bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Latent Structures of Male Sexual Functioning
Authors: Carvalho Joana , Vieira Armando Luís , Nobre Pedro
Published: June 2011

Introduction

Strong debate has been brought out around the upcoming editions of the International Classification of Diseases, the World Health Organization, and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (American Psychiatric Association) regarding new criteria for sexual dysfunction. Although criteria for male sexual dysfunction have been supported by traditional models of sexual response, recent data suggest that male sexual functioning could be conceptualized differently, offering new directions for diagnostic and assessment tools.

Aim

The aim of this study was to test, through structural equation modeling, four conceptual alternative models of male sexual response.

Main Outcome Measures

A modified version of the International Index of Erectile Function was used, assessing sexual desire, erectile function, orgasmic function, and premature ejaculation.

Methods

A total of 1,558 Portuguese men participated in the study. Participants were divided into two groups according to the presence or absence of sexual difficulties.

Results

Findings suggested different factor solutions for men with and without sexual difficulties. Male sexual response of men with sexual difficulties was best characterized by a two-factor structure: (i) a general sexual function factor (including sexual desire, erectile function, and orgasmic function); and (ii) premature ejaculation; while a three-factor solution was the model that best fitted the data regarding men without sexual difficulties: (i) sexual desire; (ii) erectile and orgasmic function (which merged into a single dimension); and (iii) premature ejaculation. Discriminant validity between factors was strongly supported, suggesting that these dimensions measure distinct phenomena in both samples.

Conclusions

Results regarding sexually healthy men suggest that erectile function is structurally independent from sexual desire, and that ejaculatory control could be conceptualized as a different phenomenon in relation to the current orgasmic disorders. Additionally, findings related to sexually dysfunctional men suggest the existence of a general sexual distress disorder.
Treatment with a Uroselective α1-Blocker Improves Voiding and Sexual Function: A Study in Thai Men with Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms
Authors: Permpongkosol Sompol , Krilad-O-Larn Santichai , Ratana-O-Larn Krisada
Published: June 2011

Introduction

Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and erectile dysfunction (ED) negatively affect quality of life. The α1-blockers are effective for LUTS suggestive of benign prostatic hypertrophy.

Aim

To analyze the effect of a uroselective α1-blocker on both voiding and sexual dysfunction in Thai men with LUTS.

Methods

Of 488 men with LUTS who received 10 mg alfuzosin monotherapy once daily (OD) at a men's health clinic, 313 men (64%) completed 8 months of alfuzosin treatment and filled the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF)-5 questionnaires.

Main Outcome Measure

The relationships among the IPSS, IIEF-5 score, and select clinical characteristics were analyzed using multiple regression analysis. To identify changes from the baseline, the chi-square or Fisher's exact test was used for categorical or dichotomous variables and a paired Student's t-test was used for continuous variables.

Results

The 313 men were followed up for a mean (standard deviation [SD]) of 35.6 (2.2) weeks. LUTS were categorized by IPSS as moderate in 100 patients (31.9%) and severe in 213 patients (68.1%). ED was graded according to the IIEF-5 as normal in 46 patients (14.7%), mild in 29 patients (9.3%), mild to moderate in 81 patients (25.9%), moderate in 47 patients (15.0%), and severe in 110 patients (35.1%). ED is associated with LUTS (P = 0.008). After 8 months of alfuzosin treatment, the mean (SD) IPSS and IIEF-5 score significantly improved from 19.95 (6.4) to 11.13 (4.6) (P < 0.001) and from 11.5 (6.9) to 14.9 (5.7) (P < 0.001), respectively. However, the IIEF-5 score did not improve significantly in patients with severe LUTS as determined using the IPSS. The most common adverse event with alfuzosin treatment was mild (dizziness, 2.2%).

Conclusion

Treatment with 10 mg alfuzosin OD is safe and effective in improving voiding and sexual function in Thai men with LUTS and ED.
Impact of Incontinence Surgery on Sexual Function: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Jha Swati , Ammenbal Manjunath , Metwally Mostafa
Published: June 2011

Introduction

Urinary incontinence has an adverse impact on sexual function. The reports on sexual function following the treatment of urinary incontinence are confusing.

Aim

To investigate the impact of surgery for stress incontinence on coital incontinence and overall sexual function.

Methods

Cochrane Incontinence Group Specialized Register of Controlled Trials, The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, and EMBASE were searched for trials of incontinence surgery assessing sexual function and coital incontinence before and after surgery. Observational studies and randomized controlled trials investigating the impact of surgical correction of stress urinary incontinence on sexual function were included. Surgical interventions included tension-free vaginal tape (TVT), Tension Free Vaginal Tape-Obturator (TVT-O), transobturator tape (TOT), Burch, and autologous fascial sling (AFS). Studies that included patients undergoing concurrent prolapse surgery were excluded from the analysis. Data extraction and analysis was performed independently by two authors. Coital incontinence was analyzed separately and odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) calculated. The data were analyzed in Review Manager 5 software.

Main Outcome Measure

Changes in sexual function and coital incontinence following surgery for urinary incontinence.

Results

Twenty-one articles were identified, which assessed sexual function and/or coital incontinence following continence surgery in the absence of prolapse. Results suggest evidence for a significant reduction in coital incontinence post surgery (OR 0.11; 95% CI 0.07, 0.17).

Conclusions

Coital incontinence is significantly reduced following continence surgery. There were several methodological problems with the quality of the primary research particularly related to heterogeneity of studies, use of different outcome measures, and the absence of well-designed randomized controlled trials.
Effect of prednisone on transforming growth factor‐β1, connective tissue growth factor, nuclear factor‐κBp65 and tumor necrosis factor‐α expression in a murine model of hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome induced by Gynura segetum
Authors: Zhu Hongyi , Chu Yi , Huo Jirong , Chen Zhe , Yang Li
Published: June 2011

Aim:  One major cause of hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (HSOS) is the consumption of products containing pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PA). As the use of herbal preparations has increased in China, so has the number of reports of HSOS induced by ingesting PA‐containing herbs. The aim of the present study was to investigate the mechanisms by which prednisone and the related factors, transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1 and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), prevent liver fibrosis and the pathogenesis of HSOS.

Methods:  A murine model of HSOS was created by oral gavage with Gynura segetum with or without prednisone for 30 days. Histological changes in liver tissue were evaluated by a scoring system in tissue slices subjected to hematoxylin–eosin and Masson trichrome staining. Hepatic expression of TGF‐β1 and CTGF mRNA and protein was detected by immunohistochemistry, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR) and Western blot analysis. RT–PCR was also used to detect tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α and nuclear factor (NF)‐κBp65 mRNA expression. Activation of NF‐κBp65 was detected by immunohistochemistry.

Results:  Intervention with prednisone diminished the symptoms of HSOS in mice treated with G. segetum. Prednisone treatment significantly inhibited expression of TGF‐β1 and CTGF mRNA and protein (P < 0.05), and inhibited expression of TNF‐α and NF‐κBp65 mRNA (P < 0.05) in the liver tissue of HSOS mice.

Conclusion:  Prednisone suppresses the development of liver fibrosis in HSOS mice by inhibiting TGF‐β1, CTGF, TNF‐α and NF‐κBp65 expression.
Portal blood supply to locally progressed hepatocellular carcinoma after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization: Observation on CT during arterial portography
Authors: Miyayama Shiro , Matsui Osamu , Zen Yoh , Yamashiro Masashi , Hattori Yuki , Orito Nobuaki , Matsui Ken , Tsuji Kazunobu , Yoshida Miki , Sudo Yoshiko
Published: June 2011

Aim:  To analyze the clinical features of locally progressed hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) supplied by portal blood (PB) after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE).

Methods:  This cohort included 12 tumors (mean diameter ± SD, 1.8 ± 0.8 cm) in 10 patients. PB supply to tumors was judged by CT during arterial portography (CTAP). Imaging data and the clinical course were retrospectively evaluated.

Results:  Six tumors initially had a small tumor portion supplied by PB. In four tumors, TACE was incomplete because of technical problems. PB supply to recurrent tumors was demonstrated 7.3 ± 3.7 months after TACE. On follow‐up arteriography, all embolized branches were occluded or severely attenuated. Four tumors showing a partial stain were treated by additional TACE (n = 3) or TACE plus radiofrequency (RF) ablation (n = 1), one without staining was treated by RF ablation, and seven were followed‐up. All tumors progressed except for one treated by RF ablation. On serial CTAP images, relatively large‐diameter portal veins directly entered 11 tumors (91.7%) and connected with intratumoral vessels in nine (75%). During follow‐up, partial arterial supply was demonstrated in two tumors and additional TACE was performed. Nine patients died after 31.4 ± 16.2 months due to tumor progression (n = 8), or hepatic failure (n = 1). One patient has survived for 53 months despite multiple tumors.

Conclusions:  PB supply to locally progressed tumor after TACE became apparent on CTAP. Arterial damage by TACE, incomplete TACE, and preexisting tumor tissues supplied by PB may be the main causes.
Understanding person perception
Authors: Young Andrew W. , Bruce Vicki
Published: June 2011

Bruce and Young's (1986) theoretical framework was actually a synthesis of ideas contributed by several people. Some of its insights have stood the test of time – especially the importance of using converging evidence from as wide a range of methods of enquiry as possible, and an emphasis on understanding the demands that are made by particular face perception tasks. But there were also areas where Bruce and Young failed to obey their own edicts (emotion recognition), and some topics they simply omitted (gaze perception). We discuss these, and then look at how the field has been transformed by computing developments, finishing with a few thoughts about where things may go over the next few (25?) years.
Influence of Intermetallic Characteristics on the Solder Joint Strength of Halogen-Free Printed Circuit Board Assembly
Authors: Chang Hung-Jen , Chou Jung-Hua , Chang Tao-Chih , Zhan Chau-Jie , Hon Min-Hsiung , Hsi Chi-Shiung
Published: June 2011

Five halogen-free (HF) dummy plastic ball grid array (PBGA) components with daisy-chains and Sn4.0Ag0.5Cu (SAC405) Pb-free solder balls were assembled on a HF high density interconnection (HDI) printed circuit board (PCB) using Sn1.0Ag0.5Cu (SAC105) and Sn3.0Ag0.5Cu (SAC305) Pb-free solder pastes, respectively. The above compositions were in weight percent. The assemblies were then experienced to moisture sensitive level testing with three times reflow at a peak temperature of 260 °C; no delamination was found present in both the component and PCB laminates. The microstructure showed that the utilization of SAC105 solder paste was beneficial in refining the Ag3Sn intermetallic compound (IMC) within the solder joint and the intermetallic layers formed at various interfaces with different Ni contents and thicknesses due to different metal finishes. The IMC spalling was found at the BGA-side interface within the solder joints formed with SAC105 solder paste but not discovered within the ones made of SAC305 solder paste. The pull strength of the solder joint formed with SAC305 solder paste was always higher than that made from SAC105 no matter on Cu or electroless Ni. Moreover, the fracture was found at the interface between the Cu foil and epoxy in the halogen-free test device. Numerical analysis showed that the thickness of IMC layer dominated the pull strength of the solder joint because the Z-axial normal stress applied to the solder joints formed with Cu and electroless Ni were 752.0 and 816.6 MPa, respectively, and a thicker IMC layer was beneficial to provide a higher pull strength of solder joint.
Coupling of Nanocavitation With Cyclic Deformation Behavior of High-Density Polyethylene Below the Yield Point
Authors: Hizoum Kamel , Rémond Yves , Patlazhan Stanislav
Published: June 2011

The peculiarities of viscoelastic behavior of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) subjected to the uniaxial cyclic tensions and retractions below the yield point are studied. This required using three different deformation programs including (i) the successive increase in strain maximum of each cycle, (ii) the controlled upper and lower stress boundaries, and (iii) the fixed strain at the backtracking points. The experimental data are analyzed in a framework of the modified structure-sensitive model (Oshmyan et al., 2006, “Principles of Structural–Mechanical Modeling of Polymers and Composites,” Polym. Sci. Ser. A, 48, pp. 1004–1013) of semicrystalline polymers. It is supposed that increase in the interlamellar nanovoid volume fraction results in speeding-up the plastic flow rate while decreasing cavitation rate. Consequently, a proper fitting of the stress–strain cyclic diagrams is obtained for the applied deformation programs within the common set of model parameters. This makes it possible to reveal evolution of nanovoid volume fraction in HDPE during cyclic deformations.
Measuring the Influence of Temperature on the Development of Elastic Anisotropy With Compressive Plastic Flow for Glassy Polycarbonate
Authors: Goel A. , Wen Y. , Hein J. , Negahban M. , Turner J. A.
Published: June 2011

The development of anisotropy as a result of isothermal plastic deformation below the glass transition temperature is investigated for different deformation temperatures. Initially, isotropic polycarbonate was subjected to different extents of plastic strain in compression and the developed anisotropic wave speeds were measured using time of travel ultrasonic techniques. Longitudinal wave speeds were measured both in the axial and transverse direction of compression for different deformation temperatures. The wave moduli clearly indicated the development of a transversely elastic response as a result of uniaxial compression.
Fatigue Life Modeling of Anisotropic Materials Using a Multiaxial Notch Analysis
Authors: Moore Z. J. , Neu R. W.
Published: June 2011

Fatigue life modeling of anisotropic materials such as directionally-solidified (DS) and single-crystal Ni-base superalloys is often complicated by the presence of notches coupled with dwells at elevated temperatures. This paper focuses on an approach for predicting low cycle fatigue that includes notch geometry effects while taking into consideration material orientation. An analytical model based on a generalization of the Neuber notch analysis to both multiaxial loading and anisotropic materials is used to determine the localized stress-inelastic strain response at the notch. The material anisotropy is captured through a multiaxial generalization of the Ramberg–Osgood relation using a Hill’s criterion. The elastic pseudo stress and pseudo strain response in the vicinity of the notch used as input in the Neuber analysis is determined from an anisotropic elastic finite element analysis. The effects of dwells at elevated temperature are captured using an equivalent strain rate. A nonlocal approach is needed to correlate the life of notched specimens to smooth specimens.
Conjugate Thermal Transport in Gas Flow in Long Rectangular Microchannel
Authors: Sun Zhanyu , Jaluria Yogesh
Published: June 2011

This paper is directed at the numerical simulation of pressure-driven nitrogen slip flow in long microchannels, focusing on conjugate heat transfer under uniform heat flux wall boundary condition. This problem has not been studied in detail despite its importance in many practical circumstances such as those related to the cooling of electronic devices and localized heat input in materials processing systems. For the gas phase, the two-dimensional momentum and energy equations are solved, considering variable properties, rarefaction, which involves velocity slip, thermal creep and temperature jump, compressibility, and viscous dissipation. For the solid, the energy equation is solved with variable properties. Four different substrate materials are studied, including commercial bronze, silicon nitride, pyroceram, and fused silica. The effects of substrate axial conduction, material thermal conductivity and substrate thickness are investigated in detail. It is found that substrate axial conduction leads to a flatter bulk temperature profile along the channel, lower maximum temperature, and lower Nusselt number. The effect of substrate thickness on the conjugate heat transfer is very similar to that of the substrate thermal conductivity. That is, in terms of axial thermal resistance, the increase in substrate thickness has the same impact as that caused by an increase in its thermal conductivity. By comparing the results from constant and variable property models, it is found that the effects of variation in substrate material properties are negligible.
Aging mechanism of the native oxide on silicon (100) following atmospheric oxygen plasma cleaning
Authors: Williams Thomas S. , Hicks Robert F.
Published: June 2011

Silicon native oxide surfaces were cleaned with a radio frequency, atmospheric pressure helium and oxygen plasma and with an RCA standard clean-1. Both processes create a hydrophilic state with water contact angles of <5° and 16.2° ± 1.7°, respectively. During subsequent storage in a chamber purged with boil off from a liquid nitrogen tank, the water contact angle increased over time at a rate dependent on the cleaning method used. Internal reflection infrared spectroscopy revealed that the change in water contact angle was due to the adsorption of organic molecules with an average hydrocarbon chain length of 10 ± 2. The rate of the adsorption process decreased with the fraction of hydrogen-bonded hydroxyl groups on the surface relative to those groups that were isolated. On Si (100) surfaces that were cleaned by RCA standard clean-1 and then the plasma, 95.8% of the silanol groups were hydrogen bonded. The first-order rate constant for adsorption of the organic contaminant on this surface was 0.182 ± 0.008 h−1.
Plasma treatment of HfO2-based metal–insulator–metal resistive memories
Authors: Vallée C. , Gonon P. , Mannequin C. , Chevolleau T. , Bonvalot M. , Grampeix H. , Licitra C. , Rochat N. , Jousseaume V.
Published: June 2011

This work focuses on Au/HfO2/TiN nonvolatile resistive memory [resistive random access memories (RRAMs)] stacks, where HfO2 is deposited by the atomic layer deposition technique on TiN electrodes. For as-grown RRAMs, no Reset is observed (the structure remains locked in a low resistive state). It is observed that an NH3 plasma treatment of the HfO2/TiN bilayer can restore a Reset stage. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses showed that the Reset recovery is related to a modification of the HfO2/TiN interface via transformation of the TiON interfacial layer. Thus, postdeposition plasma treatments of the oxide/electrode interface are identified as a valuable tool to improve the switching properties of oxide-based RRAMs.
Cerenkov emission induced by external beam radiation stimulates molecular fluorescence
Authors: Axelsson Johan , Davis Scott C. , Gladstone David J. , Pogue Brian W.
Published: June 2011

Purpose: Cerenkov emission is induced when a charged particle moves faster than the speed of light in a given medium. Both x‐ray photons and electrons produce optical Cerenkov photons in everyday radiation therapy of tissue; yet, this phenomenon has never been fully documented. This study quantifies the emissions and also demonstrates that the Cerenkov emission can excite a fluorophore, protoporphyrin IX (PpIX), embedded in biological phantoms.Methods: In this study, Cerenkov emission induced by radiation from a clinical linear accelerator is investigated. Biological mimicking phantoms were irradiated with x‐ray photons, with energies of 6 or 18 MV, or electrons at energies 6, 9, 12, 15, or 18 MeV. The Cerenkov emission and the induced molecular fluorescence were detected by a camera or a spectrometer equipped with a fiber optic cable.Results: It is shown that both x‐ray photons and electrons, at MeV energies, produce optical Cerenkov photons in tissue mimicking media. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the Cerenkov emission can excite a fluorophore, protoporphyrin IX (PpIX), embedded in biological phantoms.Conclusions: The results here indicate that molecular fluorescence monitoring during external beam radiotherapy is possible.
Noise in x‐ray grating‐based phase‐contrast imaging
Authors: Weber Thomas , Bartl Peter , Bayer Florian , Durst Jürgen , Haas Wilhelm , Michel Thilo , Ritter André , Anton Gisela
Published: June 2011

Purpose: Grating‐based x‐ray phase‐contrast imaging is a fast developing new modality not only for medical imaging, but as well for other fields such as material sciences. While these many possible applications arise, the knowledge of the noise behavior is essential.Methods: In this work, the authors used a least squares fitting algorithm to calculate the noise behavior of the three quantities absorption, differential phase, and dark‐field image. Further, the calculated error formula of the differential phase image was verified by measurements. Therefore, a Talbot interferometer was setup, using a microfocus x‐ray tube as source and a Timepix detector for photon counting. Additionally, simulations regarding this topic were performed.Results: It turned out that the variance of the reconstructed phase is only dependent of the total number of photons used to generate the phase image and the visibility of the experimental setup. These results could be evaluated in measurements as well as in simulations. Furthermore, the correlation between absorption and dark‐field image was calculated.Conclusions: These results provide the understanding of the noise characteristics of grating‐based phase‐contrast imaging and will help to improve image quality.
Validation of GPUMCD for low‐energy brachytherapy seed dosimetry
Authors: Hissoiny Sami , Ozell Benoît , Després Philippe , Carrier Jean‐François
Published: June 2011

Purpose: To validate GPUMCD, a new package for fast Monte Carlo dose calculations based on the GPU (graphics processing unit), as a tool for low‐energy single seed brachytherapy dosimetry for specific seed models. As the currently accepted method of dose calculation in low‐energy brachytherapy computations relies on severe approximations, a Monte Carlo based approach would result in more accurate dose calculations, taking in to consideration the patient anatomy as well as interseed attenuation. The first step is to evaluate the capability of GPUMCDto reproduce low‐energy, single source, brachytherapy calculations which could ultimately result in fast and accurate, Monte Carlo based, brachytherapy dose calculations for routine planning.Methods: A mixed geometry engine was integrated to GPUMCDcapable of handling parametric as well as voxelized geometries. In order to evaluate GPUMCDfor brachytherapy calculations, several dosimetry parameters were computed and compared to values found in the literature. These parameters, defined by the AAPM Task‐Group No. 43, are the radial dose function, the 2D anisotropy function, and the dose rate constant. These three parameters were computed for two different brachytherapy sources: the Amersham OncoSeed 6711 and the Imagyn IsoStar IS‐12501.Results: GPUMCDwas shown to yield dosimetric parameters similar to those found in the literature. It reproduces radial dose functions to within 1.25% for both sources in the 0.5<r<10 cm range. The 2D anisotropy function was found to be within 3% atr = 5 cm and within 4% atr = 1 cm. The dose rate constants obtained were within the range of other values reported in the literature.Conclusion: GPUMCDwas shown to be able to reproduce various TG‐43 parameters for two different low‐energy brachytherapy sources found in the literature. The next step is to test GPUMCDas a fast clinical Monte Carlo brachytherapy dose calculations with multiple seeds and patient geometry, potentially providing more accurate results than the TG‐43 formalism while being much faster than calculations using general purpose Monte Carlo codes.
1-Hexyl n-cyanoacrylate compound (Neucrylate™ AN), a new treatment for berry aneurysm. III: Initial clinical results
Authors: Pakbaz R S , Shakiba M , Ghanaati H , Akhlaghpoor S , Shakourirad A , Kerber C W
Published: June 2011

Introduction

As part of an institutionally approved research protocol, patients with cerebral berry aneurysm were enrolled in a clinical trial designed to evaluate the safety of the new moldable liquid embolic agent Neucrylate AN.

Methods

Twelve patients with aneurysms judged to be suboptimal for treatment by standard endovascular or surgical approaches were treated with Neucrylate AN. The agent was injected during temporary balloon occlusion at the neck of the aneurysm. The immediate angiographic percentage of aneurysm occlusion and periprocedural adverse events were assessed for each patient. Six-month follow-up angiographic studies were obtained for nine of the 12 patients.

Results

Ten of the 12 aneurysms treated (83%) were large to giant (>1.0 cm in diameter), nine (75%) were wide-necked (dome/neck ratio <2.0) and three (25%) were dissecting aneurysms. There were four (33%) periprocedural neurological events. Immediate aneurysm occlusion of >90% was obtained in nine of the 12 cases (75%). There were five recurrences (55.5%) at 6 months.

Conclusion

This preliminary clinical series shows that it is feasible to achieve a high percentage of immediate aneurysm occlusion with limited patient morbidity and mortality in the setting of morphologically challenging aneurysms. These preliminary data support larger trials assessing the safety and efficacy of this agent.
External carotid artery embolus with internal carotid artery occlusion with acute ischemic stroke: predictor of cardioembolic etiology
Authors: Tomsick Thomas , Thangasamy Senthur , Stamatis Thomas , Khatri Pooja , Broderick Joseph
Published: June 2011

Arteriograms performed in the Interventional Management of Stroke studies were analyzed for external carotid artery embolus. Two cases were identified and diagnosed as thromboembolic due to a cardiac origin. This is an uncommon but useful finding on angiography which is helpful for further management. It is hypothesized that finding embolus within the external carotid artery on angiography in stroke patients with internal carotid artery occlusion allows confident ascription to a proximal, usually cardiac, source.
Endovascular management of symptomatic vertebral artery origin stenosis in the presence of an acute thrombus
Authors: Amole Adewumi O , Akdol Mehmet S , Wood Clint E , Keyrouz Salah G , Erdem Eren
Published: June 2011

A woman in her early 60s with hypertension and hyperlipidemia was undergoing investigations for anemia of unknown etiology. She developed a sudden reduction in visual acuity and bilateral visual field impairment. MRI and angiography revealed acute infarcts in the posterior circulation and severe narrowing of the left vertebral artery origin. Digital subtraction angiography demonstrated a high-grade stenosis of the left vertebral artery origin with a thrombus just distal to the stenosis. The patient developed recurrent infarcts while on antithrombotic therapy. The lesion was successfully treated by vertebral artery origin angioplasty and stenting (VOAS) using a flow reversal technique and distal embolic protection. She was discharged to a rehabilitation facility 4 days later without worsening or new neurological deficits. A search of the literature yielded a similar report managed with anticoagulation and subsequent VOAS after complete lysis of the thrombus. Our report highlights the technique, safety and feasibility of VOAS in the presence of a thrombus using a flow reversal technique and distal protection.
ANALYSIS ON AN EPIDEMIC MODEL WITH A RATIO-DEPENDENT NONLINEAR INCIDENCE RATE
Authors: LI BO , YUAN SANLING , ZHANG WEIGUO
Published: June 2011

In this paper, we study the global dynamics of an epidemic model with nonlinear incidence rate of saturated mass action which depends on the ratio of the number of infectives to that of the susceptibles. The model has set up a challenging issue regarding its dynamics at the R-axis since it is not well defined on it. By carrying out a global qualitative analysis of the model and studying the stabilities of the disease-free equilibrium and the endemic equilibrium, it is shown that either the number of infective individuals tends to zero as time evolves or the disease persists. Computer simulations are presented to illustrate the results.
DYNAMICS ANALYSIS OF IMPULSIVE STOCHASTIC HIGH-ORDER BAM NEURAL NETWORKS WITH MARKOVIAN JUMPING AND MIXED DELAYS
Authors: JIANG HAIJUN , LIU JING
Published: June 2011

This paper deals with the problem of asymptotical stability in mean square for a class of impulsive stochastic high-order bi-directional associative memory (BAM) neural networks with mixed delays and Markovian jumping parameters. Based on Lyapunov stability theory, linear matrix inequality and mathematical induction, some sufficient conditions are derived for the asymptotical stability in mean square of the equilibrium point of the neural networks. The results obtained in this paper are new and complement previously known results.
Colitis development during the suckling-weaning transition in mucin Muc2-deficient mice
Authors: Burger-van Paassen Nanda , van der Sluis Maria , Bouma Janneke , Korteland-van Male Anita M. , Lu Peng , Van Seuningen Isabelle , Boehm Günther , van Goudoever Johannes B. , Renes Ingrid B.
Published: June 2011

The mucin Muc2 is the structural component of the colonic mucus layer. Adult Muc2 knockout (Muc2−/−) mice suffer from severe colitis. We hypothesized that Muc2 deficiency induces inflammation before weaning of mother's milk [ postnatal day (P) 14] with aggravation of colitis after weaning (P28). Muc2−/−and wild-type mice were killed at embryonic day 18.5 and P1.5, P7.5, P14, P21, and P28. Colonic morphology, influx of T cells, and goblet cell-specific protein expression was investigated by (immuno)histochemistry. Cytokine and Toll-like receptor (TLR) profiles in the colon were analyzed by quantitative RT-PCR. Muc2−/−mice showed an increased and persistent influx of Cd3ε-positive T cells in the colonic mucosa as of P1.5. This was accompanied by mucosal damage at P28 in the distal colon but not in the proximal colon. At P14, the proinflammatory immune response [i.e., increased interleukin (IL)-12 p35, IL-12 p40, and tumor necrosis factor-α, expression] in the distal colon of Muc2−/−mice presented with an immune suppressive response [i.e., increased Foxp3, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, IL-10, and Ebi3 expression]. In contrast, at P28, a proinflammatory response remained in the distal colon, whereas the immune suppressive response (i.e., Foxp3 and TGF-β1 expression) declined. The proximal colon of Muc2−/−mice did not show morphological damage and was dominated by an immune suppressive response at P14 and P28. Interestingly, changes in expression of TLRs and TLR-related molecules were observed in the distal colon at P14 and P28 and in the proximal colon only at P28. Colitis in Muc2−/−mice is limited before weaning by immune suppressive responses and exacerbates in the distal colon after weaning because of the decline in the immune suppressive response.
Peripheral vascular decoupling in porcine endotoxic shock
Authors: Hatib Feras , Jansen Jos R. C. , Pinsky Michael R.
Published: June 2011

Cardiac output measurement from arterial pressure waveforms presumes a defined relationship between the arterial pulse pressure (PP), vascular compliance (C), and resistance (R). Cardiac output estimates degrade if these assumptions are incorrect. We hypothesized that sepsis would differentially alter central and peripheral vasomotor tone, decoupling the usual pressure wave propagation from central to peripheral sites. We assessed arterial input impedance (Z), C, and R from central and peripheral arterial pressures, and aortic blood flow in an anesthetized porcine model ( n = 19) of fluid resuscitated endotoxic shock induced by endotoxin infusion (7 μg·kg−1·h−1 increased to 14 and 20 μg·kg−1·h−1 every 10 min and stopped when mean arterial pressure <40 mmHg or SvO2 < 45%). Aortic, femoral, and radial artery pressures and aortic and radial artery flows were measured. Z was calculated by FFT of flow and pressure data. R and C were derived using a two-element Windkessel model. Arterial PP increased from aortic to femoral and radial sites. During stable endotoxemia with fluid resuscitation, aortic and radial blood flows returned to or exceeded baseline while mean arterial pressure remained similarly decreased at all three sites. However, aortic PP exceeded both femoral and radial arterial PP. Although Z, R, and C derived from aortic and radial pressure and aortic flow were similar during baseline, Z increases and C decreases when derived from aortic pressure whereas Z decreases and C increases when derived from radial pressure, while R decreased similarly with both pressure signals. This central-to-peripheral vascular tone decoupling, as quantified by the difference in calculated Z and C from aortic and radial artery pressure, may explain the decreasing precision of peripheral arterial pressure profile algorithms in assessing cardiac output in septic shock patients and suggests that different algorithms taking this vascular decoupling into account may be necessary to improve their precision in this patient population.
A physiological systems approach to modeling and resetting of mouse thermoregulation under heat stress
Authors: Grosman Benyamin , Shaik Osman S. , Helwig Bryan G. , Leon Lisa R. , Doyle Francis J.
Published: June 2011

Heat stroke (HS) is a serious civilian and military health issue. Due to the limited amount of experimental data available in humans, this study was conducted on a mouse mathematical model fitted on experimental data collected from mice under HS conditions, with the assumption there is good agreement among mammals. Core temperature (Tc) recovery responses in a mouse model consist of hypothermia and delayed fever during 24 h of recovery that represent potential biomarkers of HS severity. The objective of this study was to develop a simulation model of mouse Tcresponses and identify optimal treatment windows for HS recovery using a three-dimensional predictive heat transfer simulation model. Several bioenergetic simulation variables, including nonlinear metabolic heat production (W/m3), temperature-dependent convective heat transfer through blood mass perfusion (W/m3), and activity-related changes in circadian Tcwere used for model simulation. The simulation results predicted the experimental data with few disparities. Using this simulation model, we tested a series of ambient temperature treatment strategies to minimize hypothermia and delayed fever to accelerate HS recovery. Using a genetic algorithm, we identified eight time segments (ambient temperature = 27, 30, 31, 29, 28, 28, 27, 26°C) of 110 min total duration that optimized HS recovery in our model simulation.
Impaired response to deep inspiration in obesity
Authors: Skloot Gwen , Schechter Clyde , Desai Alpa , Togias Alkis
Published: June 2011

Deep inspirations modulate airway caliber and airway closure and their effects are impaired in asthma. The association between asthma and obesity raises the question whether the deep inspiration (DI) effect is also impaired in the latter condition. We assessed the DI effects in obese and nonobese nonasthmatics. Thirty-six subjects (17 obese, 19 nonobese) underwent routine methacholine (Mch) challenge and 30 of them also had a modified bronchoprovocation in the absence of DIs. Lung function was monitored with spirometry and forced oscillation (FO) [resistance (R) at 5 Hz (R5), at 20 Hz (R20), R5-R20 and the integrated area of low-frequency reactance (AX)]. The response to Mch, assessed with area under the dose-response curves (AUC), was consistently greater in the routine challenge in the obese (mean ± SE, obese vs. nonobese AUC: R5: 15.7 ± 2.3 vs. 2.4 ± 2.0, P < 0.0005; R20: 5.6 ± 1.4 vs. 1.4 ± 1.2, P = 0.027; R5-R20: 10.2 ± 1.6 vs. 0.9 ± 0.1.4, P < 0.0005; AX: 115.6 ± 22.0 vs. 1.5 ± 18.9, P < 0.0005), but differences between groups in the modified challenge were smaller, indicating reduced DI effects in obesity. Given that DI has bronchodilatory and bronchoprotective effects, we further assessed these components separately. In the obese subjects, DI prior to Mch enhanced Mch-induced bronchoconstriction, but DI after Mch resulted in bronchodilation that was of similar magnitude as in the nonobese. We conclude that obesity is characterized by increased Mch responsiveness, predominantly of the small airways, due to a DI effect that renders the airways more sensitive to the stimulus.
Investigation of microstructural changes in impacted polyurea coatings using small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS)
Authors: Balizer Edward , Fedderly Jeffry , Lee Gilbert , Bartyczak Susan , Mock Willis
Published: June 2011

Three polyureas with decreasing soft segment molecular weights of 1000, 650, and a 250/1000 blend were molded onto circular steel plates and then impacted with a high speed (275 m/s) conical-shaped steel cylinder. The polyurea layer of the post mortem bilayers was characterized on a molecular level by small angle synchrotron X-ray scattering (SAXS) at the Advanced Photon Source at the Argonne National Laboratory. Analysis revealed that the hard domains of the polyureas with lower molecular weight soft segments reformed and oriented over a greater area of the coating, thus increasing the polymer strain hardening and resulting in visibly less out of plane bilayer deformation. This agrees with the hypothesis that polymer strain hardening is a mechanism that retards necking failure of the metal plate.
Waste reduction and process improvements in the analysis of plutonium by X-ray fluorescence: Results from multiple data sets
Authors: Worley Christopher G. , Soderberg Constance , Townsend Lisa
Published: June 2011

To minimize waste, improve process safety, and reduce costs, modifications were implemented to a method for quantifying gallium in plutonium metal using wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence. These changes included reducing sample sizes, reducing ion exchange process volumes, using cheaper reagent grade acids, eliminating the use of HF acid, and using more robust containment films for sample analysis. Relative precision and accuracy achieved from analyzing multiple aliquots from a single parent sample were approximately 0.2 and 0.1%, respectively. The same precision was obtained from analyzing a total of four parent materials, and the average relative accuracy from all the samples was 0.4%, which is within programmatic uncertainty requirements.
Prostate Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: May Kenneth F. , Gulley James L. , Drake Charles G. , Dranoff Glenn , Kantoff Philip W.
Published: June 2011

The interaction between the immune system and prostate cancer has been an area of research interest for several decades. The recent U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval of 2 first-in-class proof-of-concept immunotherapies (sipuleucel-T and ipilimumab) has stimulated broader interest in manipulating immunity to fight cancer. In the context of prostate cancer, the immunotherapy strategies that have garnered the most interest are the therapeutic vaccination strategies, exemplified by sipuleucel-T and PROSTVAC-VF, and immune checkpoint blockade of CTLA-4 and PD-1. Improved understanding of the immune responses generated by these strategies and development of predictive biomarkers for patient selection will guide rational combinations of these treatments and provide building blocks for future immunotherapies. Clin Cancer Res; 17(16); 5233–8. ©2011 AACR.
Impact of APE1/Ref-1 Redox Inhibition on Pancreatic Tumor Growth
Authors: Fishel Melissa L. , Jiang Yanlin , Rajeshkumar N.V. , Scandura Glenda , Sinn Anthony L. , He Ying , Shen Changyu , Jones David R. , Pollok Karen E. , Ivan Mircea , Maitra Anirban , Kelley Mark R.
Published: June 2011

Pancreatic cancer is especially a deadly form of cancer with a survival rate less than 2%. Pancreatic cancers respond poorly to existing chemotherapeutic agents and radiation, and progress for the treatment of pancreatic cancer remains elusive. To address this unmet medical need, a better understanding of critical pathways and molecular mechanisms involved in pancreatic tumor development, progression, and resistance to traditional therapy is therefore critical. Reduction–oxidation (redox) signaling systems are emerging as important targets in pancreatic cancer. AP endonuclease1/Redox effector factor 1 (APE1/Ref-1) is upregulated in human pancreatic cancer cells and modulation of its redox activity blocks the proliferation and migration of pancreatic cancer cells and pancreatic cancer-associated endothelial cells in vitro. Modulation of APE1/Ref-1 using a specific inhibitor of APE1/Ref-1′s redox function, E3330, leads to a decrease in transcription factor activity for NFκB, AP-1, and HIF1α in vitro. This study aims to further establish the redox signaling protein APE1/Ref-1 as a molecular target in pancreatic cancer. Here, we show that inhibition of APE1/Ref-1 via E3330 results in tumor growth inhibition in cell lines and pancreatic cancer xenograft models in mice. Pharmacokinetic studies also show that E3330 attains more than10 μmol/L blood concentrations and is detectable in tumor xenografts. Through inhibition of APE1/Ref-1, the activity of NFκB, AP-1, and HIF1α that are key transcriptional regulators involved in survival, invasion, and metastasis is blocked. These data indicate that E3330, inhibitor of APE1/Ref-1, has potential in pancreatic cancer and clinical investigation of APE1/Ref-1 molecular target is warranted. Mol Cancer Ther; 10(9); 1698–708. ©2011 AACR.
Chronic Neurological Deficits in Mice after Perinatal Hypoxia and Ischemia Correlate with Hemispheric Tissue Loss and White Matter Injury Detected by MRI
Authors: Cengiz Pelin , Uluc Kutluay , Kendigelen Pinar , Akture Erinc , Hutchinson Elizabeth , Song Chihwa , Zhang Louise , Lee Jihae , Budoff Greg E. , Meyerand Elizabeth , Sun Dandan , Ferrazzano Peter
Published: June 2011

We investigated the effects of perinatal hypoxia-ischemia (HI) on brain injury and neurological functional outcome at postnatal day (P)30 through P90. HI was induced by exposing P9 mice to 8% O2 for 55 min using the Vannucci HI model. Following HI, mice were treated with either vehicle control or Na+/H+ exchanger isoform 1 (NHE1) inhibitor HOE 642. The animals were examined by the accelerating rotarod test at P30 and the Morris water maze (MWM) test at P60. T2-weighted MRI was conducted at P90. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) was subsequently performed in ex vivo brains, followed by immunohistochemical staining for changes in myelin basic protein (MBP) and neurofilament protein expression in the corpus callosum (CC). Animals at P30 after HI showed deficits in motor and spatial learning. T2 MRI detected a wide spectrum of brain injury in these animals. A positive linear correlation was observed between learning deficits and the degree of tissue loss in the ipsilateral hemisphere and hippocampus. Additionally, CC DTI fractional anisotropy (FA) values correlated with MBP expression. Both FA and MBP values correlated with performance on the MWM test. HOE 642-treated mice exhibited improved spatial learning and memory, and less white matter injury in the CC. These findings suggest that HI-induced cerebral atrophy and CC injury contribute to the development of deficits in learning and memory, and that inhibition of NHE1 is neuroprotective in part by reducing white matter injury. T2-weighted MRI and DTI are useful indicators of functional outcome after perinatal HI.
Dietary Restriction Studies in Humans: Focusing on Obesity, Forgetting Longevity
Authors: Le Bourg Éric
Published: June 2011

Dietary restriction (DR: food restriction without malnutrition) is often considered as a nearly universal means to extend longevity in animal species and we could make the hypothesis that DR could increase longevity in humans. Some authors support the opinion that DR has already increased longevity in Okinawa inhabitants, and thus that DR can increase longevity in humans. The purpose of this article is to stress that no data on humans with a normal body mass index (neither overweight nor obese) indicate that DR can increase life span and health span, particularly because the results observed in Okinawa inhabitants can probably be considered as showing mainly deleterious effects of malnutrition rather than positive effects of DR. Since DR does not appear to increase human life span, studies testing for the effect of DR in humans should focus on the health effects of a mild DR in overweight and obese people, rather than in normal-weight people.
The Oral Spleen Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Fostamatinib Attenuates Inflammation and Atherogenesis in Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor–Deficient Mice
Authors: Hilgendorf Ingo , Eisele Sara , Remer Imke , Schmitz Jochen , Zeschky Katharina , Colberg Christian , Stachon Peter , Wolf Dennis , Willecke Florian , Buchner Maike , Zirlik Katja , Ortiz-Rodriguez Alexandra , Lozhkin Andrey , Hoppe Natalie , von zur Muhlen Constantin , zur Hausen Axel , Bode Christoph , Zirlik Andreas
Published: June 2011

Objective—

Spleen tyrosine kinase (SYK) has come into focus as a potential therapeutic target in chronic inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and asthma, as well as in B-cell lymphomas. SYK has also been involved in the signaling of immunoreceptors, cytokine receptors, and integrins. We therefore hypothesized that inhibition of SYK attenuates the inflammatory process underlying atherosclerosis and reduces plaque development.

Methods and Results—

Low-density lipoprotein receptor–deficient mice consuming a high-cholesterol diet supplemented with 2 doses of the orally available SYK inhibitor fostamatinib for 16 weeks showed a dose-dependent reduction in atherosclerotic lesion size by up to 59±6% compared with the respective controls. Lesions of fostamatinib-treated animals contained fewer macrophages but more smooth muscle cells and collagen—characteristics associated with more stable plaques in humans. Mechanistically, fostamatinib attenuated adhesion and migration of inflammatory cells and limited macrophage survival. Furthermore, fostamatinib normalized high-cholesterol diet –induced monocytosis and inflammatory gene expression.

Conclusion—

We present the novel finding that the SYK inhibitor fostamatinib attenuates atherogenesis in mice. Our data identify SYK inhibition as a potentially fruitful antiinflammatory therapeutic strategy in atherosclerosis.