bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immune Modulation bySchistosoma mansoniAntigens in NOD Mice: Effects on Both Innate and Adaptive Immune Systems
Authors: Zaccone Paola , Burton Oliver T. , Gibbs Sarah , Miller Nigel , Jones Frances M. , Dunne David W. , Cooke Anne
Published: March 2010

We have shown thatSchistosoma mansoniegg soluble antigen (SEA) prevents diabetes in the nonobese diabetic (NOD) mouse inducing functional changes in antigen presenting cells (APCs) and expanding T helper (Th) 2 and regulatory T cell (Treg) responses. A Th2 response toS. mansoniinfection or its antigens is key to both the establishment of tolerance and successfully reproduction in the host. More recently we demonstrated that SEA treatment upregulates bioactive TGFβon T cells with consequent expansion ofFoxp3+Tregs, and these cells might be important in SEA-mediated diabetes prevention together with Th2 cells. In this study we profile further the phenotypic changes that SEA induces on APCs, with particular attention to cytokine expression and markers of macrophage alternative activation. Our studies suggest that TGFβfrom T cells is important not just for Treg expansion but also for the successful Th2 response to SEA, and therefore, for diabetes prevention in the NOD mouse.
Implementation of Hardware-Accelerated Scalable Parallel Random Number Generators
Authors: Lee JunKyu , Peterson Gregory D. , Harrison Robert J. , Hinde Robert J.
Published: March 2010

The Scalable Parallel Random Number Generators (SPRNGs) library is widely used in computational science applications such as Monte Carlo simulations since SPRNG supports fast, parallel, and scalable random number generation with good statistical properties. In order to accelerate SPRNG, we develop a Hardware-Accelerated version of SPRNG (HASPRNG) on the Xilinx XC2VP50 Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) in the Cray XD1 that produces identical results. HASPRNG includes the reconfigurable logic for FPGAs along with a programming interface which performs integer random number generation. To demonstrate HASPRNG for Reconfigurable Computing (RC) applications, we also develop a Monte Carlo π-estimator for the Cray XD1. The RC Monte Carlo π-estimator shows a 19.1× speedup over the 2.2 GHz AMD Opteron processor in the Cray XD1. In this paper we describe the FPGA implementation for HASPRNG and a π-estimator example application exploiting the fine-grained parallelism and mathematical properties of the SPRNG algorithm.
Electrocochleographic and Pure-Tone Audiometric Findings in Contralateral Ear of Unilateral Acoustic Neurinoma
Authors: Kakigi Akinobu , Nakatani Hiroaki , Takeda Taizo
Published: March 2010

Objective: Auditory disorders of the contralateral ear in patients with unilateral acoustic neurinoma have previously been reported using the auditory brainstem response. From our survey of the literature, there is no reported result about electrocochleography (ECoG) in the contralateral ear of acoustic neurinoma cases. In the present study, we reported ECoG and pure-tone audiometric results of the contralateral ears in cases of unilateral acoustic neurinoma and the relationship between ECoG findings and tumor size was discussed. Methods: ECoG and pure-tone audiometry were performed for the contralateral ears in 27 cases of unilateral acoustic neurinoma, and the relationships between tumor size and contralateral ECoG findings and between pure-tone threshold and ECoG findings were investigated. As for ECoG findings, the negative summating potential to the compound action potential ratio (–SP/AP ratio) was examined. The tumor size was assessed by magnetic resonance imaging. Results: Abnormal –SP/AP ratio exceeding 0.40 of the upper limit of the normal range was found in 7 (25.9%) of 27 ears. Incidences of abnormal –SP/AP ratio were 30.0% in large tumors (n = 10), 33.3% in mid-size tumors (n = 6) and 18.2% in small tumors (n = 11). There was no correlation between the incidences of abnormal –SP/AP ratio and tumor size. Moreover, there was no correlation between the –SP/AP ratio and pure-tone threshold at the ECoG recording. Conclusion: These results suggest that any size of acoustic neurinoma may affect contralateral electrocochleographic findings. One possible cause may be dysfunction of the olivocochlear efferent system and another may be endolymphatic hydrops (e.g. delayed endolymphatic hydrops). Currently, however, the causes of –SP/AP ratio increase are still unknown and further investigations are required.
Role of Retinoic Acid-Related Orphan Receptor-α in Differentiation of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells along with Osteoblastic Lineage
Authors: Miyamoto Satoshi , Cooper Lyndon , Watanabe Kie , Yamamoto Seiji , Inoue Hiroko , Mishima Kenji , Saito Ichiro
Published: March 2010

Objective: In a human mesenchymal stem cell (hMSC) model of osteoblast differentiation, we identified expression of the retinoic acid-related orphan receptor-α (RORα) gene as a candidate osteogenesis-related gene using gene expression profiling. RORα is a member of the nuclear receptor family of intracellular transcription factors and plays multifunctional roles in tissue development and differentiation, inflammation metabolism and circadian rhythms. However, the important role of RORα in the differentiation of hMSC along the osteoblastic lineage is not yet fully understood. Methods: To investigate the role of RORα during osteoblast differentiation, we eliminated RORα from hMSCs with a small interfering RNA molecule (siRNA), and investigated the effects of suppressing RORα by RT-PCR analysis. Results: We showed that suppressing the expression of RORα by the siRNA inhibited the expression of both bone sialoprotein and dentin matrix protein 1. It was discovered coincidentally that the inhibitory effect of RORα resulted in failure of mineralization and bone nodule formation during the course of osteogenesis. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that RORα must be an imperative modulator of bone sialoprotein and dentin matrix protein 1 involved in osteoblast differentiation and bone formation downstream of Wnt/β-catenin signaling and just prior to the start of mineralization.
Real-Time RT-PCR Analysis for Evaluating the Her2/neu Status in Breast Cancer
Authors: Cuadros M. , Talavera P. , López F.J. , García-Peréz I. , Blanco A. , Concha A.
Published: March 2010

Objective: The Her2/neu status is of great clinical value in breast tumor patients. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) techniques are the test of choice for many practicing pathologies. The main objective of this retrospective study was to investigate the relationship between Her2/neu breast cancer amplification and overexpression (DNA, mRNA and protein). Methods: To accomplish this goal, we evaluated Her2/neu mRNA expression by real-time quantitative RT-PCR, gene amplification by FISH and protein expression by IHC. Results: An excellent correlation between FISH and IHC Her2/neu results was observed, confirming that protein levels were directly related to DNA amplification. Polysomy 17 was frequently found in tumors showing Her2/neu overexpression. However, we did not find any statistically significant correlation among DNA, mRNA and protein levels, suggesting that Her2/neu could be post-transcriptionally regulated. Conclusions: There was a highagreement between Her2/neu gene amplification and protein overexpression but not mRNA expression levels. Nevertheless, IHC3+ and FISH-positive tumors indicated higher expression levels of Her2/neu mRNA by RT-PCR than those observed in IHC and FISH-negative tumors. These findings question the relevance of quantitative RT-PCR in routine assessment of Her2/neu overexpression in human breast cancer in the clinical laboratory setting.
A Clinical Retrospective Analysis of Factors Associated with Apathetic Hyperthyroidism
Authors: Wu Weihua , Sun Zhenjie , Yu Jiangpo , Meng Qinghui , Wang Mingli , Miao Jiajing , Sun Lifang
Published: March 2010

Objective: Apathetic hyperthyroidism can be misdiagnosed or diagnosed late, and older patients are often susceptible to adverse effects of treatment for thyrotoxicosis. The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with apathetic hyperthyroidism. Methods: We retrospectively examined serum calcium, phosphorus and bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BAP) levels and thyroid-associated variables in 140 patients with apathetic hyperthyroidism, 456 patients with typical hyperthyroidism and 120 healthy subjects. Results: Significant differences were identified with respect to age, serum calcium and corrected calcium, serum phosphorus, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4), the FT3/FT4 ratio, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatinine, BAP and albumin among the typical and apathetic hyperthyroid and normal groups (all p < 0.001). Univariate logistic regression showed that age, serum calcium and corrected calcium, serum phosphorus, TSH, FT4, FT3/FT4 ratio, ALT, AST and BAP were significantly associated with apathetic hyperthyroidism, and multivariate logistic regression showed that age, corrected calcium, TSH, FT4, FT3/FT4 ratio, BAP and ALT were significantly associated with apathetic hyperthyroidism. Conclusion: Greater age, increased corrected calcium levels, decreased TSH levels, increased FT4, a decreased FT3/FT4 ratio, increased BAP levels and increased ALT levels may be significant factors for differentiating apathetic from typical hyperthyroidism. Coordinated assessment of these variables may aid in the accurate diagnosis and treatment of this disorder.
Glutamate Dehydrogenase Activity in Leukocytes and Ageing
Authors: Kravos Matej , Malešič Ivan
Published: March 2010

Background: Glutamate dehydrogenase (GLDH) is an intracellular enzyme normally located in mitochondria and the rough endoplasmic reticulum. The metabolism of neuroexcitotoxic glutamate is lowered in many neurodegenerative disorders. Objective: Defining the GLDH activity in leukocytes can provide indirect data about neurodegenerative processes in the brain. Method: We have developed our own method of defining the GLDH activity in leukocytes. Results: The GLDH activity was researched in the leukocytes of 130 healthy subjects (45 females, 85 males). The mean catalytic activity was 0.618 ± 0.380 µkat/g. The highest values were discovered in <30-year-old persons: 0.772 ± 0.434 µkat/g (0.712 ± 0.406 µkat/g in men, 0.934 ± 0.5 µkat/g in women). The GLDH activity decreases more slowly in the 30- to 60-year age group, yet evidently more rapidly afterwards, particularly in men, where the activity drops to 0.333 µkat/g and in women to 0.414 µkat/g. The older persons had a lower leukocyte GLDH activity than the younger ones (ANOVA, p = 0.000). Conclusion: Gradual decrease in GLDH activity may be one of the key factors for neurodegenerative ageing processes.
Secular Trends in Obesity, Regional Adiposity and Metabolic Parameters among Asian Indian Adolescents in North India: A Comparative Data Analysis of Two Selective Samples 5 Years Apart (2003, 2008)
Authors: Singhal Neha , Misra Anoop , Shah Priyali , Rastogi Kavita , Vikram Naval K.
Published: March 2010

Aim: To assess and compare the secular trends in anthropometric and biochemical parameters over 5 years (2003–2008) amongst Asian Indian adolescents in north India. Methods: Adolescents matched for age, gender, socioeconomic strata and school grade were taken from two school-based studies (2003, n = 106, girls = 50 and boys = 56; 2008, n = 134, girls = 59 and boys = 75) in north India. Assessment included anthropometric measures [body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist to hip ratio (W-HR), and triceps skinfold thickness] and biochemical parameters [fasting blood glucose (FBG), serum triglycerides and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c)]. Results: A significant increase in WC (7.2 cm, p < 0.0001), W-HR (0.8, p < 0.0001), triceps skinfold thickness (6.5 mm; p = 0.0001) and FBG (3.5 mg/dl, p = 0.04) was noted in girls, while a significant decrease was noted for HDL-c (–4.6 mg/dl, p = 0.0002) in boys. A higher increase was noted for BMI, WC and FBG in girls as compared to boys. Over 5 years, a marked increase in prevalence (%) of obesity was seen, as indicated by the >95th percentile for age and gender-specific cutoffs of BMI: 11.5% (girls), WC: 19% (girls) and triceps skinfold thickness: 11.7% (girls), 8.8% (boys). Conclusion: Over the last 5 years, there has been a significant increase in abdominal obesity and FBG and a decrease in HDL-c amongst Asian Indian adolescents from north India, which puts them at risk for metabolic disorders at an early age. In view of these data, primary prevention strategies for childhood obesity need to be strengthened.
Genetic Predisposition to Advanced Glycation End Products Toxicity Is Related to Prognosis of Chronic Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Kalousová Marta , Jáchymová Marie , Germanová Alexandra , Kuběna Aleš Antonín , Tesař Vladimír , Zima Tomáš
Published: March 2010

Background: Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) belong to uremic toxins and some pathological effects of AGEs are linked to RAGE (receptor for AGEs). Their precursors are detoxified by the glyoxalase (GLO) system. The A419C (E111A) polymorphism of the GLO I gene is associated with vascular disease in hemodialysis (HD) patients and some RAGE gene polymorphisms are implicated in various pathological states. Aim: To study the relationship of A419C GLO I and four RAGE polymorphisms (–429T/C, –374T/A, 2184A/G and Gly82Ser) in the prognosis of HD patients. Methods: The group studied consisted of 214 chronic HD patients prospectively followed up for 43 months. 100 patients died, 48 due to cardiovascular causes. Results: The Kaplan-Meier analysis showed a higher mortality rate in patient-mutated homozygotes for RAGE –429CC, RAGE 2184GG and GLO I 419CC. A higher hazard risk was confirmed by the Cox proportional hazards model when wild-type homozygotes were taken as reference: RAGE –429CC 2.28 (95% CI 1.04–4.99), RAGE 2184GG 3.16 (95% CI 1.44–6.93), and GLO I 419CC 1.75 (95% CI 1.08–2.86). Both RAGE polymorphisms were also associated with cardiovascular mortality: RAGE –429CC 3.54 (95% CI 1.37–9.14) and RAGE 2184GG 5.04 (95% CI 1.93–13.11). Conclusion: In summary, our study shows for the first time a link between RAGE and GLO polymorphisms in the prognosis of HD patients.
Effects of Interventions Involving the Family in the Treatment of Adult Patients with Chronic Physical Diseases: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Hartmann Mechthild , Bäzner Eva , Wild Beate , Eisler Ivan , Herzog Wolfgang
Published: March 2010

Background: Families can have considerable influence on the health of a patient with a chronic physical disease, and attempts have been made to optimise treatment by involving family members. This meta-analysis aimed to systematically assess the effects of family-oriented interventions on adults with chronic physical diseases. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted to identify randomised clinical trials that have evaluated the effects of family-based interventions for adult patients compared to standard treatment. Interventions were classified as psychoeducation or addressing family relationships. The outcomes studied were the patient’s physical and mental health and the health of the family members. The effect sizes were calculated as Hedges’ g and combined using random-effects models. Results: Fifty-two relevant randomised controlled trials (including 8,896 patients) were extracted. The main disease groups were cardiovascular diseases including stroke, cancer and arthritis. Meta-analysis showed that family involvement resulted in significantly better health than standard treatment for all outcomes. The mean overall effect sizes were 0.32 for the patients’ physical health, 0.28 for the patients’ mental health and 0.35 for the family members’ health. Overall, the effects were not large, but they were broad, significant and stable over a long period of time. There was a tendency towards higher effects in favour of relationship-focused family interventions compared to educational interventions. Conclusions: Psychosocial interventions involving family members in the treatment of chronic physical diseases have positive effects on the health outcome for both the patient and his/her family. Further high-quality research is necessary to investigate differential effects.
Persistent Depressive Symptoms after Acute Coronary Syndrome Are Associated with Compromised White Matter Integrity in the Anterior Cingulate: A Pilot Study
Authors: Rapp Michael A. , Rieckmann Nina , Lessman David A. , Tang Cheuk Y. , Paulino Robert , Burg Matthew M. , Davidson Karina W.
Published: March 2010

Background: Persistent depressive symptoms after acute coronary syndrome (ACS) are common and increase the risk of recurrent cardiac events and mortality. However, the neurobiological correlates of post-ACS depressive symptoms have not yet been studied. Methods: Three months after ACS, 22 patients were scanned for the presence of cerebral deep white matter changes and microstructural abnormalities in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. We used the Coffey Rating Scale of deep white matter changes and measures of fractional anisotropy derived from diffusion tensor imaging. Patients also completed the Beck Depression Inventory, and the number of cardiovascular comorbidities as well as modifiable cardiovascular risk factors were assessed. Results: Controlling for cardiovascular comorbidity, depressive symptom severity at 3 months was negatively related to fractional anisotropy in the ACC (r = –0.72, p < 0.001), but this association disappeared when controlling for cardiovascular risk factors (p = 0.21). In comparison to patients who were non-depressed at 3 months after hospitalization (n = 14), patients with persistent depressive symptoms (n = 8) exhibited more advanced deep white matter changes overall (p < 0.02), but not when controlling for cardiovascular comorbidity. Persistently depressed patients also had lower fractional anisotropy in the ACC (p < 0.05), but this effect disappeared when controlling for modifiable cardiovascular risk factors. Conclusions: This study provides the first evidence that persistent depressive symptoms after ACS are associated with vascular brain changes. Longitudinal studies are needed to determine whether depressive symptoms precede these changes or vice versa.
Effects of 17β-Estradiol on the Cytotoxicity of Etoposide in a Lung Carcinoma Cell Line and Its Bioavailability in Ovariectomized Sprague-Dawley Rats
Authors: Guerrero-Vargas N.N. , Jurado R. , Virto-Aguilar J. , García-López P.
Published: March 2010

Background: The activity of steroid hormones for the efficacy of antineoplastic drugs used in lung cancer treatment has not been explored. We evaluated the influence of 17β-estradiol on the cytotoxicity of etoposide in a lung cancer cell line (A-549) and determined systemic levels of etoposide in vivoafter pretreatment with this hormone. Methods: The effect of 17β-estradiol alone and combined with etoposide on cellular proliferation was evaluated. Blood levels of etoposide were studied in ovariectomized female rats previously treated with 17β-estradiol. Etoposide levels were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography, and a pharmacokinetic analysis was performed. Results: 17β-Estradiol showed a tendency towards an increase in cellular proliferation but did not change the cytotoxic effect of etoposide. This in vivo study demonstrated that the blood levels of etoposide significantly decreased in the 17β-estradiol-treated group. Conclusion: The clear reduction in the in vivo systemic levels of etoposide in the presence of 17β-estradiol suggests a possible role of this hormone in drug resistance. However, as these data cannot be extrapolated to clinic situations, more research is necessary to understand the interaction between hormonal compounds and antineoplastic drugs.
A Phase II Study Directed by a Clinical Pathway for Carboplatin and Weekly Paclitaxel in Previously Untreated Patients with Unresectable Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Komuta Kiyoshi , Osaki Tadashi , Mori Masahide , Yokota Soichiro , Tanio Yoshiro , Matsui Kaoru , Imamura Fumio , Kawase Ichiro
Published: March 2010

The objective of this phase II study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of carboplatin and weekly paclitaxel in previously untreated patients with unresectable non-small cell lung cancer. In addition, the clinical pathway intensified the management of chemotherapy including the assessment of efficacy, safety and implementation of treatment and patient education. Patients received paclitaxel at a dose of 70 mg/m2 on days 1, 8 and 15 and carboplatin (area under the curve of 6) on day 1 and every 28th day thereafter. Fifty-eight patients were enrolled. A median of 3 cycles (range 1–6) were administered. Twenty-eight cases showed objective responses (48.2%), including 2 complete (3.4%) and 26 partial responses (44.8%; 95% confidence interval 35.4–61.1). The median survival time was 663 days, and the 1-year survival rate was 59.9%. Nineteen patients (32.8%) had grade 3, and 4 patients (6.9%) had grade 4 neutropenia. Nine patients (15.5%) experienced ≧3 grade nonhematological toxicities. There were no treatment-related deaths due to this study. Carboplatin and weekly paclitaxel combination chemotherapy might be an alternative treatment selection in patients with unresectable non-small cell lung cancer.
Stress-Induced Changes of Phospholipids in Betaproteobacterium Aromatoleum aromaticum Strain EbN1 due to Alkylbenzene Growth Substrates
Authors: Zink Klaus-G. , Rabus Ralf
Published: March 2010

The denitrifying betaproteobacterium strain EbN1 degrades toluene and ethylbenzene under anoxic conditions. Alkylbenzenes are unusual substrates, since their extraordinary chemical stability necessitates complex reactions and their toxic properties as solvents challenge cellular viability. To study the solvent impact on membrane lipid composition, strain EbN1 was grown at low, standard and semi-inhibitory concentrations of toluene (70, 240, and 740 µM) and ethylbenzene (80, 210, and 315 µM). At semi-inhibitory concentrations, phosphatidylglycerol increased at the expense of phosphatidylethanolamine. Moreover, phosphatidylcholine proportions increased and tentatively identified N-hexanoyl-phosphatidylethanolamine was detected. All observed changes in membrane lipid composition are interpreted as the organism’s response to prevent the maceration of the cell membrane.
Impact of Alexithymia on Treatment Outcome: A Naturalistic Study of Short-Term Cognitive-Behavioral Group Therapy for Panic Disorder
Authors: Rufer Michael , Albrecht Renate , Zaum Johanna , Schnyder Ulrich , Mueller-Pfeiffer Christoph , Hand Iver , Schmidt Oliver
Published: March 2010

Background: It is often suggested in the literature that alexithymic patients are less responsive to psychotherapy than nonalexithymic patients. However, few empirical studies have examined this issue. Furthermore, it is unclear whether or not alexithymia itself may improve during psychotherapy. Methods: Fifty-five consecutive outpatients with panic disorder received short-term cognitive-behavioral group therapy (CBGT) and were followed up 6 months later. Nineteen patients (35%) were on concomitant antidepressant medication. Alexithymia was measured using the 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20). Both completers and intention-to-treat analyses were calculated, taking into consideration the potentially confounding effect of comorbid conditions. Results: Baseline alexithymia did not predict outcome of CBGT, neither at posttreatment nor at follow-up. The presence of comorbid axis I disorders predicted nonresponse at posttreatment but not at follow-up. TAS-20 total scores decreased over time, with the TAS-20 factors 1 (difficulty identifying feelings) and 2 (difficulty describing feelings) decreasing significantly, while factor 3 (externally oriented thinking) remained largely stable. Conclusions: These findings are encouraging for cognitive-behavioral therapists working with patients with alexithymia who suffer from panic disorder: CBGT outcome does not appear to be negatively affected by alexithymia, and some alexithymic characteristics may even be reduced following CBGT. Assessing alexithymia at treatment onset may be useful for individually tailoring therapeutic interventions.
Neurological Symptoms Accompanying Urinary Tract Infections
Authors: Hufschmidt Andreas , Shabarin Vsevolod , Rauer Sebastian , Zimmer Thomas
Published: March 2010

The spectrum of para-infectious neurological symptoms was examined by a retrospective study of 57 patients admitted with acute neurological symptoms which were eventually interpreted as secondary to urinary tract infection. The symptoms encountered most frequently were confusion, gait disturbances, and drowsiness. Patients with Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis or a previous stroke often experienced a deterioration of their preexisting neurological deficits. We suggest that para-infectious encephalopathy (PE) is a mild form of septic encephalopathy with a distinct clinical pattern.
Should We Consider Vim Thalamic Deep Brain Stimulation for Select Cases of Severe Refractory Dystonic Tremor
Authors: Morishita Takashi , Foote Kelly D. , Haq Ihtsham U. , Zeilman Pamela , Jacobson Charles E. , Okun Michael S.
Published: March 2010

Dystonic tremor, which may present with many different clinical presentations (rhythmic oscillations, abnormal posture, pain, and/or a null point) has proven to be a challenge for the clinician to effectively treat. Although recent studies have demonstrated excellent outcomes in select cases following deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the internal globus pallidus, the optimal target for dystonia and particularly for dystonic tremor remains unknown. We report 3 cases of dystonic tremor which were successfully addressed through the use of ventral intermediate nucleus (Vim) DBS. We also review the literature concerning the efficacy of Vim DBS for addressing dystonia. This case series illustrates the potential use of Vim DBS for select cases of dystonic tremor.
A Novel Stereotactic Device for Spinal Irradiation in Rats Designed for a Linear Accelerator
Authors: Galván Ernesto E. , Lárraga-Gutiérrez José M. , Celis Miguel Angel , Moreno-Jiménez Sergio , Díaz-Ruiz Araceli , Rios Camilo
Published: March 2010

Objective: Our purpose was to report the design and positioning accuracy testing of a stereotactic device designed for a linear accelerator to perform spinal radiosurgery in rats. Methods: To define the spatial and repositioning accuracy of the device, we measured the 3-dimensional (3D) translation of a paraspinal fiducial mark implanted by microsurgery in 5 Wistar rats during a sequence of setups and treatment simulations, thus obtaining final 3D translation vectors and maximum displacements. Results: For spatial accuracy, the differential coordinate translations were 0.8 ± 0.3, 0.6 ± 0.2 and 0.5 ± 0.1 mm in the x-, y- and z-directions, respectively. The median magnitude of the 3D vector was 1.3 mm (σ = 0.2 mm), with a maximum error of 2.2 mm. The differential coordinate translation for the repositioning accuracy showed values of 1.4 ± 0.3, 1.3 ± 0.3 and 0.8 ± 0.1 mm for the x-, y- and z-coordinates, resulting in a 3D displacement vector of 2.2 mm (σ = 0.2 mm) and a maximum displacement error of 3.6 mm. Conclusions: Using a linear accelerator, our novel stereotactic device provides accurate immobilization and repositioning of paraspinal structures under experimental conditions in rats.
Occipital Nerve Stimulator Placement via a Retromastoid to Infraclavicular Approach: A Technical Report
Authors: Trentman Terrence L. , Slavin Konstantin V. , Freeman John A. , Zimmerman Richard S.
Published: March 2010

Occipital nerve stimulation is a form of peripheral nerve stimulation used to treat refractory headache disorders. Various techniques have been described for occipital nerve stimulator implantation; these include midline cervical or retromastoid lead insertion with internal pulse generator placement in the infraclavicular, gluteal or low abdominal regions. Lead migration is one of the most common complications of occipital nerve stimulators. Implantation approaches that include remote battery sites may contribute to mechanical stress on the components, as the leads or extensions may traverse highly mobile body regions. In this technical report, we describe an occipital stimulator implantation technique that may be advantageous in terms of patient positioning, ease of surgical approach and minimization of mechanical stress on components.
Developmental Stages in Human Embryos: Revised and New Measurements
Authors: O'Rahilly Ronan , Müller Fabiola
Published: March 2010

The staging of human embryos, as distinct from seriation, depends on a morphological scheme devised by Streeter and completed by O’Rahilly, who proposed the term Carnegie stages. To avoid misconceptions and errors, and to place new findings in perspective, it is necessary to summarize the essentials of the Carnegie system: (1) Twenty-three stages cover the embryonic period, i. e. the first 8 postfertilizational weeks of development. (2) The system is based on internal as well as external features, and the use of only external criteria is subject to serious limitations. For example, precise delineation of stages 19–23 and of the embryonic-fetal transition depends on histological examination. (3) Prenatal measurements are not an integral component of the staging system, and hence a stage should never be assigned merely on the basis of embryonic length. A 20-mm embryo, for example, could belong to any of three stages. Measurements, however, are important for the assessment of age, and very few measurements are available for staged embryos. Presented here and based on accurate staging are the maximum diameter of the chorionic sac, the crown-heel length, the greatest length exclusive of the lower limbs, the biparietal diameter, the head circumference, the length of the hindbrain, the total length of the brain, and the lengths of the limbs as well as of their segments, including the foot length. (4) Prenatal ages are also not an integral part of the staging system and hence a stage should never be assigned merely on the basis of prenatal age. Ages, however, are of clinical importance and their estimate has been rendered more precise by accurate timing of fertilization followed by ultrasonography. Prenatal age is postfertilizational and hence some 2 weeks less than the postmenstrual interval. The term gestational age is ambiguous and should be discarded. Presented here is a new graph showing proposed estimates of age in relation to stages and based on current information.
Interwoven Four-Compartment Capillary Membrane Technology for Three-Dimensional Perfusion with Decentralized Mass Exchange to Scale Up Embryonic Stem Cell Culture
Authors: Gerlach Jörg C. , Lübberstedt Marc , Edsbagge Josefina , Ring Alexander , Hout Mariah , Baun Matt , Rossberg Ingrid , Knöspel Fanny , Peters Grant , Eckert Klaus , Wulf-Goldenberg Annika , Björquist Petter , Stachelscheid Harald , Urbaniak Thomas , Schatten Gerald , Miki Toshio , Schmelzer Eva , Zeilinger Katrin
Published: March 2010

We describe hollow fiber-based three-dimensional (3D) dynamic perfusion bioreactor technology for embryonic stem cells (ESC) which is scalable for laboratory and potentially clinical translation applications. We added 2 more compartments to the typical 2-compartment devices, namely an additional media capillary compartment for countercurrent ‘arteriovenous’ flow and an oxygenation capillary compartment. Each capillary membrane compartment can be perfused independently. Interweaving the 3 capillary systems to form repetitive units allows bioreactor scalability by multiplying the capillary units and provides decentralized media perfusion while enhancing mass exchange and reducing gradient distances from decimeters to more physiologic lengths of <1 mm. The exterior of the resulting membrane network, the cell compartment, is used as a physically active scaffold for cell aggregation; adjusting intercapillary distances enables control of the size of cell aggregates. To demonstrate the technology, mouse ESC (mESC) were cultured in 8- or 800-ml cell compartment bioreactors. We were able to confirm the hypothesis that this bioreactor enables mESC expansion qualitatively comparable to that obtained with Petri dishes, but on a larger scale. To test this, we compared the growth of 129/SVEV mESC in static two-dimensional Petri dishes with that in 3D perfusion bioreactors. We then tested the feasibility of scaling up the culture. In an 800-ml prototype, we cultured approximately 5 × 109 cells, replacing up to 800 conventional 100-mm Petri dishes. Teratoma formation studies in mice confirmed protein expression and gene expression results with regard to maintaining ‘stemness’ markers during cell expansion.
Impact of Loading Condition on the 2D Speckle Tracking–Derived Left Ventricular Dyssynchrony Index in Nonischemic Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Park Hyo Eun , Chang Sung-A , Kim Hyung-Kwan , Shin Dong-Ho , Kim Ji-Hyun , Seo Myung-Ki , Kim Yong-Jin , Cho Goo-Yeong , Sohn Dae-Won , Oh Byung-Hee , Park Young-Bae
Published: March 2010

Background—

The effects of left ventricular (LV) loading conditions on LV dyssynchrony have not been elucidated. We modified LV loading conditions to reveal their effects on echocardiography-derived LV dyssynchrony index (LVdys) in patients with documented nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy.

Methods and Results—

Thirty-seven patients were consecutively enrolled. After baseline measurements, pneumatic compression of the lower extremities (Pcom) was used to increase LV afterload. Subsequently, sublingual nitroglycerin (SL-NG) was administered to modify preload. Conventional echocardiographic parameters, LVdys (by speckle-tracking radial strain analysis) and LV end-systolic wall stress (LV-ESWS), were calculated under each condition. LVdys-6 (defined as the maximal difference in time-to-peak radial strain between 6 myocardial segments) and LV-ESWS increased under Pcom (for LVdys-6, 159�117 at baseline versus 239�140 ms under Pcom,
P
<0.05; for LV-ESWS, 191�63 versus 228�80 g/m
2
,
P
<0.05) After SL-NG application, both parameters decreased significantly (for LVdys-6, 239�140 under Pcom versus 147�103 ms after SL-NG,
P
<0.05; for LV-ESWS, 228�80 under Pcom versus 189�67 g/m
2
after SL-NG,
P
<0.05). When the presence of LV dyssynchrony was defined as the absolute difference in time-to-peak radial strain between the anteroseptal and posterior segments (LVdys-2), the results were unchanged. Using 130 ms as a cutoff value, the proportion of patients with LV dyssynchrony changed significantly (29.7% at baseline, 45.9% under Pcom, and 35.1% after SL-NG). When the presence of LV dyssynchrony was defined as standard deviation of the time to peak radial strain for 6 segments (LVdys-SD), the results were same. LVdys and LV-ESWS showed a modest but significant association with each other (
r
=0.47,
P
<0.001 for LVdys-6;
r
=0.41,
P
<0.001 for LVdys-2;
r
=0.46,
P
<0.001 for LVdys-SD).

Conclusions—

To the best of our knowledge, the present study provides the first evidence of a significant association between LVdys and LV loading status, reflective of a dynamic nature of LVdys. Accordingly, LV loading conditions should be taken into account when echocardiographic LVdys is used for clinical decision-making of selecting candidates for cardiac resynchronization therapy or when it is used as a surrogate marker of prognosis.
Monstrous Identities: Critical Realism and Gothic Fantasy in Maurice Gee’s The Fire-Raiser
Authors: Mercer Erin
Published: March 2010

Maurice Gee’s children’s novel The Fire-Raiser sits firmly in the social realist tradition, yet also includes some decidedly gothic elements. While children’s literature has displayed an increasing gothicism in recent years, texts such as Margaret Mahy’s The Tricksters employ the gothic for the narrative and allegorical possibilities allowed by the supernatural. The Fire-Raiser in contrast has no supernatural elements. Gee’s novel shows how genre motifs can be employed by a realist text, since rather than mitigating the social critique characteristically implied by the critical realist stance, the use of gothic’s concern with the monstrous actually reinforces it. While certainly not a part of the “high” gothic tradition or a schlock-horror gothic fiction in the pulp tradition of Stephen King, The Fire-Raiser utilizes gothic motifs as a kind of window-dressing, investing social critique and didacticism with the titillating thrills of popular fantasy.
The Jahaji-Bhain Principle: A Critical Survey of the Indo-Caribbean Women’s Novel, 1990-2009
Authors: Pirbhai Mariam
Published: March 2010

This paper provides the first critical survey of the Indo-Caribbean women’s novel, a distinct sub-genre which now spans approximately two decades. The survey examines the way these novels critically map the trajectory of Indo-Caribbean women’s lives from the moment of colonial servitude to the post-colonial present, through highly individuated expressions of Indian female subjectivity, in a context where sexual and racial politics have so often overdetermined women’s lives. It anchors its discussion of these novels in the feminist poetics of the “ jahaji-bhain principle of affiliation”, which advocates a more fluid and racially inclusive application of the ethics of community epitomized by jahaji-hood, a traditionally male-dominant and ethnocentric system of inter-relation borne out of the history of indentureship. Writers discussed include those who have published several or more works in the genre — namely Lakshmi Persaud, Jan Shinebourne, Shani Mootoo and Oonya Kempadoo — as well as first-time novelists Ramabai Espinet, Joy Mahabir, Niala Maharaj, Narmala Shewcharan, Ryhaan Shah and Andrea Gunraj.
Effect of Humeral Head Defect Size on Glenohumeral Stability
Authors: Kaar Scott G. , Fening Stephen D. , Jones Morgan H. , Colbrunn Robb W. , Miniaci Anthony
Published: March 2010

Background

Hill-Sachs lesions are often present with recurrent shoulder instability and may be a cause of failed Bankart repair.

Hypothesis

Glenohumeral joint stability decreases with increasingly larger humeral head defects.

Study Design

Descriptive laboratory study.

Methods

Humeral head defects, 1/8, 3/8, 5/8, and 7/8 of the humeral head radius, were created in 8 human cadaveric shoulders, simulating Hill-Sachs defects. Testing positions included 45° and 90° of abduction and 40° of internal rotation, neutral, and 40° of external rotation. Testing occurred at each defect size sequentially from smallest to largest for all abduction and rotation combinations. The humeral head was translated at 0.5 mm/s 45° anteroinferiorly to the horizontal glenoid axis until dislocation. Distance to dislocation, defined as humeral head translation until it began to subluxate, was the primary outcome measure.

Results

Significant factors by ANOVA were rotation (P < .001) and defect size (P < .001). There was no difference for the 2 abduction angles. External rotation of 40° significantly reduced distance to dislocation compared with neutral and 40° internal rotation (P < .001). Osteotomies of 5/8 and 7/8 radius significantly decreased distance to dislocation over the intact state (P = .009 and P < .001, respectively). Post hoc analysis determined significant differences for the rotational positions. Decreased distance to dislocation occurred at 5/8 radius osteotomy at 40° external rotation with 90° of abduction (P = .008). For the 7/8 radius osteotomy at 90° abduction, there was a decreased distance to dislocation for neutral and 40° external rotation (P < .001); at 45° abduction, there was a decreased distance to dislocation at 40° external rotation (P < .001). With the humerus internally rotated, there was no significant change in distance to dislocation.

Conclusion

Glenohumeral stability decreases at a 5/8 radius defect in external rotation and abduction. At 7/8 radius, there was a further decrease in stability at neutral and external rotation.

Clinical Relevance

Defects of 5/8 the humeral head radius may require treatment to decrease the failure rate of shoulder instability repair.
Teaching Students With Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Authors: Leininger Melissa , Taylor Dyches Tina , Prater Mary Anne , Heath Melissa Allen
Published: March 2010

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a neurobiological condition affecting 1 of every 200 school-age children. OCD greatly affects students’ academic, behavioral, and social functioning, and it can lead to additional problem such as depression. To effectively collaborate with other individuals providing appropriate support to students with OCD, teachers need to understand this disorder, particularly its manifestations in school settings. This article addresses typical manifestations of OCD in school settings and provides general and specific accommodations for teachers to implement in their classrooms.
Delay, interference and bilingual development: The acquisition of verbal morphology in children learning Basque and Spanish
Authors: Austin Jennifer
Published: March 2010

In this article, I examine the acquisition of verbal agreement morphology in a cross-sectional study of 20 bilingual children and 19 monolingual children acquiring Basque and Spanish. The results indicate that some of the bilingual children produce more root infinitives (RIs) in Basque than monolingual children do. I claim that this discrepancy is a consequence of different patterns of exposure to Basque that the children receive, rather than being attributable to cross-linguistic influence from Spanish. I discuss the implications of these findings for theories of bilingual development as well as for morphological acquisition more generally.
Delayed acquisition of irregular inflectional morphology in Hebrew in early sequential bilingualism
Authors: Schwartz Mila , Kozminsky Ely , Leikin Mark
Published: March 2010

Acquisition of the irregular forms of inflectional morphology may be a challenge for bilingual students because of the possible effect of infrequent input. Focusing on irregular plural forms of languages such as Hebrew can contribute to better understanding how bilingual children cope with anomalous morphological forms. The present study compares Russian— Hebrew-speaking sequential bilingual children with Hebrew-speaking monolingual children in their command on four measures of irregular forms of Hebrew plural nouns at two data collection points: the beginning of the second grade and the beginning of the third grade, at a time when the acquisition of these forms is still going on. Although results show that the bilingual children continued to be less accurate than their monolingual peers in producing the irregular forms at the second point of data collection, the medium-size effect (Cohen, 1992) was obtained only on one of four measures. Furthermore, the finding attests to the significant improvement of both groups in the course of one school year on all categories of irregular plural forms. It was also found that both groups acquire the irregular forms of the Hebrew plural noun system in a similar way and exhibit related patterns of developmental errors.
Grain refinement of DC cast AZ91D Mg alloy by intensive melt shearing
Authors: Zuo Y. B. , Xia M. X. , Liang S. M. , Wang Y. , Scamans G. M. , Fan Z. Y.
Published: March 2010

Melt conditioning by advanced shear technology (MCAST) is a new process for microstructural refinement of both cast and wrought magnesium alloys. Melt conditioned direct chill (MCDC) casting combines the MCAST process with conventional direct chill (DC) casting. In the present work, melt conditioning has been combined with permanent mould casting to simulate the production of DC cast AZ91D billets and slabs. The results show that the MCDC process can achieve significantly finer grain size and more uniform microstructure than conventional DC process for both billets and slabs. Grain refinement in the MCDC process is due to the fine and well dispersed oxide particles produced after processing in the MCAST unit.
On direct laser deposited Hastelloy X: Dimension, surface finish, microstructure and mechanical properties
Authors: Wang F. , Wu X. H. , Clark D.
Published: March 2010

For the first time, the influence of laser power, scan speed, scan spacing and nominal laser power density on the tensile properties, dimensional accuracy, surface roughness, number of cracks and top surface concavity of samples of Hastelloy X manufactured using a laser powder bed facility, has been assessed systematically on three-dimensional samples. It has been found that the nominal laser power density is the dominant factor, but the influence of scan spacing and scan speed can sometimes be significant. Density of >99·5 can be obtained using most conditions. Cracks are observed at corners of the samples. An optimised process window can be derived from the above systematic analysis under which the component can be built smoothly, with good surface finish and dimensional accuracy, consistent mechanical properties and the properties are comparable with those of forged products.
Modelling tensile properties of jute fibres
Authors: Virk A. S. , Hall W. , Summerscales J.
Published: March 2010

This short communication extends earlier modelling of the tensile strength and failure strain of jute technical fibres. A maximum likelihood estimate (MLE) model, a linear model and a natural logarithmic interpolation model (NLIM) are compared. The NLIM model is found to give superior predictions.
Contribution of forced centreline convection during direct chill casting of round billets to macrosegregation and structure of binary Al–Cu aluminium alloy
Authors: Eskin D G , Jafari A , Katgerman L
Published: March 2010

Effects of upward or downward forced flow in the centre of the sump of an Al alloy billet on structure and macrosegregation were studied. The billet was cast at a pilot vertical direct chill caster and had dimensions of 195 mm diameter and 1400 mm length. Introduction of forced flow in the liquid part of the sump resulted in some changes in the structure and dramatic changes in macrosegregation. Upward flow coarsened the structure and increased negative centreline segregation. Downward flow made the structure finer and more uniform across the billet, and suppressed the macrosegregation. Strong downward flow produced positive macrosegregation in the billet. The experimental results are analysed using computer simulations of heat flow and solute transport, and discussed in terms of macrosegregation mechanisms.
Martensitic transformation behaviour of non-equilibrium heat treated Ni50·9Ti49·1 alloys
Authors: Zhao X. K. , Lan L. , Wang W. , Chen L. , Liu F. J. , Huang J. H. , Zhang H.
Published: March 2010

Ni50·9Ti49·1 specimens were heat treated using a thermal simulator. The martensitic transformation behaviours of selected areas of the thermal simulating treated specimens were studied with resistivity temperature measurements. In the thermal simulating process specimens were heated by a large electric current to a given peak temperature (400, 500, 600, 800, 900 or 1100°C respectively) and immediately water cooled to room temperature. As the two ends of a NiTi alloy specimen were fixed in copper jigs, unequal heat treatment effect areas were formed in the specimen segments near its two ends. In the unequal area of an 800°C thermal simulating treated sample, a wide transformation temperature range phenomena appeared. The experimental results indicate that non-equilibrium heat treatment proves to be an effective method to fabricate transformation temperature gradient shape memory materials.