bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Model Reference Adaptive Force Control in Milling
Authors: Lauderbaugh L. K. , Ulsoy A. G.
Published: July 2009

This paper describes the design and implementation of a Model Reference Adaptive Controller (MRAC) for force control in milling. First, previous work in this area is discussed. Results from previous work on the performance of fixed gain process controllers is summarized. The design of an MRAC for force control in milling is described, including a discussion of the implementation issues of noise and computational speed. The adaptive controller was found to perform more satisfactorily than fixed gain controllers, but is difficult to implement and tune, primarily because of the unmodeled dynamics or measurement noise resulting from runout on the milling cutter. In this problem there was sufficient separation between the noise and the signal frequency that the noise could be filtered. However, the addition of the filter added additional dynamics to the system which reduced the overall performance from that expected from digital simulations.
The Effect on Cutting Tool Forces of Pre-Weakening a Rock Surface by Waterjet Kerfing
Authors: Geier J. E. , Hood M.
Published: July 2009

Empirical models are developed to describe the influence on the cutting process of preweakening a rock, by cutting a series of parallel kerfs in the surface with high pressure waterjets, prior to excavating the rock with a polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC) drag bit. These models show that both the bit cutting force and the bit normal force are reduced substantially (by as much as a factor of four) when the spacing and the depth of the kerfs is appropriate to the depth of cut taken by the bit. The mechanical specific energy, or the mechanical energy applied to the bit to excavate a unit volume of rock, is also reduced dramatically when the rock is prekerfed.
Metal Machining With High-Pressure Water-Jet Cooling Assistance—A New Possibility
Authors: Mazurkiewicz M. , Kubala Z. , Chow J.
Published: July 2009

Metal machining is one of the fundamental manufacturing processes. The principal cost of shaping metal parts is generated both in the work involved in shearing metal from the original stock, at the area where the chips are formed, and also in the work required to overcome the high frictional forces that exist between the chip and rake face. Current techniques for the lubrication and cooling of this area are not very effective, resulting in a machining cost which is much higher than need be. A more efficient lubricooling effect can be achieved by the use of a high-pressure water jet directed into the tool/chip interface. The study of this idea was prompted by results achieved in the 1950’s, but now extended to much higher jet injection pressures (up to 280 MPa). The emphasis of this article is on the comparison of the coefficient of friction at the tool/rake interface for conventional and high-pressure jet cooling and also on reporting some practical results. Evaluation of these results indicates both a significant gain in the material removal rate as well as an improvement in the chip shape. The results are for a UNS 1020 steel—a representative of the poorly machinable materials.
Research Directions in Computer Networking for Manufacturing Systems
Authors: Ray A. , Phoha S.
Published: July 2009

This paper identifies and discusses pertinent research problems in the design and development of communication networks for Computer-Integrated Manufacturing (CIM). The conclusions and recommendations presented here are largely the outcome of the workshop on Computer Networking for Manufacturing Systems [1]. The workshop was conducted in November 1987 under the sponsorship of the division of Design, Manufacturing and Computer Engineering of National Science Foundation. Both basic and applied research in computer networking for integration of all manufacturing-related functions is recommended in three general areas of efficient networking architectures, accommodation of equipment and environmental heterogeneity, and distributed network management and control.
Experimental Complex Modal Analysis of Machine Tool Structures
Authors: Shin Y. C. , Eman K. F. , Wu S. M.
Published: July 2009

Despite the well-established theories and considerable experimental research, the identification of the complex mode shapes of a real machine tool structure with general damping still remains a formidable task. Moreover, the existence of closely coupled modes with heavy damping introduces additional difficulties. This paper presents a detailed procedure for experimental complex modal analysis of a machine tool structure by the Dynamic Data System method. The accuracy and efficiency are first illustrated by numerical examples through simulation studies. It has been shown that closely coupled modes and modes with heavy damping can be successfully identified from both simulated and actual experimental data from a machine tool. Complex mode shapes were also obtained without adding any complexity or losing accuracy as compared to normal mode analysis. The experimental results obtained by the proposed method were compared with those based on the FFT algorithm.
Constant Turning Force Adaptive Controller Design
Authors: Chen Bor-Sen , Chang Yih-Fang
Published: July 2009

In the Constant Turning Force Adaptive Control system, the cutting process is nonlinear time-varying; besides, the stability cannot be assured by classical control theory since the cutting tools usually cut a workpiece at various cutting depths. In this paper, based on the small gain theorem, we propose a new method to design a PI controller with high robustness to stabilize the force feedback control system against the nonlinear time-varying gain perturbation in the cutting process. A simple design procedure will be presented and several illustrative simulation results are given. The practical experimental results of a converted lathe with the PI controller designed with this method also show a good robustness and good reliability.
An Investigation of Milling With Abrasive-Waterjets
Authors: Hashish Mohamed
Published: July 2009

The feasibility of using abrasive-waterjets (AWJs) for milling has been investigated in this research. The results of preliminary milling experiments indicate that abrasive-waterjets have great potential in this application with advantages unmatched by existing techniques. Linear cutting experiments were conducted on sample materials (aluminum, titanium, and Inconel) to generate a data matrix. The cutting results show a similar trend for these materials. The data were also correlated against a previously developed cutting model. Although a strong correlation is seen between the theoretical predictions and the experimental results, the prediction accuracy must be improved to allow for precision machining. Single-pass milling tests were also conducted to observe the geometry of the slots produced by the AWJ and the characteristics of the cut surface, and multipass milling tests were conducted on such materials as aluminum, glass, titanium, and graphite composites. Surface topography was found to be a function of both cutting and abrasive parameters, and surface finish was found to be strongly affected by abrasive particle size. A comparison with other machining techniques is presented in this paper. Abrasive-waterjet milling is among the most efficient methods of energy utilization for material removal.
On-Line Monitoring of Tool and Cutting Conditions in Milling
Authors: Tarn J. H. , Tomizuka M.
Published: July 2009

This paper is concerned with on-line monitoring of tool and cutting conditions in a milling operation. Key features of the cutting force signal are extracted from the force signal pattern over one spindle revolution. The proposed monitoring scheme combines these features to differentiate tool breakage from variations in cutting conditions. Experimental results are presented to support the proposed monitoring scheme.
Analysis of Constrained Filament Deformation and Stiffness Properties of Brushes
Authors: Stango R. J. , Heinrich S. M. , Shia C. Y.
Published: July 2009

In this paper, an analytical procedure is developed for evaluating the filament loading, constrained elastic deformation, and overall stiffness of a circular brush, Filament deformation is computed on the basis of a large displacement mechanics analysis in conjunction with kinematic constraints for a flat, rigid workpart with smooth surface finish. Numerical results are reported which examine the relationship between workpart penetration, brush stiffness, and force distribution characteristics of the workpart contact zone.
Investigations on Laser Dressing of Grinding Wheels—Part I: Preliminary Study
Authors: Ramesh Babu N. , Radhakrishnan V. , Murti Y. V. G. S.
Published: July 2009

Investigations on the use of laser as a dressing tool for grinding wheels have been carried out and the results are reported in a two paper sequence. This paper reports the results of preliminary investigations on grinding wheel materials after laser irradiation. Studies were carried out on the surfaces of aluminum oxide (Al2O3), and silicon carbide (SiC) grains, vitrified bond and also on a sample Al2O3 grinding wheel after irradiating them with high intensity Nd:YAG laser pulses. The results obtained are discussed with reference to the optical, thermal, and mechanical properties of the materials. This paper also includes the studies on the wheel surface topography obtained after laser dressing the wheel with different dressing feed rates.
The Area-Coarea Method for the Estimation of Power-Law Constitutive Parameters
Authors: Peterson T. Y. , Stelson K. A.
Published: July 2009

A new method for estimating the power-law constitutive parameters from experimental data is presented. The algorithm is well suited to real time computation because the integrals employed can be continuously updated with new data. The method requires less computation than least squares fitting and avoids the problem of excessive weight being put on low amplitude data that is present in logarithmic least squares fitting. Because the method employs integrals, it smooths noise in the data. The method can also be extended to linear plus power-law fitting.
Design and Manufacturing Analyses for Integrated CAD/CAM of Cams
Authors: Gal-Tzur Z. , Shpitalni M. , Malkin S.
Published: July 2009

Design and manufacturing analyses are presented which are the basis for an integrated CAD/CAM system for cams. The design analysis begins with the lift schedule specified either by analytical functions or by discrete data points which are transformed to an analytical form by cubic spline interpolation. The required cam contour and its curvature at each point on the cam periphery are then derived. Machining of the required cam shape is analyzed for NC jig grinding, CNC grinding, and rocker grinding. For NC jig grinding only the geometrical aspects of the process are analyzed, but for CNC and rocker grinding both the geometrical and physical aspects of the process are considered for control of cam geometry and thermal damage. Integration of design and maufacturing tasks in this way allows for manufacturing characteristics and limitations to be taken into account in the design stage.
On-Line Detection of Localized Defects in Bearings by Pattern Recognition Analysis
Authors: Li C. James , Wu S. M.
Published: July 2009

For automatic detection/diagnosis of localized defects in bearings, a pattern recognition analysis scheme was developed for investigating vibration signals of bearings. Two normalized and dimensionless features are extracted by short-time signal processing techniques. Employing these two features, two linear discriminant functions have been established to detect defects on the outer race and rollers of bearings, respectively. Results of fault detection/diagnosis, based on the experimental data of imposed bearing defects, indicated the technique to be 14 percent better in the rate of success for the detection of defects than the best among the state-of-the-art. It takes 20 seconds for data processing and fault diagnosis on a PC-AT on-line implementation.
Investigation of Heat Transfer and Simulation of Metal Flow in Hot Upsetting
Authors: Im Yong-Taek
Published: July 2009

An investigation of heat transfer and deformation during hot upsetting has been performed by comparing results of finite element analysis with experimental data obtained from the literature. The effect of the interface heat transfer coefficient for three orders of magnitude has been evaluated in the hot upsetting of AISI 1042 carbon steel, AISI 304 stainless steel, and OFHC copper. The finite element studies have shown to be a practical method to obtain information on the interface heat transfer coefficient, a value that is difficult to determine experimentally. The results for heat transfer in the billets and dies considering transfer time, resting time, and deformation are presented.
Characterization of x-ray photocathode in transmission mode for imaging application
Authors: Ikeura-Sekiguchi Hiromi , Sekiguchi Tetsuhiro , Koike Masaki , Yagi-Watanabe Kazutoshi
Published: July 2009

The performance of an Al x-ray transmission photocathode was experimentally characterized by measuring the total electron yield from backsurface photocathodes of varying thickness. It was demonstrated that the backsurface electron yield is proportional to the x-ray photocurrent transmitted through the photocathode for thicknesses thicker than the optimum thickness. The optimum photocathode thickness with the highest conversion efficiency was found to be approximately 70nm at 2.963keV. An escape depth of the secondary electrons was determined to be approximately 13nm from the yield-versus-thickness data fitted with a semiempirical equation. Using this parameter, the dependence of the optimum photocathode thickness on the x-ray energy was calculated for the 30–10000eV range. As one example of imaging applications, different photoemission images in the transmission and reflection modes are also presented.
Reassessing the Source of Long-Period Comets
Authors: Kaib Nathan A. , Quinn Thomas
Published: July 2009

Inside Oort

Long-period comets are thought to come from the outermost region of the solar system, the Oort Cloud, where a large number of icy bodies orbit the Sun. Outer Oort Cloud bodies are more likely to penetrate the inner planetary region of the solar system as comets, because they experience stronger external gravitational perturbations. Inner Oort Cloud bodies, by contrast, are thought to be ejected before they reach observable orbits. Using numerical simulations that followed the orbital histories of bodies in the inner Oort Cloud,
Kaib and Quinn
(p.
1234
, published online 30 July 2009; see the Perspective by

Duncan

) identified a dynamical pathway that allows comets in the inner Oort Cloud to move to the outer Oort Cloud, where they can be perturbed and enter the visible region in great numbers. According to this mechanism, the amount of mass in this region is consistent with the material needed to form the giant planets.
Unprecedented Restoration of a Native Oyster Metapopulation
Authors: Schulte David M. , Burke Russell P. , Lipcius Romuald N.
Published: July 2009

Restoring Oysters

Populations and wild fisheries of native oyster species have collapsed worldwide because of overfishing and habitat destruction, resulting in severe ecosystem alteration and degradation. Expensive restoration efforts have met with little success, leading to the introduction of non-native oyster species in an attempt to recover lost economic and ecological benefits. In the Chesapeake Bay on the U.S. East Coast, eastern oyster landings and population abundance have plummeted to approximately 1% of historical levels, despite considerable expensive attempts to restore the fishery.

Schulte
et al.

(p.
1124
, published online 30 July) present field evidence of a successful restoration of a large metapopulation of native oysters in the Great Wicomico River, a tributary on the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay. The metapopulation is composed of a network of reef complexes spanning 35 hectares and comprises an estimated 185 million live native oysters of 1-year-old juveniles and 2- and 3-year-old adults.
OPPOSITE DIAGONAL SECTIONS OF QUASI-COPULAS AND COPULAS
Authors: DE BAETS BERNARD , DE MEYER HANS , ÚBEDA-FLORES MANUEL
Published: July 2009

In this paper, we study opposite diagonal sections of quasi-copulas and copulas. The best-possible upper bound for the set of copulas with a given opposite diagonal section being known, we focus on the best-possible lower bound, which in general is a quasi-copula. Moreover, it exhibits an interesting type of bivariate symmetry called opposite symmetry.
INTERVAL METHODS IN KNOWLEDGE REPRESENTATION
Authors: Kreinovich Vladik
Published: July 2009

This section is maintained by Vladik Kreinovich. Please send your abstracts (or copies of papers that you want to see reviewed here) to vladik@utep.edu, or by regular mail to: Vladik Kreinovich, Department of Computer Science, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA
ASSIGNMENT SITUATIONS WITH MULTIPLE OWNERSHIP AND THEIR GAMES
Authors: MIQUEL SILVIA , VAN VELZEN BAS , HAMERS HERBERT , NORDE HENK
Published: July 2009

An assignment situation can be considered as a two-sided market consisting of two disjoint sets of objects. A non-negative reward matrix describes the profit if an object of one group is assigned to an object of the other group. Assuming that each object is owned by a different agent, Shapley and Shubik (1972) introduced a class of assignment games.

This paper introduces assignment situations with multiple ownership (AMO). In these situations an object can be owned by several agents and an agent can participate in the ownership of more than one object. For AMO situations we introduce the class of k-AMO games. An AMO situation is called balanced if for any choice of the reward matrix the corresponding 1-AMO game is balanced. We provide necessary and sufficient conditions for balancedness of AMO situations. Moreover, sufficient conditions are provided for balancedness of k-AMO games.
NETWORK FORMATION, COST-SHARING AND ANTI-COORDINATION
Authors: LÓPEZ-PINTADO DUNIA
Published: July 2009

The objective of this work is to analyze how social networks coevolve with other dimensions of agents' choice. We present a model where agents choose their neighbors as well as a mode of behavior in 2 × 2 anti-coordination games, i.e. games where an individual's best response is to behave differently than the opponent. Links are costly. The cost of a link is shared between the two individuals involved in it, but not necessarily in a symmetric way. We characterize the set of Nash equilibria of the resulting social game and show how this set shrinks as the shares of the link cost are more equal. In the extreme case in which each agent pays half of the cost, there is a unique equilibrium. We also show that, as usual in the literature of network formation, there is a general misalignment between the stable and efficient states of the game.
THE GAINS FROM COOPERATIVE R&D WITH A CONCAVE TECHNOLOGY AND SPILLOVERS
Authors: LAMBERTINI LUCA , ROSSINI GIANPAOLO
Published: July 2009

We reassess the respective gains from R&D cooperation and competition in a Cournot duopoly where firms adopt a concave cost-reducing R&D technology. Cooperation, in the form of either a cartel or a joint venture, is always profitable for firms and, contrary to the previous literature on the same topic, (i) no corner solutions emerge and (ii) R&D cooperation is socially superior to independent ventures for any spillover level, provided the cost of R&D financing is sufficiently high.
PARTITIONING GAMES WITH RESTRICTED COOPERATION
Authors: AURIOL IRIS , MARCHI EZIO
Published: July 2009

Partitioning games and games with restricted cooperation are general games which include large classes of different and important cooperative games. In this paper we combined both concepts and prove a generalization of the theorem of Quint [1991] which characterizes the core of the game by means of an appropriate linear program.
Interstitial cells of Cajal generate spontaneous transient depolarizations in the rat gastric fundus
Authors: Kito Yoshihiko , Sanders Kenton M. , Ward Sean M. , Suzuki Hikaru
Published: July 2009

Intracellular recordings were made from isolated circular muscle bundles of rat gastric fundus. The majority of cells generated an ongoing discharge of electrical activity that were ≤10 mV in amplitude (unitary potentials). A second pattern of electrical activity was recorded in less than 1% of all impalements. This electrical activity was characterized by high frequency, large amplitude spontaneous transient depolarizations (STDs) with a maximum rate of rise (d V/d tmax) of 0.5 V/s. Injection of the fluorescent dye propidium iodide into cells and double labeling with an antibody against the Kit receptor revealed that unitary potentials were recorded from circular smooth muscle cells (CSMC), whereas STDs were generated by intramuscular interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC-IM). Sustained injection periods (>15 min) resulted in the spread of dye between CSMC, between ICC-IM, and between CSMC and ICC-IM. Two types of STDs were observed, regularly occurring continuous STDs and irregular noisy bursting STDs. The amplitude of STDs varied between the two types of STDs. Single units summed to develop STDs with a maximum amplitude of 30 mV. Sodium nitroprusside (3 μM) induced membrane hyperpolarization and abolished unitary potentials generated by CSMC. In contrast, the amplitude of STDs generated by ICC-IM was increased with membrane hyperpolarization. Hyperpolarization induced by pinacidil (10 μM) also increased the amplitude of STDs and enhanced d V/d tmax. These observations indicate that STDs generated in ICC-IM spread passively to the adjacent CSMC to evoke the discharge of unitary potentials in the gastric fundus.
Upregulation of activin signaling in experimental colitis
Authors: Zhang You-Qing , Resta Silvia , Jung Barbara , Barrett Kim E. , Sarvetnick Nora
Published: July 2009

Several lines of studies have suggested that activins are critical mediators of inflammation and tissue repair. As activins and their receptors are expressed in the gastrointestinal tract, we tested the hypothesis that activin signaling is involved in the development of colitis by using two murine models of colitis induced by dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) or in mdr1a−/− mice. By immunohistochemistry, expression of activins was found increased in both models and correlated with the severity of inflammation. Activin expression was observed in macrophages as well as in some nonmacrophage cells. Furthermore, while activin receptors are normally expressed in colonic epithelial cells, their expression was further increased in both epithelial cells and inflammatory cells in inflamed colonic mucosa. Moreover, in vitro studies showed that activin A inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis of intestinal epithelial cells, and this growth inhibition was largely reversed by administration of the activin inhibitor, follistatin. Because we also observed an increased number of apoptotic epithelial cells in both colitis models, the upregulation of activins occurring in colitis could be involved both in the inflammatory process and in growth inhibition of the intestinal epithelium. Importantly, in vivo administration of follistatin attenuated inflammatory cell infiltration during colitis. Rectal bleeding was reduced, and the integrity of epithelium was preserved in the DSS/follistatin-treated group compared with the group treated with DSS alone. Bromodeoxyuridine incorporation studies showed an increase in proliferative epithelial cells in the DSS/follistatin-treated group, suggesting that follistatin accelerates epithelial cell proliferation/repair during colitis. Overall, our results reveal that activin signaling may play an important role in the pathogenesis and resolution of colitis. These findings suggest new therapeutic options in inflammatory bowel diseases.
Maturation and long-term hypoxia alters Ca2+-induced Ca2+release in sheep cerebrovascular sympathetic neurons
Authors: Behringer Erik J. , Leite Laura D. , Buchholz Nickolaus E. , Keeney Michael G. , Pearce William J. , Vanterpool Conwin K. , Wilson Sean M. , Buchholz John N.
Published: July 2009

The contribution of sympathetic nerves arising from the superior cervical ganglia (SCG) toward the growth and function of cerebral blood vessels is pertinent throughout maturation as well as in response to cardiovascular stress imposed by high-altitude long-term hypoxia (LTH). The function of SCG sympathetic neurons is dependent on intracellular Ca2+concentration ([Ca2+]i) signaling, which is strongly influenced by a process known as Ca2+-induced Ca2+release (CICR) from the smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER). In this study, we used the sheep SCG neuronal model to test the hypotheses that maturation decreases CICR and high-altitude LTH depresses CICR in fetal SCG neurons but not in those of the adult. We found that the contribution of CICR to electric field stimulation (EFS)-evoked [Ca2+]itransients was greatest in SCG cells from normoxic fetuses and was abolished by LTH. The decline in CICR was associated with a reduction in sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA) function in fetal SCG cells during LTH, reducing SER Ca2+levels below the threshold needed for the coupling of Ca2+influx and CICR. With respect to the maturation from the fetus to adult, the decrease in CICR may reflect both a reduction in the levels of ryanodine receptor isoforms 2 and 3 and SERCA function. In response to LTH and in contrast to the fetus, CICR function in adult SCG cells is maintained and may reflect alterations in other mechanisms that modulate the CICR process. As CICR is instrumental in the function of sympathetic neurons within the cerebrovasculature, the loss of this signaling mechanism in the fetus may have consequences for the adaptation to LTH in terms of fetal susceptibility to vascular insults.
An artificial neural network to estimate physical activity energy expenditure and identify physical activity type from an accelerometer
Authors: Staudenmayer John , Pober David , Crouter Scott , Bassett David , Freedson Patty
Published: July 2009

The aim of this investigation was to develop and test two artificial neural networks (ANN) to apply to physical activity data collected with a commonly used uniaxial accelerometer. The first ANN model estimated physical activity metabolic equivalents (METs), and the second ANN identified activity type. Subjects ( n = 24 men and 24 women, mean age = 35 yr) completed a menu of activities that included sedentary, light, moderate, and vigorous intensities, and each activity was performed for 10 min. There were three different activity menus, and 20 participants completed each menu. Oxygen consumption (in ml·kg−1·min−1) was measured continuously, and the average of minutes 4–9 was used to represent the oxygen cost of each activity. To calculate METs, activity oxygen consumption was divided by 3.5 ml·kg−1·min−1 (1 MET). Accelerometer data were collected second by second using the Actigraph model 7164. For the analysis, we used the distribution of counts (10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, and 90th percentiles of a minute's second-by-second counts) and temporal dynamics of counts (lag, one autocorrelation) as the accelerometer feature inputs to the ANN. To examine model performance, we used the leave-one-out cross-validation technique. The ANN prediction of METs root-mean-squared error was 1.22 METs (confidence interval: 1.14–1.30). For the prediction of activity type, the ANN correctly classified activity type 88.8% of the time (confidence interval: 86.4–91.2%). Activity types were low-level activities, locomotion, vigorous sports, and household activities/other activities. This novel approach of applying ANNs for processing Actigraph accelerometer data is promising and shows that we can successfully estimate activity METs and identify activity type using ANN analytic procedures.
Dietary Fat Quality for Optimal Health and Well-Being: Overview of Recommendations
Authors: Uauy Ricardo
Published: July 2009

A century ago, dietary fat was mainly seen as a source of energy. In 1929, George and Mildred Burr introduced the concept of essential fats: certain fats, i.e. linoleic acid and α-linolenic acid, need to be provided by the diet to prevent deficiencies. Although essential fats were initially considered of marginal nutritional importance for humans, clinical deficiency symptoms were recorded for the first time in the 1960s. Beyond the fact that essential fats can prevent deficiencies, research over the past decades has shown that they also play a major role in preventing chronic conditions such as cardiovascular diseases. This has resulted in an increased interest in the quality of the dietary lipid supply as a major determinant of long-term health and well-being, which is also reflected in recent diet guidelines. This paper will give an overview of key aspects of present recommendations on dietary fats.
Dietary Fat Intake – A Global Perspective
Authors: Elmadfa I. , Kornsteiner M.
Published: July 2009

Background/Aim: The objective of this review was to collect data on the dietary intake of total fat and saturated (SFA), monounsaturated (MUFA) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), especially linoleic (LA), α-linolenic (ALA), eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic fatty acids, in adults from various countries and to compare them with current recommendations for fat intake. Methods: Weighted mean intake data were collected from national dietary surveys, large cross-sectional studies and/or studies with focus on health and nutrition. Thereof, only studies with diet recalls, weighing records or food frequency questionnaires were considered. Results: Data from 28 countries were included, representing Africa (3), America (4), Asia (5), Australia/New Zealand (2) and Europe (14). Total fat intake ranged from 11.1 (China, Guangxi Bai Ku Yao and Han populations) to 50.7 (rural dwellers in Nigeria) percentages of total energy (%E). SFA intake varied from 3.1 (China, Guangxi Bai Ku Yao and Han populations) to 25.4%E (rural dwellers in Nigeria). Mean MUFA and PUFA intake ranged from 3.5 (China, Guangxi Bai Ku Yao and Han populations) to 22.3 (Greece), and 3.3 (India) to 11.3%E (Taiwan), respectively. The mean intake of LA and ALA was between 2.7 (India) and 7.2 (Austria), and 0.4 (France) and 1.0%E (Finland). Conclusion: With regard to recommendations for fat intake, no general advice for improvements can be given worldwide. Due to different dietary patterns, only regionally specific recommendations can be made about what would be necessary to modify and improve fat quantity and quality of the diet.
Foods with a High Fat Quality Are Essential for Healthy Diets
Authors: Zevenbergen H. , de Bree A. , Zeelenberg M. , Laitinen K. , van Duijn G. , Flöter E.
Published: July 2009

Fat is generally a highly valued element of the diet to provide energy, palatability to dry foods or to serve as a cooking medium. However, some foods rich in fat have a low fat quality with respect to nutrition, i.e., a relative high content of saturated (SFA) as compared to unsaturated fatty acids, whereas others have a more desirable fat quality, i.e., a relative high content of unsaturated fatty acids as compared to SFA. High-fat dairy products and fatty meats are examples of foods with low fat quality, whereas vegetable oils (tropical oils such as palm and coconut oil excluded) are products with a generally high fat quality. The aim of this paper is to explore the nutritional impact of products made of vegetable oils, e.g. margarines and dressings, and how they can be designed to contribute to good health. Since their first industrial production, the food industry has endeavored to improve products like margarines, including their nutritional characteristics. With evolving nutrition science, margarines and cooking products, and to a lesser extent dressings, have been adapted to contain less trans fatty acids (TFA), less SFA and more essential (polyunsaturated, PUFA) fatty acids. This has been possible by using careful fat and oil selection and modification processes. By blending vegetable oils rich in the essential PUFAs α-linolenic acid (vegetable omega–3) or linoleic acid (omega–6), margarines and dressings with both essential fatty acids present in significant quantities can be realized. In addition, full hydrogenation and fat rearrangement have enabled the production of cost-effective margarines virtually devoid of TFA and low in SFA. Dietary surveys indicate that vegetable oils, soft margarines and dressings are indeed often important sources of essential fatty acids in people’s diets, whilst providing negligible amounts of TFA and contributing modestly to SFA intakes. Based on empirical and epidemiological data, the public health benefit of switching from products with a low fat quality to products with a high fat quality can be predicted. For example, switching from butter or palm oil to a soft margarine shows a substantial improvement in the nutritional quality of the diet. These simple, practical dietary adaptations can be expected to contribute to the healthy growth and development of children and to reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease.
Consumer Perception and Insights on Fats and Fatty Acids: Knowledge on the Quality of Diet Fat
Authors: Diekman Connie , Malcolm Kim
Published: July 2009

Background: Research indicates that consumers do not understand dietary fat, either the importance of the quality or the quantity of fats needed for health. Previous consumer surveys suggest the priority placed on fat in various nutrition communications (i.e., low fat or reduction in fats) has contributed to this confusion. Methods: This consumer study was carried out in 16 countries in two waves, investigating in total 6,426 subjects. The survey was conducted by phone, internet and face-to-face interviews, depending on the acceptable method for the population. Participants, aged 18–70 years, were the main family shopper. Results: Knowledge about fat is conflicted, including which fats have health benefits; 59% of respondents think fat should be avoided, 65% think a low-fat diet is a healthy diet and 38% claim to avoid foods containing fat. Respondents were aware of different types of fats but did not know which ones were healthier. Omegas have the greatest level of recognition but at the same time many people do not realize they are fats. Conclusions: Around half of consumers do not know whether fats are good or bad, meaning they do not know what to eat.
Fat and Heart Disease: Yes We Can Make a Change – The Case of North Karelia (Finland)
Authors: Puska Pekka
Published: July 2009

Background/Methods: The exceptionally high mortality from cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the Finnish population in the 1970s ensued the initiation of preventive health interventions, which were first started in the Province of North Karelia and later on extended to all other regions of Finland. Their aim was to change population diets, especially with respect to the quality of fat: to reduce saturated and increase unsaturated fat intake. In addition, emphasis was placed on increased vegetable intake and salt reduction. The aim of this paper was to illustrate the effect of combined efforts of several stakeholders on CVD. This comprehensive action in Finland has involved health education programs, preventive measures in health services, actions at schools, broad collaboration with non-governmental and private sector organizations, government policies, population-based monitoring and evaluation, and international collaboration. Results: The combined efforts of all stakeholders have greatly helped people to reduce the intake of saturated fat and to replace this with unsaturated fat. This has been associated with an improved quality of the dietary fat (e.g. in 1972, over 90% of the population used butter on their bread compared to <5% at present) and a remarkable reduction in blood cholesterol levels. It has led to a 80% reduction in annual CVD mortality rates among the working aged population, to a major increase in life expectancy and to major improvements in functional capacity and health. Studies have shown that the reduction in blood cholesterol levels, explained by the target dietary changes, have had the greatest impact on these very favorable health changes. Conclusion: The Finnish experience shows both the feasibility and great potential of CVD prevention and heart health promotion through general dietary changes in the population.
Lead Extraction in Children and Young Adults Using Different Techniques
Authors: Dilber Embiya , Karagöz Tevfik , Çeliker Alpay
Published: July 2009

Objective: To describe our experience with removal of pacing lead in children using different techniques. Patients and Methods: Between 1999 and 2006, removal of 39 leads was attempted in 30 patients: 21 males and 9 females aged 4–21 years (mean 12 ± 5 years). Sixteen patients had previous corrective cardiac surgery. The leads had been implanted for 46 ± 31 months (range 1–120 months). The reasons for removal included lead fracture in 14, upgrading in 8, infection in 7, dislodgment in 5, pacing system not needed in 2, and other reasons in 3. Results: Of the 39 leads, 29 (74.3%) were completely removed. Twelve leads were removed with simple traction and rotation and 9 were removed using a locking stylet combined with simple traction and rotation; a laser extraction system was used in 10 cases in which 8 leads were successfully removed. Duration of implantation was the only important predictor for successful removal. Three patients necessitated surgical lead removal and had epicardial pacemaker implantation. Conclusion: Using currently available techniques, percutaneous pacemaker lead removal was possible in the majority of cases, although a significant number of cases were not successful. Attempted lead removal with simple traction and rotation resulted in the need for surgical removal in a significant number of patients. Newer techniques should be developed to increase the success rate.
Minimally Invasive Radionuclide-Guided Parathyroidectomy Using 99mTc-Sestamibi in Patients with Primary Hyperparathyroidism: A Single-Institution Experience
Authors: Usmani Sharjeel , Khan Haider Ali , al Mohannadi Shihab , Javed Amir , al Nafisi Naheel , abu Huda Fawaz , Tuli M. , Amanguno Henney G. , Abdulla Majda A. , Al Khalidi K.
Published: July 2009

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and usefulness of 99mTc-sestamibi scintigraphy and gamma probe localization of parathyroid glands in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism and establish radio-guided minimally invasive parathyroidectomy at Hussain Makki Al Jumma Center for Specialized Surgery, Kuwait. Subjects and Methods: Twelve patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (mean age: 48 ± 14 years; median age: 46 years; age range: 29–68 years) were evaluated. The diagnosis of hyperparathyroidism was established by elevated serum calcium and parathyroid hormone levels. All patients had a well-defined parathyroid lesion on previous standard 99mTc-sestamibi scintigraphy with or without ultrasound study. All had a normal thyroid gland, no history of familial hyperparathyroidism or multiple endocrine neoplasia nor any history of previous neck irradiation. On the day of surgery, patients were injected with 740 MBq (20 mCi) of 99mTc -sestamibi followed by a half-hour-delayed single standard pinhole view of the neck. A skin marker was placed on the basis of maximum count intensity during gamma probe localization. Patients were then sent for radio-guided minimally invasive parathyroidectomy. Results: The preoperative localization of the affected gland was successful in all cases using a gamma probe and 99mTc -sestamibi scintigraphy. The pathological parathyroid tissue was localized and successfully removed with the gamma probe. The histopathological diagnosis was parathyroid adenoma in 11 cases and hyperplasia in the remaining one. All patients remained disease and symptom free at 12-month follow-up. Conclusions: Our initial experience with intraoperative use of a gamma probe to carry out minimally invasive parathyroidectomy was a useful, easy and safe procedure for treating patients with primary hyperparathyroidism.
Anti-Inflammatory and Antinociceptive Effects of Mitragyna speciosa Korth Methanolic Extract
Authors: Shaik Mossadeq W.M. , Sulaiman M.R. , Tengku Mohamad T.A. , Chiong H.S. , Zakaria Z.A. , Jabit M.L. , Baharuldin M.T.H. , Israf D.A.
Published: July 2009

Objectives: To determine the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities of Mitragyna speciosa Korth methanol extract in rodents. Materials and Methods: Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated using carrageenan-induced paw edema and cotton pellet-induced granuloma tests in rats. Antinociceptive activity was measured using the writhing test and the hot plate test in mice, and the formalin test in rats. All drugs and extracts were diluted in dH2O and administered through the intraperitoneal route. Results were analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by Dunnett’s test for multiple comparisons among groups. Results: Results showed that intraperitoneal administration of the extract at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg produced significant dose-dependent activity in all of the nociceptive models evaluated (p < 0.05). With the formalin test, the antinociceptive activity in mice was inhibited only at the highest dose of the extract (200 mg/kg). The study also showed that intraperitoneal administration of the methanol extract of M. speciosa (100 and 200 mg/kg) significantly and dose-dependently suppressed the development of carrageenan-induced rat paw edema (p < 0.05). In the chronic test, however, significant reduction in granulomatous tissue formation in rats was observed only at the highest dose of the methanol extract of M. speciosa (200 mg/kg, p < 0.05). Conclusion: The present study suggests the presence of potent antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory principles in the extract, supporting its folkloric use for the treatment of these conditions.
HLA-Promiscuous Th1-Cell Reactivity of MPT64 (Rv1980c), a Major Secreted Antigen of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, in Healthy Subjects
Authors: Mustafa Abu Salim
Published: July 2009

Objective: To determine HLA-promiscuous Th1-cell reactivity of MPT64 (Rv1980c) in healthy humans. Materials and Methods: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were obtained from healthy subjects (n = 61) and HLA typed genomically. PBMCs were tested for Th1-cell reactivity (antigen-induced proliferation and interferon-γ secretion) with complex antigens (whole cells, culture filtrate and cell walls) and single secreted antigens (Ag85B, MPT64 and MPB70) of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. In addition, culture-filtrate-induced T-cell lines were established from PBMCs of 14 donors and tested with the above antigens in Th1-cell assays. Furthermore, 3 T-cell lines were tested for cytotoxic activity against MPT64-pulsed monocytes/macrophages, and a T-cell line was analysed for HLA restriction in antigen presentation using anti-HLA class I and class II monoclonal antibodies and HLA-DR-typed antigen-presenting cells. Results: PBMCs showed strong Th1-cell reactivity with all of the complex mycobacterial antigens, whereas MPT64 induced moderate Th1-cell reactivity, which was comparable to the reactivity induced by other previously characterized secreted antigens of M. tuberculosis, i.e. Ag85B and MBP70. Furthermore, HLA heterogeneity of the responding donors suggested that MPT64 was presented to Th1 cells promiscuously. Testing of the T-cell lines confirmed that Th1 cells contributed to the promiscuous antigen-specific reactivity observed with PBMCs and exhibited cytotoxic activity against MPT64-pulsed monocytes/macrophages. In addition, a T-cell line investigated for HLA restriction analysis showed that MPT64 was presented to T cells in association with HLA-DR molecules in a promiscuous manner. Conclusion: MPT64 is promiscuously recognized by human Th1 cells with cytotoxic activity and therefore deserves consideration as a candidate vaccine against tuberculosis in humans.
Clinicopathologic Characteristics and Therapeutic Outcomes of Primary Gastrointestinal Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphomas: 10 Years of Experience from a Single Center in Eastern Anatolia
Authors: Erkurt Mehmet Ali , Aydogdu Ismet , Kuku Irfan , Kaya Emin , Basaran Yalcin
Published: July 2009

Objective: The objective of this retrospective study was to report the clinicopathological data and the treatment outcomes in patients with primary gastrointestinal non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Patients and Methods: We carried out a retrospective analysis of 41 patients (22 females, 18 males, median age 58 and range 18–90 years) who presented to our department with histopathological diagnosis of primary gastrointestinal non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma between 1995 and 2004. Results: The stomach was the most common extranodal site and was seen in 25 of 41 (61%) patients. At presentation 28 (68.3%) patients had gastrointestinal symptoms while 27 (65.9%) had B symptoms. The range of follow-up was 2–84 months with a median of 9 months. The overall survival rate was 3 years for 25 (61.2%) patients. The 3-year overall survival rate was better in patients with early-stage disease (stages I and II1) who were treated with surgery plus chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy than in those treated with chemotherapy alone (91.6 vs. 50%, p < 0.05). The disease had a significant impact on both the progression-free survival and overall survival rates. Conclusion: Our data showed that surgical resection prior to postoperative chemotherapy was a better option for patients with early-stage disease with better patient survival.
Melatonin Prevents Cyclosporine-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats
Authors: Kurus Meltem , Esrefoglu Mukaddes , Sogutlu Gokhan , Atasever Alper
Published: July 2009

Objectives: Cyclosporine A (CsA) is a widely used immunosuppressive agent that is implicated in the formation of free oxygen radicals. Melatonin is known to be a free radical scavenger and an antioxidant agent. This study was designed to investigate the effects of melatonin on CsA-induced liver damage by histopathological examination. Materials and Methods: Thirty-two male rats of Sprague-Dawley origin were divided into 4 groups of 8 and treated for 28 days as follows: group 1 received daily doses of 0.1 ml/kg olive oil s.c.; group 2 received 4 mg/kg of melatonin; group 3 received 10 mg/kg CsA diluted in 0.1 ml/kg olive oil; group 4 was treated with 4 mg/kg melatonin i.p. and 10 mg/kg CsA s.c. Finally, the rats were sacrificed by terminal anesthesia, and liver tissue specimens were processed for light microscopy, stained with HE and examined under a light microscope. Results: Specimens of the control group showed normal liver histology, whereas group 3 showed major histopathological changes, such as cytoplasmic vacuolization, dilatation of the sinusoids, apoptosis and many mitotic figures. In group 4, the normal histology of the liver was preserved, although apoptosis, mitotic figures and cytoplasmic vacuolization were still infrequently observed. Nevertheless, there were significant differences between group 2 (melatonin) and group 3 (CsA) and between group 3 (CsA) and group 4 (CsA + melatonin) concerning these 3 parameters (vacuolization, sinusoidal dilatation and apoptosis). Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that CsA-related liver toxicity in rats could be significantly reduced by melatonin administration.