bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
NUMERICAL SIMULATION OF FLOW AND HEAT TRANSFER CHARACTERISTIC OF 4K REGENERATORS AT HIGH FREQUENCY
Authors: LI ZHUOPEI , JIANG YANLONG , GAN ZHIHUA , QIU LIMIN
Published: October 2012

Regenerator is a key component for all regenerative cryocoolers. 4K regenerative cryocoolers can be applied to provide cooling for low temperature superconductors, space and military infrared detectors, and medical examination etc. Stirling type pulse tube cryocoolers (SPTC), one type of regenerative cryocoolers, operate at high frequencies. As a result, SPTCs have the advantage of compact structure and low weight compared with G-M type pulse tube cryocoolers operating at low frequencies. However, as the frequency increase the thermal penetration depth of helium gas in the regenerator is greatly reduced which makes the heat transfer between the gas and the regenerator worse. In order to improve the heat transfer efficiency, regenerator materials with smaller hydraulic diameters are used. Therefore the flow resistance between the gas and the regenerator material will increase leading to larger pressure drop from the hot end to the cold end of the regenerator. The cooling performance is deteriorated due to the decreased pressure ratio (maximum pressure divided by minimum pressure) at the cold end. Also, behavior of helium at 4K deviates remarkably from that of ideal gas which has a significant influence both the flow and heat transfer characteristic within a regenerator. In this paper numerical simulation on the behavior of a 4K regenerator at high frequency is carried out to provide guidance for the optimization of the flow and heat transfer performance within a regenerator. Thermodynamic analysis of effect of the non-ideal gas behavior of helium at 4K on 4K regenerator at high frequency is investigated.
THERMAL PERFORMANCE OF WIND TURBINE POWER SYSTEM'S ENGINE ROOM
Authors: LIU ZHILI , JIANG YANLONG , ZHOU NIANYONG , SHI HONG , KANG NA , WANG YU
Published: October 2012

Greatly expanded use of wind energy has been proposed to reduce dependence on fossil and nuclear fuels for electricity generation. For wind turbine power generation, as a mature technology in the field of wind power utilization, its large-scale deployment is limited by the cooling technology. Therefore, the temperature distribution of the wind turbine power generation is a key issue for the design of the cooling system. It is because the characteristics of cooling system have a great effect on the performance of the wind turbine power generation. Based on some assumptions and simplifications, a thermal model is developed to describe the heat transfer behavior of wind turbine power system. The numerical calculation method is adopted to solve the governing equation. The heat generation and heat flux are investigated with a given operating boundary. The achieved results can be used to verify whether the cooling system meets the design requirements. Meanwhile, they also can reveal that among the influencing factors, the meteorological conditions, generated output and operation state as well seriously influence its thermal performance. Numerical calculation of the cooling system enables better understanding and results in performance improvement of the system.
Interview with Dirk Riehle
Authors: Atzenbeck Claus
Published: October 2012

Prof. Dr. Dirk Riehle, M.B.A., is the Professor for Open Source Software at the Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg. Before joining academia, Riehle led the Open Source Research Group at SAP Labs, LLC, in Palo Alto, California (Silicon Valley). Riehle founded the Wiki Symposium, a conference dedicated to wiki research and practice. He was also the lead architect of the first UML virtual machine. He is interested in open source software engineering and agile methods, complexity science and human collaboration, and software design. Prof. Riehle holds a Ph.D. in computer science from ETH Zürich and an M.B.A. from Stanford Business School. He welcomes email at dirk@riehle.org, blogs at http://dirkriehle.com, and tweets as @dirkriehle.
Turning ERP systems into holistic knowledge management platforms
Authors: Rubart Jessica
Published: October 2012

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems aim at supporting organizations' day-to-day operational business transactions. Focusing on the main business processes ERP systems can foster a company's competitive advantage. However, achieving the expected benefits of ERP systems is still a challenging task. This article proposes to follow a holistic integration strategy turning an ERP system into a knowledge management platform.
Upcoming SIGWEB supported conferences
Authors: Samuel Hamman
Published: October 2012

The Special Interest Group on Hypertext and the Web, SIGWEB was created in 1989 to support the community participating in the annual ACM Hypertext Conference. Now in its third decade, SIGWEB has grown considerably, and now sponsors five annual conferences of different sizes and covering a wide range of topics. SIGWEB supports several specialized conferences, short courses, and workshops, as well as the Annual Hypertext Conference. SIGWEB sponsored conferences focus on timely topics in applied and computational hypertext and Web disciplines and provide a place for members and the entire applied Hypermedia and Web community to exchange ideas and to meet with and expand their network of colleagues. In this article, we provide a brief overview of SIGWEB sponsored conferences, in addition to events that are in cooperation with SIGWEB.
On the digital trail
Authors: Greengard Samuel
Published: October 2012

Forensics experts increasingly use data from digital devices to solve crimes, fight lawsuits, and unravel accidents.
Learning to teach computer science
Authors: Yadav Aman , Korb John T.
Published: October 2012

A multipronged approach to preparing computer science teachers is critical to success.
Weathering the unexpected
Authors: Krishnan Kripa
Published: October 2012

Failures happen, and resilience drills help organizations prepare for them.
Functional encryption
Authors: Boneh Dan , Sahai Amit , Waters Brent
Published: October 2012

Decryption keys allow users to learn a specific function of the encrypted data and nothing else.
Cheminformatics
Authors: Wegner Joerg Kurt , Sterling Aaron , Guha Rajarshi , Bender Andreas , Faulon Jean-Loup , Hastings Janna , O'Boyle Noel , Overington John , Van Vlijmen Herman , Willighagen Egon
Published: October 2012

Open-source chemistry software and molecular databases broaden the research horizons of drug discovery.
The Frankencamera
Authors: Adams Andrew , Jacobs David E. , Dolson Jennifer , Tico Marius , Pulli Kari , Talvala Eino-Ville , Ajdin Boris , Vaquero Daniel , Lensch Hendrik P. A. , Horowitz Mark , Park Sung Hee , Gelfand Natasha , Baek Jongmin , Matusik Wojciech , Levoy Marc
Published: October 2012

Although there has been much interest in computational photography within the research and photography communities, progress has been hampered by the lack of a portable, programmable camera with sufficient image quality and computing power. To address this problem, we have designed and implemented an open architecture and application programming interface (API) for such cameras: the Frankencamera. It consists of a base hardware specification, a software stack based on Linux, and an API for C++. Our architecture permits control and synchronization of the sensor and image processing pipeline at the microsecond timescale, as well as the ability to incorporate and synchronize external hardware like lenses and flashes. This paper specifies our architecture and API, and it describes two reference implementations we have built. Using these implementations, we demonstrate several computational photography applications: high dynamic range (HDR) viewfinding and capture, automated acquisition of extended dynamic range panoramas, foveal imaging, and inertial measurement unit (IMU)-based hand shake detection. Our goal is to standardize the architecture and distribute Frankencameras to researchers and students, as a step toward creating a community of photographer-programmers who develop algorithms, applications, and hardware for computational cameras.
The challenge of modern academic knowledge exchange
Authors: Whitworth Brian , Friedman Rob
Published: October 2012

While over the last decade computing practitioners created new, innovative applications like online auctions, blogs, wikis, chat, social networks and social book-marking, computing academia has innovated much less. The resulting theory/practice divide in computing can be attributed to the effect on academic creativity of the myth that rigor is excellence. The use of publishing to appoint positions, promote for tenure and allocate grants supports the current "gatekeeper" academic publishing model. This is not only based on print-publishing limits that no longer apply, but also incorrect as it ignores the 'Type II" error of rejecting useful knowledge. Modern social computing suggests how to reinvent the academic knowledge exchange system (KES) to innovate and disseminate as well as discriminate. Building upon existing successful knowledge repositories like the Los Alamos archive suggests an open electronic KES that not only increases dissemination (by publishing all) but also increases discrimination (by rating all). This suggests that the Information Technology (IT) discipline should balance rigor and relevance to create knowledge growth, as do systems like Wikipedia, rather than follow the gatekeeper model, e.g. create an electronic portal open to all multi-disciplinary knowledge travelers at the nexus of technology use.
Spoken web
Authors: Kumar Arun , Agarwal Sheetal K.
Published: October 2012

The traditional notion of accessibility is primarily focused on people with different kinds of physical or mental disabilities. Most efforts are spent in developing technologies to help overcome these disabilities. However, in recent times, new kinds of disabilities, namely illiteracy and un-affordability have gained lot of attention in the context of building technologies and solutions for developing regions. Close to 80% of world's population does not have access to Internet whereas mobile phones have rapidly achieved high penetration even in various remote areas.

Spoken Web has emerged as an alternate web for the underprivileged by breaking the barriers of illiteracy, affordability and local languages. It enables ordinary telephone subscribers to create, deploy and offer customized voice-driven applications through a simple voice-based interface accessible from affordable, commercial telephony devices. In this paper, we present an overview of the Spoken Web technology, its capabilities and various kinds of applications it enables. We further briefly present a few case studies and give a view of research efforts spurned by this technology.
Delayed development of specific thyroid hormone-regulated events in transthyretin null mice
Authors: Monk Julie A. , Sims Natalie A. , Dziegielewska Katarzyna M. , Weiss Roy E. , Ramsay Robert G. , Richardson Samantha J.
Published: October 2012

Thyroid hormones (THs) are vital for normal postnatal development. Extracellular TH distributor proteins create an intravascular reservoir of THs. Transthyretin (TTR) is a TH distributor protein in the circulatory system and is the only TH distributor protein synthesized in the central nervous system. We investigated the phenotype of TTR null mice during development. Total and free 3′,5′,3,5-tetraiodo-l-thyronine (T4) and free 3′,3,5-triiodo-l-thyronine (T3) in plasma were significantly reduced in 14-day-old (P14) TTR null mice. TTR null mice also displayed a delayed suckling-to-weaning transition, decreased muscle mass, delayed growth, and retarded longitudinal bone growth. In addition, ileums from postnatal day 0 (P0) TTR null mice displayed disordered architecture and contained fewer goblet cells than wild type. Protein concentrations in cerebrospinal fluid from P0 and P14 TTR null mice were higher than in age-matched wild-type mice. In contrast to the current literature based on analyses of adult TTR null mice, our results demonstrate that TTR has an important and nonredundant role in influencing the development of several organs.
Role of angiotensin II in arterial pressure and renal hemodynamics in rats with altered renal development: age- and sex-dependent differences
Authors: Reverte Virginia , Tapia Antonio , Baile Goretti , Gambini Juan , Gíménez Ignacio , Llinas M. Teresa , Salazar F. Javier
Published: October 2012

Numerous studies have demonstrated that angiotensin II (ANG II) is involved in hypertension and renal changes occurring as a consequence of an adverse event during renal development. However, it was unknown whether this involvement is sex and age dependent. This study examines whether the increments in arterial pressure (AP) and in the renal sensitivity to ANG II are sex and age dependent in rats with altered renal development. It also evaluates whether the ANG II effects are accompanied by increments in AT1 receptors and oxidative stress. Experiments were performed in 3- to 4- and 10- to 11-mo-old rats treated with vehicle or an AT1 receptor antagonist (ARAnp) during the nephrogenic period. ARAnp-treated rats were hypertensive, but an age-dependent rise in AP was only found in males. Three days of treatment with candesartan (7 mg·kg−1·day−1) led to a fall of AP that was greater ( P < 0.05) in male than in female 10- to 11-mo-old ARAnp-treated rats. Oxidated proteins were elevated ( P < 0.05), and the decrease in AP elicited by candesartan was reduced ( P < 0.05) when these rats are also treated with tempol (18 mg·kg−1·day−1). Hypertension was not maintained by an elevation of AT1 receptors in kidneys and mesenteric arteries. The acute renal hemodynamic response to ANG II (30 ng·kg−1·min−1) was similarly enhanced ( P < 0.05) in both sexes of ARAnp-treated rats at 3–4 but not at 10–11 mo of age. Our results suggest that an adverse event during the nephrogenic period induces an ANG II-dependent increment in AP that is aggravated only in males during aging and that oxidative stress but not an increase in AT1 receptor contributes to the rise in AP. This study also shows that the renal hemodynamic sensitivity to ANG II is transitorily enhanced in both sexes of rats with altered renal development.
Aberrant placenta gene expression pattern in bovine pregnancies established after transfer of cloned or in vitro produced embryos
Authors: Salilew-Wondim Dessie , Tesfaye Dawit , Hossain Munir , Held Eva , Rings Franca , Tholen Ernst , Looft Christian , Cinar Ulas , Schellander Karl , Hoelker Michael
Published: October 2012

In the present study, we used the global transcriptome profile approach to identify dysregulated genes, molecular pathways, and molecular functional alterations in bovine placentas derived from somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) and in vitro embryo production (IVP) pregnancies compared with their artificial insemination (AI) counterparts at day 50 of gestation. For this, day 7 blastocysts derived from AI, IVP, or SCNT were transferred to oestrus-synchronized cows. The pregnant animals were slaughtered at day 50 of gestation, and the placentas were then recovered and used for transcriptome analysis using Affymetrix GeneChip bovine genome array. Results showed the SCNT placenta to be different from its AI counterpart in the expression of 1,196 transcripts. These genes were found to be associated with alterations in key biological processes and molecular pathways in SCNT placenta, and the dysregulation of 9% ( n = 110) of these genes was due to transcriptional reprogramming error. IVP placenta also displayed alterations in the expression of 72 genes, of which 58 were common to SCNT placenta. Gene enrichment analysis revealed that the expression of genes involved in organ development, blood vessel development, extracellular matrix organization, and the immune system was affected in both SCNT and IVP placentas. However, 96% of the affected genes in SCNT were not significantly altered in IVP groups. Thus, the higher transcriptome dysregulation in SCNT placenta followed by IVP would reflect the degree of placental abnormality in SCNT and IVP pregnancies at day 50 of the gestation, which may have a profound effect on subsequent fetal development and health of the offspring.
Standardized bioenergetic profiling of adult mouse cardiomyocytes
Authors: Readnower Ryan D. , Brainard Robert E. , Hill Bradford G. , Jones Steven P.
Published: October 2012

Mitochondria are at the crux of life and death and as such have become ideal targets of intervention in cardiovascular disease. Generally, current methods to measure mitochondrial dysfunction rely on working with the isolated organelle and fail to incorporate mitochondrial function in a cellular context. Extracellular flux methodology has been particularly advantageous in this respect; however, certain primary cell types, such as adult cardiac myocytes, have been difficult to standardize with this technology. Here, we describe methods for using extracellular flux (XF) analysis to measure mitochondrial bioenergetics in isolated, intact, adult mouse cardiomyocytes (ACMs). Following isolation, ACMs were seeded overnight onto laminin-coated (20 μg/ml) microplates, which resulted in high attachment efficiency. After establishing seeding density, we found that a commonly used assay medium (containing a supraphysiological concentration of pyruvate at 1 mmol/l) produced a maximal bioenergetic response. After performing a pyruvate dose-response, we determined that pyruvate titrated to 0.1 mmol/l was optimal for examining alternative substrate oxidation. Methods for measuring fatty acid oxidation were established. These methods lay the framework using XF analysis to profile metabolism of ACMs and will likely augment our ability to understand mitochondrial dysfunction in heart failure and acute myocardial ischemia. This platform could easily be extended to models of diabetes or other metabolic defects.
A Version of the Euler Equation in Discounted Markov Decision Processes
Authors: Cruz-Suárez H. , Zacarías-Espinoza G. , Vázquez-Guevara V.
Published: October 2012

This paper deals with Markov decision processes (MDPs) on Euclidean spaces with an infinite horizon. An approach to study this kind of MDPs is using the dynamic programming technique (DP). Then the optimal value function is characterized through the value iteration functions. The paper provides conditions that guarantee the convergence of maximizers of the value iteration functions to the optimal policy. Then, using the Euler equation and an envelope formula, the optimal solution of the optimal control problem is obtained. Finally, this theory is applied to a linear‐quadratic control problem in order to find its optimal policy.
Reversible Oxidation of Myometrial Voltage-Gated Potassium Channels with Hydrogen Peroxide
Authors: Appiah Isabella , Nikolic-Kokic Aleksandra , Orescanin-Dusic Zorana , Radojicic Ratko , Milovanovic Slobodan , Spasic Mihajlo , Blagojevic Dusko
Published: October 2012

The uteri, spontaneously active or Ca2+(6 mM) induced, were allowed to equilibrate, and to inhibit voltage-gated potassium (KV) channels 1 mM 4-amino pyridine (4-AP) was applied for 15 min before adding H2O2 .  H2O2was added cumulatively: 2 μM, 20 μM, 200 μM, 400 μM, and 3 mM. Average time for H2O2concentrations (2, 20, 200, and 400)μM to reach its full effect was 15 min. H2O23 mM had a prolonged effect and therefore was left to act for 30 min. Two-way ANOVA showed significant differences in time dependency between spontaneous and Ca2+-induced rat uteri after applying 3 mM H2O2(type of contraction,P=0.0280), but not 400 μM H2O2(P=0.9271). Our results indicate that H2O2oxidises channel intracellular thiol groups and activates the channel, inducing relaxation. Cell antioxidative defence system quickly activates glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx) defence mechanism but not catalase (CAT) defence mechanism. Intracellular redox mechanisms repair the oxidised sites and again establish deactivation ofKVchannels, recuperating contractility. In conclusion, our results demonstrate thatKVchannels can be altered in a time-dependent manner by reversible redox-dependent intracellular alterations.
Effects of Intravenous Administration of Human Umbilical Cord Blood Stem Cells in 3-Acetylpyridine-Lesioned Rats
Authors: Calatrava-Ferreras Lucía , Gonzalo-Gobernado Rafael , Herranz Antonio S. , Reimers Diana , Montero Vega Teresa , Jiménez-Escrig Adriano , Richart López Luis Alberto , Bazán Eulalia
Published: October 2012

Cerebellar ataxias include a heterogeneous group of infrequent diseases characterized by lack of motor coordination caused by disturbances in the cerebellum and its associated circuits. Current therapies are based on the use of drugs that correct some of the molecular processes involved in their pathogenesis. Although these treatments yielded promising results, there is not yet an effective therapy for these diseases. Cell replacement strategies using human umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells (HuUCBMCs) have emerged as a promising approach for restoration of function in neurodegenerative diseases. The aim of this work was to investigate the potential therapeutic activity of HuUCBMCs in the 3-acetylpyridine (3-AP) rat model of cerebellar ataxia. Intravenous administered HuUCBMCs reached the cerebellum and brain stem of 3-AP ataxic rats. Grafted cells reduced 3-AP-induced neuronal loss promoted the activation of microglia in the brain stem, and prevented the overexpression of GFAP elicited by 3-AP in the cerebellum. In addition, HuUCBMCs upregulated the expression of proteins that are critical for cell survival, such as phospho-Akt and Bcl-2, in the cerebellum and brain stem of 3-AP ataxic rats. As all these effects were accompanied by a temporal but significant improvement in motor coordination, HuUCBMCs grafts can be considered as an effective cell replacement therapy for cerebellar disorders.
Pain Narratives in Breast Cancer Survivors
Authors: Peretti-Watel Patrick , Bendiane Marc-Karim , Spica Laura , Rey Dominique
Published: October 2012

In-depth interviews were conducted with French breast cancer survivors 24 month after cancer diagnosis ( women). We documented their experience of chronic pain, compared their pain narratives with their answers to the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire, and studied both the meaning they gave to their pain and how they dealt with it in their daily lives. Half of participants reported are suffering from iatrogenic chronic pain. Most of the time, this pain was not captured by the WHOQOL questionnaire and was not medically treated. Patients “normalized” their pain in various ways: they considered it either as a necessary step on the road to recovery, as the proof of treatment efficacy, or as a permanent condition one must learn to live with. They learned to deal with pain by taking precautions, giving up certain activities, and changing the way they performed others. Participants were also prone to compare themselves with other patients suffering worse pain. Breast cancer survivors should be better informed about chronic pain and how to alleviate it. Physicians should contribute to fighting pain-related beliefs which lead patients to conceal their pain. Techniques used by patients to cope with chronic pain in their daily lives should also be promoted.
Inhibition of Osteoclast Generation: A Novel Function of the Bone Morphogenetic Protein 7/Osteogenic Protein 1
Authors: Maurer Thomas , Zimmermann Gerald , Maurer Susanne , Stegmaier Sabine , Wagner Christof , Hänsch G. Maria
Published: October 2012

Monocytes have the potential to differentiate to either macrophages, dendritic cells, or to osteoclasts. The microenvironment, particularly cytokines, directs the monocyte differentiation. Receptors of NFκB (RANK) ligand, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)α, or interleukin- (IL-) 8 have be identified as inducers of osteoclastogenesis, whereas others, such as IL-10 or transforming growth factor (TGF)ßinhibit osteoclast generation or induce differentiation towards a dendritic cell type. We now describe that bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) 7/osteogenic protein- (OP-) 1 inhibited the differentiation of human CD14+ monocytes to osteoclasts. In the presence of BMP7/OP-1 the transcription factors c-Fos and NFATc1, though upregulated and translocated to the nucleus in response to either RANKL or IL-8, did not persist. In parallel, MafB, a transcription factor expressed by monocytes and required for differentiation to macrophages but inhibiting osteoclast generation, was preserved. Because both persistence of NFATc1 and downregulation of MafB are crucial for osteoclastogenesis, we conclude that BMP7/OP-1 inhibits the generation of osteoclasts by interfering with signalling pathways.
Neither MICA Nor DEPDC5 Genetic Polymorphisms Correlate with Hepatocellular Carcinoma Recurrence following Hepatectomy
Authors: Motomura Takashi , Ono Yuki , Shirabe Ken , Fukuhara Takasuke , Konishi Hideyuki , Mano Yohei , Toshima Takeo , Yoshiya Shohei , Muto Jun , Ikegami Toru , Yoshizumi Tomoharu , Maehara Yoshihiko
Published: October 2012

Purpose. Genetic polymorphisms of MICA and DEPDC5 have been reported to correlate with progression to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in chronic hepatitis C patients. However, correlation of these genetic variants with HCC recurrence following hepatectomy has not yet been clarified. Methods. Ninety-six consecutive HCC patients who underwent hepatectomy, including 64 patients who were hepatitis C virus (HCV) positive, were genotyped for MICA (rs2596542) and DEPDC5 (rs1012068). Recurrence-free survival rates (RFS) were compared for each genotype. Results. Five-year HCC recurrence-free survival (RFS) rates following hepatectomy were 20.7% in MICA GG allele carriers, 38.7% in GA, and 20.8% in AA, respectively (P=0.72). The five-year RFS rate was 23.8% in DEPDC5 TT allele carriers and 31.8% in TG/GG, respectively (P=0.47). The survival rates in all (including HCV-negative) patients were also similar among each MICA and DEPDC5 genotype following hepatectomy. Among HCV-positive patients carrying the DEPDC5 TG/GG allele, low fibrosis stage (F0-2) occurred more often compared with TT carriers (P<0.05). Conclusions. Neither MICA nor DEPDC5 genetic polymorphism correlates with HCC recurrence following hepatectomy. DEPDC5 minor genotype data suggest a high susceptibility for HCC development in livers, even those with low fibrosis stages.
In VivoStudy on the Pharmacological Interactions between a Chinese Herbal Formula ELP and Antiresorptive Drugs to Counteract Osteoporosis
Authors: Ko Chun-Hay , Siu Wing-Sum , Wong Hing-Lok , Gao Si , Shum Wai-Ting , Lau Ching-Po , Cheng Sau-Wan , Tam Jacqueline Chor-Wing , Hung Leung-Kim , Fung Kwok-Pui , Lau Clara Bik-San , Han Quan-Bin , Leung Ping-Chung
Published: October 2012

Antiresorptive drugs, alendronate and raloxifene, are effective in lowering bone mineral density (BMD) loss in postmenopausal women. However, long-term treatment may be associated with serious side effects. Our research group has recently discovered that a Chinese herbal formula, ELP, could significantly reduce BMD loss in animal and human studies. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the potential synergistic bone-protective effects of different herb-drug combinations using ovariectomized rats. To assess the efficacy of different combinations, the total BMD was monitored biweekly in the 8-week course of daily oral treatment. Bone microarchitecture, bone strength, and deoxypyridinoline level were also determined after 8 weeks. From our results, coadministration of ELP and raloxifene increased the total tibial BMD by 5.26% (2.5 mg/kg/day of raloxifene;P=0.014) and 5.94% (0.25 mg/kg/day of raloxifene;P=0.026) when compared with the respective dosage groups with raloxifene alone. Similar synergistic effects were also observed in BMD increase at distal femur (0.25 mg/kg/day;P=0.001) and reduction in urinary deoxypyridinoline crosslink excretion (2.5 and 0.25 mg/kg/day; bothP=0.02). However, such interactions could not be observed in all alendronate-treated groups. Our data provide first evidence that ELP could synergistically enhance the therapeutic effects of raloxifene, so that the clinical dosage of raloxifene could be reduced.
A Case of Follicular Bronchiolitis as the Histological Counterpart to Nodular Opacities in BronchiectaticMycobacterium aviumComplex Disease
Authors: Wakamatsu Kentaro , Nagata Nobuhiko , Taguchi Kazuhito , Takakura Kouji , Harada Chika , Kumazoe Hiroyuki , Kawasaki Masayuki
Published: October 2012

Here we report the case of a 72-year-old woman with nodular bronchiectaticMycobacterium aviumcomplex (MAC) disease. Chest computed tomography on admission revealed multiple micronodular and branching opacities in both lobes with segmental distribution; bronchiectasis and bronchial wall thickening were observed in the middle lobe and lingula. The patient consented to and underwent thoracoscopic lung biopsy; epithelioid granulomas were occasionally observed, but follicular bronchiolitis was widespread. While bronchial lesions from nontuberculous mycobacterial infection generally present as epitheliod granulomas, the present case suggests that follicular bronchiolitis can also be a histological counterpart to nodular opacities in nodular bronchiectatic MAC disease.
Existence and Multiplicity Results for Nonlinear Differential Equations Depending on a Parameter in Semipositone Case
Authors: Zhu Hailong , Li Shengjun
Published: October 2012

The existence and multiplicity of solutions for second‐order differential equations with a parameter are discussed in this paper. We are mainly concerned with the semipositone case. The analysis relies on the nonlinear alternative principle of Leray‐Schauder and Krasnosel′skii′s fixed point theorem in cones.
Nutritional Aspects in Diagnosis and Management of Food Hypersensitivity—The Dietitians Role
Authors: Venter Carina , Laitinen Kirsi , Vlieg-Boerstra Berber
Published: October 2012

Many common foods including cow’s milk, hen’s egg, soya, peanut, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, and wheat may cause food allergies. The prevalence of these immune-mediated adverse reactions to foods ranges from 0.5% to 9% in different populations. In simple terms, the cornerstone of managing food allergy is to avoid consumption of foods causing symptoms and to replace them with nutritionally equivalent foods. If poorly managed, food allergy impairs quality of life more than necessary, affects normal growth in children, and causes an additional economic burden to society. Delay in diagnosis may be a further incremental factor. Thus, an increased awareness of the appropriate procedures for both diagnosis and management is of importance. This paper sets out to present principles for taking an allergy-focused diet history as part of the diagnostic work-up of food allergy. A short overview of guidelines and principles for dietary management of food allergy is discussed focusing on the nutritional management of food allergies and the particular role of the dietitian in this process.
Hyperglycemia in Severe Falciparum Malaria: A Case Report
Authors: Chianura Leonardo , Errante Isabella Corinna , Travi Giovanna , Rossotti Roberto , Puoti Massimo
Published: October 2012

Occasionally, malaria may present with unusual signs and symptoms. We report a case of an uncommon presentation ofPlasmodium falciparuminfection in a 59-year-old Ethiopian immigrant, which initially presented with hyperglycaemia and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). Reports of unusual presentations of malaria are few and cases of severe malaria with hyperglycaemia are rarely described. As hyperglycaemia is associated to most severe malaria and high mortality, our aim is to catch the attention of the physicians on this entity.
Life Assessment and Life Extension of an Aircraft Wheel
Authors: Aghaie-Khafri M. , Amin M. , Momeni A. H.
Published: October 2012

The effect of heat treatment and shot peening on the fatigue life of an aluminum aircraft wheel was studied. The effect of residual stress and heat treatment on the fatigue of specimens was studied by means of fatigue testing, residual stress measurement, and fractography. Finite element simulation was used for life assessment and evaluation of the effect of surface treatments on the life extension of the aircraft wheel. The results obtained show that the operational life of the aircraft wheel extended by imposed compressive residual stress and aging treatment.
A Consensus-Based Protocol for Spectrum Sharing Fairness in Cognitive Radio Ad Hoc and Sensor Networks
Authors: Hu Peng , Ibnkahla Mohamed
Published: October 2012

Spectrum sharing fairness is an important topic in cognitive radio ad hoc networks (CRAHNs) and cognitive radio sensor networks (CRSNs). Consensus-based protocols can provide light-weight and efficient solutions for CRAHNs and CRSNs but the theoretical ground needs to be investigated for spectrum sharing fairness. In this paper, we investigate the convergence condition when applying a consensus-based protocol to spectrum sharing while ensuring spectrum sharing fairness. Based on the local observation and local control scheme using spectrum-related information, an individual cognitive node can effectively perform the spectrum sharing. Then we propose a consensus-based protocol for spectrum sharing. Supported with computer simulation results, we show the effectiveness of using the proposed consensus-based protocol to solve the spectrum sharing problems in CRAHNs and CRSNs.
Oroxylin A, but Not Vasopressin, Ameliorates Cardiac Dysfunction of Endotoxemic Rats
Authors: Liu Chin-Hung , Chen Mei-Fang , Tseng Tzu-Ling , Chen Lih-Geeng , Kuo Jon-Son , Lee Tony Jer-Fu
Published: October 2012

The mortality in septic patients with myocardial dysfunction is higher than those without it. Beneficial effects of flavonoid oroxylin A (Oro-A) on endotoxemic hearts were evaluated and compared with that of arginine vasopressin (AVP) which is used to reverse hypotension in septic patients. Endotoxemia in rats was induced by one-injection of lipopolysaccharides (LPS, 10 mg/kg, i.p.), and hearts were isolated 5-hrs or 16-hrs later. Isolated hearts with constant-pressure or constant-flow mode were examined by Langendorff technique. Rate and force of contractions of isolated atrial and ventricular strips were examined by tissue myography. Isolated endotoxemic hearts were characterized by decreased or increased coronary flow (CF) in LPS-treated-for-5hr and LPS-treated-for-16-hr groups, respectively, with decreased inotropy in both groups. Oro-A-perfusion ameliorated while AVP-perfusion worsened the decreased CF and inotropy in both preparations. Oro-A and AVP, however, did not affect diminished force or rate of contraction of atrial and ventricular strips of endotoxemic hearts. Oro-A-induced CF increase was not affected following coronary endothelium-denudation with saponin. These results suggest that Oro-A ameliorates LPS-depressed cardiac functions by increasing CF, leading to positive inotropy. In contrast, AVP aggravates cardiac dysfunction by decreasing CF. Oro-A is a potentially useful candidate for treating endotoxemia complicated with myocardial dysfunction.
Traditional Medicine in China, Korea, and Japan: A Brief Introduction and Comparison
Authors: Park Hye-Lim , Lee Hun-Soo , Shin Byung-Cheul , Liu Jian-Ping , Shang Qinghua , Yamashita Hitoshi , Lim Byungmook
Published: October 2012

Background and Purpose. Traditional medicine (TM) has been widely used in China (including the Taiwan region), Korea, and Japan. The purposes of this paper are to summarize the basic data on TM systems in these three countries and to compare them in terms of overall policy, education, and insurance.Methods. Government websites, national statistics, and authoritative papers from each country were fully searched. Further data were gathered by TM experts from each country.Results. China and Korea showed similar patterns in TM systems, whereas Japan showed different patterns. In China and Korea, TM was practiced in a dual system with conventional medicine (CM), and TM education was 6-year training programs on average for TM doctors, and acupuncture, moxibustion, and cupping were completely insured. Whereas, CM was dominant in Japan, and TM was practiced by each health care worker who has received different TM education respectively, and main TM therapies were partially insured.Conclusions. TM was developed similarly or somewhat differently based on differences in cultural background and national policies in East Asia. We cautiously propose that this study could contribute to the development of TM and also be used for reference in complementary and alternative medicine systems.
Sister Mary Joseph's Nodule as a First Manifestation of Primary Peritoneal Cancer
Authors: Iavazzo C. , Madhuri K. , Essapen S. , Akrivos N. , Tailor A. , Butler-Manuel S.
Published: October 2012

Sister Mary Joseph's nodule metastasis is a rather rare finding. The primary malignancy in women is usually ovarian, endometrial, gastric, or pancreatobiliary tree cancer. We present a case of an 87-year-old patient with Sister Mary Joseph's nodule metastasis caused by a primary peritoneal malignancy. Through a literature search, we also discuss the pathophysiology, diagnostic approach, management, and prognosis of such a condition.
A Posteriori Error Estimates for a Semidiscrete Parabolic Integrodifferential Control on Multimeshes
Authors: Shen Wanfang
Published: October 2012

We extend the existing techniques to study semidiscrete adaptive finite element approximation schemes for a constrained optimal control problem governed by parabolic integrodifferential equations. The control problem involves time accumulation and the control constrain is given in an integral obstacle sense. We first prove the uniqueness and existence of the solution of this optimal control problem. We then derive the upper a posteriori error estimators for both the state and the control approximation, which are useful indicators in adaptive multimesh finite element approximation schemes.
Falls and Fractures in the Elderly with Sinus Node Disease: The Impact of Pacemaker Implantation
Authors: Krasniqi Nazmi , Segalada Diana , Lüscher Thomas F. , Lippuner Kurt , Haegeli Laurent , Steffel Jan , Wolber Thomas , Brunckhorst Corinna , Holzmeister Johannes , Hürlimann David , Duru Firat
Published: October 2012

Background. Falls and fractures in the elderly are among the leading causes of disability. We investigated whether pacemaker implantation prevents falls in patients with SND in a large cohort of patients.Methods. Patient demographics and medical history were collected prospectively. Fall history was retrospectively reconstituted from available medical records. The 10-year probability for major osteoporotic fractures was calculated retrospectively from available medical records using the Swiss fracture risk assessment tool FRAX-Switzerland.Results. During a mean observation period of 2.3 years after implantation, the rates of fallers and injured fallers with fracture were reduced to 15% and 6%, respectively. This corresponds to a relative reduction in the number of fallers of 75% (P<0.001) and of injured fallers of 63% (P=0.014) after pacemaker implantation. Similarly, the number of falls was reduced from 60 (48%) before pacemaker implantation to 22 (18%) thereafter (relative reduction 63%,P=0.035) and the number of falls with injury from 22 (18%) to 7 (6%), which corresponds to a relative reduction of 67%,P=0.013.Conclusion. In patients with SND, pacemaker implantation significantly reduces the number of patients experiencing falls, the total number of falls, and the risk for osteoporotic fractures.
Bedside Ultrasound in Resuscitation and the Rapid Ultrasound in Shock Protocol
Authors: Seif Dina , Perera Phillips , Mailhot Thomas , Riley David , Mandavia Diku
Published: October 2012

Assessment of hemodynamic status in a shock state remains a challenging issue in Emergency Medicine and Critical Care. As the use of invasive hemodynamic monitoring declines, bedside-focused ultrasound has become a valuable tool in the evaluation and management of patients in shock. No longer a means to simply evaluate organ anatomy, ultrasound has expanded to become a rapid and noninvasive method for the assessment of patient physiology. Clinicians caring for critical patients should strongly consider integrating ultrasound into their resuscitation pathways.
Cholesterol Granuloma of the Frontal Sinus: A Case Report
Authors: Marco Manola , Ida Casorelli , Francesco Luigi Pietrafesa , Giampiero Mottola , Domenico Lacerenza , Giuseppe Battiloro , Giuseppe Patitucci , Giulia Anna Carmen Vita
Published: October 2012

Cholesterol granulomas are common in the mastoid antrum and air cells of the temporal bone. In the paranasal sinuses, especially in the frontal sinus, they have occasionally been mentioned in the literature. The pathogenesis is unknown, but the majority of the authors support the concept of airway obstruction in the cells well pneumatised of temporal bone and paranasal sinuses. The authors report a case of cholesterol granuloma of the frontal sinus treated with radical surgical techniques, and they also recommend an endoscopic approach to frontal sinus to restore or enlarge the nose-frontal canal and promote drainage and ventilation of the frontal sinus.
On Some Solvable Difference Equations and Systems of Difference Equations
Authors: Stević Stevo , Diblík Josef , Iričanin Bratislav , Šmarda Zdeněk
Published: October 2012

Here, we give explicit formulae for solutions of some systems of difference equations, which extend some very particular recent results in the literature and give natural explanations for them, which were omitted in the previous literature.
CD4 T-Cell-Independent Antibody Response Reduces Enterovirus 71 Lethality in Mice by Decreasing Tissue Viral Loads
Authors: Wang Li-Chiu , Kao Chia-Min , Ling Pin , Su Ih-Jen , Chang Tung-Miao , Chen Shun-Hua
Published: October 2012

Enterovirus 71 (EV71) has induced fatal encephalitis in hundreds of thousands of infants and young children in the Asia-Pacific region since the past decade. Lymphocyte and antibody responses have been suspected to aggravate EV71-induced neurological symptoms, so anti-inflammatory agents have been used to treat patients with neurological symptoms. In the present study, we found that mice deficient in CD4+T cells were resistant to EV71 infection as wild-type mice, whereas mice deficient in B cells were highly susceptible to viral infection. Compensation of CD4 T-cell function by other immune cells was not likely, because wild-type mice depleted of CD4+T cells were also resistant to viral infection. Infected CD4 T-cell-deficient mice produced virus-specific neutralizing antibodies, IgM and IgG. Moreover, adoptive transfer of the virus-specific antibody produced by infected CD4 T-cell-deficient mice protected B-cell-deficient mice from infection by reducing tissue viral loads. Collectively, our results show that the CD4 T-cell-independent antibody response promotes the survival of EV71-infected mice and suggest great potential for the use of vaccines and neutralizing antibodies to reduce fatal symptoms in patients.
Pricing and Applications of Digital Installment Options
Authors: Ciurlia Pierangelo , Gheno Andrea
Published: October 2012

For its theoretical interest and strong impact on financial markets, option valuation is considered one of the cornerstones of contemporary mathematical finance. This paper specifically studies the valuation of exotic options with digital payoff and flexible payment plan. By means of the Incomplete Fourier Transform, the pricing problem is solved in order to find integral representations of the upfront price for European call and put options. Several applications in the areas of corporate finance, insurance, and real options are discussed. Finally, a new type of digital derivative named supercash option is introduced and some payment schemes are also presented.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Sirtuin 6 in Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells
Authors: Lappas Martha
Published: October 2012

A prominent feature of inflammatory diseases is endothelial dysfunction. Factors associated with endothelial dysfunction include proinflammatory cytokines, adhesion molecules, and matrix degrading enzymes. At the transcriptional level, they are regulated by the histone deacetylase sirtuin (SIRT) 1 via its actions on the proinflammatory transcription factor nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB). The role of SIRT6, also a histone deacetylase, in regulating inflammation in endothelial cells is not known. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of SIRT6 knockdown on inflammatory markers in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in the presence of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). LPS decreased expression of SIRT6 in HUVECs. Knockdown of SIRT6 increased the expression of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8), COX-prostaglandin system, ECM remodelling enzymes (MMP-2, MMP-9 and PAI-1), the adhesion molecule ICAM-1, and proangiogenic growth factors VEGF and FGF-2; cell migration; cell adhesion to leukocytes. Loss of SIRT6 increased the expression of NF-κB, whereas overexpression of SIRT6 was associated with decreased NF-κB transcriptional activity. Taken together, these results demonstrate that the loss of SIRT6 in endothelial cells is associated with upregulation of genes involved in inflammation, vascular remodelling, and angiogenesis. SIRT6 may be a potential pharmacological target for inflammatory vascular diseases.
Antioxidant Activities of Stilbenoids fromRheum emodiWall
Authors: Chai Yuan-yuan , Wang Fang , Li Yan-li , Liu Ke , Xu Hui
Published: October 2012

Rheum emodiWall has been reported to possess protective effect in many inflammatory diseases and oxidative stress-related injuries. This study aims to investigate antioxidant power of stilbenoids fromR. emodiand then explore the material basis for its antioxidant potential. The most abundant stilbenoid piceatannol-4′-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (PICG) and its aglycon piceatannol (PICE) were isolated fromR. emodirhizome. Using well-accepted antioxidant chemicals as reference, antioxidant activity of these stilbenoids was examined by measuring DPPH and superoxide anion radical scavenging, ferric reducing power, and inhibition of lipid peroxidationin vitro. Both PICG and PICE displayed promising antioxidant activity in all the four assays. Comparisons among the tested compounds indicated that PICE has the most potent antioxidant activity and the presence of 3′-hydroxyl group may enhance antioxidant activity of stilbenoids. The antioxidative effect of PICE at the cellular level was further demonstrated on the model of hydrogen-peroxide-induced H9c2 rat cardiomyoblasts injury. Taking into account the rapidin vivometabolic transformation of PICG into PICE it can be inferred that the most abundant stilbenoid PICG may be an important constituent responsible for the antioxidant potential ofR. emodiand promising to be developed as an antioxidant agent for supplementary or therapeutic use.
Metastasis of Dermatofibrosarcoma from the Abdominal Wall to the Thyroid Gland: Case Report
Authors: Kreze Alexander , Zápotocká Andrea , Urbanec Tomáš , Koskuba Jiří , Pura Mikuláš , Vítek Pavel , Praženica Pavol , Traboulsi Eva
Published: October 2012

Metastases in the thyroid gland are very rare. Even the rarer are sarcoma metastases. A 52-year-old woman was referred to our department for evaluation of a nodule in the right lobe of the thyroid gland. She had a history dermatosarcoma of the abdominal wall with known metastasis in the lung. Clinically she had neck pain and worsened swallowing. Objective assessment (ultrasound, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance) indicated a voluminous right lobe nodule with mechanical syndrome, and a fine-needle aspiration biopsy revealed a very suspicious malignant finding. After surgery, the diagnosis was metastasis of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans. Subsequent treatment was radio- and chemotherapy.