bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TRPC1 contributes to light-touch sensation and mechanical responses in low-threshold cutaneous sensory neurons
Authors: Garrison Sheldon R. , Dietrich Alexander , Stucky Cheryl L.
Published: November 2011

The cellular proteins that underlie mechanosensation remain largely enigmatic in mammalian systems. Mechanically sensitive ion channels are thought to distinguish pressure, stretch, and other types of tactile signals in skin. Transient receptor potential canonical 1 (TRPC1) is a candidate mechanically sensitive channel that is expressed in primary afferent sensory neurons. However, its role in the mechanical sensitivity of these neurons is unclear. Here, we investigated TRPC1-dependent responses to both innocuous and noxious mechanical force. Mechanically evoked action potentials in cutaneous myelinated A-fiber and unmyelinated C-fiber neurons were quantified using the ex vivo skin-nerve preparation to record from the saphenous nerve, which terminates in the dorsal hairy skin of the hindpaw. Our data reveal that in TRPC1-deficient mice, mechanically evoked action potentials were decreased by nearly 50% in slowly adapting Aβ-fibers, which largely innervate Merkel cells, and in rapidly adapting Aδ-Down-hair afferent fibers compared with wild-type controls. In contrast, differences were not found in slowly adapting Aδ-mechanoreceptors or unmyelinated C-fibers, which primarily respond to nociceptive stimuli. These results suggest that TRPC1 may be important in the detection of innocuous mechanical force. We concurrently investigated the role of TRPC1 in behavioral responses to mechanical force to the plantar hindpaw skin. For innocuous stimuli, we developed a novel light stroke assay using a “puffed out” cotton swab. Additionally, we used repeated light, presumably innocuous punctate stimuli with a low threshold von Frey filament (0.68 mN). In agreement with our electrophysiological data in light-touch afferents, TRPC1-deficient mice exhibited nearly a 50% decrease in behavioral responses to both the light-stroke and light punctate mechanical assays when compared with wild-type controls. In contrast, TRPC1-deficient mice exhibited normal paw withdrawal response to more intense mechanical stimuli that are typically considered measures of nociceptive behavior.
A critical window of CAG repeat-length correlates with phenotype severity in the R6/2 mouse model of Huntington's disease
Authors: Cummings Damian M. , Alaghband Yasaman , Hickey Miriam A. , Joshi Prasad R. , Hong S. Candice , Zhu Chunni , Ando Timothy K. , André Véronique M. , Cepeda Carlos , Watson Joseph B. , Levine Michael S.
Published: November 2011

The R6/2 mouse is the most frequently used model for experimental and preclinical drug trials in Huntington's disease (HD). When the R6/2 mouse was first developed, it carried exon 1 of the huntingtin gene with ∼150 cytosine-adenine-guanine (CAG) repeats. The model presented with a rapid and aggressive phenotype that shared many features with the human condition and was particularly similar to juvenile HD. However, instability in the CAG repeat length due to different breeding practices has led to both decreases and increases in average CAG repeat lengths among colonies. Given the inverse relationship in human HD between CAG repeat length and age at onset and to a degree, the direct relationship with severity of disease, we have investigated the effect of altered CAG repeat length. Four lines, carrying ∼110, ∼160, ∼210, and ∼310 CAG repeats, were examined using a battery of tests designed to assess the basic R6/2 phenotype. These included electrophysiological properties of striatal medium-sized spiny neurons, motor activity, inclusion formation, and protein expression. The results showed an unpredicted, inverted “U-shaped” relationship between CAG repeat length and phenotype; increasing the CAG repeat length from 110 to 160 exacerbated the R6/2 phenotype, whereas further increases to 210 and 310 CAG repeats greatly ameliorated the phenotype. These findings demonstrate that the expected relationship between CAG repeat length and disease severity observed in humans is lost in the R6/2 mouse model and highlight the importance of CAG repeat-length determination in preclinical drug trials that use this model.
Thymoma with Coexisting Undifferentiated Pleomorphic Sarcoma: A Case Report
Authors: Varshney Manoranjan , Shahid Mohammad , Maheshwari Veena , Mubeen Aysha , Siddiqui Mohammed Azfar
Published: November 2011

We report here a case of thymoma simultaneously associated with undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma. A 45-year-old male presented with axillary lump. Radiographic studies showed a mediastinal mass. On fine needle aspiration cytology and histopathological examination, a diagnosis of thymoma with coexisting undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma was made. Although thymomas are associated with many extrathymic malignancies, it's association with undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma is rare. This case is being reported on to reinforce that clinicians should bear in mind the possibility of extrathymic malignancies in patients with thymomas.
Classification of Textual E‐Mail Spam Using Data Mining Techniques
Authors: Alguliev Rasim M. , Aliguliyev Ramiz M. , Nazirova Saadat A.
Published: November 2011

A new method for clustering of spam messages collected in bases of antispam system is offered. The genetic algorithm is developed for solving clustering problems. The objective function is a maximization of similarity between messages in clusters, which is defined by k‐nearest neighbor algorithm. Application of genetic algorithm for solving constrained problems faces the problem of constant support of chromosomes which reduces convergence process. Therefore, for acceleration of convergence of genetic algorithm, a penalty function that prevents occurrence of infeasible chromosomes at ranging of values of function of fitness is used. After classification, knowledge extraction is applied in order to get information about classes. Multidocument summarization method is used to get the information portrait of each cluster of spam messages. Classifying and parametrizing spam templates, it will be also possible to define the thematic dependence from geographical dependence (e.g., what subjects prevail in spam messages sent from certain countries). Thus, the offered system will be capable to reveal purposeful information attacks if those occur. Analyzing origins of the spam messages from collection, it is possible to define and solve the organized social networks of spammers.
A Low Memory Solver for Integral Equations of Chandrasekhar Type in the Radiative Transfer Problems
Authors: Yusuf Waziri Mohammed , Leong Wah June , Abu Hassan Malik , Monsi Mansor
Published: November 2011

The problems of radiative transfer give rise to interesting integral equations
that must be faced with efficient numerical solver. Very often the integral equations are discretized to large‐scale nonlinear equations and solved by Newton′s‐like methods. Generally, these kind of methods require the computation and storage
of the Jacobian matrix or its approximation. In this paper, we present a new approach that was based on approximating the Jacobian inverse into a diagonal matrix by means of variational technique. Numerical results on well‐known benchmarks integral equations involved in the radiative transfer authenticate the reliability and efficiency of the approach. The fact that the proposed method can solve the integral equations without function derivative and matrix storage can be considered as a clear advantage over some other variants of Newton′s method.
The Role of Liver Fibrosis Assessment in the Management of Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B Infection: Lessons Learned from a Single Centre Experience
Authors: Malik Raza , Kennedy Patrick , Suri Deepak , Brown Ashley , Goldin Rob , Main Janice , Thomas Howard , Thursz Mark
Published: November 2011

Background & Aims. Assess the clinical utility of the Prati criteria and normal ALT (<40 IU/L) in a cohort of patients with chronic hepatitis B infection (CHB). Methods. Serology, radiology, and histology were obtained in 140 patients with CHB. Results. HBeAg+ group: 7 patients (7/56−12% HBeAg+ group) misclassified as “immunotolerant”, with HBV DNA > 6 log copies/ml and normal ALT, who in fact had moderate/severe fibrosis on liver biopsy. HBeAg− group: 10 patients with normal ALT and moderate/severe fibrosis on liver biopsy; 4 of these patients had >3 log copies/ml HBV DNA levels and 6 patients misclassified as “inactive carriers” with negative HBV DNA levels normal ALT and moderate/severe fibrosis (6/84−7% HBeAg− group). Two male HBeAg+ and three male HBeAg- patients with ALT between 20 and 30 IU/L and moderate/severe fibrosis on liver biopsy would have been further mischaracterised using the Prati criteria for normal ALT. Age and ethnic group were more important predictors of moderate/severe fibrosis in multivariate analysis. Conclusion. HBeAg status, age, ethnic origin with longitudinal assessment of LFTs and viral load should be studied in patients with “normal ALT” at the upper end of normal range (ALT 20–40 IU/L) to appropriately classify patients and identify patients for liver fibrosis assessment to inform treatment decisions.
Transurethral Radiofrequency Collagen Denaturation for Treatment of Female Stress Urinary Incontinence: A Review of the Literature and Clinical Recommendations
Authors: Lukban James Chivian
Published: November 2011

Stress urinary incontinence is a prevalent condition in women with a significant negative effect on quality of life. Intervention includes behavioral modification, intravaginal devices, pelvic floor muscle exercises, biofeedback, functional electrical stimulation, and surgical procedures. We will review a new in-office procedure for the treatment of SUI that may serve as a viable nonsurgical option.
Surgical Management of Uterine Fibroids at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital
Authors: Omole-Ohonsi Abiodun , Belga Francis
Published: November 2011

Objective. To determine the influence of age and parity on the surgical management of uterine fibroids, clinical presentation, presence of pelvic adhesions, cadre of surgeons, and postoperative complications at the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, Nigeria.Methods. A retrospective analysis of 105 cases of uterine fibroids that were managed between 1st January 2003 and 31st December 2007.Results. The period prevalence of uterine fibroids was 24.7% of all major gynecological operations. The mean age was 35.8 ± 7.6 and mean parity 4.7 ± 2.8. Abdominal hysterectomy accounted for 58.1% of the cases and myomectomy 41.9%. The odd of using abdominal hysterectomy was about twice that of myomectomy. Pelvic adhesions were found in 67.6% of the cases. Menorrhagia (86.7%) was the commonest symptom, while post operative anemia and pyrexia showed significant association with myomectomy. There was no maternal mortality.Conclusion. Surgical operations for uterine fibroids are safe and common kind of gynecological operations at the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital. Uterine fibroid is associated more with high parity and dominance of abdominal hysterectomy over myomectomy, because early girl marriage is common in our community.
Scleral Buckling with a Non-Contact Wide-Angle Viewing System
Authors: Aras Cengiz , Ucar Didar , Koytak Arif , Yetik Huseyin
Published: November 2011

Purpose: To assess the outcome of scleral buckling surgery using a non-contact wide-angle viewing system for fundus visualization in patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment without proliferative vitreoretinopathy. Patients and Methods: Sixteen eyes of 16 patients underwent scleral buckling using a non-contact wide-angle viewing system combined with a 25-gauge illumination fibre inserted into the sclera at the pars plana. Results: The mean age of the patients was 53.6 ± 13.7 years and the mean follow-up time was 13.4 ± 2.8 months. Retinal reattachment was achieved in 13 of the 16 eyes (81%). Three eyes underwent vitrectomy with silicone oil injection because of development of proliferative vitreoretinopathy in 2 eyes and scleral perforation due to excessive indentation during cryoretinopexy in 1 eye. Two eyes developed limited subretinal haemorrhage during subretinal fluid drainage. Conclusion: Simultaneous use of a non-contact wide-angle viewing system combined with a 25-gauge light fibre illumination for fundus visualization brings the advantages of microsurgery and indirect ophthalmoscopy into scleral buckling surgery.
The combination of four different clinical decision rules and an age-adjusted D-dimer cut-off increases the number of patients in whom acute pulmonary embolism can safely be excluded
Authors: Mos Inge , Douma Renée , Erkens Petra , Durian Marc , Nizet Tessa , van Houten Anja , Hofstee Herman , ten Cate Hugo , Ullmann Eric , Büller Harry , Huisman Menno , Kamphuisen P. W. , van Es Josien
Published: November 2011

Four clinical decision rules (CDRs) (Wells score, Revised Geneva Score (RGS), simplified Wells score and simplified RGS) safely exclude pulmonary embolism (PE), when combined with a normal D-dimer test. Recently, an age-adjusted cut-off of the D-dimer (patient’s age x 10 μg/l) safely increased the number of patients above 50 years in whom PE could safely be excluded. We validated the age-adjusted D-dimer test and assessed its performance in combination with the four CDRs in patients with suspected PE. A total of 414 consecutive patients with suspected PE who were older than 50 years were included. The proportion of patients in whom PE could be excluded with an ‘unlikely’ clinical probability combined with a normal age-adjusted D-dimer test was calculated and compared with the proportion using the conventional D-dimer cut-off. We assessed venous thromboembolism (VTE) failure rates during three months follow-up. In patients above 50 years, a normal age-adjusted D-dimer level in combination with an ‘unlikely’ CDR substantially increased the number of patients in whom PE could be safely excluded: from 13–14% to 19–22% in all CDRs similarly. In patients over 70 years, the number of exclusions was nearly four-fold higher, and the original Wells score excluded most patients, with an increase from 6% to 21% combined with the conventional and age-adjusted D-dimer cut-off, respectively. The number of VTE failures was also comparable in all CDRs. In conclusion, irrespective of which CDR is used, the age-adjusted D-dimer substantially increases the number of patients above 50 years in whom PE can be safely excluded.
Comments on “Tornado Risk Analysis: Is Dixie Alley an Extension of Tornado Alley?”
Authors: Marsh Patrick T. , Brooks Harold E.
Published: November 2011

No abstract available.
Discrimination and Perseverance amongst the Chinese in California in the Nineteenth and Early-Twentieth Centuries
Authors: Bhandari Sudhanshu
Published: November 2011

This article is concerned with the Chinese immigrants who migrated from the Guangdong province of China around the middle of the nineteenth century to the state of California. I have elaborated upon the contribution which the Chinese had made to this frontier region at a time when its population was not even half a million, of how these men performed labour in fields where the white worker refused to work, created conditions for the establishment of several of California’s nascent industries, and provided cheap, steady and sober labour to their white employers. This was the period when intense racism was the norm rather than an exception, and Asians were considered an inferior species, incapable and unworthy of enjoying any civil or political rights.
After the Hiatus
Authors: Singh Zorawar Daulet
Published: November 2011

In 1976 India and China resumed their diplomatic interactions, which had been interrupted by the 1962 War. For the ensuing three decades both sides have been engaged in discovering a process that can identify the contours of a solution to the boundary question. The orthodox historiography of the post-1976 phase portrays India as a relatively intransigent actor still clinging to the past (pre-1962) and unwilling to truly explore a solution to the dispute. India is also painted as an unimaginative interlocutor, unable to offer proposals or counter-proposals; it is China that has supposed to have steered India toward a common position. This paper offers a nuanced corrective. India was not the only unyielding actor in this dyad; China too, despite its oft-expressed intent for a comprehensive settlement has been less than enthusiastic in translating its principles toward concrete proposals. Nevertheless, a modicum of progress has been attained, which is reflected in important bilateral agreements in the 1990s and 2000s. The author gets to the essence of the dispute and attempts to interpret the negotiating postures of both sides and conjectures why progress might have stalled since the mid-2000s.
Course Correction
Authors: Acharya Alka
Published: November 2011

To most observers, Sino–Indian relations present a paradox—a seemingly intractable and staunchly contested dispute, persisting at the centre of a rapidly transforming relationship. Nearly a decade and a half of confidence-building measures between India and China has transpired during which a comprehensive set of mechanisms and procedures have been laid down to address their boundary dispute. An entire structure of dialogues at different levels and of diverse kinds—political, strategic, defence, economic—has evolved, with the objective of resolving such misunderstandings as arising from time to time, with speed and despatch. These achievements are the basis on which this paper asserts that the core issue of contention between India and China, the disputed boundary, has moved into a qualitatively different stage, which may be termed post-conflictual, that is, if current trends continue, force is unlikely to be used to settle the ongoing dispute. This article argues that the Agreements of 2003 and 2005 were a fundamental departure from the earlier approaches adopted by the two countries and a conscious attempt at charting a new way out of a tangled historical legacy riddled with contradictions and complexities. It seeks to examine the origins of this shift, the politics that underlay this vital ‘course correction’ by both sides and its hopefully far-reaching implications.
Music exposure and hearing health education: A review of knowledge, attitude, and behaviour in adolescents and young adults
Authors: Zhao Fei , French David , Manchaiah Vinaya KC , Liang Maojin , Price Sharon M
Published: November 2011

Introduction:

Adolescents and young adults have been shown to be the age group most at risk of music-induced hearing loss (MIHL), which is already evident and increasing among this group.

Objective:

The purpose of this review is to provide further insight into the effectiveness of education programmes on attitude and behaviour towards loud music exposure in adolescents and young adults, and to suggest positive and influential ways of delivering hearing health education.

Methods:

Literature searches were conducted using various databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL). Authors went through the abstracts of these articles to identify those which were potentially relevant; subsequently the full articles were retrieved.

Results:

This review highlights the dangers of significant exposure to music on hearing mechanics in adolescents and young adults, and shows that this danger continues to increase with modern music culture. Because the consequences are not immediate, it is difficult for the young to perceive the seriousness of a problem that may not present itself for many years. Conventional education may go a little way in helping to raise awareness but a raised awareness of consequences does not, in itself, change behaviour. There is a significant gap in literature regarding effective methods of education that will inspire attitude change, and have a bearing on actions.

Conclusion:

This review has concluded that there is a lack of understanding of how to best influence and educate adolescents and young adults in a way that will motivate and encourage a change in listening habits. It is of vital importance that these groups are made aware of the immediate and future dangers, and how changes in listening behaviour do not necessarily lower their enjoyment.
Cross-Sibling Effects in Parent-Adult Child Exchanges of Socioemotional Support
Authors: Spitze Glenna , Ward Russell , Deane Glenn , Zhuo Yue
Published: November 2011

The authors use National Survey of Families and Households first wave data and innovative modeling to examine how one parent-adult child pair may affect other pairs. Three conceptual models guide the analyses of parents’ giving and receiving of socioemotional support, representing enhancement, compensation, and independence. Giving support to one child is related to more giving to others (enhancement), but receiving support from one child is related to less receipt from others (compensation). Cross-sibling interactions do not reveal significant effects of distance of one child on exchanges with others, nor of gender or stepchild status of adult children. Cross-sibling interactions differ by race, suggesting enhancement in receiving support among Blacks and enhancement in giving support among non-Blacks. These analyses demonstrate the value of examining how parent-adult child ties are influenced by each other and by their family context.
Exploring the everyday world of hate victimization through community mediation
Authors: Walters Mark Austin , Hoyle Carolyn
Published: November 2011

For some time, hate crimes were conceptualized as acts of hatred committed by strangers – typically as violent attacks against people perceived to be different from the attacker.  Considering hate as an aggravating feature resulted in increasingly punitive and exclusionary criminal justice and sentencing legislation. Left out of this picture were the messier, sometimes intractable disputes between people known to one another – neighbours, colleagues or other acquaintances – conflicts sometimes only partly motivated by prejudice. This article brings these under-researched conflicts to centre stage. Drawing on a study of community mediation in cases of ‘hate conflicts’, we explore the effects of prolonged processes of hate-motivated abuse on those involved – the main parties and often the wider community.  We provide evidence of two distinct ‘types’ of hate crime cases. The first looks at the persistent targeted abuse of vulnerable victims, while the second is characterized by multi-layered conflicts involving numerous disputants.  In these latter cases, we argue, it is not always helpful, and sometimes not even possible, to label one party the ‘perpetrator’ and one the ‘victim’. Indeed, we show that at times during long-term disputes, these roles are reversed and at other times they become meaningless. In both ‘types’ of hate conflict we explore the potential of community mediation to repair broken relationships and the harms caused by acts of hatred.
The Edomite Involvement in the Destruction of the First Temple: A Case of Stab-in-the-Back Tradition?
Authors: Tebes Juan Manuel
Published: November 2011

This article investigates the biblical tradition of the Edomite intervention in the fall and destruction of Jerusalem and its temple in 586 BCE. Close re-reading of the relevant biblical passages stripped of the ethnic prejudice against the Edomites demonstrates that the texts reproaching the Edomite behavior are not contemporary to the events they purport to describe, lacking important factual details and being full of theatrical imagery that is a product of their negative attitude towards Edom. I would suggest that the belief of the Edomites’ guilt represents an ancient case of ‘stab-in-the-back’ tradition, so typical of modern defeated societies. Contrary to traditional studies that failed to recognize that nations and national ideas were common in pre-modern times, a ‘perennialist’ perspective demonstrates that the 586 BCE catastrophe represented a major incentive for the burst of cultural nationalism and cultural creativity, but also of feelings of humiliation and embarrassment, xenophobia, ‘lost cause’ legends, ‘divine punishment’ themes and ‘stabin-the-back’ myths, that arose during the exilic and post-exilic periods.
A review of the current options for the treatment and safe disposal of drill cuttings
Authors: Ball Andrew S , Stewart Richard J. , Schliephake Kirsten
Published: November 2011

Drilling for the exploration and extraction of oil requires the use of drilling fluids which are continuously pumped down and returned carrying the rock phase that is extracted from the well. The potential environmental impacts of contaminated fluids from drilling operations have attracted increasing community awareness and scrutiny. This review article highlights current advances in the treatment of drill cuttings and compares the technologies in terms of cost, time and space requirements. Traditionally, a range of non-biological methods have been employed for the disposal of drill cuttings including burial pits, landfills and re-injection, chemical stabilization and solidification and thermal treatments such as incineration and thermal desorption. More recently, bioremediation has been successfully applied as a treatment process for cuttings. This review provides a current comparison of bioremediation technologies and non-biological technologies for the treatment of contaminated drill cuttings providing information on a number of factors that need to be taken into account when choosing the best technology for drilling waste management including the environmental risks associated with disposal of drilling wastes.
Can hazardous waste become a raw material? The case study of an aluminium residue: a review
Authors: López-Delgado Aurora , Tayibi Hanan
Published: November 2011

The huge number of research studies carried out during recent decades focused on finding an effective solution for the waste treatment, have allowed some of these residues to become new raw materials for many industries. Achieving this ensures a reduction in energy and natural resources consumption, diminishing of the negative environmental impacts and creating secondary and tertiary industries. A good example is provided by the metallurgical industry, in general, and the aluminium industry in this particular case. The aluminium recycling industry is a beneficial activity for the environment, since it recovers resources from primary industry, manufacturing and post-consumer waste. Slag and scrap which were previously considered as waste, are nowadays the raw material for some highly profitable secondary and tertiary industries. The most recent European Directive on waste establishes that if waste is used as a common product and fulfils the existing legislation for this product, then this waste can be defined as ‘end-of-waste’. The review presented here, attempts to show several proposals for making added-value materials using an aluminium residue which is still considered as a hazardous waste, and accordingly, disposed of in secure storage. The present proposal includes the use of this waste to manufacture glass, glass-ceramic, boehmite and calcium aluminate. Thus the waste might effectively be recovered as a secondary source material for various industries
Fluidized-bed gasification of dairy manure by Box–Behnken design
Authors: Wu Hanjing , Hanna Milford A , Jones David D
Published: November 2011

Application of excessive animal manure to the land may cause some environmental problems such as eutrophication of surface waters, degradation of ground water quality, and threats to human health. This paper reports an experimental study on the technology of biomass gasification to treat animal waste by analysing the effects of key operating parameters on gasification. In this research, dairy manure from the University of Nebraska dairy farm was first collected and dried, and then gasified in a fluidized-bed, laboratory-scale gasifier to generate syngas. The effects of three parameters, namely temperature, steam to biomass ratio (SBR) and the equivalence ratio (ER), on the gasification were described by a Box–Behnken design (BBD). Results showed that increasing the temperature favoured the formation of all three combustible gases, but the composition of each gas behaved differently according to the changing parameters. The lower heating value of the syngas varied from 2.0 to 4.7 MJ m−3, indicating gasification could be used as a waste management option to produce bioenergy, and potentially reduce problems associated with the disposal of animal waste.
Alveolar bone regeneration using poly-(lactic acid-co-glycolic acid-co-ε-caprolactone) porous membrane with collagen sponge containing basic fibroblast growth factor: An experimental study in the dog
Authors: Matsumoto Goichi , Hoshino Jyunichi , Kinoshita Yasuhiko , Sugita Yoshihiko , Kubo Katsutoshi , Maeda Hatsuhiko , Ikada Yoshito , Kinoshita Yukihiko
Published: November 2011

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of combining porous poly-lactic acid-co-glycolic acid-co-ε-caprolactone (PLGC) as a barrier membrane and collagen sponge containing basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) to promote bone regeneration in the canine mandible. In six beagle dogs, two lateral bone defects per side were created in the mandible. The lateral bone defects on the left side were treated with a PLGC membrane plus a collagen sponge containing bFGF. In half of these, the collagen sponge contained 50 µg of bFGF. In the other half, it contained 250 µg of bFGF. As a control, we treated the right-side bone defects in each animal with the same PLGC membrane but with a collagen sponge containing phosphate buffered saline. Computed tomography (CT) images were recorded at 3 and 6 months post-op to evaluate regeneration of the bone defects. After a healing period of 6 months, whole mandibles were removed for micro-CT and histological analyses. The post-op CT images showed that more bone had formed at all experimental sites than at control sites. At 3 months post-op, the volume of bone at defect sites covered with PLGC membrane plus 250 µg of bFGF was significantly greater than it was at defect sites covered with PLGC membrane plus 50 µg of bFGF. At 6 months post-op, however, this difference was smaller and not statistically significant. Micro-CT measurement showed that the volume of new bone regenerated at bone-defect sites, covered with PLGC membrane plus bFGF, was significantly greater than that of control sites. However, the presence or absence of bFGF in the collagen sponge did not significantly affect the bone density of new bone. These results suggest that the macroporous bioresorbable PLGC membrane plus collagen sponge containing bFGF effectively facilitates healing in GBR procedures.
Recursive estimation of three-dimensional unmanned aerial vehicle motion and structure based on the L∞-norm
Authors: Kharbat M , Aouf N
Published: November 2011

This article presents a non-linear filtering framework to estimate three-dimensional motion and structure from a stream of images acquired by a monocular camera. Interest in this article is related more specifically to the case where the camera is onboard an unmanned aerial vehicle. Although there have been numerous attempts to solve the problem stated above, most formulations were based on the L2-norm, mainly represented by the extended Kalman filter (EKF). Instead, a new approach based on the L∞-norm minimization criterion is developed. Unlike former methods, framework described in this article allows better treatment of the linearization of the perspective projection function that is associated with inherent errors in the EKF solution and can lead to severely degraded performance. Moreover, the L∞ criterion does not assume Gaussianity or whiteness of the noises providing an elegant solution for the problem of biased measurements. Results on synthetic and real aerial imagery demonstrate the findings.
Observer-based backstepping control of the half-direct permanent magnet wind power generation system
Authors: Zhang Z Z , Zou J X , Zheng G , Xu H B
Published: November 2011

In this paper, an observer-based backstepping controller is presented for the half-direct permanent magnet wind power generation system. The technology of backstepping is introduced to design the controller for maximum power point tracking at the operation region with low and moderate wind, and the high-gain observer is designed to estimate the unmeasurable variables needed for the controller design. Moreover, a switching mechanism is proposed, in which an online rotational speed is defined for the startup-to-grid-connected switch of the half-direct permanent magnet wind power generation system. Then, the stability of the designed closed-loop controlled system is analysed, based on the Lyapunov asymptotical stability theory. Simulation results are presented to show the efficiency of the proposed control law.
Constrained tuning of two-parameter controllers: a centroid approach
Authors: Rahimian Mohammad A , Tavazoei Mohammad S
Published: November 2011

The problem of tuning a two-parameter controller has been formulated as finding the centroid of the admissible region specified by the set of constraints that the controller should satisfy. The constraints can be as general as the closed-loop system stability or they may include several requirements on various stability, sensitivity, or performance measures. The design of stabilizing proportional–derivative ( PD) controllers using the centroid of the stability region in the controller parameter space is considered as a case study. To this end, analytical formulas are derived to describe the stability boundaries of a class of integrating time delay systems, the stability region of which has a closed convex shape. The so-called centroid stable point is then calculated analytically and the resulting algebraic formulas are utilized to tune the controller parameters. Nonfragility and robustness of the designed control systems are then studied and simulation results are provided to evaluate the performance of the proposed tuning rules.
States Competing for Investment
Authors: Khan Amir Ullah , Vivek Harsh
Published: November 2011

The second-generation reforms in India are ones where the focus shifts to a large extent from the Centre to the States. All big infrastructural areas and important subjects like land, labour and agriculture are state issues, just as health and education are. It is important indeed to highlight that in the reform process in India, the main protagonist has been the Central Government. However, going forward, apart from issues related to competition, foreign direct investment and the broad functioning of the legal system, almost all other issues that this article discusses fall squarely on the shoulders of state governments. Building constituencies for reform in states, with entrenched interest groups and smaller constituencies, is certainly going to be more difficult than it has been to push for reform at the centre. However, if inclusive growth is important, rural development critical and agriculture growth crucial, it stands to reason that the unfinished business of India’s reforms must be carried on at state capitals. The process seems to have begun, as states compete increasingly for investments and not any longer for central subsidies and grants.
Towards a Deeper Philosophy of Biomimicry
Authors: Mathews Freya
Published: November 2011

Biomimicry as a design concept is indeed revolutionary in its implications for human systems of production, but it is a concept in need of further philosophical elaboration and development. To this end certain philosophical principles underlying the organization of living systems generally are identified and it is argued that not only our systems of production but also our psychocultural patterns of desire need to be reorganized in accordance with these principles if we are collectively to achieve the integration into nature to which biomimicry aspires. Even were this reorganization to be effected however, there is still an ethically momentous ambiguity in biomimicry that needs to be teased out before we can be assured that biomimicry will indeed produce the bioinclusive sustainability outcomes that it seems to promise.
Osteochondral Autograft and Mosaicplasty in the Football (Soccer) Athlete
Authors: Pánics Gergely , Hangody László Rudolf , Baló Eszter , Vásárhelyi Gábor , Gál Tamás , Hangody László
Published: November 2011

Objective: To evaluate the clinical outcomes of mosaicplasty in the treatment of focal chondral and osteochondral defects of joints among elite football players. Methods: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. The results of mosaicplasty were prospectively evaluated with 1-year intervals with patient-reported outcome measures, radiographs, and sports participation. Results: Sixty-one patients who received mosaicplasty in the knee joint were followed from 2 to 17 years (average, 9.6 years). The International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) score showed 89% good and excellent results. Sixty-seven percent of all players returned to the same level of sport, with 89% of the elite players and 62% of the competitive players. The average time to return to competitions was 4.5 months (range, 3.5-6.1 months). Players who had better clinical outcomes were significantly younger and had smaller lesions. The results of the medial and lateral condyles were significantly better than those in the patella or trochlea. Concomitant adjuvant procedures improved clinical outcomes. Despite a higher rate of preoperative osteoarthritic changes, clinical outcomes demonstrated a success rate similar to that of less athletic patients. Conclusion: Autologous osteochondral mosaicplasty in competitive football players is a good alternative procedure to repair cartilage damage.
New Frontiers for Cartilage Repair and Protection
Authors: Zaslav Kenneth , McAdams Timothy , Scopp Jason , Theosadakis Jason , Mahajan Vivek , Gobbi Alberto
Published: November 2011

Objective: Articular cartilage injury is common after athletic injury and remains a difficult treatment conundrum both for the surgeon and athlete. Although recent treatments for damage to articular cartilage have been successful in alleviating symptoms, more durable and complete, long-term articular surface restoration remains the unattained goal. In this article, we look at both new ways to prevent damage to articular surfaces as well as new techniques to recreate biomechanically sound and biochemically true articular surfaces once an athlete injures this surface. This goal should include reproducing hyaline cartilage with a well-integrated and flexible subchondral base and the normal zonal variability in the articular matrix. Results: A number of nonoperative interventions have shown early promise in mitigating cartilage symptoms and in preclinical studies have shown evidence of chondroprotection. These include the use of glucosamine, chondroitin, and other neutraceuticals, viscosupplementation with hyaluronic acid, platelet-rich plasma, and pulsed electromagnetic fields. Newer surgical techniques, some already in clinical study, and others on the horizon offer opportunities to improve the surgical restoration of the hyaline matrix often disrupted in athletic injury. These include new scaffolds, single-stage cell techniques, the use of mesenchymal stem cells, and gene therapy. Conclusion: Although many of these treatments are in the preclinical and early clinical study phase, they offer the promise of better options to mitigate the sequelae of athletically induced cartilage.
Team viability for long-term and ongoing organizational teams
Authors: Bell Suzanne T. , Marentette Brian J.
Published: November 2011

Despite the potential contribution of team viability to understanding the effectiveness of organizational teams, construct confusion and inconsistencies between researchers' conceptualizations and operationalizations limit the usefulness of team viability. We sought to clarify team viability as a construct and (re)define it in terms that provide a unique and meaningful contribution to understanding the effectiveness of long-term and ongoing organizational teams. Team viability is defined as a team’s capacity for the sustainability and growth required for success in future performance episodes. We discuss how team viability differs from and relates to constructs such as team satisfaction, team performance, and team cohesion, and outline boundary conditions within which team viability may be relevant and important.
NF-Y is necessary for hematopoietic stem cell proliferation and survival
Authors: Bungartz Gerd , Land Hannah , Scadden David T. , Emerson Stephen G.
Published: November 2011

HSC function depends on the tight control of proliferation and the balance between self-renewal and differentiation. Here, we report that the trimeric transcription factor NF-Y is critical for the survival of cycling, but not quiescent HSCs. With the use of a conditional knockout mouse model, we demonstrate that NF-Ya deletion creates an accumulation of HSCs in G2/M and prompts apoptosis, causing hematopoietic failure and death of the animal. These defects are accompanied by the dysregulation of multiple genes that influence cell cycle control (cyclin b1 and p21), apoptosis (Bcl-2), and self-renewal (HoxB4, Notch1, Bmi-1) and are independent of p53. Our results identify NF-Y as a pivotal upstream participant in a regu-latory network necessary for the pre-servation of cycling HSCs.
Methylphenidate treatment of adult male prison inmates with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial with open-label extension
Authors: Ginsberg Ylva , Lindefors Nils
Published: November 2011

Background

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is highly prevalent in prison inmates, but pharmacological treatment has not yet been evaluated in this group.

Aims

To evaluate osmotic-release oral system (OROS) methylphenidate in adult male long-term prison inmates with ADHD.

Method

Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled 5-week trial, followed by 47-week open-label extension in 30 prison inmates with ADHD and comorbid disorders. Primary outcome was level of ADHD symptoms after 5 weeks, evaluated by a masked assessor. Secondary outcomes were self-reported ADHD symptoms, global severity and global functioning throughout the 52-week trial, and post hoc treatment response and numbers needed to treat (NNT) (trial registration: NCT00482313.)

Results

Treatment significantly improved ADHD during the trial (P<0.001; Cohen's d = 2.17), with reduced symptom severity and improved global functioning. The placebo response, cardiovascular measures and adverse events were non-significant; the NNT was 1.1. Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms, global severity and global functioning continued to improve during the open-label extension.

Conclusions

Osmotic-release oral system methylphenidate is an effective treatment for adult male prison inmates with ADHD.
Low-Dose Zoledronate in Osteopenic Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Grey Andrew , Bolland Mark , Wong Sumwai , Horne Anne , Gamble Greg , Reid Ian R.
Published: November 2011

Context:

Annual iv administration of 5 mg zoledronate decreases fracture risk. The skeletal effects of annual treatment with doses of zoledronate under 4 mg have not been assessed.

Objective:

Our objective was to determine the skeletal effects of single doses of zoledronate of 5 mg or less.

Design, Setting, and Participants:

This was a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial over 1 yr at an academic research center in 180 postmenopausal women with osteopenia.

Intervention:

Intervention was a single baseline administration of iv zoledronate in doses of 1, 2.5, or 5 mg, or placebo.

Main Outcome Measures:

The primary endpoint was change in bone mineral density (BMD) at the lumbar spine. Secondary endpoints were change in BMD at the proximal femur and total body and changes in biochemical markers of bone turnover.

Results:

After 12 months, change in spine BMD was greater in each of the zoledronate groups than in the placebo group [mean (95% confidence interval) difference vs. placebo was 3.5% (2.2–4.8%) for 1 mg, 4.0% (2.7–5.3%) for 2.5 mg, and 3.6% (2.3–4.9%) for 5 mg zoledronate, P < 0.001 for each dose]. Change in BMD at the total hip was greater in each of the zoledronate groups than the placebo group [mean (95% confidence interval) difference vs. placebo was 2.7% (1.9–3.5%) for 1 mg, 3.6% (2.8–4.4%) for 2.5 mg, and 3.6% (2.8–4.4%) for 5 mg zoledronate, P < 0.001 for each dose]. Each of the bone turnover markers, β-C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen and procollagen type I N-terminal propeptide, was lower by at least 40% in each of the zoledronate groups than the placebo group throughout the trial (P < 0.001 vs. placebo for each marker for each dose). There was evidence for a dose-dependent effect of zoledronate on each of the markers (P for trend <0.001).

Conclusion:

Annual administration of doses of iv zoledronate lower than 5 mg produces substantial antiresorptive effects. Trials assessing the antifracture efficacy of low doses of zoledronate are justified.
Molecular basis for Flk1 expression in hemato-cardiovascular progenitors in the mouse
Authors: Ishitobi Hiroyuki , Wakamatsu Asami , Liu Fang , Azami Takuya , Hamada Michito , Matsumoto Ken , Kataoka Hiroshi , Kobayashi Makoto , Choi Kyunghee , Nishikawa Shin-ichi , Takahashi Satoru , Ema Masatsugu
Published: November 2011

The mouse Flk1 gene is expressed in various mesodermal progenitor cells of developing embryos. Recent studies have shown that Flk1 expression marks multipotent mesodermal progenitors, giving rise to various hemato-cardiovascular cell lineages during development. Flk1 expression also marks hemato-cardiovascular cell lineages in differentiating embryonic stem (ES) cells, which may be used in transplantation decisions to treat cardiovascular diseases. Despite its developmental and clinical importance in cardiovascular tissues, the transcriptional regulatory system of Flk1 has remained unclear. Here, we report a novel enhancer of the mouse Flk1 gene directing early mesodermal expression during development as well as ES differentiation. The enhancer enriches various mesodermal progenitors, such as primitive erythropoietic progenitors, hemangioblast (BL-CFC) and cardiovascular progenitors (CV-CFC). The enhancer is activated by Bmp, Wnt and Fgf, and it contains Gata-, Cdx-, Tcf/Lef-, ER71/Etv2- and Fox-binding sites, some of which are bound specifically by each of these transcription factors. As these transcription factors are known to act under the control of the Bmp, Wnt and Fgf families, early Flk1 expression may be induced by cooperative interactions between Gata, Tcf/Lef, Cdx and ER71/Etv2 under the control of Bmp, Wnt and Fgf signaling. The enhancer is required for early Flk1 expression and for hemangioblast development during ES differentiation.