bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Validation of the Antiproliferative Effects of Organic Extracts from the Green Husk ofJuglans regiaL. on PC-3 Human Prostate Cancer Cells by Assessment of Apoptosis-Related Genes
Authors: Alshatwi Ali A. , Hasan Tarique N. , Shafi Gowhar , Syed Naveed Ahmed , Al-Assaf Abdullah H. , Alamri Mohammed S. , Al-Khalifa Abdrohman S.
Published: February 2012

With the increased use of plant-based cancer chemotherapy, exploring the antiproliferative effects of phytochemicals for anticancer drug design has gained considerable attention worldwide. This study was undertaken to investigate the effect of walnut green husk extracts on cell proliferation and to determine the possible molecular mechanism of extract-induced cell death by quantifying the expression of Bcl-2, Bax, caspases-3, and Tp53. PC-3 human prostate cancer cells. In this study, we found that green husk extracts suppressed proliferation and induced apoptosis in a dose- and time-dependent manner by modulating expression of apoptosis-related genes. This involved DNA fragmentation (determined by TUNEL assay) and significant changes in levels of mRNA and the expression of corresponding proteins. An increase in expressions ofBax, caspase-3, andtp53genes and their corresponding proteins was detected using real-time PCR and western blot analysis in PC-3 cells treated with the green husk organic extracts. In contrast, Bcl2 expression was downregulated after exposure to the extracts. Our data suggest the presence of bioactive compound(s) in walnut green husks that are capable of killing prostate carcinoma cells by inducing apoptosis and that the husks are a candidate source of anticancer drugs.
New Bandwidth Selection for Kernel Quantile Estimators
Authors: Al-Kenani Ali , Yu Keming
Published: February 2012

We propose a cross-validation method suitable for smoothing of kernel quantile estimators. In particular, our proposed method selects the bandwidth parameter, which is known to play a crucial role in kernel smoothing, based on unbiased estimation of a mean integrated squared error curve of which the minimising value determines an optimal bandwidth. This method is shown to lead to asymptotically optimal bandwidth choice and we also provide some general theory on the performance of optimal, data-based methods of bandwidth choice. The numerical performances of the proposed methods are compared in simulations, and the new bandwidth selection is demonstrated to work very well.
Lung Separation in the Morbidly Obese Patient
Authors: Campos Javier H. , Ueda Kenichi
Published: February 2012

Lung separation techniques in the morbidly obese patient undergoing thoracic or esophageal surgery may be at risk of complications during airway management. Access to the airway in the obese patient can be a challenge because they have altered airway anatomy, including a short and redundant neck, limited neck extension and accumulation of fat deposition in the pharyngeal wall contributing to difficult laryngoscopy. Securing the airway is the first priority in these patients followed by appropriate techniques for lung separation with the use of a single-lumen endotracheal tube and a bronchial blocker or another alternative is with the use of a double-lumen endotracheal tube. This review is focused on the use of lung isolation devices in the obese patient. The recommendations are based upon scientific evidence, case reports or personal experience. Fiberoptic bronchoscopy must be used to place and confirm proper placement of a single-lumen endotracheal tube, bronchial blocker or double-lumen endotracheal tube.
How Can Microarrays Unlock Asthma?
Authors: Faiz Alen , Burgess Janette K.
Published: February 2012

Asthma is a complex disease regulated by the interplay of a large number of underlying mechanisms which contribute to the overall pathology. Despite various breakthroughs identifying genes related to asthma, our understanding of the importance of the genetic background remains limited. Although current therapies for asthma are relatively effective, subpopulations of asthmatics do not respond to these regimens. By unlocking the role of these underlying mechanisms, a source of novel and more effective treatments may be identified. In the new age of high-throughput technologies, gene-expression microarrays provide a quick and effective method of identifying novel genes and pathways, which would be impossible to discover using an individual gene screening approach. In this review we follow the history of expression microarray technologies and describe their contributions to advancing our current knowledge and understanding of asthma pathology.
Resistance Training in Type II Diabetes Mellitus: Impact on Areas of Metabolic Dysfunction in Skeletal Muscle and Potential Impact on Bone
Authors: Wood Richard J. , O'Neill Elizabeth C.
Published: February 2012

The prevalence of Type II Diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is increasing rapidly and will continue to be a major healthcare expenditure burden. As such, identification of effective lifestyle treatments is paramount. Skeletal muscle and bone display metabolic and functional disruption in T2DM. Skeletal muscle in T2DM is characterized by insulin resistance, impaired glycogen synthesis, impairments in mitochondria, and lipid accumulation. Bone quality in T2DM is decreased, potentially due to the effects of advanced glycation endproducts on collagen, impaired osteoblast activity, and lipid accumulation. Although exercise is widely recognized as an important component of treatment for T2DM, the focus has largely been on aerobic exercise. Emerging research suggests that resistance training (strength training) may impose potent and unique benefits in T2DM. The purpose of this review is to examine the role of resistance training in treating the dysfunction in skeletal muscle and the potential role for resistance training in treating the associated dysfunction in bone.
Development and Validation of a Stability-Indicating HPTLC Method for Analysis of Rasagiline Mesylate in the Bulk Drug and Tablet Dosage Form
Authors: Kathirvel Singaram , Satyanarayana Suggala Venkata , Devalarao Garikapati
Published: February 2012

A simple and sensitive thin-layer chromatographic method has been established for analysis of rasagiline mesylate in pharmaceutical dosage form. Chromatography on silica gel 60 F254 plates with 6 : 1 : 2(v/v/v) butanol-methanol water as mobile phase furnished compact spots at Rf  0.76±0.01. Densitometric analysis was performed at 254 nm. To show the specificity of the method, rasagiline mesylate was subjected to acid, base, neutral hydrolysis, oxidation, photolysis, and thermal decomposition, and the peaks of degradation products were well resolved from that of the pure drug. Linear regression analysis revealed a good linear relationship between peak area and amount of rasagiline mesylate in the range of 100–350 ng/band. The minimum amount of rasagiline mesylate that could be authentically detected and quantified was 11.12 and 37.21 ng/band, respectively. The method was validated, in accordance with ICH guidelines for precision, accuracy, and robustness. Since the method could effectively separate the drug from its degradation products, it can be regarded as stability indicating.
Small Interference RNA Targeting TLR4 Gene Effectively Attenuates Pulmonary Inflammation in a Rat Model
Authors: Wu Feixiang , Liu Yantao , Lv Xin , Miao Xuerong , Sun Yuming , Yu Weifeng
Published: February 2012

Objective. The present study was to investigate the feasibility of adenovirus-mediated small interference RNA (siRNA) targeting Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) gene in ameliorating lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) induced acute lung injury (ALI).Methods.In vitro, alveolar macrophages (AMs) were treated with Ad-siTLR4 and Ad-EFGP, respectively, for 12 h, 24 h, and 48 h, and then with LPS (100 ng/mL) for 2 h, and the function and expression of TLR4 were evaluated.In vivo, rats received intratracheal injection of 300 μL of normal saline (control group), 300 μL of Ad-EGFP (Ad-EGFP group), or 300 μL of Ad-siTLR4 (Ad-siTLR4 group) and then were intravenously treated with LPS (50 mg/kg) to induce ALI.Results. Ad-siTLR4 treatment significantly reduced TLR4 expression and production of proinflammatory cytokines following LPS treatment bothin vitroandin vivo. Significant alleviation of tissue edema, microvascular protein leakage, and neutrophil infiltration was observed in the AdsiTLR4-treated animals.Conclusion. TLR4 plays a critical role in LPS-induced ALI, and transfection of Ad-siTLR4 can effectively downregulate TLR4 expressionin vitroandin vivo, accompanied by alleviation of LPS-induced lung injury. These findings suggest that TLR4 may serve as a potential target in the treatment of ALI and RNA interfering targeting TLR4 expression represents a therapeutic strategy.
Asbestos-Induced Cellular and Molecular Alteration of Immunocompetent Cells and Their Relationship with Chronic Inflammation and Carcinogenesis
Authors: Matsuzaki Hidenori , Maeda Megumi , Lee Suni , Nishimura Yasumitsu , Kumagai-Takei Naoko , Hayashi Hiroaki , Yamamoto Shoko , Hatayama Tamayo , Kojima Yoko , Tabata Rika , Kishimoto Takumi , Hiratsuka Junichi , Otsuki Takemi
Published: February 2012

Asbestos causes lung fibrosis known as asbestosis as well as cancers such as malignant mesothelioma and lung cancer. Asbestos is a mineral silicate containing iron, magnesium, and calcium with a core of SiO2. The immunological effect of silica, SiO2, involves the dysregulation of autoimmunity because of the complications of autoimmune diseases found in silicosis. Asbestos can therefore cause alteration of immunocompetent cells to result in a decline of tumor immunity. Additionally, due to its physical characteristics, asbestos fibers remain in the lung, regional lymph nodes, and the pleural cavity, particularly at the opening sites of lymphatic vessels. Asbestos can induce chronic inflammation in these areas due to the production of reactive oxygen/nitrogen species. As a consequence, immunocompetent cells can have their cellular and molecular features altered by chronic and recurrent encounters with asbestos fibers, and there may be modification by the surrounding inflammation, all of which eventually lead to decreased tumor immunity. In this paper, the brief results of our investigation regarding reduction of tumor immunity of immunocompetent cells exposed to asbestosin vitroare discussed, as are our findings concerned with an investigation of chronic inflammation and analyses of peripheral blood samples derived from patients with pleural plaque and mesothelioma that have been exposed to asbestos.
Optimised In2S3Thin Films Deposited by Spray Pyrolysis
Authors: Spasevska Hristina , Kitts Catherine C. , Ancora Cosimo , Ruani Giampiero
Published: February 2012

Indium sulphide has been extensively investigated as a component for different kind of photovoltaic devices (organic-inorganic hybrid devices, all inorganic, dye sensitized cells). In this paper, we have optimised the growth conditions of indium sulphide thin films by means of a low cost, versatile deposition technique, like spray pyrolysis. The quality of the deposited films has been characterised by micro-Raman, vis-UV spectroscopy, and atomic force microscopy. Substrate deposition temperature and different postdeposition annealing conditions have been investigated in order to obtain information about the quality of the obtained compound (which crystalline or amorphous phases are present) and the morphology of the deposited films. We have shown that the deposition temperature influences strongly the amount of amorphous phase and the roughness of the indium sulphide films. Optimised postdeposition annealing treatments can strongly improve the final amount of the beta phase almost independently from the percentage of the amorphous phase present in the as deposited films.
PKC-Mediated ZYG1 Phosphorylation Induces Fusion of Myoblasts as well as ofDictyosteliumCells
Authors: Amagai Aiko , MacWilliams Harry , Isono Takahiro , Omatsu-Kanbe Mariko , Urano Shinya , Yamamoto Kazuo , Maeda Yasuo
Published: February 2012

We have previously demonstrated that a novel protein ZYG1 induces sexual cell fusion (zygote formation) ofDictyosteliumcells. In the process of cell fusion, involvements of signal transduction pathways via Ca2+and PKC (protein kinase C) have been suggested because zygote formation is greatly enhanced by PKC activators. In fact, there are several deduced sites phosphorylated by PKC in ZYG1 protein. Thereupon, we designed the present work to examine whether or not ZYG1 is actually phosphorylated by PKC and localized at the regions of cell-cell contacts where cell fusion occurs. These were ascertained, suggesting that ZYG1 might be the target protein for PKC. A humanized version ofzyg1cDNA (mzyg1) was introduced into myoblasts to know if ZYG1 is also effective in cell fusion of myoblasts. Quite interestingly, enforced expression of ZYG1 in myoblasts was found to induce markedly their cell fusion, thus strongly suggesting the existence of a common signaling pathway for cell fusion beyond the difference of species.
Serum IL-18 Is Closely Associated with Renal Tubulointerstitial Injury and Predicts Renal Prognosis in IgA Nephropathy
Authors: Shi Beili , Ni Zhaohui , Cao Liou , Zhou Minjie , Mou Shan , Wang Qin , Zhang Minfang , Fang Wei , Yan Yucheng , Qian Jiaqi
Published: February 2012

Background. IgA nephropathy (IgAN) was thought to be benign but recently found it slowly progresses and leads to ESRD eventually. The aim of this research is to investigate the value of serum IL-18 level, a sensitive biomarker for proximal tubule injury, for assessing the histopathological severity and disease progression in IgAN.Methods. Serum IL-18 levels in 76 IgAN patients and 36 healthy blood donors were measured by ELISA. We evaluated percentage of global and segmental sclerosis (GSS) and extent of tubulointerstitial damage (TID). The correlations between serum IL-18 levels with clinical, histopathological features and renal prognosis were evaluated.Results. The patients were38.85±10.95years old, presented with 2.61 (1.43∼4.08) g/day proteinuria. Serum IL-18 levels were significantly elevated in IgAN patients. Baseline serum IL-18 levels were significantly correlated with urinary protein excretion (r=0.494,P=0.002), Scr (r=0.61,P<0.001), and eGFR (r=−0.598,P<0.001). TID scores showed a borderline significance with serum IL-18 levels (r=0.355,P=0.05). During follow-up, 26 patients (34.21%) had a declined renal function. Kaplan-Meier analysis found those patients with elevated IL-18 had a significant poor renal outcome (P=0.03), and Cox analysis further confirmed that serum IL-18 levels were an independent predictor of renal prognosis (β=1.98,P=0.003).
Compactly Supported Curvelet-Type Systems
Authors: Rasmussen Kenneth N. , Nielsen Morten
Published: February 2012

We study a flexible method for constructing curvelet-type frames. These curvelet-type systems have the same sparse representation properties as curvelets for appropriate classes of smooth functions, and the flexibility of the method allows us to give a constructive description of how to construct curvelet-type systems with a prescribed nature such as compact support in direct space. The method consists of using the machinery of almost diagonal matrices to show that a system of curvelet molecules which is sufficiently close to curvelets constitutes a frame for curvelet-type spaces. Such a system of curvelet molecules can then be constructed using finite linear combinations of shifts and dilates of a single function with sufficient smoothness and decay.
Corrosion Inhibition of Carbon Steel in HCl Solution by Some Plant Extracts
Authors: Singh Ambrish , Ebenso Eno E. , Quraishi M. A.
Published: February 2012

The strict environmental legislations and increasing ecological awareness among scientists have led to the development of “green” alternatives to mitigate corrosion. In the present work, literature on green corrosion inhibitors has been reviewed, and the salient features of our work on green corrosion inhibitors have been highlighted. Among the studied leaves, extractAndrographis paniculatashowed better inhibition performance (98%) than the other leaves extract.Strychnos nuxvomicashowed better inhibition (98%) than the other seed extracts.Moringa oleiferais reflected as a good corrosion inhibitor of mild steel in 1 M HCl with 98% inhibition efficiency among the studied fruits extract.Bacopa monnierishowed its maximum inhibition performance to be 95% at 600 ppm among the investigated stem extracts. All the reported plant extracts were found to inhibit the corrosion of mild steel in acid media.
Concurrent Koro and Cotard Syndromes in a Spanish Male Patient with a Psychotic Depression and Cerebrovascular Disease
Authors: Alvarez P. , Puente V.M. , Blasco M.J. , Salgado P. , Merino A. , Bulbena A.
Published: February 2012

Koro and Cotard syndromes are uncommon conditions described in a variety of psychiatric and medical disorders. The authors report the third case of a simultaneous presentation of both syndromes, in a 62-year-old inpatient Spanish male with major depressive disorder with psychotic features, parkinsonism and cognitive impairment. A discussion of the literature and the possible relationship between both syndromes and other neuropsychiatric disorders are presented.
Hippocampal Drebrin Loss in Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Counts Scott E. , He Bin , Nadeem Muhammad , Wuu Joanne , Scheff Stephen W. , Mufson Elliott J.
Published: February 2012

Alterations in the relative abundance of synaptic proteins may contribute to hippocampal synaptic dysfunction in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The extent to which perturbations in synaptic protein expression occur during the earliest stages of cognitive decline remains unclear. We examined protein levels of presynaptic synaptophysin (SYP) and synaptotagmin (SYT), and postsynaptic drebrin (DRB), a marker for dendritic spine plasticity, in the hippocampus of people with an antemortem clinical diagnosis of no cognitive impairment (NCI), mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or mild/moderate AD. Although normalized SYP and SYT levels were preserved, DRB was reduced by approximately 40% in the hippocampus of MCI and AD compared to NCI subjects. This differential alteration of synaptic markers in MCI suggests a selective impairment in hippocampal postsynaptic dendritic plasticity in prodromal AD that likely heralds the onset of memory impairment in symptomatic disease.
Overexpression of Calreticulin in Malignant and Benign Breast Tumors: Relationship with Humoral Immunity
Authors: Erić-Nikolić Aleksandra , Milovanović Zorka , Sánchez Daniel , Pekáriková Aneta , Džodić Radan , Matić Ivana Z. , Tučková Ludmila , Jevrić Marko , Buta Marko , Rašković Sanvila , Juranić Zorica
Published: February 2012

Objective: Calreticulin is a multicompartmental protein which regulates many important cellular responses. The aim of this study was to elucidate whether the intensity and location of calreticulin overexpression in tumor cells are related to the elevated humoral immunity to calreticulin in patients with benign or malignant breast disease. Methods: This study involved 27 patients with benign and 58 patients with malignant breast tumors before surgical resection and 38 healthy volunteers. Cytoplasmatic or membranous calreticulin overexpression in malignant or benign cells in paraffin-embedded tissues was determined using immunohistochemistry. Levels of the serum anti-calreticulin autoantibodies were detected by ELISA. Results: Statistically significant differences between serum levels of IgA of anti-calreticulin antibodies in controls and patients with breast tumors, and between controls and patients with nonmalignant breast diseases were found, but no statistically significant differences were found between levels of serum IgG anti-calreticulin antibodies. Humoral immunity to calreticulin developed against cytoplasmatic and co-localized membranous calreticulin was not correlated to the intensity of its overexpression and was present even in the absence of its membranous localization. Conclusions: The degree of calreticulin overexpression in lobular breast carcinoma is lower than in ductal breast carcinoma. Elevated concentrations of anti-calreticulin IgA antibodies were present more frequently in patients with metastasis in locoregional lymph nodes in comparison to anti-calreticulin IgG antibodies.
Track-Pattern-Based Model for Seasonal Prediction of Tropical Cyclone Activity in the Western North Pacific
Authors: Kim Hyeong-Seog , Ho Chang-Hoi , Kim Joo-Hong , Chu Pao-Shin
Published: February 2012

Skillful predictions of the seasonal tropical cyclone (TC) activity are important in mitigating the potential destruction from the TC approach/landfall in many coastal regions. In this study, a novel approach for the prediction of the seasonal TC activity over the western North Pacific is developed to provide useful probabilistic information on the seasonal characteristics of the TC tracks and vulnerable areas. The developed model, which is termed the “track-pattern-based model,” is characterized by two features: 1) a hybrid statistical–dynamical prediction of the seasonal activity of seven track patterns obtained by fuzzy c-means clustering of historical TC tracks and 2) a technique that enables researchers to construct a forecasting map of the spatial probability of the seasonal TC track density over the entire basin. The hybrid statistical–dynamical prediction for each pattern is based on the statistical relationship between the seasonal TC frequency of the pattern and the seasonal mean key predictors dynamically forecast by the National Centers for Environmental Prediction Climate Forecast System in May. The leave-one-out cross validation shows good prediction skill, with the correlation coefficients between the hindcasts and the observations ranging from 0.71 to 0.81. Using the predicted frequency and the climatological probability for each pattern, the authors obtain the forecasting map of the seasonal TC track density by combining the TC track densities of the seven patterns. The hindcasts of the basinwide seasonal TC track density exhibit good skill in reproducing the observed pattern. The El Niño–/La Niña–related years, in particular, tend to show a better skill than the neutral years.
A Theoretical Study on Synthesis Mechanism of fac-[Ir(ppy)3] from [Ir(acac)3] in the Presence of Brønsted Acids and Water Molecules
Authors: Yoshimura Kazuaki , Miyazaki Hiroshi , Matsuo Shinji , Hashimoto Hiromi , Hori Takumi , Yamaguchi Yoshihiro , Sumimoto Michinori , Hori Kenji
Published: February 2012

We recently found new reaction conditions with which [Ir(acac)3] reacts with ppyH (2-phenylpyridine) to produce fac-[Ir(ppy)3] in high yield. It is desirable that Brønsted acids and water molecules exist in the reaction mixture to achieve both the high yield and the selectivity of fac-[Ir(ppy)3]. In this study, the reaction mechanism was investigated theoretically to find reasons of the observed effect of the acid and the water molecule at the B3LYP/SDD level of theory. Although a transition state was located without taking a hydron in the mechanism into account, an IRC calculation confirmed that the TS leads to form a by-product, in which acac makes a bond with ppyH. A neighboring ppyH molecule is involved in the removal of the hydron. A hydron of ppyH was extracted by acac when acac leaves the complex and the orthometalation reaction proceeds. Theoretical calculations showed that the trans effect of the Ir–C bond is key to understanding the selectivity of our reaction.
Homohelical Porphyrin Analogue Embedded with Binaphthol Units
Authors: Setsune Jun-ichiro , Omae Shintaro
Published: February 2012

An expanded porphyrin analogue embedded with binaphthol units provides unidirectional overall helical conformation with hexaanionic N4O4 coordination environment that is suited to support a linear array of three metals.
Synthesis of Echinoid-like TiO2 Particles through Modified Sol–Gel Method Using PVA as a Surface-directing Agent and Their Photocatalytic Activity
Authors: Jang Inseok , Song Kyungho , Oh Seong-Geun
Published: February 2012

Echinoid-like TiO2 particles were prepared via modified sol–gel process using PVA as a surface-directing agent in acetic acid solution. The surface of echinoid-like TiO2 particle is significantly rough, and the size of the particles is 800–1100 nm. The specific surface area and average pore size of echinoid-like TiO2 particles are 82.81 m2 g−1 and 11.79 nm, respectively. The photocatalytic activity of echinoid-like TiO2 particles was very high compared with P25 due to larger surface area.
Deconjugative Esterification of 2-(4-Phenylcyclohexylidene)acetic Acid via Intramolecular Chirality Transfer
Authors: Sano Shigeki , Ichikawa Takashi , Nakao Michiyasu , Nagao Yoshimitsu
Published: February 2012

Deconjugative esterification of optically active 2-(4-phenylcyclohexylidene)acetic acid (1) and 2-(4-tert-butylcyclohexylidene)acetic acid (4) with an axis of chirality afforded the corresponding β,γ-unsaturated esters 2 and 6, each with a center of chirality. Additionally, a plausible reaction mechanism for the intramolecular chirality transfer is described.
Temperature-dependent Optical Transmittance of Chemically Reduced Graphene Oxide/Hydroxypropyl Cellulose Assembly
Authors: Yeo Min Young , Park Sung Young , In Insik
Published: February 2012

Stable dispersion of chemically reduced graphene oxide (RGO) is prepared by simple noncovalent interaction with hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC). Prepared RGO/HPC assembly shows temperature-dependent optical modulation below or above lower critical solution temperature (LCST). Different anchoring modes of HPC chains on RGO plates might contribute to the change of LCST for RGO/HPC assembly at different HPC-to-graphene mass ratio.
Is there a role for free breathing non-contrast steady-state free precession renal MRA imaging for assessing live donors? A preliminary study
Authors: Laurence I , Ariff B , Quest R A , Moser S , Glover A , Taube D , Gishen P , Papalois V , Juli C
Published: February 2012

Objective: Accurate pre-operative evaluation of renal vascular anatomy is essential for successful renal harvest in live donor transplantation. Non-contrast renal MR angiographic (MRA) techniques are potentially well suited to the screening of donors; however, their restricted imaging field of view (FOV) has previously been an important limitation. We sought to assess whether the addition of a large FOV balanced fast field echo (BFFE) steady-state free precession (SSFP) sequence to non-contrast SSFP MRA could overcome this problem. Comparison with contrast-enhanced MRA (CE MRA) and findings at surgery were performed.

Methods: 22 potential renal donors each underwent SSFP and CE MRA. 11 out of 22 potential donors subsequently underwent a donor nephrectomy.

Results: All images were diagnostic. Both SSFP MRA and CE MRA identified an equal number of arteries. Surgery confirmed two accessory renal arteries, both demonstrated with both imaging techniques. A third accessory vessel was identified with both techniques on a kidney contralateral to the donated organ. 6 out of 11 procured kidneys demonstrated early branch arteries at surgery, 5 out of 6 of which had been depicted on both SSFP and CE MRA. The median grading of image quality for main renal arteries was slightly better for CE MRA (p=0.048), but for accessory vessels it was better for SSFP MRA.

Conclusion: This pilot study indicates that by combining free-breathing SSFP MRA with large-FOV bFFE images, an accurate depiction of renal vascular anatomy without the need for intravenous contrast administration can be obtained, as compared with surgical findings and CE MRA.
Prediction of incident hip fracture by femoral neck bone mineral density and neck–shaft angle: a 5-year longitudinal study in post-menopausal females
Authors: Gnudi S , Sitta E , Pignotti E
Published: February 2012

Objective: To compare hip fracture incidence in post-menopausal females who were differently stratified for the fracture risk according to bone mineral density and proximal femur geometry.

Methods: In a 5 year follow-up study, the hip fracture incidence in 729 post-menopausal females (45 of whom suffered from incident hip fracture) was assessed and compared. Forward logistic regression was used to select independent predictors of hip fracture risk, including age, age at menopause, height, weight, femoral neck bone mineral density (FNBMD), neck–shaft angle (NSA), hip axis length, femoral neck diameter and femoral shaft diameter as covariates. Fracture incidence was then calculated for the categories of young/old age, high/low FNBMD and wide/narrow NSA, which were obtained by dichotomising each hip fracture independent predictor at the value best separating females with and without a hip fracture.

Results: The hip fracture incidence of the whole cohort was significantly higher in females with a wide NSA (8.52%) than in those with a narrow NSA (3.51%). The combination of wide NSA and low FNBMD had the highest hip fracture incidence in the whole cohort (17.61%) and each age category. The combinations of narrow/wide NSA with low/high FNBMD, respectively, gave a significantly higher fracture incidence in older than in younger women, whereas women with a combined wide NSA and low FNBMD had no significantly different fracture incidence in young (14.60%) or old age (21.62%).

Conclusion: Our study showed that NSA is effective at predicting the hip fracture risk and that the detection in early post-menopause of a wide NSA together with a low FNBMD should identify females at high probability of incident hip fracture.
Correlation of the apparent diffusion coefficiency values on diffusion-weighted imaging with prognostic factors for breast cancer
Authors: Choi S Y , Chang Y-W , Park H J , Kim H J , Hong S S , Seo D Y
Published: February 2012

Objective: The aim of this study was to correlate the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value of breast cancer with prognostic factors.

Methods: 335 patients with invasive ductal carcinoma not otherwise specified (IDC NOS) and ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) who underwent breast MRI with diffusion-weighted imaging were included in this study. ADC of breast cancer was calculated using two b factors (0 and 1000 s mm–2). Mean ADCs of IDC NOS and DCIS were compared and evaluated. Among cases of IDC NOS, mean ADCs were compared with lymph node status, size and immunochemical prognostic factors using Student's t-test. ADC was also correlated with histological grade using the Kruskal–Wallis test.

Results: Mean ADC of IDC NOS was significantly lower than that of DCIS (p<0.001). However, the mean ADC of histological grade of IDC NOS was not significantly different (p=0.564). Mean ADC of oestrogen receptor (ER)-positive or progesterone receptor (PR)-positive cancer was significantly lower than that of ER-negative or PR-negative cancer (p=0.003 vs  p=0.032). Mean ADC of Ki-67 index-positive cancer was significantly lower than that of Ki-67 index-negative cancer (p=0.028). Mean ADC values of cancers with increased microvascular density (MVD) were significantly lower than those of cancer with no MVD increase (p=0.009). No correlations were observed between mean ADC value and human growth factor receptor 2 expression, tumour size and lymph node metastasis.

Conclusion: Low ADC value was correlated with positive expression of ER, PR, increased Ki-67 index, and increased MVD of breast cancer.
Dinâmica estrutural da comunidade lenhosa em Floresta Estacional Semidecidual na transição Cerrado-Floresta Amazônica, Mato Grosso, Brasil
Authors: Mews Henrique Augusto , Marimon Beatriz Schwantes , Pinto José Roberto Rodrigues , Silvério Divino Vicente
Published: February 2012

O entendimento de processos ecológicos, especialmente das modificações estruturais e florísticas em ecossistemas naturais, é fundamental para embasar ações visando à sua conservação e/ou restauração. O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar mudanças ocorridas na estrutura da comunidade lenhosa na transição Cerrado-Floresta Amazônica, no período de 2003 a 2008. Foram estabelecidas 60 parcelas permanentes de 10 x 10 m onde foram amostrados todos os indivíduos com diâmetro à altura do peito > 5 cm. Em 2003 foram registrados 1.140 ind. ha-1 e área basal de 24,35 m² ha-1, enquanto em 2008 foram 1.071 ind. ha-1 e área basal de 22,04 m² ha-1. O recrutamento (2,76% ano-1) não compensou a mortalidade (3,95% ano-1) e o ganho em área basal (0,54% ano-1) não superou a perda (3,77% ano-1). Em função dessa diferença, a meia vida (17,3 anos) foi menor que o tempo de duplicação (29,9 anos), resultando em baixa estabilidade (12,6 anos) e reposição (23,6 anos) em relação a outras florestas estacionais. Os parâmetros de dinâmica da comunidade e das principais espécies sugerem que a floresta está passando por mudanças caracterizadas principalmente pela retração da densidade e biomassa dos indivíduos arbóreos, que podem estar relacionadas ao aumento das lianas, a uma fase de início de reconstrução do ciclo silvigenético da floresta ou ainda à forte seca que ocorreu na região no ano de 2005.
Estabilização de sistemas fuzzy T-S incertos usando realimentação derivativa
Authors: Silva Emerson Ravazzi Pires da , Teixeira Marcelo C. M. , Assunção Edvaldo , Faria Flávio Andrade
Published: February 2012

Em alguns problemas práticos, por exemplo, no controle de vibrações de sistemas mecânicos, é mais fácil obter o sinal da derivada dos estados que o sinal dos estados. Assim, neste trabalho é proposto um método para o projeto da realimentação derivativa aplicada à sistemas não-lineares incertos. Durante a modelagem do problema os sistemas não-lineares são representados por modelos fuzzy Takagi-Sugeno, permitindo que o projeto do controlador seja realizado com Desigualdades Matriciais Lineares (em inglês, Linear Matrix Inequalities (LMIs)). Este tipo de modelagem facilita o projeto de controle, pois, LMIs são facilmente resolvidas utilizando técnicas de programação convexa. O projeto de controle visa a estabilização do sistema, com ou sem restrições na taxa de decaimento. A eficiência do método é ilustrada através de um exemplo numérico.
Sistema automático para a medição da concentração dos núcleos de condensação de nuvens por visão computacional
Authors: Pinheiro Francisco Geraldo de Melo , Cortez Paulo Cesar , Mota João Cesar Moura
Published: February 2012

Neste artigo é descrito um sistema para medição automática da concentração de núcleos de condensação de nuvens por visão computacional, os procedimentos e a infraestrutura de laboratório para sua avaliação e, por fim, compara suas medições com as de outro equipamento considerado como referência. O sistema de medição desenvolvido utiliza para tal, técnicas de processamento digital de imagens. O processo consiste na captura de uma amostra do ar atmosférico dentro de uma câmara de nuvens estática por difusão supersaturada de vapor de água. Nesta condição, as moléculas do vapor de água condensam sobre os núcleos de condensação de nuvens presentes no ar capturado, produzindo gotículas de água. Estas gotículas ao caírem por gravidade cruzam um feixe de luz LASER, que define um volume de amostragem, o que as tornam visíveis. Uma série de imagens deste processo é digitalizada e processada para identificação e isolamento das gotículas presentes no volume de amostragem. Em seguida, estas gotículas são automaticamente contadas e a sua concentração é calculada. As técnicas de binarização por limiar, transformada de distância e transformada watershed são utilizadas. Uma metodologia eficiente para determinação do volume de amostragem também é apresentada. Os resultados, dos experimentos realizados em condições controladas, indicam que os procedimentos aplicados são adequados na determinação da concentração dos núcleos de condensação de nuvens e que o equipamento desenvolvido é efetivo em altas concentrações em que outros equipamentos equivalentes já não são confiáveis devido ao efeito da sobreposição de gotículas nas imagens analisadas.
Ética da psicanálise e modalidades de gozo: considerações sobre o Seminário 7 e o Seminário 20 de Jacques Lacan
Authors: Bispo Fábio Santos , Couto Luis Flávio Silva
Published: February 2012

Este artigo busca apontar um deslocamento na concepção lacaniana sobre a ética, a partir de uma comparação entre as perspectivas do Seminário, livro 7 - a ética da psicanálise e do Seminário, livro 20 - mais, ainda. Enquanto a primeira perspectiva privilegiaria a organização de uma lei simbólica, cuja ultrapassagem culminaria na concepção do gozo impossível de das Ding, a última destacaria o gozo do corpo como não-todo organizado pelo simbólico. Passa-se, assim, de uma ética da transgressão, que visa a um ponto além do princípio do prazer e do serviço dos bens, para uma ética onde esse além do princípio do prazer já invade o campo de saída. A lógica da contingência é o modo como Lacan pretende formalizar uma maneira de fazer com que a necessidade simbólica e a impossibilidade do desejo inscrevam-se nos registros do contingente e do possível.
Características morfogênicas e estruturais do capim-marandu submetido a combinações de alturas e intervalos de corte
Authors: Difante Gelson dos Santos , Nascimento Júnior Domicio do , Silva Sila Carneiro da , Euclides Valéria Pacheco Batista , Montagner Denise Baptaglin , Silveira Márcia Cristina Teixeira da , Pena Karine da Silva
Published: February 2012

Desenvolveu-se este estudo com o objetivo de avaliar o acúmulo de forragem e as características morfogênicas e estruturais do capim-marandu submetido a combinações de alturas e intervalos de corte. O experimento foi realizado no período de agosto de 2003 a abril de 2004. Os tratamentos corresponderam a combinações entre duas alturas (15 e 30 cm) e três intervalos de corte (tempo correspondente para o aparecimento de três, quatro e cinco folhas por perfilho) e foram alocados às unidades experimentais em arranjo fatorial 2 × 3 e delineamento de blocos completos casualizados com três repetições. Foram avaliados o acúmulo total de forragem, o acúmulo de lâminas foliares, colmos e material morto, as variáveis morfogênicas e as estruturais, assim como a altura do dossel no pré-corte e a duração do período de rebrotação. O corte a 15 cm resultou em menor período de rebrotação, altura pré-corte, alongamento de colmo e tamanho final da folha e maior densidade populacional de perfilhos em comparação ao corte a 30 cm. O intervalo de corte correspondente ao aparecimento de cinco folhas por perfilho resultou em maiores alturas pré-corte, taxas de alongamento de folhas, tamanho final das folhas e acúmulo de colmos e em menor densidade populacional de perfilhos em comparação aos intervalos correspondentes a três e quatro folhas surgidas por perfilho. A maior eficiência de utilização dos pastos de capim-marandu foi alcançada com cortes a 15 cm. Pastos manejados com intervalo de corte correspondente a três folhas surgidas por perfilho, independentemente da altura de corte avaliada, acumulam elevada quantidade de folhas, componente altamente desejável para alimentação animal.
Substituição do farelo de soja pelo farelo de coco em rações contendo farelo da castanha de caju para frangos de corte
Authors: Freitas Ednardo Rodrigues , Lima Raffaella Castro , Silva Roberto Batista da , Sucupira Francislene Silveira , Moreira Rafaele Ferreira , Lopes Irani Ribeiro Vieira
Published: February 2012

O experimento foi conduzido com o objetivo de avaliar os efeitos do nível de substituição da proteína do farelo de soja pela proteína do farelo de coco em rações contendo farelo da castanha de caju sobre o desempenho de frangos de corte. Foram utilizados 325 pintos de corte machos, com 1 dia de idade, distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com 5 tratamentos e 5 repetições de 13 aves. Foram testados os níveis de 0, 5, 10, 15 e 20% de substituição da proteína do farelo de soja pela proteína do farelo de coco em rações contendo 20% de farelo de castanha de caju. A substituição da proteína do farelo de soja pela do farelo de coco em níveis superiores a 5% promoveu redução linear no consumo de ração, no ganho de peso e na conversão alimentar apenas na fase inicial. Também foi verificado efeito quadrático sobre o rendimento de peito, que aumentou até o nível de 11,50% de substituição. Em todas as fases de criação, a substituição em níveis de até 20% não prejudicou significativamente o desempenho das aves nem alterou as características de carcaça em relação ao grupo controle. Segundo o estudo econômico realizado, a substituição da proteína do farelo de soja pela do farelo de coco foi economicamente viável até o nível de 20%. Portanto, em rações para frangos de corte contendo 20% de farelo de castanha de caju, a proteína do farelo de soja pode ser substituída pela do farelo de coco em níveis de até 20%.
Relationship of methionine plus cystine with lysine in diets for laying Japanese quails
Authors: Reis Renata de Souza , Barreto Sergio Luiz de Toledo , Gomes Paulo Cezar , Lima Heder José D'Avila , Medina Paola Monteiro , Ferreira Fabiana
Published: February 2012

The objective of this work was to evaluate the relationships of methionine plus cystine with lysine for Japanese quails in the laying phase. Thus, it was used 480 birds at initial age of 65 days, distributed in randomized block design with 6 treatments, 10 replicates and 8 birds per experimental unit. The treatments consisted of basal diet deficient in methionine plus cystine (0.65%), with 19.6% of crude protein and 2800 kcal of metabolizable energy/kg of ration, supplemented with six levels of DL-methionine 98% (0.116; 0.167; 0.218; 0.269; 0.320 and 0.371%), corresponding to methionine plus cystine with lysine ratio of 0.65, 0.70, 0.75, 0.80, 0.85 and 0.90, and the digestible lysine set at a suboptimal level of 1.00. The parameters studied were: feed intake, egg production per hen day, egg production per housed hen, commercial egg production, egg weight, egg mass, feed conversion per egg mass, feed conversion per dozen eggs, viability of birds, weight of the egg components (yolk, albumen and shell), percentage of components of eggs, diameter and height of the eggs and specific gravity. It was observed an increasing linear effect for feed intake, egg diameter, shell weight and percentage of yolk. For eggshell percentage, it was observed a decreasing linear effect. For the weight of the eggs, the best adjustment was obtained by using the Linear Response Plateau model. A quadratic effect was observed for egg mass, feed conversion per egg mass, egg production per hen day, egg production per housed hen, yolk weight, albumen weight and height of the eggs. The relationship of methionine plus cystine with lysine of 0.84 which corresponds to the consumption of 221.0 mg/bird/day of methionine + cystine provides better performance and satisfactory quality of Japanese quail eggs.
Diabetes Mellitus May Increase Bone Loss After Occlusal Trauma and Experimental Periodontitis
Authors: de Oliveira Diniz Claudia K. , Corrêa Mônica G. , Casati Marcio Z. , Nociti Francisco H. , Ruiz Karina G. , Bovi Ambrosano Gláucia Maria , Sallum Enilson A.
Published: February 2012

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) involves metabolic changes that can negatively influence periodontal tissues, resulting in more prevalent and severe periodontitis and impaired bone formation. Occlusal trauma (OT) is an injury of the supportive periodontium that results in bone loss. It can be hypothesized that DM would increase bone loss after OT, mainly when associated with periodontitis. Thus, the aim of the present study is to evaluate the influence of DM on bone response in the furcation area of teeth subjected to OT in the presence, or absence, of experimental periodontitis (EP) in the rat model.

Methods: Thirty‐two male Wistar rats were assigned to four groups: 1) group 1 (G1): DM+OT+EP (n = 8); 2) group 2 (G2): DM+OT (n = 8); 3) group 3 (G3): OT+EP (n = 8); and 4) group 4 (G4): OT (n = 8). G1 and G2 received a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ). After 10 days, G1 and G3 were subjected to EP by ligature placement. Fifteen days after the start of EP, OT was induced by the creation of a premature contact. The animals were euthanized 35 days after DM induction.

Results: DM enhanced bone loss in the presence of OT combined with EP, but did not increase bone loss in teeth subjected to OT alone. EP caused greater bone loss when associated with OT.

Conclusion: Within the limits of this animal study, it can be concluded that DM enhances bone loss in the presence of occlusal trauma associated with EP.
Injuries and illnesses among urban search-and-rescue dogs deployed to Haiti following the January 12, 2010, earthquake
Authors: Gordon Lori E.
Published: February 2012

Objective—To establish types and rates of injuries and illnesses among urban search-and-rescue (USAR) dogs deployed to Haiti following the January 12, 2010, earthquake.

Design—Cross-sectional survey.

Animals—23 Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) USAR dogs deployed to Haiti.

Procedures—An online survey was distributed to the handlers of all FEMA USAR dogs deployed to Haiti in response to the January 12, 2010, earthquake.

Results—Of 33 handlers with 37 dogs that deployed, 19 (58%) handlers completed the survey, providing information on 23 (62%) dogs. Injuries and illnesses were reported in 10 of the 23 (43%) dogs, 8 of which had multiple issues. Dogs worked a total of 250 days and 1,785 hours. Dehydration and wounding were the most common disorders, with incidences of 3.9 and 3.4 events/1,000 h worked, respectively. Other disorders included ocular discharge and appetite decrease (incidence of each, 1.1 events/1,000 h worked) and weight loss, urination changes, skin infection, ear infection, oral abscess, and nonspecific illness (incidence of each, 0.56 events/1,000 h worked). Overall, there were 12.6 events/1,000 h worked. All health issues were minor and resolved during the deployment or within 2 weeks after demobilization.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggested that many of the USAR dogs deployed to Haiti developed acute injuries and illnesses. However, despite the high heat index, long hours worked, and dusty conditions, most injuries and illnesses were minor and all had resolved within 14 days. When logistic supplies for USAR teams are limited, minimal basic medical needs to treat common injuries should be a priority.
Conditions Affecting Shelf-Life of Inoculated Legume Seed
Authors: Deaker Rosalind , Hartley Elizabeth , Gemell Greg
Published: February 2012

Microbial inoculants are becoming more available as sustainable alternatives to fertilizers and other agrichemicals in broad-acre cropping. However, with the exception of legume inoculants little is understood about effective delivery and survival of the inoculum. Legume inoculants are applied to both seed and soil but seed inoculation is the most economical technique. Large quantities of pasture seed in Australia are inoculated by commercial seed coating companies, but the long-term survival of seed-applied inoculum is variable and monitoring of viability requires specialist microbiology skills and facilities. The aim of our research was to define optimum storage conditions for survival of rhizobia on legume seed and evaluate water activity as a means of monitoring shelf-life. The relationship between survival and water activity varied according to seed species, inoculum preparation, coating ingredients, initial water activity and time suggesting that storage conditions would need to be defined for each different combination. Although drying seeds after coating significantly reduced viable numbers of rhizobia, survival of rhizobia on dried commercially coated lucerne seed after 11 weeks was less variable than seeds that had not been dried. The highest numbers were maintained when seeds remained dry with water activities of between 0.47 and 0.38. The quality of inoculated seed could be improved by reducing the death rate of inoculum during preparation and providing optimum storage conditions for long-term survival.