bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Protective Effects of Corni Fructus against Advanced Glycation Endproducts and Radical Scavenging
Authors: Park Chan Hum , Tanaka Takashi , Kim Hyun Young , Park Jong Cheol , Yokozawa Takako
Published: May 2012

We investigated the inhibition of advanced glycation endproduct (AGE) activity using the fluorescence characteristics of fractions and compounds from Corni Fructus. Corni Fructus extract and its iridoid glycoside components showed low inhibitory activities as well as the AGE inhibitor aminoguanidine. However, a low molecular weight polyphenol, 7-O-galloyl-D-sedoheptulose, and an antioxidant, trolox, showed high inhibitory activities compared with aminoguanidine under reactive conditions. The AGE-inhibiting activity of polyphenolic fractions of Corni Fructus ranged from a level comparable to Corni Fructus extract to the higher level of 7-O-galloyl-D-sedoheptulose. As well as the results of AGE-inhibiting activity, Corni Fructus extract and iridoid components showed low or no 1,1-diphenyl-2-pycrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging activities, whereas 7-O-galloyl-D-sedoheptulose showed a level comparable to trolox. Polyphenolic fractions of Corni Fructus quenched DPPH radicals in a concentration-dependent manner. Some fractions exerted a higher DPPH radical-scavenging activity compared with trolox and 7-O-galloyl-D-sedoheptulose. The DPPH radical-scavenging activity was significantly correlated with the AGE-inhibiting activity. These results suggest that polyphenolic fractions of Corni Fructus inhibited AGE formation by antioxidant activity including free radical scavenging. The strong DPPH radical-scavenging and AGE-inhibiting fractions included ellagitannins and polymeric proanthocyanidins.
Designing and Implementing an Ambulatory Oncology Nursing Peer Preceptorship Program: Using Grounded Theory Research to Guide Program Development
Authors: Watson Linda C. , Raffin-Bouchal Shelley , Melnick Amy , Whyte Darlene
Published: May 2012

Having enough staff to provide high-quality care to cancer patients will become a growing issue across Canada over the next decades. Statistical predictions indicate that both the number of new diagnoses and the prevalence of cancer will increase dramatically in the next two decades. When combining these trends with the simultaneous trend toward health human resource shortage in Canada, the urgency of assuring we have adequate staff to deliver cancer care becomes clear. This research study focuses directly on oncology nurses. Guided by the grounded theory methodology, this research study aims to formulate a strategic, proactive peer preceptorship program through a four-phased research process. The goal of this research is to develop a program that will support experienced staff members to fully implement their role as a preceptor to new staff, to facilitate effective knowledge transfer between experienced staff to the new staff members, and to assure new staff members are carefully transitioned and integrated into the complex ambulatory cancer care workplaces. In this article, the data from the first phase of the research project will be explored specifically as it relates to establishing the foundation for the development of a provincial ambulatory oncology nursing peer preceptorship program.
New Protein Vector ApE1 for Targeted Delivery of Anticancer Drugs
Authors: Pozdniakova N. V. , Gorokhovets N. V. , Gukasova N. V. , Bereznikova A. V. , Severin E. S.
Published: May 2012

A new chimeric geneApE1encoding the receptor-binding domain of the humanalpha-fetoprotein fused to a sequence of 22 glutamic acid residues was constructed. A new bacterial producer strainE. coliSHExT7 ApE1 was selected for ApE1 production in a soluble state. A simplified method was developed to purify ApE1 from bacterial biomass. It was shown that the new vector protein selectively interacts with AFP receptors on the tumor cell surface and can be efficiently accumulated in tumor cells. In addition, ApE1 was shown to be stable in storage and during its chemical modification. An increased number of carboxyl groups in the molecule allows the production of cytotoxic compound conjugates with higher drug-loading capacity and enhanced tumor targeting potential.
Computational Models of Neuron-Astrocyte Interactions Lead to Improved Efficacy in the Performance of Neural Networks
Authors: Alvarellos-González Alberto , Pazos Alejandro , Porto-Pazos Ana B.
Published: May 2012

The importance of astrocytes, one part of the glial system, for information processing in the brain has recently been demonstrated. Regarding information processing in multilayer connectionist systems, it has been shown that systems which include artificial neurons and astrocytes (Artificial Neuron-Glia Networks) have well-known advantages over identical systems including only artificial neurons. Since the actual impact of astrocytes in neural network function is unknown, we have investigated, using computational models, different astrocyte-neuron interactions for information processing; different neuron-glia algorithms have been implemented for training and validation of multilayer Artificial Neuron-Glia Networks oriented toward classification problem resolution. The results of the tests performed suggest that all the algorithms modelling astrocyte-induced synaptic potentiation improved artificial neural network performance, but their efficacy depended on the complexity of the problem.
Intracellular Loop 2 Peptides of the Human 5HT1a Receptor are Differential Activators of Gi
Authors: Hall Brian , Squires Carley , Parker Keith K.
Published: May 2012

Peptide mimics of intracellular loop 2 (ic2) of the human 5HT1a receptor have been studied with respect to their ability to inhibit agonist binding via interference with receptor-G-protein coupling. These peptides give shallow concentration-effect relationships. Additionally, these peptides have been studied with respect to their ability to trigger the signal transduction system of this Gi-coupled receptor. Two signaling parameters have been quantified: concentration of intracellular cAMP and changes in incorporation into the G protein of a stable analog of GTP. In both cases, peptide mimics near midloop of ic2 actually show agonist activity with efficacy falling off toward both loop termini near TM 3 and TM 4. Previous results have suggested that the loop region near the TM3/ic2 interface is primarily responsible for receptor-G-protein coupling, while the current result emphasizes the mid-ic2 loop region's ability to activate the G protein following initial coupling. A limited number of peptides from the receptor's TM5/ic3 loop vicinity were also studied regarding agonist inhibition and G-protein activation. These peptides provide additional evidence that the human 5HT1a receptor, TM5/ic3 loop region, is involved in both coupling and activation actions. Overall, these results provide further information about potential pharmacological intervention and drug development with respect to the human 5HT1a receptor/G-protein system. Finally, the structural evidence generated here provides testable models pending crystallization and X-ray analysis of the receptor.
The Effect of Statins and Other Cardiovascular Medication on Ischemia-Reperfusion Damage in a Human DIEP Flap Model: Theoretical and Epidemiological Considerations
Authors: van den Heuvel M. G. W. , Bast A. , Ambergen A. W. , van der Hulst R. R. W. J.
Published: May 2012

Background. Statins and other cardiovascular medication possess antioxidant capacity. It was examined whether chronic use of these medications protects from the development of ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) related complications after DIEP (Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator Free Flap) surgery. This paper contains a literature study on the antioxidant working mechanisms of these drugs.Methods. Medical information of 134 DIEP patients (173 flaps) was studied from their medical files. Patient and operative characteristics were registered, as well as I/R related complications.Results. Of the group that didnot use statins, 16.3% developed complications versus 30.8% amongst patients that did use these drugs (P=0.29). Amongst patients that chronically use other cardiovascular medication, 26.8% developed I/R related complications versus 14.4% of the patients without medication (P=0.10).Conclusions. Chronic use of statins or other cardiovascular medication didnot decrease the occurrence of I/R related complications after DIEP surgery. Therefore, research should be aimed at evaluating short-term pre-treatment with statins.
The Role of Silk in the Behaviour and Sociality of Spiders
Authors: Krafft Bertrand , Cookson Laurie J.
Published: May 2012

This article describes the links between the production of silk by spiders and their behaviour. Silk allows the spider to change its physical environment, which in turn leads to behavioural changes and impacts in the new environment. The feedback between silk and the animal producer can explain the architecture of spider webs and their adaptation to the environment, by referring only to stereotypic stimulus-response reactions without necessarily resorting to a “representation” by the animal of the structure it builds. Silk can act as a means of protection against environmental stress, a snare for prey, a means of locomotion, and also as support for chemical signals or to act as a vector of vibratory signals. These last two functions have undoubtedly played a key role in spider socialization and explains the phenomena of group cohesion, collective decision making, and the coordination of activities, without resorting to mental “representations” for the overall situation. The bulk of this review describes silk as the chief agent directing the construction of traps, communication, social cohesion, and cooperation amongst its producers.
Nano- and Macrotribological Properties of Nanoperiod Multilayer Films Deposited by Bias Sputtering
Authors: Miyake Shojiro , Wang Mei
Published: May 2012

Carbon and boron nitride nanoperiod (C/BN)n, boron nitride and carbon (BN/C)n, carbon nitride and boron nitride nanoperiod (CN/BN)n, and boron nitride and carbon nitride (BN/CN)n ]multilayer films with a 4-nm-period multilayer structure were deposited by bias radio frequency (RF) sputtering. The substrate used for deposition was repeatedly positioned opposite graphite and boron nitride targets. Both the nanoindentation hardness and microwear resistance of the multilayer (CN/BN)n and (BN/CN)n films changed with the layer period. The multilayer films with a 4 nm period had the highest hardness and microwear resistance. The processing characteristics of the (C/BN)n and (BN/C)n films with a 4-nm-period multilayer structure were investigated using a conductive atomic force microscope (AFM) with force modulation, which permits the quantitative recording of current and frictional force as functions of applied force. The results of processing indicated that friction and surface-current measurements are effective methods of investigating multilayer nanostructural surfaces and that the method proposed in this study for micro-electro-mechanical processing systems has high precision.
Anticancer Activity of Certain Herbs and Spices on the Cervical Epithelial Carcinoma (HeLa) Cell Line
Authors: Berrington Danielle , Lall Namrita
Published: May 2012

Acetone extracts of selected plant species were evaluated for theirin vitrocytotoxicity against a noncancerous African green monkey kidney (Vero) cell line and an adenocarcinoma cervical cancer (HeLa) cell line. The plants studied wereOriganum vulgareL. (Oregano),Rosmarinus officinalisL. (Upright and ground cove rosemary),Lavandula spicaL. (Lavender),Laurus nobilisL. (Bay leaf),Thymus vulgarisL. (Thyme),Lavandula x intermediaL. (Margaret Roberts Lavender),Petroselinum crispumMill. (Curly leaved parsley),Foeniculum vulgareMill. (Fennel), andCapsicum annuumL. (Paprika). Antioxidant activity was determined using a quantitative DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl) assay. The rosemary species exhibited effective radical scavenging capacity with 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) of3.48±0.218 μg/mL and10.84±0.125 μg/mL and vitamin C equivalents of 0.351 g and 1.09 g for McConnell’s Blue and Tuscan Blue, respectively. Cytotoxicity was measured using XTT (Sodium3′-[1-(phenyl amino-carbonyl)-3,4-tetrazolium]-bis-[4-methoxy-6-nitro] benzene sulfonic acid hydrate) colorimetric assay. OnlyL. nobilisandO. vulgareexhibited pronounced effects on the HeLa cell line. Dose-dependent studies revealed IC50of34.46±0.48 μg/mL and126.3±1.00 μg/mL on the HeLa cells and on the Vero cells 124.1 μg/mL ± 18.26 and 163.8 μg/mL ± 2.95 forL. nobilisandO. vulgare, respectively. Light (eosin and haematoxylin staining) and confocal microscopy (Hoechst 33342, acridine orange, and propidium iodide staining) were used to evaluate the cytotoxic mechanism of action forL. nobilisandO. vulgare.
Is Routine Ultrasound Examination of the Gallbladder Justified in Critical Care Patients?
Authors: Myrianthefs Pavlos , Evodia Efimia , Vlachou Ioanna , Petrocheilou Glykeria , Gavala Alexandra , Pappa Maria , Baltopoulos George , Karakitsos Dimitrios
Published: May 2012

Objective. We evaluated whether routine ultrasound examination may illustrate gallbladder abnormalities, including acute acalculous cholecystitis (AAC) in the intensive care unit (ICU).Patients and Methods. Ultrasound monitoring of the GB was performed by two blinded radiologists in mechanically ventilated patients irrespective of clinical and laboratory findings. We evaluated major (gallbladder wall thickening and edema, sonographic Murphy’s sign, pericholecystic fluid) and minor (gallbladder distention and sludge) ultrasound criteria.Measurements and Results. We included 53 patients (42 males; mean age57.6±2.8years; APACHE II score21.3±0.9; mean ICU stay35.9±4.8days). Twenty-five patients (47.2%) exhibited at least one abnormal imaging finding, while only six out of them had hepatic dysfunction. No correlation existed between liver biochemistry and ultrasound results in the total population. Three male patients (5.7%), on the grounds of unexplained sepsis, were diagnosed with AAC as incited by ultrasound, and surgical intervention was lifesaving. Patients who exhibited ≥2 ultrasound findings (30.2%) were managed successfully under the guidance of evolving ultrasound, clinical, and laboratory findings.Conclusions. Ultrasound gallbladder monitoring guided lifesaving surgical treatment in 3 cases of AAC; however, its routine application is questionable and still entails high levels of clinical suspicion.
Wind Climate in Kongsfjorden, Svalbard, and Attribution of Leading Wind Driving Mechanisms through Turbulence-Resolving Simulations
Authors: Esau Igor , Repina Irina
Published: May 2012

This paper presents analysis of wind climate of the Kongsfjorden-Kongsvegen valley, Svalbard. The Kongsfjorden-Kongsvegen valley is relatively densely covered with meteorological observations, which facilitate joint statistical analysis of the turbulent surface layer structure and the structure of the higher atmospheric layers. Wind direction diagrams reveal strong wind channeled in the surface layer up to 300 m to 500 m. The probability analysis links strong wind channeling and cold temperature anomalies in the surface layer. To explain these links, previous studies suggested the katabatic wind flow mechanism as the leading driver responsible for the observed wind climatology. In this paper, idealized turbulence-resolving simulations are used to distinct between different wind driving mechanisms. The simulations were performed with the real surface topography at resolution of about 60 m. These simulations resolve the obstacle-induced turbulence and the turbulence in the non-stratified boundary layer core. The simulations suggest the leading roles of the thermal land-sea breeze circulation and the mechanical wind channeling in the modulation of the valley winds. The characteristic signatures of the developed down-slope gravity-accelerated flow, that is, the katabatic wind, were found to be of lesser significance under typical meteorological conditions in the valley.
Positive Solutions to a Generalized Second‐Order Difference Equation with Summation Boundary Value Problem
Authors: Sitthiwirattham Thanin , Tariboon Jessada
Published: May 2012

By using Krasnoselskii′s fixed point theorem, we study the existence of positive solutions to the three‐point summation boundary value problem Δ2u(t − 1) + a(t)f(u(t)) = 0, t ∈ {1,2, …, T}, , , where f is continuous, T ≥ 3 is a fixed positive integer, η ∈ {1,2, …, T − 1}, 0 < α < (2T + 2)/η(η + 1), 0 < β < (2T + 2 − αη(η + 1))/η(2T − η + 1), and Δu(t − 1) = u(t) − u(t − 1). We show the existence of at least one positive solution if f is either superlinear or sublinear.
Acute Adrenal Insufficiency Associated with Tuberculous Vertebral Osteomyelitis and Lymphadenopathy: Case Report
Authors: Anaforoğlu İnan , Algün Ekrem , İnceçayır Ömer , Şiviloğlu Çiğdem , Caymaz İsmail
Published: May 2012

A 51-year-old man developed anorexia, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and weight loss. He had orthostatic hypotension, hyponatremia, hyperkalemia, and hypocortisolemia, and the diagnosis of adrenal insufficiency was made. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed asymmetrically enlarged adrenal glands. Biopsy of a hypoechoic, enlarged, inguinal lymph node showed caseating granulomas. Lumbar MRI showed vertebral body height loss and abnormal signal in L1 and L2; vertebral biopsy showed chronic, necrotic, caseating granulomatous inflammation consistent with tuberculous osteomyelitis. Clinical improvement occurred with isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide, and corticosteroids. The differential diagnosis of adrenal insufficiency should include tuberculosis, especially in geographic regions where tuberculosis is endemic.
Rainfall and Elevation Influence the Local-Scale Distribution of Tree Community in the Southern Region of Western Ghats Biodiversity Hotspot (India)
Authors: Joseph Shijo , Anitha K. , Srivastava V. K. , Reddy Ch. Sudhakar , Thomas A. P. , Murthy M. S. R.
Published: May 2012

The present study characterises the tree communities with respect to topographic and climatic variables and identifies the most important environmental correlate of species richness in the southern region of Western Ghats Biodiversity Hotspot, India. Digitally derived environmental variables in combination with tree species richness information were analysed using Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) to characterise the communities. Multiple regression technique based on stepwise backward elimination was used to identify the most important environment correlate of species richness. Canonical correspondence analysis results in six major tree communities along the first and second axes. Rainfall is the dominant environmental gradient influencing vegetation patterns on the first CCA axis while elevation showed the highest correlation with the second CCA axis. Backward elimination regression technique yielded rainfall as the most important environmental correlate of species richness. Results were in agreement with the observations in the Neotropics that rainier areas maintain high species diversity.
The Role of Translation Initiation Regulation in Haematopoiesis
Authors: Grech Godfrey , von Lindern Marieke
Published: May 2012

Organisation of RNAs into functional subgroups that are translated in response to extrinsic and intrinsic factors underlines a relatively unexplored gene expression modulation that drives cell fate in the same manner as regulation of the transcriptome by transcription factors. Recent studies on the molecular mechanisms of inflammatory responses and haematological disorders indicate clearly that the regulation of mRNA translation at the level of translation initiation, mRNA stability, and protein isoform synthesis is implicated in the tight regulation of gene expression. This paper outlines how these posttranscriptional control mechanisms, including control at the level of translation initiation factors and the role of RNA binding proteins, affect hematopoiesis. The clinical relevance of these mechanisms in haematological disorders indicates clearly the potential therapeutic implications and the need of molecular tools that allow measurement at the level of translational control. Although the importance of miRNAs in translation control is well recognised and studied extensively, this paper will exclude detailed account of this level of control.
Use of Daptomycin for the Treatment of Methicillin-Resistant Coagulase-Negative Staphylococcal Ventriculitis
Authors: Erritouni Mohamed , Ktaich Nessrine , Rahal James J. , Figueroa Deborah , Nieto Jaime , Urban Carl , Mariano Noriel , Eisinger Frank , Abayev Jonathan , Nicolau David , Rubin David , Raifu Murisiku , Segal-Maurer Sorana
Published: May 2012

Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) are the main pathogens causing hospital-acquired external-ventricular-drain- (EVD-) and lumbar-drain- (LD-) associated meningitis and ventriculitis. The treatment of these infections can be challenging and may require combination of intraventricular and intravenous administration of antibiotics. Limited animal data demonstrate rapid daptomycin bactericidal activity, adequate penetration in the setting of inflamed meninges, and extended half-life in the ventricles Steenbergen et al. (2009). There are limited clinical data using daptomycin intravenously and/or intraventricularly for the treatment of central nervous system infections (CNS) Elvy et al. (2008), Stucki et al. (2007), Lee et al. (2008) and Wallace et al. (2009). We report here our experience in the treatment of an EVD-related infection.
Strict System Equivalence of 2D Linear Discrete State Space Models
Authors: Boudellioua Mohamed S.
Published: May 2012

The connection between the polynomial matrix descriptions (PMDs) of the well-known regular and singular 2D linear discrete state space models is considered. It is shown that the transformation of strict system equivalence in the sense of Fuhrmann provides the basis for this connection. The exact form of the transformation is established for both the regular and singular cases.
Closed‐Loop Identification of Power System Based on Ambient Data
Authors: Wu Chao , Lu Chao , Han Yingduo
Published: May 2012

Small fluctuations caused by random changes of loads exist continuously in power grids, which are called ambient signals. Using time‐synchronized phasor measurements, the closed‐loop identification of power system based on ambient data is discussed, which can reflect accurate operating conditions currently and provide critical information for system analyzing and controller designing. The closed‐loop identification of a power system with multiple disturbances is theoretically studied, including the closed‐loop identifiability, the consistency properties, and the convergence properties. The requirements for realizing the closed‐loop identification are summarized, and the theoretical research results are validated by simulation examples.
Nitrate-Nitrogen Leaching from Onion Bed under Furrow and Drip Irrigation Systems
Authors: Sharma Parmodh , Shukla Manoj K. , Sammis Theodore W. , Adhikari Pradip
Published: May 2012

Water is a limited resource for crop production in arid areas of Southern New Mexico. The objectives of this study were to estimate the amount and depth of water and nitrate-nitrogen (NO3-N) fronts, water and NO3-N balances, and irrigation efficiencies for two onion (Allium cepaL.) fields under furrow and drip irrigation systems. Monthly soil samples were analyzed for NO3-N and chloride concentration for two onion growing seasons starting September 2006 to August 2009. The average amount of NO3-N in the soil water estimated by chloride tracer technique varied from 97.4 to 105.2 mg L-1for furrow and 65.2 to 66.8 mg L-1for drip-irrigated fields for the 60- to 200-cm depth. The NO3-N loadings below the rooting zone ranged from 145 to 150 kg ha-1for furrow- and 76 to 79 kg ha-1for drip-irrigated fields. The irrigation efficiencies varied from 78 to 80% for furrow- and 83% for drip- and N application efficiencies (NAEs) were 35 to 36% for furrow- and 38 to 39% for drip-irrigated fields. Small N fertilizer applications, delayed until onion bulbing starts, and water applications, preferably through drip irrigation, are recommended to reduce deep percolation and increase nitrogen and water efficiencies.
Cases of Common Carotid Artery Pseudoaneurysm Treated by Stent Graft
Authors: Kim Hee Ok , Ji Yong Bae , Lee Seung Hwan , Jung Cheolkyu , Tae Kyung
Published: May 2012

Common carotid artery (CCA) pseudoaneurysms are rare and potentially lethal, and adequate treatment is warranted in order to prevent rupture or neurologic sequelae. The causes of CCA pseudoaneurysm include blunt or penetrating trauma, infection, and vasculitis, as well as iatrogenic and unknown causes. Previously, surgery was the standard treatment for pseudoaneurysm. However, endovascular surgical approaches such as stent graft or coiling have become effective alternatives with minimal morbidity and high success rates. Here, we report two cases of CCA pseudoaneurysms that were successfully treated by stent graft and review the current literature.
Osseous Metaplasia in Castleman's Disease: A Case Report
Authors: Mokhtari Maral , Kumar Perikala Vijayananda
Published: May 2012

Background. Castleman's disease is a benign lymphoproliferative disorder. The disease may be localized or multicentric. Three histologic variants are recognized: hyaline vascular, plasma cell, and mixed types.Case. A 20-year-old man presented with large left axillary mass. The histologic examination of the resected mass showed follicular pattern with large nodules of mantle cells arranged concentrically around atrophic and vascularized germinal centers. There was also some benign-appearing bone trabeculae interspersed with lymphoid tissue. The diagnosis of Castleman's disease, hyaline-vascular type with osseous metaplasia, was made.
On the Riesz Almost Convergent Sequences Space
Authors: Şengönül Mehmet , Kayaduman Kuddusi
Published: May 2012

The purpose of this paper is to introduce new spaces and that consist of all sequences whose Riesz transforms of order one are in the spaces f and f0, respectively. We also show that and are linearly isomorphic to the spaces f and f0, respectively. The β‐ and γ‐duals of the spaces and are computed. Furthermore, the classes and of infinite matrices are characterized for any given sequence space μ and determine the necessary and sufficient conditions on a matrix A to satisfy BR − core(Ax)⊆K − core(x), BR − core(Ax)⊆st − core(x) for all x ∈ ℓ∞.
Gemella haemolysansInfection in Total Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: Rose Barry , Jeer Parminder J. S. , Spriggins Anthony J.
Published: May 2012

Gemella haemolysansis a Gram-positive coccus and commensal of the upper respiratory tract and oral mucosa that rarely causes clinically important infections. There is only one previous report of this organism causing periprosthetic infection, in a total knee arthroplasty. We present a case of septic loosening of an uncemented total hip arthroplasty due toG. haemolysans, in an asplenic patient with insulin dependent diabetes mellitus. Treatment with two-stage revision has been successful at 7 years of follow-up.
Effect of Removal of Woody Biomass after Clearcutting and Intercropping Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) with Loblolly Pine (Pinus taeda) on Rodent Diversity and Populations
Authors: Marshall Matthew M. , Lucia Kristen E. , Homyack Jessica A. , Miller Darren A. , Kalcounis-Rueppell Matina C.
Published: May 2012

Plant-based feedstocks have long been considered viable, potential sources for biofuels. However, concerns regarding production effects may outweigh gains like carbon savings. Additional information is needed to understand environmental effects of growing feedstocks, including effects on wildlife communities and populations. We used a randomized and replicated experimental design to examine initial effects of biofuel feedstock treatment options, including removal of woody biomass after clearcutting and intercropping switchgrass (Panicum virgatum), on rodents to 2 years post-treatment in regenerating pine plantations in North Carolina, USA. Rodent community composition did not change with switchgrass production or residual biomass removal treatments. Further, residual biomass removal had no influence on rodent population abundances. However,Peromyscus leucopuswas found in the greatest abundance and had the greatest survival in treatments without switchgrass. In contrast, abundance of invasiveMus musculuswas greatest in switchgrass treatments. Other native species, such asSigmodon hispidus, were not influenced by the presence of switchgrass. Our results suggest that planting of switchgrass, but not biomass removal, had species-specific effects on rodents at least 2 years post-planting in an intensively managed southern pine system. Determining ecological mechanisms underlying our observed species associations with switchgrass will be integral for understanding long-term sustainability of biofuels production in southern pine forest.
Common Fixed Point Theorems for Commutating Mappings in Fuzzy Metric Spaces
Authors: Zheng Famei , Lian Xiuguo
Published: May 2012

We generalize Jungck′s theorem in Jungck (1976) to fuzzy metric spaces and prove common fixed point theorems for commutative mappings in fuzzy metric spaces.
Optimal Iterative Learning Fault‐Tolerant Guaranteed Cost Control for Batch Processes in the 2D‐FM Model
Authors: Wang Limin , Dong Weiwei
Published: May 2012

This paper develops the optimal fault‐tolerant guaranteed cost control scheme for a batch process with actuator failures. Based on an equivalent two‐dimensional Fornasini‐Marchsini (2D‐FM) model description of a batch process, the relevant concepts of the fault‐tolerant guaranteed cost control are introduced. The robust iterative learning reliable guaranteed cost controller (ILRGCC), which includes a robust extended feedback control for ensuring the performances over time and an iterative learning control (ILC) for improving the tracking performance from cycle to cycle, is formulated such that it cannot only guarantee the closed‐loop convergency along both the time and the cycle directions but also satisfy both the H∞ performance level and a cost function having upper bounds for all admissible uncertainties and any actuator failures. Conditions for the existence of the controller are derived in terms of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs), and a design procedure of the controller is presented. Furthermore, a convex optimization problem with LMI constraints is formulated to design the optimal guaranteed cost controller which minimizes the upper bound of the closed‐loop system cost. Finally, an illustrative example of injection molding is given to demonstrate the effectiveness and advantages of the proposed 2D design approach.
Ultrasound-Guided Popliteal Nerve Block in a Patient with Malignant Degeneration of Neurofibromatosis 1
Authors: Desai Arjun , Carvalho Brendan , Hansen Jenna , Hill Jonay
Published: May 2012

A 41-year-old female patient with neurofibromatosis 1 presented with new neurologic deficits secondary to malignant degeneration of a tibial lesion. Ultrasound mapping of the popliteal nerve revealed changes consistent with an intraneural neurofibroma. Successful popliteal nerve blockade was achieved under ultrasound guidance.
MIMO Lyapunov Theory-Based RBF Neural Classifier for Traffic Sign Recognition
Authors: Lim King Hann , Seng Kah Phooi , Ang Li-Minn
Published: May 2012

Lyapunov theory-based radial basis function neural network (RBFNN) is developed for traffic sign recognition in this paper to perform multiple inputs multiple outputs (MIMO) classification. Multidimensional input is inserted into RBF nodes and these nodes are linked with multiple weights. An iterative weight adaptation scheme is hence designed with regards to the Lyapunov stability theory to obtain a set of optimum weights. In the design, the Lyapunov function has to be well selected to construct an energy space with a single global minimum. Weight gain is formed later to obey the Lyapunov stability theory. Detail analysis and discussion on the proposed classifier’s properties are included in the paper. The performance comparisons between the proposed classifier and some existing conventional techniques are evaluated using traffic sign patterns. Simulation results reveal that our proposed system achieved better performance with lower number of training iterations.
Cytokeratin on Frozen Sections of Sentinel Node May Spare Breast Cancer Patients Secondary Axillary Surgery
Authors: Stovgaard Elisabeth Specht , Tvedskov Tove Filtenborg , Lænkholm Anne Vibeke , Balslev Eva
Published: May 2012

Background. The feasibility and accuracy of immunohistochemistry (IHC) on frozen sections, when assessing sentinel node (SN) status intraoperatively in breast cancer, is a matter of continuing discussion. In this study, we compared a center using IHC on frozen section with a center not using this method with focus on intraoperative diagnostic values. Material and Methods. Results from 336 patients from the centre using IHC intraoperatively were compared with 343 patients from the center not using IHC on frozen section. Final evaluation on paraffin sections with haematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining supplemented with cytokeratin staining was used as gold standard. Results. Significantly more SN with isolated tumor cells (ITCs) and micrometastases (MICs) were found intraoperatively when using IHC on frozen sections. There was no significant difference in the number of macrometastases (MACs) found intraoperatively. IHC increased the sensitivity, the negative predictive value, and the accuracy of the intraoperative evaluation of SN without decreasing the specificity and positive predictive value of SN evaluation. Conclusions. IHC on frozen section leads to the detection of more ITC and MIC intraoperatively. As axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) is performed routinely in some countries when ITC and MIC are found in the SN, IHC on frozen section provides valuable information that can lead to fewer secondary ALNDs.
Corrosion Behaviour of a New Low-Nickel Stainless Steel Reinforcement: A Study in Simulated Pore Solutions and in Fly Ash Mortars
Authors: Criado M. , Fajardo S. , Bastidas J. M.
Published: May 2012

The present paper studies the corrosion behaviour of a new lower-cost type of austenitic stainless steel (SS) with a low nickel content in alkaline-saturated calcium hydroxide solution (a simulated concrete pore (SCP) solution) with sodium chloride (0.0%, 0.4%, 1.0%, 2.0%, 3.0%, and 5.0% NaCl) and embedded in alkali-activated fly ash (AAFA) mortars manufactured using two alkaline solutions, with and without chloride additions (2% and 5%), in an environment of constant 95% relative humidity. Measurements were performed at early age curing up to 180 days of experimentation. The evolution with time of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy was studied.Rctvalues obtained in SCP solution or in fly ash mortars were so high that low-nickel SS preserved its passivity, exhibiting high corrosion resistance
GMM Estimator: An Application to Intraindustry Trade
Authors: Leitão Nuno Carlos
Published: May 2012

This paper investigates the determinants of intraindustry trade (IIT), horizontal IIT (HIIT), and Vertical IIT (VIIT) in the automobile industry in Portugal. The trade in this sector between Portugal and the European Union (EU‐27) was examined, between 1995 and 2008, using a dynamic panel data. We apply the GMM system to solve the problems of serial correlation and the endogeneity of some explanatory variables. The findings are consistent with the literature. The difference between per capita incomes and factor endowments present a positive sign. These results are according to Heckscher‐Ohlin predictions. The economic dimension has a positive impact on trade. A negative effect of the distance on bilateral trade was expected and the results confirm this, underlining the importance of neighbour partnerships for all trade.
Experimental Research on Fire Resistance of Reactive Powder Concrete
Authors: Peng Gai-Fei , Kang Yi-Rong , Huang Yan-Zhu , Liu Xiao-Ping , Chen Qiang
Published: May 2012

An experimental investigation was conducted on fire resistance of reactive powder concrete (RPC), mainly on explosive spalling occurrence and residual mechanical properties exposed to high temperature. The residual mechanical properties measured include compressive strength, tensile splitting strength, and fracture energy. RPC was prepared using cement, sand, silica fume, steel fiber, and polypropylene fiber. After subjected to high temperatures from 200 to 600°C, the residual mechanical properties were determined. RPC spalled considerably under high temperature. After exposure to high temperatures from 200 to 400°C, mechanical properties were enhanced more or less, which can be attributed to further hydration of cementitious materials activated by elevated temperature. Compressive strength started to decrease after exposure to 400°C, but tensile splitting strength and fracture energy started to decrease after exposure to 200°C. Incorporating hybrid fiber (polypropylene fiber and steel fiber) is a promising way to enhance resistance of RPC to explosive spalling, which should be a main objective for improving its fire resistance.
Some Relations of the Twisted q‐Genocchi Numbers and Polynomials with Weight α and Weak Weight β
Authors: Kang J. Y. , Lee H. Y. , Jung N. S.
Published: May 2012

Recently many mathematicians are working on Genocchi polynomials and Genocchi numbers. We define a new type of twisted q‐Genocchi numbers and polynomials with weight α and weak weight β and give some interesting relations of the twisted q‐Genocchi numbers and polynomials with weight α and weak weight β. Finally, we find relations between twisted q‐Genocchi zeta function and twisted Hurwitz q‐Genocchi zeta function.
Uniqueness of Weak Solutions to an Electrohydrodynamics Model
Authors: Zhou Yong , Fan Jishan
Published: May 2012

This paper studies uniqueness of weak solutions to an electrohydrodynamics model in ℝd (d = 2, 3). When d = 2, we prove a uniqueness without any condition on the velocity. For d = 3, we prove a weak‐strong uniqueness result with a condition on the vorticity in the homogeneous Besov space.
Adult Current Smoking: Differences in Definitions and Prevalence Estimates—NHIS and NSDUH, 2008
Authors: Ryan Heather , Trosclair Angela , Gfroerer Joe
Published: May 2012

Objectives. To compare prevalence estimates and assess issues related to the measurement of adult cigarette smoking in the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) and the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH).Methods. 2008 data on current cigarette smoking and current daily cigarette smoking among adults ≥18 years were compared. The standard NHIS current smoking definition, which screens for lifetime smoking ≥100 cigarettes, was used. For NSDUH, both the standard current smoking definition, which does not screen, and a modified definition applying the NHIS current smoking definition (i.e., with screen) were used.Results. NSDUH consistently yielded higher current cigarette smoking estimates than NHIS and lower daily smoking estimates. However, with use of the modified NSDUH current smoking definition, a notable number of subpopulation estimates became comparable between surveys. Younger adults and racial/ethnic minorities were most impacted by the lifetime smoking screen, with Hispanics being the most sensitive to differences in smoking variable definitions among all subgroups.Conclusions. Differences in current cigarette smoking definitions appear to have a greater impact on smoking estimates in some sub-populations than others. Survey mode differences may also limit intersurvey comparisons and trend analyses. Investigators are cautioned to use data most appropriate for their specific research questions.
Smooth Solutions of a Class of Iterative Functional Differential Equations
Authors: Zhao Houyu
Published: May 2012

By Faà di Bruno’s formula, using the fixed‐point theorems of Schauder and Banach, we study the existence and uniqueness of smooth solutions of an iterative functional differential equation x′(t) = 1/(c0x[0](t) + c1x[1](t) + ⋯+cmx[m](t)).
Radiotherapy Increases the Permissiveness of Established Mammary Tumors to Rejection by Immunomodulatory Antibodies
Authors: Verbrugge Inge , Hagekyriakou Jim , Sharp Leslie L. , Galli Mara , West Alison , McLaughlin Nicole M. , Duret Hélène , Yagita Hideo , Johnstone Ricky W. , Smyth Mark J. , Haynes Nicole M.
Published: May 2012

It is becoming increasingly evident that radiotherapy may benefit from coincident or subsequent immunotherapy. In this study, we examined whether the antitumor effects of radiotherapy, in established triple-negative breast tumors could be enhanced with combinations of clinically relevant monoclonal antibodies (mAb), designed to stimulate immunity [anti-(α)-CD137, α-CD40] or relieve immunosuppression [α-programmed death (PD)-1]. While the concomitant targeting of the costimulatory molecules CD137 and CD40 enhanced the antitumor effects of radiotherapy and promoted the rejection of subcutaneous BALB/c-derived 4T1.2 tumors, this novel combination was noncurative in mice bearing established C57BL/6-derived AT-3 tumors. We identified PD-1 signaling within the AT-3 tumors as a critical limiting factor to the therapeutic efficacy of α-CD137 therapy, alone and in combination with radiotherapy. Strikingly, all mice bearing established orthotopic AT-3 mammary tumors were cured when α-CD137 and α-PD-1 mAbs were combined with single- or low-dose fractionated radiotherapy. CD8+ T cells were essential for curative responses to this combinatorial regime. Interestingly, CD137 expression on tumor-associated CD8+ T cells was largely restricted to a subset that highly expressed PD-1. These CD137+PD-1High CD8+ T cells, persisted in irradiated AT-3 tumors, expressed Tim-3, granzyme B and Ki67 and produced IFN-γ ex vivo in response to phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) and ionomycin stimulation. Notably, radiotherapy did not deplete, but enriched tumors of functionally active, tumor-specific effector cells. Collectively, these data show that concomitant targeting of immunostimulatory and inhibitory checkpoints with immunomodulatory mAbs can enhance the curative capacity of radiotherapy in established breast malignancy. Cancer Res; 72(13); 3163–74. ©2012 AACR.
Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome-Related Diagnoses in an Outpatient Office Setting
Authors: Fenton B.W. , Brobeck L. , Witten E. , Von Gruenigen V.
Published: May 2012

Background: Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) is a syndrome composed of one or more pain diagnoses arising from pelvic organs. Although the prevalence of many individual diagnoses has been determined in a variety of settings, the concurrent assessment of overlapping pain syndromes in an outpatient gynecology clinic, which would be most pertinent to practitioners, has not been reported. Methods: Patients waiting to be seen in an outpatient general gynecology clinic completed a survey composed of validated instruments for different pain diagnoses. Cyclic and constant CPP, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), interstitial cystitis (IC), and vulvodynia (VVD) were assessed. Results: In the 498 completed surveys, 24% of patients met at least one criterion for CPP, and of these, 23% also met criteria for a second diagnosis. Of all patients, 15% reported symptoms consistent with IBS, 6% with IC, and 5% with VVD. Cyclic CPP was found in 20%, and of these patients, 30% had at least one other CPP-related diagnosis. Discussion: Although limited by its design as a survey, this study demonstrates that CPP frequently (between 30 and 43%) occurs with other pain syndromes. Clinicians should be prepared to evaluate nongynecologic causes of pelvic pain.
Craniosynostosis Associated with Neural Tube Defects: Is There a Causal Association?
Authors: Borkar Sachin A. , Sarkari Avijit , Mahapatra Ashok K.
Published: May 2012

The majority of primary craniosynostosis cases are sporadic. Very few articles in the literature have described cases of primary craniosynostosis associated with neural tube defects (NTDs). This co-occurrence has been seen by most authors as just a coincidence. The authors report a clinical series of 4 patients of primary craniosynostosis associated with NTDs treated at their center. Among these 4 cases, 2 had lumbosacral myelomeningocele, 1 frontoethmoidal encephalocele and 1 had occipital encephalocele. Although the co-occurrence of craniosynostosis and NTD is said to be rare, there seems to exist a justified underlying explanation for the same. The NTD causes a decrease in intracranial pressure due to egress of cerebrospinal fluid in the malformed sac that results in a deficient cerebral impulse for cranial growth that might stimulate premature sutural fusion. Thus, all patients with NTDs should be thoroughly evaluated for this association and for possible surgical management.
Geology, Paleoclimatology and the Evolution of the Kidney: Some Explorations into the Legacy of Homer Smith
Authors: Kooman Jeroen P.
Published: May 2012

The aim of this review is to perform an overview of the relation between kidney development in different species and new developments in plate tectonics and paleoclimatology, which likely had a remarkable effect on evolution. The review follows the ideas of Homer Smith, but adds new data on the subjects which were unknown in Homer Smith’s time. The structure and function of the kidney are a result of hundreds of millions of years of evolution, in which adaptations had to be made in response to environmental demands while maintaining the kidney’s integrated function. The ideas of Homer Smith have greatly contributed to our understanding of this process, and continue to be of relevance both for researchers as well as physicians working in the field of kidney disease.
Comparison of Ocular Findings in Patients with H1N1 Influenza Infection versus Patients Receiving Influenza Vaccine during a Pandemic
Authors: Mansour Dina Ezzat Abdel Aziz , El-Shazly Amany Abdel-Fattah , Elawamry Amr I , Ismail Ahmed Taha
Published: May 2012

Aim: To evaluate ocular findings during the pandemic influenza A (H1N1) and after vaccination for the same strain. Patients and Methods: This study was conducted on 89 patients with H1N1 influenza infection (group 1) and 28 subjects who received vaccination for H1N1 (group 2). All patients were subjected to history taking, ophthalmological examination, fundus examination, conjunctival impression cytology and conjunctival swabs. Results: The patients’ age ranged between 5 and 60 years (19.25 ± 11.70 years). Group 1 included 43 (48.1%) males and 46 (51.9%) females, while group 2 included 13 (46.43%) males and 15 (53.57%) females. The most common ocular finding of patients in group 1 was bilateral acute conjunctivitis in 58 cases (65.17%), while in group 2, we found 3 (10.71%) cases of mild conjunctivitis, and 2 (7.14%) cases of moderate conjunctivitis. Retinopathy, uveal affection, and optic neuritis were not statistically different between the 2 groups. Impression cytology of the conjunctiva for group 1 showed squamous metaplasia grade 3 with enlargement of epithelial cells, and fragmentation of the nucleus which is similar to virus-infected structural changes. Conclusion: Pandemic influenza H1N1 was able to induce different ocular manifestations including acute conjunctivitis, retinopathy, uveal effusion syndrome and optic neuritis.