bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A systematic review of post‐extractional alveolar hard and soft tissue dimensional changes in humans
Authors: Tan Wah Lay , Wong Terry L. T. , Wong May C. M. , Lang Niklaus P.
Published: December 2011

Background

Removal of teeth results in both horizontal and vertical changes of hard and soft tissue dimensions. The magnitude of these changes is important for decision‐making and comprehensive treatment planning, with provisions for possible solutions to expected complications during prosthetic rehabilitation.

Objectives

To review all English dental literature to assess the magnitude of dimensional changes of both the hard and soft tissues of the alveolar ridge up to 12 months following tooth extraction in humans.

Methods

An electronic MEDLINE and CENTRAL search complemented by manual searching was conducted to identify randomized controlled clinical trials and prospective cohort studies on hard and soft tissue dimensional changes after tooth extraction. Only studies reporting on undisturbed post‐extraction dimensional changes relative to a fixed reference point over a clearly stated time period were included. Assessment of the identified studies and data extraction was performed independently by two reviewers. Data collected were reported by descriptive methods. Weighted means and percentages of the dimensional changes over time were calculated where appropriate.

Results

The search provided 3954 titles and 238 abstracts. Full text analysis was performed for 104 articles resulting in 20 studies that met the inclusion criteria. In human hard tissue, horizontal dimensional reduction (3.79 ± 0.23 mm) was more than vertical reduction (1.24 ± 0.11 mm on buccal, 0.84 ± 0.62 mm on mesial and 0.80 ± 0.71 mm on distal sites) at 6 months. Percentage vertical dimensional change was 11–22% at 6 months. Percentage horizontal dimensional change was 32% at 3 months, and 29–63% at 6–7 months. Soft tissue changes demonstrated 0.4–0.5 mm gain of thickness at 6 months on the buccal and lingual aspects. Horizontal dimensional changes of hard and soft tissue (loss of 0.1–6.1 mm) was more substantial than vertical change (loss 0.9 mm to gain 0.4 mm) during observation periods of up to 12 months, when study casts were utilized as a means of documenting the changes.

Conclusions

Human re‐entry studies showed horizontal bone loss of 29–63% and vertical bone loss of 11–22% after 6 months following tooth extraction. These studies demonstrated rapid reductions in the first 3–6 months that was followed by gradual reductions in dimensions thereafter.
Is the use of fluoride toothpaste optimal? Knowledge, attitudes and behaviour concerning fluoride toothpaste and toothbrushing in different age groups in Sweden
Authors: Jensen Olga , Gabre Pia , Sköld Ulla M. , Birkhed Dowen
Published: December 2011

Jensen O, Gabre P, Sköld UM, Birkhed D. Is the use of fluoride toothpaste optimal? Knowledge, attitudes and behaviour concerning fluoride toothpaste and toothbrushing in different age groups in Sweden. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol 2012; 40: 175–184. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S

Abstract –  Objectives:  The most effective method to prevent caries is the regular use of fluoride toothpaste. The aim of this study was to evaluate self‐care routines in a population by identifying knowledge, attitudes and behaviour relating to fluoride toothpaste and toothbrushing habits.

Methods:  A questionnaire was sent to 3200 individuals in two municipalities in Sweden. Four age groups representing different life stages were chosen: 15–16, 31–35, 61–65 and 76–80 years of age. The participants were selected from the population register by random selection of birth dates.

Results:  Totally 2023 (63%) individuals answered the questionnaire. The majority (84–94%) in all age groups brushed their teeth twice a day or more often. Good toothpaste behaviour identified as brushing at least twice a day, using at least 1 cm toothpaste, brushing 2 minutes or longer and using a small amount of water when rinsing was reported by only 10% of the respondents. The factors that increased the odds for having good caries‐preventive behaviour were: (i) being female, (ii) being younger than 35 years, (iii) having knowledge about fluoride, (iv) finding use of fluoride toothpaste important and (v) rating own oral health as good.

Conclusions:  The population seems to have embraced regular toothbrushing with fluoride toothpaste to a large extent. However, regarding techniques for using fluoride toothpaste effectively, there was great potential for improvement, especially among the older respondents.
Prey‐processing by avian predators enhances virus transmission in the gypsy moth
Authors: Reilly James R. , Hajek Ann E.
Published: December 2011

The Lymantria dispar nucleopolyhedrovirus (LdNPV) is one of the most important regulators of gypsy moth populations, but some aspects of its transmission remain poorly understood, particularly its high rate of spatial spread and ability to persist in low‐density populations. We tested the role of predatory birds in the transmission of this virus using experimental gypsy moth populations in an aviary. Predatory birds captured virus‐infected caterpillars and facilitated viral dispersal via two processes: 1) by ingesting infected caterpillars and passing viral occlusion bodies (OBs) through their guts, and 2) by scattering OBs during predator‐specific processing behaviors, a mechanism documented here for the first time. The relative importance of both pathways differed by predator species. After eating virus‐infected gypsy moth larvae, red‐eyed vireos and black‐capped chickadees passed more gypsy moth nucleopolyhedrovirus in feces than did gray catbirds. During prey‐processing, the repetitive beating of caterpillars by red‐eyed vireos, a behavior that was rarely utilized by chickadees and catbirds, resulted in the scattering of infectious virus. Due to the combination of efficient gut passage and virus spread from prey beating, higher rates of transmission occurred in experimental gypsy moth populations exposed to red‐eyed vireos than those exposed to catbirds or chickadees. Our results show that effective virus transmission was achieved when virus was vectored by predatory birds through a combination of both behavioral and physiological traits.
Public goods, public services and by‐product mutualism in an ant–fern symbiosis
Authors: Fayle Tom M. , Edwards David P. , Turner Edgar C. , Dumbrell Alex J. , Eggleton Paul , Foster William A.
Published: December 2011

Mutualism can evolve when organisms make novel connections that happen to benefit all parties. When such connections involve a host that provides a public good for multiple visitor species, selection for reciprocal cooperation is only likely if the host has the power to preferentially increase the fitness of those visitors that provide a better quality service. In contrast, when interactions form between multiple visitors and a host that lacks the power to partition the public good, we predict that interactions are likely to persist only as by‐product mutualisms, in which symbiosis benefits both host and visitor, but in which neither partner makes costly investments. Focusing on the symbiosis between ants and litter trapping epiphytes in the canopy of lowland dipterocarp rain forest in Borneo, we show that at least 71 ant species share the public good of housing within the root‐mass of epiphytic bird's nest ferns (Asplenium spp.). Ferns supporting a higher biomass of ants experienced less herbivory, and experimental exclusions of ants from fronds confirmed that this is caused by the ants protecting the ferns from herbivores. These results establish that there are clear by‐product benefits for both parties of housing for ants and protection for ferns. If these benefits were to drive selection for reciprocal cooperation, we would expect larger ferns to support ant colonies that were larger or colonies that produce more reproductive individuals. This was not the case. Larger ferns instead supported more ant colonies, indicating that the housing provided by the fern is a public good that is not restricted to better cooperating ant species. Mutualism via novel connections is thus unlikely to evolve between a host and multiple partners, even if there are clear by‐product benefits to all parties, unless the host can direct benefits to cooperators.
Evolutionary relationships can be more important than abiotic conditions in predicting the outcome of plant–plant interactions
Authors: Soliveres Santiago , Torices Rubén , Maestre Fernando T.
Published: December 2011

Positive and negative plant–plant interactions are major processes shaping plant communities. They are affected by environmental conditions and evolutionary relationships among the interacting plants. However, the generality of these factors as drivers of pairwise plant interactions and their combined effects remain virtually unknown. We conducted an observational study to assess how environmental conditions (altitude, temperature, irradiance and rainfall), the dispersal mechanism of beneficiary species and evolutionary relationships affected the co‐occurrence of pairwise interactions in 11 Stipa tenacissima steppes located along an environmental gradient in Spain. We studied 197 pairwise plant–plant interactions involving the two major nurse plants (the resprouting shrub Quercus coccifera and the tussock grass S. tenacissima) found in these communities. The relative importance of the studied factors varied with the nurse species considered. None of the factors studied were good predictors of the co‐ocurrence between S. tenacissima and its neighbours. However, both the dispersal mechanism of the beneficiary species and the phylogenetic distance between interacting species were crucial factors affecting the co‐occurrence between Q. coccifera and its neighbours, while climatic conditions (irradiance) played a secondary role. Values of phylogenetic distance between 207–272.8 Myr led to competition, while values outside this range or fleshy‐fruitness in the beneficiary species led to positive interactions. The low importance of environmental conditions as a general driver of pairwise interactions was caused by the species‐specific response to changes in either rainfall or radiation. This result suggests that factors other than climatic conditions must be included in theoretical models aimed to generally predict the outcome of plant–plant interactions. Our study helps to improve current theory on plant–plant interactions and to understand how these interactions can respond to expected modifications in species composition and climate associated to ongoing global environmental change.
Photoinduced dermatitis and oral lichenoid reaction in a chronic myeloid leukemia patient treated with imatinib mesylate
Authors: Brazzelli Valeria , Muzio Francesca , Manna Giambattista , Moggio Erica , Vassallo Camilla , Orlandi Ester , Fiandrino Giacomo , Lucioni Marco , Borroni Giovanni
Published: December 2011

Background

Imatinib mesylate (IM) is a phenylaminopyrimidine that represents the first‐line treatment for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), Philadelphia chromosome‐positive. It acts as a potent and selective inhibitor of the bcr‐abl fusion protein by a competitive inhibition at the adenosine triphosphate‐binding site of the enzyme, which leads to the inhibition of tyrosine phosphorylation of the proteins involved in bcr‐abl signal transduction. IM is generally well tolerated and usually provokes only mild side effects consisting of nausea, myalgia, edema and muscle cramps.

Observation

This is a report of a patient affected by CML, who developed a photoinduced dermatitis and an oral lichenoid reaction associated with IM treatment. The lesions were resolved, thanks to the withdrawal of the therapy, and they relapsed after the reintroduction of IM, confirming the drug‐induced pathogenesis.

Conclusion

Skin changes are the most common non‐hematologic side effects to IM treatment and are usually dose dependent. In particular, patients with IM therapy reported a lightening and depigmentation of the skin, that may alter the skin protection against ultraviolet exposure, with a possible subsequent intolerance to sun exposure, as reported in our patient, and higher risk of skin cancer. They are frequently self‐limited or easily managed; nevertheless, in some cases, the therapy needs to be discontinued or may only be continued with concomitant oral steroid.
Excimer light photototherapy of segmental and non‐segmental vitiligo: experience in Taiwan
Authors: Cheng Yu‐Pin , Chiu Hsien‐Yi , Jee Shiou‐Hwa , Tsai Tsen‐Fang
Published: December 2011

Purpose

To determine the efficacy of excimer light in the treatment vitiligo and to assess parameters affecting therapeutic results.

Methods

This retrospective study analyzed 227 patches of vitiligo in 142 patients. Treatment was performed twice weekly and treatment efficacy was assessed by two independent dermatologists. Patients who received less than 24 treatment sessions were excluded from the analysis of predictive factors for response.

Results

Sixty‐eight (30.0%) patches achieved more than 50% repigmentation, and 42 (18.5%) achieved more than 75% repigmentation. The mean treatment numbers to achieve any repigmentation and more than 50% repigmentation were 19.41 and 34.93, respectively. Fewer treatment sessions number, segmental lesions and absence of melasma were significant predictors for poor treatment response in multivariate analysis. Lesions on the hands/feet needed the highest dose and scalp lesions needed the highest number of treatment sessions to produce initial repigmentation.

Conclusions

Excimer light is a valuable treatment modality for both segmental and non‐segmental vitiligo even in patients who have failed previous treatments. The number of treatment sessions needed to produce initial pigmentation may be higher than 30 for scalp lesions. There is a need to find other combination methods, both medical and surgical, to enhance its therapeutic efficacy.
Granuloma annulare photoinduced by paroxetine
Authors: Álvarez‐Pérez Adriana , Gómez‐Bernal Silvia , Gutiérrez‐González Enrique , Rodríguez‐Granados M. Teresa , Toribio Jaime
Published: December 2011

Granuloma annulare (GA) is a benign granulomatous skin disease with several clinical manifestations and characteristic histological findings. GA located in photoexposed areas is a rare finding and its association to a drug‐induced systemic photosensitivity is even less common. To the best of our knowledge, only one case of systemic drug photosensitivity manifesting as a GA has been reported. We describe a patient with systemic photosensitivity to paroxetine with clinical and histological manifestations of GA, which was confirmed by the photobiological study. The phototest revealed a reduction of the minimal erythematous dose for UVB while taking the paroxetine and its normalization after its withdrawal, which was accompanied by the clinical resolution of the skin eruption. The manifestation of systemic drug photosensitivity as a GA like in our case is exceptional.
Miniature swine model of phototoxicity testing
Authors: Leigh Heinz , Forbes Paul Donald , Lawson Charles , Kim Dae Young , White David , Brown Larry D. , Wehmeier Dean R. , Liu Jason , Bouchard Guy F.
Published: December 2011

Background/Purpose

This study determined the threshold doses for ‘solar erythema’ and for phototoxic responses to 8‐methoxypsoralen (8‐MOP) in white skin Hanford and grey skin Yucatan miniature swine.

Methods

For threshold erythema determinations, the UVR exposures included both UVA (315–400 nm) and UVB (290–315 nm) radiation by positioning one fluorescent ‘sunlamp’ among 10 ‘PUVA’ lamps. With this configuration the UVR exposures ranged from 0.5–2.8 times the ‘instrumental MED’ (MEDi) for Hanford and from 1.0–5.6 times the MEDi for Yucatan. For phototoxicity determinations (i.e., with and without topically‐applied graduated concentrations of 8‐MOP), the UVB component was minimized by extinguishing the sunlamp, thus permitting higher UVA exposures.

Results

The Hanford had the lower UV erythema dose threshold (1.0–1.4 times the MEDi) and the erythema that developed was readily observable. The exposure doses for the phototoxicity test were 5 J/cm2 of UVA in 35 minutes or 10 J/cm2 in 70 minutes. The phototoxic (vascular) response to 8‐MOP was observed in the two highest concentrations (0.01% and 0.1%) in Hanford pigs, in a dose‐related manner. Microscopic evidence of a dose‐related response was also observed as the concentration of 8‐MOP increased.

Conclusion

This verified that the Hanford miniature swine is the preferable strain for phototoxic effects. In contrast, UVR exposure of the Yucatan pig skin produced tanning rather than erythema, confirming that the Yucatan is the more appropriate strain for studying the melanization response. Thus, Hanford and Yucatan miniature swine have cutaneous photobiological responses that reflect their respective strain differences.
A new morphometric technique for assessment of melanization in skin of guinea pigs
Authors: Anbar Tag S. , El‐Ammawi Tarek S. , Barakat Manal T. , Abdel‐Rahman Amal T. , Fawzy Ahmed
Published: December 2011

Background

The degree of melanization is an important finding in many skin disorders. An objective measurement of melanin density is needed to achieve an accurate evaluation.

Objectives

The present work aims at translating the subjective increase of melanin particles after narrow band ultraviolet‐B (NB‐UVB) irradiation into objective numerical values ready for statistical analysis.

Materials and Methods

This study had involved 18 guinea pigs that were exposed to biweekly sessions of NB‐UVB radiation for 4 weeks to induce skin pigmentation. Two skin biopsies were obtained from each animal; the first before treatment and the second at the end of the study, using 5 mm punch and stained with hematoxylin and eosin and Masson–Fontana (MF) stains. Surface area of both the epidermis (ESA) and the melanin particles (MPSA) were measured in μm2 using a software supplied with Olympus light microscope. The MPSA/ESA percentage was calculated for each biopsy. The results before and after NB‐UVB exposure were compared and statistically analyzed.

Results

In the MF‐stained sections, the mean ± SD of the MPSA/ESA percentage were 0.24 μm2 ± 0.09 and 6.21 μm2 ± 2.45 at the start of the study and at its end, respectively, with a highly significant difference (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

This technique offers a new methodology for an accurate numerical evaluation of epidermal melanization.
MRSA eradication in dermatologic outpatients – theory and practice
Authors: Meyer Volker , Kerk Nina , Mellmann Alexander , Friedrich Alexander , Luger Thomas A. , Goerge Tobias
Published: December 2011

Background: The dissemination of methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is an increasing challenge in medical care. Apart from hospital acquired MRSA, there has also been an increase in community acquired and livestock associated MRSA. While the risks of MRSA (e. g. wound infections) and consequences (e. g. rejection of patients) are well known, there are little data on the effectiveness of eradication procedures.

Patients and methods: 32 patients with proven MRSA colonization were monitored during eradication for the following aspects: (1) localization of MRSA (swabs from hairline, anterior nares, throat, axillae, groins, perineum, and wounds, if present), (2) presence of eradication‐impairing factors, (3) length of time needed for eradication, (4) cost of eradication, (5) molecular fingerprint and risk assessment (spa‐types).

Results: We describe the successful eradication of MRSA in all 32 patients. Most positive nasal swabs were obtained from the anterior nares and the throat and only rarely from the hairline or axillae. The greater the number of positive swabs, the more time was needed for eradication. In most patients (37.5%), eradication with topical antiseptics was successful. The average time for eradication was 12.97 (± 7.6) days. Twelve patients required systemic antibiotic therapy. Treatment costs associated with the use of systemic antibiotics were significantly higher. The most frequent spa types were t032 and t003. Conclusions: We report successful MRSA eradication in outpatients. Systemic antibiotics are unnecessary in the majority of patients. A combined anti‐MRSA strategy for inpatients and outpatients is recommended.
A Low‐Cost, In Situ Resistivity and Temperature Monitoring System
Authors: Sherrod Laura , Sauck William , Werkema D. Dale
Published: December 2011

We present a low‐cost, reliable method for long‐term in situ autonomous monitoring of subsurface resistivity and temperature in a shallow, moderately heterogeneous subsurface. Probes, to be left in situ, were constructed at relatively low cost with an electrode spacing of 5 cm. Once installed, these were wired to the CR‐1000 Campbell Scientific Inc. datalogger at the surface to electrically image infiltration fronts in the shallow subsurface. This system was constructed and installed in June 2005 to collect apparent resistivity and temperature data from 96 subsurface electrodes set to a pole‐pole resistivity array pattern and 14 thermistors at regular intervals of 30 cm through May of 2008. From these data, a temperature and resistivity relationship was determined within the vadose zone (to a depth of ~1 m) and within the saturated zone (at depths between 1 and 2 m). The high vertical resolution of the data with resistivity measurements on a scale of 5‐cm spacing coupled with surface precipitation measurements taken at 3‐min intervals for a period of roughly 3 years allowed unique observations of infiltration related to seasonal changes. Both the vertical resistivity instrument probes and the data logger system functioned well for the duration of the test period and demonstrated the capability of this low‐cost monitoring system.
Criminalizing Big Tobacco: Legal Mobilization and the Politics of Responsibility for Health Risks in the United States
Authors: McCann Michael , Haltom William , Fisher Shauna
Published: December 2011

This article reinterprets the discursive terms and cultural meanings that redefined the legal campaign against Big Tobacco during recent decades. We underline the palpable shift from a conventional tort-based logic of products liability claims, which most analysts emphasize, to a logic incorporating key features identified with criminal law or “crimtorts.” The study builds on legal mobilization theory and combines narrative history of events with systematic analysis of media coverage across a twenty-year period to demonstrate how Big Tobacco was criminalized over two decades.
The Protection of Reputation in Japan: A Systematic Analysis of Defamation Cases
Authors: Kitajima Noriko
Published: December 2011

Although Japanese defamation law has been a subject of legal interest for scholars and judges, their main focus was the defamation rules that appeared in cases publicized by legal reporters. The following study coded 232 defamation cases against the media that were decided in district courts in Japan, according to the type of database that reported the cases. Statistical results reveal that newspapers are more likely to report defamation cases than other databases because stories about defamation cases may satisfy readers' interest or because the newspaper might have been informed by plaintiffs who won their cases. The results also show that the professional status of the plaintiff is a predictor of the case outcome. Politicians and officials are less likely to win in defamation cases than are executives and criminals, and they received lower damages than athletes and entertainers.
Is it time for in silico simulation of drug cardiac side effects?
Authors: Mirams Gary R. , Noble Denis
Published: December 2011

Cardiac simulation is used to integrate information on drug action to predict side effects on the whole heart. Could simulation begin to replace animal models?
TRPV1 and TRPA1 channels in inflammatory pain: elucidating mechanisms
Authors: Brain Susan D.
Published: December 2011

Transient receptor potential (TRP) receptors are ion channels that mediate pain and inflammation. We provide evidence for the distinct roles of TRPV1 and TRPA1 in arthritis.
Progress toward generating informative porcine biomedical models using induced pluripotent stem cells
Authors: West Franklin , Stice Steven
Published: December 2011

Porcine induced pluripotent stem cells hold significant promise in modeling human biomedical regenerative medicine and as translational large animal disease models.
Novel, nonreflex tests detect analgesic action in rodents at clinically relevant concentrations
Authors: Andrews Nick , Harper Sinead , Issop Yasmin , Rice Andrew S. C.
Published: December 2011

We propose that predictive validity of tests for analgesia may be improved by looking to reinstate specific, innate behaviors suppressed by pain, e.g., burrowing, because effective plasma concentrations in the rat are closer to effective clinical plasma concentrations than those generally used in rodent reflex withdrawal assays.
Have animal models of disease helped or hindered the drug discovery process?
Authors: Hunter Ann Jacqueline
Published: December 2011

Animal models have played an important role in target validation, screening of compounds for efficacy and optimization of pharmacokinetic properties and toxicological testing. However, new paradigms for drug discovery and development will require a greater emphasis on animal models of mechanism.
An Experimental Setup for the Measurement of Nonthermal Effects During Water‐Filtered Infrared A‐Irradiation of Mammalian Cell Cultures
Authors: Jung Tobias , Höhn Annika , Lau Anne‐Marie , Piazena Helmut , Grune Tilman
Published: December 2011

In many recent publications, supposed athermal effects of water‐filtered infrared A (wIRA) irradiation are discussed. Those effects are mainly attributed to wavelengths in the range from 780 to 1440 nm, and should not result from warming of cellular water or any aqueous medium surrounding the irradiated sample caused by wIRA absorption. Athermal effects are considered to be induced directly by absorption of different wavelengths of the wIRA spectrum by cellular molecules or structures except water. To distinguish between thermal and athermal effects, irradiated samples have to be subjected to a very effective and precise temperature homeostasis. Any experimental effects can only be attributed to pure athermal effects, if the temperature of the irradiated samples is verifiably constant and does not result in hyperthermia. Here, data of temperature distribution in Petri dishes of different types filled with aqueous medium are presented which were estimated by model calculation for different setups of cooling. Additionally, the real temperature development was directly measured. Such a cooling unit enables long‐term application of high wIRA irradiances and large doses without any detectable warming of the irradiated samples, in single cell layers. Using such a setup, thermal and athermal effects can be compared and in addition to that quantified.
Neutrophil cell population data: useful indicators for postsurgical bacterial infection
Authors: ZHU Y. , CAO X. , CHEN Y. , ZHANG K. , WANG Y. , YUAN K. , XU D.
Published: December 2011

Introduction:  The Coulter LH750 analyzer can determine white blood cell count (WBC) with differentials and determine their intrinsic biophysical properties, known as cell population data (CPD). Previous studies demonstrated that neutrophil CPD, mean neutrophil volume (MNV), and neutrophil volume distribution width (NDW) were significantly increased during bacterial infection. This study investigated the clinical usefulness of MNV/NDW to differentiate postoperative infection.

Methods:  Cell population data from 212 controls, 135 patients without postsurgical infection, and 62 with infection were studied. All patients had normal WBC and percent neutrophils prior to surgery.

Results:  No significant differences in MNV and NDW were observed before surgery between infected and noninfected patients when compared with controls. The MNV and NDW in infected patients were significantly increased after surgery when compared with noninfected patients. Although WBC and percent neutrophils were also increased after surgery, no statistical differences were seen between noninfected and infected patients. A MNV cutoff of ≥152.4 and NDW cutoff of ≥24.26 produced 90.3% and 88.3% sensitivity and 88.4% and 76.3% specificity, respectively.

Conclusion:  Neutrophil CPD, MNV, and NDW are better indicators for postoperative bacterial infection. The potential clinical usefulness of these parameters merits further exploration in a larger prospective study.
Intraosseous schwannoma; a case report and short review
Authors: Sumalatha M.N. , RaviPrakash S. , Shankar V. N.
Published: December 2011

Neurilemmoma is a benign nerve sheath tumour that is composed entirely of well‐differentiated Schwann cells. Schwannomas arise when proliferating Schwann cells in the perineurium causing displacement and compression of peripheral, motor, sensory, sympathetic and cranial nerve sheath. They may occur at any age, but the peak incidence is 3rd and 4th decades with no sex predilection. Histopathological picture shows primarily of Schwann cells in a poorly collagenized stroma. The treatment of choice is surgical excision with good prognosis and rare secondary complications. We describe a clinical case of intraosseous schwannoma located in the right pretragus area in a 48‐year‐old female patient. It is important to highlight that the schwannoma is usually found in the head and neck, and rarely in the oral cavity. Intraosseous neurilemmomas are rare, and they represent less than 1% of all benign primary bone tumours.
Efficacy and safety of ginsam, a vinegar extract from Panax ginseng, in type 2 diabetic patients: Results of a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study
Authors: Yoon Ji Won , Kang Seon Mee , Vassy Jason L , Shin Hayley , Lee Yun Hee , Ahn Hwa Young , Choi Sung Hee , Park Kyong Soo , Jang Hak Chul , Lim Soo
Published: December 2011

Aims/Introduction:  The efficacy, dose–response relationship and safety of ginsam, a vinegar extract from Panax ginseng, were evaluated in an 8‐week, double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled study in drug‐naïve patients with type 2 diabetes.

Materials and Methods:  A total of 72 diabetic patients were randomized to receive 1500, 2000 or 3000 mg of ginsam, or placebo daily for 8 weeks (n = 18 in each group). The primary end‐point was the changes from the baseline HbA1c level. The secondary end‐points were the changes of fasting and postprandial 2‐h glucose concentration, and the proportion of patients achieving a reduction in HbA1c >0.5%.

Results:  In the intention‐to‐treat analysis, ginsam treatment reduced HbA1c level significantly: −0.56 ± 0.25% in the 1500 mg group, −0.31 ± 0.12% in the 2000 mg group, and −0.29 ± 0.11% in the 3000 mg group (all P < 0.05), with a significant difference between the 1500 mg ginsam and the placebo group (−0.02 ± 0.12%, P = 0.021). The changes in fasting glucose concentration followed the same pattern: −21.40, −14.27 and −6.76 mg/dL for 1500, 2000, and 3000 mg, respectively, vs −2.25 mg/dL for the placebo. The percentage of patients whose HbA1c level decreased by >0.5% differed significantly between the placebo group (11.1%) and the 1500 mg (27.8%) and 2000 mg (27.8%) groups. No severe adverse events were observed in any group.

Conclusions:  An 8‐week treatment with ginsam, a vinegar extract from P. ginseng, moderately improved HbA1c level and was well tolerated in type 2 diabetic patients with inadequate glycemic control. This trial was registered with ClinicalTrial.Gov (no. NCT01008163). (J Diabetes Invest, doi: 10.1111/j.2040‐1124.2011.00185.x, 2011)
Luteolin inhibited hydrogen peroxide-induced vascular smooth muscle cells proliferation and migration by suppressing the Src and Akt signalling pathways
Authors: Lang Yasong , Chen Dan , Li Dongye , Zhu Manyi , Xu Tongda , Zhang Tian , Qian Wenhao , Luo Yuanyuan
Published: December 2011

Objectives

Luteolin is a naturally occurring flavonoid found in many vegetables, fruits and medicinal plants. The migration and proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are the critical pathological processes in various cardiovascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis. In this study, we investigated the effect of luteolin and its latent mechanism on the proliferation and migration of VSMCs stimulated by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2).

Methods

VSMC proliferation and cell viability was assayed using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) method or by cell counting, and H2O2-elicited migration of VSMCs was measured using a transwell migration assay. The phosphorylation levels of Src, 3-phosphoinositide-dependent kinase 1 (PDK1) and Akt (protein kinase B) were analysed by immunoblotting.

Key findings

This study demonstrated that luteolin showed a particularly inhibitory effect on H2O2-elicited VSMC proliferation and migration. In previous research, we originally explored the function of luteolin in blocking H2O2-triggered Src and Akt signalling pathways. The activation of Src, PDK1, Akt (308), Akt (473) in the luteolin-treated group was significantly lower than that seen in the H2O2 group.

Conclusions

These findings strongly suggested that luteolin suppresses H2O2-directed migration and proliferation in VSMCs partially due to down-regulation of the Akt and Src signalling pathways, which are important participants in the processes of migration and proliferation of VSMCs.
1997 Best Paper Award—Heat Transfer Committee: The Turbulence That Matters
Authors: Mayle R. E. , Dullenkopf K. , Schulz A.
Published: December 2011

A unified expression for the spectrum of turbulence is developed by asymptotically matching known expressions for small and large wave numbers, and a formula for the one-dimensional spectral function, which depends on the turbulence Reynolds number Reλ, is provided. In addition, formulas relating all the length scales of turbulence are provided. These relations also depend on Reynolds number. The effects of free-stream turbulence on laminar heat transfer and pretransitional flow in gas turbines are re-examined in light of these new expressions using our recent thoughts on an “effective” frequency of turbulence and an “effective” turbulence level. The results of this are that the frequency most effective for laminar heat transfer is about 1.3 U/2πLe, where U is the free-stream velocity and Le is the length scale of the eddies containing the most turbulent energy, and the most effective frequency for producing pretransitional boundary layer fluctuations is about 0.3 U/2πη, where η is Kolmogorov’s length scale. In addition, the role of turbulence Reynolds number on stagnation heat transfer and transition is discussed, and new expressions to account for its effect are provided.
Comparison of Sweep and Dihedral Effects on Compressor Cascade Performance
Authors: Sasaki T. , Breugelmans F.
Published: December 2011

The influence of two stacking lines, namely sweep and dihedral, has been investigated in a linear compressor cascade. Both types of blade considered are symmetric about midspan and consist of a straight central section with either swept or dihedral sections toward the endwalls. Two types of experiment have been carried out. First, a parametric study was performed by changing both the magnitude and the extent of the sweep or dihedral. In the case of swept blades, those with forward sweep (SWF), for which the stacking line is swept in the upstream direction toward the endwall, were found to have better performance than backward-swept blades. Subsequently, four sets of SWFs were compared. In the case of dihedral blades, it is well known that the dihedral is advantageous when the angle between the suction surface and the endwall is obtuse, i.e., positive dihedral. Thus, four sets of positive dihedral blades (DHP) were compared. In both SWF and DHP blades, those configurations that have better efficiency than straight blades were determined. Second, detailed three-dimensional measurements inside the blade passage were performed in the cases that showed the best performance in the parametric study. Both SWF and DHP showed significant effects on the flowfield. In the SWF case, a vortex, which has the opposite sense to the passage vortex, was observed in the forward portion inside the blade passage. This vortex supplies high-energy fluid to the endwall region and reduces the corner stall. The secondary flow is greatly reduced. In the DHP, the blade loading was reduced at the endwall and increased at the midspan. Reduction of the corner stall and the secondary flow was also observed.
Blockage Development in a Transonic, Axial Compressor Rotor
Authors: Suder K. L.
Published: December 2011

A detailed experimental investigation to understand and quantify the development of blockage in the flow field of a transonic, axial flow compressor rotor (NASA Rotor 37) has been undertaken. Detailed laser anemometer measurements were acquired upstream, within, and downstream of a transonic, axial compressor rotor operating at 100, 85, 80, and 60 percent of design speed, which provided inlet relative Mach numbers at the blade tip of 1.48, 1.26, 1.18, and 0.89, respectively. The impact of the shock on the blockage development, pertaining to both the shock/boundary layer interactions and the shock/tip clearance flow interactions, is discussed. The results indicate that for this rotor the blockage in the endwall region is 2–3 times that of the core flow region, and the blockage in the core flow region more than doubles when the shock strength is sufficient to separate the suction surface boundary layer.
Experimental Investigation of Stepped Tip Gap Effects on the Performance of a Transonic Axial-Flow Compressor Rotor
Authors: Thompson D. W. , King P. I. , Rabe D. C.
Published: December 2011

The effects of stepped-tip gaps and clearance levels on the performance of a transonic axial-flow compressor rotor were experimentally determined. A two-stage compressor with no inlet guide vanes was tested in a modern transonic compressor research facility. The first-stage rotor was unswept and was tested for an optimum tip clearance with variations in stepped gaps machined into the casing near the aft tip region of the rotor. Nine causing geometries were investigated consisting of three step profiles at each of three clearance levels. For small and intermediate clearances, stepped tip gaps were found to improve pressure ratio, efficiency, and flow range for most operating conditions. At 100 percent design rotor speed, stepped tip gaps produced a doubling of mass flow range with as much as a 2.0 percent increase in mass flow and a 1.5 percent improvement in efficiency. This study provides guidelines for engineers to improve compressor performance for an existing design by applying an optimum casing profile.
Effects of Surface Roughness on Heat Transfer and Aerodynamic Performance of Turbine Airfoils
Authors: Abuaf N. , Bunker R. S. , Lee C. P.
Published: December 2011

Aerodynamic flow path losses and turbine airfoil gas side heat transfer are strongly affected by the gas side surface finish. For high aero efficiencies and reduced cooling requirements, airfoil designs dictate extensive surface finishing processes to produce smooth surfaces and enhance engine performance. The achievement of these requirements incurs additional manufacturing finishing costs over less strict requirements. The present work quantifies the heat transfer (and aero) performance differences of three cast airfoils with varying degrees of surface finish treatment. An airfoil, that was grit blast and Codep coated, produced an average roughness of 2.33 μm, one that was grit blast, tumbled, and aluminide coated produced 1.03 μm roughness, and another that received further postcoating polishing produced 0.81 μm roughness. Local heat transfer coefficients were experimentally measured with a transient technique in a linear cascade with a wide range of flow Reynolds numbers covering typical engine conditions. The measured heat transfer coefficients were used with a rough surface Reynolds analogy to determine the local skin friction coefficients, from which the drag forces and aero efficiencies were calculated. Results show that tumbling and polishing reduce the average roughness and improve performance. The largest differences are observed from the tumbling process, with smaller improvements realized from polishing.
Effects of Rotation on Blade Surface Heat Transfer: An Experimental Investigation
Authors: Moss R. W. , Ainsworth R. W. , Garside T.
Published: December 2011

Measurements of turbine blade surface heat transfer in a transient rotor facility are compared with predictions and equivalent cascade data. The rotating measurements involved both forward and reverse rotation (wake-free) experiments. The use of thin-film gages in the Oxford Rotor Facility provides both time-mean heat transfer levels and the unsteady time history. The time-mean level is not significantly affected by turbulence in the wake; this contrasts with the cascade response to free-stream turbulence and simulated wake passing. Heat transfer predictions show the extent to which such phenomena are successfully modeled by a time-steady code. The accurate prediction of transition is seen to be crucial if useful predictions are to be obtained.
Influence of Gap Leakage Downstream of the Injection Holes on Film Cooling Performance
Authors: Yu Y. , Chyu M. K.
Published: December 2011

This study investigated a practical but never exploited issue concerning the influence of flow leakage through a gap downstream on the film cooling performance with discrete-hole injection. A heat transfer system as such can be categorized as either a three-temperature or a four-temperature problem, depending on the direction of leakage through the gap. To characterize a three-temperature-based film cooling system fully requires knowledge of both local film effectiveness and heat transfer coefficient. A second film effectiveness is necessary for characterizing a four-temperature problem. All these variables can be experimentally determined, based on the transient method of thermochromic liquid crystal imaging. Although the overall convective transport in the region is expected to be dependent on the blowing ratios of the coolants, the mass flow ratio of the two injectants, and the geometry, the current results indicated that the extent of flow injection or extraction through the gap has significant effects on the film effectiveness and less on the heat transfer coefficient, which is primarily dominated by the geometric disturbance of gap presence.
Discharge Coefficient Measurements of Film-Cooling Holes With Expanded Exits
Authors: Gritsch M. , Schulz A. , Wittig S.
Published: December 2011

This paper presents the discharge coefficients of three film-cooling hole geometries tested over a wide range of flow conditions. The hole geometries include a cylindrical hole and two holes with a diffuser-shaped exit portion (i.e., a fan-shaped and a laidback fan-shaped hole). The flow conditions considered were the crossflow Mach number at the hole entrance side (up to 0.6), the crossflow Mach number at the hole exit side (up to 1.2), and the pressure ratio across the hole (up to 2). The results show that the discharge coefficient for all geometries tested strongly depends on the flow conditions (crossflows at hole inlet and exit, and pressure ratio). The discharge coefficient of both expanded holes was found to be higher than of the cylindrical hole, particularly at low pressure ratios and with a hole entrance side crossflow applied. The effect of the additional layback on the discharge coefficient is negligible.
A Fast-Response High Spatial Resolution Total Temperature Probe Using a Pulsed Heating Technique
Authors: Buttsworth D. R. , Jones T. V.
Published: December 2011

This paper discusses the operation of a fast-response total temperature probe based on transient thin film heat flux gage technology. The probe utilizes two thin film gages located close to the stagnation point of a hemispherically blunted fused quartz cylinder. Development of the present total temperature probe was motivated by the need for a fast-response device with a high spatial resolution. The diameter of the probe was 2.8 mm and the two films were separated by a distance of less than 1 mm. Measurement of the flow total temperature requires the films to operate at different temperatures. In the present work, the temperature difference was generated using a current pulse (approximately 70 mA with a duration of around 1 s) to heat one of the thin film resistance gages. With this technique, temperature differences between the hot and cold films of around 120 K were achieved. The interpretation of the transient surface temperature measurements is discussed, and the validity and utility of the technique are demonstrated with reference to total temperature and convective heat transfer coefficient measurements in a compressible free jet. The results demonstrate that accurate total temperature and convective heat transfer coefficient measurements with high spatial and temporal resolution can be obtained with the present device.
A New Model for Free-Stream Turbulence Effects on Boundary Layers
Authors: Volino R. J.
Published: December 2011

A model has been developed to incorporate more of the physics of free-stream turbulence effects into boundary layer calculations. The transport in the boundary layer is modeled using three terms: (1) the molecular viscosity, ν; (2) the turbulent eddy viscosity, εT, as used in existing turbulence models; and (3) a new free-stream-induced eddy viscosity, εf. The three terms are added to give an effective total viscosity. The free-stream-induced viscosity is modeled algebraically with guidance from experimental data. It scales on the rms fluctuating velocity in the free stream, the distance from the wall, and the boundary layer thickness. The model assumes a direct tie between boundary layer and free-stream fluctuations, and a distinctly different mechanism than the diffusion of turbulence from the free-stream to the boundary layer assumed in existing higher order turbulence models. The new model can be used in combination with any existing turbulence model. It is tested here in conjunction with a simple mixing length model and a parabolic boundary layer solver. Comparisons to experimental data are presented for flows with free-stream turbulence intensities ranging from 1 to 8 percent and for both zero and nonzero streamwise pressure gradient cases. Comparisons are good. Enhanced heat transfer in higher turbulence cases is correctly predicted. The effect of the free-stream turbulence on mean velocity and temperature profiles is also well predicted. In turbulent flow, the log region in the inner part of the boundary layer is preserved, while the wake is suppressed. The new model provides a simple and effective improvement for boundary layer prediction.
Decoupling of a Disk Resonator From Linear Acceleration Via Mass Matrix Perturbation
Authors: Schwartz David , M’Closkey Robert T.
Published: December 2011

Axisymmetric microelectromechanical (MEM) vibratory rate gyroscopes are designed so the central post which attaches the resonator to the sensor case is a nodal point of the two Coriolis-coupled modes that are exploited for angular rate sensing. This configuration eliminates any coupling of linear acceleration to these modes. When the gyro resonators are fabricated, however, small mass and stiffness asymmetries cause coupling of these modes to linear acceleration of the sensor case. In a resonator postfabrication step, this coupling can be reduced by altering the mass distribution on the resonator so that its center of mass is stationary while the operational modes vibrate. In this paper, a scale model of the disk resonator gyroscope (DRG) is used to develop and test methods that significantly reduce linear acceleration coupling.