bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fusion of planning CT and cystoscopy images for bladder tumor delineation: A feasibility study
Authors: Dees‐Ribbers Hermine M. , Pos Floris J. , Betgen Anja , Bex Axel , Hulshof Maarten C. C. M. , Remeijer Peter , van Herk Marcel
Published: April 2013

Purpose:

Bladder tumor delineation and localization during treatment are challenging problems in radiotherapy for bladder cancer. The purpose of this study is to investigate improvement of tumor delineation by the fusion of cystoscopy images with the planning CT‐scan using lipiodol markers injected around the visible tumor during cystoscopy.

Methods:

A registration method was developed for the fusion of cystoscopy images with a planning CT‐scan and was tested on a phantom and retrospectively on the imaging data of four bladder cancer patients. For the patients, small deposits of lipiodol were injected at the visible margin of the tumor or previous transurethral resection site during cystoscopy. These deposits were clearly visible on the planning CT‐scan and served as markers for both tumor delineation and image guidance of the radiotherapy treatment. Here, the markers were used for the registration of cystoscopy images with the planning CT‐scan. The registration procedure works as follows: First, coarse registrations were made to orient the cystoscopy image correctly, using the center of gravity of the markers, the center of the CT bladder, and one of N markers as fiducial points in a point matching procedure. Starting from these N orientations, full registrations are performed taking lens deformation into account. Since a cystoscopy image is 2D, each pixel corresponds to a line‐of‐sight. The distances between the CT markers and the lines‐of‐sight of the cystoscopy markers were minimized. The final cost function (the root mean square distance between corresponding CT markers and lines‐of‐sight) was used to quantify the quality of the registration. The registration with the lowest final cost was considered to represent the correct orientation. The CT‐based tumor delineation was finally backprojected onto the cystoscopy image.

Results:

The fusion of cystoscopy images with a planning CT‐scan succeeded for the phantom and three out of four patients. The fiducial registration error (FRE) for the phantom image registration based on five markers was 1.1 mm, while the target registration error was 1.2–1.7 mm. The FREs for the patient images were 0.1–3.6 mm. The registration procedure failed for one patient, since it was not possible to indicate unambiguously the corresponding lipiodol marker locations in the cystoscopy image and the planning CT‐scan. The difference between the CT and cystoscopy defined tumor outlines clearly exceeded the registration accuracy.

Conclusions:

Registration of cystoscopy images and planning CT‐scan is feasible and allows for improvement of tumor delineation. However, the lipiodol injection protocol needs to be improved to facilitate identification of markers on both cystoscopy images and planning CT‐scans.
Clonal Coexistence in
Daphnia pulex
(Leydig): Another Planktonic Paradox
Authors: Hebert Paul D. N. , Crease Teri J.
Published: April 2013

Allozyme variation is common in populations of
Daphnia pulex
reproducing by obligate parthenogenesis. The genetic diversity within populations results from the coexistence of genetically different clones. Twenty-two clones were recognized in the eleven populations surveyed, of which as many as seven were found in a single habitat.
Histolysis Initiated by “Lymph Gland” Cells of
Drosophila
Authors: Srdić Živko , Reinhardt Christoph
Published: April 2013

In late third-instar larvae and young pupae of
Drosophila hydei
, the "lymph gland" releases cells that migrate through the hemocoel and selectively attach to the basal laminae of transient larval organs. The lymph gland cells contain many inclusions—in particular, dense bodies, which appear to be secreted at the attachment sites. Since this process occurs before histolytic changes become apparent, it is suggested that the lymph gland cells initiate histolysis.
Autoantibodies to β
2
-Adrenergic Receptors: a Possible Cause of Adrenergic Hyporesponsiveness in Allergic Rhinitis and Asthma
Authors: Venter J. Craig , Fraser Claire M. , Harrison Len C.
Published: April 2013

Autoantibodies to β
2
-adrenergic receptors have been identified in the serum of one patient with allergic rhinitis ("hay fever") and two patients with asthma. The antibodies precipitate solubilized dog lung β receptors in an indirect immunoprecipitation assay and inhibit the specific binding of iodine-125-labeled iodohydroxybenzylpindolol to membrane-associated receptors from dog lung, calf lung, and human placenta. Ligand binding to canine heart β
1
receptors is not affected by the antibodies.
Immunohistochemical Localization of Amelogenins in Enameloid of Lower Vertebrate Teeth
Authors: Herold Richard C. , Graver Heber T. , Christner Paul
Published: April 2013

The indirect method of immunofluorescence was used to demonstrate the presence of amelogenins in the enameloid of teeth and dermal denticles of Chondrichthyes; in the enameloid of Teleostei and Amphibia; and in the enamel of Reptilia. Nonmammalian amelogenins are formed in the ectodermal cells of tooth organs and chemically are so similar to mammalian amelogenins that they interact with antiserum prepared from bovine enamel matrix.
α-Lactalbumin-Casein Induction in Virgin Mouse Mammary Explants: Dose-Dependent Differential Action of Cortisol
Authors: Ono Masayoshi , Oka Takami
Published: April 2013

The interplay of insulin, cortisol, and prolactin induces synthesis of casein and α-lactalbumin in cultured mammary explants from mature virgin mice. A striking difference has been found between the optimal concentrations of cortisol required for maximal induction of the two milk proteins in vitro: 3 × 10
-8
molar for α-lactalbumin and 3 × 10
-6
molar for casein. Moreover, 10
-7
to 10
-5
molar cortisol caused progressive inhibition of α-lactalbumin accumulation. Such differential actions of cortisol may partly account for the asynchronous synthesis of the two proteins during pregnancy.
Collagen: Molecular Diversity in the Body's Protein Scaffold
Authors: Eyre David R.
Published: April 2013

Intensive research in the last decade has revealed a wealth of detail on the mechanism of biosynthesis, molecular structure, and covalent cross-linking of collagen. Tissues of higher animals express a family of at least five genetically distinct types of collagen molecule, each apparently tailored for different construction work outside the cell. Within each genetic type of collagen, further chemical heterogeneity is also evident; the variations in hydroxylation, glycosylation, and cross-linking are dependent, for example, on tissue type, age, and hormonal status. The functional significance of collagen's molecular diversity and its control by different cells and tissues are not yet well understood but abnormalities of collagen in many human diseases keep this protein a focal molecule of medical research.
Rate of Acoustic Change May Underlie Hemispheric Specialization for Speech Perception
Authors: Schwartz Joyce , Tallal Paula
Published: April 2013

Phonemically similar syllables, differing only by temporal acoustic cues, were presented dichotically to investigate temporal processing mechanisms in hemispheric specialization for speech. Reducing the rate of acoustic change within syllables while keeping their phonemic characteristics constant significantly decreased the characteristic asymmetry in processing speech.
Rapamycin Prevents Seizures After Depletion of STRADA in a Rare Neurodevelopmental Disorder
Authors: Parker Whitney E. , Orlova Ksenia A. , Parker William H. , Birnbaum Jacqueline F. , Krymskaya Vera P. , Goncharov Dmitry A. , Baybis Marianna , Helfferich Jelte , Okochi Kei , Strauss Kevin A. , Crino Peter B.
Published: April 2013

Blocking mTORC1 rescues the neural progenitor cell migratory defect caused by depletion of the STRADA pseudokinase and reduces seizures in patients with a rare neurodevelopmental disorder.
Progesterone/RANKL Is a Major Regulatory Axis in the Human Breast
Authors: Tanos Tamara , Sflomos George , Echeverria Pablo C. , Ayyanan Ayyakkannu , Gutierrez Maria , Delaloye Jean-Francois , Raffoul Wassim , Fiche Maryse , Dougall William , Schneider Pascal , Yalcin-Ozuysal Ozden , Brisken Cathrin
Published: April 2013

Ex vivo model identifies the progesterone/RANKL axis as an important proliferative stimulus in the human breast.
Prezygotic and Postzygotic Control of Uniparental Mitochondrial DNA Inheritance in Cryptococcus neoformans
Authors: Gyawali Rachana , Lin Xiaorong
Published: April 2013

Uniparental inheritance of mitochondrial DNA is pervasive in nonisogamic higher eukaryotes during sexual reproduction, and postzygotic and/or prezygotic factors are shown to be important in ensuring such an inheritance pattern. Although the fungus
Cryptococcus neoformans
undergoes sexual production with isogamic partners of opposite mating types
a
and α, most progeny derived from such mating events inherit the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) from the
a
parent. The homeodomain protein complex Sxi1α/Sxi2
a
, formed in the zygote after
a-
α cell fusion, was previously shown to play a role in this uniparental mtDNA inheritance. Here, we defined the timing of the establishment of the mtDNA inheritance pattern during the mating process and demonstrated a critical role in determining the mtDNA inheritance pattern by a prezygotic factor, Mat2. Mat2 is the key transcription factor that governs the pheromone sensing and response pathway, and it is critical for the early mating events that lead to cell fusion and zygote formation. We show that Mat2 governs mtDNA inheritance independently of the postzygotic factors Sxi1α/Sxi2
a
, and the cooperation between these prezygotic and postzygotic factors helps to achieve stricter uniparental mitochondrial inheritance in this eukaryotic microbe.

IMPORTANCE
Mitochondrial DNA is inherited uniparentally from the maternal parent in the majority of eukaryotes. Studies done on higher eukaryotes such as mammals have shown that the transmission of parental mitochondrial DNA is controlled at both the prefertilization and postfertilization stages to achieve strict uniparental inheritance. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying such uniparental mitochondrial inheritance have been investigated in detail mostly in anisogamic multicellular eukaryotes. Here, we show that in a simple isogamic microbe,
Cryptococcus neoformans
, the mitochondrial inheritance is controlled at the prezygotic level as well as the postzygotic level by regulators that are critical for sexual development. Furthermore, the cooperation between these two levels of control ensures stricter uniparental mitochondrial inheritance, echoing what has been observed in higher eukaryotes. Thus, the investigation of uniparental mitochondrial inheritance in this eukaryotic microbe could help advance our understanding of the convergent evolution of this widespread phenomenon in the eukaryotic domain.
Metastatic small-cell lung cancer presenting as fulminant hepatic failure
Authors: Ke Elaine , Gomez Juan Diego Ortiz , Tang Kevin , Sriram Krishna B
Published: April 2013

We report a case of a 75-year-old woman with fulminant hepatic failure due to metastatic small-cell lung cancer (SCLC). The patient was hospitalised for the management of rapidly progressive hepatic failure. Thoracic radiology identified a widened mediastinum, and prior to hospitalisation she had received antibiotics for a urinary tract infection. Consequently, her hepatic failure was deemed to be due to either sarcoidosis with hepatic involvement or an antibiotic-related adverse event and was treated with prednisolone. However, the patient's clinical condition continued to deteriorate and a liver biopsy was obtained. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry tests demonstrated almost complete parenchymal replacement with metastatic SCLC. The patient was considered to be too unwell to receive chemotherapy and hence received best supportive care instead, and died shortly thereafter.
A case of misconstrue proptosis
Authors: Chiam Patrick J T , Ho Vivian W-M , Hubbard Alan D , Weerasinghe Suboda
Published: April 2013

This case illustrates an overlooked metastatic lung carcinoma to the orbit. The rapid onset of symptoms and oedema mimicked a cellulitis. The patient was initially treated with a broad-spectrum topical and intravenous antibiotic therapy. The white blood cell count (WBC) and C reactive protein (CRP) were normal. Compressive optic neuropathy and serous retinal detachment ensued. The initial chest x-ray revealed lung shadows; however, this was not reviewed. Eventually, CT of the chest was organised and showed a lung mass. The management of such a case remains a challenge for the uninitiated, and high index of suspicion is required to ensure early appropriate management. Despite complete resolution of the swelling with sequential chemotherapy (cisplatin and etoposide) and radiotherapy, the visual prognosis remained grim.
Unravelling the Gordian knot: diagnostic dilemma in an HIV-positive patient with neurological involvement
Authors: Chakraborty Avirup , Siddhanta Sattik , Bhattacharyya Kuntal , Das Amit , Banerjee Siwalik , Sarkar Rathindra Nath , Datta Utpal Kumar , Chakraborty Nilanjan
Published: April 2013

We report a case of a 40-year-old seropositive-HIV patient with a CD4 count of 120 who presented with fever, severe headache and neck stiffness. Suspecting a case of tubercular meningitis (TBM; as tuberculosis is the commonest opportunistic infection in HIV/AIDS patients in India), a lumbar puncture was performed and a cerebrospinal fluid study revealed TBM. The patient was started on combination antitubercular drug therapy from directly observed treatment, short course (DOTS) (Cat 1 regimen) along with pyridoxine 40 mg/day and adjunctive corticosteroid therapy. However, despite adequate antitubercular therapy for 4 weeks, the patient did not show any improvement in his clinical condition. On the contrary, in the process he developed cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis. So we question our learned readers if the coinfection ofMycobacterium tuberculosisand CMV should be implicated for the failure to respond to isolated antitubercular therapy contrary to our expectation.
An 11-year-old boy with pharyngitis and cough: Lemierre syndrome
Authors: Mação Patricia , Cancelinha Candida , Lopes Paulo , Rodrigues Fernanda
Published: April 2013

The authors present the case of an 11-year-old boy with pharyngitis, treated with amoxicillin, that worsened on day 7, with cough, high fever and refusal to eat. Lethargy and respiratory distress were noted. Based on radiographic findings of bilateral infiltrates he was diagnosed with pneumonia and started on intravenous ampicillin and erythromycin. Two days later he complained of right-sided neck pain and a palpable mass was identified. An ultrasound showed partial thrombosis of the right internal jugular vein and a lung CT scan revealed multiple septic embolic lesions. Lemierre syndrome was diagnosed, antibiotic treatment adjusted and anticoagulation started. A neck CT-scan showed a large parapharyngeal abscess. His clinical condition improved gradually and after 3 weeks of intravenous antibiotics he was discharged home on oral treatment. This case illustrates the importance of diagnosing Lemierre syndrome in the presence of pharyngitis with localised neck pain and respiratory distress, to prevent potentially fatal complications.
Phenytoin-induced gingival enlargement: a dental awakening for patients with epilepsy
Authors: Mohan Ravi Prakah Sasankoti , Rastogi Khushboo , Bhushan Rajarshi , Verma Sankalp
Published: April 2013

Drug-induced gingival enlargement is the term now used to describe medication-related gingival hypertrophy or hyperplasia, a condition commonly induced by three main classes of drugs: anticonvulsants, antihypertensive calcium channel blockers and the immunosuppressant cyclosporine. The pathogenesis of drug-induced gingival enlargement is uncertain and there appears to be no unifying hypothesis that links together the three commonly implicated drugs. Phenytoin-induced gingival overgrowth is a well known and frequently reported gingival lesion, which was first detected in 1939. This case report consists of phenytoin usage, duration and poor oral hygiene.
Diaphragmatic hernia: an unusual presentation
Authors: Shah Neha , Fernandes Roland , Thakrar Amit , Rozati Hamoun
Published: April 2013

A 53-year-old lady presented to A&E with a 3-day history of severe epigastric pain and vomiting. This was preceded by a 3-month history of generalised abdominal discomfort, early satiety and increasing shortness of breath. A CT scan showed a left-sided posterior diaphragmatic defect. Urgent repair of the hernia showed herniation of three-quarter of the stomach, half of the transverse colon, the 13 cm spleen and the pancreas in the chest. There were no postoperative complications. Traumatic diaphragmatic hernias are known to be a complication of major trauma. However, the patient in this case report presented acutely, after mild physical trauma related to using a rowing machine. This exercise, when not performed correctly can raise intra-abdominal pressure. It is plausible that this trauma, although mild, was sufficient in causing the lady's diaphragmatic hernia. This case would suggest that the trauma required to cause a diaphragmatic hernia need not be as severe as originally thought.
Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis: a rare cause of dysphagia and dysphonia
Authors: Fox Thomas Peter , Desai Mihir Kumar , Cavenagh Tom , Mew Edward
Published: April 2013

This article reports on the case of a 63-year-old Jamaican man who presented with progressive dysphagia and dysphonia. CT was able to visualise several large anterior cervical osteophytes, which were protruding into soft tissue structures such as the pharynx and oesophagus. Surgical removal of C3–C6 was undertaken but severe damage to local structures had already occurred. The patient remained nil by mouth and had a percutaneous gastrostomy feeding tube for means of nutrition. Four months later, despite the removal of the osteophytes, videofluoroscopy demonstrated that the patients swallow remained unsafe. The patient suffered three episodes of aspiration pneumonia and although their speech improved, they remain nil by mouth at the time of going to publication.
Cervico-oculo-acoustic (Wildervanck) syndrome: clinicoradiological findings
Authors: Rihani Farouk Bassam
Published: April 2013

We describe a girl presented with facial asymmetry and oral mucosal cleft and with further investigations other anomalies were found including hearing loss, Duane syndrome, Klippel-Feil anomaly, Chiari malformation and accessory bone mass in mandibular ramus leading to the clinical diagnosis of cervico-oculo-acoustic (Wildervanck) syndrome (COAS). The patient underwent surgical occipital decompression by preforming suboccipital craniectomy and C1 posterior laminectomy to relieve the cerebellar tonsillar herniation. Surgical removal of mandibular bony mass was done and the patient is now under orthodontic treatment to correct facial asymmetry and malocclusion.
Retroperitoneal amyloidosis as the presenting manifestation of Waldenstrom's macroglobulinaemia
Authors: Franco-Palacios Domingo , Tama Maher , Samaddar Suprotim , Yang Jay
Published: April 2013

Retroperitoneal amyloidosis has been described in a few case reports and is typically a secondary manifestation of inflammation or malignancy. We present the case of a 69-year-old man who presented with a large pleural effusion and an incidental retroperitoneal mass in the CT imaging. Further investigation confirmed the diagnosis of amyloid amyloidosis involving the retroperitoneum as well as a concurrent Waldenstrom's macroglobulinaemia. Chemotherapy consistent of drugs active against both the lymphoid and plasma cell components of the disease is the proposed therapy for Waldenstrom's macroglobulinaemia in those patients amenable to receive chemotherapy and can make a difference in the survival.
Multiple idiopathic apical root resorption
Authors: Kanungo Manish , Khandelwal Vishal , Nayak Ullal Anand , Nayak Prathibha Anand
Published: April 2013

Idiopathic external root resorption is a rarely reported condition which has been observed in single or multiple teeth. This is a rare case of multiple idiopathic apical root resorption (MIARR) in a 16-year-old boy. External root resorption of the permanent teeth is a multifactorial process. Well-recognised causes of apical root resorption in permanent teeth include orthodontic therapy, trauma, periapical or periodontal inflammation, tumours, cysts, occlusal stresses, impacted teeth, systemic conditions, endocrine imbalances and dietary habits. When none of these causes are present, it is termed idiopathic root resorption which may be either cervical or apical. MIARR is a rare condition which is usually detected as an incidental radiographic finding. However, it may cause pain and mobility in severe cases.
The evaluation and management of acute concussion differs in young children
Authors: Davis Gavin A , Purcell Laura K
Published: April 2013

Background

There are many reasons why concussion in children needs to be considered different from adults. The Zurich (2008) recommendations on the management of concussion in children are restricted to children less than to 10 years of age. It does not include recommendations for children aged 5–10 years. The aim of this study is to review the current literature on (1) concussion assessment at the sideline and during recovery stages, especially in the age group 5–15 years, and (2) the management of concussion in children and adolescents.

Methods

A literature review using the MEDLINE database was undertaken. Articles were selected that included evaluation and/or management in children aged 5–15 years.

Results

There are no sideline assessment tools validated for use in this age group. There are a number of different symptom scales that have been validated during different stages of the follow-up assessment in children. No single paediatric concussion assessment tool has been validated for use from sideline through to all stages of recovery. Reliability studies have been published on Balance Error Scoring System in children, but validity studies in this age group have not been published. The management of concussion includes withdrawal from play on the day and cognitive and physical rest. The priority of concussion management in children is to return to learn; while this is usually rapid, there are some children in whom a graduated return to school is required, which should include a number of accommodations.

Conclusions

A young child is physically, cognitively and emotionally very different from adults, and requires the use of a different set of tools for the diagnosis, recovery-assessment and management of concussion. Age-specific, validated diagnostic tools are required, and management of concussion in children should focus attention on return to learn before considering return to play.
Risk of childhood injuries after prenatal exposure to maternal bereavement: a Danish National Cohort Study
Authors: Virk Jasveer , Li Jiong , Lauritsen Jens , Olsen Jørn
Published: April 2013

Objectives

The aim of this study was to assess the risk of injuries among children exposed to a stressful life exposure (defined as bereavement) before conception or during fetal life.

Design

Population-based cohort study.

Setting

Denmark.

Participants

All singleton births in Denmark between 1 January 1995 and 31 December 2006 were identified. These newborns were then linked to mothers, fathers, grandparents and siblings using individually assigned civil personal registration numbers.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

We identified that data on childhood injuries were obtained from the Danish National Patient Registry, which contains data on all hospital stays and outpatient visits. Incidence rate ratios (IRRs) were estimated from birth using log-linear Poisson regression models, and person-years were used as the offset variable. Age, residence, calendar period, maternal education, maternal income and parental-cohabitation status are treated as time-dependent variables (records were extracted from the offspring's birth year).

Results

Exposure to maternal bereavement due to a father's death had the strongest association with childhood injuries, especially when the cause of death was due to a traumatic event (adjusted estimates of IRR (aIRR): 1.25, 95%CI: 0.99 to 1.58). We did not find an association for childhood injuries and maternal bereavement due to grandparent's death, and we only found an association for sibling death when restricting to deaths due to traumatic events (aIRR: 1.20, 95%CI:1.03 to 1.39).

Conclusions

The aetiology of childhood injuries is complex and may be related to events that take place during prenatal life. This study suggests that exposure to a stressful life event during gestation may be linked to injury susceptibility in childhood. However, changes in postnatal family conditions related to loss or genetic factors may also play a role.

Background

Developmental plasticity related to early life exposures leading to disease programming in offspring is a theory with substantial theoretical and empirical support. Prenatal stress exposure has been linked to neurological outcomes, such as temperament, behavioural problems, cognitive function and affective disorders. If exposure modifies risk-seeking behaviour, perceived danger and reaction time, it is also expected to modify injury risk.
Association of aneurysms and variation of the A1 segment
Authors: Krasny A , Nensa F , Sandalcioglu I E , Göricke S L , Wanke I , Gramsch C , Sirin S , Oezkan N , Sure U , Schlamann M
Published: April 2013

Background and purpose

Previous studies have described a correlation between variants of the circle of Willis and pathological findings, such as cerebrovascular diseases. Moreover, anatomic variations of the anterior cerebral artery (ACA) seem to correspond to the prevalence of aneurysms in the anterior communicating artery (ACoA). The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of aneurysms in patients with anatomical/morphological variations of the circle of Willis.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 223 patients who underwent cerebral angiography between January 2002 and December 2010 for aneurysm of the ACoA. Diagnostic imaging was reviewed and statistically evaluated to detect circle of Willis anomalies, aneurysm size, and rupture. 204 patients with an unrelated diagnosis served as the control group.

Results

Variations of the A1 segment occurred significantly more frequently in the aneurysm group than in the control group. Mean aneurysm size in patients with grades I and III hypoplasia or aplasia was 6.58 mm whereas in patients with grade II hypoplasia it was 7.76 mm.

Conclusions

We found that variations in the A1 segment of the ACAs are correlated with a higher prevalence of ACoA aneurysms compared with patients with a symmetric circle of Willis.
Farm animal practitioners' views on their use and expectations of veterinary diagnostic laboratories
Authors: Robinson P. A. , Epperson W. B.
Published: April 2013

Diagnostic sampling of farm animals by private veterinary practitioners can be an important contributing factor towards the discovery of emerging and exotic diseases. This focus group study of farm animal practitioners in Northern Ireland investigated their use and expectations of diagnostic veterinary laboratories, and elicited their opinions on the role of the private practitioner in veterinary surveillance and the protection of rural public health. The veterinarians were enthusiastic users of diagnostic laboratories, and regarded their own role in surveillance as pivotal. They attached great importance to their veterinary public health duties, and called for more collaboration with their medical general practitioner counterparts. The findings of this research can be used to guide future development of veterinary diagnostic services; provide further insights into the mechanics of scanning surveillance; and measure progress towards a ‘One Health’ approach between veterinarians and physicians in one geographical region of the UK.
The ergogenic effect of beta-alanine combined with sodium bicarbonate on high-intensity swimming performance
Authors: de Salles Painelli Vitor , Roschel Hamilton , de Jesus Flávia , Sale Craig , Harris Roger Charles , Solis Marina Yázigi , Benatti Fabiana Braga , Gualano Bruno , Lancha Antonio Herbert , Artioli Guilherme Giannini
Published: April 2013

We investigated the effect of beta-alanine (BA) alone (study A) and in combination with sodium bicarbonate (SB) (study B) on 100- and 200-m swimming performance. In study A, 16 swimmers were assigned to receive either BA (3.2 g·day−1for 1 week and 6.4 g·day−1for 4 weeks) or placebo (PL; dextrose). At baseline and after 5 weeks of supplementation, 100- and 200-m races were completed. In study B, 14 were assigned to receive either BA (3.2 g·day−1for 1 week and 6.4 g·day−1for 3 weeks) or PL. Time trials were performed once before and twice after supplementation (with PL and SB), in a crossover fashion, providing 4 conditions: PL-PL, PL-SB, BA-PL, and BA-SB. In study A, BA supplementation improved 100- and 200-m time-trial performance by 2.1% (p = 0.029) and 2.0% (p = 0.0008), respectively. In study B, 200-m time-trial performance improved in all conditions, compared with presupplementation, except the PL-PL condition (PL-SB, +2.3%; BA-PL, +1.5%; BA-SB, +2.13% (p < 0.05)). BA-SB was not different from BA-PL (p = 0.21), but the probability of a positive effect was 78.5%. In the 100-m time-trial, only a within-group effect for SB was observed in the PL-SB (p = 0.022) and BA-SB (p = 0.051) conditions. However, 6 of 7 athletes swam faster after BA supplementation. The probability of BA having a positive effect was 65.2%; when SB was added to BA, the probability was 71.8%. BA and SB supplementation improved 100- and 200-m swimming performance. The coingestion of BA and SB induced a further nonsignificant improvement in performance.
Compatibility analysis of macroscopic and microscopic traffic simulation modeling
Authors: Yin Derek , Qiu Tony Z.
Published: April 2013

To implement model predictive traffic control to reduce congestion, traffic state variables such as flow, speed, and density need to be accurately predicted with real-time measurements. To evaluate the accuracy of online prediction of a macroscopic traffic model, this paper compares the predicted flow, density, and speed from a macroscopic simulation model with those from a microscopic simulation model, using METANET and VISSIM respectively, on a section of urban freeway. Three levels of traffic demands and seven different time step lengths in macroscopic simulation were applied to evaluate the compatibility of the two models. It was concluded that in the macroscopic simulation model there exists an optimum time step length, under moderate to heavy traffic demands the predicted traffic states from the macroscopic simulation are consistent with the outputs from the microscopic simulation, and under stop-and-go traffic states significant difference exists between the two models.
Cardiac structure/function, protein expression, and DNA methylation are changed in adult female mice exposed to diethylstilbestrol in utero
Authors: Haddad Rami , Kasneci Amanda , Sebag Igal A. , Chalifour Lorraine E.
Published: April 2013

The detrimental effects of in utero exposure to the non-steroidal estrogen diethylstilbestrol (DES) are particularly marked in women. Fetal hearts express estrogen receptors, making them potentially responsive to DES. To examine whether gestational exposure to DES would impact the heart, we exposed pregnant C57bl/6n dams to DES (0.1, 1.0, and 10.0 μg·(kg body mass)−1·day−1) on gestation days 11.5–14.5, and examined the measured cardiac structure/function and calcium homeostasis protein expression in adult females. At baseline, echocardiography revealed eccentric hypertrophy in mice treated with 10.0 μg·(kg body mass)−1·day−1 DES, and immunoblots showed increased SERCA2a in all DES-treated mice. Mice were swim-trained to assess cardiac remodeling. Swim-trained vehicle-treated mice developed eccentric hypertrophy without changing SERCA2 or calsequestrin 2 expression. In contrast, no DES-treated mice hypertrophied, and all increased in SERCA2a and calsequestrin 2 expression after training. To determine whether DES-induced changes in DNA methylation is part of the mechanism for its long-term effects, we measured DNA methyltransferase expression and DNA methylation. Global DNA methylation and DNA methyltransferase 3a expression were unchanged. However, DES-treated mice had increased DNA methylation in the calsequestrin 2 promoter. Thus, gestational exposure to DES altered female ventricular DNA, cardiac structure/function, and calcium homeostasis protein expression. We conclude that gestational exposure to estrogenizing compounds may impact cardiac structure/function in adult females.
STUDY OF PHYSICAL PARAMETERS ON THE PROPERTIES OF PHONONIC BAND GAPS
Authors: ALY ARAFA H. , MEHANEY AHMED , ABDEL-RAHMAN EHAB
Published: April 2013

In this work, we have introduced a comprehensive study concerning with the effects of some physical parameters on the dispersive properties of 1D phononic crystal (PnC). We have treated the propagation of elastic (in-plane) waves incident normally on 1D PnC. Based on the transfer matrix method, the reflection coefficients are calculated and plotted for the plane waves. We have studied many physical parameters effects on the properties of PnCs such as type of surrounding material, type of composites materials, temperature and propagation of waves in defect structures. Also the phenomenon of local resonance was discussed in this survey. These results can be useful in many applications such as sound suppressions and temperature sensor materials.
RECALCULATION OF THE LOADS CURRENT OF ACTIVE MULTI-PORT NETWORKS ON THE BASIS OF PROJECTIVE GEOMETRY
Authors: PENIN A. A.
Published: April 2013

For an active multi-port network of a direct current, as a model of a power supply system, the problem of recalculation of the changeable loads currents is considered. The approach on the basis of projective geometry is used for interpretation of changes or "kinematics" of regime parameters of a circuit. The changes of the regime parameters are introduced otherwise, through the cross ratio of four points with use of projective coordinates. Easy-to-use formulas of the recalculation of the currents, which possess the group properties at change of conductivity of the loads, are obtained. It allows expressing the final values of the currents through the intermediate changes of the currents and conductivities. Disadvantages of the traditional approach, which uses the changes of resistance in the form of increments, are shown. The given approach is applicable to the analysis of "flowed" form processes of the various physical natures.
NUMERICAL SOLUTIONS OF IDEAL TWO-FLUID TRANSVERSE EQUATIONS VERY CLOSED TO THE EVENT HORIZON OF SCHWARZSCHILD–ANTI-DE SITTER BLACK HOLE
Authors: ATIQUR RAHMAN M.
Published: April 2013

The 3 + 1 formalism of Thorne and MacDonald has been used to derive the linear two-fluid equations for transverse waves in the plasma closed to the Schwarzschild–anti-de Sitter (SAdS) black hole. We reformulate the relativistic two-fluid equations to take account of gravitational effects due to the event horizon and negative cosmological constant and describe the set of simultaneous linear equations for the perturbations. Using a local approximation, we investigate the one-dimensional radial propagation of Alfvén and high frequency electromagnetic waves. We derive the dispersion relation for these waves and solve it for the wave number k numerically.
SEMI-MARKOV EMBEDDABLE RELIABILITY STRUCTURES AND APPLICATIONS TO LOAD-SHARING k-OUT-OF-n SYSTEMS
Authors: HELLMICH MARIO
Published: April 2013

This paper deals with the application of nonhomogeneous semi-Markov processes in reliability modeling. The notion of a semi-Markov embeddable reliability structure is introduced and discussed. As an example, load-sharing k-out-of-n : G systems of equal components with arbitrary life distributions under the equal load-sharing rule are treated in the context of semi-Markov embeddable systems. Besides some discussion about load-life models, the case of repairable components is to some extent treated as well.
MULTI-OBJECTIVE OPTIMIZATION OF A GLASS FIBER CUTTING PROCESS BY APPLYING THE FUZZY-BASED TAGUCHI METHOD
Authors: YANG CHAO-LIEH , YU KUN-TZU
Published: April 2013

This paper presents a new approach to optimizing the cutting glass fiber with multiple performance characteristics, based on reliability analysis, Taguchi, and fuzzy logic. The speed, volume, and cutting load parameters were optimized during the cutting process with the application of the Weibull modulus to the blade wear. In this study, optimization with multiple performance characteristics was found to be the highest cutting speed and smallest cutting volume, and highest cutting load. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) of the multiple performance characteristic indicates that the cutting speed (37.22%), the cutting volume (26.74%), and the cutting load (20.50%) are the crucial parameters in the cutting process of glass fibers. In summary, the optimal cutting parameter should be A3B1C2. The experimental results are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach.
Approaches and Challenges in Fostering Growth and Reducing Poverty and Inequality in ASEAN Plus Three
Authors: TAN Meng Wah
Published: April 2013

This paper outlines the conceptual differences of the various frameworks adopted by governments and global institutions since the 1950s to help developing countries generate growth and reduce both poverty and inequality. It also discusses the inadequacies of the Pro-Poor Growth and the Inclusive Growth frameworks before positing that the two are in fact not mutually exclusive and both serve a purpose to a country during different stages of economic development.
Doswelliidae: a clade of unusual armoured archosauriforms from the Middle and Late Triassic
Authors: Sues Hans-Dieter , Desojo Julia B. , Ezcurra Martín D.
Published: April 2013

Doswelliidae is a clade of armoured non-archosaurian archosauriform reptiles more closely related to Archosauria than are Proterosuchidae, Erythrosuchidae and possibly
Euparkeria capensis
. It is currently known from the late Middle Triassic (Ladinian) of Germany, the late Middle to early Late Triassic (Ladinian–Carnian) of Argentina and Brazil, and the Late Triassic (Carnian–Norian) of the USA. To date, two unambiguous synapomorphies diagnose Doswelliidae: (i) osteoderm ornamentation coarse, incised, and composed of central regular pits of subequal size and shape, and (ii) osteoderms with anterior articular lamina. Five taxa are currently recognized:
Archeopelta arborensis
,
Doswellia kaltenbachi
,
Doswellia sixmilensis, Tarjadia ruthae
and a new taxon from Germany. Based on skeletal features and occurrence, doswelliid archosauriforms may have had a semi-aquatic mode of life.
Nucleus accumbens GLP-1 receptors influence meal size and palatability
Authors: Dossat Amanda M. , Diaz Ryan , Gallo Lindsay , Panagos Alyssa , Kay Kristen , Williams Diana L.
Published: April 2013

Recent evidence suggests that the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) neuronal projection to the nucleus accumbens core (NAcC) contributes to food intake control. To investigate the role of endogenous stimulation of GLP-1 receptors (GLP-1R) in NAcC, we examined the effects of the GLP-1R antagonist exendin-(9–39) (Ex9) on meal pattern and microstructure of ingestive behavior in rats. Intra-NAcC Ex9 treatment selectively increased meal size relative to vehicle in rats consuming 0.25 M sucrose solution or sweetened condensed milk. Microstructural analysis revealed effects of NAcC Ex9 on initial lick rate and the size and duration of licking bursts in rats consuming 0.1 or 0.25 M sucrose, suggesting that blockade of NAcC GLP-1R increases palatability. Because NAcC Ex9 did not affect licking for nonnutritive saccharin (0.1%), we suggest that the presence of nutrients in the gut may be required for endogenous stimulation of NAcC GLP-1R. Consistent with this, we also found that the meal size-suppressive effects of intragastric nutrient infusion were attenuated by NAcC delivery of Ex9 at a dose that had no effect when delivered alone. Analysis of licking patterns revealed that NAcC Ex9 did not reverse intragastric nutrient-induced suppression of burst number but rather blunted the effect of nutrient infusion on meal size primarily by increasing the size and duration of licking bursts. Together, our results suggest that NAcC Ex9 influences taste evaluation. We conclude that GLP-1 released in NAcC in response to gastrointestinal nutrients reduces the hedonic value of food.
Alterations in glutamine metabolism and its conversion to citrulline in sepsis
Authors: Kao Christina , Hsu Jean , Bandi Venkata , Jahoor Farook
Published: April 2013

In enterocytes, glutamine serves as the major source of energy; another metabolic fate of glutamine is conversion to citrulline. Because sepsis can affect gut function and integrity, alterations in glutamine metabolism may exist and lead to decreased citrulline production. This study aimed to investigate how sepsis affects glutamine metabolism, including its conversion to citrulline, by measuring glutamine and citrulline flux, fractional splanchnic extraction of glutamine and leucine, and the contribution of glutamine nitrogen to citrulline in septic patients and healthy controls. Eight patients with severe sepsis and 10 healthy controls were given primed, constant intravenous infusion of [2H2]citrulline and sequential administration of intravenous and enteral [α-15N]glutamine and [13C]leucine in the postabsorptive state. The results showed that, compared with healthy controls, septic patients had a significantly lower whole body citrulline flux and plasma concentration, higher endogenous leucine flux, and higher glutamine clearance. Fractional splanchnic extraction of leucine was higher in septic patients than in controls, but fractional extraction of glutamine was not different. The majority of the 15N label transferred from glutamine to citrulline was found at the α-position. These results demonstrate that lower glutamine plasma concentrations in sepsis were a result of increased glutamine clearance. Despite adequate splanchnic uptake of glutamine, there is decreased production of citrulline, suggesting a defect in the metabolic conversion of glutamine to citrulline, decreased uptake of glutamine by the enterocyte but increased uptake by the liver, and/or shunting of glutamine to other metabolic pathways.
Transfer Function Analysis of Respiratory and Cardiac Pulsations in Human Brain Observed on Dynamic Magnetic Resonance Images
Authors: Kao Yi-Hsuan , Guo Wan-Yuo , Liou Adrain Jy-Kang , Chen Ting-Yi , Huang Chau-Chiun , Chou Chih-Che , Lirng Jiing-Feng
Published: April 2013

Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging provides a noninvasive,in vivoimaging technique for studying respiratory and cardiac pulsations in human brains, because these pulsations can be recorded as flow-related enhancement on dynamic MR images. By applying independent component analysis to dynamic MR images, respiratory and cardiac pulsations were observed. Using the signal-time curves of these pulsations as reference functions, the magnitude and phase of the transfer function were calculated on a pixel-by-pixel basis. The calculated magnitude and phase represented the amplitude change and temporal delay at each pixel as compared with the reference functions. In the transfer function analysis, near constant phases were found at the respiratory and cardiac frequency bands, indicating the existence of phase delay relative to the reference functions. In analyzing the dynamic MR images using the transfer function analysis, we found the following: (1) a good delineation of temporal delay of these pulsations can be achieved; (2) respiratory pulsation exists in the ventricular and cortical cerebrospinal fluid; (3) cardiac pulsation exists in the ventricular cerebrospinal fluid and intracranial vessels; and (4) a 180-degree phase delay or inverted amplitude is observed on phase images.
Carcass Fungistasis of the Burying BeetleNicrophorus nepalensisHope (Coleoptera: Silphidae)
Authors: Hwang Wenbe , Lin Hsiu-Mei
Published: April 2013

Our study investigated the fungistatic effects of the anal secretions ofNicrophorus nepalensisHope on mouse carcasses. The diversity of fungi on carcasses was investigated in five different experimental conditions that corresponded to stages of the burial process. The inhibition of fungal growth on carcasses that were treated by mature beetles before burial was lost when identically treated carcasses were washed with distilled water. Compared with control carcasses, carcasses that were prepared, buried, and subsequently guarded by mature breeding pairs of beetles exhibited the greatest inhibition of fungal growth. No significant difference in fungistasis was observed between the 3.5 g and the 18 to 22 g guarded carcasses. We used the growth of the predominant species of fungi on the control carcasses,Trichodermasp., as a biological indicator to examine differences in the fungistatic efficiency of anal secretions between sexually mature and immature adults and between genders. The anal secretions of sexually mature beetles inhibited the growth ofTrichodermasp., whereas the secretions of immature beetles did not. The secretions of sexually mature females displayed significantly greater inhibition of the growth ofTrichodermasp. than those of sexually mature males, possibly reflecting a division of labor in burying beetle reproduction.
Delayed Feedback Control and Bifurcation Analysis of an Autonomy System
Authors: Wang Zhen , Zhao Huitao , Kong Xiangyu
Published: April 2013

An autonomy system with time-delayed feedback is studied by using the theory of functional differential equation and Hassard’s method; the conditions on which zero equilibrium exists and Hopf bifurcation occurs are given, the qualities of the Hopf bifurcation are also studied. Finally, several numerical simulations are given; which indicate that when the delay passes through certain critical values, chaotic oscillation is converted into a stable state or a stable periodic orbit.
Diabetic Neuropathy and Oxidative Stress: Therapeutic Perspectives
Authors: Hosseini Asieh , Abdollahi Mohammad
Published: April 2013

Diabetic neuropathy (DN) is a widespread disabling disorder comprising peripheral nerves' damage. DN develops on a background of hyperglycemia and an entangled metabolic imbalance, mainly oxidative stress. The majority of related pathways like polyol, advanced glycation end products, poly-ADP-ribose polymerase, hexosamine, and protein kinase c all originated from initial oxidative stress. To date, no absolute cure for DN has been defined; although some drugs are conventionally used, much more can be found if all pathophysiological links with oxidative stress would be taken into account. In this paper, although current therapies for DN have been reviewed, we have mainly focused on the links between DN and oxidative stress and therapies on the horizon, such as inhibitors of protein kinase C, aldose reductase, and advanced glycation. With reference to oxidative stress and the related pathways, the following new drugs are under study such as taurine, acetyl-L-carnitine, alpha lipoic acid, protein kinase C inhibitor (ruboxistaurin), aldose reductase inhibitors (fidarestat, epalrestat, ranirestat), advanced glycation end product inhibitors (benfotiamine, aspirin, aminoguanidine), the hexosamine pathway inhibitor (benfotiamine), inhibitor of poly ADP-ribose polymerase (nicotinamide), and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (trandolapril). The development of modern drugs to treat DN is a real challenge and needs intensive long-term comparative trials.