bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Alpha‐Tocopherol and Ascorbic Acid on Bovine Oocyte in Vitro Maturation
Authors: Dalvit G , Llanes SP , Descalzo A , Insani M , Beconi M , Cetica P
Published: March 2005

Contents

In vitro culture results in higher oxygen concentrations than in vivo environments, leading to an increased level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that cause lipid peroxidation of cellular membranes. Alpha‐tocopherol (active form of vitamin E) is an antioxidant that protects mammalian cells against lipid peroxidation, which is regenerated by ascorbic acid. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the addition of alpha‐tocopherol and/or ascorbic acid to the maturation medium on bovine oocyte in vitro maturation (IVM) and subsequently on in vitro fertilization (IVF) and embryo development. Cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs) were matured in Medium 199 (control), and with the addition of alpha‐tocopherol and/or ascorbic acid. The concentration of alpha‐tocopherol in COCs was determined by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). IVF and in vitro culture (IVC) were carried out in modified synthetic oviductal fluid (mSOF). The quantity of alpha‐tocopherol naturally present in COCs diminished by half during IVM (p < 0.05), although in the presence of ascorbic acid it remained constant. A greater amount of alpha‐tocopherol was detected in COCs matured in medium supplemented with this antioxidant (p < 0.05), but the addition of alpha‐tocopherol plus ascorbic acid maintained higher levels of alpha‐tocopherol (p < 0.05). Significant differences were not observed in the percentages of nuclear maturation and fertilization among different treatments. The presence of alpha‐tocopherol or ascorbic acid in the maturation medium failed to modify the percentage of blastocysts obtained, unlike the addition of both antioxidants when a significant decrease was observed (p < 0.05). Absorbic acid maintained the antioxidant capacity of the alpha‐tocopherol incorporated to COC membranes during IVM. The active form of vitamin E during maturation impaired the acquisition of oocyte developmental competence.
Ovum Pick‐up in Cycling and Lactating Postpartum Swamp Buffaloes (Bubalis bubalis)
Authors: Promdireg A , Adulyanubap W , Singlor J , Na‐Chiengmai A , Techakumphu M
Published: March 2005

Contents

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of Ovum Pick Up (OPU) in cycling (n = 5) and lactating, postpartum, swamp buffaloes (n = 6) with and without gonadotropin stimulation. The OPU was performed every two weeks in all groups of animals, for a total of six sessions. Thirty collections were performed in five cycling buffaloes and 36 collections in six lactating postpartum buffaloes. Buffaloes that received hormonal stimulation were given a total of 400 mg, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), administered twice daily over 3 days in decreasing doses, together with 100 μg of GnRH, 24 h after the last FSH injection. Following a resting period of 1 month, the two groups of buffaloes, were subjected to the same OPU regimen, but without any hormonal treatment for an additional six OPU sessions. The number of aspirated follicles recorded from the hormonal stimulated, cycling animals and lactating, postpartum buffaloes was not significantly different, 7.2 ± 3.7 and 9.0 ± 3.2, respectively (p > 0.05). Recovered oocytes collected from the two groups of hormonally stimulated animals were also not statistically different: 3.7 ± 2.7 in the cycling and 5.9 ± 3.5 in the lactating postpartum group (p > 0.05). In the two groups of buffaloes not receiving hormonal stimulation, the number of aspirated follicles was not significantly different: 2.1 ± 1.4 and 1.4 ± 0.7 in cycling and lactating postpartum buffaloes respectively (p > 0.05). Recovered oocytes in the non‐treated groups were also similar: 1.4 ± 1.3 vs 0.7 ± 0.8 in cycling and lactating buffaloes (p > 0.05). Among stimulated buffaloes, most aspirated follicles were small in size (≤5 mm), whereas they were mostly medium and large sizes in the non‐treated buffaloes. The oocyte recovery rate in both the groups, cycling and lactating postpartum, were 51.6% and 69.5% in stimulated groups and 55.0% and 53.1% in non‐stimulated groups (p > 0.05). The majority of recovered oocytes were single‐ and multi‐layered, and the number was greater in the cycling than in the lactating, postpartum buffaloes. The number and quality of recovered oocytes was similar in all groups of buffaloes whether they were received or did not receive hormonal stimulation. Moreover no difference was found in multi‐ and single‐layered oocytes between cycling and lactating, postpartum buffaloes. In conclusion, OPU can be performed successfully in swamp buffalo in different reproductive status and FSH administration was shown to increase the number of aspirated oocytes in both cycling and lactating, postpartum buffaloes.
Family therapy for bulimia nervosa in adolescents: an exploratory study
Authors: Dodge Elizabeth , Hodes Matthew , Eisler Ivan , Dare Christopher
Published: March 2005

Family therapy has only rarely been reported as a treatment for bulimia nervosa and not specifically’for adolescents. This account describes family therapy with eight adolescents who suffered from bulimia nervosa. Change was measured by assessing symptomatic behaviours and global measures of family and social function prior to treatment and again one year later. At reassessment there was a significant reduction in bulimic behaviours although many had some continuing symptoms. Some aspects of the therapy are described and implications for further study of treatment for adolescent bulimia are discussed.
The rainbow bridge: an approach to family systems via Howards End
Authors: Burns Liz
Published: March 2005

Bateson's ideas of artistic expression, the continuity of Art and Science and the nature of Mind are used as cues for the exploration of Howards End, E. M. Forster's novel of family life. Illustrations of systemic concepts are given from the text. Particular relevance is suggested for the use of literary examples in family therapy training and in the development of family systems theory.
‘Questions, questions, questions!’ A comparison of therapist inferences and parental responses to systemic questions
Authors: Cheesbrough Marion , Hill Jonathan
Published: March 2005

Using a specially designed questionnaire, we examined the relationship between parental responses to systemic questions, therapists’views based upon these responses and parental reports of dysfunction in a member of the family. The questionnaire was completed by parents of a randomly selected population sample of adolescents and by experienced family therapists. Therapists made inferences that were predictable, coherent and reliable. They gave most salience to the concept of‘enmeshment’and least to‘hostile‐discordant’functioning. Some enmeshed answers were favoured by substantial proportions of parents, suggesting that they may reflect normal variants of family functioning. However no associations between total enmeshment scores and reported mental health problems were found. Hostile‐discordant functioning, as assessed in this study, was rare in the general population sample, but was associated with reported problems.
‘You're the doctor, Doctor!’: is social constructionism a helpful stance in general practice consultations?
Authors: Launer John
Published: March 2005

This paper considers the advantages and limitations of using a social constructionist stance in general practice, and is illustrated with two case examples. An approach is suggested for clinical practice using social constructionism and biomedical knowledge dialectically, each as a commentary on the limitations of the other.
Stress and coping in the practice of family therapy: a British survey
Authors: Street Eddy , Rivett Mark
Published: March 2005

A sample of 171 members of the Association for Family Therapy (UK) was surveyed and data obtained on their general level of experienced stress, the sources and levels of experienced stresses they encountered in their practica, and the professional and private coping strategies they used to mitigate the effects of these stressors. The results indicate that stress can be experienced in all practice contexts, with important factors in its overall configuration being personal/professional worth and agency expectation. Family therapists appear to prefer coping strategies of a more social nature and there is an ambivalent attitude towards‘therapy for therapists’.
THE RELIGION‐SCIENCE DISCUSSION AT FORTY YEARS: “REPORTS OF MYDEATH ARE PREMATURE”
Authors: Clayton Philip
Published: March 2005

Abstract. The startling success of the religion‐science discussion in recent years calls for reflection. Have old walls been broken down, old antagonisms overcome? Have science and religion finally been reconciled? Or is all the activity just so much sound and fury signifying nothing? Postmodern equations of scientific and religious beliefs disregard a number of enduring differences that help make sense of the continuing tensions. Yet the skepticism of authors such as John Caiazza is also ungrounded. I describe five major types of approaches that are being employed in the recent literature. These methods have led to a deeper understanding of the commonalities between science and religion and have produced new productive partnerships between them.
RETHINKING THE PAST AND ANTICIPATING THE FUTURE OF RELIGION AND SCIENCE
Authors: Tirosh‐Samuelson Hava
Published: March 2005

Abstract.John Caiazza presents the current technoculture as the latest development in the ongoing conflict of science and religion that began with Tertullian in the third century. I argue that his presentation is historically inaccurate, because for most of Western history science and religion interacted with and cross‐fertilized each other. Contrary to Caiazza's misleading presentation, Western thought did not follow the dichotomous model polemically posed by Tertullian. I take issue with Caiazza's portrayal of postmodernism and his claim that technology is the foundation of an inherently secularist culture. I conclude by highlighting certain ethical challenges engendered by the prevalence of new technologies and present the dialogue of science and religion as uniquely qualified to address these challenges.
Covert attention in touch: Behavioral and ERP evidence for costs and benefits
Authors: Forster Bettina , Eimer Martin
Published: March 2005

To investigate the mechanism underlying tactile spatial attention, reaction times (RTs) and event‐related potentials (ERPs) were recorded in response to mechanical stimuli delivered to the hands. At the start of each trial cues indicated either the correct (valid) or incorrect (invalid) tactile stimulus location or were uninformative (neutral). RT costs (suppression of invalid compared to neutral trials) were found to be larger than benefits (enhancement of valid compared to neutral trials). ERPs showed that costs and benefits contribute equally to attentional modulations of the somatosensory N140 component, whereas these were largely due to costs at longer latencies. These results differ from the pattern of attentional ERP modulations previously found for vision and audition, where costs precede benefits, and therefore suggest that the mechanisms of attentional selectivity in touch might be different from attentional processes in other modalities.
On the ERN and the significance of errors
Authors: Hajcak Greg , Moser Jason S. , Yeung Nick , Simons Robert F.
Published: March 2005

The error‐related negativity (ERN) is an event‐related brain potential observed when subjects commit errors. To examine whether the ERN is sensitive to the value of errors, the motivational significance of errors was manipulated in two experiments. In Experiment 1, low and high monetary value errors were compared to evaluate the effect of trial value on the ERN. In Experiment 2, subjects performed a flanker task both while their performance was being evaluated and during a control condition. Consistent with the notion that the error‐detection system is sensitive to the significance of errors, the ERN was significantly larger on high‐value trials in Experiment 1 and during evaluation in Experiment 2. There were no corresponding effects on the correct response negativity, and no behavioral differences between conditions were evident in either experiment. These results are discussed in terms of the functional role of the ERN in response monitoring.
Brain potentials associated with expected and unexpected good and bad outcomes
Authors: Hajcak Greg , Holroyd Clay B. , Moser Jason S. , Simons Robert F.
Published: March 2005

The error‐related negativity (ERN) is an event‐related brain potential observed when subjects receive feedback indicating errors or monetary losses. Evidence suggests that the ERN is larger for unexpected negative feedback. The P300 has also been shown to be enhanced for unexpected feedback, but does not appear to be sensitive to feedback valence. The present study evaluated the role of expectations on the ERN and P300 in two experiments that manipulated the probability of negative feedback (25%, 50%, or 75%) on a trial‐by‐trial basis in experiment 1, and by varying the frequency of positive and negative feedback across blocks of trials in experiment 2. In both experiments, P300 amplitude was larger for unexpected feedback; however, the ERN was equally large for expected and unexpected negative feedback. These results are discussed in terms of the potential role of expectations in processing errors and negative feedback.
Organizational culture and performance – evidence from the fast food restaurant industry
Authors: Øgaard Torvald , Larsen Svein , Marnburg Einar
Published: March 2005

This paper explores the relationship between organizational culture and the performance of managers in the restaurant industry. We also introduce the managers’ job efficacy and commitment to the organization as variables intervening between organizational culture and performance. Data were collected in a restaurant/fast food operation which included franchisees as well as employed managers. Results suggest that there are relationships between culture and manager's efficacy and organizational commitment, and that some cultural aspects are related to performance variables such as personnel cost and additional sales. In addition, managers’ commitment and efficacy are also related to performance.
New strategies in insulin treatment: analogues and noninvasive routes of administration
Authors: Rungby Jørgen , Brock Birgitte , Schmitz Ole
Published: March 2005

Recent years have seen the development of alternatives to human insulin for the treatment of diabetes. Both rapid‐acting and long‐acting analogues are available. Alternative routes of insulin administration are emerging. The present review briefly summarizes the present knowledge on insulin analogues and alternative administration routes.
Prehistoric Decline in Freshwater Mussels Coincident with the Advent of Maize Agriculture
Authors: PEACOCK EVAN , HAAG WENDELL R. , WARREN MELVIN L.
Published: March 2005

Abstract:  During late prehistory, high population densities and intensive agricultural practices of Native American societies had profound effects on the pre‐Columbian landscape. The degree to which Native American land use affected aquatic ecosystems is unknown. Freshwater mussels are particularly sensitive harbingers of modern‐day ecosystem deterioration. We used data from prehistoric Native American shell middens to examine prehistoric trends in abundance of freshwater mussels of the genus Epioblasma in North America during the last 5000 years. The relative abundance of Epioblasma declined steadily during this period, a result that could be explained either by an increase in human impacts to streams or by long‐term climatic changes unrelated to human activities. The rate of decline of Epioblasma increased significantly, however, after the advent of large‐scale maize agriculture in the southeastern United States about 1000 years before the present. Our results suggest that human land‐use activities in prehistory caused changes in freshwater mussel communities that were lower in magnitude but similar in direction to changes caused by recent activities.
Effect of Expert Opinion on the Predictive Ability of Environmental Models of Bird Distribution
Authors: SEOANE JAVIER , BUSTAMANTE JAVIER , DÍAZ‐DELGADO RICARDO
Published: March 2005

Abstract:  The construction of predictive models of species distribution for conservation and regional planning can be facilitated by automatic procedures employed for the selection and transformation of predictors. It has been claimed, however, that empirical predictive models benefit from the inclusion of expert opinion at different stages of the model‐building process. This is a time‐consuming task that is limited by the availability of experts and difficult to standardize. Automated procedures for predictor selection based on statistical criteria are faster and easier to integrate into a geographic information system and may render highly explanatory models that fit the data with which they were built. But these models do not necessarily predict independent observations well and cannot be used to extrapolate to other areas. On the contrary, supervised models may include more frequently causal relationships, and therefore may more accurately predict new observations and extrapolate better to other areas. We built predictive models for the presence/absence of 10 bird species in two areas of Andalusia (southwestern Spain) to compare three different procedures for predictor selection ranging from a completely unsupervised to a fully supervised method. We evaluated models in three ways: (1) with the same data used to build the models, (2) with a different evaluation data set, and (3) with data from a different geographic area. The increase in the degree of expert input during model construction resulted in a significant decrease of model predictive ability when evaluated with an independent data set, and did not improve the predictive ability of the model when transferred to a new area. Unsupervised models had a greater tendency to overfit the building data, but this did not negatively affect model predictive ability or transferability to a new area. Incorporating expert opinion in the model‐building process neither rendered better models as measured by their predictive ability nor resulted in models that were better suited to other regions. Therefore, unsupervised fitting procedures seem to be an adequate and cost‐effective way to proceed when the aim is to generate potential distribution maps of species in a regional context.
Interactions of ultraspiracle with ecdysone receptor in the transduction of ecdysone‐ and juvenile hormone‐signaling
Authors: Fang Fang , Xu Yong , Jones Davy , Jones Grace
Published: March 2005

Analyses of integration of two‐hormone signaling through the vertebrate nuclear hormone receptors, for which the retinoid X receptor is one partner, have generated a number of mechanistic models, including those described as ‘subordination’ models wherein ligand‐activation of one partner is subordinate to the liganded state of the other partner. However, mechanisms by which two‐hormone signaling is integrated through invertebrate nuclear hormone‐binding receptors has not been heretofore experimentally elucidated. This report investigates the integration of signaling of invertebrate juvenile hormone (JH) and 20‐OH ecdysone (20OHE) at the level of identified nuclear receptors (ultraspiracle and ecdysone receptor), which transcriptionally activate a defined model core promoter (JH esterase gene), through specified hormone response elements (DR1 and IR1). Application of JH III, or 20OHE, to cultured Sf9 cells transfected with a DR1JHECoreLuciferase (or IR1JHECoreLuciferase) reporter promoter each induced expression of the reporter. Cotreatment of transfected cells with both hormones yielded a greater than additive effect on transcription, for especially the IR1JHECoreLuciferase reporter. Overexpression in Sf9 cells of recombinant Drosophila melanogaster ultraspiracle (dUSP) fostered formation of dUSP oligomer (potentially homodimer), as measured by coimmunoprecipitation assay and electrophoretic mobility assay (EMSA) on a DR1 probe, and also increased the level of transcription in response to JH III, but did not increase the transcriptional response to either 20OHE treatment alone or to the two hormones together. Inapposite, overexpression of recombinant D. melanogaster ecdysone receptor (dEcR) in the transfected cells generated dUSP/dEcR heterodimer [as measured by EMSA (supershift) on a DR1 probe] and increased the transcriptional response to 20OHE‐alone treatment, but did not increase the transcriptional response to the JH III‐alone treatment. Our studies provide evidence that in this model system, JH III‐activation of the reporter promoter is through USP oligomer (homodimer) that does not contain EcR, while the 20OHE‐activation is through the USP/EcR heterodimer. These results also show that the integration of JH III and 20OHE signaling is through the USP/EcR heterodimer, but that when the EcR partner is unliganded, the USP partner in this system is unable to transduce the JH III‐activation.
Neptunium uptake by serum transferrin
Authors: Llorens Isabelle , Den Auwer Christophe , Moisy Philippe , Ansoborlo Eric , Vidaud Claude , Funke Harld
Published: March 2005

Although of major impact in terms of biological and environmental hazards, interactions of actinide cations with biological molecules are only partially understood. Human serum transferrin (Tf) is one of the major iron carriers in charge of iron regulation in the cell cycle and consequently contamination by actinide cations is a critical issue of nuclear toxicology. Combined X‐ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and near infrared absorption spectrometry were used to characterize a new complex between Tf and Np (IV) with the synergistic nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) anion. Description of the neptunium polyhedron within the iron coordination site is given.
Induction of raft‐like domains by a myristoylated NAP‐22 peptide and its Tyr mutant
Authors: Epand Raquel F. , Sayer Brian G. , Epand Richard M.
Published: March 2005

The N‐terminally myristoylated, 19‐amino acid peptide, corresponding to the amino terminus of the neuronal protein NAP‐22 (NAP‐22 peptide) is a naturally occurring peptide that had been shown by fluorescence to cause the sequestering of a Bodipy‐labeled PtdIns(4,5)P2 in a cholesterol‐dependent manner. The present work, using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), extends the observation that formation of a PtdIns(4,5)P2‐rich domain is cholesterol dependent and shows that it also leads to the formation of a cholesterol‐depleted domain. The PtdIns(4,5)P2 used in the present work is extracted from natural sources and does not contain any label and has the native acyl chain composition. Peptide‐induced formation of a cholesterol‐depleted domain is abolished when the sole aromatic amino acid, Tyr11 is replaced with a Leu. Despite this, the modified peptide can still sequester PtdIns(4,5)P2 into domains, probably because of the presence of a cluster of cationic residues in the peptide. Cholesterol and PtdIns(4,5)P2 also modulate the insertion of the peptide into the bilayer as revealed by 1H NOESY MAS/NMR. The intensity of cross peaks between the aromatic protons of the Tyr residue and the protons of the lipid indicate that in the presence of cholesterol there is a change in the nature of the interaction of the peptide with the membrane. These results have important implications for the mechanism by which NAP‐22 affects actin reorganization in neurons.
Modeling the Melting and Dissolution Stages During Thermal Processing of Intermetallic Coatings from Layered Precursors
Authors: Alaeddine Marios , Ranganathan Rajesh , Ando Teiichi , Doumanidis Charalabos C.
Published: March 2005

This paper presents a simple analytical model of the temperature and concentration dynamic distributions during thermal processing of intermetallic and metal-matrix composite coatings, such as nickel aluminide coatings on steel substrates, by melting, e.g., preplated aluminum/nickel layers using a moving heat source such as a plasma arc. Such a source of Gaussian power distribution scans the surface of the coating, giving rise to the temperature evolution and component dissolution during the thermal melting and reaction process. The model is based on a system of lumped energy and mass balances, and convolution expressions of distributed temperature and concentration Green’s fields (accounting for the orientation of their gradient and decomposing heat and mass transfer across the coating from substrate conduction), and is solved numerically in real-time. The simulation results are validated on Ni–Al coatings processed using a robotic plasma arc laboratory station, through in-process infrared thermal sensing and off-line metallographic analysis. It is shown that the predicted temperature and dissolution penetration values compare well with the experimentally obtained results, therefore supporting the model as a real-time basis for design and/or adaptation of a thermal control system for the coating process.
Torus Form Inspection Using Coordinate Sampling
Authors: Antonio Aguirre-Cruz Juan , Raman Shivakumar
Published: March 2005

Flatness, circularity, and straightness have been studied quite extensively in literature. Forms such as torus are seldom studied. Yet, parts such as ball bearings and Toroidal-CVT have torus features that must be inspected for three-dimensional (3D) form. This research studies the torus form tolerances, herein termed torisity. Mathematical representation for coordinate form verification and fitting methods are each developed for torus forms for the very first time through this research. Three known sampling methods (Hammersley, Aligned systematic, and Random), 3 sample sizes (40, 80, and 120), 2 analysis approaches (horizontal and vertical), and 2 fitting algorithms (least squares and linear optimization) are developed and studied within a designed experiment for torus verification. Analysis shows that different combinations of the above factors lead to different outcomes. It is hoped that this analysis provides the foundation for the development of a future decision support system that can further lead to standards and solutions.
A New Wafer Level Packaging Approach: Encapsulation, Metallization and Laser Structuring for Advanced System in Package Manufacturing
Authors: Becker K.-F. , Braun T. , Neumann A. , Ostmann A. , Coko E. , Koch M. , Bader V. , Aschenbrenner R. , Reichl H.
Published: March 2005

One of the general trends in microelectronics packaging is the constant miniaturization of devices. This has led to the development of maximum miniaturization of components on Si level, i.e., CSPs and Flip Chips. To further integrate more functionality into devices, and to further increase the degree of miniaturization, packaging development focus is switching from single chip packaging to the realization of systems in package, SiPs. Two main approaches do exist to realize this goal: one is to integrate all components into one dedicated package, yielding maximum miniaturization for a special application, but little flexibility as far as system design is concerned. The other is to create modular stackable components that can be assembled into a functional system. This integrates both flexibility in system design by exchangeable components and increased reliability potential, as single components can be tested separately. This last approach was considered a promising choice for the generation of SiPs. Within this paper a packaging process is introduced that allows the wafer level manufacturing of stackable, encapsulated devices. Using a transfer molded epoxy demonstrator, a proof-of-concept is performed showing the feasibility of the stackable package approach. This is achieved by combining wafer level encapsulation and molded interconnect device technology. An electroless process for metallization and laser techniques for structuring the metallization layer have been applied to generate structures for reliable interconnects capable for the use of lead-free solders. Summarized, this paper presents the process development and feasibility analysis of wafer level packaging technologies for modular SiP solutions based on a duromer MID approach.
Resin Self-Alignment Processes for Self-Assembly Systems
Authors: Kim Jong-Min , Yasuda Kiyokazu , Fujimoto Kozo
Published: March 2005

We have demonstrated the self-alignment processes using surface tension of the resin material for the self-assembly systems. It has been known that the surface tension of the resin material is too low to achieve the self-alignment capability. This paper presents a fundamental concept and principles of resin self-alignment processes. The numerical analysis is conducted to enhance understandings of resin self-alignment behavior and the relationship between process-related parameters. It was proved that resin self-alignment is different from the oscillatory motion of solder self-alignment and shows overdamped motion by the experiment. We could achieve the precise alignment of less than 0.4 μm.
An Investigation Into the Potential of Low-Reynolds Number Eddy Viscosity Turbulent Flow Models to Predict Electronic Component Operational Temperature
Authors: Rodgers Peter , Eveloy Vale´rie , Hashmi M. S. J.
Published: March 2005

The flow modeling approaches employed in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) codes dedicated to the thermal analysis of electronic equipment are generally not specific for the analysis of forced airflows over populated electronic boards. This limitation has been previously highlighted (Eveloy, V. et al., 2004, IEEE Trans. Compon., Packag., Technol. 27, pp. 268–282), with component junction temperature prediction errors of up to 35% reported. This study evaluates the potential of three candidate low-Reynolds number eddy viscosity turbulence models to improve predictive accuracy. An array of fifteen board-mounted PQFPs is analyzed in a 4 m/s airflow. Using the shear stress transport k-ω model, significant improvements in component junction temperature prediction accuracy are obtained relative to the standard high-Reynolds number k-ε model, which are attributed to better prediction of both board leading edge heat transfer and component thermal interaction. Such improvements would enable parametric analysis of product thermal performance to be undertaken with greater confidence in the thermal design process, and the generation of more accurate temperature boundary conditions for use in Physics-of-Failure based reliability prediction methods. The case is made for vendors of CFD codes dedicated to the thermal analysis of electronics to consider the adoption of eddy viscosity turbulence models more suited to board-level analysis.
Scaling of Tip Vortex Cavitation Inception Noise With a Bubble Dynamics Model Accounting for Nuclei Size Distribution
Authors: Hsiao Chao-Tsung , Chahine Georges L.
Published: March 2005

The acoustic pressure generated by cavitation inception in a tip vortex flow was simulated in water containing a realistic bubble nuclei size distribution using a surface-averaged pressure (SAP) spherical bubble dynamics model. The flow field was obtained by the Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes computations for three geometrically similar scales of a finite-span elliptic hydrofoil. An “acoustic” criterion, which defines cavitation inception as the flow condition at which the number of acoustical “peaks” above a pre-selected pressure level exceeds a reference number per unit time, was applied to the three scales. It was found that the scaling of cavitation inception depended on the reference values (pressure amplitude and number of peaks) selected. Scaling effects (i.e., deviation from the classical σi∝Re0.4) increase as the reference inception criteria become more stringent (lower threshold pressures and less number of peaks). Larger scales tend to detect more cavitation inception events per unit time than obtained by classical scaling because a relatively larger number of nuclei are excited by the tip vortex at the larger scale due to simultaneous increase of the nuclei capture area and of the size of the vortex core. The average nuclei size in the nuclei distribution was also found to have an important impact on cavitation inception number. Scaling effects (i.e., deviation from classical expressions) become more important as the average nuclei size decreases.
Optimization of the Individual Stiffness and Damping Parameters in Multiple-Tuned-Mass-Damper Systems
Authors: Zuo Lei , Nayfeh Samir A.
Published: March 2005

The characteristics of multiple tuned-mass-dampers (MTMDs) attached to a single-degree-of-freedom primary system have been examined by many researchers. Several papers have included some parameter optimization, all based on restrictive assumptions. In this paper, we propose an efficient numerical algorithm to directly optimize the stiffness and damping of each of the tuned-mass dampers (TMDs) in such a system. We formulate the parameter optimization as a decentralized H2 control problem where the block-diagonal feedback gain matrix is composed of the stiffness and damping coefficients of the TMDs. The gradient of the root-mean-square response with respect to the design parameters is evaluated explicitly, and the optimization can be carried out efficiently. The effects of the mass distribution, number of dampers, total mass ratio, and uncertainties in system parameters are studied. Numerical results indicate that the optimal designs have neither uniformly spaced tuning frequencies nor identical damping coefficients, and that optimization of the individual parameters in the MTMD system yields a substantial improvement in performance. We also find that the distribution of mass among the TMDs has little impact on the performance of the system provided that the stiffness and damping can be individually optimized.
Measurement and Modeling of Normal Contact Stiffness and Contact Damping at the Meso Scale
Authors: Shi Xi , Polycarpou Andreas A.
Published: March 2005

Modeling of contact interfaces that inherently include roughness such as joints, clamping devices, and robotic contacts, is very important in many engineering applications. Accurate modeling of such devices requires knowledge of contact parameters such as contact stiffness and contact damping, which are not readily available. In this paper, an experimental method based on contact resonance is developed to extract the contact parameters of realistic rough surfaces under lightly loaded conditions. Both Hertzian spherical contacts and flat rough surfaces in contact under normal loads of up to 1000 mN were studied. Due to roughness, measured contact stiffness values are significantly lower than theoretical values predicted from smooth surfaces in contact. Also, the measured values favorably compare with theoretical values based on both Hertzian and rough contact surfaces. Contact damping ratio values were found to decrease with increasing contact load for both Hertzian and flat surfaces. Furthermore, Hertzian contacts have larger damping compared to rough flat surfaces, which also agrees with the literature. The presence of minute amount of lubricant and wear debris at the interface was also investigated. It was found that both lubricant and wear debris decrease the contact stiffness significantly though only the lubricant significantly increases the damping.
VASCULAR MALFORMATION OF HAND: CAVERNOUS LYMPHANGIOMA
Authors: Takka Semih , Doi Kazuteru , Hattori Yasunori
Published: March 2005

A case of congenital cavernous lymphangioma of the hand presenting in a newborn is presented. The mass on the dorsum of the hand was removed with the overlying skin and underlying paratenon at three years of age. Re-surfacing was performed with a free flap transfer. There were no post-operative complications during one year of follow-up.
SYNOVIAL CHONDROMATOSIS OF THE DISTAL RADIOULNAR JOINT
Authors: Slesarenko Yury A. , Hurst Lawrence C. , Dagum Alexander B.
Published: March 2005

Synovial chondromatosis is a rare lesion in the wrist and it is extremely uncommon in the distal radioulnar joint. This case presented with wrist pain, swelling and locking secondary to synovial chondromatosis of distal radioulnar joint.
IRREDUCIBLE PALMAR DISLOCATION OF THE PROXIMAL INTERPHALANGEAL JOINT OF A FINGER EVALUATED BY MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING: A CASE REPORT
Authors: Nanno Mitsuhiko , Sawaizumi Takuya , Ito Hiromoto
Published: March 2005

The irreducible palmar dislocation of the proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) of a finger is rare and central slip rupture with the interposition of the lateral band in the PIPJ is extremely rare. In our present case, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) enabled a very effective and detailed evaluation of soft tissue damage.
FLAP RECONSTRUCTION FOLLOWING HIGH PRESSURE INJECTION INJURIES OF THE HAND: A REPORT OF THREE CASES
Authors: Puhaindran M. E. , Chong A. K. S. , Chew W. Y. C.
Published: March 2005

High pressure injection injuries are well known to cause significant injury to the hand, with high amputation rates and poor functional outcome. Surgical treatment consists of early aggressive debridement followed by secondary closure. Flap reconstruction is a reconstruction option which can increase the chance of digit salvage, as well as give an acceptable functional and cosmetic result. We review three cases of flap reconstruction following high pressure injection injuries, and discuss their role in the treatment of these injuries.
DIFFERENCES IN RADIOGRAPHIC FINDINGS BETWEEN SCAPHOID FRACTURE PATTERNS
Authors: Inagaki H. , Nakamura R. , Horii E. , Nakao E. , Tatebe M.
Published: March 2005

Scaphoid fracture patterns can be divided into volar and dorsal type using three-dimensional computed tomography. Ninety-nine patients underwent this examination plus radiography to determine how often fracture pattern was identifiable by radiography including proximal fragment ratio (PFR) measurement. Oblique radiographs obtained at 45° of pronation demonstrated a volar displacement in 28 of 37 volar type fractures in three-dimensional computed tomography (76%), while as oblique view with 45° of supination could identify the dorsal type in ten of 18 (56%). PFR showed a significant difference, with means of 0.59 for volar type and 0.43 for dorsal type. Using oblique views in the two rotational directions together with the PFR, the two fracture patterns could be differentiated in 35 of 43 fractures (81%). No differences were evident between the two fracture patterns with respect to prevalence of dorsal intercalated segment instability deformity.
Effects of glycemic control on target organ responses to epinephrine in type 1 diabetes
Authors: Aftab Guy Deanna , Sandoval Darleen , Richardson M. A. , Tate Donna , Davis Stephen N.
Published: March 2005

Severe hypoglycemia occurs in intensively treated patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) due in part to deficient epinephrine counterregulatory responses. Previously, we have found that T1DM patients demonstrated a spectrum of altered responses to epinephrine at a variety of target organs compared with nondiabetic healthy subjects. What is not known is whether intensive glycemic control further modifies target organ responses in individuals with T1DM. Therefore, the aim of this study is to assess whether there is tissue specific (liver, muscle, adipose tissue, pancreas and cardiovascular) resistance to epinephrine in intensively controlled (IC) T1DM compared with those with conventional control (CC). Eight IC patients (age 33 ± 4 yr, BMI 24 ± 2 kg/m2, Hb A1C6.7 ± 0.1%), and 11 CC patients (age 35 ± 3 yr, BMI 25 ± 1 kg/m2, Hb A1C9.6 ± 0.1%) underwent two separate randomized, single-blind, 2-h hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp studies with (EPI) and without (NO EPI) epinephrine infusion. Epinephrine levels during EPI were similar in all groups (5,197 ± 344 pmol/l). Glucose (5.3 ± 0.1 mmol/l) and insulin levels (515 ± 44 pmol/l) were similar in all groups during the glucose clamps. Endogenous glucose production (EGP) and glucose uptake (Rd) were determined using [3-H3]glucose. Muscle biopsy was performed at the end of each study. IC had a significantly reduced EGP and Rdresponses to EPI compared with CC. Glucagon responses to EPI were similarly blunted in both IC and CC. Free fatty acid and glycerol response to EPI was greater in CC compared with IC. There was a significantly greater systolic blood pressure response to EPI in CC. We conclude that, despite similar epinephrine, insulin, and glucose levels, intensively treated T1DM patients had reduced cardiovascular, skeletal muscle, hepatic, and adipose target organ responses to EPI compared with conventionally treated T1DM patients.
Global gene annotation analysis and transcriptional profiling identify key biological modules in hypoxic pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Gharib Sina A. , Luchtel Daniel L. , Madtes David K. , Glenny Robb W.
Published: March 2005

Chronic hypoxic pulmonary hypertension is an important clinical disorder causing significant morbidity. Despite recent discoveries, many molecular mechanisms involved in its pathogenesis remain unexplored. We have undertaken a systematic and unbiased approach to gain global insights into this complex process. By combining transcriptional profiling with rigorous statistical methods and cluster analysis, we identified the dominant temporal patterns of gene expression during progression and regression of hypoxic pulmonary hypertension. We next integrated these results with global gene annotation analysis to identify key biological themes involved in the development and resolution of hypoxic pulmonary hypertension and vascular remodeling. This novel approach assigned biological roles to thousands of candidate genes based on their temporal expression profiles and membership in specific biological modules. Our procedure confirmed several molecular pathways and gene products known to be important in hypoxic pulmonary hypertension. Furthermore, we discovered several novel candidates and molecular mechanisms, including IQ motif containing GTPase-activating protein-1 (IQGAP1), decorin, insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP3), and lactotransferrin, that may play crucial roles in hypoxic pulmonary hypertension and vascular remodeling. Our methodology of integrating transcriptional profiling, cluster analysis, and global gene annotation provides new insights into the pathophysiology of pulmonary hypertension and is applicable to other models of human disease.
Store-Operated Calcium Channels
Authors: Parekh Anant B. , Putney James W.
Published: March 2005

In electrically nonexcitable cells, Ca2+influx is essential for regulating a host of kinetically distinct processes involving exocytosis, enzyme control, gene regulation, cell growth and proliferation, and apoptosis. The major Ca2+entry pathway in these cells is the store-operated one, in which the emptying of intracellular Ca2+stores activates Ca2+influx (store-operated Ca2+entry, or capacitative Ca2+entry). Several biophysically distinct store-operated currents have been reported, but the best characterized is the Ca2+release-activated Ca2+current, ICRAC. Although it was initially considered to function only in nonexcitable cells, growing evidence now points towards a central role for ICRAC-like currents in excitable cells too. In spite of intense research, the signal that relays the store Ca2+content to CRAC channels in the plasma membrane, as well as the molecular identity of the Ca2+sensor within the stores, remains elusive. Resolution of these issues would be greatly helped by the identification of the CRAC channel gene. In some systems, evidence suggests that store-operated channels might be related to TRP homologs, although no consensus has yet been reached. Better understood are mechanisms that inactivate store-operated entry and hence control the overall duration of Ca2+entry. Recent work has revealed a central role for mitochondria in the regulation of ICRAC, and this is particularly prominent under physiological conditions. ICRACtherefore represents a dynamic interplay between endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, and plasma membrane. In this review, we describe the key electrophysiological features of ICRACand other store-operated Ca2+currents and how they are regulated, and we consider recent advances that have shed insight into the molecular mechanisms involved in this ubiquitous and vital Ca2+entry pathway.
Intentional Delay of Human Hepatocarcinogenesis due to Suppression of Chronic Hepatitis
Authors: Hino Okio
Published: March 2005

Human hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) are preceded by chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis. Despite a clear viral etiology [hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV)] of human hepatocarcinogenesis, the mechanism is complex and the distinct molecular pathway or molecules to explain this phenomenon are not yet known. Hepatitis viral, ‘inflammation-mediated’ hepatocarcinogenesis greatly influences the incidence of somatic genetic events in hepatocytes by increasing the number of target cells, or the proliferation of once-hit hepatocytes, eventually leading to HCCs. These conditions may be designated as the ‘hypercarcinogenic state’. Our goal is to lead the ‘hypercarcinogenic state’ to the ‘normo- or hypocarcinogenic’ state and to prevent HCC development (intentional delay of HCC).
Hepatitis B Virus-Related Hepatocellular Carcinogenesis and Its Prevention
Authors: Ikeda Kenji , Arase Yasuji , Kobayashi Masahiro , Someya Takashi , Hosaka Tetsuya , Saitoh Satoshi , Sezaki Hitomi , Akuta Norio , Suzuki Fumitaka , Suzuki Yoshiyuki , Kumada Hiromitsu
Published: March 2005

To elucidate the influence of serum hepatitis B virus (HBV) load on hepatocellular carcinogenesis in cirrhotic patients, HBV-DNA was sequentially measured. In a nested, case-control study using 96 patients without antiviral therapy, high HBV-DNA (≧103.7 copies/ml) in the last 3 years was significantly associated with carcinogenesis (a patient group without hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development; 0/48 vs. a patient group with eventual HCC development; 22/48, p < 0.0001). No patient with a continuously low HBV-DNA for the last 3 years developed HCC. Persistence of high HBV-DNA concentration suggested an increased risk of carcinogenesis. In a retrospective cohort study using 57 patients with interferon therapy, HCC developed in 2 (8.0%) of the 25 patients with HBV-DNA loss, while carcinogenesis was found in 11 (34.4%) of 32 patients without HBV-DNA loss (Fisher’s exact test, p = 0.026). A significant decrease or loss of serum HBV-DNA stops HCC development, and its sequential analysis could be very useful both in the prediction and early detection of small HCC.