bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ON MULTISCALE MODELLING OF CREEP DAMAGE BY MEANS OF CELLULAR AUTOMATA
Authors: CHRZANOWSKI MARCIN , NOWAK KRZYSZTOF
Published: February 2010

Deterioration of the materials, particularly metals under environmental conditions such as high temperature, alternating loading and chemical aggression is an example of processes which happen on the microstructure levels but project themselves upon macroscopically observed behaviour of materials and structures. This connection between both levels of observation was obvious to many researches, even if they aimed at macroscopic description on the level of continuum mechanics. The wisdom of micro- and macro-coupling was induced by a very complex nature of microstructural processes which demonstrated themselves as transgranular or intergranular failures, just to mention two typical modes of creep failure. The gap between micro- and macro-world was a challenge to both material science and mechanics societies throughout the second half of 20th century. A proposed method to cover this gap for polycrystalline materials is based on Cellular Automata (CA) technique well suited to be used on the microscopic level and giving responses relevant to macroscopic observations. It allows for microstructure modelling to distinguish grains and grain boundaries. Once it is done, a cellular automaton can be attributed to the Representative Volume Element (RVE) and failure mechanism described on the basis of appropriate transition rules. Examples of transgranular and intergranular creep damage growth are demonstrated. This procedure can be extended over the feedback from micro-level to macro-level leading to the formation of so-called CAFE technique.
Effects of glucagon-like peptide 1 and oxyntomodulin on neuronal activity of ghrelin-sensitive neurons in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus
Authors: Riediger Thomas , Eisele Nicole , Scheel Caroline , Lutz Thomas A.
Published: February 2010

Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and oxyntomodulin (OXM) are structurally related gastrointestinal hormones that are secreted in response to food intake. They reduce food intake and body weight and exert partly overlapping actions on glucose homeostasis and gastrointestinal function. The hypothalamic arcuate (ARC) nucleus is among the central structures expressing a high density of GLP-1 receptors (GLP-1R), which are known to be activated by both peptides. It was the aim of our electrophysiological studies to characterize the effects of GLP-1 and OXM on functionally defined ghrelin-sensitive ARC neurons. GLP-1 and OXM (10−7 M) exerted excitatory effects in about two-thirds of ghrelin-inhibited neurons and in approximately one-third of ghrelin-excited cells. In addition, a minor fraction of the ghrelin-excited cells was inhibited by both peptides. There was a high degree of cosensitivity to GLP-1 and OXM, and the effects of both hormones were blocked by the GLP-1R antagonist exendin(9–39). The GLP-1R-mediated excitations and inhibitions persisted under synaptic blockade, indicating a direct postsynaptic mode of action. Our results demonstrate that GLP-1 and OXM directly and similarly alter neuronal activity in the ARC, probably via a common GLP-1R-mediated mechanism. Ghrelin-antagonistic effects on neuronal activity, which might be implicated in ghrelin-antagonistic in vivo actions, resulting from GLP-1R stimulation (e.g., GLP-1R dependent supression of food intake), predominated in ghrelin-inhibited ARC neurons. However, a subset of ghrelin-excited ARC neurons showed responses to OXM or GLP-1, suggesting the existence of a common mode of action for these hormones; the functional relevance of this effect remains to be elucidated.
Significant blood resistance to nitric oxide transfer in the lung
Authors: Borland Colin D. R. , Dunningham Helen , Bottrill Fiona , Vuylsteke Alain , Yilmaz Cuneyt , Dane D. Merrill , Hsia Connie C. W.
Published: February 2010

Lung diffusing capacity for nitric oxide (DlNO) is used to measure alveolar membrane conductance (DmNO), but disagreement remains as to whether DmNO= DlNO, and whether blood conductance (θNO) = ∞. Our previous in vitro and in vivo studies suggested that θNO< ∞. We now show in a membrane oxygenator model perfused with whole blood that addition of a cell-free bovine hemoglobin (Hb) glutamer-200 solution increased diffusing capacity of the circuit (D) for NO (Dno) by 39%, D for carbon monoxide (Dco) by 24%, and the ratio of Dno to Dco by 12% (all P < 0.001). In three anesthetized dogs, DlNOand DlCOwere measured by a rebreathing technique before and after three successive equal volume-exchange transfusions with bovine Hb glutamer-200 (10 ml/kg each, total exchange 30 ml/kg). At baseline, DlNO/DlCO= 4.5. After exchange transfusion, DlNOrose 57 ± 16% (mean ± SD, P = 0.02) and DlNO/DlCO= 7.1, whereas DlCOremained unchanged. Thus, in vitro and in vivo data directly demonstrate a finite θNO. We conclude that the erythrocyte and/or its immediate environment imposes considerable resistance to alveolar-capillary NO uptake. DlNOis sensitive to dynamic hematological factors and is not a pure index of conductance of the alveolar tissue membrane. With successive exchange transfusion, the estimated in vivo θNO[5.1 ml NO·(ml blood·min·Torr)−1] approached 4.5 ml NO·(ml blood·min·Torr)−1, which was derived from in vitro measurements by Carlsen and Comroe ( J Gen Physiol 42: 83–107, 1958). Therefore, we suggest use of θNO= 4.5 ml NO·(min·Torr·ml blood)−1for calculation of DmNOand pulmonary capillary blood volume from DlNOand DlCO.
An unbiased stereological method for efficiently quantifying the innervation of the heart and other organs based on total length estimations
Authors: Mühlfeld Christian , Papadakis Tamara , Krasteva Gabriela , Nyengaard Jens Randel , Hahn Ute , Kummer Wolfgang
Published: February 2010

Quantitative information about the innervation is essential to analyze the structure-function relationships of organs. So far, there has been no unbiased stereological tool for this purpose. This study presents a new unbiased and efficient method to quantify the total length of axons in a given reference volume, illustrated on the left ventricle of the mouse heart. The method is based on the following steps: 1) estimation of the reference volume; 2) randomization of location and orientation using appropriate sampling techniques; 3) counting of nerve fiber profiles hit by a defined test area within an unbiased counting frame on paraffin sections stained immunohistochemically for protein gene product 9.5; 4) electron microscopic estimation of the mean number of axon profiles contained in one nerve fiber profile; 5) estimation of the degree of tissue shrinkage of specimens in paraffin; and 6) calculation of the total axon length within the reference volume, taking tissue shrinkage into account. In a set of five mouse hearts, the total length of axons ramifying between cardiomyocytes ranged between ∼50 and 100 m, with a mean of 75.98 m (SD 23.73). The time required for the microscopical analysis was ∼8 h/animal for an experienced observer. Using antibodies specific for different neuron subtypes and immunoelectron microscopy, this method is also suited to estimate the total axon length of neurons expressing different transmitters. This new and efficient method is particularly useful when structural remodeling takes place and is suspected to involve gain or loss of axons.
Acute cardiac effects of marathon running
Authors: Trivax Justin E. , Franklin Barry A. , Goldstein James A. , Chinnaiyan Kavitha M. , Gallagher Michael J. , deJong Adam T. , Colar James M. , Haines David E. , McCullough Peter A.
Published: February 2010

We sought to clarify the significance of cardiac dysfunction and to assess its relationship with elevated biomarkers by using cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging in healthy, middle-aged subjects immediately after they ran 26.2 miles. Cardiac dysfunction and elevated blood markers of myocardial injury have been reported after prolonged strenuous exercise. From 425 volunteers, 13 women and 12 men were randomly selected, provided medical and training history, and underwent baseline cardiopulmonary exercise testing to exhaustion. Blood biomarkers, cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging, and 24-h ambulatory electrocardiography were performed 4 wk before and immediately after the race. Participants were 38.7 ± 9.0 yr old, had baseline peak oxygen consumption of 52.9 ± 5.6 ml·kg−1·min−1, and completed the marathon in 256.2 ± 43.5 min. Cardiac troponin I and B-type natriuretic peptide increased following the race ( P = 0.001 and P < 0.0001, respectively). Cardiovascular magnetic resonance-determined pre- and postmarathon left ventricular ejection fractions were comparable, 57.7 ± 4.1% and 58.7 ± 4.3%, respectively ( P = 0.32). Right atrial volume index increased from 46.7 ± 14.4 to 57.0 ± 14.5 ml/m2( P < 0.0001). Similarly, right ventricular end-systolic volume index increased from 47.4 ± 11.2 to 57.0 ± 14.6 ml/m2( P < 0.0001) whereas the right ventricular ejection fraction dropped from 53.6 ± 7.1 to 45.5 ± 8.5% ( P < 0.0001). There were no morphological changes observed in the left atrium or ventricle or evidence of ischemic injury to any chamber by late gadolinium enhancement. There were no significant arrhythmias. Marathon running causes dilation of the right atrium and right ventricle, reduction of right ventricular ejection fraction, and release of cardiac troponin I and B-type natriuretic peptide but does not appear to result in ischemic injury to any chamber.
Hypercapnia causes cellular oxidation and nitrosation in addition to acidosis: implications for CO2chemoreceptor function and dysfunction
Authors: Dean Jay B.
Published: February 2010

Cellular mechanisms of CO2chemoreception are discussed and debated in terms of the stimuli produced during hypercapnic acidosis and their molecular targets: protons generated by the hydration of CO2and dissociation of carbonic acid, which target membrane-bound proteins and lipids in brain stem neurons. The CO2hydration reaction, however, is not the only reaction that CO2undergoes that generates molecules capable of modifying proteins and lipids. Molecular CO2also reacts with peroxynitrite (ONOO−), a reactive nitrogen species (RNS), which is produced from nitric oxide (•NO) and superoxide (•O2−). The CO2/ONOO−reaction, in turn, produces additional nitrosative and oxidative reactive intermediates. Furthermore, protons facilitate additional redox reactions that generate other reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS/RNS generated by these redox reactions may act as additional stimuli of CO2chemoreceptors since neurons in chemosensitive areas produce both•NO and•O2−and, therefore, ONOO−. Perturbing•NO,•O2−, and ONOO−activities in chemosensitive areas modulates cardiorespiration. Moreover, neurons in at least one chemosensitive area, the solitary complex, are stimulated by cellular oxidation. Together, these data raise the following two questions: 1) do pH and ROS/RNS work in tandem to stimulate CO2chemoreceptors during hypercapnic acidosis; and 2) does nitrosative stress and oxidative stress contribute to CO2chemoreceptor dysfunction? To begin considering these two issues and their implications for central chemoreception, this minireview has the following three goals: 1) summarize the nitrosative and oxidative reactions that occur during hypercapnic acidosis and isocapnic acidosis; 2) review the evidence that redox signaling occurs in chemosensitive areas; and 3) review the evidence that neurons in the solitary complex are stimulated by cellular oxidation.
Review of Two Siblings with Werner's Syndrome: A Case Report
Authors: Sert Murat , Fakioglu Koray , Tetiker Tamer
Published: February 2010

We report the clinical course of two siblings with Werner's syndrome (WS) who were diagnosed and followed at our clinics for 12 years. Initial diagnosis of the first sibling (sister) was at age 20, the second (brother) at 16. At the initial diagnosis, the sister had amenorrhea, muscle atrophy at arms and legs, diabetes mellitus (DM), short stature, bilateral cataracts, genital hypoplasia, osteoporosis, and gray hair. During 12 years follow-up period, high-pitched voice, hepatosteatosis, renal parenchymal disease, and urethral obstruction developed. Regarding the brother, DM, cataracts and genital hypoplasia were observed at the initial diagnosis. During the 12 years follow-up period, gray hair, high-pitched voice, steatohepatosis, and osteoporosis developed.
Relative Smooth Topological Spaces
Authors: Ghazanfari B.
Published: February 2010

In 1992, Ramadan introduced the concept of a smooth topological space and relativeness between smooth topological space and fuzzy topological space in Chang′s (1968) view points. In this paper we give a new definition of smooth topological space. This definition can be considered as a generalization of the smooth topological space which was given by Ramadan. Some general properties such as relative smooth continuity and relative smooth compactness are studied.
Inhalation Exposure of Organophosphate Pesticides by Vegetable Growers in the Bang-Rieng Subdistrict in Thailand
Authors: Jaipieam Somsiri , Visuthismajarn Parichart , Siriwong Wattasit , Borjan Marija , Robson Mark G.
Published: February 2010

This study investigated inhalation exposure to organophosphate pesticides (OPPs) and evaluated the associated health risks to vegetable growers living in the Bang-Rieng agricultural community. Air samples were collected by using personal sampling pumps with sorbent tubes placed in the vegetable growers' breathing zone. Samples were collected during both wet and dry seasons. Residues of organophosphate pesticides, that is, chlorpyrifos, dicrotofos, and profenofos, were analyzed from 33 vegetable growers and 17 reference subjects. Results showed that median concentrations of OPPs in air in farm areas were in the range of 0.022–0.056 mg/m3and air in nonfarm areas in the range of <0.0016–<0.005 mg/m3. The concentration of the three pesticides in the vegetable growers was significantly higher than that of the references during both seasons. The results also indicate that the vegetable growers may be at risk for acute adverse effects via the inhalation of chlorpyrifos and dicrotofos during pesticide application, mixing, loading, and spraying. It is suggested that authorities and the community should implement appropriate strategies concerning risk reduction and risk management.
Speeding Up FPGA Placement via Partitioning and Multithreading
Authors: Ababei Cristinel
Published: February 2010

One of the current main challenges of the FPGA design flow is the long processing time of the placement and routing algorithms. In this paper, we propose a hybrid parallelization technique of the simulated annealing‐based placement algorithm of VPR developed in the work of Betz and Rose (1997). The proposed technique uses balanced region‐based partitioning and multithreading. In the first step of this approach placement subproblems are created by partitioning and then processed concurrently by multiple worker threads that are run on multiple cores of the same processor. Our main goal is to investigate the speedup that can be achieved with this simple approach compared to previous approaches that were based on distributed computing. The new hybrid parallel placement algorithm achieves an average speedup of 2.5× using four worker threads, while the total wire length and circuit delay after routing are minimally degraded.
Plemorphic Adenoma of the Infratemporal Space: A New Case Report
Authors: El-Hadi Tarik , Oujilal A. , Boulaich M. , Sqalli L. , Kzadri M.
Published: February 2010

Plemorphic adenoma is a frequent benign tumor of the major salivary glands. It could also develop from accessory salivary glands. We are reporting an extremely rare case of pleomorphic adenoma developing from the infratemporal space. The final diagnosis was based on histological confirmation. The treatment was mainly a complete resection via an anterior transmaxillary approach. Diagnosis, clinical behaviour, and treatment of pleomorphic adenoma of the infra-temporal space are reviewed from the literature.
A Case Report of Tooth Wear Associated with a Patient's Inappropriate Efforts to Reduce Oral Malodor Caused by Endodontic Lesion
Authors: Yoneda Masahiro , Uchida Hatsumi , Suzuki Nao , Mine Mariko , Iwamoto Tomoyuki , Masuo Yosuke , Naito Toru , Hatano Yuko , Hirofuji Takao
Published: February 2010

Here, we report a case of severe tooth wear associated with a patient's inappropriate efforts to reduce oral malodor. A 72-year-old male patient visited our breath clinic complaining of strong breath odor. Former dentists had performed periodontal treatments including scaling and root planing, but his oral malodor did not decrease. His own subsequent breath odor-reducing efforts included daily use of lemons and vinegar to reduce or mask the odor, eating and chewing hard foods to clean his teeth, and extensive tooth brushing with a hard-bristled toothbrush. Oral malodor was detected in our breath clinic by several tests, including an organoleptic test, portable sulphide monitor, and gas chromatography. Although patient's oral hygiene and periodontal condition were not poor on presentation, his teeth showed heavy wear and hypersensitiving with an unfitted restoration on tooth 16. Radiographic examination of the tooth did not reveal endodontic lesion, but when the metal crown was removed, severe pus discharge and strong malodor were observed. When this was treated, his breath odor was improved. After dental treatment and oral hygiene instruction, no further tooth wear was observed; he was not concerned about breath odor thereafter.
Granular Cell Tumours: A Rare Entity in the Musculoskeletal System
Authors: Rose Barry , Tamvakopoulos George S. , Yeung Eric , Pollock Robin , Skinner John , Briggs Timothy , Cannon Steven
Published: February 2010

Granular Cell Tumours are rare mesenchymal soft tissue tumours that arise throughout the body and are believed to be of neural origin. They often present as asymptomatic, slow-growing, benign, solitary lesions but may be multifocal. 1-2% of cases are malignant and can metastasise. Described series in the literature are sparse. We identified eleven cases in ten patients treated surgically and followed-up for a period of over 6 years in our regional bone and soft tissue tumour centre. Five tumours were located in the lower limb, four in the upper limb, and two in the trunk. Mean patient age was 31.2 years (range 8–55 years). Excision was complete in one case, marginal in five cases and intralesional in five cases. No patients required postoperative adjuvant treatment. Mean follow-up was 19.3 months (range 1–37 months). One case was multifocal, but there were no cases of local recurrence or malignancy. Histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis revealed the classical granular cell tumour features in all cases. We believe this case series to be the largest of its type in patients presenting to an orthopaedic soft tissue tumour unit. We present our findings and correlate them with findings of other series in the literature.
Long-Term Follow-Up of Flexible Bronchoscopic Treatment for Bronchial Carcinoids with Curative Intent
Authors: Fuks Leonardo , Fruchter Oren , Amital Anat , Fox Benjamin D. , Abdel Rahman Nader , Kramer Mordechai R.
Published: February 2010

Background. Typical pulmonary carcinoids represent less than 5% of primary lung tumors. In patients with typical bronchial carcinoid, formal surgical resection still remains the gold-standard treatment. Data regarding long-term outcome in using flexible bronchoscope-based modalities under conscious sedation is very limited.
Objectives. We sought to investigate, over extended follow-up period, the effectiveness of endobronchial resection for carcinoid tumors with curative intent using flexible bronchoscopy.
Methods. Nd:YAG laser photoresection using flexible bronchoscope under conscious
sedation. Follow-up included repeat bronchoscopy every 6 months and chest CT every year.
Results.
Ten patients aged 24 to 70 years with endobronchial carcinoid were treated. The tumor location was variable: 2 left Main bronchus, 1 left upper lobe bronchus, 2 right main bronchus, 2 right middle lobe bronchus and 3 right lower lobe bronchus. No major complications were observed. The patients required between 2 and 4 procedures. Patients were followed for a median period of 29 months with no evidence of tumor recurrence.
Conclusions. Endobronchial laser photoresection of typical bronchial carcinoids using flexible bronchsocopy under conscious sedation is an effective treatment modality for a subgroup of patients that provides excellent long-term results that are similar to outcome obtained by more invasive procedures.
Ovarian Fibrosarcoma: Clinicopathologic Considerations about the Intraoperative and Post-Surgical Procedures
Authors: García Jiménez Angel , Castellví Josep , Pérez Benavente Assumpció , Díaz de Corcuera Frutos Isabela , Ramón y Cajal Santiago
Published: February 2010

Primary ovarian fibrosarcomas are very uncommon neoplasms. Since the diagnostic criteria were established in 1981, less than one hundred cases have been reported. This diagnosis can be difficult to establish and other similar appearing mesenchymal processes must be ruled out. In every case this diagnosis is under consideration. Multiple sections of the specimen and immunohistochemical stains will be necessary to support this diagnosis. The difficulty of recognition in frozen section in the majority of the situations implies that the diagnosis should be deferred to the definitive study of the permanent sections with immunohistochemical studies. There exists a histological resemblance between a primary ovarian fibrosarcoma and actively mitotic fibroma. In some cases, it can be impossible to separate exactly these two entities. We report a well-differentiated ovarian fibrosarcoma, with less than 1-2 mitosis HPF and low-grade cytological atypia, similar to active mitotic fibromas, developing liver metastasis one year later. Despite having distant metastasis, some cases with long survival rates have been reported in patients who received chemotherapy after surgery; so that the adjuvant chemotherapy should be considered, especially in young females.
A Metastable Aluminosilica Compound for Aluminum and Water Transport to the Upper Mantle
Authors: Rietmeijer Frans J. M. , Nuth Joseph A.
Published: February 2010

It has been suggested that crystalline “phase egg,”AlSiO3OH, with a ratioAl/Si=1could carry aluminum and water to the mantle but its natural occurrences are still speculative. An amorphous phase with a fixed and unique, deep metastable eutecticAl2Si2O7composition was produced in laboratory experiments wherein conditions favored kinetically controlled formation of amorphous solids. This experimentally produced kaolinite-dehydroxylate is highly reactive and it is proposed as the precursor of phase egg in subducting slabs of crustal rocks. If so, metastable phases play a role in subduction zones and it then follows that the processes and resulting conditions in these environments can be nonuniform and discontinuous at least at micrometer scales.
Prescribing Antidepressants and Benzodiazepines in the Netherlands: Is Chronic Physical Illness Involved?
Authors: van Eijk Jacques Th. M. , Bosma Hans , Jonkers Catharina C. M. , Lamers Femke , Muijrers Paul E. M.
Published: February 2010

In this study we assessed differences in new and repeat prescriptions of psycho-tropics between patients receiving prescriptions for drugs to treat a common chronic disease and people without such prescriptions. The study used the databases of two Dutch health insurance companies (3 million people). We selected all Dutch men and women aged 45 and older who were registered for six consecutive years (1999–2004). Our analyses both found a consistent relation between psycho-tropics on the one hand and physical illness on the other. People with multi-morbidity were prescribed these drugs most often, especially men and those younger than 65. Epidemiological studies showed a prevalence of depression among people with multi-morbidity to be twice as high as among people without such conditions. According to recent guidelines non-drug treatment may be the first therapy option for patients with non severe depression. If prescribed for a long time, benzodiazepine prescriptions are especially known to be addictive. Our data raise the question to what extent patients with a chronic physical disease suffering from co-occurring mental problems are prescribed psycho-tropics in accord with the guidelines that also advise mental support in case of non severe mental problems. Further research can answer this important question.
Mechanisms of ER Stress-Mediated Mitochondrial Membrane Permeabilization
Authors: Gupta Sanjeev , Cuffe Lorraine , Szegezdi Eva , Logue Susan E. , Neary Catherine , Healy Sandra , Samali Afshin
Published: February 2010

During apoptosis, the process of mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization (MOMP) represents a point-of-no-return as it commits the cell to death. Here we have assessed the role of caspases, Bcl-2 family members and the mitochondrial permeability transition pore on ER stress-induced MOMP and subsequent cell death. Induction of ER stress leads to upregulation of several genes such as Grp78, Edem1, Erp72, Atf4, Wars, Herp, p58ipk, and ERdj4 and leads to caspase activation, release of mitochondrial intermembrane proteins and dissipation of mitochondrial transmembrane potential (ΔΨm). Mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) from caspase-9, -2 and, -3 knock-out mice were resistant to ER stress-induced apoptosis which correlated with decreased processing of pro-caspase-3 and -9. Furthermore, pretreatment of cells with caspase inhibitors (Boc-D.fmk and DEVD.fmk) attenuated ER stress-induced loss ofΔΨm. However, only deficiency of caspase-9 and -2 could prevent ER stress-mediated loss ofΔΨm. Bcl-2 overexpression or pretreatment of cells with the cell permeable BH4 domain (BH4-Tat) or the mitochondrial permeability transition pore inhibitors, bongkrekic acid or cyclosporine A, attenuated the ER stress-induced loss ofΔΨm. These data suggest a role for caspase-9 and -2, Bcl-2 family members and the mitochondrial permeability transition pore in loss of mitochondrial membrane potential during ER stress-induced apoptosis.
Oscillation for Third‐Order Nonlinear Differential Equations with Deviating Argument
Authors: Bartušek Miroslav , Cecchi Mariella , Došlá Zuzana , Marini Mauro
Published: February 2010

We study necessary and sufficient conditions for the oscillation of the
third‐order nonlinear ordinary differential equation with damping term and deviating argument x‴(t) + q(t)x′(t) + r(t)f(x(φ(t))) = 0. Motivated by the work of Kiguradze (1992), the existence and asymptotic properties of nonoscillatory solutions are investigated in case when the differential operator ℒx = x‴ + q(t)x′ is oscillatory.
Generalised Score and Wald Tests
Authors: Rippon Paul , Rayner J. C. W.
Published: February 2010

The generalised score and Wald tests are described and related to their nongeneralised versions. Two interesting applications are discussed. In the first a new test for the Behrens-Fisher problem is derived. The second is testing homogeneity of variances from multiple univariate normal populations.
On the Existence of Nodal Solutions for a Nonlinear Elliptic Problem on Symmetric Riemannian Manifolds
Authors: Micheletti Anna Maria , Pistoia Angela
Published: February 2010

Given that(M, g)is a smooth compact and symmetric Riemannian n‐manifold, n ≥ 2, we prove a multiplicity result for antisymmetric sign changing solutions of the problem −ε2Δgu + u = |u|p−2u in M. Here p > 2 if n = 2 and 2 < p < 2∗ = 2n/(n − 2) if n ≥ 3.
T-Lymphocyte Subsets in Apparently Healthy Nigerian Children
Authors: Idigbe Emmanuel Oni , Audu Rosemary A. , Iroha Edna O. , Akinsulie Adebola O. , Temiye Edamisan Olusoji , Ezeaka Veronica C. , Adetifa Ifedayo M. O. , Musa Adesola Z. , Onyewuche Joseph , Ikondu Sylvester U.
Published: February 2010

Population studies showed that there are differences in T-lymphocytes subpopulation of normal children in different regions, and reference values in an area might be different from another. This study compared the values in our population with CDC and WHO reference values. Blood samples from 279 healthy, HIV-negative children<12 years of age were analysed for complete blood count, CD3+, CD4+, CD8+ counts and percentages. Except for CD8%, mean values for all parameters measured significantly decreased with age. CD4+ counts were higher in females than males,P<.05. Using the WHO criteria, 15.9% of subjects had low total lymphocyte count and 20.6% had low CD4 count. Children<3 years had median CD4% lower than WHO normal values. Our median CD4+ counts correlated with CDC values. Values used by WHO in infants are higher than ours. We suggest that our children be assessed using CDC reference values which correlate with ours.
Efficacy and Tolerability of the Association of Sibutramine and Orlistat for Six Months in Overweight and Obese Patients
Authors: Halpern Alfredo , Pepe Renata B. , Monegaglia Ana Paola , Beyruti Mônica , de Melo Maria Edna , Mancini Marcio C.
Published: February 2010

Objective. To assess the efficacy and tolerability of the association sibutramine (10–20 mg/day) and orlistat (120 mg 2-3 times a day) in the treatment of obesity in a six-month open trial.Methods. 446 overweight and obese patients who sought treatment for obesity in a private clinic were assessed every 2 weeks during a period of 3 and 6 months.Results. After 3 months, the mean weight loss was 10.5 kg (9.8% of the initial weight, ), and after 6 months, the mean weight loss was 13.9 kg (12.8% of the initial weight, ). The tolerability of such association was quite acceptable and coherent with the action mechanism of each component.Conclusions. The association of orlistat and sibutramine is quite efficient and it seems to promote a higher rate of weight loss than that reported in clinical studies performed with each drug separately.
Nutritional Rehabilitation: Practical Guidelines for Refeeding the Anorectic Patient
Authors: Mehler Philip S. , Winkelman Amy B. , Andersen Debbie M. , Gaudiani Jennifer L.
Published: February 2010

Weight restoration is crucial for successful treatment of anorexia nervosa. Without it, patients may face serious or even fatal medical complications of severe starvation. However, the process of nutritional rehabilitation can also be risky to the patient. The refeeding syndrome, a problem of electrolyte and fluid shifts, can cause permanent disability or even death. It is essential to identify at-risk patients, to monitor them carefully, and to initiate a nutritional rehabilitation program that aims to avoid the refeeding syndrome. A judicious, slow initiation of caloric intake, requires daily management to respond to entities such as liver inflammation and hypoglycemia that can complicate the body's conversion from a catabolic to an anabolic state. In addition, nutritional rehabilitation should take into account clinical characteristics unique to these patients, such as gastroparesis and slowed colonic transit, so that measures can be taken to ameliorate the physical discomforts of weight restoration. Adjunct methods of refeeding such as the use of enteral or parenteral nutrition may play a small but important role in a select patient group who cannot tolerate oral nutritional rehabilitation alone.
Periodic Point, Endpoint, and Convergence Theorems for Dissipative Set-Valued Dynamic Systems with Generalized Pseudodistances in Cone Uniform and Uniform Spaces
Authors: Włodarczyk Kazimierz , Plebaniak Robert
Published: February 2010

In cone uniform and uniform spaces, we introduce the three kinds of dissipative set-valued dynamic systems with generalized pseudodistances and not necessarily lower semicontinuous entropies, we study the convergence of dynamic processes and generalized sequences of iterations of these dissipative dynamic systems, and we establish conditions guaranteeing the existence of periodic points and endpoints of these dissipative dynamic systems and the convergence to these periodic points and endpoints of dynamic processes and generalized sequences of iterations of these dissipative dynamic systems. The paper includes examples.
Robotic Astronomy with the Faulkes Telescopes and Las Cumbres Observatory Global Telescope
Authors: Lewis Fraser , Street Rachel , Roche Paul , Stroud Vanessa , Russell David M.
Published: February 2010

We present results from ongoing science projects conducted by members of the Faulkes Telescope (FT) team and Las Cumbres Observatory Global Telescope (LCOGT). Many of these projects incorporate observations carried out and analysed by FT users, comprising amateur astronomers and schools. We also discuss plans for the further development of the LCOGT network.
Permanence of a Discrete Model of Mutualism with Infinite Deviating Arguments
Authors: Li Xuepeng , Yang Wensheng
Published: February 2010

We propose a discrete model of mutualism with infinite deviating arguments, that is . By some Lemmas, sufficient conditions are obtained for the permanence of the system.
A New Approach to Estimate the Critical Constant of Selection Procedures
Authors: Chen E. Jack , Li Min
Published: February 2010

A solution to the ranking and selection problem of determining a subset of size containing at least of the best from normal distributions has been developed. The best distributions are those having, for example, (i) the smallest
means, or (ii) the smallest variances. This paper reviews various applicable algorithms and supplies the operating constants needed
to apply these solutions. The constants are computed using a histogram approximation algorithm and Monte Carlo integration.
Liver Development, Regeneration, and Carcinogenesis
Authors: Kung Janet W. C. , Currie Ian S. , Forbes Stuart J. , Ross James A.
Published: February 2010

The identification of putative liver stem cells has brought closer the previously separate fields of liver development, regeneration, and carcinogenesis. Significant overlaps in the regulation of these processes are now being described. For example, studies in embryonic liver development have already provided the basis for directed differentiation of human embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells into hepatocyte-like cells. As a result, the understanding of the cell biology of proliferation and differentiation in the liver has been improved. This knowledge can be used to improve the function of hepatocyte-like cells for drug testing, bioartificial livers, and transplantation. In parallel, the mechanisms regulating cancer cell biology are now clearer, providing fertile soil for novel therapeutic approaches. Recognition of the relationships between development, regeneration, and carcinogenesis, and the increasing evidence for the role of stem cells in all of these areas, has sparked fresh enthusiasm in understanding the underlying molecular mechanisms and has led to new targeted therapies for liver cirrhosis and primary liver cancers.
Presenting Features of Feather Duvet Lung
Authors: Koschel Dirk , Wittstruck Horst , Renck Thomas , Müller-Wening Dietrich , Höffken Gert
Published: February 2010

Background: Feather duvet lung (FDL) is a rare subgroup of bird fancier’s lung. It is caused by inhalation of organic dust due to goose or duck feathers in duvets or pillows. Methods: A retrospective review of the medical records of 13 patients with FDL was performed to assess the specific history and review clinical characteristics of patients with this disease. Results: All patients were female with a mean age of 53 years (26–71). They were recently exposed to feather duvets (6), pillows (1) or both (6). Specific histories were duvets or pillows filled with raw goose feathers from their own farms (4), intensive contact with goose feathers in youth (3), and bird exposure prior to symptom onset (5). In all patients specific IgG antibodies to goose and/or duck feathers were detected. Pulmonary function tests revealed a moderate to severe reduced diffusion capacity and a mild restrictive pattern. High-resolution computed tomography was performed in 11 patients and demonstrated predominantly ground-glass opacities (10) and fibrosis (6). In bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, lymphocytic alveolitis was demonstrated in all patients. Lung biopsies were obtained in 9 patients and demonstrated lymphocytic alveolitis (8), granulomas (3), bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia pattern (2), and usual interstitial pneumonia pattern (1). Conclusions: The clinical findings of FDL are typical of extrinsic allergic alveolitis. Primary sensitization could be due to former exposure to bird antigens at home or goose/duck feather exposure in youth. In view of the increasing popularity of feather duvets, FDL should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients with extrinsic allergic alveolitis.
Rheumatic Disease and Carotid Intima-Media Thickness
Authors: Tyrrell Pascal N. , Beyene Joseph , Feldman Brian M. , McCrindle Brian W. , Silverman Earl D. , Bradley Timothy J.
Published: February 2010

Objective—

To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine whether rheumatic disease is associated with an increased carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT; increasingly used as a surrogate marker for atherosclerosis) when compared with healthy control subjects.

Methods and Results—

A prespecified search strategy was used to identify relevant studies in the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases (January 1, 1986 to December 31, 2008). Methodological quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa score for observational studies. A total of 68 controlled comparisons from 60 different studies were reviewed: 25 (37%) on rheumatoid arthritis, 24 (35%) on systemic lupus erythematosus, 6 (9%) on systemic sclerosis, and 13 (19%) on other rheumatic diseases. Random-effects meta-regression analysis was performed. The estimated summary effect size between control and study subject CIMT measurement comparisons, with preexisting cardiovascular disease excluded, was 0.64 (95% CI, 0.46 to 0.82). This represented an overall absolute mean difference of 0.06 mm (95% CI, 0.05 to 0.06 mm). Preexisting cardiovascular disease, rheumatic disease type, and disease duration contributed to heterogeneity.

Conclusion—

Accelerated atherosclerosis is a common complication of autoimmune rheumatic diseases, with early changes seen even in pediatric patients. CIMT was significantly increased in rheumatic disease populations. Future studies need to use a standardized protocol to ensure clinically meaningful results when measuring CIMT as a surrogate for premature atherosclerosis.
Reliability of Measuring Lesion Volumes in Transient Ischemic Attack and Minor Stroke
Authors: Steffenhagen Nikolai , Campos Cynthia R. , Poppe Alexandre Y. , Khan Firosh , Kosior Jayme C. , Demchuk Andrew M. , Hill Michael D. , Coutts Shelagh B.
Published: February 2010

Background and Purpose—

Lesion volume measurements in disabling ischemic stroke have excellent reliability, but it is not clear whether this is also true for small lesions. We assessed the reliability of measuring baseline and follow-up lesion volumes in transient ischemic attack and minor stroke.

Methods—

Patients who presented with a transient ischemic attack or minor stroke (NIHSS ≤3) who had brain MRI within 24 hours from symptom onset and at 30-day follow-up and had an acute lesion on baseline MRI were included. Using semiautomated software, 4 stroke fellows independently assessed ischemic lesions twice on acute diffusion-weighted imaging and follow-up fluid-attenuated inversion recovery.

Results—

Eighty patients were included, with a median baseline NIHSS of 1. Mean baseline diffusion-weighted imaging lesion volume was 3.4±7.4 mL (87.5% had <5 mL). There was excellent inter-rater/intrarater reliability, with intraclass correlation coefficients of 0.94/0.96 for acute diffusion-weighted imaging, 0.74/0.92 for follow-up fluid-attenuated inversion recovery, and 0.81/0.93 for growth.

Conclusion—

We found excellent concordance between and within raters for acute diffusion-weighted imaging and 30-day follow-up fluid-attenuated inversion recovery lesion volume measurements in patients with transient ischemic attack and minor stroke.
Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration and the Risk of Stroke
Authors: Hu Chao-Chien , Ho Jau-Der , Lin Herng-Ching
Published: February 2010

Background and Purpose—

Using a nationwide population-based data set from Taiwan, this study investigated the relationship between neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and the risk of stroke over a 5-year period.

Method—

The study cohort comprised 209 patients who received treatment for AMD between 1999 and 2001. We randomly selected 1045 subjects matched with the study cohort in terms of age and gender for comparison. Cox proportional hazard regressions were performed to compare the 5-year stroke-free survival rate.

Results—

Among the sampled patients, 142 patients (11.3%) had strokes during the 5-year follow-up period, 38 (18.2% of the patients with AMD) from the study cohort and 104 (9.9% of patients in the comparison cohort) from the comparison cohort. After adjusting for the patient’s age, gender, monthly income, level of urbanization, and the geographic region of the community in which the patient resided and comorbidities, the hazard ratio for stroke during the follow-up period was 2.01 (
P
=0.001) times greater for patients with AMD than for patients without AMD. The adjusted hazard ratio for stroke during the follow-up period was 2.21 (
P
=0.001) times higher for patients with AMD ≥65 years old compared with the same age group in the comparison cohort. However, no significant difference was observed in the risk of stroke between patients with AMD <65 years of age and comparison patients in the same age group.

Conclusion—

We conclude that neovascular AMD is associated with a higher risk of stroke for patients with AMD ≥65 years old.
A Cumulus Parameterization with State-Dependent Entrainment Rate. Part I: Description and Sensitivity to Temperature and Humidity Profiles
Authors: Chikira Minoru , Sugiyama Masahiro
Published: February 2010

A new cumulus parameterization is developed for which an entraining plume model is adopted. The lateral entrainment rate varies vertically depending on the surrounding environment. Two different formulations are examined for the rate. The cumulus ensemble is spectrally represented according to the updraft velocity at cloud base. Cloud-base mass flux is determined with prognostic convective kinetic energy closure. The entrainment rate tends to be large near cloud base because of the small updraft velocity near that level. Deep convection tends to be suppressed when convective available potential energy is small because of upward reduction of in-cloud moist static energy. Dry environmental air significantly reduces in-cloud humidity mainly because of the large entrainment rate in the lower troposphere, which leads to suppression of deep convection, consistent with observations and previous results of cloud-resolving models. The change in entrainment rate has the potential to influence cumulus convection through many feedbacks. The results of an atmospheric general circulation model are improved in both climatology and variability. A representation of the South Pacific convergence zone and the double intertropical convergence zone is improved. The moist Kelvin waves are represented without empirical triggering schemes with a reasonable equivalent depth. A spectral analysis shows a strong signal of the Madden–Julian oscillation. The scheme provides new insights and better understanding of the interaction between cumuli and the surrounding environment.
The Meteorological Development Laboratory’s Aviation Weather Prediction System
Authors: Ghirardelli Judy E. , Glahn Bob
Published: February 2010

The Meteorological Development Laboratory (MDL) has developed and implemented an aviation weather prediction system that runs each hour and produces forecast guidance for each hour into the future out to 25 h covering the major forecast period of the National Weather Service (NWS) Terminal Aerodrome Forecast. The Localized Aviation Model Output Statistics (MOS) Program (LAMP) consists of analyses of observations, simple advective models, and a statistical component that updates the longer-range MOS forecasts from the Global Forecast System (GFS) model. LAMP, being an update to GFS MOS, is shown to be an improvement over it, as well as improving over persistence. LAMP produces probabilistic forecasts for the aviation weather elements of ceiling height, sky cover, visibility, obstruction to vision, precipitation occurrence and type, and thunderstorms. Best-category forecasts are derived from these probabilities and their associated thresholds. The LAMP guidance of sensible weather is available for 1591 stations in the contiguous United States, Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. Probabilistic guidance of thunderstorms is also available on a grid. The LAMP guidance is available to the entire weather enterprise via NWS communication networks and the World Wide Web. In the future, all station guidance will be gridded and be made available in a form compatible with the NWS’s National Digital Forecast Database.
Serum High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein and Heat Shock Protein 27 Antibody Titers in Patients With Stroke and 6-Month Prognosis
Authors: Azarpazhooh Mahmoud Reza , Mobarra Naser , Parizadeh Syyed Mohammad Reza , Tavallaie Shima , Bagheri Mahsa , Rahsepar Amir Ali , Ghayour-Mobarhan Majid , Sahebkar Amirhossein , Ferns Gordon A. A.
Published: February 2010

Serum heat shock protein 27 immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody titers (anti-HSP27) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) concentrations were measured in samples from 168 patients in the first 24 hours after the onset of stroke and 80 age-and sex-matched control participants. In patients with stroke, median serum anti-HSP27 titer was significantly higher than that of the control group (0.18 [0.14-0.28] vs 0.08 [0.04-0.12], P < .001). Median serum hsCRP concentration was also significantly higher in patients compared with the control group (11.43 [8.07-13.53] vs 3.23 [1.66-6.24], P < .001). Serum anti-HSP27 and hsCRP concentrations did not differ significantly among patients with different stroke types. Neither serum anti-HSP27 nor hsCRP levels predicted 6-month prognosis in the patients with stroke. We conclude that serum anti-HSP27 titers and hsCRP concentrations are elevated in patients with stroke but do not distinguish between stroke types or predict 6-month prognosis.
Increasing Incidence of Community-Associated Atypical Clostridium difficile Disease in Children
Authors: Baker Susan S. , Faden Howard , Sayej Wael , Patel Raza , Baker Robert D.
Published: February 2010

Forty-one children with a variety of gastrointestinal complaints were diagnosed with Clostridium difficile infections as part of a routine screen over 3 years. The infection had not been suspected prior to the screen. Each child responded to treatment with metronidazole with resolution of their symptoms. These data suggest that community-associated C difficile is increasing and may produce atypical disease and lead to misdiagnosis.