bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CFD Prediction and Experimental Measurement of Blade Water Coverage in a Diesel Turbocharger
Authors: Yao Jun , Yao Yufeng
Published: September 2012

A turbocharger unit for diesel engine is often equipped with a built-in online water washing system and its performance is not always satisfactory because of efficiency declination due to deposit accumulated on blade surfaces not being washed away. In this study, a systematic approach of using experimental measurements and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is adopted to analyse liquid/gas two-phase flow associated with a turbocharger water washing system, in order to understand the underlying flow physics. A medium-sized diesel engine turbocharger configuration is chosen for this purpose. Experiments are focussed on blade surface temperature measurements, while CFD modelling with a coupled Eulerian/Lagrangian method is used for capturing the complex gas/liquid two-phase flow behaviours inside the induction duct and the blade passage. It was found that numerical predictions are in a good agreement with experimental data in terms of temperature distributions of the blade leading edge region and water coverage over the blade ring. Other flow features such as the water droplet trajectories and the particle size distributions are also explored and analysed in further details, and they are useful for understanding the deposit removal mechanism.
Multiscale Numerical Study of 3D Polymer Crystallization during Cooling Stage
Authors: Ruan Chunlei
Published: September 2012

We aim to study the behavior of polymer crystallization during cooling stage in injection molding more accurately, the multiscale model and multiscale algorithm proposed in our previous work (Ruan et al., 2012) have been extended to the 3D polymer crystallization case. Our multiscale model incorporates two distinct length scales: a coarse grid for the heat diffusion and a fine grid for the crystal morphology evolution (nucleation, growth, and impingement). Our multiscale algorithm couples the different methods on different length scales, namely, the finite volume method (FVM) on the coarse grid and the pixel coloring method on the fine grid. By using these multiscale model and multiscale algorithm, simulations for 3D polymer crystallization are carried out. Macroscopic variables, for example, temperature, relative crystallinity, as well as the microscopic structural characters, for example, crystal morphology development, and mean size of spherulites, are investigated at various cooling conditions. We also show the importance of coupling heat transfer with crystallization as well as 3D numerical studies.
Cardiomyopathy-Related Mutations in Cardiac Troponin C, L29Q and G159D, Have Divergent Effects on Rat Cardiac Myofiber Contractile Dynamics
Authors: Gollapudi Sampath K. , Chandra Murali
Published: September 2012

Previous studies of cardiomyopathy-related mutations in cardiac troponin C (cTnC)—L29Q and G159D—have shown diverse findings. The link between such mutant effects and their divergent impact on cardiac phenotypes has remained elusive due to lack of studies on contractile dynamics. We hypothesized that a cTnC mutant-induced change in the thin filament will affect global myofilament mechanodynamics because of the interactions of thin filament kinetics with bothCa2+binding and crossbridge (XB) cycling kinetics. We measured pCa-tension relationship and contractile dynamics in detergent-skinned rat cardiac papillary muscle fibers reconstituted with the recombinant wild-type rat cTnC (cTnCWT),cTnCL29Q, andcTnCG159Dmutants.cTnCL29Qfibers demonstrated a significant decrease inCa2+sensitivity, butcTnCG159Dfibers did not. Both mutants had no effect onCa2+-activated maximal tension. The rate of XB recruitment dynamics increased incTnCL29Q(26%) andcTnCG159D(25%) fibers. The rate of XB distortion dynamics increased incTnCG159Dfibers (15%). Thus, thecTnCL29Qmutant modulates the equilibrium between the non-cycling and cycling pool of XB by affecting theon/offkinetics of the regulatory units (Tropomyosin-Troponin); whereas, thecTnCG159Dmutant increases XB cycling rate. Different effects on contractile dynamics may offer clue regarding howcTnCL29QandcTnCG159Dcause divergent effects on cardiac phenotypes.
Biological Properties of Ti‐Nb‐Zr‐O Nanostructures Grown on Ti35Nb5Zr Alloy
Authors: Li Zhaohui , Ning Congqin , Ding Dongyan , Liu Hegang , Huang Lin
Published: September 2012

Surface modification of low modulus implant alloys with oxide nanostructures is one of the important ways to achieve favorable biological behaviors. In the present work, amorphous Ti‐Nb‐Zr‐O nanostructures were grown on a peak‐aged Ti35Nb5Zr alloy through anodization. Biological properties of the Ti‐Nb‐Zr‐O nanostructures were investigated through in vitro bioactivity testings, stem cell interactions, and drug release experiments. The Ti‐Nb‐Zr‐O nanostructures demonstrated a good capability of inducing apatite formation after immersion in simulated body fluids (SBFs). Drug delivery experiment based on gentamicin and the Ti‐Nb‐Zr‐O nanostructures indicated that a high drug loading content could result in a prolonged release process and a higher quantity of drug residues in the oxide nanostructures after drug release. Quick stem cell adhesion and spreading, as well as fast formation of extracellular matrix materials on the surfaces of the Ti‐Nb‐Zr‐O nanostructures, were found. These findings make it possible to further explore the biomedical applications of the Ti‐Nb‐Zr‐O nanostructure modified alloys especially clinical operation of orthopaedics by utilizing the nanostructures‐based drug‐release system.
On Certain Sufficiency Criteria for p‐Valent Meromorphic Spiralike Functions
Authors: Arif Muhammad
Published: September 2012

We consider some subclasses of meromorphic multivalent functions and obtain certain simple sufficiency criteria for the functions belonging to these classes. We also study the mapping properties of these classes under an integral operator.
Thermally Stable Forms of Pure Polyaniline Catalyzed by an Acid-Exchanged Montmorillonite Clay Called Maghnite- as an Effective Catalyst
Authors: Abdelkader Rahmouni , Amine Harrane , Mohammed Belbachir
Published: September 2012

Polyaniline salt form (PANI-ES) was synthesized by oxidative polymerization of aniline using potassium persulfate as an oxidant and an acid-exchanged montmorillonite clay called Maghnite-H+as an effective catalyst. The clay, which was used as a catalyst, was supplied by a local company known as ENOF Maghnia (Western Algeria). The chemical stability of PANI has been investigated by thermogravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry, that a good thermal stability of PANI could be improved by combining PANI with montmorillonite. TGA results illustrated that there were two major stages for weight loss of the ES-form PANI powder sample. The different forms of PANI were characterized by infrared spectroscopy, thermal analysis, and H-NMR spectroscopy and conductivity measurements.
The Use of Artificial-Intelligence-Based Ensembles for Intrusion Detection: A Review
Authors: Kumar Gulshan , Kumar Krishan
Published: September 2012

In supervised learning-based classification, ensembles have been successfully employed to different application domains. In the literature, many researchers have proposed different ensembles by considering different combination methods, training datasets, base classifiers, and many other factors. Artificial-intelligence-(AI-) based techniques play prominent role in development of ensemble for intrusion detection (ID) and have many benefits over other techniques. However, there is no comprehensive review of ensembles in general and AI-based ensembles for ID to examine and understand their current research status to solve the ID problem. Here, an updated review of ensembles and their taxonomies has been presented in general. The paper also presents the updated review of various AI-based ensembles for ID (in particular) during last decade. The related studies of AI-based ensembles are compared by set of evaluation metrics driven from (1) architecture & approach followed; (2) different methods utilized in different phases of ensemble learning; (3) other measures used to evaluate classification performance of the ensembles. The paper also provides the future directions of the research in this area. The paper will help the better understanding of different directions in which research of ensembles has been done in general and specifically: field of intrusion detection systems (IDSs).
Overexpression of Fatty-Acid-β-Oxidation-Related Genes Extends the Lifespan ofDrosophila melanogaster
Authors: Lee Shin-Hae , Lee Su-Kyung , Paik Donggi , Min Kyung-Jin
Published: September 2012

A better understanding of the aging process is necessary to ensure that the healthcare needs of an aging population are met. With the trend toward increased human life expectancies, identification of candidate genes affecting the regulation of lifespan and its relationship to environmental factors is essential. Through misexpression screening of EP mutant lines, we previously isolated several genes extending lifespan when ubiquitously overexpressed, including the two genes encoding the fatty-acid-binding protein and dodecenoyl-CoA delta-isomerase involved in fatty-acidβ-oxidation, which is the main energy resource pathway in eukaryotic cells. In this study, we analyzed flies overexpressing the two main components of fatty-acidβ-oxidation, and found that overexpression of fatty-acid-β-oxidation-related genes extended theDrosophilalifespan. Furthermore, we found that the ability of dietary restriction to extend lifespan was reduced by the overexpression of fatty-acid-β-oxidation-related genes. Moreover, the overexpression of fatty-acid-β-oxidation-related genes enhanced stress tolerance to oxidative and starvation stresses and activated the dFOXO signal, indicating translocation to the nucleus and transcriptional activation of the dFOXO target genes. Overall, the results of this study suggest that overexpression of fatty-acid-β-oxidation-related genes extends lifespan in a dietary-restriction-related manner, and that the mechanism of this process may be related to FOXO activation.
Macromodel of Precise Signal-Phase Meter
Authors: Šalamon Matej , Jarc Bojan
Published: September 2012

This paper presents a precise macromodel of a signal-phase meter, which allows continuous phase measurement during simulation. It has been developed as a support tool during the design process of a signal-conditioning circuit for incremental position encoders. The development of a signal conditioning circuit requires precise measurements of small signal phases, amplitudes and offsets using the analog/digital circuit simulator. The phase measurement cannot be performed directly with a simulator, therefore an appropriate macro-model is needed for a circuit simulator. The structure of the signal-phase meter is based on the conventional signal-phase measuring method and is intended for the measuring of a cosine-signal phase with a known frequency. It recommends that the time variations of an input signal’s parameters (amplitude, phase, frequency, and offset voltage) are slow and small as possible. Rapid change of a signal’s parameters decreases the simulation result’s accuracy. A macro-model’s precision mainly depends on the chosen parameters for the macro-model and for the simulation. We show that with the proposed meter’s model, the phase angle can be measured with an accuracy of more than ±0,02%.
Evaluation of Satisfaction and Axial Rigidity with Titan XL Cylinders
Authors: Henry Gerard D. , Jennermann Caroline , Eid J. Francois
Published: September 2012

The inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) has high patient satisfaction rates and good mechanical reliability rates in multiple studies. The number one patient compliant at six months is penile length. Recently, new technique for aggressive sizing of the cylinders has been published on in the literature. One IPP company has produced a new product that has longer length cylinders (XL) than those available. However, traditionally long cylinders were felt to lack axial rigidity. Therefore, a prospective, multicenter, central IRB-approved, monitored study was performed on the new product to address these concerns. At 2 centers, a total of 17 patients underwent surgical implantation of these new XL cylinders. These patients were questioned for patient satisfaction and tested for axial rigidity using a Fastsize Erectile Quality Monitor. The results showed excellent patient satisfaction rates and great axial rigidity with the Fastsize Erectile Quality Monitor. The XL cylinders appear to give the IPP surgeon the ability to use longer cylinders with good patient satisfaction and great axial rigidity.
Methylation and Expression of Retinoblastoma and Transforming Growth Factor-β1 Genes in Epstein-Barr Virus-Associated and -Negative Gastric Carcinomas
Authors: Liu Xia , Tang Xiuming , Zhang Shaoyan , Wang Yun , Wang Xiaofeng , Zhao Chengquan , Luo Bing
Published: September 2012

Background. Retinoblastoma (RB) and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) are important tumor-related factors.Methods. A series of 30 EBV-associated gastric carcinoma (EBVaGC) and 38 matched EBV-negative gastric carcinoma (EBVnGC) tissues were examined for the promoter methylation ofRBby methylation-specific PCR (MSP) method. The expression ofRBandTGF-β1in gastric carcinoma tissues was detected by immunohistochemistry.Results. The methylation rate ofRBgene in EBVaGC and EBVnGC was 80.0% (24/30) and 50.0% (19/38), respectively. The difference ofRBmethylation rate between EBVaGC and EBVnGC was significant(χ2=6.490,  P=0.011). There was no significant difference forRBexpression between EBVaGC (43.3%, 13/30) and EBVnGC (63.2%, 24/38), and also forTGF-β1between EBVaGC (56.7%, 17/30) and EBVnGC (63.2%, 24/38).RBmethylation was not reversely correlated withRBexpression in gastric carcinoma tissues(χ2=2.943,  P=0.086,  r=0.208).RBmethylation, loss expression ofRB, andTGF-β1expression were significantly associated with tumor invasion and lymph node metastasis (P<0.05), but was not associated with sex, age, histological subtype (differentiation status) and tumor location.Conclusions. Methylation ofRBis a common event in gastric carcinomas and EBV induces methylation ofRBin EBVaGC, which may contribute to the development of gastric carcinomas. EBV has no significant effect on induction ofTGF-β1expression. Detection ofRBmethylation,RBexpression, andTGF-β1expression may be helpful to judge the status of tumor invasion and lymph node metastasis in gastric carcinomas.
Successful Control of Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation by Recombinant Thrombomodulin during Arsenic Trioxide Treatment in Relapsed Patient with Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia
Authors: Shindo Motohiro , Ikuta Katsuya , Addo Lynda , Ito Satoshi , Fujiya Mikihiro , Torimoto Yoshihiro , Kohgo Yutaka
Published: September 2012

Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) frequently occurs in patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). With the induction of therapy in APL using all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), DIC can be controlled in most cases as ATRA usually shows immediate improvement of the APL. However, arsenic trioxide (ATO) which has been used for the treatment of relapse in APL patients has shown to take time to suppress APL cells, therefore the control of DIC in APL with ATO treatment is a major problem. Recently, the recombinant soluble thrombomodulin fragment has received a lot of attention as the novel drug for the treatment of DIC with high efficacy. Here, we present a relapsed patient with APL in whom DIC was successfully and safely controlled by rTM during treatment with ATO.
Harmonic Generation and Wave Mixing in Confinement Structures: An Account of Pump Depletion in Second‐Order Nonlinear Multilayer Microcavities
Authors: Gauvin Serge , Boudreau Maxime
Published: September 2012

In presence of weakly nonlinear media, it is tempting to neglect pump wave depletion when calculating the intensity of the various generated nonlinear components. However, even in the case of very weak pump wave depletion conditions, an optical structure that allows multipass optical paths, such as high finesse multilayer microcavities, could lead to significant cumulative pump wave depletion. In such conditions, neglecting pump depletion might lead to large computational errors. A matrix formalism devoted to such pump depletion in planar layered nonlinear structures without resort to the “bound” and “free” waves concept is described. A general approach that makes use of “intrinsic” and “extrinsic” waves concept is given, through a slight modification of the canonical propagation matrix. The theoretical results show that even in the case of very weak pump depletion conditions, the cumulative effect due to confinement actually leads to very significant effects. It turns out that taking into account the pump depletion is mandatory for numerous experimental conditions. This matrix formalism applies to absorbing media, and is extensible to include the case of anisotropic layers and cascading effects.
A Fictitious Play Algorithm for Matrix Games with Fuzzy Payoffs
Authors: Akyar Emrah
Published: September 2012

Fuzzy matrix games, specifically two‐person zero‐sum games with fuzzy payoffs, are considered. In view of the parametric fuzzy max order relation, a fictitious play algorithm for finding the value of the game is presented. A numerical example to demonstrate the presented algorithm is also given.
Diagnostic Significance of Intracystic Nodules on MRI in Rathke’s Cleft Cyst
Authors: Wang Shou-sen , Xiao De-yong , Yu Ying-hao , Jing Jun-jie , Zhao Lin , Wang Ru-mi
Published: September 2012

Background and Purpose. To explore strategies for the diagnosis and treatment of Rathke’s cleft cyst (RCC).Methods. The medical records of 24 patients with sellar RCC were retrospectively reviewed. Two patients had concomitant pituitary adenoma, 2 underwent transcranial surgery, and 22 underwent transsphenoidal surgery. The clinical features, especially the findings of intracystic nodules on MRI, were evaluated and compared with the pathological findings.Results. Preoperatively, only 2 patients were diagnosed with RCC or suspected RCC. Pre- and postoperative MRI images revealed 10 intracystic nodules in 9 (37.5%) patients. Two nodules had bull's eyelike changes. The signal intensity of the intracystic nodules varied on T1- and T2-weighted images. Not all nodules on T2-weighted images were visualized. Postoperative MRI revealed recurrence or residual lesion in 5 patients; none had new symptoms and a second surgery was not required.Conclusions. Identifying intracystic nodules is important in patients with sellar cystic lesions. Bull’s eyelike change in an intracystic nodule on MRI, which is reported here for the first time, potentially might have value for confirming the diagnosis.
Endothelium/Nitric Oxide Mediates the Vasorelaxant and Antihypertensive Effects of the Aqueous Extract from the Stem Bark ofMammea africanaSabine (Guttiferae)
Authors: Nguelefack-Mbuyo Elvine Pami , Dongmo Alain Bertrand , Nguelefack Télesphore Benoît , Kamanyi Albert , Kamtchouing Pierre , Dimo Théophile
Published: September 2012

This study evaluates the vasorelaxant and antihypertensive effects of the aqueous extract from the stem bark ofM. africana(AEMA). AEMA was testedin vitroon intact or endothelium-denuded rats’ aorta rings precontracted with KCl or norepinephrine in absence or in presence of L-NAME or glibenclamide. The effect of a single concentration (300 μg/mL) of AEMA was also examined on the concentration-response curve of KCl.In vivo, the antihypertensive effects of AEMA (200 mg/kg/day) were evaluated in male Wistar rats treated with L-NAME (40 mg/kg/day) for 4 weeks. AEMA relaxed aorta rings precontracted with NE or KCl with respective EC50 values of 0.36 μg/mL and 197.60 μg/mL. The destruction of endothelium or pretreatment of aorta rings with L-NAME shifted the EC50 of AEMA from 0.36 μg/mL to 40.65 μg/mL and 20.20 μg/mL, respectively. The vasorelaxant activity ofM. africanawas significantly inhibited in presence of glibenclamide. AEMA also significantly inhibited the concentration-response curve of KCl. Administered orally, AEMA induced acute and chronic antihypertensive effects and normalized renal NO level. These results show that the vasorelaxant activity of AEMA might be mediated by the activation of the NO-cGMP-ATP-dependent potassium channels pathway and might predominantly account for its antihypertensive effect.
Rheological Modeling and Characterization of Ficus platyphylla Gum Exudates
Authors: Eddy Nnabuk O. , Ameh Paul O. , Gimba Casimir E. , Ebenso Eno E.
Published: September 2012

Ficus platyphylla gum exudates (FP gum) have been analyzed for their physicochemical parameters and found to be ionic, mildly acidic, odourless, and yellowish brown in colour. The gum is soluble in water, sparingly soluble in ethanol, and insoluble in acetone and chloroform. The nitrogen (0.39%) and protein (2.44%) contents of the gum are relatively low. The concentrations of the cations were found to increase according to the following trend, Mn>Fe>Zn>Pb>Cu>Mg>Cd>Ca. Analysis of the FTIR spectrum of the gum revealed vibrations similar to those found in polysaccharides while the scanning electron micrograph indicated that the gum has irregular molecular shapes, arranged randomly. The intrinsic viscosity of FP gum estimated by extrapolating to zero concentrations in Huggins, Kraemer, Schulz‐Blaschke, and Martin plots has an average value of 7 dL/g. From the plots of viscosity versus shear rate/speed of rotation and also that of shear stress versus shear rate, FP gum can be classified as a non‐Newtonian gum with characteristics‐plastic properties. Development of the Master_s curve for FP gum also indicated that the gum prefers to remain in a dilute domain (C < C∗), such that ηspαC1.2. The apparent activation energy of flow for FP gum (calculated from Arrhenius‐Frenkel‐Eyring plot) was relatively low and indicated the presence of fewer inter‐ and intramolecular interactions.
Nanoparticle‐Incorporated PDMS Film as an Improved Performance SPME Fiber for Analysis of Volatile Components of Eucalyptus Leaf
Authors: Aberoomand Azar Parviz , Mohammadiazar Sirwan , Saber Tehrani Mohammad , Norooz Haghi Javad
Published: September 2012

A new fabrication strategy was proposed to prepare polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS‐) coated solid‐phase microextraction (SPME) on inexpensive and unbreakable Cu fiber. PDMS was covalently bonded to the Cu substrate using self‐assembled monolayer (SAM) of (3‐mercaptopropyl)trimethoxysilane (3MPTS) as binder. To increase the performance of the fiber, the incorporation effect of some nanomaterials including silica nanoparticles (NPs), carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and carboxylated carbon nanotubes (CNT‐COOH) to PDMS coating was compared. The surface morphology of the prepared fibers was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and their applicability was evaluated through the extraction of some volatile organic compounds (VOCs) of Eucalyptus leaf in headspace mode, and parameters affecting the extraction efficiency including extraction temperature and extraction time were optimized. Extracted compounds were analyzed by GC‐MS instrument. The results obtained indicated that prepared fibers have some advantages relative to previously prepared SPME fibers, such as higher thermal stability and improved performance of the fiber. Also, results showed that SPME is a fast, simple, quick, and sensitive technique for sampling and sample introduction of Eucalyptus VOCs.
Comparative Evaluation of the Antidiabetic Effects of Different Parts of Cassia fistula Linn, a Southeast Asian Plant
Authors: Einstein John Wilking , Mohd Rais Mustafa , Mohd Mustafa Ali
Published: September 2012

The hypoglycemic effect of the methanolic and aqueous extracts of whole parts of Cassia fistula in both normoglycemic and streptozotocin‐nictotinamide induced Type 2 diabetic rats were investigated. Acute toxicity, oral glucose tolerance test and glucose uptake in isolated rat hemidiaphragm were performed in normal rats. Diabetes was induced in Sprague Dawley rats by the administration of streptozotocin‐nictotinamide (50, 110 mg/kg b.w., resp.) intraperitoneally. Different extracts of Cassia was administered to diabetic rats at 250 and 500 mg/kg doses for 21 days. Biochemical parameters like blood glucose, insulin, glycosylated hemoglobin, lipid profile, and serum marker enzymes were determined. The methanolic extract of the bark and leaves were show more effective in causing hypoglycemia in normoglycemic rats. Diabetic rats showed increased levels of glycosylated hemoglobin, reduced levels of plasma insulin, were significantly reverted to near normal after oral administration of the bark and leaf methanolic extracts. Glucose uptake studies in isolated rat hemidiaphragm have shown enhanced peripheral utilization of glucose. Chronic treatment of Cassia remarkably restored the normal status of the histopathological changes observed in the selected tissues. Dose dependent anti‐diabetic effects with the cohorts receiving the methanolic extract of bark followed by leaves of Cassia was revealed.
Mineral Composition of Four Edible Mushrooms
Authors: Mallikarjuna S. E. , Ranjini A. , Haware Devendra J. , Vijayalakshmi M. R. , Shashirekha M. N. , Rajarathnam S.
Published: September 2012

Two cultivated mushroom species, namely, Lentinula edodes and Pleurotus florida and two wild growing species Lentinus cladopus and Pleurotus djamor were studied for their mineral contents such as Ca, Mg, Na, K, Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, Ni, Se, Pb, and Cd by Inductive Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (ICP‐AES) and also Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy, (AAS). Phosphorus was estimated by spectrophotometric method. K, Ca, Na, and P were in higher concentrations ranging from 59.3 mg to 3634 mg, 8.27 mg–174.9 mg, 22.2 mg–327.4 mg, and 100.5 mg–769.9 mg/100 g dry weight respectively in the four mushroom species studied. Fe, Zn, Mg and Se were ranging from 6.27 mg to 35.3 mg, 1.58 mg–9.44 mg, 21.1 mg–40.7 mg and 0.048 mg–0.182 mg/100 g dry weight, respectively, amongst the mushroom species analyzed. However, Ni, Cu, and Mn contents showed relatively lower concentrations, whereas Pb and Cd were below detectable level. The mushrooms were safe for consumption, in accordance with the permissible tolerance limits of the estimated toxic metals. Implications of the mineral contents on mushroom nutritional value are highlighted.
Immunohistochemical Analysis of Sensory Nerve Endings in Ankle Ligaments: A Cadaver Study
Authors: Rein Susanne , Hagert Elisabet , Hanisch Uwe , Lwowski Sophie , Fieguth Armin , Zwipp Hans
Published: September 2012

Background: The aim of this study was to analyze the pattern and types of sensory nerve endings in ankle ligaments using immunohistochemical techniques, in order to gain more insight into functional ankle stability. Methods: One hundred forty ligaments from 10 cadaver feet were included: the calcaneofibular and anterior/posterior talofibular ligaments from the lateral complex; inferior extensor retinaculum complex, talocalcaneal oblique and canalis tarsi ligaments from the sinus tarsi; deltoid ligament with its individual portions from the medial complex, and anterior tibiofibular ligament (ATiFL) from the syndesmosis. Mechanoreceptors were classified according to Freeman and Wyke [Acta Anat (Basel) 1967;68:321–333] after staining with hematoxylin-eosin, low-affinity neurotrophin receptor p75, protein gene product 9.5, and S-100 protein. Results: Free nerve endings were the predominant sensory endings in all four complexes, with the greatest density in the lateral and medial complexes; followed by Ruffini endings, unclassifiable corpuscles, Pacini corpuscles, and Golgi-like endings. Ruffini endings were significantly more prevalent in the ATiFL than in the medial complex, and more common than Pacini corpuscles and Golgi-like endings in the lateral, medial, and sinus tarsi complexes. A greater number of blood vessels correlated with a greater number of free nerve endings. There was a negative correlation between the number of Ruffini endings, unclassifiable corpuscles, and age. Conclusions: Free nerve endings are the dominant mechanoreceptor type in the ankle ligaments, followed by Ruffini endings. The ligaments of the lateral and medial ankle complexes are more innervated than the sinus tarsi ligaments.
Harvesting the Potential of the Human Umbilical Cord: Isolation and Characterisation of Four Cell Types for Tissue Engineering Applications
Authors: Hayward Cindy J. , Fradette Julie , Galbraith Todd , Rémy Murielle , Guignard Rina , Gauvin Robert , Germain Lucie , Auger François A.
Published: September 2012

The human umbilical cord (UC) has attracted interest as a source of cells for many research applications. UC solid tissues contain four cell types: epithelial, stromal, smooth muscle and endothelial cells. We have developed a unique protocol for the sequential extraction of all four cell types from a single UC, allowing tissue reconstruction using multiple cell types from the same source. By combining perfusion, immersion and explant techniques, all four cell types have been successfully expanded in monolayer cultures. We have also characterised epithelial and Wharton’s jelly cells (WJC) by immunolabelling of specific proteins. Epithelial cell yields averaged at 2.3 × 105 cells per centimetre UC, and the cells expressed an unusual combination of keratins typical of simple, mucous and stratified epithelia. Stromal cells in the Wharton’s jelly expressed desmin, α-smooth muscle actin, elastin, keratins (K12, K16, K18 and K19), vimentin and collagens. Expression patterns in cultured cells resembled those found in situ except for basement membrane components and type III collagen. These stromal cells featured a sustained proliferation rate up to passage 12 after thawing. The mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) character of the WJC was confirmed by their expression of typical MSC surface markers and by adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation assays. To emphasise and demonstrate their potential for regenerative medicine, UC cell types were successfully used to produce human tissue-engineered constructs. Both bilayered stromal/epithelial and vascular substitutes were produced, establishing the versatility and importance of these cells for research and therapeutic applications.
A Case Report of Unusual Retroperitoneal Castleman’s Disease in an Old Woman
Authors: Zhang Jiexiu , Song Ninghong , Liu Bianjiang , Hua Lixin , Wang Zengjun , Yin Changjun , Zhang Wei
Published: September 2012

Castleman’s disease (CD) is an uncommon disorder of the lymphoid hyperplasia. It is especially rare in the retroperitoneum or perirenal area. We report the case of a 62-year-old woman who had an abdominal mass localized above the right kidney in the region of the right adrenal gland found by computed tomography scan. The patient subsequently underwent an exploratory laparotomy. Pathological examination revealed retroperitoneal localized CD (LCD) of the hyaline vascular type. Diversity of disease sites and nonspecificity of clinical manifestations lead to diagnostic difficulties. Therefore, diagnosis is mainly achieved via lymph node biopsy or pathological examination. Like in the reported case, LCD usually has a good prognosis after complete resection of the lesion.
A Prospective Study of Rollerball Endometrial Ablation in the Management of Refractory Recurrent Symptomatic Endometrial Hyperplasia without Atypia
Authors: Avci Muhittin Eftal , Sadik Salih , Uçar Mustafa Gazi
Published: September 2012

Backgrounds: Menorrhagia – heavy, extended or irregular menstruations – may be associated with endometrial hyperplasia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of transcervical rollerball endometrial ablation (EA-R) and to discuss surgical outcomes in patients with simple endometrial hyperplasia without atypia who have had a history of medical treatment failure or recurrence. Methods: A prospective study was designed. Thirty women underwent EA-R. Preoperative and postoperative menstrual status, sexual activity, and satisfaction with the procedure were assessed. Complications, clinical outcomes, and need for re-intervention were evaluated. Results: No major complications occurred. All patients were discharged from hospital within 24 h. A reduction of menorrhagia was observed in patients as follows: 17 patients (56.67%) had amenorrhea, 10 (33.33%) hypomenorrhea, and 2 (6.67%) eumenorrhea. Hysterectomy was performed only in 1 patient who was unresponsive to ablation treatment. Conclusions: In selected patients who have persistent uterine bleeding not responsive to conservative therapy, low risk for future endometrial cancer, and wish to retain their uterus, EA-R treatment is safe, effective, and might be an alternative to hysterectomy with good toleration and high rate of patient satisfaction. The advantages of EA-R include low incidence of complications, lower morbidity, shorter hospitalization, and faster recovery.
Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Caregivers in Relation to Oral Health of Preschool Children
Authors: Ashkanani Fatima , Al-Sane Mona
Published: September 2012

Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices of caregivers in Kuwait in relation to the oral health of preschool children. Subjects and Methods: Questionnaires with multiple-choice questions were distributed to 334 caregivers of children under the age of 6 years attending vaccination centers in Kuwait. For each question, one of the multiple-choice answers was consistent with the consensus in the pediatric dental literature in relation to early childhood caries prevention, and was considered to be correct. The χ2 test, independent t test, ANOVA, and stepwise linear regression were used to assess the associations between the variables in question and p ≤ 0.05 was accepted as statistically significant. Results: Of the 334 participants, 234 (70%) were between 20 and 40 years of age with a high school diploma or higher degree and had between 2 and 5 children. The mean knowledge score was 4.68 ± 1.87, the mean attitude score was 4.34 ± 0.88 and the mean practice score was 2.45 ± 0.99. Major weaknesses were reported in infant oral health-related concepts. Mothers had better knowledge than other caregivers (p < 0.001). Higher education was significantly associated with better knowledge (p = 0.003) and better practices (p = 0.017). In addition, knowledge, attitude and level of education were positively and significantly associated with practices (p < 0.005). Conclusions: Our study showed that caregivers had weak knowledge and practice in relation to the oral health of preschool children. Mothers and caregivers with higher education had better knowledge and practices. Education and attitude appeared to be favorable indicators of the caregivers’ practices with regard to the oral health of their preschool children.
Association between Remnant-Like Particle Cholesterol and Gamma-Glutamyltransferase in Dyslipidemic Patients
Authors: Kotani Kazuhiko , Sakane Naoki
Published: September 2012

Objective: To investigate the correlation between gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) and remnant-like particle cholesterol (RLP-C) in dyslipidemic patients. Subjects and Methods: General cardiometabolic variables, plus serum GGT and RLP-C levels, were measured in 118 dyslipidemic patients (59 males, mean age 58 ± 13 years). Correlation analyses of GGT with other variables, including RLP-C, were performed. Results: The median levels (interquartile ranges) of RLP-C and GGT were 0.21 mmol/l (0.14–0.35) and 26 IU/l (17–39), respectively. A stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed an independent, significant and positive correlation between GGT and RLP-C (β = 0.351, p < 0.001), followed by male gender and BMI. Conclusion: There was a significant positive association between GGT and RLP-C, thereby indicating that the association between GGT and cardiovascular disease may be partly due to the interaction with RLP-C in dyslipidemic patients. Further research is therefore warranted to confirm the observed relationship.
Thermochemotherapy for Non-Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer: Is There a Chance to Avoid Early Cystectomy?
Authors: Volpe A. , Racioppi M. , Bongiovanni L. , D’Agostino D. , Totaro A. , D’Addessi A. , Marangi F. , Palermo G. , Pinto F. , Sacco E. , Bassi P.F.
Published: September 2012

Objectives: Non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer is characterized by a high recurrence rate after primary transurethral resection. In case of bacillus Calmette-Guérin-refractory neoplasms, cystectomy is the gold standard. In this study the effects of thermochemotherapy with mitomycin C were evaluated in high-risk bladder cancer nonresponders to previous therapy. Patients and Methods: Between January 2006 and December 2009, 30 patients were enrolled with recurrent stage carcinoma in situ, Ta and T1, grade G1 to G3 non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer refractory to chemotherapy or immunotherapy and so becoming suitable for radical cystectomy. All patients underwent endovesical thermochemotherapy: 16 patients underwent a prophylactic scheme and 14 patients underwent an ablative scheme. Results: All the patients completed the study. The mean follow-up for all the patients enrolled was 14 months. Thirteen of 30 patients (43.30%) were disease free and 17 patients (56.70%) had recurrence. In the prophylactic group, 7 of 16 patients (43.75%) were disease free and 9 patients (46.25%) had tumor recurrence; no progression was observed. In the ablative group, 3 patients (17, 64%) had progression to muscle-invasive disease. Side effects were generally mild. Conclusions: Thermochemotherapy could be considered an additional tool in patients refractory to intravesical therapies before considering early cystectomy.
Renal Primitive Malignant Tumor with Endocrine Activity
Authors: Xu Ning , Jin Mei-Shan , Chen Liang , Wang Chun-Xi , Sun Shou-Tian , Shi Ai-Ping
Published: September 2012

Objective: To report a hypertensive and systematically pigmented female with primitive neuroectodermal tumors. Clinical Presentation and Intervention: A female patient presented with a complaint of right flank pain. She had a right renal space-occupying lesion, underwent right radical nephrectomy, and returned to normotensive postoperatively. The pathological examination identified typical primitive neuroectodermal tumor histology. During a 60-month follow-up period, she remained normotensive and demonstrated normal renal and adrenal functions. Conclusion: Early diagnosis and definitive surgery led to the patient’s long-term survival.
The Molecular Genetics of Ovarian Differentiation in the Avian Model
Authors: Ayers K.L. , Sinclair A.H. , Smith C.A.
Published: September 2012

In birds as in mammals, sex is determined at fertilization by the inheritance of sex chromosomes. However, sexual differentiation – development of a male or female phenotype – occurs during embryonic development. Sex differentiation requires the induction of sex-specific developmental pathways in the gonads, resulting in the formation of ovaries or testes. Birds utilize a different sex chromosome system to that of mammals, where females are the heterogametic sex (carrying Z and W chromosomes), while males are homogametic (carrying 2 Z chromosomes). Therefore, while some genes essential for testis and ovarian development are conserved, important differences also exist. Namely, the key mammalian male-determining factor SRY does not exist in birds, and another transcription factor, DMRT1, plays a central role in testis development. In contrast to our understanding of testis development, ovarian differentiation is less well-characterized. Given the presence of a female-specific chromosome, studies in chicken will provide insight into the induction and function of female-specific gonadal pathways. In this review, we discuss sexual differentiation in chicken embryos, with emphasis on ovarian development. We highlight genes that may play a conserved role in this process, and discuss how interaction between ovarian pathways may be regulated.
A New Translocation t(1p;18) in an Italian Mediterranean River Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis, 2n = 50) Bull: Cytogenetic, Fertility and Inheritance Studies
Authors: Albarella S. , Ciotola F. , Coletta A. , Genualdo V. , Iannuzzi L. , Peretti V.
Published: September 2012

In recent years increasing attention has been paid to the cytogenetic control of Italian Mediterranean river buffalo (BBU) bulls authorized as sires which are registered in the stud book. Chromosome abnormalities described in this species are mainly numerical and affecting sex chromosomes. During routine cytogenetic analyses performed on young Italian Mediterranean river buffalo bulls in the progeny test, 1 animal was found to be carrier of a never before reported translocation t(1p;18) originated by fission of BBU1 and subsequent centric fusion of BBU1p with BBU18 as demonstrated by both R-banding and FISH-mapping techniques using specific molecular markers of BBU1p (DEFB1) and BBU18 (GPI). According to sperm analyses the semen characteristics were in physiological ranges, but the calf crop percentage was only 48.77% instead of 70–80%. Cytogenetic analyses performed on 50 offspring (36 females and 14 males) showed that 15 of them (30%) were carriers of the same translocation.
Have Sex or Not? Lessons from Bacteria
Authors: Lodé T.
Published: September 2012

Sex is one of the greatest puzzles in evolutionary biology. A true meiotic process occurs only in eukaryotes, while in bacteria, gene transcription is fragmentary, so asexual reproduction in this case really means clonal reproduction. Sex could stem from a signal that leads to increased reproductive output of all interacting individuals and could be understood as a secondary consequence of primitive metabolic reactions. Meiotic sex evolved in proto-eukaryotes to solve a problem that bacteria did not have, namely a large amount of DNA material, occurring in an archaic step of proto-cell formation and genetic exchanges. Rather than providing selective advantages through reproduction, sex could be thought of as a series of separate events which combines step-by-step some very weak benefits of recombination, meiosis, gametogenesis and syngamy.
Cranial Irradiation Increases Risk of Stroke in Pediatric Brain Tumor Survivors
Authors: Campen Cynthia J. , Kranick Sarah M. , Kasner Scott E. , Kessler Sudha K. , Zimmerman Robert A. , Lustig Robert , Phillips Peter C. , Storm Phillip B. , Smith Sabrina E. , Ichord Rebecca , Fisher Michael J.
Published: September 2012

Background and Purpose—

The purposes of this study were to determine the incidence of neurovascular events as late complications in pediatric patients with brain tumor and to evaluate radiation as a risk factor.

Methods—

Patients were ascertained using the tumor database of a pediatric tertiary care center. Included patients had a primary brain tumor, age birth to 21 years, initial treatment January 1, 1993, to December 31, 2002, and at least 2 visits with neuro-oncology. Radiation exposure included: whole brain, whole brain plus a focal boost, or focal brain. The primary outcome was stroke or transient ischemic attack.

Results—

Of 431 subjects, 14 had 19 events of stroke or transient ischemic attack over a median follow-up of 6.3 years. The incidence rate was 548/100 000 person-years. Overall, 61.5% of subjects received radiation, including 13 of 14 subjects with events. Median time from first radiation to first event was 4.9 years. The stroke/transient ischemic attack hazard ratio for any brain irradiation was 8.0 (95% CI, 1.05–62;
P
=0.045); for the circle of Willis, radiation was 9.0 (95% CI, 1.2–70;
P
=0.035); and for focal noncircle of Willis, radiation was 3.4 (95% CI, 0.21–55;
P
=0.38).

Conclusions—

The incidence of neurovascular events in this population is 100-fold higher than in the general pediatric population and cranial irradiation is an important risk factor. By defining the incidence of this late effect, physicians are better able to counsel parents regarding treatment, monitor patients at risk, and target a population for primary stroke prevention in future studies.
On-line Changing of Thinking about Words: The Effect of Cognitive Context on Neural Responses to Verb Reading
Authors: Papeo Liuba , Rumiati Raffaella Ida , Cecchetto Cinzia , Tomasino Barbara
Published: September 2012

Activity in frontocentral motor regions is routinely reported when individuals process action words and is often interpreted as the implicit simulation of the word content. We hypothesized that these neural responses are not invariant components of action word processing but are modulated by the context in which they are evoked. Using fMRI, we assessed the relative weight of stimulus features (i.e., the intrinsic semantics of words) and contextual factors, in eliciting word-related sensorimotor activity. Participants silently read action-related and state verbs after performing a mental rotation task engaging either a motor strategy (i.e., referring visual stimuli to their own bodily movements) or a visuospatial strategy. The mental rotation tasks were used to induce, respectively, a motor and a nonmotor “cognitive context” into the following silent reading. Irrespective of the verb category, reading in the motor context, compared with reading in the nonmotor context, increased the activity in the left primary motor cortex, the bilateral premotor cortex, and the right somatosensory cortex. Thus, the cognitive context induced by the preceding motor strategy-based mental rotation modulated word-related sensorimotor responses, possibly reflecting the strategy of referring a word meaning to one's own bodily activity. This pattern, common to action and state verbs, suggests that the context in which words are encountered prevails over the intrinsic semantics of the stimuli in mediating the recruitment of sensorimotor regions.
Active Subspace: Toward Scalable Low-Rank Learning
Authors: Liu Guangcan , Yan Shuicheng
Published: September 2012

We address the scalability issues in low-rank matrix learning problems. Usually these problems resort to solving nuclear norm regularized optimization problems (NNROPs), which often suffer from high computational complexities if based on existing solvers, especially in large-scale settings. Based on the fact that the optimal solution matrix to an NNROP is often low rank, we revisit the classic mechanism of low-rank matrix factorization, based on which we present an active subspace algorithm for efficiently solving NNROPs by transforming large-scale NNROPs into small-scale problems. The transformation is achieved by factorizing the large solution matrix into the product of a small orthonormal matrix (active subspace) and another small matrix. Although such a transformation generally leads to nonconvex problems, we show that a suboptimal solution can be found by the augmented Lagrange alternating direction method. For the robust PCA (RPCA) (Candès, Li, Ma, & Wright, 2009 ) problem, a typical example of NNROPs, theoretical results verify the suboptimality of the solution produced by our algorithm. For the general NNROPs, we empirically show that our algorithm significantly reduces the computational complexity without loss of optimality.
Design Strategies for Weight Matrices of Echo State Networks
Authors: Strauss Tobias , Wustlich Welf , Labahn Roger
Published: September 2012

This article develops approaches to generate dynamical reservoirs of echo state networks with desired properties reducing the amount of randomness. It is possible to create weight matrices with a predefined singular value spectrum. The procedure guarantees stability (echo state property). We prove the minimization of the impact of noise on the training process. The resulting reservoir types are strongly related to reservoirs already known in the literature. Our experiments show that well-chosen input weights can improve performance.