bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
V3 Laparoscopic abdomino‐sacral composite resection for rectal cancer
Authors: Gonsalves S. J. , Smith K. , McAllister I. , Phillips N. , Sagar P. M.
Published: June 2008

Introduction:  Locally advanced rectal cancer with posterior fixity is a difficult oncological problem. Abdomino‐sacral composite resection is a procedure that benefits a select group of patients whose preoperative imaging confirms the absence of distant metastases and the possibility of an R0 resection, despite sacral invasion. Our video describes the technique of laparoscopic abdomino‐sacral composite resection.

Method and outcome:  A 55‐year‐old male with low rectal cancer presented with large bowel obstruction for which he had a diverting loop ileostomy. Subsequent staging investigations, including MR of the rectum and CT of the chest, abdomen and pelvis, confirmed a rectal cancer at 5 cm from the anal verge with no metastatic disease. The tumour extended posteriorly and involved the margin of the S5 vertebra. The patient received neoadjuvant long course chemoradiotherapy.

The video demonstrates laparoscopic mobilisation of the left hemicolon, TME and vascular pedicle ligation. The patient was then turned into the prone jack‐knife position. The video shows sacrectomy at the S3/4 junction, aperture completion of the rectal dissection and specimen retrieval. A composite mesh was used to close the sacral aperture.

Discussion:  We have found this combined technique to be both feasible and safe for the management of posteriorly advanced rectal tumours with sacral extension.
V5 Minimal access right hemicolectomy – no ports!
Authors: Macdonald A. , Sharma T. , Milligan R.
Published: June 2008

Introduction:  The recent trend towards minimal access surgery for colon cancer (particularly right‐sided cancer) implies that this type of surgery always requires laparoscopic assistance. We present a video which demonstrates that in selective cases a safe, adequate resection can be carried out through a small transverse incision.

Methods:  A retrospective review of prospectively collected data on all patients undergoing RH by a single surgeon was performed. Data was collected on age, sex, BMI, elective/emergency status, ASA grade, curative intent incision (traditional midline vs small transverse; < 10 cm), and nodes retrieved, length of post hospital stay, complications and curative intent. Results are expressed as a median (range) and where appropriate compared using ANOVA.

Results:  Lymph node counts were similar in both groups, TI group 13(5–22) and MI group 12(3–22), P = NS. In those undergoing curative surgery, no positive margins were identified in either group.

Conclusions:  There is no difference in lymph node retrieval when a right hemicolectomiy is performed through a minimal access transverse incision as compared to a midline approach. We recommend that in appropriate cases right hemicolectomy can be carried out safely/adequately through a small transverse incision without the aid of laparoscopy.
V7 Laparoscopic ileo‐caecectomy for terminal ileal Crohn's disease with intracorporeal anastomosis
Authors: Tan Y. W. , Harris C. A. , Wright C. K.
Published: June 2008

Introduction:  Laparoscopic management of patients with Crohn's disease produces better outcome than open approach in selected group of patients. Resections are commonly performed with laparoscopic assisted division of mesentery followed by extracorporeal anastomosis. We wish to present a short video showing a 20‐year‐old lady with terminal ileal Crohn's disease who underwent laparoscopic ileocaecectomy with intracorporeal anastomosis.

Surgery:  We discussed three parts of the operation – Part I: mobilisation of bowels; Part II: resection and preparing for anastomosis; Part III: intracorporeal anastomosis.

Discussion:  Laparoscopic ileocaecectomy should not alter the indications for surgery. However some patients may prefer this approach to more conventional open surgery or medical therapy. It needs not be difficult to perform laparoscopically.
The prognostic value of lymph node metastases and tumour regression grade in rectal cancer patients treated with long‐course preoperative chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Lindebjerg J. , Spindler K.‐L. G. , Ploen J. , Jakobsen A.
Published: June 2008

Objective  The purpose of the present study was to investigate the impact of tumour regression and the post‐treatment lymph node status on the prognosis of rectal cancer treated by preoperative neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy.

Method  One hundred and thirty‐five patients with locally advanced T3 and T4 rectal tumours received preoperative long‐course chemoradiation, to a dose of 60 Gy external radiation and oral 5‐fluorouracil 300 mg/m2 daily and Leukovorin 22.5 mg/day 5 days a week. Surgery was performed 8 weeks after the end of treatment. The tumour response was evaluated according to the tumour regression grade system and lymph node status in the surgical specimen was assessed. The prognostic value of clinico‐pathological parameters was analysed using univariate analysis and Kaplan–Meier methods for comparison of groups.

Results  All patients responded to treatment and 47% had a major response, including 25 (19%) complete responders. The median follow‐up was 26 months (range 12–94 months). The cancer specific survival was 82% and there was a significant lower survival rate in the group of patients with post‐treatment lymph node metastases compared to lymph‐node negative patients [63% and 87% respectively (P = 0.007)]. Furthermore patients with a major tumour response and no lymph node metastases in the surgical specimen after treatment had a survival rate of 100% compared with 60% in the group of patients with major response but lymph node metastases after surgery (P < 0.01).

Conclusion  The combined assessment of lymph‐node status and tumour response has strong prognostic value in locally advanced rectal cancer patient treated with preoperative long‐course chemoradiation.
SPATIAL SPILLOVERS AND THE GROWTH OF KNOWLEDGE INTENSIVE SERVICES
Authors: BISHOP PAUL
Published: June 2008

Knowledge intensive services (KIS) have grown rapidly across Europe in recent years and are often regarded as critical to economic growth and knowledge diffusion. This paper focuses on the factors determining spatial variations in the growth of these services. Combining insights from the regional innovation systems approach and modern growth theory, it is argued that local economic diversity may be beneficial to the growth of KIS. An empirical study of Great Britain over the period 1991–2002 reveals significant regional variations, with rapid growth occurring in a central cluster and major urban areas. The results of an empirical model provide support for the positive impact of diversity on employment growth but no evidence of a positive effect of sector specialisation. From a policy perspective, the analysis suggests that greater attention needs to be devoted to enhancing economic diversity and understanding sector specific effects.
RESIDENTIAL ENVIRONMENT AND SPATIAL VARIATION IN HOUSE PRICES IN THE NETHERLANDS
Authors: VISSER PETRA , VAN DAM FRANK , HOOIMEIJER PIETER
Published: June 2008

Even in a small country such as the Netherlands, spatial variations in house prices are considerable. This paper addresses the question about the extent to which these variations in house prices can be explained by differences in physical, social and functional characteristics of the residential environment. Data on the prices and characteristics of houses were linked with a variety of attributes of the residential environment. We used hedonic price modelling to derive different models of property prices from which the contribution of the characteristics of the residential environment were estimated. It is demonstrated that regional house price variations can indeed largely be explained by characteristics of the residential environment. An important factor in these regional price differences is the accessibility to employment opportunities.
Inevitable evolution: back toThe Originand beyond the 20th Century paradigm of contingent evolution by historical natural selection
Authors: Witting Lars
Published: June 2008

Since neo‐Darwinism arose from the work of Darwin and Mendel evolution by natural selection has been seen as contingent and historical being defined by ana posterioriselection process with noa priorilaws that explain why evolution on Earth has taken the direction of the major evolutionary trends and transitions instead of any other direction. Recently, however, major life‐history trends and transitions have been explained as inevitable because of a deterministic selection that unfolds from the energetic state of the organism and the density‐dependent competitive interactions that arise from self‐replication in limited environments. I describe differences and similarities between the historical and deterministic selection processes, illustrate concepts using life‐history models on large body masses and limited reproductive rates, review life‐history evolution with a wider focus on major evolutionary transitions, and propose that biotic evolution is driven by a universal natural selection where the long‐term evolution of fitness‐related traits is determined mainly by deterministic selection, while contingency is important predominately for neutral traits. Given suitable environmental conditions, it is shown that selection by energetic state and density‐dependent competitive interactions unfolds to higher level selection for life‐history transitions from simple asexually reproducing self‐replicators to large bodied organisms with senescence and sexual reproduction between males and females, and in some cases, to the fully evolved eusocial colony with thousands of offspring workers. This defines an evolutionary arrow of time for open thermodynamic systems with a constant inflow of energy, predicting similar routes for long‐term evolution on similar planets.
Change in psychopathology in referred children: the role of life events and perceived stress
Authors: Willemen Agnes M. , Koot Hans M. , Ferdinand Robert F. , Goossens Frits A. , Schuengel Carlo
Published: June 2008

Background:  This study examined the relation between stress and change in emotional and behavioural problems in children and adolescents referred for mental health services.

Method:  At three waves across four years, children and their parents (N = 310, mean age at the first wave = 11.26 years, SD = 3.18) reported emotional and behavioural problems, as well as stressful life events (parent report) and perceived stress (child report).

Results:  Major life events before referral were associated with higher levels of parent‐reported internalising and externalising problems at referral. Life events after referral were associated with a slower recovery from internalising problems. The associations between stressful life events and the course of parent‐ and self‐reported problems were mediated by children’s subjective feelings of stress.

Conclusion:  Stressful life events appear to interfere with recovery from internalising problems in the years after referral through increasing the experience of stress in daily life.
THE OCCURRENCE OF PALYGORSKITE IN THE YUCATÁN PENINSULA: ETHNO‐HISTORIC AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL CONTEXTS*
Authors: SÁNCHEZ DEL RÍO M. , SUÁREZ M. , GARCÍA‐ROMERO E.
Published: June 2008

Palygorskite is a rare clay mineral used by the ancient Mayas for fabricating the Maya blue pigment and for other purposes. It seems to have been obtained from a restricted area in the Yucatán peninsula where important archaeological sites are found. Geological samples from different localities in this area show a high content in palygorskite, indicating that this clay is widespread in Yucatán. Combining structural, morphological, compositional and geochemical methods, we analysed the common characteristics of Yucatecan palygorskites, and compared them with palygorskites from other origins around the world. These results can be used for defining a fingerprint of Yucatecan palygorskite to be used in provenance studies of archaeological artefacts, in particular the Maya blue pigment.
Seizure Aggravation—Evidence that Oxcarbazepine Requires Monitoring
Authors: Ben-Menachem Elinor
Published: June 2008

Aggravation of Seizures and/or EEG Features in Children Treated with Oxcarbazepine Monotherapy. Vendrame M, Khurana DS, Cruz M, Melvin J, Valencia I, Legido A, Kothare SV. Epilepsia 2007;48(11):2116–2120. Epub 2007 Jul 21. PURPOSE: Exacerbation of epilepsy may occur following initiation of therapy with antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). The aim of this study is to analyze the clinical and EEG characteristics of a group of pediatric patients with worsening of seizures and/or EEG deterioration while on oxcarbazepine (OXC). METHODS: A retrospective analysis of a clinical database was performed to identify patients with epilepsy treated with OXC over the past 3 years. History, neurological examination, and EEG findings were reviewed to identify any who had developed exacerbation of seizures or new abnormalities on EEG. RESULTS: Of 290 patients on OXC, we identified 12 patients with new onset seizures, all with initial normal neurological exam and normal EEG, who developed either worsening of preexisting seizures, new seizure types, and/or EEG deterioration following introduction of OXC monotherapy. EEG changes were primarily characterized by new onset of generalized epileptiform activity not reported on the initial baseline EEG. Following substitution of OXC with a broad spectrum AED, significant improvement of seizure control and improvement in the EEG was observed. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that OXC can aggravate seizures and/or worsen EEG features in children. Following initiation of therapy with OXC, monitoring of patients with follow-up EEGs may be important, especially in patients who do not show adequate response to therapy.
Seizure Remission in Adults with Intractable Epilepsy: Not Just a Pipe Dream
Authors: Garcia Paul
Published: June 2008

Likelihood of Seizure Remission in an Adult Population with Refractory Epilepsy. Callaghan BC, Anand K, Hesdorffer D, Hauser WA, French JA. Ann Neurol 2007;62(4):382–389. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to determine the likelihood of remission and its clinical predictors in adult patients meeting a strict definition of refractory epilepsy. We also wanted to investigate the influence of treatment regimen on remission. METHODS: A total of 246 patients with treatment refractory epilepsy (having at least 1 seizure per month and having not responded positively to at least 2 antiepileptic drugs) were identified in 2000 and followed for 3 years. We used Kaplan-Meier methods to estimate the rate of achieving a 6-month terminal seizure remission and Cox regression analysis to evaluate clinical predictors for seizure remission. RESULTS: The estimated 6-month terminal seizure remission rate was 19% (95% confidence interval, 14–26%) for all cases and 14% (95% confidence interval, 10–21%) when limited to those treated only with medication. Negative predictors for remission included a history of status epilepticus, younger age at intractability, number of failed drug therapies, and presence of mental retardation. No specific drug was significantly associated with remission, and frequently, no clear intervention led to terminal remission. INTERPRETATION: Fifteen percent (approximately 5% per year) of a drug refractory epilepsy population obtained a 6-month terminal seizure remission. Our results signify that no matter how many antiepileptic drug therapies have failed, there is always hope of a meaningful seizure remission in this population. Furthermore, we have elucidated four clinical predictors that can aid the epileptologist in prognostication.
Nonconvulsive Seizures in Traumatic Brain Injury: What you Don't See Can Hurt You
Authors: Hirsch Lawrence J.
Published: June 2008

Nonconvulsive Electrographic Seizures after Traumatic Brain Injury Result in a Delayed, Prolonged Increase in Intracranial Pressure and Metabolic Crisis. Vespa PM, Miller C, McArthur D, Eliseo M, Etchepare M, Hirt D, Glenn TC, Martin N, Hovda D. Crit Care Med 2007; [Epub ahead of print]. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether nonconvulsive electrographic post-traumatic seizures result in increases in intracranial pressure and microdialysis lactate/pyruvate ratio. DESIGN: Prospective monitoring with retrospective data analysis. SETTING: Single center academic neurologic intensive care unit. PATIENTS: Twenty moderate to severe traumatic brain injury patients (Glasgow Coma Score 3–13). MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Continuous electroencephalography and cerebral microdialysis were performed for 7 days after injury. Ten patients had seizures and were compared with a matched cohort of traumatic brain injury patients without seizures. The seizures were repetitive and constituted status epilepticus in seven of ten patients. Using a within-subject design, post-traumatic seizures resulted in episodic increases in intracranial pressure (22.4 ± 7 vs. 12.8 ± 4.3 mm Hg; p < .001) and an episodic increase in lactate/pyruvate ratio (49.4 ± 16 vs. 23.8 ± 7.6; p < .001) in the seizure group. Using a between-subjects comparison, the seizure group demonstrated a higher mean intracranial pressure (17.6 ± 6.5 vs. 12.2 ± 4.2 mm Hg; p < .001), a higher mean lactate/pyruvate ratio (38.6 ± 18 vs. 27 ± 9; p < .001) compared with nonseizure patients. The intracranial pressure and lactate/pyruvate ratio remained elevated beyond postinjury hour 100 in the seizure group but not the nonseizure group (p < .02). CONCLUSION: Post-traumatic seizures result in episodic as well as long-lasting increases in intracranial pressure and microdialysis lactate/pyruvate ratio. These data suggest that post-traumatic seizures represent a therapeutic target for patients with traumatic brain injury.
Not all Sweetness and Light: The Role of Glycogen in Hypoglycemic Seizures
Authors: Stafstrom Carl E.
Published: June 2008

Factors Which Abolish Hypoglycemic Seizures Do Not Increase Cerebral Glycogen Content In Vitro. Abdelmalik PA, Liang P, Weisspapir M, Samoilova M, Burnham WM, Carlen PL. Neurobiol Dis 2008;29(2):201–209. Epub 2007 Aug 29. The brain is heavily dependant on glucose for its function and survival. Hypoglycemia can have severe, irreversible consequences, including seizures, coma and death. However, the in vivo content of brain glycogen, the storage form of glucose, is meager and is a function of both neuronal activity and glucose concentration. In the intact in vitro hippocampus isolated from mice aged postnatal days 8–13, we have recently characterized a novel model of hypoglycemic seizures, wherein seizures were abolished by various neuroprotective strategies. We had hypothesized that these strategies might act, in part, by increasing cerebral glycogen content. In the present experiments, it was found that neither decreasing temperature nor increasing glucose concentrations (above 2 mM) significantly increased hippocampal glycogen content. Preparations of isolated frontal neocortex in vitro do not produce hypoglycemic seizures yet it was found they contained significantly lower glycogen content as compared to the isolated intact hippocampus. Further, the application of either TTX, or a cocktail containing APV, CNQX and gabazine, to block synaptic activity, did not increase, but paradoxically decreased, hippocampal glycogen content in the isolated intact hippocampus. Significant decreases in glycogen were noted when neuronal activity was increased via incubation with l-aspartate (500 μM) or low Mg2+. Lastly, we examined the incidence of hypoglycemic seizures in hippocampi isolated from mice aged 15–19 and 22–24 days, and compared it to the incidence of hypoglycemic seizures of hippocampi isolated from mice aged 8–13 days described previously (Abdelmalik et al., 2007 Neurobiol Dis 26(3):646–660). It was noted that hypoglycemic seizures were generated less frequently, and had less impact on synaptic transmission in hippocmpi from PD 22–24 as compared to hippocampi from mice PD 15–19 or PD 8–13. However, hippocampi from 8- to 13-day-old mice had significantly more glycogen than the other two age groups. The present data suggest that none of the interventions which abolish hypoglycemic seizures increases glycogen content, and that low glycogen content, per se, may not predispose to the generation of hypoglycemic seizures.
A Comparative Evaluation of Arterial Blood Flow and the Healing Response after Femoral Artery Closure Using Angio‐Seal STS Plus and StarClose in a Porcine Model
Authors: SANGHI PRAMOD , VIRMANI RENU , DO DAT , ERIKSON JOHN , ELLIOTT JAMES , CILINGIROGLU MEHMET , MATTHEWS HOLLY , KAZI MASOOD , RICKER ROBERT , BAILEY STEVEN R.
Published: June 2008

Objectives: This study prospectively evaluated the acute and chronic arterial blood flow and vascular pathology after vessel closure using two commonly used closure devices controlled by deploying both devices in each animal.

Background: Several vessel closure systems are approved for clinical use; however, few direct comparisons have ever been performed and no randomized case controlled study has been published using FDA‐approved devices.

Methods: Ninteen Sous Scroufulae pigs underwent bilateral percutaneous arteriotomies using ultrasound‐guided 6 Fr sheath insertion in both common femoral arteries. The femoral access site was then closed using either an Angio‐Seal STS Plus™, an absorbable collagen sponge, or StarClose™, a self‐closing nitinol clip. Angiograms and ultrasound of the site were performed prior to closure and immediately afterwards. At follow‐up, ultrasound was performed at the site and the specimens were sent for histopathology.

Results: Baseline femoral artery diameters (centimeters) were similar in both groups by U/S (5.2 ± 0.3, 5.3 ± 0.3) and quantitative angiography (4.6 ± 0.7, 4.6 ± 0.8). Postdeployment angiograms showed a vessel diameter stenosis of 65%± 24% with Angio‐Seal (n = 18) and 50%± 22% with StarClose (n = 18), P = 0.04. 2D U/S performed immediately postdeployment showed vessel diameter stenosis of 59%± 33.0 with Angio‐Seal (n = 19), and 35%± 20 with StarClose (n = 19), P = 0.01. At 7‐, 30‐, and 60‐day follow‐up, no appreciable differences in the vessel diameter were observed by U/S. At early follow‐up (7 and 30 days), Angio‐Seal arteriotomy closure sites were associated with higher inflammatory and hemorrhage scores, but no difference was seen at late (60‐day) follow‐up.

Conclusions: The StarClose closure device is associated with less short‐term vessel injury compared to Angio‐Seal STS Plus; however, this difference was not statistically significant after 60 days.
Characterization of 21 microsatellites developed from Propithecus deckeni deckeni
Authors: LEI RUNHUA , DAY SABINE , RAMAROKOTO ROGER , SHORE GARY D. , LOUIS, JR EDWARD E. , BRENNEMAN RICK A.
Published: June 2008

Decken's sifaka (Propithecus deckeni deckeni) is found between the Mahavavy and Manambolo Rivers, in western Madagascar. Twenty‐one polymorphic nuclear microsatellite loci were isolated from genomic DNA derived from a P. d. deckeni, from Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park. Population genetic parameters were estimated on 10 individuals each, sampled from Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park and Tsiombikibo Classified Forests. Significant null alleles were detected in seven loci which were dropped before population genetic parameters were re‐estimated and compared to the full marker suite.
Microsatellites from kousa dogwood (Cornus kousa)
Authors: WADL PHILLIP A. , WANG XINWANG , SCHEFFLER BRIAN E. , RINEHART TIMOTHY A. , TRIGIANO ROBERT N.
Published: June 2008

Microsatellite loci were identified from Cornus kousa‘National’. Primer pairs for 86 loci were developed and of these, eight were optimized and screened using genomic DNA from 22 kousa cultivars. All optimized loci were polymorphic and the number of alleles per locus ranged from three to 17. Observed heterozygosity ranged from 0 to 0.3 and expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.38 to 0.91. These microsatellites will be useful in population studies, and a breeding programme for cultivar development of Cornus species.
Development of novel microsatellites from Moniliophthora perniciosa, causal agent of the witches’ broom disease of Theobroma cacao
Authors: SILVA JUREMA R. Q. , FIGUEIRA ANTONIO , PEREIRA GONÇALO A. G. , ALBUQUERQUE PAULO
Published: June 2008

Moniliophthora perniciosa is the causal agent of the witches’ broom disease of cacao. Based on available genomic sequences, we identified 30 new microsatellite loci, which were analysed using 50 isolates from four populations sampled over a wide geographical area in Brazil, including three populations from the Amazon, the fungal putative centre of diversity, plus one from Bahia. Nine loci were polymorphic, with an average of 2.9 alleles per locus. The level of polymorphism observed was low, but these markers may allow the evaluation of pathogen diversity and the establishment of molecular standards for isolate fingerprinting to support cacao breeding.
Eleven polymorphic microsatellites isolated from red swamp crayfish, Procambarus clarkii
Authors: ZHU ZE YUAN , YUE GEN HUA
Published: June 2008

Eleven microsatellites were isolated from a genomic DNA library enriched for CA‐ and GA‐repeats, and were characterized in 48 individuals of red swamp crayfish Procambarus clarkii. All 11 microsatellites were polymorphic with an average of allele number of 6.6 per locus. Genotypic distributions of these 11 markers were found to be in conformance with the expectations of Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. All 11 markers were unlinked. These markers are being used to study the invasion routine, genetic diversity and population structure of the species P. clarkii.
Isolation and characterization of microsatellite markers for Casearia sylvestris Sw. (Salicaceae), a neotropical medicinal tree
Authors: CAVALLARI M. M. , BILLOT C. , BOUVET J.‐M. , FAVREAU B. , ZUCCHI M. I. , PALMIERI D. A. , GIMENES M. A.
Published: June 2008

Casearia sylvestris Sw. is a widespread neotropical tree utilized in popular medicine. Recent research ranked Casearia as one of the most promising genus in the search of drugs against cancer. Despite its wide distribution and pharmacological importance, no microsatellite markers have yet been developed for this genus. In this study, we provide 10 polymorphic microsatellite loci specifically designed for C. sylvestris, used to analyse 90 individuals distributed in two populations from São Paulo state, Brazil. On average, 12.3 alleles per locus were identified, showing the ability of the markers to detect microsatellite polymorphism in this species.
A high‐throughput protocol for extracting high‐purity genomic DNA from plants and animals
Authors: WHITLOCK R. , HIPPERSON H. , MANNARELLI M. , BURKE T.
Published: June 2008

DNA extraction techniques that employ the reversible binding of DNA to silica via chaotropic salts can deliver high‐quality genomic DNA from plant and animal tissues, while avoiding the use of toxic organic solvents. Existing techniques that use this method are either prohibitively expensive, or are applicable to only a restricted set of taxa. Here we describe a cost‐effective DNA extraction technique suitable for a wide range of plant and animal taxa that yields microgram quantities of high‐molecular‐weight genomic DNA at a throughput of 192 samples per day. Our technique is particularly robust for tissue samples that are insoluble or are rapidly discoloured or oxidized in standard DNA extraction buffers. We demonstrate the quality of DNA extracted using this method by applying the amplified fragment length polymorphism technique to plant species.
Development of new microsatellite loci and multiplex reactions for muskellunge (Esox masquinongy)
Authors: SLOSS BRIAN L. , FRANCKOWIAK RYAN P. , MURPHY EDWARD L.
Published: June 2008

The muskellunge (Esox masquinongy) is a valued fisheries species throughout its native range. Numerous studies have documented performance and phenotypic differences among muskellunge populations, but genetic markers for assessment have been lacking. We characterized 14 microsatellite loci and developed five multiplex polymerase chain reactions. Successful amplification of northern pike (Esox lucius) was observed for seven loci. These microsatellites will be useful for analysing population structure, performance characteristics of propagated strains, and helping to develop and monitor hatchery management guidelines for muskellunge.
Cross‐species amplification and optimization of microsatellite markers for use in six Neotropical parrots
Authors: GEBHARDT KARA J. , WAITS LISETTE P.
Published: June 2008

Short amplicon primers were redesigned for 17 microsatellite loci developed in St. Vincent's Amazon and six loci developed in blue‐and‐yellow macaw and tested using six species of Neotropical parrot. Polymorphism was observed at 12 loci in blue‐and‐yellow macaw, 10 in red‐and‐green macaw, 11 in scarlet macaw, 10 in chestnut‐fronted macaw, 11 in red‐bellied macaw and 16 in mealy parrot. Number of alleles per locus ranged from two to 23 and expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.05 to 0.95. The resulting multiplexed loci will be useful in evaluating genetic diversity, genetic structure and mating system in Neotropical parrots.
Fifteen new microsatellite markers for the reef coral Favia fragum and a new Symbiodinium microsatellite
Authors: CARLON DAVID B. , LIPPÉ CATHERINE
Published: June 2008

Sixteen new microsatellite loci were isolated from the Tropical Atlantic coral Favia fragum. One locus amplified with pure zooxanthellae DNA template, revealing a symbiont (Symbiodinium) origin. We genotyped 48 short and 45 tall ecomorphs of F. fragum from the Bocas del Toro region of Panama. For 15 host loci, allelic diversity ranged from three to 23 with an average of 5.75 alleles per locus. Analysis of genotypic data revealed significant heterozygote deficits at all loci and linkage disequilibrium between loci, as did a previous study of the two ecomorphs with allozymes. We found evidence for null alleles at four of the host loci in the form of locus‐specific polymerase chain reaction failure; however, extreme inbreeding via self‐fertilization is likely to explain the large departures from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium.
Temperature‐sensitive TREK currents contribute to setting the resting membrane potential in embryonic atrial myocytes
Authors: Zhang Hengtao , Shepherd Neal , Creazzo Tony L.
Published: June 2008

TREK channels belong to the superfamily of two‐pore‐domain K+ channels and are activated by membrane stretch, arachidonic acid, volatile anaesthetics and heat. TREK‐1 is highly expressed in the atrium of the adult heart. In this study, we investigated the role of TREK‐1 and TREK‐2 channels in regulating the resting membrane potential (RMP) of isolated chicken embryonic cardiac myocytes. At room temperature, the average RMP of embryonic day (ED) 11 atrial myocytes was −22 ± 2 mV. Raising the temperature to 35°C hyperpolarized the membrane to −69 ± 2 mV and activated a large outwardly rectifying K+ current that was relatively insensitive to conventional K+ channel inhibitors (TEA, 4‐AP and Ba2+) but completely inhibited by tetracaine (200 μm), an inhibitor of TREK channels. The heat‐induced hyperpolarization was mimicked by 10 μm arachidonic acid, an agonist of TREK channels. There was little or no inwardly rectifying K+ current (IK1) in the ED11 atrial cells. In marked contrast, ED11 ventricular myocytes exhibited a normal RMP (−86.1 ± 3.4 mV) and substantial IK1, but no temperature‐ or tetracaine‐sensitive K+ currents. Both RT‐PCR and real‐time PCR further demonstrated that TREK‐1 and TREK‐2 are highly and almost equally expressed in ED11 atrium but much less expressed in ED11 ventricle. In addition, immunofluorescence demonstrated TREK‐1 protein in the membrane of atrial myocytes. These data indicate the presence and function of TREK‐1 and TREK‐2 in the embryonic atrium. Moreover, we demonstrate that TREK‐like currents have an essential role in determining membrane potential in embryonic atrial myocytes, where IK1 is absent.
The familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy‐associated myosin mutation R403Q accelerates tension generation and relaxation of human cardiac myofibrils
Authors: Belus Alexandra , Piroddi Nicoletta , Scellini Beatrice , Tesi Chiara , Amati Giulia D , Girolami Francesca , Yacoub Magdi , Cecchi Franco , Olivotto Iacopo , Poggesi Corrado
Published: June 2008

The R403Q mutation in β‐myosin heavy chain was the first mutation to be identified as responsible for familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (FHC). In spite of extensive work on the functional sequelae of this mutation, the mechanism by which the mutant protein causes the disease has not been definitely identified. Here we directly compare contraction and relaxation mechanics of single myofibrils from left ventricular samples of one patient carrying the R403Q mutation to those from a healthy control heart. Tension generation and relaxation following sudden increase and decrease in [Ca2+] were much faster in the R403Q myofibrils with relaxation rates being the most affected parameters. The results show that the R403Q mutation leads to an apparent gain of protein function but a greater energetic cost of tension generation. Increased energy cost of tension generation may be central to the FHC disease process, help explain some unresolved clinical observations, and carry significant therapeutic implications.
Relationship Between Process and Product Structures: A New and Flexible Approach for an Integrated Dynamic Process Management
Authors: Naumann Thomas , Speck Hans-Jo¨rg , Vajna Sa´ndor , vom Ende Arnold
Published: June 2008

Today’s value chain products are an important drive of our society. Every product live cycle culminates in satisfaction of a customer need or as a part of other processes or services for the next customers needs.
Implementing Speech Recognition in Virtual Reality
Authors: Dorozhkin Denis V. , Vance Judy M.
Published: June 2008

Virtual Reality (VR) is becoming an important tool in the engineering product development process. The virtual environment provides the user with the ability to interact with three-dimensional digital representations of products using natural head and hand motions. While interacting with digital objects in VR seems natural, the use of traditional two-dimensional menu systems does not always provide a convenient interface to controlling task specifications in the three-dimensional space. New human-computer-interfaces are needed for this emerging VR design tool. This paper will present the details of implementing a speaker-independent, command and control, speech recognition menuing system for a virtual reality application. The menuing system will be described as it is incorporated into a virtual environment for the design of spatial mechanisms. Design and technical issues involved in the interface creation process are discussed and the resulting interaction system is described.
Virtual Reality-Based Dynamics Simulation for Virtual Prototypes
Authors: Po¨hland Klaus , Berssenbru¨gge Jan , Krumm Holger , Ebbesmeyer Peter
Published: June 2008

This work describes the conception and prototypic implementation of a program to simulate the dynamics within a rail-based undercarriage in real time. A software library for real time simulation of multibody systems (MBS) and a library to create Virtual Reality (VR) applications, function as a basis for this work. The main emphasis lies on the integration of the multibody-simulation into an interactive 3D environment to enable the user to interact with the model and its dynamics simulation in real time. The basic idea of this paper is to simulate a simplified dynamics model of a virtual prototype only as precise as necessary to obtain a better understanding of the prototype’s dynamics. The level-of-detail technique, frequently being used when CAD data is prepared for the use in VR, is utilized here on the simplified dynamics model of a virtual prototype.
Heterogeneous Autonomous Agent Architecture for Agile Manufacturing
Authors: Wang Shilong , Yi Jian , Hong Xia , Zhang Z.
Published: June 2008

Considering the agent-based modeling and mapping in manufacturing system, some system models are described in this paper, which are included: Domain Based Hierarchical Structure (DBHS), Cascading Agent Structure (CAS), Proximity Relation structure (PRS), and Bus-based network structure (BNS). In DBHS, one sort of agents, called static agents, individually acts as Domain Agents, Resources Agents, UserInterface Agents and Gateway Agents. And the others, named mobile agents, are the brokers of task and process flow. Static agents representing a subsystem may itself be an agent-based network and should learn as the mobile agents to deal with new situation. Mobile agents move around the network domains taking advantage of the resources to fulfill their goals. In CAS, We use Unified Modeling Language (UML) to build up the agent-based manufacturing system It is said Enterprise agent (main agent) has factory agents together with some directly jurisdictional workshop agents, cell agents, and individual resource agents. Likewise, factory agent has workshop agents together with some directly jurisdictional cell agents and individual resource agents, and so on. In PRS, the resources agents are located together by its function and abilities. There is only one agent behaves as the task-announcer. The communication just occurs among the Proximity Relational agents. In BNS, It is very similar with the society of human being connected with a network, some agents, such as ‘cost calculating’, are just cope with the matter-of-fact job. And some agents run as the individual resources that can negotiate with each other and advertise a necessary message within the whole domain or a given group of agents. The administration just relies on the individual address of agents and the group ID code of agents.
Assessment of Effectiveness of an Electronic Book to Deliver Robotics Lab Experience Over the Internet
Authors: Gurocak Hakan , Ash Ivan K. , Wiley Jennifer
Published: June 2008

The Internet is successfully being used to deliver distance education courses and even complete degree programs. However, effective distance delivery of the laboratory experience is a challenging problem. Today there are several “laboratories” that can be accessed over the Internet. This paper presents a unique technique, namely eye tracking, to determine whether having access to a real robot over the Internet makes any difference in the learning and acquired skills of the users. The study uses robotics chapter of an electronic book under development. Design details of the chapter and experiments are explained. Results indicate that having remote access to real equipment leads to higher motivation for learning, as well as increased efficiency in applying learned skills.
Use of SDRC I-DEAS in Teaching Computer Aided Engineering
Authors: Nikolic Vojin
Published: June 2008

In recent years the author has been developing and teaching computer aided engineering courses using the Pro/ENGINEER and I-DEAS software systems. This has been a very demanding yet highly rewarding endeavor. The paper discusses one such CAE course. In a semester long I-DEAS-based course the students are brought from the basics to a level where they are comfortable tackling typical real life engineering, both design and analysis, projects which require use of high end software for computer aided engineering. The benefits to the students of taking such a CAE I-DEAS-based course are discussed.
Internet-Based CAD Tool for Design of Gripper Jaws
Authors: Zhang Mike Tao , Goldberg Ken
Published: June 2008

We describe an Internet-based CAD tool that automatically designs gripper jaws to align a given part from an initial orientation to a desired final orientation. We describe algorithmic improvements in computational efficiency, frictional analysis and form closure analysis. We describe the interface and give examples. We then apply the design tool to identify conditions under which jaw designs exist, leading to an analytic condition for triangular parts that cannot be aligned. The CAD tool is available online at www.ieor.berkeley.edu/~goldberg/sa-gripper/.
An Information Model for Finding and Integrating Distributed Resources for Engineering Design-Manufacturing Processes
Authors: Kulkarni Rahul , Rosen David , Allen Janet K. , Mistree Farrokh
Published: June 2008

The complexity of many modern products means that multiple design teams need to collaborate during product development projects. Driven by such issues, companies are increasingly staffing only their core competencies in-house and depending on other firms to provide the complementary design knowledge and design effort needed for a complete product. With the advent of the Internet, it is today possible that these external resources are physically, geographically, and temporally distributed. In this scenario, finding the right external resource for a given task and establishing effective communication between such resources are two of the most crucial elements of the product realization process. Through this paper, the authors aim to develop an information model and middleware that enable identification and use of suitable resources for design and design-for-manufacture stages in a distributed design and manufacturing environment. Such an information model and middleware will enable a designer to use XML to effectively communicate information regarding requirements, engineering parameters, process details and resource capabilities to different entities in the product realization process. The information model and middleware developed are implemented as part of Web-DPR – web-based distributed product realization environment developed at the Systems Realization Laboratory at Georgia Tech.
Aerodynamic Flow Simulation Using Pressure-Based Method and Normalized Variable Diagram
Authors: Djavareshkian M. H. , Baheri Islami S.
Published: June 2008

This paper a pressure-base finite volume procedure is used in an aerodynamic flow simulation. The boundedness criteria for this procedure are determined from the SBIC, Second and Blending Interpolation Combine, scheme which are used to solve the Euler and Navier-Stokes equations on a nonorthogonal mesh. The scheme with the minimum number of adjustable parameters is robust on the wide range of test cases. The procedure incorporates the k-ε eddy-viscosity turbulence model. The method is then validated against experiment and another numerical solution for the cases of invisicd and turbulent transonic flow around airfoil NACA0012 and RAE2822. The comparisons show that the quality of the resolution of the SBIC scheme is considerable.
Characteristic Topology Method for Quadrilateral Mesh Without Self-Intersection of Dual Cycles
Authors: Shinoda Junichi , Egorova Olga , Qu Haozhi , Hagiwara Ichiro
Published: June 2008

The Dual Cycle Elimination method was proposed by Mu¨ller-Hannemann for hexahedral mesh generation. The method begins with a surface quadrilateral mesh whose dual cycles have no self-intersections and, after the elimination of dual cycles, a hexahedral mesh is generated while tracing back the reverse order of eliminations and supplementing hexahedrons inside the object step by step. This paper presents the Characteristic Topology Method as a means to prescribe a quadrilateral surface mesh that can be initial data for further hexahedral mesh generation. The goal of this method is to stress the topology of the given surface and thus use construction of the loops within the algorithm. The surface is given in a nodal polygonal model and then decomposed into a triangle-quadrilateral model. Templates are used to determine the loops. Then due to some rules every loop is implemented by special additional Dual Cycles. The total mesh is the dual graph to the graph of dual cycles. The problem of self-intersections that may appear comes from Mu¨ller-Hannemann’s approach stated above and that is also implemented in this work as a sketch.
Dynamics of a Pulsating Bubble Beneath a Free Surface
Authors: Shervani-Tabar M. T.
Published: June 2008

In this paper Dynamics of a rebounding cavitation bubble beneath a free surface is carried out by using Boundary Integral Equation Method. The bubble contains a mixture of constant pressure vapour and ideal gas. Results show that the free surface is pushed up during the growth of the bubble and collapses with the bubble collapse. It is found that the free surface rebounds in synchronisation with the rebound of the bubble.
Parameter Sensitivity Analysis of the Extended Bouc-Wen Model of Hysteresis
Authors: Zhang Haochuan , Ma Fai
Published: June 2008

The extended Bouc-Wen differential model is one of the most widely accepted phenomenological models of hysteresis in computational mechanics. It is routinely used in the characterization of structural damping and in system identification. In this paper, the differential model of hysteresis is carefully re-examined and two significant issues are uncovered. First, it is found that the unspecified parameters of the model are not independent. One of the model parameters can be eliminated through suitable transformations in the parameter space. Second, through local and global sensitivity analysis, it is found that some parameters of the hysteretic model are rather insensitive. If these insensitive parameters are set to constant values, a greatly simplified model is obtained.
Weight Function Based Direct Manipulation of NURBS Curves
Authors: Lu Chunjin , Ting Kwun-Lon
Published: June 2008

Direct shape manipulation allows one to specify constraints on curves or surfaces to modify their shapes. This paper presents a new and simple method of direct manipulation of NURBS curves accomplished through the use of a weight function. Within a marked boundary, the curve can be forced to pass through given discrete points by using a synthesized weight function instead of repositioning control points. By introducing four additional derivative constraints to construct the weight function, exact locality and continuity can be easily obtained without knot insertion. B-spline interpolation is used to generate the weight function in the paper. The algorithms are easy to implement and can be used for interactive shape design systems.
Design and Manufacturing of Customized Braces for Scoliosis Treatment
Authors: Wu H. , Xue D. , Harder J. , Ronsky J. L. , Poncet P. , Jaremko J. , Clynch G. , Gyorffy A. , Zernicke R. F.
Published: June 2008

A new method to design and manufacture customized braces is introduced in this research for scoliosis treatment. In this method, a geometric model of a scoliosis patient’s torso is achieved using a laser optical scanning device. The brace geometry is obtained by generating the offset geometry of the torso’s surface, selecting vertical boundaries, removing holes and noise data, creating symmetrical geometry, and modifying the geometry near the pelvis curves. Manufacturing of the brace is conducted by producing a male die with a sculptured surface using a custom-designed 5-axis CNC milling machine and creating the plastic brace using a thermoforming process.
Handling Solids of Revolution in Volume Based Construction of Solid Models From Orthographic Views
Authors: Soni S. , Gurumoorthy B.
Published: June 2008

Volume based approaches to construct solid models from orthographic views have several advantages over the traditional bottom up approach that has been popular thus far. The main advantages are — there is a valid solid model that is consistent with the input views always available at any point in the solution and there is no need for the intermediate wireframe. The first enables user intervention in complex drawings and the second eliminates the ambiguities due to the wireframe that have to be resolved to obtain a valid solid model. A major limitation of volume based approaches that have been proposed thus far has been the limited domain of objects that they can handle. This is because these approaches typically use either pre-defined primitives or identify only entities (loops of edges) that can be extruded. This paper aims at extending the capabilities of the volume based construction approaches by proposing a procedure to identify entities in the views that correspond to volumes of revolution and using these to construct the primitive volumes corresponding to these. Results of implementation are presented and further work has been identified.