bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Basic Study of Detecting Defects in Solid Materials Using High-Intensity Aerial Ultrasonic Waves
Authors: Osumi Ayumu , Kobayashi Hiromasa , Ito Youichi
Published: July 2012

Recently, developments have improved methods employing aerial ultrasonic waves for detecting defects in solid materials such as metals, pipe walls, and fiber-reinforced plastics. These methods can be performed using a noncontacting aerial ultrasonic probe. In a previous study, we developed a new method using high-intensity aerial ultrasonic waves to successfully detect peeling, artificially created by inserting an air gap between tiles and concrete plates. In the present study, we use the same method to detect the depth and size of defects in a homogeneous medium.
Optimization of Correlation Kernel Size for Accurate Estimation of Myocardial Contraction and Relaxation
Authors: Honjo Yasunori , Hasegawa Hideyuki , Kanai Hiroshi
Published: July 2012

For noninvasive and quantitative measurements of global two-dimensional (2D) heart wall motion, speckle tracking methods have been developed and applied. In these conventional methods, the frame rate is limited to about 200 Hz, corresponding to the sampling period of 5 ms. However, myocardial function during short periods, as obtained by these conventional speckle tracking methods, remains unclear owing to low temporal and spatial resolutions of these methods. Moreover, an important parameter, the optimal kernel size, has not been thoroughly investigated. In our previous study, the optimal kernel size was determined in a phantom experiment under a high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and the determined optimal kernel size was applied to the in vivo measurement of 2D displacements of the heart wall by block matching using normalized cross-correlation between RF echoes at a high frame rate of 860 Hz, corresponding to a temporal resolution of 1.1 ms. However, estimations under low SNRs and the effects of the difference in echo characteristics, i.e., specular reflection and speckle-like echoes, have not been considered, and the evaluation of accuracy in the estimation of the strain rate is still insufficient. In this study, the optimal kernel sizes were determined in a phantom experiment under several SNRs and, then, the myocardial strain rate was estimated such that the myocardial function can be measured at a high frame rate. In a basic experiment, the optimal kernel sizes at depths of 20, 40, 60, and 80 mm yielded similar results: in particular, SNR was more than 15 dB. Moreover, it was found that the kernel size at the boundary must be set larger than that at the inside. The optimal sizes of the correlation kernel were seven times and four times the size of the point spread function around the boundary and inside the silicone rubber, respectively. To compare the optimal kernel sizes, which was determined in a phantom experiment, with other sizes, the radial strain rates estimated using different kernel sizes were examined using the normalized mean-squared error of the estimated strain rate from the actual one obtained by the 1D phase-sensitive method. Compared with conventional kernel sizes, this result shows the possibility of the proposed correlation kernel to enable more accurate measurement of the strain rate. In in vivo measurement, the regional instantaneous velocities and strain rates in the radial direction of the heart wall were analyzed in detail at an extremely high temporal resolution (frame rate of 860 Hz). In this study, transition in contraction and relaxation was able to be detected by 2D tracking. These results indicate the potential of this method in the high-accuracy estimation of the strain rates and detailed analyses of the physiological function of the myocardium.
Experimental Validation of Displacement Vector Measurement Based on Two-Dimensional Modulation Method with Virtual Hyperbolic Scanning
Authors: Kondo Kengo , Yamakawa Makoto , Shiina Tsuyosi
Published: July 2012

We have proposed a new modulation method that can generate modulated RF signals with oscillation in two mutually orthogonal directions over a wide, deep area using a small-aperture probe. We had also shown the validity of the method by numerical simulations in a previous work. In this study, we applied the method to an experimental system and validated it by phantom experiments. In numerical simulation, point-source transmission has been performed, but in practical measurement, it does not acquire a sufficient signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) for estimating displacement because of its low output power. A spatially coded excitation, Hadamard spatial coding, was employed to increase SNR. An experiment on wire targets indicated that the proposed method can modulate the RF signal correctly, and an experiment on elasticity imaging suggested that it enables us to estimate displacement in axial and lateral directions with high precision.
Three-Dimensional Quantitative Optical Measurement of Asymmetrically Focused Ultrasound Pressure Field
Authors: Shimazaki Yuta , Harigane Soichiro , Yoshizawa Shin , Umemura Shin-ichiro
Published: July 2012

High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is used for the treatment of tumors such as prostate cancer. In the development of this technique, an accurate and fast measurement of the HIFU pressure field is important. A hydrophone is generally used for the measurement, but it might disturb the pressure field and scanning it in the field takes a long time. On the other hand, optical ultrasonic field mapping has the advantages of speed and its nature of not by interfering with the acoustic field. In this study, we reconstructed an asymmetric ultrasound field by optical measurement using a computed tomography (CT) algorithm. The asymmetric field was generated by a focused transducer with four elements. Also, the absolute measurement of ultrasonic pressure was checked by measuring the center of the field of the charge-coupled device (CCD) camera. The results showed overall agreement with those of hydrophone measurement.
Thermal Simulation of Cavitation-Enhanced Ultrasonic Heating Verified with Tissue-Mimicking Gel
Authors: Moriyama Tatsuya , Yoshizawa Shin , Umemura Shin-ichiro
Published: July 2012

High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) causes selective tissue necrosis through heating and is used as a noninvasive treatment in cancer therapy. However, there is a problem that it takes several hours to treat a large tumor. To shorten the treatment time, there is need for the development of a highly efficient method. It is known that cavitation bubbles generated by HIFU enhance the heating effect of ultrasound. In this study, the enhancement of the heating effect due to cavitation was considered in the bio-heat transfer equation (BHTE) by increasing the absorption coefficient in the region of generated cavitation. The absorption coefficient was calculated by curve fitting between the temperature rise at the focal point in the experiment and that in the simulation. The results show that the increased absorption can simulate the enhancement of the temperature rise by cavitation bubbles.
Performance Comparison of Subgrid Techniques in Acoustic Simulation Using the Type-M and Type-C Constrained Interpolation Profile Methods
Authors: Ara Yuta , Okubo Kan , Tagawa Norio , Tsuchiya Takao , Ishizuka Takashi
Published: July 2012

The constrained interpolation profile (CIP) method, a type of method of characteristics (MOC), is a novel low-dispersive numerical scheme. In an earlier study, we applied the CIP method to quantitative analyses of sound wave propagation. However, a new grid system is important for the CIP simulation of complicated heterogeneous media or large-scale simulations of wave propagation. In this study, we examined a subgrid technique for use with acoustic wave simulation using the type-M and type-C CIP methods. The results indicate that this technique for the CIP methods has advantages of small memory requirements and faster calculation.
Numerical Analysis of Long Range Sound Wave Propagation in Ocean by Wave Equation Finite Difference Time Domain Method with Graphics Processing Unit
Authors: Nakai Shigeyoshi , Ishii Takuto , Tsuchiya Takao
Published: July 2012

The wave equation finite difference time domain (WE-FDTD) method is applied to the analysis of the long range sound wave propagation in the deep ocean. In the WE-FDTD method, the wave equation in the cylindrical coordinate is directly discretized on the basis of the central differences. The method is then implemented on a graphics processing unit (GPU) cluster system, which consists of 32 GPUs. Assuming the axisymmetric field, two-dimensional numerical models whose region size is 1000 km × 5000 m are developed for various cell sizes (1–3 m). Some numerical demonstrations are made for sound wave propagation in the deep ocean under the assumption of the Munk profile, which is known as the sound speed profile of the mid-latitude of the Pacific Ocean. The numerical results are compared with the results obtained using the ray-tracing method. It is found that the numerical dispersion error appears strikingly in the WE-FDTD solutions when the points per wavelength are less than 20 p.p.w., while the WE-FDTD solutions show good agreement with the ray-tracing solutions in the propagation time when the points per wavelength are more than 20 p.p.w. It is confirmed that the WE-FDTD method can be applied to the analysis of long range sound wave propagation in the deep ocean with reasonable accuracy.
Birefringence Polarimeter Using Dual LiNbO3 Electrooptic Crystal Modulators
Authors: Saitou Takeshi , Bin Muhammad Nurdin , Kowa Hiroyuki , Umeda Norihiro , Takizawa Kuniharu , Kondoh Eiichi , Jin Lianhua
Published: July 2012

A birefringence polarimeter that uses dual LiNbO3 electrooptic crystal modulators operating at a frequency ratio of 4:1 is described. The significance of this polarimeter is that the birefringent parameters of a sample are obtained only from the modulated polarization status. The measurement, therefore, avoids depolarization effects resulting from the sample itself and the rest of the optical system. The high speed and accuracy of this polarimeter are shown by measurements using a quarter-wave plate, a Babinet–Soleil compensator, and a phase modulator.
Two-Dimensional Distributions of Five Cell Parameters of Twisted Nematic Liquid Crystal Device by Numerical Photometric Ellipsometer
Authors: Wu Jheng-Syong , Chou Chien , Li Ying-Chang , Yu Chi-Jen , Chuang Chun-Hao , Yu Li-Ping , Chang Yu-Hsin , Lee Cheng-Chung
Published: July 2012

A novel numerical photometric ellipsometer (NPE) under the condition of normal incidence and using a single wavelength laser beam is proposed wherein a continuously rotated quarter wave plate (QWP) at constant speed is required. To precisely measure the cell parameters of a twisted nematic liquid crystal device (TNLCD), the calibration of the QWP is necessary before measurement in this method. All five cell parameters of the TNLCD, namely, twisted angle, cell gap, rubbing angle, pretilt angle, and phase retardation, are obtained by least-square fitting of the measurement data versus the rotation angle of the QWP with the calculated intensity ratio of p- and s-polarization components according to our previously developed theory. The NPE can be extended to the two-dimensional distributions of all five cell parameters by using charge-coupled device (CCD) cameras. Experimentally, the results demonstrate the ability of the NPE to characterize the five cell parameters of the TNLCD in two dimensions with high accuracy and good repeatability.
Salt sensitivity of nitric oxide generation and blood pressure in mice with targeted knockout of the insulin receptor from the renal tubule
Authors: Li Lijun , Garikepati R. Mayuri , Tsukerman Susanna , Tiwari S. , Ecelbarger Carolyn M.
Published: July 2012

To elucidate the role of the insulin receptor (IR) on kidney nitric oxide generation and blood pressure (BP) control, we generated mice with targeted deletion of renal tubule IR using loxP recombination driven by a Ksp-cadherin promoter. Male knockout (KO) and wild-type (WT) littermates (∼4 mo old) were transitioned through three 1-wk treatments: 1) low-NaCl diet (0.085%); 2) high-NaCl diet (HS; 5%); and 3) HS diet plus 3 mM tempol, a superoxide dismutase mimetic, in the drinking water. Mice were then switched to medium-NaCl (0.5%) diet for 5 days and kidneys harvested under pentobarbital anesthesia. Twenty-four-hour urinary nitrates plus nitrites were significantly higher in the WT mice under HS (2,067 ± 280 vs. 1,550 ± 230 nmol/day in WT and KO, respectively, P < 0.05). Tempol attenuated genotype differences in urinary nitrates plus nitrites. A rise in BP with HS was observed only in KO mice and not affected by tempol (mean arterial pressure, dark period, HS, 106 ± 5 vs. 119 ± 4 mmHg, for WT and KO, respectively, P < 0.05). Renal outer medullary protein levels of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) isoforms by Western blot (NOS1–3 and phosphorylated-S1177-NOS3) revealed significantly lower band density for NOS1 (130-kDa isoform) in the KO mice. A second study, when mice were euthanized under HS conditions, confirmed significantly lower NOS1 (130 kDa) in the KO, with an even more substantial (>50%) reduction of the 160-kDa NOS1 isoform. These studies suggest that the loss of renal IR signaling impairs renal nitric oxide production. This may be important in BP control, especially in insulin-resistant states, such as the metabolic syndrome.
Reward processing: a global brain phenomenon?
Authors: Clark Andrew M.
Published: July 2012

Rewards and punishments (reinforcement) powerfully shape behavior. Accordingly, their neuronal representation is of significant interest, both for understanding normal brain-behavior relationships and the pathophysiology of disorders such as depression and addiction. A recent article by Vickery and colleagues ( Neuron 72: 166–177, 2011) provides evidence that the neural response to rewards and punishments is surprisingly widespread, suggesting the need for examination of the specific roles of areas not commonly included in the canonical reward circuitry in processing reinforcement.
Motoneuron firing patterns underlying fast oscillations in phrenic nerve discharge in the rat
Authors: Marchenko Vitaliy , Ghali Michael G. Z. , Rogers Robert F.
Published: July 2012

Fast oscillations are ubiquitous throughout the mammalian central nervous system and are especially prominent in respiratory motor outputs, including the phrenic nerves (PhNs). Some investigators have argued for an epiphenomenological basis for PhN high-frequency oscillations because phrenic motoneurons (PhMNs) firing at these same frequencies have never been recorded, although their existence has never been tested systematically. Experiments were performed on 18 paralyzed, unanesthetized, decerebrate adult rats in which whole PhN and individual PhMN activity were recorded. A novel method for evaluating unit-nerve time-frequency coherence was applied to PhMN and PhN recordings. PhMNs were classified according to their maximal firing rate as high, medium, and low frequency, corresponding to the analogous bands in PhN spectra. For the first time, we report the existence of PhMNs firing at rates corresponding to high-frequency oscillations during eupneic motor output. The majority of PhMNs fired only during inspiration, but a small subpopulation possessed tonic activity throughout all phases of respiration. Significant time-varying PhMN-PhN coherence was observed for all PhMN classes. High-frequency, early-recruited units had significantly more consistent onset times than low-frequency, early/middle-recruited and medium-frequency, middle/late-recruited PhMNs. High- and medium-frequency PhMNs had significantly more consistent offset times than low-frequency units. This suggests that startup and termination of PhMNs with higher firing rates are more precisely controlled, which may contribute to the greater PhMN-PhN coherence at the beginning and end of inspiration. Our findings provide evidence that near-synchronous discharge of PhMNs firing at high rates may underlie fast oscillations in PhN discharge.
Oscillation and Nonoscillation Criteria for Nonlinear Dynamic Systems on Time Scales
Authors: Zhu Shanliang , Sheng Chunyun
Published: July 2012

We consider the nonlinear dynamic system xΔ(t) = a(t)g(y(t)), yΔ(t) = −f(t, xσ(t)). We establish some necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of oscillatory and nonoscillatory solutions with special asymptotic properties for the system. We generalize the known results in the literature. Some examples are included to illustrate the results.
Unwinding and Rewinding: Double Faces of Helicase?
Authors: Wu Yuliang
Published: July 2012

Helicases are enzymes that use ATP-driven motor force to unwind double-stranded DNA or RNA. Recently, increasing evidence demonstrates that some helicases also possess rewinding activity—in other words, they can anneal two complementary single-stranded nucleic acids. All five members of the human RecQ helicase family, helicase PIF1, mitochondrial helicase TWINKLE, and helicase/nuclease Dna2 have been shown to possess strand-annealing activity. Moreover, two recently identified helicases—HARP and AH2 have only ATP-dependent rewinding activity. These findings not only enhance our understanding of helicase enzymes but also establish the presence of a new type of protein: annealing helicases. This paper discusses what is known about these helicases, focusing on their biochemical activity to zip and unzip double-stranded DNA and/or RNA, their possible regulation mechanisms, and biological functions.
Species-Specific Relationships between Water Transparency and Male Coloration within and between Two Closely Related Lake Victoria Cichlid Species
Authors: Castillo Cajas Ruth F. , Selz Oliver M. , Ripmeester Erwin A. P. , Seehausen Ole , Maan Martine E.
Published: July 2012

Environmental variation in signalling conditions affects animal communication traits, with possible consequences for sexual selection and reproductive isolation. Using spectrophotometry, we studied how male coloration within and between populations of two closely related Lake Victoria cichlid species (Pundamilia pundamiliaandP. nyererei) covaries with water transparency. Focusing on coloration patches implicated in sexual selection, we predicted that in clear waters, with broad-spectrum light, (1) colours should become more saturated and (2) shift in hue away from the dominant ambient wavelengths, compared to more turbid waters. We found support for these predictions for the red and yellow coloration ofP. nyerereibut not the blue coloration ofP. pundamilia. This may be explained by the species difference in depth distribution, which generates a steeper gradient in visual conditions forP. nyerereicompared toP. pundamilia. Alternatively, the importance of male coloration in intraspecific sexual selection may differ between the species. We also found that anal fin spots, that is, the orange spots on male haplochromine anal fins that presumably mimic eggs, covaried with water transparency in a similar way for both species. This is in contrast to the other body regions studied and suggests that, while indeed functioning as signals, these spots may not play a role in species differentiation.
TCA Cycle Defects and Cancer: When Metabolism Tunes Redox State
Authors: Cardaci Simone , Ciriolo Maria Rosa
Published: July 2012

Inborn defects of the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle enzymes have been known for more than twenty years. Until recently, only recessive mutations were described which, although resulted in severe multisystem syndromes, did not predispose to cancer onset. In the last ten years, a causal role in carcinogenesis has been documented for inherited and acquired alterations in three TCA cycle enzymes, succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), fumarate hydratase (FH), and isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH), pointing towards metabolic alterations as the underlying hallmark of cancer. This paper summarizes the neoplastic alterations of the TCA cycle enzymes focusing on the generation of pseudohypoxic phenotype and the alteration of epigenetic homeostasis as the main tumor-promoting effects of the TCA cycle affecting defects. Moreover, we debate on the ability of these mutations to affect cellular redox state and to promote carcinogenesis by impacting on redox biology.
He‐Laplace Method for Linear and Nonlinear Partial Differential Equations
Authors: Kumar Mishra Hradyesh , Nagar Atulya K.
Published: July 2012

A new treatment for homotopy perturbation method is introduced. The new treatment is called He‐Laplace method which is the coupling of the Laplace transform and the homotopy perturbation method using He’s polynomials. The nonlinear terms can be easily handled by the use of He’s polynomials. The method is implemented on linear and nonlinear partial differential equations. It is found that the proposed scheme provides the solution without any discretization or restrictive assumptions and avoids the round‐off errors.
Positive Solutions for a Fractional Boundary Value Problem with Changing Sign Nonlinearity
Authors: Wang Yongqing , Liu Lishan , Wu Yonghong
Published: July 2012

We discuss the existence of positive solutions to the following fractional m‐point boundary value problem with changing sign nonlinearity , where λ is a positive parameter, 1 < α ≤ 2, 0 < β < α − 1, 0 < ξ1 < ⋯<ξm−2 < 1 with , is the standard Riemann‐Liouville derivative, f and may be singular at t = 0 and/or t = 1 and also may change sign. The work improves and generalizes some previous results.
Myelopoiesis and Myeloid Leukaemogenesis in the Zebrafish
Authors: Forrester A. Michael , Berman Jason N. , Payne Elspeth M.
Published: July 2012

Over the past ten years, studies using the zebrafish model have contributed to our understanding of vertebrate haematopoiesis, myelopoiesis, and myeloid leukaemogenesis. Novel insights into the conservation of haematopoietic lineages and improvements in our capacity to identify, isolate, and culture such haematopoietic cells continue to enhance our ability to use this simple organism to address disease biology. Coupled with the strengths of the zebrafish embryo to dissect developmental myelopoiesis and the continually expanding repertoire of models of myeloid malignancies, this versatile organism has established its niche as a valuable tool to address key questions in the field of myelopoiesis and myeloid leukaemogenesis. In this paper, we address the recent advances and future directions in the field of myelopoiesis and leukaemogenesis using the zebrafish system.
Phytotoxicity by Lead as Heavy Metal Focus on Oxidative Stress
Authors: Pinho Sónia , Ladeiro Bruno
Published: July 2012

In the recent years, search for better quality of life in urban areas has been provoking an increase in urban agriculture. However, this new way of agriculture can bring risks to human health since this land is highly contaminated, due to anthropogenic activities. This way, lead (Pb) phytotoxicity approach must be taken into consideration since it can be prejudicial to human health through food chain. Pb is a common environmental contaminant, which originate numerous disturbances in plant physiological processes due to the bioacummulation of this metal pollutant in plant tissues. This review, focus on the uptake and interaction of lead by plants and how it can be introduced in food chain. Special attention was taken to address the oxidative stress by lead regarding the effects produced in plant physiological and biochemical processes. Furthermore, the antioxidant defence system was taken into consideration. Phytoremediation is applied on site or chronic polluted soils. This emerging technique is useful to bioaccumulate, degrade or decrease risks associated with contaminants in soils, water or air through the use of hyperaccumulaters. In addition, the impact of nanoparticles in plant science was also focused in this article since some improving properties in plants have been increasingly investigated.
Protective Effect ofScutellaria litwinowiiExtract on Serum/Glucose-Deprived Cultured PC12 Cells and Determining the Role of Reactive Oxygen Species
Authors: Afsharzadeh Maryam , Tayarani-Najaran Zahra , Zare Aryo , Mousavi Seyed Hadi
Published: July 2012

Considering the wide, positive reporting of the role of reactive oxygen species in ischemic brain injury, searching for antioxidant drugs within herbal remedies is logical. In this study, the protective effects ofScutellaria litwinowiiBornm. & Sint. on cell viability and reactive oxygen species production in cultured PC12 cells were investigated under serum/glucose-deprivation-induced cell death. After cells were seeded overnight, they were then deprived of serum/glucose for 24 h. Cells were treated with different concentrations ofS. litwinowiiextract (7.75–250 μg/mL). Cell viability was quantitated by MTT assay, and intracellular reactive oxygen species production was measured by flow cytometry. Serum/glucose-deprivation induced significant cell death after 24 h (P< 0.001). Treatment withS. litwinowii(7.75–250 μg/mL) reduced serum/glucose deprivation-induced cytotoxicity in PC12 cells after 24 h. A significant increase in intracellular reactive oxygen species production was seen following serum/glucose deprivation (P< 0.001).S. litwinowii(62 and 125 μg/mL,P< 0.01) treatment reversed the increased reactive oxygen species production following ischemic insult. This demonstrates thatS. litwinowiiextract protects PC12 cells against serum/glucose-deprivation-induced cell death by antioxidant mechanisms, which indicates the potential therapeutic application ofS. litwinowiiin managing cerebral ischemic and neurodegenerative disorders.
QoSS Hierarchical NoC-Based Architecture for MPSoC Dynamic Protection
Authors: Sepulveda Johanna , Pires Ricardo , Gogniat Guy , Chau Wang Jiang , Strum Marius
Published: July 2012

As electronic systems are pervading our lives, MPSoC (multiprocessor system-on-chip) security is becoming an important requirement. MPSoCs are able to support multiple applications on the same chip. The challenge is to provide MPSoC security that makes possible a trustworthy system that meets the performance and security requirements of all the applications. The network-on-chip (NoC) can be used to efficiently incorporate security. Our work proposes the implementation of QoSS (quality of security service) to overcome present MPSoC vulnerabilities. QoSS is a novel concept for data protection that introduces security as a dimension of QoS. QoSS takes advantage of the NoC wide system visibility and critical role in enabling system operation, exploiting the NoC components to detect and prevent a wide range of attacks. In this paper, we present the implementation of a layered dynamic security NoC architecture that integrates agile and dynamic security firewalls in order to detect attacks based on different security rules. We evaluate the effectiveness of our approach over several MPSoCs scenarios and estimate their impact on the overall performance. We show that our architecture can perform a fast detection of a wide range of attacks and a fast configuration of different security policies for several MPSoC applications.
Management of Root Perforations Using MTA with or without Er:YAG Laser Irradiation: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Tielemans M. , Saloukas I. , Heysselaer D. , Compere Ph. , Nyssen-Behets C. , Nammour S.
Published: July 2012

The aim of this in vitro study is to compare the microleakage of a root perforation sealed with MTA (mineral trioxide aggregate) (group M) to that sealed with MTA following Er:YAG laser irradiation (group ML). Forty-two recently extracted human monoroot teeth were used. Two cavities were prepared on each root surface. Randomly, on each root, the exposed dentine of one cavity was irradiated prior to MTA filling using an Er:YAG laser with the following settings: 200 mJ/pulses under an air water spray, 10 Hz, pulse duration of 50 μsec, and 0.7 mm beam diameter. All cavities were then sealed with MTA. submitted to thermocycling and immersed in 2% methylene blue dye solution for 12 h. The penetration of methylene blue in the microleakage of cavity was observed and recorded. The mean value dye penetration in cavities sealed with MTA following Er:YAG laser irradiation (%) was lower than that of unlased cavities sealed only with MTA (%). No significant difference was noted. The use of an Er:YAG laser beam for dentinal conditioning prior to MTA filling of perforated roots did not decrease significantly the microleakage of MTA sealing when compared to the conventional use of MTA filling.
Preliminary Assessment of the Possible BWR Core/Vessel Damage States for Fukushima Daiichi Station Blackout Scenarios Using RELAP/SCDAPSIM
Authors: Allison C. M. , Hohorst J. K. , Allison B. S. , Konjarek D. , Bajs T. , Pericas R. , Reventos F. , Lopez R.
Published: July 2012

Immediately after the accident at Fukushima Daiichi, Innovative Systems Software and other members of the international SCDAP Development and Training Program started an assessment of the possible core/vessel damage states of the Fukushima Daiichi Units 1–3. The assessment included a brief review of relevant severe accident experiments and a series of detailed calculations using RELAP/SCDAPSIM. The calculations used a detailed RELAP/SCDAPSIM model of the Laguna Verde BWR vessel and related reactor cooling systems. The Laguna Verde models were provided by the Comision Nacional de Seguridad Nuclear y Salvaguardias, the Mexican nuclear regulatory authority. The initial assessment was originally presented to the International Atomic Energy Agency on March 21 to support their emergency response team and later to our Japanese members to support their Fukushima Daiichi specific analysis and model development.
Radical Prostatectomy as a First-Line Treatment in Patients with Initial PSA  >20 ng/mL
Authors: Hinev Alexander I. , Anakievski Deyan , Hadjiev Vesselin I.
Published: July 2012

Initial PSA >20 ng/mL is generally considered an adverse prognostic feature in prostate cancer (PCa). Our goals were to estimate the impact of radical prostatectomy (RP) on biochemical recurrence- (BCR-) free and cancer-specific survival (CSS) rates of PCa patients with PSA >20 ng/mL, and to identify patients with favorable oncological outcome. Using 20 ng/mL as a cut-point value, 205 PCa patients, who underwent RP, were stratified into two groups. Multivariate analysis was used to determine the significant outcome predictors among patients with PSA >20 ng/mL. Men in this group had significantly lower 10-yr BCR-free and CSS rates than patients with PSA ≤20 ng/mL (20.7% versus 79.6% (P<0.001) and 65.0% versus 87.9% (P=0.010), resp.). Pathological stage and lymph node status were found to be the only independent predictors of PSA failure. Patients with favorable combination of these variables (pT2, N0) had significantly longer 10-yr BCR-free and CSS rates (44.3% versus 0% (P=0.001) and 100.0% versus 33.6% (P=0.011), resp.). High PSA values do not uniformly indicate poor prognosis after surgery. Patients, who might benefit the most from RP, are those with organ confined PCa and negative lymph nodes.
Effect of Laser Acupuncture on Disuse Osteoarthritis: An Ultrasound Biomicroscopic Study of Patellar Articular Cartilage in Rats
Authors: Wang Qing , Guo Xia , Liu Mu-Qing , Wang Xiao-Yun , Zheng Yong-Ping
Published: July 2012

To investigate the effect of laser acupuncture (LA) on disuse changes in articular cartilage using ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM), Eighteen rats were randomly divided into the control group (C), the tail-suspended group (T), and the tail-suspended with LA treatment group (L). During 28-day suspension period, group L were treated with LA at acupoints on the left hindlimb while group T had a sham treatment. Ultrasound roughness index (URI), integrated reflection coefficient (IRC), integrated backscatter coefficient (IBC), cartilage thickness, and ultrasonographic score (US) of articular cartilage at patella were measured by using an ultrasound biomicroscopy system (UBS). Compared with the group C, URI significantly (P<0.01) increased by 60.9% in group T, increased by 38.1% in group L. In addition, unloading induced a significant cartilage thinning (P<0.05) in group T, whereas cartilage thickness in group L was140.22±19.61 μm reaching the level of the control group (147.00±23.99 μm). There was no significant difference in IRC, IBC, and US among the three groups. LA therapy could help to retain the quality of articular cartilage which was subjected to unloading. LA would be a simple and safe nonpharmacological countermeasure for unloading-induced osteoarthritis. The UBM system has potential to be a sensitive, specific tool for quantitative assessment of articular cartilage.
On a System of Generalized Mixed Equilibrium Problems Involving Variational-Like Inequalities in Banach Spaces: Existence and Algorithmic Aspects
Authors: Mahdioui H. , Chadli O.
Published: July 2012

We study the existence and the algorithmic aspect of a System of Generalized Mixed Equilibrium Problems involving variational-like inequalities (SGMEPs) in the setting of Banach spaces. The approach adopted is based on the auxiliary principle technique and arguments from generalized convexity. A new existence theorem for the auxiliary problem is established; this leads us to generate an algorithm which converges strongly to a solution of (SGMEP) under weaker assumptions. When the study is reduced to the setting of reflexive Banach spaces, then it can be more relaxed by dropping the coercivity condition. The results obtained in this paper are new and improve some recent studies in this field.
Micromagnetic Investigation of Periodic Cross-Tie/Vortex Wall Geometry
Authors: Donahue Michael J.
Published: July 2012

A systematic series of micromagnetic simulations on periodic cross-tie/vortex wall structures in an ideal soft film at various widths, thicknesses, and period lengths is performed. For each width and thickness a natural period length is found which has minimal energy density for walls of this type. For each width, a critical thickness is determined below which the natural period length is infinite; for films thinner than this, the pure Néel wall has lower energy than any cross-tie/vortex wall. Details of the origin of the energy reduction in cross-tie/vortex walls as compared to Néel walls are also examined, and canting inside cross-tie and vortex structures in films thicker than 1ℓexis explained.
Awaiting a New Era of Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Hong Cheng William , Zeng Qi
Published: July 2012

A major challenge in cancer therapy is the lack of specificity for cancer cells. Antibody-based therapies have better specificity and, thus, improved efficacy over standard chemotherapy regimens. Monoclonal antibodies (mAb) constitute the most rapidly growing class of human therapeutics and are proven agents for recognizing and destroying malignant cells. However, the development of antibody therapies has focused only on targeting extracellular (cell-surface or secreted) proteins rather than intracellular targets (within cells, such as phosphatases and/or kinases and transcription factors), because antibodies are generally believed to be too large to enter cells, resulting in a large untapped source of intracellular therapeutic targets. Recently, we presented evidence that suggests that intracellular proteins with high expression in cancer cells are useful targets for mAb-based or vaccination immunotherapies, thus challenging current understanding. Here, we further discuss the concept and future uses of these immunotherapies against a large pool of intracellular oncoproteins for cancer therapy. This line of research has the potential to vastly expand the field of antibody therapy and usher in a new era of cancer vaccines. Cancer Res; 72(15); 3715–9. ©2012 AACR.
Dual Targeting of the Akt/mTOR Signaling Pathway Inhibits Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer in a Genetically Engineered Mouse Model
Authors: Floc'h Nicolas , Kinkade Carolyn Waugh , Kobayashi Takashi , Aytes Alvaro , Lefebvre Celine , Mitrofanova Antonina , Cardiff Robert D. , Califano Andrea , Shen Michael M. , Abate-Shen Cory
Published: July 2012

Although the prognosis for clinically localized prostate cancer is now favorable, there are still no curative treatments for castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) and, therefore, it remains fatal. In this study, we investigate a new therapeutic approach for treatment of CRPC, which involves dual targeting of a major signaling pathway that is frequently deregulated in the disease. We found that dual targeting of the Akt and mTOR signaling pathways with their respective inhibitors, MK-2206 and ridaforolimus (MK-8669), is highly effective for inhibiting CRPC in preclinical studies in vivo using a refined genetically engineered mouse model of the disease. The efficacy of the combination treatment contrasts with their limited efficacy as single agents, since delivery of MK-2206 or MK-8669 individually had a modest impact in vivo on the overall tumor phenotype. In human prostate cancer cell lines, although not in the mouse model, the synergistic actions of MK-2206 and ridaforolimus (MK-8669) are due in part to limiting the mTORC2 feedback activation of Akt. Moreover, the effects of these drugs are mediated by inhibition of cellular proliferation via the retinoblastoma (Rb) pathway. Our findings suggest that dual targeting of the Akt and mTOR signaling pathways using MK-2206 and ridaforolimus (MK-8669) may be effective for treatment of CRPC, particularly for patients with deregulated Rb pathway activity. Cancer Res; 72(17); 4483–93. ©2012 AACR.
The Impact of MRI White Matter Hyperintensities on Dementia in Parkinson's Disease in Relation to the Homocysteine Level and Other Vascular Risk Factors
Authors: Sławek Jarosław , Roszmann Anna , Robowski Piotr , Dubaniewicz Mirosława , Sitek Emilia J. , Honczarenko Krystyna , Gorzkowska Agnieszka , Budrewicz Sławomir , Mak Monika , Gołąb-Janowska Monika , Koziorowska-Gawron Ewa , Droździk Marek , Kurzawski Mateusz , Bandurski Tomasz , Białecka Monika
Published: July 2012

Background: The role of white matter hyperintensities (WMH) and homocysteine (Hcy) and other vascular risk factors in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD) dementia (PDD) remains unclear. Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the impact of WMH, Hcy and other biochemical and vascular risk factors on PDD. Methods: A total of 192 patients with PD and 184 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were included. A semistructured interview was used to assess demographic and clinical variables with respect to vascular risk factors (arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, atrial fibrillation, ischemic heart disease, obliterative atherosclerosis, hypercholesterolemia, smoking, alcohol intake). Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale score, Hoehn-Yahr staging and the Schwab-England activities of daily living scale were used to assess motor abilities and activities of daily living. A complex neuropsychological examination with a battery of tests was used to classify patients into a group with dementia (PDD) and a group without dementia (PD). Neuroradiological examination of MRI scans included visual rating scales for WMH (according to the Wahlund and Erkinjunntti rating scales) and the Scheltens scale for hippocampal atrophy. Blood samples for Hcy, folate, vitamin B12, fibrinogen, lipids, glucose, creatinine, transaminases and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) were examined. Results: Among all patients, 57 (29.7%) fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for dementia. Significantly higher Hcy plasma levels were noted in PD and PDD groups compared to controls (p < 0.05) and in PDD when compared to PD (p < 0.05). According to multivariate regression analysis, WMH (Erkinjuntti scale), high Hcy, low vitamin B12 and folate plasma levels were independent risk factors for PDD. Vascular risk factors did not play any role in the pathogenesis of PDD and WMH. Conclusions: WMH along with Hcy, folate and vitamin B12 may impact cognition in PD. Therapy with vitamin B12, folate and catechol-O-methyltransferase inhibitors may play a potential protective role against PDD.
Changes in Secondary School Preservice Teachers’ Concerns About Teaching in New Zealand
Authors: Smith Lisa F. , Corkery Gaynor , Buckley Judy , Calvert Amanda
Published: July 2012

This study followed a cohort of preservice teachers ( n = 85) in a 1-year secondary school program in New Zealand to examine their concerns about teaching in terms of what they are, how they are related to teaching efficacy, and how they are affected by practicum experiences. Before beginning the program and after each of two practica, participants completed the Teachers’ Sense of Efficacy Scale (short form) and the Concerns About Teaching Scale. Focus groups ( n = 8 each) were conducted after each survey administration. Results indicated that the participants’ concerns about teaching became differentiated over time and with classroom experience; their sense of efficacy increased. Results are discussed in terms of practical implications for teacher education taking into consideration the relationships among teaching concerns, practicum experiences, views of teaching, and policy changes in New Zealand.
A retrospective appraisal of 15 years’ proceedings of the Hungarian Research Student Association
Authors: Révész Tamás , Oláh Máté
Published: July 2012

In 1996 the Hungarian Research Student Association (HRSA) was founded. Since then more than 6000 young, talented researchers have belonged to the Association. The founders set two principal aims: (1) to support the gifted and the most promising high school students and (2) to establish an active community. The movement has grown through the work of enthusiastic high school teachers and 800 excellent mentors, providing different facilities to enhance talent (a conference of lectures, posters and an essay competition), and fostering international student exchange. The HRSA organizes science camps and conferences to contribute to self-development of research student networks.
Modulation of hippocampal dopamine metabolism and hippocampal-dependent cognitive function by catechol-O-methyltransferase inhibition
Authors: Laatikainen LM , Sharp T , Bannerman DM , Harrison PJ , Tunbridge EM
Published: July 2012

Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) catabolises the catecholamine neurotransmitters and influences cognitive function. COMT modulates dopamine levels in the prefrontal cortex and its action in this region is generally invoked to explain its effects on cognition. However, its role in other brain regions important for cognitive function remains largely unexplored. Here, we investigated COMT’s impact on dopamine metabolism in the hippocampus and hippocampal-dependent behaviour. We examined the acute effects of a centrally-acting COMT inhibitor, tolcapone (30 mg/kg i.p.), on dopamine metabolism in the rat dorsal hippocampus, assessed both in tissue homogenates and extracellularly, using in vivo microdialysis. Additionally, we investigated the effect of tolcapone on delayed-rewarded alternation and spatial novelty preference, behavioural tasks which are dependent on the dorsal hippocampus. Tolcapone significantly modulated dopamine metabolism in the dorsal hippocampus, as indexed by the depletion of extracellular homovanillic acid (HVA) and the accumulation of dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC). Tolcapone also improved performance on the delayed-rewarded alternation and spatial novelty preference tasks, compared to vehicle-treated rats. Our findings suggest that COMT regulates dorsal hippocampal neurochemistry and modulates hippocampus-dependent behaviours. These findings support the therapeutic candidacy of COMT inhibition as a cognitive enhancer, and suggest that, in addition to the prefrontal cortex, the hippocampus might be a key region for mediating these effects.
The Prognostic Value of an Increased Mean Platelet Volume and Platelet Distribution Width in the Early Phase of Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis
Authors: Kamisli Ozden , Kamisli Suat , Kablan Yuksel , Gonullu Sinan , Ozcan Cemal
Published: July 2012

In this study, we aimed to investigate the value of mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW) and platelet count in cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) patients and in control subjects. Fifty-three patients with evidence of CVST and thirty-five controls with similar baseline characteristics were included in the study. CVST patients were further divided into two subgroups based on the presence or absence of parenchymal lesions in cranial MRI. Our analyses revealed a significant difference in MPV and PDW values between CVST patients with lesions and controls (P < 0.05). MPV and PDW values were significantly increased in CVST patients with brain parenchmal lesions, suggesting that MPV and PDW values can be used to predict the severity of CVST.
Assessment of collateral circulation to the hand prior to radial artery harvest
Authors: Habib Joseph , Baetz Laureen , Satiani Bhagwan
Published: July 2012

Assessment of collateral circulation to the hand is required prior to invasive procedures or harvesting of the radial artery (RA). A modified Allen’s test (MAT) is commonly used to assess palmar arch collaterals. A variety of non-invasive methods including digital pressures, plethysmography, pulse oximetry and duplex ultrasonography are available to supplement physical examination. However, no consensus exists about the proper role of the MAT and the most appropriate non-invasive test (NIT) in this situation. Interpretation of the MAT and NIT findings are also controversial. This paper reviews the anatomy and the physiologic basis for the MAT and various NITs, the pros and cons of various NITs and recommendations for the assessment of collateral circulation to the hand prior to interventions directed at the RA.
Forecasting the Experience of Future Entertainment Technology
Authors: Klimmt Christoph , Roth Christian , Vermeulen Ivar , Vorderer Peter , Roth Franziska Susanne
Published: July 2012

Advances in gaming and other entertainment technologies are evolving rapidly and create new conceptual challenges for understanding and explaining the user experiences they can facilitate. The present article reports a prospective study on a particularly promising entertainment technology of the future: Interactive storytelling (IS). Integrating various streams of computing technology, such as advanced visualization, natural speech processing, and autonomous agents, IS systems are envisioned to offer new, personalized and thus unique kinds of entertainment to mass audiences of the future. The authors refer to existing models of media entertainment for a theoretical analysis and analyze expert interviews with members of the international IS development community to lay out the foundations for a forecast model of the entertainment experience of future IS systems. The resulting model organizes fundamental requirements, modes of users’ information processing, and specific types of (pleasant) experiences, which holds implications for (future) entertainment theory and research that accompanies further development of IS media.
Integrated methodology for evaluation of energy performance of the building enclosures: Part 5—application of the proposed hygrothermal characterization
Authors: Yu Shui , Bomberg Mark , Zhang Xu
Published: July 2012

In part 4 of this article series, we have proposed a set of simple tests that is sufficient for estimating material characterization needed for input to advanced hygrothermal models for use in practical applications. Now, we apply this method to the experimental product that was intentionally designed to contain a large fraction of micropores for achieving moisture storage higher than that of traditional Portland cement plaster. The material, called here, eco-wrap or climatic stucco (in contrast to Portland cement plaster), has less cement than natural cement and lime combined and a large fraction of recycled materials.