by which EETs mediate their effects are largely unknown but may include direct binding to peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs), or transient receptor potential (TRP) channels, which initiate anti-inflammatory signalling cascades.
Fixed Points and Endpoints of Set‐Valued Contractions in Cone Metric Spaces
Authors: Lin Ing-Jer , Chen Chi-Ming , Jovanović Mirko , Wu Tzi-Huei
Published: July 2012

The purpose of this paper is to present the fixed points and endpoints of set‐valued contractions concerning with the stronger Meir‐Keeler cone‐type mappings in cone metric spcaes. Our results generalize the recent results of Kadelburg and Radenović, 2011; Wardowski, 2009.
Occult Breast Cancer due to Multiple Calcified Hamartomas in a Patient with Cowden Syndrome
Authors: Gómez García E. B. , Lobbes M. B. I. , van de Vijver K. , Keymeulen K. , van der Ent F. , Yntema H. G. , Tjan-Heijnen V. C. , Boetes C.
Published: July 2012

Cowden syndrome (CS) is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by presence of multiple hamartomas, and other benign and malignant abnormalities of the breasts, skin, thyroid, endometrium, gastrointestinal tract, and central nervous system. Hamartomas are benign, developmentally disorganized tumors that can develop in any of the above mentioned organs. The presence of massive calcifications in the breasts in very young women is an indication to perform a breast MRI to exclude a neoplasm since, like in the current case report, presence of breast calcifications may obscure a neoplasm. Although fibrocystic disease and cooccurrence of fibrocystic disease and breast cancer are much more common than CS, the presence of massive calcifications in the breasts of very young women should elicit the possibility of an underlying genetic disease. Furthermore, breast cancer and macrocephaly are considered major criteria for the diagnosis of CS and the combination of both is enough to establish the clinical diagnosis of this entity. Fibrocystic disease of the breasts and multinodular goiter are minor criteria. Family history is also important for the diagnosis of (any) hereditary disease.
Performance Improvement of a Centrifugal Compressor by Passive Means
Authors: Sitaram N. , Swamy S. M.
Published: July 2012

The present experimental investigation deals with performance improvement of a low-speed centrifugal compressor by inexpensive passive means such as turbulence generator placed at different positions and partial shroud near the rotor blade tip. The experiments are carried out at three values of tip clearance, namely 2.2%, 5.1%, and 7.9% of rotor blade height at the exit. Performance tests are carried out for a total of 13 configurations. From these measurements, partial shroud is found to give the best performance. The improvement in the compressor performance may be due to the reduction of tip leakage flows by the small extension of partial shroud (2 mm on the pressure surface side). Although there is nominal change in performance due to turbulence generator (TG), TG has beneficial effect of increased operating range.
Topotecan and Cyclophosphamide in Adults with Relapsed Sarcoma
Authors: Blanchette P. , Hogg D. , Ferguson P. , Wunder J. S. , Swallow C. , Gladdy R. , Chung P. , O’Sullivan B. , Blackstein M. E. , Catton C. , Gupta A. A.
Published: July 2012

Background.The combination of topotecan and cyclophosphamide (TC) has activity in pediatric patients with recurrent sarcoma, especially Ewing’s sarcoma (EWS). We sought to determine the toxicity of and response to TC in adults with recurrent sarcoma.Patients and Methods.Adults treated with TC from 2005 to 2010 were reviewed who received T = topotecan at 0.75 mg/m2/day (days 1–5) and C = cyclophosphamide at 250 mg/m2/day (days 1–5) every 21 days.Results.Fifteen patients, median age 31 years (range 17.5–56) had nonpleomorphic rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS,n=6), EWS,n=5, synovial sarcoma (SS,n=2) leiomyosarcoma (LMS,n=1), and desmoplastic small round cell tumour (DSRCT,n=1). Median time to progression was 2.5 months (range 1.6–13.0). Partial responses were seen in 2/6 RMS and 1/2 SS. Stable disease was seen in 2/5 EWS, 1/2 SS and 1 DSRCT. The most common reason for stopping treatment was progressive disease 12/15, (80%). Hematologic toxicity was common; 7 (47%) patients required blood product transfusion, 5 (33%) patients had fever/neutropenia. At median follow-up time of 7.7 months, all but 1 patient had died of disease.Conclusion:TC combination is tolerable but has only modest activity in adults with recurrent sarcoma. Other regimens deserve exploration for this high-risk group of patients
Dexmedetomidine versus Remifentanil for Sedation during Awake Fiberoptic Intubation
Authors: Cattano Davide , Lam Nicholas C. , Ferrario Lara , Seitan Carmen , Vahdat Kash , Wilcox Darrell W. , Hagberg Carin A.
Published: July 2012

This study compared remifentanil and dexmedetomidine as awake fiberoptic intubation (AFOI) anesthetics. Thirty-four adult ASA I-III patients were enrolled in a double-blinded randomized pilot study to receive remifentanil (REM) or dexmedetomidine (DEX) for sedation during AFOI (nasal and oral). Thirty patients completed the study and received 2 mg midazolam IV and topical anesthesia. The REM group received a loading dose of 0.75 mcg/kg followed by an infusion of 0.075 mcg/kg/min. The DEX group received a loading dose of 0.4 mcg/kg followed by an infusion of 0.7 mcg/kg/hr. Time to sedation, number of intubation attempts, Ramsay sedation scale (RSS) score, bispectral index (BIS), and memory recall were recorded. All thirty patients were successfully intubated by AFOI (22 oral intubations/8 nasal). First attempt success rate with AFOI was higher in the REM group than the DEX group, 72% and 38% (P=0.02), respectively. The DEX group took longer to attain RSS of ≥3 and to achieve BIS <80, as compared to the REM group. Postloading dose verbal recall was poorer in the DEX group. Dexmedetomidine seems a useful adjunct for patients undergoing AFOI but is dependent on dosage and time. Further studies in the use of dexmedetomidine for AFOI are warranted.
Robustness Maximization of Parallel Multichannel Systems
Authors: Baudais Jean-Yves , Syed Muhammad Fahad , Hélard Jean-François
Published: July 2012

Bit error rate (BER) minimization and SNR‐gap maximization, two robustness optimization problems, are
solved, under average power and bitrate constraints, according to the waterfilling policy. Under peak power
constraint the solutions differ and this paper gives bit‐loading solutions of both robustness optimization
problems over independent parallel channels. The study is based on analytical approach, using
generalized Lagrangian relaxation tool, and on greedy‐type algorithm approach. Tight BER expressions
are used for square and rectangular quadrature amplitude modulations. Integer bit solution of analytical
continuous bitrates is performed with a new generalized secant method. The asymptotic convergence of
both robustness optimizations is proved for both analytical and algorithmic approaches. We also prove
that, in the conventional margin maximization problem, the equivalence between SNR‐gap maximization
and power minimization does not hold with peak‐power limitation. Based on a defined dissimilarity
measure, bit‐loading solutions are compared over Rayleigh fading channel for multicarrier systems. Simulation
results confirm the asymptotic convergence of both resource allocation policies. In nonasymptotic
regime the resource allocation policies can be interchanged depending on the robustness measure
and on the operating point of the communication system. The low computational effort leads to a good
trade‐off between performance and complexity.
Postpartum Deterioration of Hemodynamics in a Case of Uncorrected Ebstein's Anomaly
Authors: Kimura Masato , Kakizaki Shuhei , Tazawa Seiichi , Adachi Osamu , Saiki Yoshikatsu , Kure Shigeo
Published: July 2012

Ebstein's anomaly is a rare congenital cardiac malformation that is characterized by abnormalities of the tricuspid valve and right ventricle. Pregnancy is usually well tolerated unless cyanosis or arrhythmia develops. We report a case with Ebstein's anomaly, whose condition was asymptomatic before pregnancy but remarkably deteriorated down during the postpartum period, even though a successful pregnancy and cardiac surgery were achieved. Women with Ebstein's anomaly should be carefully assessed and may need to be advised to have corrective surgery prior to pregnancy even if they were asymptomatic.
Detection of M-Sequences from Spike Sequence in Neuronal Networks
Authors: Nishitani Yoshi , Hosokawa Chie , Mizuno-Matsumoto Yuko , Miyoshi Tomomitsu , Sawai Hajime , Tamura Shinichi
Published: July 2012

In circuit theory, it is well known that a linear feedback shift register (LFSR) circuit generates pseudorandom bit sequences (PRBS), including an M-sequence with the maximum period of length. In this study, we tried to detect M-sequences known as a pseudorandom sequence generated by the LFSR circuit from time series patterns of stimulated action potentials. Stimulated action potentials were recorded from dissociated cultures of hippocampal neurons grown on a multielectrode array. We could find several M-sequences from a 3-stage LFSR circuit (M3). These results show the possibility of assembling LFSR circuits or its equivalent ones in a neuronal network. However, since the M3 pattern was composed of only four spike intervals, the possibility of an accidental detection was not zero. Then, we detected M-sequences from random spike sequences which were not generated from an LFSR circuit and compare the result with the number of M-sequences from the originally observed raster data. As a result, a significant difference was confirmed: a greater number of “0–1” reversed the 3-stage M-sequences occurred than would have accidentally be detected. This result suggests that some LFSR equivalent circuits are assembled in neuronal networks.
Updated and New Perspectives on Diagnosis, Prognosis, and Therapy of Malignant Pheochromocytoma/Paraganglioma
Authors: Parenti Gabriele , Zampetti Benedetta , Rapizzi Elena , Ercolino Tonino , Giachè Valentino , Mannelli Massimo
Published: July 2012

Malignant pheochromocytomas/paragangliomas are rare tumors with a poor prognosis. Malignancy is diagnosed by the development of metastases as evidenced by recurrences in sites normally devoid of chromaffin tissue. Histopathological, biochemical, molecular and genetic markers offer only information on potential risk of metastatic spread. Large size, extraadrenal location, dopamine secretion,SDHBmutations, a PASS score higher than 6, a high Ki-67 index are indexes for potential malignancy. Metastases can be present at first diagnosis or occur years after primary surgery. Measurement of plasma and/or urinary metanephrine, normetanephrine and metoxytyramine are recommended for biochemical diagnosis. Anatomical and functional imaging using different radionuclides are necessary for localization of tumor and metastases. Metastatic pheochromocytomas/paragangliomas is incurable. When possible, surgical debulking of primary tumor is recommended as well as surgical or radiosurgical removal of metastases. I-131-MIBG radiotherapy is the treatment of choice although results are limited. Chemotherapy is reserved to more advanced disease stages. Recent genetic studies have highlighted the main pathways involved in pheochromocytomas/paragangliomas pathogenesis thus suggesting the use of targeted therapy which, nevertheless, has still to be validated. Large cooperative studies on tissue specimens and clinical trials in large cohorts of patients are necessary to achieve better therapeutic tools and improve patient prognosis.
Solving Packing Problems by a Distributed Global Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Hu Nian-Ze , Li Han-Lin , Tsai Jung-Fa
Published: July 2012

Packing optimization problems aim to seek the best way of placing a given set of rectangular boxes within a minimum volume rectangular box. Current packing optimization methods either find it difficult to obtain an optimal solution or require too many extra 0‐1 variables in the solution process. This study develops a novel method to convert the nonlinear objective function in a packing program into an increasing function with single variable and two fixed parameters. The original packing program then becomes a linear program promising to obtain a global optimum. Such a linear program is decomposed into several subproblems by specifying various parameter values, which is solvable simultaneously by a distributed computation algorithm. A reference solution obtained by applying a genetic algorithm is used as an upper bound of the optimal solution, used to reduce the entire search region.
Pan-African Paleostresses and Reactivation of the Eburnean Basement Complex in Southeast Ghana (West Africa)
Authors: Tairou Mahaman Sani , Affaton Pascal , Anum Solomon , Fleury Thomas Jules
Published: July 2012

This faulting tectonics analysis concerns the southernmost segment of the Dahomeyide Orogen and the West-African craton eastern margin in southeast Ghana. The analysis of strike-slip faults in the frontal units of the Dahomeyide Belt indicates that four distinct compressive events (NE-SW, ENE-WSW to E-W, ESE-WNW to SE-NW and SE-NW to SSE-NNW) originated the juxtaposition of the Pan-African Mobile Zone and the West-African craton. These paleostress systems define a clockwise rotation of the compressional axis during the structuring of the Dahomeyide Orogen (650–550 Ma). The SE-NW and SSE-NNW to N-S compressional axes in the cratonic domain and its cover (Volta Basin) suggest that the reactivation of the eastern edge of the West African craton is coeval with the last stages of the Pan-African tectogenesis in southeast Ghana. An extensional episode expressed as late normal faulting is also recorded in this study. This E-W to SE-NW extension, which is particular to the southernmost part of the Dahomeyide Belt, appears to be post-Pan-African. This extension probably contributed to the formation of a major Jurassic rifting zone that originated the Central Atlantic and the Benue Trough.
Robust Stability of Uncertain Systems over Network with Bounded Packet Loss
Authors: Guo Yafeng , Pan Tianhong
Published: July 2012

This paper investigates the problem of robust stability of uncertain linear discrete‐time system over network with bounded packet loss. A new Lyapunov functional is constructed. It can more fully utilize the characteristics of the packet loss; hence the established stability criterion is more effective to deal with the effect of packet loss on the stability. Numerical examples are given to illustrate the effectiveness and advantage of the proposed methods.
Development of a Three-Phase Sequential Turbocharging System with Two Unequal-Size Turbochargers
Authors: Qian Yuehua , Zhang Zhe , Deng Kangyao
Published: July 2012

A three-phase sequential turbocharging system with two unequal-size turbochargers is developed to improve the fuel economy performance and reduce the smoke emission of the automotive diesel engine, and it has wider range of application than the current two-phase sequential turbocharging system. The steady matching method of the turbochargers and engine and the steady switching boundary are presented. The experimental results show that this system is effective to improve the engine performance especially at the low speed and high load. The maximum reductions of BSFC and smoke opacity are 7.1% and 70.9%. The optimized switching strategies of the valves are investigated, and the surge of the compressor in the switching process is avoided. The switching strategies in the accelerating process are optimized, and the acceleration time from 900 r/min and 2100 r/min at constant torque is reduced by approximately 20%.
Ultrasonic Flaw Detection and Imaging through Reverberant Layers via Subspace Analysis and Projection
Authors: Demirli Ramazan , Amin Moeness G. , Shen Xizhong , Zhang Yimin D.
Published: July 2012

Ultrasonic flaw detection and imaging through reverberant layers are challenging problems owing to the layer-induced reverberations and front surface reflections. These undesired signals present a strong clutter and mask the flaw echoes. In this paper, a subspace-based approach is developed for removing, or significantly reducing, the unwanted reverberations, enabling proper flaw detection and imaging. The technique utilizes a set of independent clutter-only reference measurements of the material through the layer. If these measurements are not available, array measurements of the material with flaws are used instead. The clutter, due to its high strength relative to the flaw reflections, forms a subspace spanned by the eigenvectors corresponding to the dominant eigenvalues of the data covariance matrix. The clutter subspace is estimated and removed using orthogonal subspace projection. The clutter usually occupies multidimension subspace that is dependent on the level of coupling, material inhomogeneity, surface roughness, and the sampling rate of the measurements. When the clutter-only reference is not available, information theoretic techniques are used to estimate the dimension of the clutter subspace so that clutter signals are sufficiently suppressed without distorting the flaw signals. The effectiveness of the proposed approach is demonstrated using simulations and real measurement results.
A Novel Approach to Evaluate the Benefits of Casing Treatment in Axial Compressors
Authors: Legras Guillaume , Trébinjac Isabelle , Gourdain Nicolas , Ottavy Xavier , Castillon Lionel
Published: July 2012

Passive control devices based on casing treatments have already shown their capability to improve the flow stability in axial compressors. However, their optimization remains complex due to a partial understanding of the related physical mechanisms. In order to quantitatively assess the interaction between slots and the blade tip flow, the present paper develops a novel analysis methodology based on a control-volume approach located in the rotor tip region. This methodology may be used for analyzing the casing treatment based on both axi- and non-axisymmetric slots design. The second issue of the paper focuses on the application of the current approach to better understand the effects of axi- and non-axisymmetric grooves in three different axial compressors which differ by the flow regime (subsonic/transonic) and the smooth casing shape (cylindrical/concave). Numerical simulations are performed, and results of the current approach with and without casing treatments are compared.
Breast Cancer Chemoprevention: Old and New Approaches
Authors: Cazzaniga Massimiliano , Bonanni Bernardo
Published: July 2012

In 1976, Sporn has defined chemoprevention as “the use of pharmacologic or natural agents that inhibit the development of invasive breast cancer either by blocking the DNA damage that initiates carcinogenesis, or by arresting or reversing the progression of premalignant cells in which such damage has already occurred.” Although the precise mechanism or mechanisms that promote a breast cancer are not completely established, the success of several recent clinical trials in preventive settings in selected high-risk populations suggests that chemoprevention is a rational and an appealing strategy. Breast cancer chemoprevention has focused heavily on endocrine intervention using selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) and aromatase inhibitors (AIs). Achieving much success in this particular setting and new approaches as low-dose administration are actually under investigations in several topics. Unfortunately, these drugs are active in prevention of endocrine responsive lesions only and have no effect in reducing the risk of estrogen-negative breast cancer. Thus, recently new pathways, biomarkers, and agents likely are to be effective in this subgroup of cancers and were put under investigation. Moreover, the identification of new potential molecular targets and the development of agents aimed at these targets within cancer have already had a significant impact on advanced cancer therapy and provide a wealth of opportunities for chemoprevention. This paper will highlight current clinical research in both ER-positive and ER-negative breast cancer chemoprevention, explaining the biologic effect of the various agents on carcinogenesis and precancerous lesions, and finally presenting an excursus on the state-of-the-art about new molecular targets under investigations in breast cancer settings.