bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bisphosphonate‐related osteonecrosis of the jaw around dental implants in the maxilla: report of a case
Authors: Shirota Tatsuo , Nakamura Atsushi , Matsui Yoshiro , Hatori Masahi , Nakamura Masanori , Shintani Satoru
Published: September 2009

Objective: We describe a patient who developed bisphosphonate (BP)‐related osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) around implants in the upper molar area.

Patients and methods: The patient was a 54‐year‐old woman with ulceration of the gum, bone exposure, and severe spontaneous pain around implants in the upper left molar area. She had received BPs intravenously for 2 years to treat bone metastases of breast cancer. She was diagnosed with BP‐related ONJ. Sequestrum including implants was resected, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy was performed. Undecalcified ground sections were prepared from the resected bone around the implants and stained with toluidine blue. For the bone around the lesion, decalcified sections were prepared, and examined by histological and immunohistological analysis.

Results: The surgical wound became completely covered with mucosal epithelia, and postoperative pain disappeared. No recurrence of ONJ was noted during a 6‐month postoperative follow‐up period. However, the patient died from metastatic disease. Although histopathological examination of the resected jaw bone revealed sequestrum, osseointegration of the implant was maintained. In the area around the lesion, there was no progression of bone necrosis, and reactive bone formation, fibrosis, and invasion of lymphoid cells into the marrow cavity were observed.

Conclusion: There is no effective treatment for ONJ caused by BPs, and conservative therapy based on clinicians' experience is recommended. However, if chemotherapy is planned, or if bone necrosis around implants is thought to harbor infection, the option of jaw resection should be considered.
The nest predator community of grassland birds responds to agroecosystem habitat at multiple scales
Authors: Klug Page , Wolfenbarger L. LaReesa , McCarty John P.
Published: September 2009

Nest predation is the leading cause of reproductive failure for grassland birds of conservation concern. Understanding variation in nest predation rates is complicated by the diverse assemblage of species known to prey on nests. As part of a long‐term study of grassland bird ecology, we monitored populations of predators known to prey on grassland bird nests. We used information theoretic approach to examine the predator community's association with habitat at multiple scales, including local vegetation structure of grassland patches, spatial attributes of grassland patches (size and shape), and landscape composition surrounding grassland patches (land cover within 400 and 1600 m). Our results confirmed that nest predators respond to habitat at multiple scales and different predator species respond to habitat in different ways. The most informative habitat models we selected included variability in local vegetation (CV in the density of forbs), local patch (area and edge‐to‐interior ratio), and landscape within a 1600 m buffer around grasslands (percent of land covered by human structures and development). As a separate question, we asked if models that incorporated information from multiple scales simultaneously might improve the ability to explain variation in the predator community. Multi‐ scale models were not consistently superior to models derived from variables focused at a single spatial scale. Our results suggest that minimizing human development on and surrounding conservation land and the management of the vegetation structure on grassland fragments both may benefit grassland birds by decreasing the risk of nest predation.
Does a physical activity referral scheme improve the physical activity among routine primary health care patients?
Authors: Leijon M. E. , Bendtsen P. , Nilsen P. , Festin K. , Ståhle A.
Published: September 2009

Physical activity referral (PAR) schemes or concepts occur in varying forms. Because few physical activity intervention studies have been carried out in routine health care settings, it is difficult to translate research findings into daily practice. The aim of this study was to analyze the effectiveness of a PAR scheme implemented in routine primary health care. The study did not include a control group and was based on the ordinary staff's work efforts and follow‐up measures. During a 2‐year period, 6300 PARs were issued. Effectiveness was measured by an increase in self‐reported physical activity. Half of the patients reached reported increased physical activity both at 3 months (49%) and at 12 months (52%). The proportion of inactive patients decreased from 33% at baseline to 17% at 3 months and 20% at 12 months. The proportion of patients who were physically active on a regular basis increased from 22% at baseline to 33% at 3 months and 32% at 12 months. Neither the patient's age nor the profession of the prescriber was associated with differences in effectiveness. The patient's activity level at baseline, the type of physical activity as well as the reason for the prescription were associated with increased physical activity.
Cross‐sectional investigation of indices of isokinetic leg strength in youth soccer players and untrained individuals
Authors: Iga J. , George K. , Lees A. , Reilly T.
Published: September 2009

In this cross‐sectional study, the differences in the isokinetic peak torque of the knee joint muscles (dominant and non‐dominant) were investigated in three groups of youths (n=45; age, 14.9±1.1 years) with different soccer training backgrounds. Significant main effects were observed for training background on the functional hamstrings to quadriceps ratios for knee flexion (HCON:QECC ratio; F2,42=4.023, P=0.025) and extension (HECC:QCON ratio; F2,42=8.53, P<0.001) at 4.32 rad/s. Post hoc tests indicated that both ratios were significantly different between conventionally trained players compared with resistance‐trained players and controls (mean±SD; HECC:QCON ratio, dominant limb; 0.91±0.10; 1.04±0.12; 1.10±0.22; non‐dominant limb; 0.89±0.09; 1.05±0.19; 1.06±0.15; HCON:QECC ratio, dominant limb; 0.36±0.06; 0.34±0.07; 0.30±0.08; non‐dominant limb; 0.33±0.05; 0.32±0.08; 0.28±0.07). Results suggest that the muscle‐loading patterns experienced in youth soccer may alter the reciprocal balance of strength about the knee under high‐velocity conditions. The findings also indicate that these balances may be improved by incorporating resistance training into the habitual exercise routines of youth soccer players.
Correlates of regular exercise during pregnancy: the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study
Authors: Owe K. M. , Nystad W. , Bø K.
Published: September 2009

The aims of this study were to describe the level of exercise during pregnancy and to assess factors associated with regular exercise. Using data from the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study conducted by the Norwegian Institute of Public Health, 34 508 pregnancies were included in the present study. Data were collected by self‐completed questionnaires in gestational weeks 17 and 30, and analyzed by logistic regression analysis. The results are presented as adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with a 95% confidence interval. The proportion of women exercising regularly was 46.4% before pregnancy and decreased to 28.0 and 20.4% in weeks 17 and 30, respectively. Walking and bicycling were the most frequently reported activities before and during pregnancy. The prevalence of swimming tended to increase from prepregnancy to week 30. Exercising regularly prepregnancy was highly related to regular exercise in week 17, aOR=18.4 (17.1–19.7) and 30, aOR 4.3 (4.1–4.6). Low gestational weight gain was positively associated with regular exercise in week 30, aOR=1.2 (1.1–1.4), whereas being overweight before pregnancy was inversely associated with regular exercise in week 17, aOR=0.8 (0.7–0.8) and 30, aOR=0.7 (0.6–0.7). Also, women experiencing a multiple pregnancy, pelvic girdle pain, or nausea were less likely to exercise regularly.
Biomechanical determinants of maximal stair climbing capacity in healthy elderly women
Authors: Larsen A. H. , Sørensen H. , Puggaard L. , Aagaard P.
Published: September 2009

Stair walking is an important functional movement task that may require considerable amounts of muscle strength/power. This study aimed to perform a descriptive biomechanical analysis of maximal stair ascent in elderly women and to examine the relationship between mechanical muscle function and maximal stair ascending velocity (MAV). Seventeen healthy elderly women (age 72.4 ± 6.4) were tested for MAV, maximal multi‐joint counter movement jumping (CMJ), and maximal single‐joint isokinetic/isometric muscle moment. Peak knee joint power during MAV was the single independent parameter that explained most of the variation in MAV (50%), however, combining knee and ankle parameters in a multiple regression analysis mean joint power explained 82.4% of the variation in MAV. Generally, multi‐joint CMJ parameters showed stronger correlations with MAV than single‐joint isokinetic/isometric muscle strength parameters. MAV appeared to be highly dependent upon knee and ankle power and to a lesser extent on joint moment and range of motion. Furthermore, CMJ assessment seemed well applicable in healthy elderly individuals to distinguish between differentiated levels of maximal stair walking capacity.
Intercanopy community structure across a heterogeneous landscape in a western juniper‐encroached ecosystem
Authors: Petersen Steven L. , Stringham Tamzen K.
Published: September 2009

Questions: How does landscape position influence biotic and abiotic attributes of western juniper (Juniperus occidentalis) encroached ecosystems? How does intercanopy plant community structure respond to changes in soil moisture and temperature based on juniper cover and topographic position?

Location: Steens Mountain, southeast Oregon, USA.

Objectives: Competition with western juniper modifies plant community composition, alters soil hydrology, and reduces plant productivity. Research is needed to understand these influences across heterogeneous landscapes. This study characterizes the relationship between juniper encroachment and soil water, soil temperature, topographic position, and intercanopy plant community structure.

Methods: Using a completely randomized block design, plant density and cover, percent bare ground, percent soil moisture, soil temperature, heat accumulation, and elevation were sampled in 10 m2 plots representing low (<1%), moderate (∼14%), and high (∼27%) juniper cover at four aspects. The relationship and difference between vegetation patterns and environmental variables were analyzed using AOV, NMS, and MRPP (α=0.1). Indicator species analysis tested for shifts in dominant species along ecological gradients.

Results: Soil moisture remained higher in low juniper cover sites than moderate and high juniper cover sites. North‐facing sites had highest soil moisture at 5 cm depth with low and moderate juniper cover levels. With increasing soil temperature from May to June, soil moisture declined by 19.7% at 5 cm depth. Achnatherum lemmonii and Pseudoreogneria spicata occurred in closed juniper stands while Achnatherum occidentale and Leymus cinereus were common when encroachment was limited.

Application: This approach can be used to predict ecosystem response to western juniper encroachment across heterogeneous landscapes.
Racial Disparities in Erectile Dysfunction Among Participants in the California Men’s Health Study
Authors: Smith James F. , Caan Bette J. , Sternfeld Barbara , Haque Reina , Quesenberry Charles P. , Quinn Virginia P. , Shan Jun , Walsh Thomas J. , Lue Tom F. , Jacobsen Steven J. , Van Den Eeden Stephen K.
Published: September 2009

Introduction

The burden of erectile dysfunction (ED) among different racial and ethnic groups is unclear, in part, because prior studies have not included all four major racial and ethnic groups in the same population-based sample.

Aim

To determine the prevalence and odds of ED among all four major racial and ethnic groups after adjustment for demographic, medical, socioeconomic, and lifestyle characteristics.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted using data from men, aged 45–69 years, without a diagnosis of prostate cancer (N = 78,445), who completed questionnaires as part of the California Men’s Health Study, a large multiethnic cohort study with detailed demographic, medical and, socioeconomic data.

Main Outcome Measure

Erectile dysfunction measured by a previously validated four-level response question.

Results

The overall prevalence of ED by age category was 13%, 24%, and 44% for men aged 45–49 years, 50 and 59 years, and 60–69 years, respectively. In a multivariable model, relative to white men, Hispanic (OR 1.05, 95% CI 0.99, 1.12), Asian (OR 1.1, 95% CI 1.02, 1.19), and other men (OR 1.13, 95% CI 1.06, 1.1.21) had increased odds of moderate-severe ED, while black men were less likely to report moderate to severe ED (OR 0.86, 95% CI 0.81, 0.92). Black (OR 0.54, 95% CI 0.48, 0.61) and Asian men (OR 0.91, 95% CI 0.80, 1.04) were less likely to have severe ED after adjustment for age, socioeconomic status, medical co-morbidities, and lifestyle characteristics.

Conclusion

These data demonstrate that the prevalence of ED among different racial and ethnic groups is likely the result of complex phenomena and depends upon the interplay of socioeconomic, demographic, medical, cultural, and lifestyle characteristics. After accounting for these factors, these data suggest that Asian and black men are less likely to have severe ED relative to white men.
Increased Levels of Osteocalcin-Positive Endothelial Progenitor Cells in Patients Affected by Erectile Dysfunction and Cavernous Atherosclerosis
Authors: Foresta Carlo , De Toni Luca , Biagioli Andrea , Ganz Francesco , Magagna Sabina , Caretta Nicola
Published: September 2009

Introduction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) was shown to be the expression of a systemic vascular disease that can precede coronary artery disease of some years. Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are a population of circulating cells with endothelial-regenerative potential that may be reduced in ED and coronary patients. Recently, increased levels of osteocalcin (OCN)-positive EPC have been reported in coronary patients.

Aim

Investigate the correlation between OCN-positive EPC and cavernous atherosclerotic lesion in ED patients.

Methods

A total of 35 subjects (20 ED patients and 15 controls) were evaluated in our andrological center and enrolled in the study.

Main Outcome Measure

All subjects underwent routine clinical examination. Patients were also evaluated with high resolution echo color doppler of penile districts (intima media thickness [IMT] before and after intracavernous alprostadil injection) and circulating levels of progenitor cells (PC), EPC, and OCN-positive fraction of EPC.

Results

A progressive reduction of circulating EPC with the severity of cavernous artery atherosclerosis was found. Conversely circulating OCN-positive EPC levels undergo to a significant increase with cavernous atherogenesis progression.

Conclusions

OCN-positive EPC levels in association with penile-color Doppler ultrasound evaluation of cavernous IMT could be predictive markers of subsequent coronary artery disease in ED patients.
Natural Aphrodisiacs
Authors: Shamloul Rany
Published: September 2009

Introduction

The search for a remedy or a prescription that can enhance sexual function and/or treat male erectile dysfunction has been an obsession throughout known history. Whether it was an Eastern civilization or a Western one, religious or atheist, man’s aspiration for a better or best “manhood” has been a history-time goal.

Aim

This review will discuss the current research done on the most popular natural aphrodisiacs and examine the weight of evidence to support or discourage the use of any of these substances to enhance sexual desire and/or function.

Methods

Review of the current evidence on the use of natural substances as aphrodisiacs.

Main Outcome Measures

Efficacy of natural aphrodisiacs in enhancing sexual function in men and women.

Results

There is little evidence from literature to recommend the usage of natural aphrodisiacs for the enhancement of sexual desire and/or performance. Data on yohimbine’s efficacy does not support the wide use of the drug, which has only mild effects in the treatment of psychogenic ED. Although there’s a positive trend towards recommending ginseng as an effective aphrodisiac, however, more in depth studies involving large number of subjects and its mechanism of action are needed before definite conclusions could be reached. Data on the use of natural aphrodisiacs in women is limited.

Conclusions

The current body of objective evidence does not support the use of any natural aphrodisiac as an effective treatment for male or female sexual dysfunctions. Potent men and men with ED will continue the search for natural aphrodisiacs despite the current disappointing data on their effectiveness. Care should be taken regarding the fraud addition of sildenafil analogues to natural aphrodisiacs.
Socioeconomic, Anthropomorphic, and Demographic Predictors of Adult Sexual Activity in the United States: Data from the National Survey of Family Growth
Authors: Eisenberg Michael L. , Shindel Alan W. , Smith James F. , Breyer Benjamin N. , Lipshultz Larry I.
Published: September 2009

Introduction

Individuals who engage in regular sexual intercourse are more likely to report good overall quality of life. Studies of sexuality in adolescents have focused on high-risk behaviors whereas similar studies in older adults have focused on sexual dysfunction. Given a paucity of data on the sexual behaviors of young adults and the possibility of important relationships between sexuality and overall health, we sought to determine factors that influence the frequency of intercourse in adult men and women in the United States.

Aim

To identify factors related to coital frequency in young and middle-aged adults.

Methods

We analyzed data from the male and female sample of the 2002 National Survey of Family Growth to examine frequency of sexual intercourse among Americans aged 25–45 years (men: N=2,469; women: N=5,120).

Main Outcome Measures

Multivariable negative binomial regression modeling was used to test for independent associations between the frequency of sexual intercourse and demographic, socioeconomic, and anthropometric variables.

Results

In this study, men and women between the ages of 25 and 45 have sex a mean 5.7 and 6.4 times per month, respectively. Being married significantly increased coital frequency for women but has no effect on male coital frequency. Increased height, less than high school education, and younger age were predictive of increased sexual frequency in men. Pregnancy was associated with significantly lower coital frequency for both men and women. No association was shown between self-reported health status and coital frequency on multivariable analysis.

Conclusions

Among young male adults, coital frequency is associated with specific socioeconomic, demographic, and anthropomorphic characteristics. Sexual frequency in women does not appear to be influenced by such factors. Self-reported health is not predictive of sexual activity in this age group.
Apical microleakage evaluation of system B compared with cold lateral technique: In vitro study
Authors: Farea Manal , Masudi Sam'an , Wan Bakar Wan Zaripah
Published: September 2009

The aim of this study was to evaluate in vitro the apical sealing ability of cold lateral and system B root filling techniques using dye penetration. Eighty‐six extracted single‐rooted human teeth were prepared and randomly divided into two experimental groups to be obturated by cold lateral condensation (n = 33) and system B (n = 33). The remaining 20 teeth served as positive and negative controls. The roots were embedded for 72 h in methylene blue dye solution and sectioned transversely for dye penetration evaluation using stereomicroscope. The results of this study showed that cold lateral condensation leaked significantly more (P < 0.001) than system B technique.
Germination Conditions Affect Physicochemical Properties of Germinated Brown Rice Flour
Authors: Charoenthaikij Phantipha , Jangchud Kamolwan , Jangchud Anuvat , Piyachomkwan Kuakoon , Tungtrakul Patcharee , Prinyawiwatkul Witoon
Published: September 2009

ABSTRACT:  Germinated brown rice has been reported to be nutritious due to increased free gamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA). The physicochemical properties of brown rice (BR) and glutinous brown rice (GNBR) after germination as affected by different steeping times (24, 36, 48, and 72 h depending on the rice variety) and pHs of steeping water (3, 5, 7, and as‐is) were determined and compared to those of the nongerminated one (control). As the steeping time increased or pH of steeping water decreased, germinated brown rice flours (GBRF) from both BR and GNBR had greater reducing sugar, free GABA and α‐amylase activity; while the total starch and viscosity were lower than their respective controls. GBRFs from both BR and GNBR prepared after 24‐h steeping time at pH 3 contained a high content of free GABA at 32.70 and 30.69 mg/100 g flour, respectively. The peak viscosity of GBRF obtained from both BR and GNBR (7.42 to 228.22 and 4.42 to 58.67 RVU, respectively) was significantly lower than that of their controls (255.46 and 190.17 RVU, respectively). The principal component analysis indicated that the important variables for discriminating among GBRFs, explained by the first 2 components at 89.82% of total explained variance, were the pasting profiles, α‐amylase activity, and free GABA.
Ultrasonic Investigation of the Effect of Vegetable Shortening and Mixing Time on the Mechanical Properties of Bread Dough
Authors: Mehta K.L. , Scanlon M.G. , Sapirstein H.D. , Page J.H.
Published: September 2009

ABSTRACT:  Mixing is a critical stage in breadmaking since it controls gluten development and nucleation of gas bubbles in the dough. Bubbles affect the rheology of the dough and largely govern the quality of the final product. This study used ultrasound (at a frequency where it is sensitive to the presence of bubbles) to nondestructively examine dough properties as a function of mixing time in doughs prepared from strong red spring wheat flour with various amounts of shortening (0%, 2%, 4%, 8% flour weight basis). The doughs were mixed for various times at atmospheric pressure or under vacuum (to minimize bubble nucleation). Ultrasonic velocity and attenuation (nominally at 50 kHz) were measured in the dough, and dough density was measured independently from specific gravity determinations. Ultrasonic velocity decreased substantially as mixing time increased (and more bubbles were entrained) for all doughs mixed in air; for example, in doughs made without shortening, velocity decreased from 165 to 105 ms−1, although superimposed on this overall decrease was a peak in velocity at optimum mixing time. Changes in attenuation coefficient due to the addition of shortening were evident in both air‐mixed and vacuum‐mixed doughs, suggesting that ultrasound was sensitive to changes in the properties of the dough matrix during dough development and to plasticization of the gluten polymers by the shortening. Due to its ability to probe the effect of mixing times and ingredients on dough properties, ultrasound has the potential to be deployed as an online quality control tool in the baking industry.
Rapid evolution of morphology and adaptive life history in the invasive California wild radish (Raphanus sativus) and the implications for management
Authors: Ridley Caroline E. , Ellstrand Norman C.
Published: September 2009

Understanding the evolution and demography of invasive populations may be key for successful management. In this study, we test whether or not populations of the non‐native, hybrid‐derived California wild radish have regionally adapted to divergent climates over their 150‐year history in California and determine if population demographic dynamics might warrant different region‐specific strategies for control. Using a reciprocal transplant approach, we found evidence for genetically based differences both between and among northern, coastal and southern, inland populations of wild radish. Individual fitness was analyzed using a relatively new statistical method called ‘aster modeling’ which integrates temporally sequential fitness measurements. In their respective home environments, fitness differences strongly favored southern populations and only slightly favored northern populations. Demographic rates of transition and sensitivities also differed between regions of origin, suggesting that the most effective approach for reducing overall population growth rate would be to target different life‐history stages in each region.
Gut hormones and the brain*
Authors: ZHANG Yifei , NING Guang , HANDELSMAN Yehuda , BLOOMGARDEN Zachary T.
Published: September 2009

The dialogue between gut hormone, bile acids, and the brain plays an important role in energy homeostasis and the onset of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The present review focuses on: (i) bile acid metabolism and the role of bile acids in the regulation of both glucose homeostasis and the control of hypercholesterolemia; (ii) the role of gut hormones in energy homeostasis; and (iii) translation of the pathophysiology of bile acids and gut hormones into clinical practice. Although definitive mechanisms of action of gut hormones and bile acids have not been elucidated completely, these concepts allow us to understand several pharmacological interventions in the treatment of T2DM. Results from further clinical studies with related therapies will help us determine the role of these treatments in the management of energy homeostasis.
History, heresy and radiology in scientific discovery
Authors: McCredie J
Published: September 2009

Nowadays, most drugs reach the market after research has established their pharmacology, safety and efficacy. That was not always the case 50 years ago. Thalidomide was used before its target cell or mode of action were known. Commencing with the thalidomide catastrophe – an epidemic of gross birth defects (1958–1962) – thalidomide's origins are revisited to show how this drug came to be made and sold in the 1950s. Thalidomide intersected with Australian radiology in the 1970s. The site and mode of action of the drug was deduced from X‐rays of thalidomide‐induced bone defects, which have classical radiological signs of sensory neuropathic osteoarthropathy. The longitudinal reduction deformities follow the distribution of segmental sensory innervation of the limb skeleton, indicating neural crest as the target organ. Injury to one level of neural crest halts normal neurotrophism and deletes the dependent segment – a previously unrecognised embryonic mechanism that explains most non‐genetic birth defects. The final common pathway is neural crest injury and failure of normal neurotrophism to result in longitudinal reduction deformities, for example, phocomelia.
Prophylactic gastrostomy tubes for patients receiving radical radiotherapy for head and neck cancers: A retrospective review
Authors: Chang JH , Gosling T , Larsen J , Powell S , Scanlon R , Chander S
Published: September 2009

Patients undergoing radical radiotherapy for head and neck cancers often experience significant complications. We sought to evaluate the impact of prophylactic gastrostomy tubes (PGTs) among these patients on four easily evaluable adverse outcomes, namely, absolute weight loss, percentage weight loss, admissions for nutritional reasons and treatment interruptions. A retrospective review was carried out on patients undergoing radical radiotherapy for primary head and neck cancers from September 1999 to October 2005 at the Wellington Blood and Cancer Centre (n = 71). PGTs were placed in 7 (10%) patients. Patients with PGTs were compared with the patients without PGTs (the control group) by univariate and multivariate analyses. By univariate analysis, there was no significant difference in absolute or percentage weight loss between those with PGTs and the control group. By multivariate analysis, those with PGTs lost 5.2% (P = 0.016) less weight than the control group. There were no significant differences between the two groups with regard to admissions for nutritional reasons or treatment interruptions. The use of PGTs can reduce weight loss in patients undergoing radical radiotherapy for head and neck cancers, and its use should be further evaluated in future studies.
Semi‐quantitative differences in gene transcription profiles between sexes of a marine snail by a new variant of cDNA‐AFLP analysis
Authors: MARTÍNEZ‐FERNÁNDEZ M. , BERNATCHEZ L. , ROLÁN‐ALVAREZ E. , QUESADA H.
Published: September 2009

A variant of the cDNA‐AFLP method coupled to an automated sequencer was used to quantify transcripts differentially expressed between sexes of the marine snail Littorina saxatilis. First, we conducted a validation study of the technique using known concentrations of a commercial marker. Second, we analysed six replicates of males and females from a population showing no apparent sexual dimorphism. The results confirm that the method can be properly used within the range of DNA concentrations utilized. In addition, we detected a small percentage of spots (1.8%) differentially expressed between sexes, as expected from a low to moderately sexual dimorphic species.
Cyst‐like extension of hepatic subcapsular bleeding caused by ruptured hepatocellular carcinoma into the bursa omentalis
Authors: Takahashi Atsushi , Saito Hironobu , Takahashi Yuta , Sato Ai , Takagi Tadayuki , Irisawa Atsushi , Sakuma Fumitaka , Kuroda Masahito , Tsuchiya Takao , Ohira Hiromasa
Published: September 2009

An 81‐year‐old man, who experienced upper abdominal pain after shoveling snow, was admitted to a local hospital where a computed tomography (CT) showed a cystic lesion adjoining the pancreas. He was transferred to our department for detailed investigations and treatment. On ultrasonography, a tumor of the caudate lobe of the liver, with which the cystic lesion was continuous, was seen. The tumor of the caudate lobe of the liver was enhanced in the early phase of the CT but was washed out in the delayed phase. Subsequently, T1‐weighted and T2‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images showed a low intensity and a high intensity, respectively. Because the cystic lesion was continuous with the tumor of the caudate lobe of the liver, its CT value was higher than that of water, and both the T1‐weighted and T2‐weighted MRI images showed a high intensity, which was attributed to a hematoma. Examination of the image suggested that rupture of a hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) might have caused intracavitary hemorrhage. After the HCC was treated by transcatheter arterial embolization therapy, the patient was discharged. Subsequently, tumor enlargement was confirmed, and surgical removal of the tumor was conducted at the hospital where the patient had originally presented. On histology, moderately differentiated HCC was diagnosed, but the cyst‐like lesion was confirmed to be a hepatic subcapsular hematoma extending into the bursa omentalis. Although ruptured HCC often causes intraperitoneal bleeding, this rare case showed a cyst‐like imaging finding in the form of a subcapsular hematoma within the bursa omentalis.
New trends in surgical treatment for portal hypertension
Authors: Yoshida Hiroshi , Mamada Yasuhiro , Taniai Nobuhiko , Tajiri Takashi
Published: September 2009

A number of surgical procedures have been developed to manage esophageal varices. Broadly, these can be classified as shunting and non‐shunting procedures. While total shunt effectively reduces the incidence of variceal bleeding, it is associated with a high risk of hepatic encephalopathy. The distal splenorenal shunt (DSRS), a selective shunt, was developed by Warren in 1967 to preserve portal blood flow through the liver while lowering variceal pressure. The hope was that both bleeding and hyperammonemia would be prevented. The DSRS effectively prevents rebleeding, but still carries a risk of hyperammonemia. We improved the DSRS procedure by additionally performing splenopancreatic disconnection (SPD, i.e. skeletonization of the splenic vein from the pancreas to its bifurcation at the splenic hilum) and gastric transection (GT, i.e. transection and anastomosis of the upper stomach with an autosuture instrument). An alternative to shunting was developed by Sugiura and Futagawa in 1973. Esophageal transection (ET) divides and reanastomoses the distal esophagus and devascularizes the distal esophagus and proximal stomach; splenectomy, selective vagotomy, and pyloroplasty are performed concomitantly. DSRS was more effective than ET in preventing recurrence of esophageal varices, but was associated with a higher incidence of hyperammonemia. The incidence of hyperammonemia in patients who underwent DSRS with SPD plus GT was significantly lower than that in patients who underwent DSRS alone or those who underwent DSRS with SPD. In conclusion, there are various surgical treatments for esophagogastric varices. Distal splenorenal shunt with SPD plus GT is considered an adequate treatment for patients with esophagogastric varices.
Portal hypertension in primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC): A reversible condition? Yes, but not in all UDCA treated patients
Authors: Huet Pierre‐Michel , Vincent Catherine , Deslauriers Julie , Coté Jean , Fenyves Daphna , Matsutani Shoichi , Boileau Robert , Kerckvoorde Jacline Huet‐Van
Published: September 2009

Portal hypertension is not a rare complication of PBC, but there are no useful clinical predictors of its severity. In fact, in PBC patients, the evaluation of portal hypertension needs a direct access to the portal vein in order to measure the real porto‐hepatic gradient (PHG), mainly because of a possible pre‐sinusoidal component. The severity of portal hypertension, as measured by the PHG using a thin needle, correlated significantly with the long‐term survival of PBC patients, but the initial Mayo score remained the best predictor of survival. In addition to the well‐known effects on biological parameters, ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) treatment has been associated with a stabilization or improvement of portal hypertension but this effect was not observed in all patients: “responders” and “non‐responders” to the UDCA could be identified according to changes in PHG and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels observed 2 years after UDCA therapy and had significantly different long‐term survivals. This notion of “responders” and “non‐responders” is new and may well explain the conflicting data found in the literature concerning the effects of UDCA in PBC patients as reported in various clinical trials. These findings are of interest when considering the emerging non‐invasive methods aimed at evaluating liver fibrosis, particularly elastography that may prove useful in the indirect assessment of portal hypertension in the near future, therefore avoiding the need for the invasive measurement of the PHG.
Hepatopulmonary syndrome and portopulmonary hypertension
Authors: Umeda Naoki , Kamath Patrick S.
Published: September 2009

The pulmonary complications of end‐stage liver disease include hepatopulmonary syndrome and portopulmonary hypertension. The etio‐pathogenesis of these conditions is as yet unclear. Hepatopulmonary syndrome is a gas exchange abnormality and usually manifests as hypoxemia secondary to intra‐pulmonary vascular shunts. These shunts can be demonstrated by echocardiography using agitated saline injections, and quantitated by lung perfusion scans. Liver transplantation is the treatment of choice for hepatopulmonary syndrome, and there are no effective pharmacological therapies. Portopulmonary hypertension is a hemodynamic problem which manifests as fatigue and right sided cardiac failure. Several vasoactive agents have been used to lower mean pulmonary arterial pressures. Portopulmonary hypertension is a relative contraindication to liver transplantation.
A Case of Mistaken Identity: “China Inc.” and Its “Imperialism” in Sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Taylor Ian , Xiao Yuhua
Published: September 2009

The emergence of major Chinese economic and political stakes in Africa is arguably the most important process to have emerged on the African continent since the end of the Cold War. China is now Africa's second most important trading partner, behind the United States but ahead of France and the United Kingdom. Relations are a continuation of Sino‐African historical ties, propelled by China's desire to obtain new sources of raw materials and energy for its ongoing economic growth and new export markets for China‐based producers on the one hand, and African elites' initiatives to find a non‐Western option/leverage on the other hand. However, various commentators have misunderstood the nature of this expansion. It is common for observers to talk of either Chinese “colonization” of Africa, or of “China Inc.'s” venture into Africa. Both views are wide of the mark and reflect an ignorance of the dynamics underpinning the developing relationships between Chinese and African actors.
Examining the Rising Dragon: A Review of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Policy's Articles on China in 2008
Authors: Chen Dongjin
Published: September 2009

China's rise as a global power has sparked worldwide attention. How do foreigners, particularly Americans, perceive today's China? The answer is not simply to label these foreign or “outside” voices as biased or even hostile because it fails to recognize that different opinions exist. By drawing evidence from two top journals in America, Foreign Affairs and Foreign Policy, this article demonstrates that there are different views on China. This article concludes with the implications that stem from this more nuanced understanding.
Analysis of Locally Nonlinear MDOF Systems Using Nonlinear Output Frequency Response Functions
Authors: Peng Z. K. , Lang Z. Q. , Billings S. A.
Published: September 2009

The analysis of multidegree-of-freedom (MDOF) nonlinear systems is studied using the concept of nonlinear output frequency response functions (NOFRFs), which are a series of one-dimensional functions of frequency recently proposed by the authors to facilitate the analysis of nonlinear systems in the frequency domain. By inspecting the relationships between the NOFRFs of two consecutive masses in the locally nonlinear MDOF systems, a series of properties about the NOFRFs of the nonlinear systems are obtained. These properties clearly reveal how the system linear characteristic parameters govern the distribution of nonlinear effects induced by the system nonlinear component within the whole systems. The results obtained in the present work are of significance to the frequency response analysis for nonlinear systems. One important potential application of these results is the detection and location of damages in engineering structures, which make the structures behave nonlinearly.
An Experimental Investigation of the Flow Fields Within Geometrically Similar Miniature-Scale Centrifugal Pumps
Authors: Kearney Daniel , Grimes Ronan , Punch Jeff
Published: September 2009

Flow fields within two miniature-scale centrifugal pumps are measured and analyzed to facilitate an understanding of how scaling influences performance. A full-scale pump, of impeller diameter 34.3 mm and blade height 5 mm, and a half-scale version were fabricated from a transparent material to allow optical access. Synchronized particle-image velocimetry (PIV) was performed within the blade passage of each pump. Pressure-flow characteristics, hydrodynamic efficiencies, and high-resolution flow field measurements are reported for six rotational speeds over a Reynolds number range 706–2355. Fluidic phenomena occurring in the impeller passage at both pressure and suction surfaces are identified. Efficiencies are evaluated from direct measurement to be between 10% and 44% and compared with inner efficiencies calculated from the PIV data. Hydrodynamic losses as a percentage of overall efficiency increase from 12% to 55% for 2355≤Re≤706. Slip factors, in the range 0.92–1.10, have been derived from velocimetry data.
Pressure Fluctuation Prediction of a Model Kaplan Turbine by Unsteady Turbulent Flow Simulation
Authors: Liu Shuhong , Li Shengcai , Wu Yulin
Published: September 2009

While larger and larger turbines are being developed, hydraulic stability has become one of the key issues for their performance assessments. An accurate prediction of their pressure fluctuations is vital to the success of new model development. In this paper, we briefly introduced the method, i.e., the three-dimensional unsteady turbulent flow simulation of the complete flow passage, which we used for predicting the pressure fluctuations of a model Kaplan turbine. In order to verify the prediction, the model turbine was tested on the test rig at the Harbin Electric Machinery Co., Ltd. (HEC), China, which meets all the international standards. Our main findings from this numerical prediction of pressure fluctuations for a model Kaplan turbine are as follows. (1) The approach by using 3D unsteady turbulent flow including rotor-stator interaction for the whole flow passage is a feasible way for predicting model turbine hydraulic instability. The predicted values at different points along its flow passage all agree well with the test data in terms of their frequencies and amplitudes. (2) The low-frequency pressure fluctuation originating from the draft tube is maximal and influences the stability of the turbine operation mostly. The whole flow passage analysis shows that the swirling vortex rope in the draft tube is the major source generating the pressure fluctuations in this model turbine. (3) The second harmonic of the rotational frequency 2fn is more dominant than the blade passing frequency Zfn in the draft tube. This prediction, including the turbulence model, computational methods, and the boundary conditions, is valid either for performance prediction at design stage and/or for operation optimization after commissioning.
Numerical Investigation of Combined Effects of Rarefaction and Compressibility for Gas Flow in Microchannels and Microtubes
Authors: Yan Xiaohong , Wang Qiuwang
Published: September 2009

In this paper, first, the Navier–Stokes equations for incompressible fully developed flow in microchannels and microtubes with the first-order and second-order slip boundary conditions are analytically solved. Then, the compressible Navier–Stokes equations are numerically solved with slip boundary conditions. The numerical methodology is based on the control volume scheme. Numerical results reveal that the compressibility effect increases the velocity gradient near the wall and the friction factor. On the other hand, the increment of velocity gradient near the wall leads to a much larger slip velocity than that for incompressible flow with the same value of Knudsen number and results in a corresponding decrement of friction factor. General correlations for the Poiseuille number (fRe), the Knudsen number (Kn), and the Mach number (Ma) containing the first-order and second-order slip coefficients are proposed. Correlations are validated with available experimental and numerical results.
Experimental Investigation of Vortex-Induced Vibration in One and Two Dimensions With Variable Mass, Damping, and Reynolds Number
Authors: Blevins Robert D. , Coughran Charles S.
Published: September 2009

Measurements are made of vortex-induced vibration of an elastically supported circular cylinder in water with reduced velocity (U/fnD) from 2 to 12, damping factors (ζ) from 0.2% to 40% of critical damping, mass ratios (m/ρD2) from π/2 to π/17, and transverse, inline, and combined inline and transverse motions at Reynolds numbers up to 150,000. Effects of mass, damping, Reynolds number, and strakes on vortex-induced vibration amplitude, frequency, entrainment, and drag are reported.
Weakly Nonlinear Stability Analysis of a Thin Liquid Film With Condensation Effects During Spin Coating
Authors: Chen C. K. , Lin M. C.
Published: September 2009

This paper investigates the stability of a thin liquid film with condensation effects during spin coating. A generalized nonlinear kinematic model is derived by the long-wave perturbation method to represent the physical system. The weakly nonlinear dynamics of a film flow are studied by the multiple scales method. The Ginzburg–Landau equation is determined to discuss the necessary conditions of the various states of the critical flow states, namely, subcritical stability, subcritical instability, supercritical stability, and supercritical explosion. The study reveals that decreasing the rotation number and the radius of the rotating circular disk generally stabilizes the flow.
Respiratory motion correction in gated cardiac SPECT using quaternion‐based, rigid‐body registration
Authors: Parker Jason G. , Mair Bernard A. , Gilland David R.
Published: September 2009

In this article, a new method is introduced for estimating the motion of the heart due to respiration in gated cardiac SPECT using a rigid‐body model with rotation parametrized by a unit quaternion. The method is based on minimizing the sum of squared errors between the reference and the deformed frames resulting from the usual optical flow constraint by using an optimized conjugate gradient routine. This method does not require any user‐defined parameters or penalty terms, which simplifies its use in a clinical setting. Using a mathematical phantom, the method was quantitatively compared to the principal axis method, as well as an iterative method in which the rotation matrix was represented by Euler angles. The quaternion‐based method was shown to be substantially more accurate and robust across a wide range of extramyocardial activity levels than the principal axis method. Compared with the Euler angle representation, the quaternion‐based method resulted in similar accuracy but a significant reduction in computation times. Finally, the quaternion‐based method was investigated using a respiratory‐gated cardiac SPECT acquisition of a human subject. The motion‐corrected image has increased sharpness and myocardial uniformity compared to the uncorrected image.