bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CONNES DISTANCE BY EXAMPLES: HOMOTHETIC SPECTRAL METRIC SPACES
Authors: WALLET JEAN-CHRISTOPHE
Published: October 2012

We study metric properties stemming from the Connes spectral distance on three types of non-compact non-commutative spaces which have received attention recently from various viewpoints in the physics literature. These are the non-commutative Moyal plane, a family of harmonic Moyal spectral triples for which the Dirac operator squares to the harmonic oscillator Hamiltonian and a family of spectral triples with the Dirac operator related to the Landau operator. We show that these triples are homothetic spectral metric spaces, having an infinite number of distinct pathwise connected components. The homothetic factors linking the distances are related to determinants of effective Clifford metrics. We obtain, as a by-product, new examples of explicit spectral distance formulas. The results are discussed in detail.
TIME DELAY BETWEEN RR AND RT HEART BEAT INTERVALS ASSESSED BY TREND EXTRACTION OF EXERCISE TEST DATA
Authors: CAMMAROTA CAMILLO , CURIONE MARIO
Published: October 2012

The RR and RT time intervals extracted from the electrocardiogram measure respectively the duration of cardiac cycle and repolarization. The series of these intervals recorded during the exercise test are characterized by two trends: A decreasing one during the stress phase and an increasing one during the recovery, separated by a global minimum. We model these series as a sum of a deterministic trend and random fluctuations, and estimate the trend using methods of curve extraction: Running mean, polynomial fit, multi scale wavelet decomposition. We estimate the minimum location from the trend. Data analysis performed on a group of 20 healthy subjects provides evidence that the minimum of the RR series precedes the minimum of the RT series, with a time delay of about 19 seconds.
SOUND MAPS AND NOISE CALCULATION IN WORK-SPACE WITH SPECIFICATION TO A PRINTING OFFICE
Authors: LOMEN I. , MIHAILOVIC A. , CVETICANIN L.
Published: October 2012

This paper discusses noise distribution in a workplace by the use of software generated maps. Noise level distribution is calculated based on sound theory with the assumption that machines are modeled as point sources. Computer software calculates noise levels from input data. The sound properties of all noise producing office equipment are known values. The influence of the variation of machine positions was analyzed and it was concluded that noise reduction could be achieved by location management of office equipment in the work-space. The software was tested in a printing office. It is shown that for certain positions of the printing equipment the noise level is minimal. Computer modeling for noise reduction has crucial significance in such cases where the production lines are located in workplaces whereby a standard acoustic criteria has not been met and also where workers do not wear hearing protectors. The results of applied software and calculating procedure are available to machinery designers who construct new workplaces or modify the present production lines taking into account the aspect of noise level.
PERIODIC COUPLING STRENGTH-ENHANCED COHERENCE RESONANCE INDUCED BY A PARTICULAR KIND OF NON-GAUSSIAN NOISE IN NEURONAL NETWORKS
Authors: GONG YUBING , WANG LI , XU BO
Published: October 2012

In this Letter, we study the effect of time-periodic coupling strength (TPCS) on the coherence resonance (CR) of spiking behavior induced by a particular kind of non-Gaussian noise in Newman–Watts networks of Hodgkin–Huxley neurons. It is found that the CR by the non-Gaussian noise can be enhanced by TPCS when TPCS frequency is equal to or multiple of the inverse of the refractory period, and can occur in networks with more random shortcuts for TPCS than for constant coupling strength. Furthermore, the CR by the non-Gaussian noise can occur at smaller TPCS frequency when network randomness increases. These results show that the CR by the non-Gaussian noise can be enhanced by TPCS and can occur in more complex networks in case of TPCS. These findings may help to better understand the joint roles of the non-Gaussian noise and TPCS in the spiking activity of the neuronal networks.
STUDY OF COPPER FERRITE NANOWIRE FORMATION IN PRESENCE OF CARBON NANOTUBES AND INFLUENCE OF FLUORINATION ON HIGH PERFORMANCE SUPERCAPACITOR ENERGY STORAGE APPLICATION
Authors: GIRI SOUMEN , GHOSH DEBASIS , KHARITONOV ALEXANDER P. , DAS CHAPAL KUMAR
Published: October 2012

Supercapacitors are highly attractive energy storage device of the modern world. It can supply peak pulse power and high cycle stability to an electrochemical system. Here, we have explored the formation of copper ferrite ( CuFe2O4 ) nanowire formation in presence of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and enhancement of electrochemical performance on fluorination. All the electrochemical characterization was studied by three electrode system. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) was performed to test the functionality present in the composite. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) study had been carried out to observe the change in surface and bulk morphology of the composites which showed that CuFe2O4 nanowires are attached with CNTs or fluorinated CNTs. This fluorinated nanocomposite shows the highest specific capacitance of 267 F/g.
Simulated spaceflight produces a rapid and sustained loss of osteoprogenitors and an acute but transitory rise of osteoclast precursors in two genetic strains of mice
Authors: Shahnazari Mohammad , Kurimoto Pam , Boudignon Benjamin M. , Orwoll Benjamin E. , Bikle Daniel D. , Halloran Bernard P.
Published: October 2012

Loss of skeletal weight bearing or skeletal unloading as occurs during spaceflight inhibits bone formation and stimulates bone resorption. These are associated with a decline in the osteoblast (Ob.S/BS) and an increase in the osteoclast (Oc.S/BS) bone surfaces. To determine the temporal relationship between changes in the bone cells and their marrow precursor pools during sustained unloading, and whether genetic background influences these relationships, we used the hindlimb unloading model to induce bone loss in two strains of mice known to respond to load and having significantly different cancellous bone volumes (C57BL/6 and DBA/2 male mice). Skeletal unloading caused a progressive decline in bone volume that was accompanied by strain-specific changes in Ob.S/BS and Oc.S/BS. These were associated with a sustained reduction in the osteoprogenitor population and a dramatic but transient increase in the osteoclast precursor pool size in both strains. The results reveal that bone adaptation to skeletal unloading involves similar rapid changes in the osteoblast and osteoclast progenitor populations in both strains of mice but striking differences in Oc.S/BS dynamics, BFR, and cancellous bone structure. These strain-specific differences suggest that genetics plays an important role in determining the osteoblast and osteoclast populations on the bone surface and the dynamics of bone loss in response to skeletal unloading.
Effect of exercise training on metabolic flexibility in response to a high-fat diet in obese individuals
Authors: Battaglia Gina M. , Zheng Donghai , Hickner Robert C. , Houmard Joseph A.
Published: October 2012

Obese individuals typically exhibit a reduced capacity for metabolic flexibility by failing to increase fatty acid oxidation (FAO) upon the imposition of a high-fat diet (HFD). Exercise training increases FAO in the skeletal muscle of obese individuals, but whether this intervention can restore metabolic flexibility is unclear. The purpose of this study was to compare FAO in the skeletal muscle of lean and obese subjects in response to a HFD before and after exercise training. Twelve lean (means ± SE) (age 21.8 ± 1.1 yr, BMI 22.6 ± 0.7 kg/m2) and 10 obese men (age 22.4 ± 0.8 yr, BMI 33.7 ± 0.7 kg/m2) consumed a eucaloric HFD (70% of energy from fat) for 3 days. After a washout period, 10 consecutive days of aerobic exercise (1 h/day, 70% V̇o2peak) were performed, with the HFD repeated during days 8–10. FAO and indices of mitochondrial content were determined from muscle biopsies. In response to the HFD, lean subjects increased complete FAO (27.3 ± 7.4%, P = 0.03) in contrast to no change in their obese counterparts (1.0 ± 7.9%). After 7 days of exercise, citrate synthase activity and FAO increased ( P < 0.05) regardless of body habitus; addition of the HFD elicited no further increase in FAO. These data indicate that obese, in contrast to lean, individuals do not increase FAO in skeletal muscle in response to a HFD. The increase in FAO with exercise training, however, enables the skeletal muscle of obese individuals to respond similarly to their lean counterparts when confronted with short-term excursion in dietary lipid.
Maternal androgen excess reduces placental and fetal weights, increases placental steroidogenesis, and leads to long-term health effects in their female offspring
Authors: Sun Miao , Maliqueo Manuel , Benrick Anna , Johansson Julia , Shao Ruijin , Hou Lihui , Jansson Thomas , Wu Xiaoke , Stener-Victorin Elisabet
Published: October 2012

Here, we tested the hypothesis that excess maternal androgen in late pregnancy reduces placental and fetal growth, increases placental steroidogenesis, and adversely affects glucose and lipid metabolism in adult female offspring. Pregnant Wistar rats were randomly assigned to treatment with testosterone (daily injections of 5 mg of free testosterone from gestational days 16 to 19) or vehicle alone. In experiment 1, fetal and placental weights, circulating maternal testosterone, estradiol, and corticosterone levels, and placental protein expression and distribution of estrogen receptor-α and -β, androgen receptor, and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 2 were determined. In experiment 2, birth weights, postnatal growth rates, circulating testosterone, estradiol, and corticosterone levels, insulin sensitivity, adipocyte size, lipid profiles, and the presence of nonalcoholic fatty liver were assessed in female adult offspring. Treatment with testosterone reduced placental and fetal weights and increased placental expression of all four proteins. The offspring of testosterone-treated dams were born with intrauterine growth restriction; however, at 6 wk of age there was no difference in body weight between the offspring of testosterone- and control-treated rats. At 10–11 wk of age, the offspring of the testosterone-treated dams had less fat mass and smaller adipocyte size than those born to control rats and had no difference in insulin sensitivity. Circulating triglyceride levels were higher in the offspring of testosterone-treated dams, and they developed nonalcoholic fatty liver as adults. We demonstrate for the first time that prenatal testosterone exposure alters placental steroidogenesis and leads to dysregulation of lipid metabolism in their adult female offspring.
Squeezing Force of the Magnetorheological Fluid Isolating Damper for Centrifugal Fan in Nuclear Power Plant
Authors: Huang Jin , Wang Ping , Wang Guochao
Published: October 2012

Magnetorheological (MR) disk-type isolating dampers are the semi-active control devices that use MR fluids to produce controllable squeezing force. In this paper, the analytical endeavor into the fluid dynamic modeling of an MR isolating damper is reported. The velocity and pressure distribution of an MR fluid operating in an axisymmetric squeeze model are analytically solved using a biviscosity constitutive model. Analytical solutions for the flow behavior of MR fluid flowing through the parallel channel are obtained. The equation for the squeezing force is derived to provide the theoretical foundation for the design of the isolating damper. The result shows that with the increase of the applied magnetic field strength, the squeezing force is increased.
Bilateral Spontaneous Perirenal Hemorrhage in an Acquired Cystic Kidney Disease Hemodialysis Patient
Authors: Hirohama Daigoro , Miyakawa Hiroshi
Published: October 2012

Acquired cystic kidney disease (ACKD) is a well-known late stage complication of chronic kidney disease. Cysts tend to grow with time on dialysis and could lead to malignant transformation, and intra- or perirenal hemorrhage is a rare complication of ACKD. Here we describe one case of bilateral spontaneous perirenal hemorrhage of ACKD in a 44-year-old man, on hemodialysis for 15 years. One was due to cyst rupture, and the other was due to aneurism rupture, both were controlled with transcatheter arterial embolization. In renal arteriography at the second rupture, we demonstrated extravasation from an aneurysm being present at the periphery of right renal artery. Several spontaneous perirenal hemorrhage cases were reported but its clinical information is limited, moreover, bilateral cases were extremely rare. Furthermore, to our knowledge, this is the first report of spontaneous perirenal hemorrhage caused by intraparenchymal renal artery aneurysm rupture in ACKD patients. We report this case because of its rarity and significance with respect to the complication of dialysis patients, review reported bilateral cases, and discuss some clinical characteristics.
Treatment of Pesticides in Wastewater by Heterogeneous and Homogeneous Photocatalysis
Authors: Stan Catalina Daniela , Cretescu Igor , Pastravanu Cristina , Poulios Ioannis , Drăgan Maria
Published: October 2012

The effect of different heterogeneous and homogeneous photocatalytic systems on the oxidative degradation of mepiquat chloride in aqueous solutions was investigated. In the case of heterogeneous reactions, the influence of five factors was studied: the type of catalyst, photocatalyst concentration, pH, pesticide concentration, and the presence of H2O2and/or Fe3+. For homogeneous catalysis, other factors were studied: the oxidising agent and the light source. Nearly complete degradation of mepiquat chloride was obtained after about 180 minutes in the presence of an acid medium (pH3) using a UV-A lamp and TiO2P-25 catalyst (0.5 g/L), for an initial pesticide concentration of 10 ppm. Degradation rates corresponding to homogeneous photocatalysis were lower compared to those corresponding to the use of TiO2as the photocatalyst.
Diversity across Seasons of CulturablePseudomonasfrom a Desiccation Lagoon in Cuatro Cienegas, Mexico
Authors: Rodríguez-Verdugo Alejandra , Souza Valeria , Eguiarte Luis E. , Escalante Ana E.
Published: October 2012

Cuatro Cienegas basin (CCB) is a biodiversity reservoir within the Chihuahuan desert that includes several water systems subject to marked seasonality. While several studies have focused on biodiversity inventories, this is the first study that describes seasonal changes in diversity within the basin. We sampledPseudomonaspopulations from a seasonally variable water system at four different sampling dates (August 2003, January 2004, January 2005, and August 2005). A total of 70Pseudomonasisolates across seasons were obtained, genotyped by fingerprinting (BOX-PCR), and taxonomically characterized by 16S rDNA sequencing. We found 35 unique genotypes, and two numerically dominant lineages (16S rDNA sequences) that made up 64% of the sample:P. cuatrocienegasensisandP. otitidis. We did not recover genotypes across seasons, but lineages reoccurred across seasons;P. cuatrocienegasensiswas isolated exclusively in winter, whileP. otitidiswas only recovered in summer. We statistically show that taxonomic identity of isolates is not independent of the sampling season, and that winter and summer populations are different. In addition to the genetic description of populations, we show exploratory measures of growth rates at different temperatures, suggesting physiological differences between populations. Altogether, the results indicate seasonal changes in diversity of free-living aquaticPseudomonaspopulations from CCB.
Estrogen Regulates MAPK-Related Genes through Genomic and Nongenomic Interactions between IGF-I Receptor Tyrosine Kinase and Estrogen Receptor-Alpha Signaling Pathways in Human Uterine Leiomyoma Cells
Authors: Yu Linda , Moore Alicia B. , Castro Lysandra , Gao Xiaohua , Huynh Hoang-Long C. , Klippel Michelle , Flagler Norris D. , Lu Yi , Kissling Grace E. , Dixon Darlene
Published: October 2012

Estrogen and growth factors play a major role in uterine leiomyoma (UtLM) growth possibly through interactions of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) and estrogen receptor-alpha (ERα) signaling. We determined the genomic and nongenomic effects of 17β-estradiol (E2) on IGF-IR/MAPKp44/42 signaling and gene expression in human UtLM cells with intact or silenced IGF-IR. Analysis by RT2Profiler PCR-array showed genes involved in IGF-IR/MAPK signaling were upregulated in UtLM cells by E2including cyclin D kinases, MAPKs, and MAPK kinases; RTK signaling mediator, GRB2; transcriptional factors ELK1 and E2F1; CCNB2 involved in cell cycle progression, proliferation, and survival; and COL1A1 associated with collagen synthesis. Silencing (si)IGF-IR attenuated the above effects and resulted in upregulation of different genes, such as transcriptional factor ETS2; the tyrosine kinase receptor, EGFR; and DLK1 involved in fibrosis. E2rapidly activated IGF-IR/MAPKp44/42 signaling nongenomically and induced phosphorylation of ERαat ser118 in cells with a functional IGF-IR versus those without. E2also upregulated IGF-I gene and protein expression through a prolonged genomic event. These results suggest a pivotal role of IGF-IR and possibly other RTKs in mediating genomic and nongenomic hormone receptor interactions and signaling in fibroids and provide novel genes and targets for future intervention and prevention strategies.
Optimum Design of Fibre Orientation in Composite Laminate Plates for Out-Plane Stresses
Authors: Khandan Rasoul , Noroozi Siamak , Sewell Philip , Vinney John , Koohgilani Mehran
Published: October 2012

Previous studies have shown that composite fibre orientations can be optimised for specific load cases such as longitudinal or in-plane loading. However, the methodologies utilised in these studies cannot be used for general analysis of such problems. In this research, an extra term is added to the optimisation penalty function in order to consider the transverse shear effect. This modified penalty function leads to a new methodology whereby the thickness of laminated composite plate is minimized by optimising the fibre orientations for different load cases. Therefore, the effect of transverse shear forces is considered in this study. Simulated annealing (SA) is used to search for the optimal design. This optimisation algorithm has been shown to be reliable as it is not based on the starting point, and it can escape from the local optimum points. In this research, the Tsai-Wu failure and maximum stress criteria for composite laminate are chosen. By applying two failure criteria at the same time the results are more reliable. Experimentally generated results show a very good agreement with the numerical results, validating the simulated model used. Finally, to validate the methodology the numerical results are compared to the results of previous research with specific loading.
Performance of Cross-Layer Design with Antenna Selection and Imperfect Feedback Information in MIMO Systems
Authors: Dang Xiaoyu , Yu Xiangbin , Chen Xiaomin
Published: October 2012

By combining adaptive modulation and automatic repeat request, a cross-layer design (CLD) scheme for MIMO system with antenna selection (AS) and imperfect feedback is presented, and the corresponding performance is studied. Subject to a target packet loss rate and fixed power constraint, the variable switching thresholds of fading gain are derived. According to these results, and using mathematical manipulation, the average spectrum efficiency (SE) and packet error rate (PER) of the system are further derived. As a result, closed-form expressions of the average SE and PER are obtained, respectively. These expressions include the expressions under perfect channel state information as special cases and provide good performance evaluation for the system. Numerical results show that the proposed CLD scheme with antenna selection has higher SE than the existing CLD scheme with space-time block coding, and the CLD scheme with variable switching thresholds outperforms that with conventional-fixed switching thresholds.
Thrombocytopenia in the Setting of Hemodialysis Using Biocompatible Membranes
Authors: Muir Kathryn B. , Packer Clifford D.
Published: October 2012

Thrombocytopenia is a known potential side effect of hemodialysis, however, it is rarely seen in patients who undergo hemodialysis using biocompatible membranes. This case demonstrates hemodialysis-associated thrombocytopenia with use of biocompatible dialysis membranes that expose blood directly to polysulfone. The thrombocytopenia resolved in this patient when the dialysis membrane was changed to a biocompatible model with a polyethylene glycol barrier layer preventing direct interaction between patient blood and polysulfone. The calculated Naranjo ADR score of 9 indicates a highly probable adverse reaction.
Nonabsorbable-Suture-Induced Osteomyelitis: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Yeo Cheng Hong , Russell Nick C. , Sharpe Tom
Published: October 2012

We are reporting a case of nonabsorbable suture-induced osteomyelitis in patient who had an open rotator cuff repair with nonabsorbable Ethibond anchor suture. Patient in this case presented with very subtle clinical features of osteomyelitis of the left proximal humerus 15 years after initial rotator cuff repair surgery. Literature had shown that deep infection following rotator cuff repairs, although rare, can be easily missed and can cause severe complications. Absorbable suture had been demonstrated to be more superior, in terms of rate of deep infection, as compared to nonabsorbable suture when used in rotator cuff repair surgery. Both absorbable and nonabsorbable suture had been demonstrated to have similar mechanical properties by several different studies. The case demonstrated that initial presentation of deep infection can be subtle and easily missed by clinicians and leads to further complications.
Automated Lobe-Based Airway Labeling
Authors: Gu Suicheng , Wang Zhimin , Siegfried Jill M. , Wilson David , Bigbee William L. , Pu Jiantao
Published: October 2012

Regional quantitative analysis of airway morphological abnormalities is of great interest in lung disease investigation. Considering that pulmonary lobes are relatively independent functional unit, we develop and test a novel and efficient computerized scheme in this study to automatically and robustly classify the airways into different categories in terms of pulmonary lobe. Given an airway tree, which could be obtained using any available airway segmentation scheme, the developed approach consists of four basic steps: (1) airway skeletonization or centerline extraction, (2) individual airway branch identification, (3) initial rule-based airway classification/labeling, and (4) self-correction of labeling errors. In order to assess the performance of this approach, we applied it to a dataset consisting of 300 chest CT examinations in a batch manner and asked an image analyst to subjectively examine the labeled results. Our preliminary experiment showed that the labeling accuracy for the right upper lobe, the right middle lobe, the right lower lobe, the left upper lobe, and the left lower lobe is 100%, 99.3%, 99.3%, 100%, and 100%, respectively. Among these, only two cases are incorrectly labeled due to the failures in airway detection. It takes around 2 minutes to label an airway tree using this algorithm.
Amelogenesis Imperfecta and Generalized Gingival Overgrowth Resembling Hereditary Gingival Fibromatosis in Siblings: A Case Report
Authors: Yaprak Emre , Subaşı Meryem Gülce , Avunduk Mustafa , Aykent Filiz
Published: October 2012

Amelogenesis imperfecta (AI) is a group of hereditary disorders primarily characterized by developmental abnormalities in the quantity and/or quality of enamel. There are some reports suggesting an association between AI and generalized gingival enlargement. This paper describes the clinical findings and oral management of two siblings presenting both AI and hereditary gingival fibromatosis (HGF) like generalized gingival enlargements. The treatment of gingival enlargements by periodontal flap surgery was successful in the management of the physiologic gingival form for both patients in the 3-year follow-up period. Prosthetic treatment was also satisfactory for the older patient both aesthetically and functionally.
Analysis of the NUPEC PSBT Tests with FLICA-OVAP
Authors: Bucci Matteo , Fillion Philippe
Published: October 2012

This paper discusses the results of a computational activity devoted to the prediction of two-phase flows in subchannels and in rod bundles. The capabilities of the FLICA-OVAP code have been tested against an extensive experimental database made available by the Japanese Nuclear Power Energy Corporation (NUPEC) in the frame of the PWR subchannel and bundle tests (PSBT) international benchmark promoted by OECD and NRC. The experimental tests herein addressed involve void fraction distributions and boiling crisis phenomena in rod bundles with uniform and nonuniform heat flux conditions. Both steady-state and transient scenarios have been addressed, including power increase, flow reduction, temperature increase, and depressurization, representative of PWR thermal-hydraulics conditions. After a brief description of the main features of FLICA-OVAP, the relevant physical models available within the code are detailed. Results obtained in the different tests included in the PSBT void distribution and DNB benchmarks are therefore reported. The relevant role of selected physical models is discussed.
Epidermal Inclusion Cyst Presenting as a Palpable Scrotal Mass
Authors: Correa Andres F. , Gayed Bishoy A. , Tublin Mitchell E. , Parwani Anil V. , Gingrich Jeffrey R.
Published: October 2012

We report a scrotal epidermal inclusion cyst located outside the median raphe which a rare entity in the absence of trauma and few cases have been reported. 47 year old male presents with a complaint of right sided testicular swelling and discomfort. On examination a 3 cm mass was palpated between the scrotum and the medial thigh on the subcutaneous tissue with a positive slip sign. Complete surgical excision of the cyst was performed. Histopathology confirmed epidermal inclusion cyst with no evidence of malignancy.
Delayed Gel Indurations as an Adverse Effect of Polyacrylamide Filler and Its Easy Treatment
Authors: Kavoussi Hossein , Ebrahimi Ali
Published: October 2012

Background. The more increasing use of permanent soft tissue fillers such as polyacrylamide hydrogel (PAAG) for aesthetic purposes, the more adverse events resulting from them are reported. Occasionally, nonserious complications and misdiagnosis result in unnecessary surgeries and sequels.Objective. To introduce delayed gel indurations (DGIs) as a late onset complication of PAAG and its easy treatment.Patient and Methods. Twenty patients (17 females and 3 males) referred to us with subcutaneous mass at injected site of PAAG. We diagnosed DGI based on clinical and sonography findings and treatment was performed with a hole by 16-gauge needle and squeezing.Results. From 20 patients with 21 cases of DGI, 5 (23.8%), 5 (23.8%), and 5 (23.8%) cases in cheeks, glabella, and lips were seen, respectively. The time range between PAAG injection and presentation of patients was 10–28 months (mean = 17.5%). All of the patients responded very well to treatment without recurrence and any complications.Conclusion. DGI is a nonserious, late onset, and easily treated complication of PAAG that is probably induced due to water exchange between gel and surrounding tissue and modest host immune reaction to gel.
The Decay Resistance and Hyphae Penetration of BambooGigantochloa scortechiniiDecayed by White and Brown Rot Fungi
Authors: Hamid Norul Hisham , Sulaiman Othman , Mohammad Azmy , Ahmad Ludin Norasikin
Published: October 2012

The decay resistance and hyphae penetration of bambooGigantochloa scortechiniidecayed by white and brown rot fungi were investigated using scanning electron microscope (SEM). The bamboo grown in natural stand from three different age classes of 0.5, 3.5, and 6.5 years was harvested, oven dried, sterilised, and exposed to agar media containing 4% malt extract and 2% agar technical (no. 3) under laboratory condition for 8 weeks. The deterioration was expressed as percentage of weight loss, and the decay resistance classes were measured according to ASTM D 2017-81 (1986). This study found that the percentage weight loss was greatly reduced with the bamboo ageing. Regardless of age, theG. scortechiniiwas classified as highly resistant to decay by white and brown rot fungi. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) observation showed that the fungi hyphae mostly penetrated into the vessel and proceeded to the pit and parenchyma cells.
Clonality Assessment in a Case of Multifocal Adamantinoma and a Review of the Literature
Authors: Borbas Paul , Leithner Andreas , Sadoghi Patrick , Berndt Anne , Liegl Bernadette , Haas Oskar A.
Published: October 2012

Adamantinoma is a low-grade, malignant biphasic bone tumour predominantly located in the tibia. In up to 50% of all cases this is combined with one or more lesions in the ipsilateral fibula. Whether these lesions represent regional metastases or arise de novo is not yet exactly known. In order to address this question, we extracted DNA from the respective fresh frozen tumour tissues in a case of a young woman with a multifocal adamantinoma of both the tibia and ipsilateral fibula. Afterwards the X inactivation pattern was studied by means of methylation-sensitive polymerase chain reaction and primers that target the polymorphic CGG trinucleotide repeat of FMR1 gene and the polymorphic CAG repeat, on exon 1 of the human androgen receptor gene (AR). The analysis of the AR was homozygous and not informative. Studying the FMR1 gene, we detected a 100% skewing of the X inactivation pattern of both locations and found that the same allele was methylated. Even if the fibula lesion arose de novo there would have been a 50 : 50 chance that the same allele was methylated. As this methylation pattern was found we cannot provide a valid explanation for the origin of the fibula lesion. Analysis of X inactivation patterns in future cases of polyfocal adamantinoma might provide further evidence for one of the two theories.
Thyroid Tissue Connected to Normally Located Thyroid Gland: Ectopic or Exophytic?
Authors: Keles Erol , Ozkara Sule , Karlidag Turgut , Ozercan İbrahim Hanifi
Published: October 2012

Ectopic thyroid tissue is seen rarely. It is often seen in cervical midline, and rarely in other areas such as submandibular area. Diagnosis is made histopathologically by fine needle biopsy after the elimination of malignancy. In the treatment of ectopic thyroid tissue, surgical excision is mostly applied. According to our knowledge, there is no exophytic thyroid tissue reported in the literature. In this paper, a 32-year-old woman who presented with a swelling under the right jaw and found a thyroid tissue attached to the normally located thyroid gland with a fibrous band in the neck was discussed.
Regaining Candidacy for Heart Transplantation after Robotic Assisted Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy in Left Ventricular Assist Device Patient
Authors: Khemees Tariq A. , Shabsigh Ahmad
Published: October 2012

Several factors may highlight the relevance of prostate cancer to the pre-heart-transplant population. First, the expansion in candidate selection criteria led to increased number of men over the age of fifty to be considered for heart transplantation. With the introduction of left ventricular assist device (LVAD) therapy, waiting-list mortality has dramatically declined over the past decade. Additionally, transplant candidates are diligently screened for preexisting neoplasm while on the waiting list. Taken together, screening-detected prostate cancer may increasingly be diagnosed in patients on the waiting list. If discovered, it will pose unique challenge to clinicians as to date there has been no universally accepted management guideline. We report a case of LVAD-treated heart transplant candidate diagnosed with prostate cancer while on the waiting list. Patient screening demonstrated PSA elevation which prompted prostate biopsy. Low-risk clinically localized prostate cancer was confirmed and led to removal of patient from transplant list. When counseled regarding management of his cancer, the patient elected to undergo radical prostatectomy in a hope to regain candidacy for heart transplantation. Despite being of high surgical risk, multidisciplinary team approach led to successful management of prostate cancer and the patient eventually received heart transplant one year following prostatectomy.
Severe Tetrodotoxin Poisoning after Consumption ofLagocephalus sceleratus(Pufferfish, Fugu) Fished in Mediterranean Sea, Treated with Cholinesterase Inhibitor
Authors: Kheifets Julia , Rozhavsky Boris , Girsh Solomonovich Zehava , Marianna Rodman , Soroksky Arie
Published: October 2012

Lagocephalus sceleratus, or better known as the pufferfish, or fugu, is widespread in Asia and Indo-Pacific regions. It is a poisonous fish containing tetrodotoxin (TTX) which is a potent neurotoxin. In the Far East, fugu is considered a delicate dish, especially in Japan where it is prepared by experts. Nevertheless, poisoning fromLagocephalus sceleratusis not a rare event. Recent data from Japan indicate an incidence of 45 patients per year and a mortality rate of 11%. Mediterranean sea is not the natural habitat ofLagocephalus sceleratus. However, by now multiple reports have established a firm presence ofLagocephalus sceleratusin Mediterranean region as well. This phenomenon is explained by migration of pufferfish across the Suez Channel (lessepsian migration) (Eisenman et al., 2008, Bentur et al., 2008). With lessepsian migration came the first reports of TTX poisoning in the Mediterranean region. We report a patient with a particularly severe and life-threatening TTX poisoning caused by consumption ofLagocephalus sceleratusand treated by cholinesterase inhibitor to a complete and uneventful recovery.
Combination of Infliximab and High-Dose Intravenous Immunoglobulin for Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis: Successful Treatment of an Elderly Patient
Authors: Patmanidis Konstantinos , Sidiras Anastasios , Dolianitis Konstantinos , Simelidis Dimitrios , Solomonidis Christos , Gaitanis Georgios , Bassukas Ioannis D.
Published: October 2012

Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) is a rare, severe cutaneous adverse drug reaction with average mortality 25–35%, especially among elderly multimorbid patients. Established therapeutic guidelines do not exist and controversies underlie many of the presently suggested treatment regimens. Herein we present the use of the recently described combination scheme of methylprednisolone (500 mg methylprednisolone bolus i.v.) followed by infliximab (5 mg/kg i.v.) and high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin (2 g/kg over 5 days) to treat an elderly, 74-year-old female patient with TEN (SCORTEN 3) within the premises of a district hospital. Already from the second day of hospitalization the skin condition markedly stabilized and the patient's status improved rapidly thereafter. She was discharged after 19 days in stationary care in excellent general condition and remained without any sequels 9 months afterwards. The present paper further supports the feasibility, efficacy, and safety of the proposed combination modality for the treatment of elderly patients with TEN, a population susceptible to more severe TEN.
Synthesis, Molecular Modeling, and Biological Activity of Zinc(II) Salts with 1,4‐Bis(benzimidazol‐2‐yl)benzene
Authors: Krishnamurthy G.
Published: October 2012

Zinc(II) halides and perchlorate react with 1,4‐bis(benzimidazol‐2‐yl)benzene (L) in 1 : 2 molar ratio in n‐butanol/2‐methoxy ethanol (10 mL) at refluxing temperature to produce white/pale yellow‐colored complexes of the formulae [ZnCl2L]H2O, [ZnBr2L]3H2O, and [Zn(OClO3)2L]HOCH2CH2CH2CH3. Zinc(II) iodide also reacts with L in 1 : 2 molar ratio in n‐butanol (HOCH2CH2CH2CH3) to yield white‐colored complex of the formula [ZnL2(OCH2CH2CH2CH3)2]. The complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, molar conductance measurements, thermal analysis, and IR, 1H‐, 13C‐NMR spectral studies. The complexes showed significant anthelmintic activity. The minimum energy configuration has been obtained for the zinc complexes using molecular modeling Pro Plus; a tool developed by ChemSW, inc, USA.
Spectrophotometric Determination of Iron(II) after Solid Phase Extraction of Its 2,2′ Bipyridine Complex on Silica Gel-Polyethylene Glycol
Authors: Pourreza Nahid , Rastegarzadeh Saadat , Kiasat Ali Reza , Yahyavi Hossein
Published: October 2012

A new solid phase extraction procedure was developed for preconcentration of iron(II) using silica gel-polyethylene glycol (silica-PEG) as an adsorbent. The method is based on retention of iron(II) as 2,2′ bipyridine complex on silica-PEG. The retained complex is eluted by 1.0 mol L−1of sulfuric acid-acetone mixture (1:2) and its absorbance is measured at 518 nm, spectrophotometrically. The effects of different parameters such as pH, concentration of the reagent, eluting reagent, sample volume, amount of adsorbent, and interfering ions were investigated. The calibration graph was linear in the range of 1–60 ng mL−1of iron(II). The limit of detection based on3Sbwas 0.57 ng mL−1and relative standard deviations (R.S.D) for ten replicate measurements of 12 and 42 ng mL−1of iron(II) were 2.4 and 1.7%, respectively. The method was applied to the determination of of iron(II) in water, multivitamin tablet, and spinach samples.
α-Catulin Drives Metastasis by Activating ILK and Driving an αvβ3 Integrin Signaling Axis
Authors: Liang Chen-Hsien , Chiu Szu-Ying , Hsu I-Ling , Wu Yi-Ying , Tsai Yao-Tsung , Ke Jhen-Yu , Pan Szu-Hua , Hsu Yi-Chiung , Li Ker-Chau , Yang Pan-Chyr , Chen Yuh-Ling , Hong Tse-Ming
Published: October 2012

α-Catulin is an oncoprotein that helps sustain proliferation by preventing cellular senescence. Here, we report that α-catulin also drives malignant invasion and metastasis. α-Catulin was upregulated in highly invasive non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines, where its ectopic expression or short-hairpin RNA–mediated attenuation enhanced or limited invasion or metastasis, respectively. α-Catulin interacted with integrin-linked kinase (ILK), a serine/threonine protein kinase implicated in cancer cell proliferation, antiapoptosis, invasion, and angiogenesis. Attenuation of ILK or α-catulin reciprocally blocked cell migration and invasion induced by the other protein. Mechanistic investigations revealed that α-catulin activated Akt-NF-κB signaling downstream of ILK, which in turn led to increased expression of fibronectin and integrin αvβ3. Pharmacologic or antibody-mediated blockade of NF-κB or αvβ3 was sufficient to inhibit α-catulin–induced cell migration and invasion. Clinically, high levels of expression of α-catulin and ILK were associated with poor overall survival in patients with NSCLC. Taken together, our study shows that α-catulin plays a critical role in cancer metastasis by activating the ILK-mediated Akt-NF-κB-αvβ3 signaling axis. Cancer Res; 73(1); 428–38. ©2012 AACR.
Synergy of Topical Toll-like Receptor 7 Agonist with Radiation and Low-Dose Cyclophosphamide in a Mouse Model of Cutaneous Breast Cancer
Authors: Dewan M. Zahidunnabi , Vanpouille-Box Claire , Kawashima Noriko , DiNapoli Sara , Babb James S. , Formenti Silvia C. , Adams Sylvia , Demaria Sandra
Published: October 2012

Purpose: This study tested the hypothesis that topical Toll-like receptor (TLR) 7 agonist imiquimod promotes antitumor immunity and synergizes with other treatments in a model of skin-involving breast cancer.

Experimental Design: TSA mouse breast carcinoma cells were injected s.c. into syngeneic mice. Imiquimod 5% or placebo cream was applied topically on the shaved skin overlying tumors three times/wk. In some experiments, local ionizing radiation therapy (RT) was delivered to the tumor in three fractions of 8 Gy, given on consecutive days. Cyclophosphamide was given intraperitoneally (i.p.) in one dose of 2 mg/mouse. Mice were followed for tumor growth and survival.

Results: Treatment with imiquimod significantly inhibited tumor growth, an effect that was associated with increased tumor infiltration by CD11c+, CD4+, and CD8+ cells, and abolished by depletion of CD8+ cells. Administration of imiquimod in combination with RT enhanced significantly tumor response compared with either treatment alone (P < 0.005), and 11% to 66% of irradiated tumors completely regressed. Importantly, the addition of topical imiquimod also resulted in growth inhibition of a secondary tumor outside of the radiation field. Low-dose cyclophosphamide given before start of treatment with imiquimod and RT further improved tumor inhibition and reduced tumor recurrence. Mice that remained tumor-free rejected a tumorigenic inoculum of TSA cells, showing long-term immunologic memory.

Conclusions: Topical imiquimod inhibits tumor growth and synergizes with RT. Addition of cyclophosphamide further increases the therapeutic effect and induces protective immunologic memory, suggesting that this combination is a promising strategy for cutaneous breast cancer metastases. Clin Cancer Res; 18(24); 6668–78. ©2012 AACR.
Mechanisms of Activity of the TORC1 Inhibitor Everolimus in Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia
Authors: Roccaro Aldo M. , Sacco Antonio , Jia Xiaojing , Banwait Ranjit , Maiso Patricia , Azab Feda , Flores Ludmila , Manier Salomon , Azab Abdel Kareem , Ghobrial Irene M.
Published: October 2012

Purpose: The TORC1 inhibitor everolimus has previously shown significant activity as a single agent in hematologic malignancies, with reported responses of 30% to 70% in Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia. However, the specific mechanisms by which this class of mTOR inhibitors exerts anti–Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia activity have not been fully investigated. We therefore sought to dissect the mechanisms of everolimus-dependent modulation of Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia cell survival.

Experimental Design: We confirmed that everolimus targets mTOR in patients treated with everolimus and responding to therapy. We evaluated the effect of everolimus on proliferation and survival of primary Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia cells, as well as of other IgM-secreting lymphoma cell lines. Everolimus-dependent mechanisms of induced apoptosis and its effect on Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia cells in the context of bone marrow microenvironment have been also evaluated. miRNA-155 loss-of-function studies were conducted. Moreover, the combinatory effect of bortezomib and rituximab has been tested.

Results: We showed that everolimus targeted mTOR downstream signaling pathways, ex vivo, in patients responding to everolimus treatment. Everolimus induced toxicity in primary Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia cells, as well as in other IgM-secreting lymphoma cells, supported by cell-cycle arrest and caspase-dependent and -independent induction of apoptosis. Importantly, everolimus targeted Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia cells even in the context of bone marrow milieu, where it affected migration, adhesion, and angiogenesis. Everolimus-dependent anti–Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia activity was partially driven by miRNA-155. Moreover, everolimus synergized with bortezomib and rituximab in targeting Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia cells, as shown by synergistic inhibition of p65/ and p50/NF-κB activities.

Conclusions: These findings provide a better understanding of the mechanisms that are responsible for everolimus-induced anti–Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia activity. Clin Cancer Res; 18(24); 6609–22. ©2012 AACR.
Self-Reported Psychotic Symptoms in the General Population: Correlates in an Iranian Urban Area
Authors: Sharifi Vandad , Bakhshaie Jafar , Hatmi Zeinab , Faghih-Nasiri Lida , Sadeghianmehr Zahra , Mirkia Sholeh , Darbooy Shadan , Effatpanah Mohammad , Mirsharifa Seyyed Mehdi
Published: October 2012

Background: Psychosis exists in the community as a continuum of severity. Here, we examine the correlates of self-reported psychotic symptoms in an urban catchment area of Iran. Sampling and Methods: Two thousand one hundred and fifty-eight participants (age 18–65 years) residing in southern Tehran (the capital city of Iran) were interviewed using the psychoticism and paranoia dimensions of the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R) to assess the severity of psychotic symptoms. Other dimensions of the SCL-90-R assessing nonpsychotic symptoms and a sociodemographic questionnaire were also used. Paykel’s Interview for Recent Life Events was used to assess stressful life events. Results: Independent associations were observed between younger age, female gender, stressful life events and dimensions of depression, anxiety, hostility, obsessive-compulsive symptoms and interpersonal sensitivity and psychoticism. Independent associations were also observed for marital problems, unemployment, stressful life events and dimensions of depression, anxiety, hostility, interpersonal sensitivity and phobic anxiety with paranoid ideation. There was also a trend toward an association between higher educational levels and the severity of psychotic symptoms, particularly paranoid ideation. Conclusions: Most of the previously accepted correlations for psychotic symptoms in the community were replicated. An unexpected association between paranoia and female gender, and a trend toward higher rates of psychotic symptoms in more educated participants, were in contrast with the studies in developed settings. The insufficient coverage of psychosis-relevant questions from the SCL-90-R for the entire psychotic diagnostic spectrum should be considered a limitation.
Logic Structure of Clinical Judgment and Its Relation to Medical and Psychiatric Semiology
Authors: Rejón Altable Carlos
Published: October 2012

Background: The logical nature of clinical judgment has been conceptualized in different ways, but a clear connection between the features of clinical judgment and those of semiology is still lacking. Methods: The characteristics of clinical judgment, medical semiology, and psychiatric semiology are described. Connections between them are drawn. Results: Clinical judgment is described as an abductive inference. Abductive inferences are especially useful to balance universal and singular information. In psychiatric semiology, due to some specific features, a careful balance between the information present in descriptive definitions and the information absent from the definition but present in singular symptoms is needed. The main types of out-of-definition information are reviewed. Conclusions: The implications of the results for diagnosis and research are drawn.
Diagnostic Efficiency of the German Version of the Self-Rated Standardized Assessment of Personality – Abbreviated Scale
Authors: Söchtig Anja , Kliem Sören , Kröger Christoph
Published: October 2012

Background: About 30% of outpatients meet the criteria of a personality disorder (PD). When PD remains unnoticed or untreated, individuals with co-occurring PD benefit considerably less from disorder-related treatments for axis I disorders than patients without PD. The present study examines the diagnostic efficiency of the German version of the Standardized Assessment of Personality – Abbreviated Scale Self-Rating Version (SAPAS-SR). Sampling and Methods: Based on the signal detection theory, receiver operating characteristics as well as reliability and validity indicators are determined in a heterogeneous outpatient sample (n = 230). Results: The values of internal consistency and the validity indicators turned out to be in the expected range. The area under the curve was low, at 0.67. Using the cutoff point of 4, sensitivity (80%) and specificity (46%) values were at a level that was only acceptable. Conclusions: Since specificity was lower than in previous studies, using the SAPAS-SR results in a moderate cost efficiency only.