bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sparing of muscle mass and function by passive loading in an experimental intensive care unit model
Authors: Renaud Guillaume , Llano‐Diez Monica , Ravara Barbara , Gorza Luisa , Feng Han‐Zhong , Jin Jian‐Ping , Cacciani Nicola , Gustafson Ann‐Marie , Ochala Julien , Corpeno Rebeca , Li Meishan , Hedström Yvette , Ford G. Charles , Nair K. Sreekumaran , Larsson Lars
Published: December 2012

Key points

Early physical mobilization of mechanically ventilated intensive care unit (ICU) patients can reduce the length of stay in the ICU and hospital and improve muscle strength and functional outcomes.

A unique experimental rat ICU model has been used to study the effects and underlying mechanisms of unilateral passive mechanical loading on skeletal muscle size and function at durations varying between 6 h and 2 weeks.

Passive mechanical loading attenuated the loss of muscle mass and force‐generation capacity associated with the ICU intervention.

The maintained muscle mass and function by passive loading is probably due to lower oxidative stress and a reduced loss of the molecular motor protein myosin.

The beneficial effects of passive mechanical loading on muscle size and function strongly support the importance of early and intense physical therapy in immobilized ICU patients.

Abstract  The response to mechanical stimuli, i.e. tensegrity, plays an important role in regulating cell physiological and pathophysiological function, and the mechanical silencing observed in intensive care unit (ICU) patients leads to a severe and specific muscle wasting condition. This study aims to unravel the underlying mechanisms and the effects of passive mechanical loading on skeletal muscle mass and function at the gene, protein and cellular levels. A unique experimental rat ICU model has been used allowing long‐term (weeks) time‐resolved analyses of the effects of standardized unilateral passive mechanical loading on skeletal muscle size and function and underlying mechanisms. Results show that passive mechanical loading alleviated the muscle wasting and the loss of force‐generation associated with the ICU intervention, resulting in a doubling of the functional capacity of the loaded versus the unloaded muscles after a 2‐week ICU intervention. We demonstrate that the improved maintenance of muscle mass and function is probably a consequence of a reduced oxidative stress revealed by lower levels of carbonylated proteins, and a reduced loss of the molecular motor protein myosin. A complex temporal gene expression pattern, delineated by microarray analysis, was observed with loading‐induced changes in transcript levels of sarcomeric proteins, muscle developmental processes, stress response, extracellular matrix/cell adhesion proteins and metabolism. Thus, the results from this study show that passive mechanical loading alleviates the severe negative consequences on muscle size and function associated with the mechanical silencing in ICU patients, strongly supporting early and intense physical therapy in immobilized ICU patients.
Natural Convection From Horizontal Cylinders at Near-Critical Pressures—Part II: Numerical Simulations
Authors: Warrier Gopinath R. , Rousselet Yohann , Dhir Vijay K.
Published: December 2012

A numerical investigation of laminar natural convection heat transfer from small horizontal cylinders at near-critical pressures has been carried out. Carbon dioxide is the test fluid. The parameters varied are: pressure (P), (ii) bulk fluid temperature (Tb), (iii) wall temperature (Tw), and (iv) wire diameter (D). The results of the numerical simulations agree reasonably well with available experimental data. The results obtained are as follows: (i) At both subcritical and supercritical pressures, h is strongly dependent on Tb and Tw. (ii) For Tw < Tsat (for P < Pc) and Tw < Tpc (for P > Pc), the behavior of h as a function of Tw is similar; h increases with increase in Tw. (iii) For P > Pc and large Tw (Tw > Tpc), natural convection heat transfer occurring on the cylinder is similar that observed during film boiling on a cylinder. The heat transfer coefficient decreases as Tw increases. (iv) For subcritical pressures, the dependence of h on D is h ∝ D−0.5 in the range 25.4 ≤ D ≤ 100 μm. For larger values of D (500–5000 μm), h ∝ D−0.24. (v) For supercritical pressures, the dependence of h on D is h ∝ D−0.47 in the range 25.4 ≤ D ≤ 100 μm. For larger values of D (500–5000 μm), h ∝ D−0.27. (vi) For a given P, the maximum heat transfer coefficient is obtained for conditions where Tb < Tpc and Tw ≥ Tpc. Analysis of the temperature and flow field shows that this peak in h occurs when k, Cp, and Pr in the fluid peak close to the heated surface.
Numerical Study on Conjugate Conduction–Convection in a Cubic Enclosure Submitted to Time-Periodic Sidewall Temperature
Authors: Zhang Wei , Huang Zhu , Zhang Chuhua , Xi Guang
Published: December 2012

The laminar conjugate conduction-natural convection heat transfer in a cubic enclosure of finite thickness conductive walls and central cavity filled with fluid is comprehensively studied by using recently developed high accuracy temporal-spatial multidomain pseudospectral method. The enclosure is assumed to have one sidewall submitted to time-periodic pulsating temperature and the opposing sidewall constant temperature, and the top, bottom and two lateral sidewalls are adiabatic. The present study is devoted to explore the fluid mechanics and heat transfer mechanisms of the time-periodic conjugate conduction-natural convection in the enclosure, with particular highlights on the heat transfer resonance and back heat transfer phenomena, the perturbation propagation patterns and the three-dimensional characteristics. The computations are performed for wide ranges of controlling parameters of engineering significance, i.e., the dimensionless wall thickness 0 ≤ s ≤ 0.10, the solid–fluid thermal conductivity ratio 10 ≤ k ≤ 50 and diffusivity ratio 0.001 ≤ a ≤ 0.1, and the sidewall temperature pulsating period 1 ≤ P ≤ 103. Numerical results reveal that the time-periodic fluid flow and conjugate heat transfer performances of the enclosure system are greatly affected by the conductive walls and complexly dependent on the controlling parameters. The thickness and thermophysical properties of the conductive walls, together with the pulsating period of the sidewall temperature, govern the sidewall temperature disturbance propagation patterns (amplitude, phase position and speed) within the enclosure. The heat transfer resonance only appears in cases of large diffusivity ratio, but the variation of period-averaged heat transfer rate with respect to the pulsating period is quite different from that of the zero wall thickness enclosure. The back heat transfer exists in region close to the corners formed by either the top or bottom walls and the enclosure hot sidewall, and the former is more remarkable in both scale and duration and is gradually disappearing as the pulsating period increases.
A Hybrid Mobility Solution Approach for Dynamically Loaded Misaligned Journal Bearings
Authors: Boedo S.
Published: December 2012

This paper presents a hybrid mobility solution approach to the analysis of dynamically loaded misaligned journal bearings. Mobility data obtained for misaligned bearings (calculated from a finite element representation of the Reynolds equation) are compared with existing curve-fitted mobility maps representative of a perfectly aligned bearing. A relative error analysis of mobility magnitude and direction provides a set of misaligned journal bearing configurations (midplane eccentricity ratio and normalized misalignment angle), where existing curve-fitted mobility map components based on aligned bearings can be used to calculate the resulting journal motion. For bearing configurations where these mobility maps are not applicable, the numerical simulation process proceeds using a complete finite element solution of the Reynolds equation. A numerical example representing a misaligned main bearing in a four-stroke automotive engine illustrates the hybrid solution method. Substantial savings in computational time are obtained using the hybrid approach over the complete finite element solution method without loss of computational accuracy.
Methods for Characterizing Convective Cryoprobe Heat Transfer in Ultrasound Gel Phantoms
Authors: Etheridge Michael L. , Choi Jeunghwan , Ramadhyani Satish , Bischof John C.
Published: December 2012

While cryosurgery has proven capable in treating of a variety of conditions, it has met with some resistance among physicians, in part due to shortcomings in the ability to predict treatment outcomes. Here we attempt to address several key issues related to predictive modeling by demonstrating methods for accurately characterizing heat transfer from cryoprobes, report temperature dependent thermal properties for ultrasound gel (a convenient tissue phantom) down to cryogenic temperatures, and demonstrate the ability of convective exchange heat transfer boundary conditions to accurately describe freezing in the case of single and multiple interacting cryoprobe(s). Temperature dependent changes in the specific heat and thermal conductivity for ultrasound gel are reported down to −150 °C for the first time here and these data were used to accurately describe freezing in ultrasound gel in subsequent modeling. Freezing around a single and two interacting cryoprobe(s) was characterized in the ultrasound gel phantom by mapping the temperature in and around the “iceball” with carefully placed thermocouple arrays. These experimental data were fit with finite-element modeling in COMSOL Multiphysics, which was used to investigate the sensitivity and effectiveness of convective boundary conditions in describing heat transfer from the cryoprobes. Heat transfer at the probe tip was described in terms of a convective coefficient and the cryogen temperature. While model accuracy depended strongly on spatial (i.e., along the exchange surface) variation in the convective coefficient, it was much less sensitive to spatial and transient variations in the cryogen temperature parameter. The optimized fit, convective exchange conditions for the single-probe case also provided close agreement with the experimental data for the case of two interacting cryoprobes, suggesting that this basic characterization and modeling approach can be extended to accurately describe more complicated, multiprobe freezing geometries. Accurately characterizing cryoprobe behavior in phantoms requires detailed knowledge of the freezing medium's properties throughout the range of expected temperatures and an appropriate description of the heat transfer across the probe's exchange surfaces. Here we demonstrate that convective exchange boundary conditions provide an accurate and versatile description of heat transfer from cryoprobes, offering potential advantages over the traditional constant surface heat flux and constant surface temperature descriptions. In addition, although this study was conducted on Joule–Thomson type cryoprobes, the general methodologies should extend to any probe that is based on convective exchange with a cryogenic fluid.
Benefits of plasma treatments on critical dimension control and line width roughness transfer during gate patterning
Authors: Azarnouche Laurent , Pargon Erwine , Menguelti Kevin , Fouchier Marc , Joubert Olivier , Gouraud Pascal , Verove Christophe
Published: December 2012

The present work focuses on the line width roughness (LWR) transfer and the critical dimension control during a typical gate stack patterning and shows the benefits of introducing 193 nm photoresist treatments before pattern transfer into the gate stack to improve process performance. The two investigated treatments (HBr plasma and vacuum ultra violet (VUV) plasma radiation) have been tested on both blanket photoresist films and resist patterns to highlight the etching and roughening mechanisms of cured resists. Both treatments reinforce the etch resistance of the photoresist exposed to fluorocarbon plasma etching process used to open the Si-ARC (silicon antireflective coating) layer. The etch resistance improvement of cured resists is attributed to both the decrease in oxygen content within the resist and the crosslinking phenomena caused by VUV radiation during the treatment. As the magnitude of the surface roughness is directly correlated to the etched thickness, cured resists, which are etched less rapidly, will develop a lower surface roughness for the same processing time compared to reference resists. The LWR evolution along the pattern sidewalls has been studied by critical dimension atomic force microscopy during the Si-ARC plasma etching step. The study shows that the LWR is degraded at the top of the resist pattern and propagates along the pattern sidewalls. However, as long as the degradation does not reach the interface between resist and Si-ARC, the LWR decreases during the Si-ARC etching step. As resist pretreatments reinforce the resist etch resistance during Si-ARC etching, the LWR degradation along the sidewalls is limited leading to minimized LWR transfer. The LWR decrease observed after plasma etching has been explained thanks to a spectral analysis of the LWR performed by critical dimension scanning electron microscopy combined with the power spectral density fitting method. The study shows that the high and medium frequency components of the roughness (periodicity below 200 nm) are not totally transferred during the gate patterning allowing a LWR decrease at each plasma step.
A method to vectorize the dose distribution, the dose volume histogram and create a dose vector histogram
Authors: Mayo Charles S. , Zankowski Corey , Herman Michael , Miller Robert , Olivier Kenneth , Vincent Abhilash , Suominen Jukka
Published: December 2012

Purpose:

This paper outlines and demonstrates a programmatic method to incorporate spatial information into a dose volume histogram (DVH) by adding vector data on the location of pixels in the dose array relative to structures in the plan to construct a vectorized dose distribution (VDD). With this data the DVH can be subgrouped according to a wide array of vector constraint sets, defining the spatial relationship of pixels to one or several structures to construct a vectorized DVH (VDVH) to reveal vector relationships of dose regions to structures.

Methods:

Mathematical models for construction of the VDD and VDVH are described and a dose‐vector‐histogram (DVctH) is introduced as a means of specifying the location of dose features such as “hot spots.” Practical detail on a programmatic approach to implement the methods is provided. A set of tests utilizing phantom and SBRT lung image sets were carried out to demonstrate ability of VDVH and DVctH to reveal clinically relevant spatial detail in dose distributions.

Results:

The VDVH and DVctH enabled decomposing DVH curves to reveal the relative location of pixels contributing to dose points on the curve. The metrics enabled specificity in defining the location and magnitude of dose features relevant to treatment plan evaluation. The VDD, VDVH, and DVctH differ from other methods described in the literature as a result of using vector based constraints for each pixel, rather than focusing only on distance by construction of a set of shells on around or within a structure and then subgrouping pixels in the overlap region.

Conclusions:

The method is an effective means to combine spatial information with DVH metrics and provides a practical means of specifying the location of dose features with respect other structures in the treatment plan.
Nerve growth factor receptor (NGFR): a potential marker for specific molecular subtypes of breast cancer
Authors: Tsang Julia Y S , Wong Ken H Y , Lai Michael W H , Lacambra Maribel D , Ko Chun-Wai , Chan Siu Ki , Lam Christopher C F , Yu Alex M C , Tan Puay-Hoon , Tse Gary M
Published: December 2012

Aims

Nerve growth factor receptor (NGFR) is a transmembrane receptor for the neurotrophin family. It acts either as tumour suppressor or oncogene depending on cellular context. Its role in breast cancers remained conflicting, possibly due to the heterogeneity of breast cancer subtypes.

Methods

In this study, we have analysed NGFR expression in 602 cases of breast cancers by immunohistochemistry. Its expression was correlated with biomarker expression and different breast cancer subtypes.

Results

NGFR expression was found to be positively correlated with basal markers, including Ki67, Cytokeratin (CK5/6), CK14, p63, c-kit and Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) , but negatively with hormonal receptors. Among different molecular subtypes, it was negatively associated with luminal A, but positively with luminal B, and basal-like breast cancer BLBC subtypes. When comparing NGFR with other basal markers in BLBC, though less sensitive, its specificity was comparable to or better than other basal markers. For luminal B cancers, NGFR showed a high specificity which was also comparable to or better than the defining markers (estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), Human epidermal growth receptor 2 (HER2) and Ki-67) for the subtype.

Conclusions

Overall, these findings suggested that NGFR expression could be indicative for the BLBCs or luminal B subtypes. It may represent a potential adjunct marker for these two subtypes.
Gonadal malignancy in 13 consecutive collected patients with disorders of sex development (DSD) from Semarang (Indonesia)
Authors: Juniarto Achmad Zulfa , Setyawati Bestari A , Miranti Ika P , Santosa Ardy , Hersmus Remko , Stoop Hans , Cools Martine , Oosterhuis J Wolter , Drop Stenvert L S , Faradz Sultana M H , Looijenga Leendert H J
Published: December 2012

Aims

Caucasian patients with disorders of sex development (DSD) are at a high risk of developing germ cell cancer (GCC). GCC is prominent in young adults in Western countries, while the incidence is significantly lower in Asia. So far, the risk of GCC in Asian DSD patients is unknown.

Methods and results

A detailed study of gonad histology , morphology and immunohistochemistry (OCT3/4, testis-specific protein Y-encoded, VASA, SCF/KITLG, SOX9, FOXL2) of 16 Indonesian DSD patients was undertaken. 13 cases could be analysed, including ovarian tissue (n=3), streak gonad (n=1), undifferentiated gonad (n=1) and testicular tissue (n=8), diagnosed as 46, XX (n=1), 46, XY (n=7) and sex chromosome DSD (n=5). The precursor lesion gonadoblastoma or carcinoma in situ,or GCC was diagnosed in four cases (30.8%; three 46, XY and one sex chromosome DSD ). A hormone producing ovarian Leydig cell tumour was identified in a 46, XX patient, supposed to be a late onset congenital adrenal hyperplasia.

Conclusions

In spite of the significantly lower risk of GCC in the general Asian population, DSD is a dominant risk factor. The study demonstrates the power of immunohistochemical markers for (early) diagnosis. This knowledge will deepen understanding of the pathobiology of GCC and clinical handling of patients with DSD, globally.
Comparison of two antimicrobial regimens on the prevalence of incisional infections after colic surgery
Authors: Durward‐Akhurst S. A. , Mair T. S. , Boston R. , Dunkel B.
Published: December 2012

Appropriate durations of perioperative antimicrobial therapy following exploratory coeliotomy in horses are controversial, and with the rising prevalence of multiresistant bacteria there is a strong incentive to use antimicrobials for the shortest time possible. Following exploratory coeliotomies, incisional infections are an important cause of morbidity in horses and could be influenced by the duration of systemic antimicrobial therapy. The aim of this study was to investigate whether 72 hours of perioperative antimicrobial therapy is as effective as 120 hours at preventing the development of postoperative incisional infections. Horses undergoing exploratory coeliotomy at two referral hospitals were assigned randomly into Group 1 (receiving 72 hours of perioperative antimicrobial therapy) and Group 2 (receiving 120 hours of perioperative antimicrobial therapy). Only horses recovering from surgery and surviving for >120 hours were included in the study. Ninety‐two horses met the criteria for inclusion in the study, 42 in Group 1 and 50 in Group 2. The overall incisional complication rate was 42.2 per cent, and no significant difference in the number of incisional complications in the two groups was identified. Results of the study suggest that there is no benefit in using 120 hours over 72 hours of perioperative antimicrobial therapy to prevent incisional infections.
COMPETING CONTACT PROCESSES ON HOMOGENEOUS NETWORKS WITH TUNABLE CLUSTERIZATION
Authors: RYBAK MARCIN , KUŁAKOWSKI KRZYSZTOF
Published: December 2012

We investigate two homogeneous networks: the Watts–Strogatz network with mean degree ⟨k⟩ = 4 and the Erdös–Rényi network with ⟨k⟩ = 10. In both kinds of networks, the clustering coefficient C is a tunable control parameter. The network is an area of two competing contact processes, where nodes can be in two states, S or D. A node S becomes D with probability 1 if at least two its mutually linked neighbors are D. A node D becomes S with a given probability p if at least one of its neighbors is S. The competition between the processes is described by a phase diagram, where the critical probability pc depends on the clustering coefficient C. For p > pc the rate of state S increases in time, seemingly to dominate in the whole system. Below pc, the majority of nodes is in the D-state. The numerical results indicate that for the Watts–Strogatz network the D-process is activated at the finite value of the clustering coefficient C, close to 0.3. On the contrary, for the Erdös–Rényi network the transition is observed at the whole investigated range of C.
MAPS FROM THE MINIMAL GROPE TO AN ARBITRARY GROPE
Authors: CENCELJ MATIJA , EDA KATSUYA , VAVPETIČ ALEŠ
Published: December 2012

We consider open infinite gropes and prove that every continuous map from the minimal grope to another grope is nulhomotopic unless the other grope has a "branch" which is a copy of the minimal grope. Since every grope is the classifying space of its fundamental group, the problem is translated to group theory and a suitable block cancellation of words is used to obtain the result.
LAMB WAVES IN A POROELASTIC PLATE
Authors: GILBERT ROBERT P. , LEE DOO-SUNG , OU M. YVONNE
Published: December 2012

In this paper we consider the propagation of Lamb waves in a poroelastic plate containing a linear crack, the special case where the surface of the plate is unloaded, by employing the Wiener-Hopf technique.

The problem we solve here is a mathematically interesting toy problem. Physically speaking the more reasonable problem would be to consider there to be fluid pressure on both sides of the plate. This problem can be solved using the solution we derive here and will be presented in a subsequent work. Also dealt in this paper are the characteristic equations for a viscous fluid Biot systems and the orthogonality relations for a free boundary poroelastic slab.
NON-INVASIVE NOCTURNAL HYPOGLYCEMIA DETECTION FOR INSULIN-DEPENDENT DIABETES MELLITUS USING GENETIC FUZZY LOGIC METHOD
Authors: LING S. H. , SAN P. P. , NGUYEN H. T. , LEUNG F. H. F.
Published: December 2012

Hypoglycemia, or low blood glucose, is the most common complication experienced by Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) patients. It is dangerous and can result in unconsciousness, seizures and even death. The most common physiological parameter to be effected from hypoglycemic reaction are heart rate (HR) and correct QT interval (QTc) of the electrocardiogram (ECG) signal. Based on physiological parameters, a genetic algorithm based fuzzy reasoning model is developed to recognize the presence of hypoglycemia. To optimize the parameters of the fuzzy model in the membership functions and fuzzy rules, a genetic algorithm is used. A validation strategy based adjustable fitness is introduced in order to prevent the phenomenon of overtraining (overfitting). For this study, 15 children with 569 sampling data points with Type 1 diabetes volunteered for an overnight study. The effectiveness of the proposed algorithm is found to be satisfactory by giving better sensitivity and specificity compared with other existing methods for hypoglycemia detection.
LUMINESCENT PROPERTIES OF Sr3B2O6: Eu2+ YELLOW-EMITTING PHOSPHOR FOR WHITE LIGHT-EMITTING DIODES
Authors: LIU QUAN-SHENG , CUI TIAN , ZHANG XI-YAN , SONG YUE
Published: December 2012

Eu2+ doped Sr3B2O6 yellow phosphor for warm white LED was synthesized by high temperature solid-state method. The structure and optical properties of Sr3B2O6 : Eu2+ were studied. Results indicate that Sr3B2O6 : Eu2+ has a rhombohedral crystalline structure. The excitation spectrum of phosphor is a wide-band spectrum mainly peaking at 469 nm, which is suitable for GaN -based blue light LED excitation. The luminescent spectrum of phosphor exhibits a broad emission band centered at 566 nm, corresponding to the typical 4f65d1–4f7 transition of Eu2+ . Guass fitting shows the main emission peak is at 575 nm, which is identical with the dominant wavelength of the yellow phosphor. The CIE chromaticity coordinate of white LED is (x = 0.389, y = 0.419). The LED reveals warm tone and the relevant color temperature of that is 4044 K. The luminescent efficiency of White LED reaches 18l m/W, which is higher than reported.
THE AB INITIO CALCULATION OF THE DYNAMICAL AND THE THERMODYNAMIC PROPERTIES OF THE ZINC-BLENDE GaX (X=N, P, As AND Sb)
Authors: BOUHADDA Y. , BENTABET A. , FENINECHE N. E. , BOUDOUMA Y.
Published: December 2012

By this work, we aim to study the dynamical and the thermodynamic properties of the zinc-blende GaX ( X = N , P , As and Sb ) using the Ab initio simulation method. Indeed, we studied the lattice dynamics, the constant-volume specific heat (Cv), the internal energy (U), the entropy (S) and the free energy (F). The observed differences between the properties of GaX elements were discussed. Our results and the available literature data (theoretical and experimental) seems to be in good agreement. Moreover, Cv, U, F and S were calculated by using the harmonic approximation in the calculation of the dynamic lattice vibration. The good agreement between our results of both the phonon frequency, the constant-volume specific heat and the experimental data allows us to conclude that our results of S, U and F of GaX were well predicted.
The Entanglement of Independent Quantum Systems
Authors: Jin Shuilin , Xu Li
Published: December 2012

The entanglement of states onn-independentC∗subalgebras is considered, and equivalent conditions are given forC∗subalgebras to be independent.
Dysphagia Caused by Spindle Cell Lipoma of Hypopharynx: Presentation of Clinical Case and Literature Review
Authors: Peña-Valenzuela Alberto , García León Nathalia
Published: December 2012

Spindle cell lipoma of the hypopharynx is an extremely rare entity. Here, we present the first case of this lesion originated in the cricopharyngeal region, with symptoms of chronic progressive dysphagia, which can be confused with other pathologies; endoscopic and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evaluation are the methods of choice for its diagnostic approach. The best therapeutic approach is endoscopic resection with rapid recovery and few complications. Long-term followup is recommended, either endoscopic or imaging, given that it can be confused with an undiagnosed liposarcoma; additionally, its long-term behavior is unknown.
Accumulating Evidence for Increased Velocity of Airway Smooth Muscle Shortening in Asthmatic Airway Hyperresponsiveness
Authors: Ijpma Gijs , Matusovsky Oleg , Lauzon Anne-Marie
Published: December 2012

It remains unclear whether airway smooth muscle (ASM) mechanics is altered in asthma. While efforts have originally focussed on contractile force, some evidence points to an increased velocity of shortening. A greater rate of airway renarrowing after a deep inspiration has been reported in asthmatics compared to controls, which could result from a shortening velocity increase. In addition, we have recently shown in rats that increased shortening velocity correlates with increased muscle shortening, without increasing muscle force. Nonetheless, establishing whether or not asthmatic ASM shortens faster than that of normal subjects remains problematic. Endobronchial biopsies provide excellent tissue samples because the patients are well characterized, but the size of the samples allows only cell level experiments. Whole human lungs from transplant programs suffer primarily from poor patient characterization, leading to high variability. ASM from several animal models of asthma has shown increased shortening velocity, but it is unclear whether this is representative of human asthma. Several candidates have been suggested as responsible for increased shortening velocity in asthma, such as alterations in contractile protein expression or changes in the contractile apparatus structure. There is no doubt that more remains to be learned about the role of shortening velocity in asthma.
Case Series: Two Cases of an Atypical Presentation of Oral Granular Cell Tumour
Authors: Cole Emma , Rahman Naomi , Webb Roger
Published: December 2012

This paper describes two cases of oral granular cell tumours with an atypical clinical presentation; both are in females aged between 45 and 63 years of age. Granular cell tumours are unusual soft tissue neoplasm of neural or Schwann cell origin. Oral GCTs usually present clinically as pink or yellow small sessile lesions. GCTs are usually benign in nature; however they can present in a malignant form in fewer than 2% of cases. In benign cases treatment is surgical and usually curative with extremely low recurrence rates.
Recurrent Plasmacytomas after Allografting in a Patient with Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Stawis Allen N. , Maennle Diane , Festuccia Moreno , Uddin Zia , Bruno Benedetto
Published: December 2012

Extramedullary recurrence in multiple myeloma patients has been reported after both autologous and allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation and, more recently, after treatment with so-called new drugs with potent antimyeloma activity. Only a very few sizable reports focused on its clinical presentation and its incidence, which may be highly underestimated, and most observations are based on single patients reported from several institutions. Given the unusual sites of recurrence, diagnosis may be rather difficult and delayed treatment may play a relevant role in prognosis. Here we report a case of a myeloma patient, initially treated with an allograft, who enjoyed an eleven-year disease-free remission with very good quality of life. She eventually relapsed first with an extramedullary plasmacytoma in the breast and, two years later, with a right atrial cardiac mass.
Optimal Harvesting for an Age‐Spatial‐Structured Population Dynamic Model with External Mortality
Authors: Kang Yong Han , Lee Mi Jin , Jung Il Hyo
Published: December 2012

We study an optimal harvesting for a nonlinear age‐spatial‐structured population dynamic model, where the dynamic system contains an external mortality rate depending on the total population size. The total mortality consists of two types: the natural, and external mortality and the external mortality reflects the effects of external environmental causes. We prove the existence and uniqueness of solutions for the population dynamic model. We also derive a sufficient condition for optimal harvesting and some necessary conditions for optimality in an optimal control problem relating to the population dynamic model. The results may be applied to an optimal harvesting for some realistic biological models.
CFD Study of Industrial FCC Risers: The Effect of Outlet Configurations on Hydrodynamics and Reactions
Authors: Lopes Gabriela C. , Rosa Leonardo M. , Mori Milton , Nunhez José R. , Martignoni Waldir P.
Published: December 2012

Fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) riser reactors have complex hydrodynamics, which depend not only on operating conditions, feedstock quality, and catalyst particles characteristics, but also on the geometric configurations of the reactor. This paper presents a numerical study of the influence of different riser outlet designs on the dynamic of the flow and reactor efficiency. A three-dimensional, three-phase flow model and a four-lump kinetic scheme were used to predict the performance of the reactor. The phenomenon of vaporization of the liquid oil droplets was also analyzed. Results showed that small changes in the outlet configuration had a significant effect on the flow patterns and consequently, on the reaction yields.
Numerical Modeling and Control of Rotating Plate with Coupled Self‐Sensing and Frequency‐Dependent Active Constrained Layer Damping
Authors: Xie Zhengchao , Wong Pak Kin , Zhang Long , Wong Hang Cheong
Published: December 2012

This work proposes a coupled finite element model for actively controlled constrained layer damped (CLD) rotating plate with self‐sensing technique and frequency‐dependent material property in both the time and frequency domain analyses. Constrained layer damping with viscoelastic material can effectively reduce the vibration in rotating structures. However, most existing research models use complex modulus approach to model the viscoelastic material, but it limits to frequency domain analysis and the frequency dependency of the viscoelastic material is not well‐included as well. It is meaningful use of the anelastic displacement fields (ADFs) that is done in order to include the frequency dependency of the material for both the time and frequency domains. Also, unlike previous ones, all types of damping are taken into account by this finite element model. Thus, in this work, a single layer finite element is adopted to model a three‐layer active constrained layer damped rotating plate in which the constraining layer is made of piezoelectric material to work as both the self‐sensing sensor and actuator. This newly proposed finite element model is validated, and then, as shown in numerical studies, this proposed approach can achieve effective vibration reduction in both the frequency and time domains.
The Solution Set Characterization and Error Bound for the Extended Mixed Linear Complementarity Problem
Authors: Sun Hongchun , Wang Yiju
Published: December 2012

For the extended mixed linear complementarity problem (EML CP), we first present the characterization of the solution set for the EMLCP. Based on this, its global error bound is also established under milder conditions. The results obtained in this paper can be taken as an extension for the classical linear complementarity problems.
Prevalence and Risk Factors of Prolonged QTc Interval among Chinese Patients with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Li Xiang , Ren Hui , Xu Zhang-rong , Liu Yan-jun , Yang Xiao-pin , Liu Jian-qin
Published: December 2012

Objectives. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and the risk factors of prolonged QTc interval among Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes.Methods. The retrospective study included 3156 outpatients from the Diabetes Centre, the 306th Hospital of PLA, during the period from September 2003 to June 2010. QT interval was measured manually in the 12-lead conventional electrocardiogram. The QT interval corrected for heart rate (QTc) was calculated using Bazett’s formula. Additional demographic and laboratory data were also collected. Potential risk factors of prolonged QTc interval were assessed using multivariable regression.Results.The prevalence of prolonged QTc interval among Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes was 30.1%. Height (OR 0.156, 95% CI 0.032~0.748), waist circumference (OR 1.025, 95% CI 1.010~1.040), diastolic blood pressure (OR 1.016, 95% CI 1.007~1.026), postprandial glucose (OR 1.040, 95% CI 1.022~1.059), fasting insulin (OR 1.014, 95% CI 1.003~1.025), and presence of microalbuminuria (OR 1.266, 95% CI 1.033~1.551) were significant risk factors.Conclusions. The prevalence of prolonged QTc interval among Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes is high. Risk factors for prolongation of QTc interval were low height, high waist circumference, increasing diastolic blood pressure levels, high postprandial glucose levels, high fasting insulin levels, and presence of microalbuminuria.
Stability of Various Functional Equations in Non‐Archimedean Intuitionistic Fuzzy Normed Spaces
Authors: Mohiuddine Syed Abdul , Alotaibi Abdullah , Obaid Mustafa
Published: December 2012

We define and study the concept of non‐Archimedean intuitionistic fuzzy normed space by using the idea of t‐norm and t‐conorm. Furthermore, by using the non‐Archimedean intuitionistic fuzzy normed space, we investigate the stability of various functional equations. That is, we determine some stability results concerning the Cauchy, Jensen and its Pexiderized functional equations in the framework of non‐Archimedean IFN spaces.
Some Refinements of Existence Results for SPDEs Driven by Wiener Processes and Poisson Random Measures
Authors: Tappe Stefan
Published: December 2012

We provide existence and uniqueness of global (and local) mild solutions for a general class of semilinear stochastic partial differential equations driven by Wiener processes and Poisson random measures under local Lipschitz and linear growth (or local boundedness, resp.) conditions. The so-called “method of the moving frame” allows us to reduce the SPDE problems to SDE problems.
Suppression of Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Colitis in Mice by Radon Inhalation
Authors: Nishiyama Yuichi , Kataoka Takahiro , Yamato Keiko , Taguchi Takehito , Yamaoka Kiyonori
Published: December 2012

The enhanced release of reactive oxygen species from activated neutrophils plays important role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease. We previously reported that radon inhalation activates antioxidative functions in various organs of mice. In this study, we examined the protective effects of radon inhalation on dextran sulfate sodium- (DSS) induced colitis in mice which were subjected to DSS for 7 days. Mice were continuously treated with air only (sham) or radon at a concentration of 2000 Bq/m3from a day before DSS administration to the end of colitis induction. In the results, radon inhalation suppressed the elevation of the disease activity index score and histological damage score induced by DSS. Based on the changes in tumor necrosis factor-alpha in plasma and myeloperoxidase activity in the colon, it was shown that radon inhalation suppressed DSS-induced colonic inflammation. Moreover, radon inhalation suppressed lipid peroxidation of the colon induced by DSS. The antioxidant level (superoxide dismutase and total glutathione) in the colon after DSS administration was significantly higher in mice treated with radon than with the sham. These results suggested that radon inhalation suppressed DSS-induced colitis through the enhancement of antioxidative functions in the colon.
Differentiating Branch Duct and Mixed IPMN in Endoscopically Collected Pancreatic Cyst Fluid via Cytokine Analysis
Authors: Lee Linda S. , Bellizzi Andrew M. , Banks Peter A. , Sainani Nisha I. , Kadiyala Vivek , Suleiman Shadeah , Conwell Darwin L. , Paulo Joao A.
Published: December 2012

Background. Differentiating branch duct from mixed intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (BD-IPMN) is problematic, but clinically important as mixed IPMNs are managed surgically, while some BD-IPMN may be followed. Inflammatory mediator proteins (IMPs) have been implicated in acute and chronic inflammatory and malignant pancreatic diseases.Aim. To compare IMP profile of pancreatic cyst fluid collected endoscopically from BD-IPMN and mixed IPMN.Methods. Pancreatic cyst fluid from ten patients (5 BD-IPMN and 5 mixed IPMN) was collected by endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration or endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. Concentrations of 89 IMPs in these samples were determined using a multiplexed bead-based microarray protein assay and compared between BD-IPMN and mixed IPMN.Results. Eighty-six of 89 IMPs were detected in at least one of the 10 samples. Fourteen IMPs were detected only in mixed IPMN, while none were only in BD-IPMN. Of these, TGF-β1 was most prevalent, present in 3 of 5 mixed IPMNs. Seventy-two IMPs were detected in both BD-IPMN and mixed IPMNs. Of these, only G-CSF (P<0.05) was present in higher concentrations in mixed IPMNs.Conclusion. TGF-β1 and G-CSF detected in endoscopically collected pancreatic cyst fluid are potential diagnostic biomarkers capable of distinguishing mixed IPMN from BD-IPMN.
Experimental Investigation and Passive Flow Control of a Cavitating Centrifugal Pump
Authors: Kyparissis Spyridon D. , Margaris Dionissios P.
Published: December 2012

Passive flow control techniques are used to improve the flow field and efficiency of centrifugal pumps and turbomachines, in general. An important phenomenon that mechanical engineers have to take into account is cavitation. It leads to the decrease of the pump performance and total head. In the present experimental study, a centrifugal pump is investigated in cavitating conditions. A passive flow control is realized using three different blade leading edge angles in order to reduce the cavitation development and enhance the pump performance. The experiments are carried out in a pump test rig specially designed and constructed, along with the impellers. The head drop and total efficiency curves are presented in order to examine the effect of the blade leading edge angle on the cavitation and pump performance. Finally, the vapour distribution along with the blades is illustrated for the tested blade leading edge angles.
Hypodontia and Delayed Dentition as the Primary Manifestation of Cleidocranial Dysplasia Presenting with a Diagnostic Dilemma
Authors: Chopra Radhika , Marwaha Mohita , Chaudhuri Payal , Bansal Kalpana , Chopra Saurabh
Published: December 2012

Cleidocranial dysplasia is a rare autosomal disorder which manifests as partial or complete absence of clavicles, multiple supernumerary teeth, and delayed closure of fontanelle. Classical cases of cleidocranial dysplasia are easily diagnosed very early in the life. However, cases with partial manifestation of the syndrome and noncontributory family history are difficult to diagnose. Here, we report a case of 8.5-year-old girl child who presented with delayed tooth development (without any supernumerary teeth), anterior open fontanelle, and normal clavicles, thus resulting in a diagnostic dilemma.
Effect of Annealing on the Structure and Photoluminescence of Eu‐Doped ZnO Nanorod Ordered Array Thin Films
Authors: Zhong Wen-Wu , Guan Da-Wei , Liu Yue-Lin , Zhang Li , Liu Yan-Ping , Li Zhi-Gang , Chen Wei-Ping
Published: December 2012

Eu‐doped ZnO nanorod ordered array thin films were synthesized on glass substrates with a ZnO seed layer via hydrothermal method. XRD reveals that the (002) diffraction peak of films annealed in hydrogen is sharper than that annealed in air. SEM reveals that the nanorods of films annealed in hydrogen are shortened and widened. TEM results demonstrate that the nanorods are single crystalline and the lattice spacing of 0.52 nm agrees with the d spacing of (001) crystal planes along c‐axis. Room temperature photoluminescence (PL) reveals that the PL of films annealed in hydrogen is the strongest and shifts to lower wavenumber. The point defect of Eu‐doped ZnO nanorod array thin film is transferred from Oi to OZn by annealing in hydrogen.
Effect of Alumina Dopant on Transparency of Tetragonal Zirconia
Authors: Zhang Haibin , Li Zhipeng , Kim Byung-Nam , Morita Koji , Yoshida Hidehiro , Hiraga Keijiro , Sakka Yoshio
Published: December 2012

Aiming to characterize the effect of alumina dopant on transparency, powders of yttria stabilized tetragonal zirconia doped with alumina (TZ‐3Y‐E) are used as starting material to fabricate transparent tetragonal ZrO2 by high‐pressure spark plasma sintering (HP‐SPS). However, low transparency of the resultant TZ‐3Y‐E specimens does not suggest a beneficial effect of alumina dopant although nanometric grains and high density have been achieved. The mechanism is analyzed by comparing with the results of as‐sintered yttria stabilized tetragonal zirconia without alumina dopant.
Nonlinear Bi-Integrable Couplings of Multicomponent Guo Hierarchy with Self-Consistent Sources
Authors: Yang Hongwei , Dong Huanhe , Yin Baoshu , Liu Zhenyu
Published: December 2012

Based on a well-known Lie algebra, the multicomponent Guo hierarchy with self-consistent sources is proposed. With the help of a set of non-semisimple Lie algebra, the nonlinear bi-integrable couplings of the multicomponent Guo hierarchy with self-consistent sources are obtained. It enriches the content of the integrable couplings of hierarchies with self-consistent sources. Finally, the Hamiltonian structures are worked out by employing the variational identity.
The Effects of Inlet Box Aerodynamics on the Mechanical Performance of a Variable Pitch in Motion Fan
Authors: Sheard A. G.
Published: December 2012

This paper describes research involving an in-service failure of a “variable pitch in motion” fan’s blade bearing. Variable pitch in motion fans rotate at a constant speed, with the changing blade angle varying the load. A pitch-change mechanism facilitates the change in blade angle. A blade bearing supports each blade enabling it to rotate. The author observed that as the fan aerodynamic stage loading progressively increased, so did the rate of blade-bearing wear. The reported research addressed two separate, but linked, needs. First, the ongoing need to increase fan pressure development capability required an increase in fan loading. This increase was within the context of an erosive operating regime which systematically reduced fan pressure development capability. The second need was to identify the root cause of blade-bearing failures. The author addressed the linked needs using a computational analysis, improving the rotor inflow aerodynamic characteristics through an analysis of the inlet box and design of inlet guide vanes to control flow nonuniformities at the fan inlet. The results of the improvement facilitated both an increase in fan-pressure-developing capability and identification of the root cause of the blade-bearing failures.
Analysis of Kinetoplast DNA from Mexican Isolates ofLeishmania (L.) mexicana
Authors: Hernández-Montes Omar , González Guzmán Saúl , Martínez Gómez Federico , Barker Douglas C. , Monroy-Ostria Amalia
Published: December 2012

This study analyzed DNA minicircles of Mexican isolates ofL. (Leishmania) mexicanato look for genetic differences between strains isolated from patients with diffuse cutaneous (DCL) and localized (LCL) leishmaniasis. The kDNA was analyzed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), restriction fragment polymorphism analysis of the PCR products (PCR-RFLP) and the PCR products were sequenced. In the PCR with primers specific for the subgenusLeishmania, the Mexican isolates gave higher amplification products than the otherL. mexicanacomplex strains and with specific primers for theL. mexicanacomplex they were poorly amplified. In the PCR-RFLP analysis with theEco RV,Hae III, andMbo Iendonucleases, the Mexican isolates displayed similar restriction patterns, but different from the patterns of the other members of theL. mexicanacomplex. In the phylogenetic tree constructed, the kDNA sequences of the Mexican clones formed two groups including sequences of LCD or LCL clones, apart from the otherL. mexicanacomplex members. These results suggest that the kDNA minicircles of the Mexican isolates are more polymorphic than the kDNA of other members of theL. mexicanacomplex and have different recognition sites for the restriction enzymes used in this study.