bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Menstrual Cycle Status and Gender on Human Neutrophil Phenotype
Authors: Smith Jennifer M. , Shen Zheng , Wira Charles R. , Fanger Michael W. , Shen Li
Published: July 2007

Problem

The effects of gender and fluctuating ovarian hormones on neutrophil phenotype have yet to be characterized.

Method of study

Neutrophils from females at days 7, 14, 21, and 28 of the menstrual cycle were analyzed by flow cytometry for surface receptor, granule protein, and intracellular cytokine expression. Comparisons were made to neutrophils from males isolated at 7‐day intervals during 1 month.

Results

Decreased MMP‐9 and TNF‐α expression by neutrophils from females was observed during the periovulatory period. Comparing the genders, cells from females during the periovulatory period expressed less CD11b and CD18 than those from males. CXCR1 surface levels were higher on neutrophils from female donors.

Conclusions

Neutrophil phenotype varies minimally during the menstrual cycle and between the genders. Our data provide support for a potential anti‐inflammatory effect of ovarian hormones on neutrophils.
The frequency of occurrence of abnormal frenal attachment of lips and enamel defects in Turner syndrome
Authors: Kusiak A , Sadlak‐Nowicka J , Limon J , Kochańska B
Published: July 2007

Objective:  The aim of the work was to register the frequency of occurrence of abnormal frenal attachment of lips and enamel defects and find the correlation between these anomalies and three types of Turner syndrome.

Materials and methods:  Fifty patients (aged 20–40 years) were clinically and cytogenetically diagnosed and divided into three groups, according to karyotype: 45,X (17 cases), with structural aberrations of chromosome X (12 cases) and with mosaic karyotype (21 cases). The control group consisted of 51 healthy woman aged 21–40 years. Subjects were screened for developmental anomalies in the labial frenula and enamel defects in three groups of Turner syndrome.

Results:  Some significant anomalies of soft and hard tissues were found in studied patients: abnormal frenal attachments (42% of cases), enamel opacities (58% of cases) and enamel hypoplasia (38% of cases). Differences in the occurrence of these anomaly in all group with Turner syndrome in comparison with the control group were significantly different. Enamel defects were prevalent in the patients with karyotype 45,X and patients with structural aberrations of chromosome X in comparison with the mosaic karyotype.

Conclusion:  The results of the present study have shown, that abnormal attachment of lips and enamel defects were more frequent in Turner syndrome patients than in the control group. Enamel defects were correlated with the karyotypes of Turner syndrome and abnormal attachment of lips was not correlated with the karyotypes of Turner syndrome.
Synthesis and Antibacterial Activity of Substituted Oxotriazolylphenyl Oxazolidinones
Authors: Liu Jidong , He Baoyuan , Yu Aizhen , Zhou Weicheng
Published: July 2007

A series of 3‐(4′‐(2′′‐alkyl‐3′′‐oxy‐1′′,2′′,4′′‐triazolyl)‐phenyl)‐5‐substituted oxazolidinones was designed and synthesized for in vitro antibacterial activity testing against fourteen Gram‐negative and six Gram‐positive standard organisms. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined by agar dilution at concentrations of 0.10, 0.20, 0.39, 0.78, 1.56, 3.13, 6.25 μg/mL. Different alkyl groups at the 2′′‐position played an important role in the activity against Gram‐positive organisms. (S)‐3‐(4′‐(2′′‐ethyl‐3′′‐oxy‐1′′,2′′,4′′‐triazolyl)‐phenyl)‐5‐acetamidomethyloxazolidinone was active against Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus enteridis and Streptococcus nonhemolyticus, whereas 2′′‐methyl, 2′′‐propyl and 2′′‐n‐butyl counterparts did not show activity at 6.25 μg/mL. Modification of the 5‐substitutent of oxazolidinones also affected the activity against Gram‐positive organisms. (S)‐3‐(4′‐(2′′‐ethyl‐3′′‐oxy‐1′′,2′′,4′′‐triazolyl)‐phenyl)‐5‐acetamidomethyloxazolidinones was approximately two fold more potent than 5‐chloroacetamido, 5‐dichloroacetamido and 5‐trifluoroacetamido counterparts against Streptococcus enteridis. None of these compounds showed growth inhibition against fourteen Gram‐negative organisms at 6.25 μg/mL.
Call It Consumption! Re‐Conceptualizing Ecotourism as Consumption and Consumptive
Authors: Meletis Zoë A. , Campbell Lisa M.
Published: July 2007

Labeling ecotourism as ‘non‐consumptive’ and contrasting it with direct uses of wildlife through activities such as hunting is common practice among organizations and academics primarily concerned with conservation. We interrogate this binary opposition by questioning the assumptions underlying it, namely that ‘the direct consumption of wildlife’ (i) does not occur in ecotourism; (ii) is incompatible with ecotourism; (iii) is the primary concern; and (iv) is inferior to ecotourism as both a conservation and development strategy. Based on a review of the relevant theoretical and case‐study based literature, as well as our own research, we argue that categorizing ecotourism as ‘non‐consumptive’ is not only inaccurate, but also has consequences for both environments and people. We suggest ways in which ecotourism can be re‐conceptualized in order to better achieve its goals of conserving both nature and culture, and of contributing to both conservation and development.
Effect of a Gelatin Coating on the Shelf Life of Fresh Meat
Authors: Antoniewski M.N. , Barringer S.A. , Knipe C.L. , Zerby H.N.
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACT:  The end of shelf life for fresh meat is determined by unacceptable aroma, appearance, and color, which appear before unacceptable microbial counts. Addition of a bovine gelatin coating to fresh meat may extend its shelf life. This study utilized a 20% bovine gelatin solution that was spray‐coated onto beef tenderloins, pork loins, salmon fillets, and chicken breasts which were packaged in an 80% O2 and 20% CO2 modified atmosphere and stored under fluorescent light at 4 °C for 2 wk. All of the gelatin‐coated fresh meat products showed a reduction in purge. The gelatin reduced purge by acting as a barrier to water loss. There was a reduction in color deterioration for gelatin‐coated beef, a slight reduction of color deterioration for gelatin‐coated pork, and no reduction in color deterioration for salmon and chicken. The gelatin coat reduced color deterioration by acting as a barrier to oxygen, but also had a negative effect on color due to its own color deterioration. No change in lipid oxidation was seen with any of the gelatin‐coated meat products. The gelatin coat was not an effective barrier for lipid oxidation at refrigeration temperatures. Sensory analysis of beef tenderloins confirmed that color deterioration was reduced, and flavor was not affected by the application of a gelatin coat. The gelatin coat was equally effective during light and dark storage. It was more effective on vacuum packaged products than on modified atmosphere packaged products.
Liver disease in hepatitis C virus carriers identified at blood donation and their outcomes with or without interferon treatment: Study on 1019 carriers followed for 5–10 years
Authors: Mizui Masaaki , Tanaka Junko , Katayama Keiko , Nakanishi Toshio , Obayashi Makoto , Aimitsu Shiomi , Yoshida Tomoo , Inoue Junichi , Yokoyama Tatsuji , Tsuji Keiji , Arataki Keiko , Yamaguchi Syuji , Miura Toshio , Kitamoto Mikiya , Takezaki Eiichi , Orimen Shigeo , Sakata Tatsurou , Kamada Kouji , Maruhashi Akira , Tamura Tooru , Nakamura Toshio , Ishida Kunio , Teramen Kazushi , Miyakawa Yuzo , Yoshizawa Hiroshi
Published: July 2007

Aim: To portray liver disease and project outcomes in carriers of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in the general population.

Methods: Liver disease was evaluated in 1019 individuals who were found with HCV infection at blood donation, and they were followed for 5–10 years with or without receiving interferon (IFN).

Results: At baseline, chronic hepatitis was detected in 529 (51.9%) HCV carriers and more frequently in men than in women (62.6% [299/478]vs42.5% [230/541],P < 0.01); cirrhosis was diagnosed in five (0.5% [three men included]) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in one (0.1% [man]). Of the carriers who were followed for 5 years or longer, loss of HCV‐RNA from serum was achieved in 61 (31.0%) of the 197 treated with interferon (IFN) and only one of the 211 (0.5%) without IFN (P < 0.0001). HCC developed in 14 carriers including six ofthe 211 (2.8%) without IFN and eight of the 197 (4.1%) with IFN (six non‐responders included). Follow ups of the 949 carriers identified age (P < 0.002), male gender (P < 0.01) and cirrhosis at the baseline (P < 0.0001) as factors contributing to the development of HCC. Cumulative incidence rates of HCC during 10 years among carriers found with chronic hepatitis increased in parallel with the age at the baseline.

Conclusion: Identification of HCV carriers in the general population and treating those indicated with IFN would help decrease the development of HCC and lift its medical, as well as economic, burdens off society.
Identification of Force Coefficients in a Squeeze Film Damper With a Mechanical End Seal—Part I: Unidirectional Load Tests
Authors: Andrés Luis San , Delgado Adolfo
Published: July 2007

Squeeze film dampers (SFDs) with low levels of external pressurization and poor end sealing are prone to air entrapment, thus not generating enough damping capability. Single frequency, unidirectional load tests were conducted on a SFD test rig replicating a commercial jet-engine configuration. The damper journal is 2.54cm in length and 12.7cm in diameter, with nominal clearance of 0.127mm. The SFD feed end is flooded with oil, while the discharge end contains a recirculation groove and four orifice ports, and a mechanical seal ring in contact with the damper journal. A wave spring pushes the ring ensuring tight sealing to prevent gas ingestion. The mechanical seal also serves to contain the lubricant within the squeeze film land for extended periods of time and; while in operation, to prevent contamination of the ball bearing cartridge. The measurements conducted without and with lubricant in the squeeze film lands, along with a frequency domain identification procedure, render the mechanical seal dry-friction force and viscous damping force coefficients as functions of frequency and motion amplitude. The end seal arrangement is quite effective in eliminating side leakage and preventing air entrainment into the film lands. Importantly enough, the dry friction force, arising from the contact forces in relative motion, increases significantly the test element equivalent viscous damping coefficients. The identified system damping coefficients are thus frequency and motion amplitude dependent, albeit decreasing rapidly as the motion parameters increase. Identified squeeze film force coefficients, damping and added mass, agree well with predictions based on the full film, short length damper model.
Physical Interpretation of Flow and Heat Transfer in Preswirl Systems
Authors: Lewis Paul , Wilson Mike , Lock Gary , Owen J. Michael
Published: July 2007

This paper compares heat transfer measurements from a preswirl rotor–stator experiment with three-dimensional (3D) steady-state results from a commercial computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code. The measured distribution of Nusselt number on the rotor surface was obtained from a scaled model of a gas turbine rotor–stator system, where the flow structure is representative of that found in an engine. Computations were carried out using a coupled multigrid Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) solver with a high Reynolds number k-ε∕k-ω turbulence model. Previous work has identified three parameters governing heat transfer: rotational Reynolds number (Reϕ), preswirl ratio (βp), and the turbulent flow parameter (λT). For this study rotational Reynolds numbers are in the range 0.8×106<Reϕ<1.2×106. The turbulent flow parameter and preswirl ratios varied between 0.12<λT<0.38 and 0.5<βp<1.5, which are comparable to values that occur in industrial gas turbines. Two performance parameters have been calculated: the adiabatic effectiveness for the system, Θb,ad, and the discharge coefficient for the receiver holes, CD. The computations show that, although Θb,ad increases monotonically as βp increases, there is a critical value of βp at which CD is a maximum. At high coolant flow rates, computations have predicted peaks in heat transfer at the radius of the preswirl nozzles. These were discovered during earlier experiments and are associated with the impingement of the preswirl flow on the rotor disk. At lower flow rates, the heat transfer is controlled by boundary-layer effects. The Nusselt number on the rotating disk increases as either Reϕ or λT increases, and is axisymmetric except in the region of the receiver holes, where significant two-dimensional variations are observed. The computed velocity field is used to explain the heat transfer distributions observed in the experiments. The regions of peak heat transfer around the receiver holes are a consequence of the route taken by the flow. Two routes have been identified: “direct,” whereby flow forms a stream tube between the inlet and outlet; and “indirect,” whereby flow mixes with the rotating core of fluid.
Dynamic Properties of Tilting-Pad Journal Bearings: Experimental and Theoretical Investigation of Frequency Effects due to Pivot Flexibility
Authors: Dmochowski Waldemar
Published: July 2007

Tilting-pad journal bearings (TPJBs) dominate as rotor supports in high-speed rotating machinery. The paper analyzes frequency effects on the TPJB’s stiffness and damping characteristics based on experimental and theoretical investigations. The experimental investigation has been carried out on a five pad tilting-pad journal bearing of 98mm in diameter. Time domain and multifrequency excitation has been used to evaluate the dynamic coefficients. The calculated results have been obtained from a three-dimensional computer model of TPJB, which accounts for thermal effects, turbulent oil flow, and elastic effects, including that of pad flexibility. The analyzes of the TPJB’s stiffness and damping properties showed that the frequency effects on the bearing dynamic properties depend on the operating conditions and bearing design. It has been concluded that the pad inertia and pivot flexibility are behind the variations of the stiffness and damping properties with frequency of excitation.
Should Biomass be Used for Power Generation or Hydrogen Production?
Authors: Corradetti Alessandro , Desideri Umberto
Published: July 2007

In the last several years, gasification has become an interesting option for biomass utilization because the produced gas can be used as a gaseous fuel in different applications or burned in a gas turbine for power generation with a high thermodynamic efficiency. In this paper, a technoeconomic analysis was carried out in order to evaluate performance and cost of biomass gasification systems integrated with two different types of plant, respectively, for hydrogen production and for power generation. An indirectly heated fluidized bed gasifier has been chosen for gas generation in both cases, and experimental data have been used to simulate the behavior of the gasifier. The hydrogen plant is characterized by the installation of a steam methane reformer and a shift reactor after the gas production and cleanup section; hydrogen is then purified in a pressure swing adsorption system. All these components have been modeled following typical operating conditions found in hydrogen plants. Simulations have been performed to optimize thermal interactions between the biomass gasification section and the gas processing. The power plant consists of a gas-steam combined cycle, with a three-pressure-levels bottoming cycle. A sensitivity analysis allowed to evaluate the economic convenience of the two plants as a function of the costs of the hydrogen and electrical energy.
A Stochastic Model for a Compressor Stability Measure
Authors: Dhingra Manuj , Neumeier Yedidia , Prasad J. V. R. , Breeze-Stringfellow Andrew , Shin Hyoun-Woo , Szucs Peter N.
Published: July 2007

A stability measure rooted in the unsteady characteristics of the flow field over the compressor rotor has been previously developed. The present work explores the relationship between the stochastic properties of this measure, called the correlation measure, and the compressor stability boundary. A stochastic model has been developed to gauge the impact of the correlation measure’s stochastic nature on its applicability to compressor stability management. The genesis of this model is in the fundamental properties of a specific stochastic process, one that is created by the threshold crossings of a random process. The model validation utilizes data obtained on three different axial compressor facilities. These include a single-stage low-speed axial compressor, a four-stage low-speed research compressor, and an advanced technology demonstrator high-speed compressor. This paper presents details of the model development and validation, as well as closed loop experimental results to demonstrate correlation measure’s usefulness in compressor stability management.
An Improved Soot Formation Model for 3D Diesel Engine Simulations
Authors: Boulanger Joan , Liu Fengshan , Neill W. Stuart , Smallwood Gregory J.
Published: July 2007

Soot formation phenomenon is far from being fully understood today and models available for simulation of soot in practical combustion devices remain of relatively limited success, despite significant progresses made over the last decade. The extremely high demand of computing time of detailed soot models make them unrealistic for simulation of multidimensional, transient, and turbulent diesel engine combustion. Hence, most of the investigations conducted in real configuration such as multidimensional diesel engines simulation utilize coarse modeling, the advantages of which are an easy implementation and low computational cost. In this study, a phenomenological three-equation soot model was developed for modeling soot formation in diesel engine combustion based on considerations of acceptable computational demand and a qualitative description of the main features of the physics of soot formation. The model was developed based on that of Tesner et al. and was implemented into the commercial STAR-CD™ CFD package. Application of this model was demonstrated in the modeling of soot formation in a single-cylinder research version of Caterpillar 3400 series diesel engine with exhaust gas recirculation (EGR). Numerical results show that the new soot formulation overcomes most of the drawbacks in the existing soot models dedicated to this kind of engineering task and demonstrates a robust and consistent behavior with experimental observation. Compared to the existing soot models for engine combustion modeling, some distinct features of the new soot model include: no soot is formed at low temperature, minimal model parameter adjustment for application to different fuels, and there is no need to prescribe the soot particle size. At the end of expansion, soot is predicted to exist in two separate regions in the cylinder: in the near wall region and in the center part of the cylinder. The existence of soot in the near wall region is a result of reduced soot oxidation rate through heat loss. They are the source of the biggest primary particles released at the end of the combustion process. The center part of the cylinder is populated by smaller soot particles, which are created since the early stages of the combustion process but also subject to intense oxidation. The qualitative effect of EGR is to increase the size of soot particles as well as their number density. This is linked to the lower in-cylinder temperature and a reduced amount of air.
Simulation of Producer Gas Fired Power Plants with Inlet Fog Cooling and Steam Injection
Authors: Roy Yap Mun , Wang Ting
Published: July 2007

Biomass can be converted to energy via direct combustion or thermochemical conversion to liquid or gas fuels. This study focuses on burning producer gases derived from gasifying biomass wastes to produce power. Since the producer gases are usually of low calorific values (LCV), power plant performance under various operating conditions has not yet been proven. In this study, system performance calculations are conducted for 5MWe power plants. The power plants considered include simple gas turbine systems, steam turbine systems, combined cycle systems, and steam injection gas turbine systems using the producer gas with low calorific values at approximately 30% and 15% of the natural gas heating value (on a mass basis). The LCV fuels are shown to impose high compressor back pressure and produce increased power output due to increased fuel flow. Turbine nozzle throat area is adjusted to accommodate additional fuel flows to allow the compressor to operate within safety margin. The best performance occurs when the designed pressure ratio is maintained by widening nozzle openings, even though the turbine inlet pressure is reduced under this adjustment. Power augmentations under four different ambient conditions are calculated by employing gas turbine inlet fog cooling. Comparison between inlet fog cooling and steam injection using the same amount of water mass flow indicates that steam injection is less effective than inlet fog cooling in augmenting power output. Maximizing steam injection, at the expense of supplying the steam to the steam turbine, significantly reduces both the efficiency and the output power of the combined cycle. This study indicates that the performance of gas turbine and combined cycle systems fueled by the LCV fuels could be very different from the familiar behavior of natural gas fired systems. Care must be taken if on-shelf gas turbines are modified to burn LCV fuels.
Hybrid Kalman Filter Approach for Aircraft Engine In-Flight Diagnostics: Sensor Fault Detection Case
Authors: Kobayashi Takahisa , Simon Donald L.
Published: July 2007

In this paper, a diagnostic system based on a uniquely structured Kalman filter is developed for its application to in-flight fault detection of aircraft engine sensors. The Kalman filter is a hybrid of a nonlinear on-board engine model (OBEM) and piecewise linear models. The utilization of the nonlinear OBEM allows the reference health baseline of the diagnostic system to be updated, through a relatively simple process, to the health condition of degraded engines. Through this health baseline update, the diagnostic effectiveness of the in-flight sensor fault detection system is maintained as the health of the engine degrades over time. The performance of the sensor fault detection system is evaluated in a simulation environment at several operating conditions during the cruise phase of flight.
Motivation in tennis
Authors: Crespo Miguel , Reid Machar M
Published: July 2007

Motivation underpins successful tennis performance, representing one of the game’s foremost psychological skills. This paper elaborates on its role in tennis play, and takes an overview of the current state of motivation research applied to tennis. First, the importance of motivation in player and coach performance is explored. The body of evidence pertaining to players’ motives for participation and the relevance of goal achievement motivation in tennis is then examined. Finally, the efficacy of motivational climates created by significant others is discussed in light of current practice.
HIGH SPEED HIGH PRECISION VOLTAGE-MODE MAX AND MIN CIRCUITS
Authors: NIA SARANG KAZEMI , KHOEI ABDOLLAH , HADIDI KHEIROLLAH
Published: July 2007

This paper presents a new high speed voltage-mode MAX–MIN method for fuzzy applications. In the proposed circuits, a differential pair is employed to choose the desired input. In addition to high speed, high precision and simple expansion for multiple inputs are the main advantages of this method. HSPICE simulation results show that the proposed circuit has maximum of 1% error at 100 MHz.
UPDATED LAGRANGIAN FORMULATION FOR CORRECTED SMOOTH PARTICLE HYDRODYNAMICS
Authors: HUERTA ANTONIO , VIDAL YOLANDA , BONET JAVIER
Published: July 2007

Smooth Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) are, in general, more robust than finite elements for large distortion problems. Nevertheless, updating the reference configuration may be necessary in some problems involving extremely large distortions. If a standard updated formulation is implemented in SPH zero energy modes are activated and spoil the solution. It is important to note that the updated Lagrangian does not present tension instability but only zero energy modes. Here an stabilization technique is incorporated to the updated formulation to obtain an improved method without mechanisms.
COMPUTATIONALLY EFFICIENT TECHNIQUE FOR THE SOLUTION OF TIMOSHENKO BEAM AND MINDLIN-REISSNER PLATE PROBLEMS USING THE METHOD OF FINITE SPHERES
Authors: BANIHANI SULEIMAN , DE SUVRANU
Published: July 2007

In this paper we discuss the application of the method of finite spheres (MFS) to the solution of shear deformable beam and plate problems. A computationally efficient technique is presented in which the integration points and weights are generated using a genetic algorithm and stored in a lookup table using normalized coordinates much like a table of Gauss integration points and weights. This technique offers a significant reduction of computational time while maintaining accuracy.
STRESS ANALYSES OF COMPOSITE LAMINATE WITH DELAMINATION USING X-FEM
Authors: NAGASHIMA TOSHIO , SUEMASU HIROSHI
Published: July 2007

The extended finite element method (X-FEM) is applied to the stress analysis of composite laminates having interlaminar planar delamination. In X-FEM analysis, the geometry of such delaminations can be modeled independent of the finite elements. The domain form of the contour integral can be used to compute the energy release rate in conjunction with X-FEM. As numerical examples, three-dimensional analyses for DCB and ENF test specimens were performed by X-FEM with various enrichment nodes, and the obtained results were examined. In addition, a model of the no-friction-contact condition by X-FEM was proposed and applied to ENF test analysis. Moreover, eigenvalue buckling analyses of a CFRP plate with delamination were performed by X-FEM as a practical example related to Compression After Impact (CAI) problems of composite materials. The numerical results show that X-FEM is an effective method for analyzing stress in composite laminates with delamination.
A PU-BASED 4-NODE QUADRATIC TETRAHEDON AND LINEAR DEPENDENCES ELIMINATION IN THREE-DIMENSIONS
Authors: TIAN RONG
Published: July 2007

A 4-node, quadratic tetrahedral element is presented. The development of the element is based on a partition-of-unity (PU) approximation. The local function of the PU approximation is constructed using the basic deformation components of rigid body movements, node-centered rotation, and locally defined linear strain fields. The linear dependence issue of the three-dimensional PU approximation is investigated through numerical experiments. It is found that the global matrix associated with the PU approximation constructed has a constant number of zero eigenvalues independent of mesh subdivision. A method of suppressing the zero eigenvalues is proposed. The element developed does not contain unsuppressed spurious zero energy modes and the condition number of the stiffness matrix of the element is upper bounded. Good accuracy and robustness of the 4-node tetrahedron are demonstrated through numerical examples.
Effect of overexpression of pparγ on the healing process of corneal alkali burn in mice
Authors: Saika Shizuya , Yamanaka Osamu , Okada Yuka , Miyamoto Takeshi , Kitano Ai , Flanders Kathleen C. , Ohnishi Yoshitaka , Nakajima Yuji , Kao Winston W.-Y. , Ikeda Kazuo
Published: July 2007

Wound healing involves both local cells and inflammatory cells. Alkali burn of ocular surface tissue is a serious clinical problem often leading to permanent visual impairment resulting from ulceration, scarring and neovascularization during healing. Behaviors of corneal cells and inflammatory cells are orchestrated by growth factor signaling networks that have not been fully uncovered. Here we showed that adenoviral gene introduction of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) inhibits activation of ocular fibroblasts and macrophages in vitro and also induced anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrogenic responses in an alkali-burned mouse cornea. PPARγ overexpression suppressed upregulation of inflammation/scarring-related growth factors and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in macrophages. It also suppressed expression of such growth factors and collagen Iα2 and myofibroblast generation upon exposure to TGFβ1. Exogenous PPARγ did not alter phosphorylation of Smad2, but inhibited its nuclear translocation. PPARγ overexpression enhanced proliferation of corneal epithelial cells, but not of fibroblasts in vitro. Epithelial cell expression of MMP-2/-9 and TGFβ1 and its migration were suppressed by PPARγ overexpression. In vivo experiments showed that PPARγ gene introduction suppressed monocytes/macrophages invasion and suppressed the generation of myofibroblasts, as well as upregulation of cytokines/growth factors and MMPs in a healing cornea. In vivo re-epitheliazation with basement membrane reconstruction in the healing, burned, cornea was accelerated by PPARγ-Ad expression, although PPARγ overexpression was considered to be unfavorable for cell migration. Together, these data suggest that overexpression of PPARγ may represent an effective new strategy for treatment of ocular surface burns.
Selective resistance to vasoactive effects of insulin in muscle resistance arteries of obese Zucker (fa/fa) rats
Authors: Eringa Etto C. , Stehouwer Coen D. A. , Roos Marjon H. , Westerhof Nico , Sipkema Pieter
Published: July 2007

Obesity is related to insulin resistance and hypertension, but the underlying mechanisms are unclear. Insulin exerts both vasodilator and vasoconstrictor effects on muscle resistance arteries, which may be differentially impaired in obesity. Objectives: To investigate whether vasodilator and vasoconstrictor effects of insulin are impaired in muscle resistance arteries of obese rats and the roles of Akt and endothelial NO synthase (eNOS). Methods/Results: Effects of insulin were studied in resistance arteries isolated from cremaster muscles of lean and obese Zucker rats. In arteries of lean rats, insulin increased activity of both NO and endothelin (ET-1), resulting in a neutral effect under basal conditions. In arteries of obese rats, insulin induced endothelin-mediated vasoconstriction (−15 ± 5% at 1 nM, P < 0.05 vs. lean). Insulin induced vasodilatation during endothelin receptor blockade in arteries of lean rats (20 ± 5% at 1 nM) but not in those of obese rats. Inhibition of NO synthesis increased vascular tone (by 12 ± 2%) and shifted insulin-mediated vasoreactivity to vasoconstriction (−25 ± 1% at 1 nM) in lean rats but had no effect in arteries of obese rats, indicating reduced NO activity. Protein analysis of resistance arteries revealed that insulin-mediated activation of Akt was preserved in obese rats, whereas expression of eNOS was markedly decreased. Conclusions: Vasodilator but not vasoconstrictor effects of insulin are impaired in muscle resistance arteries of obese rats, and this selective impairment is associated with decreased protein levels of eNOS. These findings provide a new mechanism linking obesity to insulin resistance and hypertension.
Altered mechanisms of endothelium-dependent dilation in skeletal muscle arterioles with genetic hypercholesterolemia
Authors: Stapleton Phoebe A. , Goodwill Adam. G. , James Milinda E. , Frisbee Jefferson C.
Published: July 2007

With most cardiovascular disease risk factors, endothelium-dependent dilation of skeletal muscle resistance arterioles is compromised, although with hypercholesterolemia, impairments to reactivity are not consistently observed. Using apolipoprotein E (ApoE) and low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) gene deletion male mouse models of hypercholesterolemia at 20 wk of age, we tested the hypothesis that arteriolar dilation would be maintained due to an increased stimulus-induced production of dilator metabolites via cyclooxygenase and cytochrome P-450 epoxygenase pathways. Arterioles from both strains demonstrated mild reductions in dilation to hypoxia and acetylcholine versus responses in C57/Bl/6J (C57) controls. However, although inhibition of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) attenuated dilation in arterioles from C57 controls, this effect was absent in ApoE or LDLR strains. In contrast, cyclooxygenase-dependent portions of dilator reactivity were maintained across the three strains. Notably, although combined NOS and cyclooxygenase inhibition abolished arteriolar responses to hypoxia and acetylcholine in C57 controls, significant reactivity remained in ApoE and LDLR strains. Whereas inhibition of cytochrome P-450 ω-hydroxylase and epoxygenases had no effect on this residual reactivity in ApoE and LDLR strains, inhibition of 12/15-lipoxygenase with nordihydroguaiaretic acid abolished the residual reactivity. With both hypoxic and methacholine challenges, arteries from ApoE and LDLR strains demonstrated an increased production of both 12( S)- and 15( S)-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid, end products of arachidonic acid metabolism via 12/15-lipoxygenase, a response that was not present in C57 controls. These results suggest that with development of hypercholesterolemia, mechanisms contributing to dilator reactivity in skeletal muscle arterioles are modified such that net reactivity to endothelium-dependent stimuli is largely intact.
Widespread Presaccadic Recruitment of Neck Muscles by Stimulation of the Primate Frontal Eye Fields
Authors: Elsley James K. , Nagy Benjamin , Cushing Sharon L. , Corneil Brian D.
Published: July 2007

We studied the role of the primate frontal eye fields (FEFs) in eye-head gaze shifts by recording EMG activity from multiple dorsal neck muscles after electrical stimulation of a broad distribution of sites throughout FEF. We assess our results in light of four mechanisms forwarded to account for why eye and head movements follow FEF stimulation. Two mechanisms propose that movements are generated indirectly by FEF stimulation in response to either a percept or an eccentric orbital position. Two other mechanisms propose that movements are evoked directly through the issuance of either a gaze command or separate eye and head commands. FEF stimulation evoked short-latency (∼20 ms) neck EMG responses from the vast majority (>95%) of stimulation sites. Evoked responses usually preceded the gaze shift by ∼20 ms, even for small gaze shifts (<10°) not typically associated with head motion. Evoked responses began earlier and attained a larger magnitude when accompanied by larger gaze shifts and took a form consistent with the recruitment of the appropriately directed head movements to accompany the evoked gaze shift. We also observed robust neck EMG even when stimulation failed to evoke a gaze shift and occasionally observed head-only movements when the head was unrestrained. These results resemble neck EMG evoked from the superior colliculus (SC). Neck EMG response latencies approached the minimal conduction time to the motor periphery and hence are not consistent with either of the indirect mechanisms. The widespread nature of the cephalomotor drive from the FEF, the scaling of neck EMG responses with gaze magnitude, and the consistently earlier generation of the EMG versus gaze response are difficult to reconcile with suggestions that separate FEF channels encode eye and head motion independently. The most parsimonious interpretation is that a gaze command issued by the FEF is decomposed into eye and head commands downstream of the SC. The relative timing of the neck EMG and gaze shift responses, and the presence of neck EMG responses on trials without gaze shifts, implies that head premotor elements are not subjected to the same brain stem control mechanisms governing gaze shifts.
Hormonal Predictors of Prostate Cancer
Authors: Sofikerim Mustafa , Eskicorapcı Sadettin , Oruç Özgür , Özen Haluk
Published: July 2007

Introduction: Androgens are necessary for the development and functioning of the prostate gland. The association of serum testosterone and pituitary hormone levels with prostate cancer development is not completely understood. In this clinical study, we evaluated the role of serum testosterone, free testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels in predicting prostate cancer risk in patients who had transrectal ultrasonography-guided prostate biopsy with the suspicion of prostate cancer. Material and Methods: A total of 211 patients who were selected to undergo prostatic biopsy due to abnormal digital rectal examination and/or a serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level >2.5 ng/ml were included in the study. The patient characteristics of total PSA, free/total PSA ratio, serum total testosterone, free testosterone, free/total testosterone ratio, FSH and LH levels were compared according to the pathological diagnosis. Results: The mean age was 63.91 years (range 44–83) and the mean PSA level was 9.23 ng/ml (range 0.13–50.41) in the whole group. Of 211 patients, 69 (32.7%) were positive for prostate cancer. The patients who were positive for prostate cancer had statistically lower levels of serum total testosterone compared with the patients who were diagnosed as having benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH; 405 vs. 450.5 ng/dl, respectively; p = 0.013). The serum FSH level was significantly higher in men with prostatic cancer than in men with BPH (7.56 vs. 6.06 mIU/ml, respectively; p = 0.029). No significant differences between men with prostatic cancer and those with BPH were found for serum LH levels. When normal ranges for serum free and total testosterone levels were defined as 9 pg/ml and 300 ng/dl, respectively, patients who had low free testosterone and total testosterone levels had significantly higher cancer detection rates than patients with high serum androgen levels: 40.8% (40/98) versus 25.6% (29/113) (p = 0.021), and 48.6% (18/37) versus 29.3% (51/174), respectively (p = 0.023). After logistic regression analysis, none of the hormones showed a significant difference in predicting the risk of prostate cancer in patients undergoing prostate biopsy with suspicion of the disease. Conclusion: Our data suggest that patients diagnosed with prostate cancer have low levels of serum testosterone and high levels of serum FSH compared with the patients with BPH. No support was found for the theory that high levels of testosterone increase prostate cancer risk. Further studies are needed to clarify the relationship between hormones and prostate cancer etiology.
Holmium Laser Lithothripsy of Ureteral Calculi: Our Initial Experience
Authors: Triantafyllidis A. , Kalaitzis C. , Giannakopoulos S. , Papatsoris A.G. , Pantazis T. , Papathanasiou A. , Touloupidis S.
Published: July 2007

Aim: To evaluate effectiveness and safety of intracorporeal holmium:YAG (Ho:YAG) laser lithotripsy of ureteral calculi. Patients and Methods: Between October 2003 and September 2005, 45 patients (age range 27–74, mean age 51.5 years) with 49 ureteral stones (measuring 4–28 mm in size) were treated with Ho:YAG laser lithotripsy. The locations of the stones in the ureter were: 6 in the upper third, 7 in the middle third, and 36 in the lower third. Under general anaesthesia, we used semirigid 9- to 11-Fr ureteroscopes and a flexible 7.5-Fr ureteroscope. The Ho:YAG laser had a maximum power of 1.8 J at 8 Hz, and a 365-µm flexible quartz fibre was used. One month postoperatively the patients were followed up with imaging tests. Results: Stone disintegration was feasible in all cases. The mean hospital stay was 2.8 days. One month postoperatively, stone-free status was revealed in 93.3% of the cases. Only minor complications were noted in 4 patients (8.8%). No long-term complications were recorded. Conclusion: Ho:YAG laser lithotripsy of ureteral calculi is a feasible, safe, and effective procedure.
Effect of Fluoxetine Alone and in Combination with Sildenafil in Patients with Premature Ejaculation
Authors: Hosseini Mohammad M. , Yarmohammadi Hooman
Published: July 2007

Introduction: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of fluoxetine alone and combined with sildenafil in patients complaining of premature ejaculation. Patients and Methods: Ninety-one married potent men, 21–43 years old, with premature ejaculation but without any obvious organic cause were enrolled. Pretreatment evaluation included history, physical examination, and self-administration of the International Index of Erectile Function questionnaire. The patients were randomly divided into two groups: group A patients (n = 48) received 20 mg fluoxetine daily for 4 weeks and then 20 mg as needed 2–3 h before sexual activity for 4 months, and group B patients (n = 43) received group A regimen plus 50 mg sildenafil as needed 1 h before sexual activity for 4 months. Results: Ejaculatory latency time and intercourse satisfaction significantly improved in group B as compared with group A (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Fluoxetine combined with sildenafil seems to provide significantly better ejaculatory latency time and intercourse satisfaction as compared with fluoxetine alone in patients with premature ejaculation.
Predictors of Success in Surgical Ligation of Painful Varicocele
Authors: Al-Buheissi S.Z. , Patel H.R. , Wazait H.D. , Miller R.A. , Nathan S.
Published: July 2007

Introduction: Surgical ligation is used in the treatment of painful varicocele. We conducted this retrospective study to establish the effectiveness of varicocele ligation for the treatment of pain and to examine the factors that might predict outcomes. Patients and Methods: Eighty-three patients underwent varicocele ligation for pain during the study period. Review of medical records and postal questionnaires were used to document patient age, grade and location of varicocele, duration and quality of pain, surgical approach, complications and the resolution of pain. Results: Follow-up was available for 68 (82%) patients. In 76.5% patients there was marked or complete resolution of pain and 14 had partial resolution. Only 9% patients had persistent pain and 1.5% patient reported worsening pain. The quality of pain, dull ache or dragging, was the only factor that correlated with the resolution of pain following surgery. Conclusions: Surgical ligation is an effective treatment for the painful varicocele. The quality of pain at presentation may predict outcomes in selected patients.
Trial of Complete Detachment of the Whole Prostate Lobes in Benign Prostate Hyperplasia by Transurethral Enucleation of the Prostate
Authors: Hiraoka Yasunori , Shimizu Yuji , Iwamoto Kazuya , Takahashi Hirohumi , Abe Hiroyuki
Published: July 2007

Introduction: We tried a complete detachment of the whole prostate lobes for benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) by transurethral enucleation of the prostate (TUE). The feasibility of a new modified TUE technique (transurethral detaching prostatectomy = TUDP) was assessed by retrospective analysis. Materials and Methods: For 46 BPH cases the whole prostate lobes were detached from the surgical capsule completely by a prostate-detaching blade and resectoscope beak, and dropped into the bladder. The detached prostate lobes were removed by a soft tissue morcellator. The preoperative total prostate and adenoma volume by transabdominal ultrasound measurement (TAUS) were 47.75 ± 25.63 and 27.8 ± 17.33 ml. Results: In all 46 BPH cases, the whole prostate lobes could be detached completely without a perforation. Transurethral resection (TUR) syndrome and blood transfusion were not seen. Operation time was 54.28 min. The mean of removed tissue weight, that of hemoglobin loss and that of decrease of serum sodium was 37.11 g, 1.65 mg/dl and 1.56 mEq/l, respectively. Postoperative prostate volume and PSA were decreased to 9.56 ml and 0.8 ng/ml with complete removal of an adenoma. Conclusions: TUDP could achieve complete removal of even a large adenoma without perforation, transurethral resection syndromes and blood transfusion safety.
Long-Term Efficacy of Tolterodine and Patient Compliance in Pediatric Patients with Neurogenic Detrusor Overactivity
Authors: Christoph F. , Moschkowitsch A. , Kempkensteffen C. , Schostak M. , Miller K. , Schrader M.
Published: July 2007

Introduction: We investigated the effects of standard oral anticholinergic treatment with tolterodine in children with neurogenic bladder over a 5-year follow-up period and focused on treatment satisfaction, patient compliance and urodynamic parameters. Material and Methods: The follow-up consisted of regular visits and urodynamic evaluation at least once a year. The patients or their parents were interviewed to evaluate voiding behavior, as well as factors leading to lower patient compliance and deterioration in urodynamic parameters. Results: Of the 43 patients evaluated, 30 (70%) took their anticholinergic medication consistently and 13 (30%) sporadically. The mean bladder capacity was 354.7 ml in the first group but only 214.7 ml in the noncompliant group (p < 0.001). The mean maximal detrusor pressure decreased from 42.2 to 33.6 cm H2O in the compliant group (p < 0.001) and from 49.7 to 46.4 cm H2O in the noncompliant group (p = 0.21). The mean detrusor compliance increased from 18.9 to 19.3 ml/cm H2O in the compliant group (p = 0.63) and from 11.8 to 12.3 ml/cm H2O in the noncompliant group (p = 0.87). Side effects such as dry mouth (11/13) and dizziness (7/13) were common in the noncompliant group, whereas only 5/30 reported dry mouth in the compliant group. Conclusions: These data demonstrate the efficacy and tolerability of tolterodine over a long follow-up period. The results are promising in view of the fact that the patients will probably require life-long medication. Nevertheless, anticholinergic side effects still cause some patients to refuse regular medication, which results in a poorer urodynamic outcome.
Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Randomized Clinical Trial of Sublingual or Intramuscular Piroxicam in the Treatment of Renal Colic
Authors: Altay B. , Horasanli K. , Sarica K. , Tanriverdi O. , Kendirci M. , Miroglu C.
Published: July 2007

Aims: To investigate the therapeutic effect of the fast-dissolving dosage form (FDDF) of sublingual piroxicam on renal colic compared with the intramuscular (IM) injection form of the same agent in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Methods: 80 patients were assigned to one of two treatment groups: Group 1 received 40 mg piroxicam FDDF sublingual tablets and IM injection of 2 ml distilled water. Group 2 received an IM injection of 40 mg piroxicam and two sublingual tablets of placebo. At baseline and 30 min after the medication, vital signs were recorded and the pain intensity was evaluated by the patient using a numeric rating scale. Results: The overall efficacy of the treatment was 90%. There was no significant difference with respect to the required rescue treatment (p = 0.328), pain relapse within 24 h (p = 0.434) and the decrease in vital signs and numeric rating scale in both groups (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The piroxicam FDDF tablet was found to be as effective as the IM injection form of the same agent in the treatment of renal colic. The FDDF is a good alternative to the parenteral form because of its earlier onset of action and ease of self-administration which increases patient compliance.