bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reliability of panoramic radiographs for the assessment of mandibular elongation after distraction osteogenesis procedures
Authors: Hazan‐Molina H , Molina‐Hazan V , Schendel SA , Aizenbud D
Published: November 2010

To cite this article:
 Hazan‐Molina H, Molina‐Hazan V, Schendel SA, Aizenbud D: Reliability of panoramic radiographs for the assessment of mandibular elongation after distraction osteogenesis procedures Orthod Craniofac Res 2011;14:25–32

Structured Abstract

Authors –  Hazan‐Molina H, Molina‐Hazan V, Schendel SA, Aizenbud D

Objectives –  To determine whether panoramic radiographs could be used for evaluation of changes in the vertical and horizontal dimensions following internal curvilinear mandibular distraction osteogenesis.

Study Design –  A retrospective cohort study included 25 patients who underwent bilateral mandibular distraction surgery. Three panoramic radiographs and lateral cephalograms from each patient were available: before distraction, immediately upon termination of the distraction process, and at the end of the follow‐up period. The radiographs were traced by plotting Condylion, Gonion, and Menton. The linear distances between Condylion and Gonion and between Gonion and Menton were measured on each side, and the correlation was calculated.

Results –  No significant differences were found between the values of the linear measurements determined by lateral cephalograms and panoramic radiographs (p ≥ 0.079), excluding one measurement. The correlation test for these radiographs showed very high, positive and statistically significant correlations, for both sides of the internal mandibular distraction (r > 0.77, p ≤ 0.0001), apart from three measurements.

Conclusion –  Panoramic radiographs, with mandibular length (Co–Go and Go–Me) measurements, can be used as an alternative to lateral cephalograms, i.e. as a reliable tool for assessing vertical and horizontal dimensional changes resulting from internal mandibular distraction achieved by a curvilinear distractor.
Update dermatologic laser therapy
Authors: Grunewald Sonja , Bodendorf Marc Oliver , Simon Jan C. , Paasch Uwe
Published: November 2010

New trends in dermatological laser therapy during the last years are based on new wavelengths, concepts and treatment combinations resulting in a variety of new dermatologic indications. Fractional laser therapy of chronic actinic damage of the skin has been introduced and already represents a standard technique. The concept of fractional non‐ablative and ablative laser treatment has been shown to be safe and effective. Also pigmented and vascular skin changes can be treated by this method. New, very promising concepts for laser epilation include linear scanned as well as low fluence laser systems. The first enable very short treatment times for large areas; the latter are the basis for the growing market of laser epilation devices for home use. Nevertheless, the potential of low fluence laser devices for long‐term hair reduction has not been tested so far. Furthermore, no data exist on side effects resulting from repetitive application of laser light to melanocytic lesions. Laser lipolysis has been introduced as the latest, minimally invasive way of removing small localised fat deposits. The new procedure may have a great potential for liposculpture; its further development should be thoughtfully observed. The latest innovations for precise ablation are ultra‐short pulsed laser systems. Femtosecond lasers avoid thermal damage at the border areas of ablation zones.
Nocturnal haemoglobin oxygen saturation variability is associated with vitamin C deficiency in Tanzanian children with sickle cell anaemia
Authors: Cox SE , L’Esperance V , Makani J , Soka D , Hill CM , Kirkham FJ
Published: November 2010

Aim:  To compare pulse oximetry in children with sickle cell anaemia (SCA) and controls and test the hypothesis that vitamin C deficiency (VCD; <11.4 μmol/L) is associated with nocturnal haemoglobin oxygen desaturation in SCA.

Methods:  We undertook nocturnal and daytime pulse oximetry in 23 children with SCA (median age 8 years) with known steady‐state plasma vitamin C concentrations and 18 siblings (median 7 years).

Results:  Median nocturnal delta 12 s index (delta12 s), a measure of haemoglobin oxygen saturation (SpO2) variability, was 0.38 (interquartile range 0.28–0.51) in SCA and 0.35 (0.23–0.48) in controls, with 9/23 and 6/18, respectively, having a delta12 s >0.4, compatible with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). Eleven of twenty‐three with SCA had VCD; logged vitamin C concentrations showed a 66% decrease per 0.1 unit increase in delta12 s ([95% CI −86%, −15%]; p = 0.023) and delta12 s >0.4 was associated with VCD (odds ratio 8.75 [1.24–61.7], p = 0.029). Daytime and mean nocturnal SpO2 were lower in SCA but there was no association with vitamin C.

Conclusion:  Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), detected from nocturnal haemoglobin oxygen saturation variability, is common in Tanzanian children and associated with vitamin C Deficiency in SCA. The direction of causality could be determined by comparing OSA treatment with vitamin C supplementation.
Breastfeeding after assisted conception: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Hammarberg K , Fisher JRW , Wynter KH , Rowe HJ
Published: November 2010

Aim:  The aims were to investigate the prevalence of breastfeeding after conception with assisted reproductive technology (ART) and identify risk factors for breastfeeding duration <6 weeks and cessation of breastfeeding before the baby is 8 months old.

Methods:  A consecutive cohort of women who had conceived at one of two ART centres in Melbourne, Australia, was recruited in early pregnancy. The women completed telephone interviews and postal questionnaires in pregnancy and 3, 8 and 18 months after the birth.

Results:  Of 239 eligible women, 183 (77%) agreed to take part. Participants were more likely than the general population of childbearing Australian women to initiate breastfeeding (89% vs 83.3%, p = 0.05) but by 3 months, a smaller proportion was breastfeeding exclusively (46% vs 57.3%, p = 0.004). The proportions not providing any breast milk at 6 weeks and 8 months were 23% and 57%, respectively. More anxiety in late pregnancy and sub‐optimal breastfeeding advice predicted breastfeeding duration <6 weeks and breastfeeding cessation before 8 months.

Conclusion:  The predictors of less favourable breastfeeding outcomes after ART identified may be modifiable. Antenatal strategies to reduce anxiety in pregnancy and postnatal strategies to ensure consistent breastfeeding advice may improve breastfeeding outcomes among women who give birth after ART.
Interventions for Preventing and Managing Aggressive Patients Admitted to an Acute Hospital Setting: A Systematic Review
Authors: Kynoch Kate , Wu Chiung‐Jung , Chang Anne M.
Published: November 2010

Background: Violence in health care has been widely reported and health care workers, particularly nurses in acute care settings, are ill‐equipped to manage patients who exhibit aggressive traits.

Aim: The aim of this systematic review was to establish best practice in the prevention and management of aggressive behaviours in patients admitted to acute hospital settings.

Data Sources: An extensive search of the major databases was conducted from 1990 to 2007. The search included published and unpublished studies and papers in English.

Review Methods: This review considered any quantitative research study design that evaluated the effectiveness of interventions in the prevention and management of patients who exhibit aggressive behaviours in an acute hospital setting. Each included study was quality assessed by two independent reviewers and data were extracted using the relevant tools developed by the Joanna Briggs Institute.

Results: Ten studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. The evidence identified from the studies includes: the benefit of education and training of acute care nurses in aggression management techniques; use of “as required” medications is effective in minimising harm to patients and staff; and that specific interventions such as physical restraint may play a role in managing aggressive behaviours from patients in the acute care setting.

Conclusions: This review makes several recommendations for the prevention and management of aggressive behaviours in acute hospital patients. However, due to the lack of high‐quality studies conducted in the acute care setting there is huge scope for future research in this area.
Structural analysis of N‐glycans of the planarian Dugesia japonica
Authors: Natsuka Shunji , Hirohata Yukiko , Nakakita Shin‐ichi , Sumiyoshi Wataru , Hase Sumihiro
Published: November 2010

To investigate the relationship between phylogeny and glycan structures, we analyzed the structure of planarian N‐glycans. The planarian Dugesia japonica, a member of the flatworm family, is a lower metazoan. N‐glycans were prepared from whole worms by hydrazinolysis, followed by tagging with the fluorophore 2‐aminopyridine at their reducing end. The labeled N‐glycans were purified, and separated by three HPLC steps. By comparison with standard pyridylaminated N‐glycans, it was shown that the N‐glycans of planarian include high mannose‐type and pauci‐mannose‐type glycans. However, many of the major N‐glycans from planarians have novel structures, as their elution positions did not match those of the standard glycans. The results of mass spectrometry and sugar component analyses indicated that these glycans include methyl mannoses, and that the most probable linkage was 3‐O‐methylation. Furthermore, the methyl residues on the most abundant glycan may be attached to the non‐reducing‐end mannose, as the glycans were resistant to α‐mannosidase digestion. These results indicate that methylated high‐mannose‐type glycans are the most abundant structure in planarians.
Root canal therapy for the prevention of osteonecrosis of the jaws: An evidence‐based clinical update
Authors: Kyrgidis Athanassios , Arora Amit , Lyroudia Kleoniki , Antoniades Konstantinos
Published: November 2010

Osteonecrosis of the jaws is an adverse effect of bone preservation treatment. There is a sufficient body of evidence to associate osteonecrosis of the jaws development with dental extractions and trauma caused from ill‐fitting dentures. In this review, we critically appraise available evidence about the clinical efficacy of root canal therapy in patients receiving bisphosphonates. We review a series of theories to explain why endodontic treatment is a safe clinical intervention to prevent osteonecrosis of the jaws in patients receiving bisphosphonates. Root canal therapy could postpone or even eradicate the need for dental extractions of carious teeth in patients on bisphosphonates who may develop osteonecrosis of the jaws. Patients receiving bisphosphonates should be offered the full range of preventive care to reduce their risk to both dental caries and periodontal disease, so that the need for both endodontic therapy and dental extractions will be reduced. Implementing such a strategy would require both practitioner and patient education through the combined efforts of medical and dental societies. Such an approach is justified, as the risk of compromising the oral health of patients on bisphosphonates undertaking endodontic treatment is negligible compared with the benefit from avoiding dental extractions.
Adapt, discover and engage: a qualitative interview study with patients living with chronic pain
Authors: Skjutar Åsa , Müllersdorf Maria
Published: November 2010

skjutar å & müllersdorf m (2010)
 Journal of Nursing and Healthcare of Chronic Illness2, 254–261 Adapt, discover and engage: a qualitative interview study with patients living with chronic pain

Aim.  This paper reports a study that aimed to advance the understanding of needs related to chronic pain management by describing these needs as they are experienced by people living with chronic pain.

Methods.  Data during 2008 were collected by interviews with ten Swedish adults living with musculoskeletal chronic pain and analysed using thematic content analysis.

Findings.  Three themes were found: Need to handle the painful body and the eager mind, need for transformation of self‐image, and need for affirmation through communion and enjoyment. The first theme describes how the body and mind are in conflict with each other and how participants constantly have to weigh the consequences of their actions. The second highlights the need to let go of a former self and to discover a new self. The third illustrates the participants’ needs for social engagement and for performance of valued occupations that provide hope and support.

Conclusions.  Findings show that participants experience internal needs, and they also have needs that can only be met through interaction with the surrounding context. Furthermore, findings show that some of the experienced needs can create inner conflict because they can be contradictory.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Findings from this study provide health care professionals with information about how patients with chronic pain experience needs. In turn, this can constitute a base that to enable evaluation of how closely the patients’ experiences of need correspond to the interventions that health care in general provides this group of patients. Patients should be supported to manage their possibly incompatible needs and to prioritise occupations that generate energy and satisfaction.
‘Listening to my body’ to ‘Look after my body’: a theory of information use for self‐management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Ehrlich Carolyn , St John Winsome , Kendall Elizabeth
Published: November 2010

ehrlich c, st john w & kendall e (2010)
 Journal of Nursing and Healthcare of Chronic Illness2, 262–270 ‘Listening to my body’ to ‘Look after my body’: a theory of information use for self‐management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Aim.  To report how people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) gather, interpret and apply health affecting information.

Background.  Some people with COPD manage more effectively than others, presumably because they have better coping skills, life skills and self‐management strategies. A considerable amount of healthcare time and money is invested in delivering information and self‐management training to people with COPD, based on an assumption that education effectively and efficiently promotes positive self‐management behaviour. This assumption is not based on sound knowledge about how individuals acquire and use information to guide their self‐management behaviours.

Method.  A grounded theory design was used to gather and analyse interview data collected from people with COPD in 2007. An iterative theory‐building approach was used to develop a model that represents how participants used information in their daily self‐management.

Conclusions.  Everyday self‐management decisions for people with COPD are more than simple treatment choices or compliance with medical regimens. Rather they result from intricate and purposeful interactions between cycles of ‘Listening to my body’ and ‘Looking after my body’ within the context of their daily lives.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Understanding individual information use patterns will assist health professionals to tailor effective and supportive healthcare information. Health professionals need to consider not only the healthcare needs of an individual, but also the social context within which that person acquires and uses information.
An examination of the postdischarge recovery experience of patients who have had heart surgery
Authors: Fredericks Suzanne , DaSilva Monica
Published: November 2010

fredericks s & dasilva m (2010)
 Journal of Nursing and Healthcare of Chronic Illness2, 281–291 An examination of the postdischarge recovery experience of patients who have had heart surgery

Aim.  This review was conducted to address the clinically relevant question: What is the postoperative recovery experience of the individual who has had Coronary Artery Bypass Graft and Valve Replacement surgery?

Background.  Although resources to promote recovery following Coronary Artery Bypass Graft and Valve Replacement surgery are provided, over a quarter of all patients are being readmitted to hospitals with postoperative complications experienced during the first 3 months of recovery. A possible reason for the high rate of readmission following heart surgery is the quality of patient engagement in the performance of self‐care behaviours. In particular, patients who have had CABG and/or VR may not be fully engaged in the required self‐care behaviours during their first 3 months of recovery.

Methods.  A review of studies that examined the postoperative recovery experience of patients who had CABG and/or VR was conducted.

Results.  Findings suggest the type of post‐operative complication identified during the first 3 months of recovery following Coronary Artery Bypass Graft and Valve Replacement was either cognitive or cardiac in nature. As well, the number of self‐care behaviours patients engage in during their hospital discharge was slightly less than the number of behaviours patients performed while in hospital.

Conclusion and relevance to clinical practice.  As close to half of the sample reported some form of cognitive impairment within the first 3 months following surgery, it is possible that this impairment may have influenced the type and number of self‐care behaviours performed. Therefore, further research is needed to determine the best time to educate patients during their recovery following hospital discharge.
The lived experience of sleep disturbance in people with Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Suddick Kitty M , Chambers Simon
Published: November 2010

suddick km & chambers s (2010)
 Journal of Nursing and Healthcare of Chronic Illness2, 292–301 The lived experience of sleep disturbance in people with Parkinson’s disease

Aims and objectives.  This paper reports on an exploratory study of the lived experience of sleep disturbance in a group of men with Parkinson’s disease (PD).

Background.  Research into sleep disturbance in PD has focused on determining prevalence, causative factors, and relationships between the signs and symptoms. Sleep disturbance has not been previously explored from the perspective of the person experiencing it.

Design.  An interpretive phenomenological approach, aligned with Heideggerian hermeneutics was used.

Method.  A convenience sample of five people from the UK with PD participated in interviews in 2007–2008. Interviews were transcribed and data thematically analysed.

Results.  The themes that emerged regarding sleep disturbance in PD were: ‘good and bad’ sleep, a worsening journey, the experience of uncertainty, and the experience of loss.

Conclusions.  Sleep disturbance and ‘good and bad’ sleep, had significant implications for the person with PD and their carer. People with PD may accept or fight their sleep disruption, use, restrict, or avoid activity, and give up hobbies and sharing the marital bed. Sleep disturbance meant being part of a worsening journey, and experiencing loss and uncertainty. These may be inseparable essences of living with a progressive neurological condition.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Sleep disturbance needs more recognition and improved management. Health professionals may need to better consider issues around uncertainty and loss, and coping with the worsening journey. Services that develop coping styles, self efficacy, and self management, and introduce structured ways of providing education, advice, and ongoing support are needed. This supports the nurse specialist role in PD.
Structural Styles of Fronts of Thrust‐Detachment Faults in Petroleum‐bearing Areas of Western China
Authors: Tonghe Wang
Published: November 2010

Abstract The front of a thrust‐detachment fault may have various styles such as decoupling, fold, forethrust and backthrust ones because of differences in magnitude, direction and time of the forces exerted on the fault and the inhomogeneity of rock mechanical properties. They have different characteristics and are usually associated with gravity structure, inverse structure and diapir structure. These structures exist together in the same thrust‐detachment fault and can influence, compensate for and convert into each other. They provide important grounds not only for the study of the dynamic state, propagation mode, evolutionary process and formation mechanism but also for the analysis of the petroleum generation, migration, accumulation and preservation and arrangement of drill holes in foreland basins.
Fabric and Deformation of Omphacite in Dabie Ultra‐high‐pressure Ecologites
Authors: Shuqiang JIAO , Zhenmin JIN , Shuyan JIN , Zishan TAN
Published: November 2010

Abstract The rheological characters of omphacites in Dabie ultra‐high‐pressure eclogite have been studied in terms of fabric, dislocation and micro‐structures. 1. The eclogite has undergone high‐temperature deformation, thus forming omphacite lattice preferred orientation. In addition to creep dislocation, the omphacite ductile deformation may have other mechanisms, such as diffusion creep and grain boundary migration. 2. The main‐phase deformation of eclogite is coaxial, but asymmetry strain also exists due to strain partitioning in the Dabie orogenic belt. 3. The twin measured by the universal stage is (100), indicating that omphacite high‐T deformation was superimposed by low‐T deformation. 4. Subgrain structure is common in omphacite, but the deformation features of the omphacites in the Shuanghe area and Bixiling area are different, the latter being dominated by dynamic recrystallization. 5. The Flinn plots show that the strain of omphacite belongs to the constriction ellipsoid and stretching strain, which is similar to the result of the omphacite fabric analysis.
On the Kinematic Characteristics and Dynamic Process of Boundary faults of the Nansha Ultra‐crust Layer‐Block
Authors: Hailing LIU , Yan SUN , Lingzhi GUO , Liangshu SHU , Shukang YANG , Di ZHOU , Yixiang ZHANG
Published: November 2010

Abstract The Nansha ultra‐crust layer‐block is confined by ultra‐crustal boundary faults of distinctive features, bordering the Kangtai‐Shuangzi‐Xiongnan extensional faulted zone on the north, the Baxian‐Baram‐Yoca‐Cuyo nappe faulted zone on the south, the Wan'an‐Natuna strike‐slip tensional faulted zone on the west and the Mondoro‐Panay strike‐slip compressive faulted zone on the east. These faults take the top of the Nansha asthenosphere as their common detachmental surface. The Cenozoic dynamic process of the ultra‐crust layer‐block can be divided into four stages: K2‐E21, during which the northern boundary faults extended, this ultra‐crust layer‐block was separated from the South China‐Indosinian continental margin, the Palaeo‐South China Sea subducted southwards and the Sibu accretion wedge was formed; E22‐E31, during which the Southwest sub‐sea basin extended and orogeny was active due to the collision of the Sibu accretion wedge; E32‐N11, during which the central sub‐sea basin extended, the Miri accretion wedge was formed and “A‐type” subduction of the southern margin of the north Balawan occurred; N12‐the present, during which large‐scale thrusting and napping of the boundary faults in the south and mountain‐building have taken place and the South China Sea stopped its extension.
Structural Evidence for the in‐situ Origin of the HP and UHP Eclogites in the Dabie‐Sulu Orogenic Belt
Authors: Zengqiu ZHONG , Qijun YANG , Shutian SUO , Hanwen ZHOU , Zhendong YOU
Published: November 2010

Abstract  Whether the HP and UHP metamorphic rocks of the Dabie‐Sulu orogenic belt are of an “in‐situ” or “foreign” origin is a long‐standing dispute among geologists. Eclogites preserved today in the HP and UHP units constitute merely 5–10%, which are not isolated exotic bodies tectonically intruding into amphibolite facies gneiss, but remnants of once pervasive or widespread eclogite‐facies terranes or slabs. The present spatial distribution and forms of the eclogites have resulted from polyphase and progressive deformation and strain partitioning of the HP and UHP slabs. From their formation in deep mantle to their exhumation to the surface, the eclogites have experienced long‐term deformation with different strain regimes. The dominant regime responsible for the present spatial distribution and forms of the eclogites is the shear process. The deformation patterns of the eclogites and gneiss matrix also clearly show that the eclogites were metamorphosed in situ. The original distribution area of the eclogites is much larger than that seen today.
Late Caledonian Ductile Thrusting Deformation in the Central East Kunlun Belt, Qinghai, China and Its Significance: Evidence from Geochronology
Authors: Guocan WANG , Nengsong CHEN , Yunhai ZHU , Kexin ZHANG
Published: November 2010

Abstract  A high‐angle ductile thrusting deformation with top‐to‐the‐north movement penetratively developed in the Proterozoic‐Early Paleozoic metamorphic rocks along the Central East Kunlun belt. The deformed rocks suffered epidote‐amphibolite facies metamorphism. On the basis of our previous study, we present more data in this paper to further support that the ductile thrust deformation occurred in the later Caledonian and more detailed information about the deformation. A zircon U‐Pb concordant age of 446±2.2 Ma of a deformed granodiorite in the ductile thrust zone was obtained and can be interpreted as the lower limit of the deformation. A syntectonically crystallized and also strongly deformed hornblende Ar/Ar dating gives an Ar/Ar plateau age of 426.5±3.8 Ma, which represents the deformation age. A strongly orientated muscovite gives an Ar/Ar plateau age of 408±1.6 Ma, representing the cooling age after the peak temperature, constraining the upper limit of the ductile thrust deformation. This ductile thrust deformation can be interpreted as the result of the closing of the Central East Kunlun archipelago ocean. To the north, Ar/Ar plateau ages of 382.9±0.2 Ma and 386.8±0.8 Ma of muscovite in the deformed Xiaomiao Group represent the uplift cooling ages of deeper rocks after the thrusting movement. The original thrusting foliation has a low angle. A rotation model was put forward to explain the development of the foliation from the original low‐angle to present high‐angle dipping.
Role of Water in Deformed Omphacite in UHP Eclogite from the Dabie Mountains, Eastern China
Authors: Wen SU , Zhendong YOU , Bolin CONG , Kai YE
Published: November 2010

Abstract  Omphacite grains ftom UHP eclogite of the Dabie Mountains in eastern China are elongated and show strong lattice preferred orientations (LPOs). Observations by the transmission electron microscopy (TEM) identified not only structures of plastic deformation occurring as free dislocation, dislocation loops and dislocation walls, but also bubbles of water present in the deformed omphacite. The bubbles attach to the dislocation loops which are often connected to one another via a common bubble. Using infrared spectroscopy (IR), two types of hydrous components are identified as hydroxyl and free‐water in the omphacite. An analysis of deformation mechanism of microstructure in omphacite suggests that the mineral deformed plastically under UHP metamorphic conditions by dislocation creep through hydrolitic weakening.
Cyclic Sequences, Events and Evolution of the Sino‐Korean Plate, with a Discussion on the Evolution of Molar‐tooth Carbonates, Phosphorites and Source Rocks
Authors: Xianghua MENG , Ming GE
Published: November 2010

Abstract  This paper gives an account of the research that the authors conducted on the cyclic sequences, events and evolutionary history from Proterozoic to Meso‐Cenozoic in the Sino‐Korean plate based on the principle of the Cosmos‐Earth System. The authors divided this plate into 20 super‐cyclic or super‐mega‐cyclic periods and more than 100 Oort periods. The research focused on important sea flooding events, uplift interruption events, tilting movement events, molar‐tooth carbonate events, thermal events, polarity reversal events, karst events, volcanic explosion events and storm events, as well as types of resource areas and paleotectonic evolution. By means of the isochronous theory of the Cosmos‐Earth System periodicity and based on long‐excentricity and periodicity, the authors elaborately studied the paleogeographic evolution of the aulacogen of the Sino‐Korean plate, the oolitic beach platform formation, the development of foreland basin and continental rift valley basin, and reconstructed the evolution of tectonic paleogeography and stratigraphic framework in the Sino‐Korean plate in terms of evolutionary maps. Finally, the authors gave a profound discussion on the formation and development of molar‐tooth carbonates, phosphorites and source rocks.
β‐cell mass in people with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Cho Jae‐Hyoung , Kim Ji‐Won , Shin Jeong‐Ah , Shin Juyoung , Yoon Kun‐Ho
Published: November 2010

The early occurrence of β‐cell dysfunction has been broadly recognized as a critical determinant of the development and progression of type 2 diabetes. β‐cell dysfunction might be induced by insufficient β‐cell mass, by a dysfunction of the β‐cells, or both. Whether or not β‐cell dysfunction constitutes a cause of reduced β‐cells or vice‐versa currently remains unclear. The results of some studies have measured the loss of β‐cells in type 2 diabetic patients at between 22 and 63% by planimetric measurements. Because β‐cell hypertrophy has been noted in type 2 diabetic patients, the loss of β‐cell number should prove more profound than what has thus far been reported. Furthermore, β‐cell volumes are reduced even in patients with impaired fasting glucose. Such defects in β‐cell mass are associated with increased apoptosis rather than insufficient replication or neogenesis of β‐cells. With these results, although they still require clarification, the peak β‐cell mass might be determined at quite an early stage of life, and then might decline progressively over time as the result of exposure to harmful environmental influences over one’s lifetime. In this review, we have summarized the relevant studies regarding β‐cell mass in patients with type 2 diabetes, and then presented a review of the various causes of β‐cell loss in adults. (J Diabetes Invest, doi: 10.1111/j.2040‐1124.2010.00072.x, 2010)
Mechanisms of closed‐state inactivation in voltage‐gated ion channels
Authors: Bähring Robert , Covarrubias Manuel
Published: November 2010

Abstract  Inactivation of voltage‐gated ion channels is an intrinsic auto‐regulatory process necessary to govern the occurrence and shape of action potentials and establish firing patterns in excitable tissues. Inactivation may occur from the open state (open‐state inactivation, OSI) at strongly depolarized membrane potentials, or from pre‐open closed states (closed‐state inactivation, CSI) at hyperpolarized and modestly depolarized membrane potentials. Voltage‐gated Na+, K+, Ca2+ and non‐selective cationic channels utilize both OSI and CSI. Whereas there are detailed mechanistic descriptions of OSI, much less is known about the molecular basis of CSI. Here, we review evidence for CSI in voltage‐gated cationic channels (VGCCs) and recent findings that shed light on the molecular mechanisms of CSI in voltage‐gated K+ (Kv) channels. Particularly, complementary observations suggest that the S4 voltage sensor, the S4S5 linker and the main S6 activation gate are instrumental in the installment of CSI in Kv4 channels. According to this hypothesis, the voltage sensor may adopt a distinct conformation to drive CSI and, depending on the stability of the interactions between the voltage sensor and the pore domain, a closed‐inactivated state results from rearrangements in the selectivity filter or failure of the activation gate to open. Kv4 channel CSI may efficiently exploit the dynamics of the subthreshold membrane potential to regulate spiking properties in excitable tissues.
Plasma pH does not influence the cerebral metabolic ratio during maximal whole body exercise
Authors: Volianitis S. , Rasmussen P. , Seifert T. , Nielsen H. B. , Secher N. H.
Published: November 2010

Non‐technical summary

Exercise is known to promote the use of lactate as metabolic fuel for the brain. As a result the cerebral metabolic ratio, an index of the brain's metabolism, is reduced compared to rest. It is not known whether the exercise‐induced metabolic acidosis affects cerebral metabolism and the reduction of the cerebral metabolic ratio. We manipulated the metabolic acidosis by infusing bicarbonate in well trained rowers during a maximal rowing ergometer effort. We show that elimination of acidosis does not affect the reduction of the cerebral metabolic ratio. Furthermore, the data indicate that the capacity of the brain to take up lactate may have a limit. This indication requires further evaluation.
Morphological and functional changes in guinea‐pig neurons projecting to the ileal mucosa at early stages after inflammatory damage
Authors: Nurgali Kulmira , Qu Zhengdong , Hunne Billie , Thacker Michelle , Pontell Louise , Furness John B.
Published: November 2010

Non‐technical summary

Inflammation in the gut causes changes in neurons that control its movement and secretion. This leads to symptoms of pain and functional disorders that may persist long after the resolution of inflammation, which in humans manifests as the irritable bowel syndrome. In this study we demonstrate an association between hyperexcitability of neurons in the gut wall, damage to the nerve terminals in the mucosa and inflammation close to neurons and their terminals. These results increase our understanding of the triggering mechanisms that contribute to post‐inflammatory gut dysfunctions.
Overestimation of force during matching of externally generated forces
Authors: Walsh Lee D. , Taylor Janet L. , Gandevia Simon C.
Published: November 2010

Non‐technical summary

If a weight is applied to a finger and the subject asked to produce the same force, the subject generates a force larger than the weight. That is, subjects overestimate the force applied by an external target when matching it. Details of this force overestimation are not well understood. We show that subjects overestimate small target weights, but not larger ones. Furthermore we show for the first time that the force overestimation consists of two components. The first component is a constant. The second component depends on the precise magnitude of the weight and is only present when subjects hold the target weight against gravity. We suggest that the two components are generated in different phases of the force‐matching task, are due to different processes, and must have an influence on all proprioceptive judgements of force.
Plasticity in human motor cortex is in part genetically determined
Authors: Missitzi Julia , Gentner Reinhard , Geladas Nickos , Politis Panagiotis , Karandreas Nikos , Classen Joseph , Klissouras Vassilis
Published: November 2010

Non‐technical summary

Neuronal plasticity refers to the ability of the brain to change in response to different experiences. Plasticity varies between people, but it is not known how much of this variability is due to differences in their genes. In humans, plasticity can be probed by a protocol termed paired associative stimulation and the changes in the motor system that are brought about by such stimulation are thought to be due to strengthening synapses which connect different neurons. We examined pairs of sisters which were either genetically identical (monozygotic) or different (dizygotic). We found that the variability within the monozygotic sister pairs was less than the variability within the dizygotic sister pairs. That plasticity in human motor cortex is in a substantial part genetically determined may be relevant for motor learning and neurorehabilitation, such as after stroke.
Morphological and electrical properties of oligodendrocytes in the white matter of the corpus callosum and cerebellum
Authors: Bakiri Yamina , Káradóttir Ragnhildur , Cossell Lee , Attwell David
Published: November 2010

Non‐technical summary

In the central nervous system, electrical signals passing along nerve cells are speeded by cells called oligodendrocytes, which wrap the nerve cells with a fatty layer called myelin. This layer is important for rapid information processing, and is often lost in disease, causing mental or physical impairment in multiple sclerosis, stroke, cerebral palsy and spinal cord injury. The myelin speeds the information flow in two ways, by decreasing the capacitance of the nerve cell and by increasing its membrane resistance, but little is known about the latter aspect of myelin function. By recording electrically from oligodendrocytes and imaging their morphology we characterised the geometry and, for the first time, the resistance of myelin in the brain. This revealed differences between the properties of oligodendrocytes in two brain areas and established that the resistance of myelin is sufficiently high to prevent significant slowing of the nerve electrical signal by current leakage through the myelin.
Dual Representation Methods for Efficient and Automatable Analysis of 3D Plates
Authors: Mishra Vikalp , Suresh Krishnan
Published: November 2010

It is well recognized that 3D finite element analysis is inappropriate for analyzing thin structures such as plates and shells. Instead, a variety of highly efficient and specialized 2D methods have been developed for analyzing such structures. However, 2D methods pose serious automation challenges in today’s 3D design environment. Specifically, analysts must manually extract cross-sectional properties from a 3D computer aided design (CAD) model and import them into a 2D environment for analysis. In this paper, we propose two efficient yet easily automatable dual representation methods for analyzing thin plates. The first method exploits standard off-the-shelf 3D finite element packages and achieves high computational efficiency through an algebraic reduction process. In the reduction process, a 3D plate bending stiffness matrix is constructed from a 3D mesh and then projected onto a lower-dimensional space by appealing to standard 2D plate theories. In the second method, the analysis is carried out by integrating 2D shape functions over the boundary of the 3D plate. Both methods do not entail extraction of the cross-sectional properties of the plate. However, the user must identify the plate or thickness direction. The proposed methodologies are substantiated through numerical experiments.
Geometry of Signed Point-to-Surface Distance Function and Its Application to Surface Approximation
Authors: Zhu Li Min , Zhang Xiao Ming , Ding Han , Xiong You Lun
Published: November 2010

This paper presents a unified framework for computing a surface to approximate a target shape defined by discrete data points. A signed point-to-surface distance function is defined, and its properties are investigated, especially, its second-order Taylor approximant is derived. The intercorrelations between the signed and the squared distance functions are clarified, and it is demonstrated that the squared distance function studied in the previous works is just the Type I squared distance function deduced from the signed distance function. It is also shown that surface approximations under different criteria and constraints can all be formulated as optimization problems with specified requirements on the residual errors represented by the signed distance functions, and that classical numerical optimization algorithms can be directly applied to solve them since the derivatives of the involved objective functions and constraint functions are all available. Examples of global cutter position optimization for flank milling of ruled surface with a cylindrical tool, which requires approximating the tool envelope surface to the point cloud on the design surface following the minimum zone criterion, are given to confirm the validity of the proposed approach.
Parallelized Direct Search of a Binary Objective
Authors: Grant P. , Walker D. G.
Published: November 2010

Many scientific and engineering problems are solved by utilizing simulations of computationally intensive mathematical models within massive design spaces. As a result, parametric studies of these models are cost prohibitive in terms of computational time. The focus of this work is a particular kind of parameter sweep problem where the simulation of the model, given real parameters, results in a binary value. The goal of this work is to design, develop, and implement a parallel algorithm for bounding a binary objective when the simulation is a computationally intensive mathematical model. A fully functioning implementation is provided for a two-dimensional example using client-server architecture. Results show that a straight bisection search is approximately 50% faster than a full parametric sweep for most continuous functions. With parallelization and load balancing, the simulation is remarkably faster, exhibiting near-linear speedup up to 16 processors for most functions.
A Nano Quasi-Solid Electrolyte With Modified Nano-Clay Applied to Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Tsui Meng-Cheng , Tung Yung-Liang , Tsai Song-Yeu , Lan Chung-Wen
Published: November 2010

The gel electrolytes for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) have been reported recently. Such electrolytes have their own liquid electrolyte properties and a quasi-solid electrolyte morphology. In this paper, nano-clay was chosen as gelator and mixed with liquid electrolytes to form clay type nanocomposite gel. This gel electrolyte consists of liquid electrolytes and surface modified nano-clay. The surface modifier makes nano-clay disperse well in liquid electrolytes. Nano-clay mixed with electrolyte will increase its viscosity and it is believed to be helpful in fabricating flexible DSSC. In general, an increase in viscosity will decrease ionic mobility and decrease photovoltaic conversion efficiency. The ionic conductivity was determined by the viscosity of the nano-clay gel with different surface modifiers. The ionic transfer rate of the nano-clay gel electrolyte is controlled by the diffusion and exchange reaction. The clay type gel electrolyte has higher ionic conductivity. Finally, the electrochemistry properties and the DSSC performances for the nano-clay type gel electrolyte have been discussed in this paper.
Formulation of Unique Form of Screw Based Jacobian for Lower Mobility Parallel Manipulators
Authors: Hong Man Bok , Choi Yong Je
Published: November 2010

In this paper, the unique form of the screw based Jacobian is suggested for lower mobility parallel manipulators. Utilizing the concept of the reciprocal Jacobian, the forward statics relation for each of the serial kinematic chains of a parallel manipulator can be first obtained and then used to derive both the forward statics and the inverse velocity relations of the manipulator. The screw based Jacobian of a parallel manipulator can be formulated from the inverse velocity relation in such a way that it consists of the reciprocal Jacobians of the serial kinematic chains. Since any reciprocal Jacobian is unique to the corresponding serial chain, the suggested form of the screw based Jacobian is also determined uniquely to the lower mobility parallel manipulator. Two examples are given to illustrate the proposed method, one for the 3DOF parallel manipulator with three identical prismatic-revolute-spherical joints-serial chains and the other for the 4DOF parallel manipulator with nonidentical serial chains (two spherical-prismatic-spherical- and one revolute-revolute-prismatic-revolute joints-serial chains).
Phase-Shift High-Speed Valve for Switch-Mode Control
Authors: Van de Ven James D. , Katz Allan
Published: November 2010

Hydraulic applications requiring a variation in the speed or torque of actuators have historically used throttling valve control or a variable displacement pump or motor. An alternative method is switch-mode control that uses a high-speed valve to rapidly switch between efficient on and off states, allowing any hydraulic actuator to have virtually variable displacement. An existing barrier to switch-mode control is a fast and efficient high-speed valve. A novel high-speed valve concept is proposed that uses a phase shift between two tiers of continuously rotating valve spools to achieve a pulse-width modulated flow with any desired duty ratio. An analysis of the major forms of energy loss, including throttling, compressibility, viscous friction, and internal leakage, is performed on a disk spool architecture. This analysis also explores the use of a hydrodynamic thrust bearing to maintain valve clearance. A nonoptimized design example of a phase-shift valve operating at 100 Hz switching frequency at 10 l/min demonstrates an efficiency of 73% at a duty ratio of 1 and 64% at 0.75 duty ratio. Numerous opportunities exist for improving this efficiency including design changes and formal optimization. The phase-shift valve has the potential to enable switch-mode hydraulic circuits. The valve has numerous benefits over existing technology yet requires further refinement to realize its full potential.
Laminar Flame Velocity of Syngas Fuels
Authors: Dam Bidhan , Ardha Vishwanath , Choudhuri Ahsan
Published: November 2010

In this present study, burning velocities of H2–CO mixtures (primary constituents of syngas fuels) are measured. Impact of different burner systems, H2 concentration, and different measurement techniques on the burning velocities of H2–CO mixtures are discussed. The burning velocities of H2–CO mixtures increase as the H2 contents in the mixture increase. Even with different burner systems using different methods, the burning velocities are aligned in the lean condition, but at rich conditions, they deviate from each other. The burning velocities of actual syngas compositions (based on different sources of coal) are also measured and analyzed. It was found that the effect of carbon dioxide had a more dominating role compared with nitrogen on the burning velocities.
Realizing Orthogonal Motions With Wire Flexures Connected in Parallel
Authors: Su Hai-Jun , Tari Hafez
Published: November 2010

In this paper, we study the type synthesis of wire flexures to achieve orthogonal motions by using a recently developed screw theory based design approach. For a given desired mobility pattern, our goal is to find a system of wire flexures that are simply connected in parallel between the functional stage and the ground. It has been shown that a wire flexure is essentially a pure force or a line screw. An n degree-of-freedom (DOF) motion space (allowable motion) is realizable if its reciprocal constraint space can be spanned by 6-n line screws or forces. We first enumerate 34 possible 1–5DOF spaces that are formed by motions along the coordinate axes attached on the functional stage. For each of these 34 motion spaces, we apply the screw theory approach to find its reciprocal force space as well as its rank. At last, a typical design is provided for each of these motion spaces.