bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the Control of Engine Start/Stop Dynamics in a Hybrid Electric Vehicle
Authors: Canova Marcello , Guezennec Yann , Yurkovich Steve
Published: November 2009

The starter/alternator technology is considered an easily realizable hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) configuration to achieve significant fuel economy without compromising consumer acceptability. Several examples can be found in production or near-production vehicles, with implementation based on a spark ignition (SI) engine coupled with either a belted starter/alternator (BSA) or an integrated starter/alternator (ISA). One of the many challenges in successfully developing a starter/alternator HEV is to achieve engine start and stop operations with minimum passenger discomfort. This requires control of the electric motor to start and stop the engine quickly and smoothly, without compromising the vehicle noise, vibration, and harshness signature. The issue becomes more critical in the case of diesel hybrids, as the peak compression torque is much larger than in SI engines. This paper documents the results of a research activity focused on the control of the start and stop dynamics of a HEV with a belted starter/alternator. The work was conducted on a production 1.9 l common-rail diesel engine coupled to a 10.6 kW permanent magnet motor. The system is part of a series/parallel HEV powertrain, designed to fit a midsize prototype sport utility vehicle. A preliminary experimental investigation was done to assess the feasibility of the concept and to partially characterize the system. This facilitated the design of a control-oriented nonlinear model of the system dynamics and its validation on the complete HEV hardware. Model-based control techniques were then applied to design a controller for the belted starter/alternator, ensuring quick and smooth engine start operations. The final control design has been implemented on the vehicle. The research outcomes demonstrated that the BSA is effective in starting the diesel engine quickly and with very limited vibration and noise.
Design and Analysis of Discrete-Time Repetitive Control for Scanning Probe Microscopes
Authors: Aridogan Ugur , Shan Yingfeng , Leang Kam K.
Published: November 2009

This paper studies repetitive control (RC) with linear phase lead compensation to precisely track periodic trajectories in piezo-based scanning probe microscopes (SPMs). Quite often, the lateral scanning motion in SPMs during imaging or nanofabrication is periodic. Dynamic and hysteresis effects in the piezoactuator cause significant tracking error. To minimize the tracking error, commercial SPMs commonly use proportional-integral-derivative (PID) feedback controllers; however, the residual error of PID control can be excessively large, especially at high scan rates. In addition, the error repeats from one operating cycle to the next. To account for the periodic tracking error, a discrete-time RC is designed, analyzed, and implemented on an atomic force microscope (AFM). The advantages of RC include straightforward digital implementation and it can be plugged into an existing feedback control loop, such as PID, to enhance performance. The proposed RC incorporates two phase lead compensators to ensure robustness and minimize the steady-state tracking error. Simulation and experimental results from an AFM system compare the performance among (1) PID, (2) standard RC, and (3) the modified RC with phase lead compensation. The results show that the latter reduces the steady-state tracking error to less than 2% at 25 Hz scan rate, an over 80% improvement compared with PID control.
Discussion: “Model Reduction of Large-Scale Discrete Plants With Specified Frequency Domain Balanced Structure” (Zadegan, A., and Zilouchian, A., 2005, ASME J. Dyn. Syst. Meas., Control, 127, pp. 486–498)
Authors: Shaker Hamid Reza , Wisniewski Rafael
Published: November 2009

This work presents a commentary of the article published by A. Zadegan and A. Zilouchian (2005, ASME J. Dyn. Syst. Meas., Control, 127, pp. 486–498). We show their order reduction method is not always true and may lead to inaccurate results and is therefore erroneous. A framework for solving the problem is also suggested.
A Review of Feedforward Control Approaches in Nanopositioning for High-Speed SPM
Authors: Clayton Garrett M. , Tien Szuchi , Leang Kam K. , Zou Qingze , Devasia Santosh
Published: November 2009

Control can enable high-bandwidth nanopositioning needed to increase the operating speed of scanning probe microscopes (SPMs). High-speed SPMs can substantially impact the throughput of a wide range of emerging nanosciences and nanotechnologies. In particular, inversion-based control can find the feedforward input needed to account for the positioning dynamics and, thus, achieve the required precision and bandwidth. This article reviews inversion-based feedforward approaches used for high-speed SPMs such as optimal inversion that accounts for model uncertainty and inversion-based iterative control for repetitive applications. The article establishes connections to other existing methods such as zero-phase-error-tracking feedforward and robust feedforward. Additionally, the article reviews the use of feedforward in emerging applications such as SPM-based nanoscale combinatorial-science studies, image-based control for subnanometer-scale studies, and imaging of large soft biosamples with SPMs.
DMCMN: Experimental/Analytical Evaluation of the Effect of Tip Mass on Atomic Force Microscope Cantilever Calibration
Authors: Allen Matthew S. , Sumali Hartono , Penegor Peter C.
Published: November 2009

Quantitative studies of material properties and interfaces using the atomic force microscope (AFM) have important applications in engineering, biotechnology, and chemistry. Contrary to what the name suggests, the AFM actually measures the displacement of a microscale probe, so one must determine the stiffness of the probe to find the force exerted on a sample. Numerous methods have been proposed for determining the spring constant of AFM cantilever probes, yet most neglect the mass of the probe tip. This work explores the effect of the tip mass on AFM calibration using the method of Sader (1995, “Method for the Calibration of Atomic Force Microscope Cantilevers,” Rev. Sci. Instrum., 66, pp. 3789) and extends that method to account for a massive, rigid tip. One can use this modified method to estimate the spring constant of a cantilever from the measured natural frequency and Q-factor for any mode of the probe. This may be helpful when the fundamental mode is difficult to measure or to check for inaccuracies in the calibration obtained with the fundamental mode. The error analysis presented here shows that if the tip is not considered, then the error in the static stiffness is roughly of the same order as the ratio of the tip’s mass to the cantilever beam’s. The area density of the AFM probe is also misestimated if the tip mass is not accounted for, although the trends are different. The model presented here can be used to identify the mass of a probe tip from measurements of the natural frequencies of the probe. These concepts are applied to six low spring-constant, contact-mode AFM cantilevers, and the results suggest that some of the probes are well modeled by an Euler–Bernoulli beam with a constant cross section and a rigid tip, while others are not. One probe is examined in detail, using scanning electron microscopy to quantify the size of the tip and the thickness uniformity of the probe, and laser Doppler vibrometry is used to measure the first four mode shapes. The results suggest that this probe’s thickness is significantly nonuniform, so the models upon which dynamic calibration is based may not be appropriate for this probe.
DMCMN: In Depth Characterization and Control of AFM Cantilevers With Integrated Sensing and Actuation
Authors: Fantner Georg E. , Burns Daniel J. , Belcher Angela M. , Rangelow Ivo W. , Youcef-Toumi Kamal
Published: November 2009

New developments in MEMS (microelectromechanical systems) fabrication allowed the development of new types of atomic force microscopy (AFM) sensor with integrated readout circuit and actuator built in on the cantilever. Such a fully instrumented cantilever allows a much more direct measurement and actuation of the cantilever motion and interaction with the sample. This technology is expected to not only allow for high speed imaging but also the miniaturization of AFMs. Based on the complexity of these integrated MEMS devices, a thorough understanding of their behavior and a specialized controls approach is needed to make the most use out of this new technology. In this paper we investigate the intrinsic properties of such MEMS cantilevers and develop a combined approach for sensing and control, optimized for high speed detection and actuation. Further developments based on the results presented in this paper will help to expand the use of atomic force microscopy to a broad range of everyday applications in industrial process control and clinical diagnostics.
Note on Magnetism and Simultaneity
Authors: Huggins Elisha
Published: November 2009

The paper on “Magnetism and Simultaneity” by Adler1 provides an excellent new thought experiment involving the lack of simultaneity in Einstein's special relativity. Adler uses the lack of simultaneity rather than the Lorentz contraction2 to derive the formula for the magnetic force on a moving charged particle. Advantages of his derivation are that the algebra is simpler and the results more general than our derivation based on the Lorentz contraction.
Shaping Attitudes Toward Science in an Introductory Astronomy Course
Authors: Wittman David
Published: November 2009

At many universities, astronomy is a popular way for nonscience majors to fulfill a general education requirement. Because general education astronomy may be the only college-level science course taken by these students, it is the last chance to shape the science attitudes of these future journalists, teachers, politicians, and voters. Hobson1 recently reported on research indicating that general education requirements (often as little as a single class) are responsible for the higher measured level of science literacy in the United States as compared to Europe.
Has Your Textbook Become Your Curriculum?
Authors: Blanton Patricia
Published: November 2009

The first experience many new teachers have with curriculum for the course they are to teach is to be handed a textbook and a teacher's guide and little other direction. Consequently the impression that you should follow the book and present all the chapters in the book in the order they are arranged leads you to develop a course that is textbook driven. While this may be a “safe” way to teach your first year as you test your content knowledge as you present it to your students, you will find many things about the textbook you don't like and will begin to adjust the way you approach the curriculum. You may question whether the intellectual pursuits associated with science can be experienced by students going chapter to chapter in a textbook.
Catch Wind of This
Authors: Riendeau Diane
Published: November 2009

This month, I couldn't resist putting together a suite of sweet videos that involve wind (or air). The videos show some of the ways we have learned to harness the wind (or air resistance) to perform feats. Some show how the wind affects us and our adaptations because of this!

Special thanks to Jim Hicks, Barrington High School (retired), Barrington, IL; Shannon Mandel, Barrington High School, Barrington, IL; Jennifer Groppe, Maret School, Washington, D.C.; and Mike Bush, Libertyville High School, Libertyville, IL.
Flagging the TCR
Authors: Foley John F.
Published: November 2009

IFT20, a component of the intraflagellar transport system, mediates recycling of T cell receptor complexes at the immunological synapse.
Small-Molecule Protease Activator
Authors: Vinson Valda
Published: November 2009

Small molecules that promote a procaspase conformation susceptible to activation by proteolysis have been identified.
Self-Renewing Macrophages
Authors: Mueller Kristen
Published: November 2009

The absence of two transcription factors allows long-term propagation of a differentiated immune cell population that is nontumorigenic.
Dynamic Deacetylation
Authors: Ray L. Bryan
Published: November 2009

Proper regulation of acetylation of the nuclear receptor FXR is lost in metabolic disease.
Focus Issue: Coping with Cellular Stress
Authors: Wong Wei
Published: November 2009

Cells use diverse signaling pathways to sense and respond to stress.
Science Signaling
Podcast: 10 November 2009
Authors: Snyder Solomon H. , VanHook Annalisa M.
Published: November 2009

The gasotransmitter hydrogen sulfide signals by sulfhydrating target proteins.
A New Mechanism of Phosphoregulation in Signal Transduction Pathways
Authors: Jung Kirsten , Jung Heinrich
Published: November 2009

A protein kinase phosphorylates arginine residues in a transcriptional factor during the bacterial heat shock response.
Dispersal of Carbapenemase
bla
VIM-1
Gene Associated with Different Tn
402
Variants, Mercury Transposons, and Conjugative Plasmids in
Enterobacteriaceae
and
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Tato Marta , Coque Teresa M. , Baquero Fernando , Cantón Rafael
Published: November 2009

The emergence of
bla
VIM-1
within four different genetic platforms from distinct
Enterobacteriaceae
and
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
isolates in an area with a low prevalence of metallo-β-lactamase producers is reported. Forty-three VIM-1-producing isolates (including 19
Enterobacter cloacae
, 2
Escherichia coli
, and 2
P. aeruginosa
isolates, 18
Klebsiella pneumoniae
isolate, and 2
Klebsiella oxytoca
isolate) recovered from 2005 to 2007 and corresponding to 15 pulsed-field gel electrophoresis types were studied. The
Enterobacteriaceae
isolates corresponded to a hospital outbreak, and the
P. aeruginosa
isolates were sporadically recovered. The genetic context of the integrons carrying
bla
VIM-1
(arbitrarily designated types A, B, C, and D) was characterized by PCR mapping based on known Tn
402
and mercury transposons and further sequencing. Among
Enterobacteriaceae
isolates,
bla
VIM-1
was part of integrons located either in an In2-Tn
402
element linked to Tn
21
(type A; In110-
bla
VIM-1
-
aacA4-aadA1
) or in a Tn
402
transposon lacking the whole
tni
module [type B; In113-
bla
VIM-1
-
aacA4-dhfrII
(also called
dfrB1
)-
aadA1-catB2
] and the transposon was associated with an IncHI2 or IncI1 plasmid, respectively. Among
P. aeruginosa
isolates,
bla
VIM-1
was part of a new gene cassette array located in a defective Tn
402
transposon carrying either
tniB
Δ
3
and
tniA
(type C;
bla
VIM-1
-
aadA1
) or
tniC
and Δ
tniQ
(type D;
bla
VIM-1
-
aadB
), and both Tn
402
variants were associated with conjugative plasmids of 30 kb. The dissemination of
bla
VIM-1
was associated with different genetic structures and bacterial hosts, depicting a complex emergence and evolutionary network scenario in our facility, Ramón y Cajal University Hospital, Madrid, Spain. Knowledge of the complex epidemiology of
bla
VIM-1
is necessary to control this emerging threat.
Effects of the Combination of Favipiravir (T-705) and Oseltamivir on Influenza A Virus Infections in Mice
Authors: Smee Donald F. , Hurst Brett L. , Wong Min-Hui , Bailey Kevin W. , Tarbet E. Bart , Morrey John D. , Furuta Yousuke
Published: November 2009

Favipiravir (T-705 [6-fluoro-3-hydroxy-2-pyrazinecarboxamide]) and oseltamivir were combined to treat influenza virus A/NWS/33 (H1N1), A/Victoria/3/75 (H3N2), and A/Duck/MN/1525/81 (H5N1) infections. T-705 alone inhibited viruses in cell culture at 1.4 to 4.3 μM. Oseltamivir inhibited these three viruses in cells at 3.7, 0.02, and 0.16 μM and in neuraminidase assays at 0.94, 0.46, and 2.31 nM, respectively. Oral treatments were given twice daily to mice for 5 to 7 days starting, generally, 24 h after infection. Survival resulting from 5 days of oseltamivir treatment (0.1 and 0.3 mg/kg/day) was significantly better in combination with 20 mg/kg of body weight/day of T-705 against the H1N1 infection. Treatment of the H3N2 infection required 50 mg/kg/day of oseltamivir for 7 days to achieve 60% protection; 25 mg/kg/day was ineffective. T-705 was ≥70% protective at 50 to 100 mg/kg/day but inactive at 25 mg/kg/day. The combination of inhibitors (25 mg/kg/day each) increased survival to 90%. The H5N1 infection was not benefited by treatment with oseltamivir (≤100 mg/kg/day for 7 days). T-705 was 30 to 70% protective at 25 to 100 mg/kg/day. Survival improved slightly with combination treatments. Increased activity was seen against H5N1 infection by starting treatments 2 h before infection. Oseltamivir was ineffective at ≤40 mg/kg/day. T-705 was 100% protective at 40 and 80 mg/kg/day and inactive at 20 mg/kg/day. Combining ineffective doses (20 mg/kg/day of T-705 and 10 to 40 mg/kg/day of oseltamivir) afforded 60 to 80% protection and improved body weights during infection. Thus, synergistic responses were achieved with low doses of T-705 combined with oseltamivir. These compounds may be viable candidates for combination treatment of human influenza infections.
Tetraspanin CD81 Is Required for
Listeria monocytogenes
Invasion
Authors: Tham To Nam , Gouin Edith , Rubinstein Eric , Boucheix Claude , Cossart Pascale , Pizarro-Cerda Javier
Published: November 2009

Listeria monocytogenes
is an intracellular bacterial pathogen that invades epithelial cells by subverting two cellular receptors, E-cadherin and Met. We recently identified type II phosphatidylinositol 4-kinases α and β (PI4KIIα and PI4KIIβ) as being required for bacterial entry downstream of Met. In this work, we investigated whether tetraspanins CD9, CD63, and CD81, which figure among the few described molecular partners of PI4KIIα, function as molecular adaptors recruiting PI4KIIα to the bacterial entry site. We observed by fluorescence microscopy that CD9, CD63, and CD81 are expressed and detected at the cellular surface and also within intracellular compartments, particularly in the case of CD63. In resting cells, colocalization of tetraspanins and PI4KIIα is detectable only in restricted areas of the perinuclear region. Upon infection with
Listeria
, endogenous CD9, CD63, and CD81 were recruited to the bacterial entry site but did not colocalize strictly with endogenous PI4KIIα. Live-cell imaging confirmed that tetraspanins and PI4KIIα do not follow the same recruitment dynamics to the
Listeria
entry site. Depletion of CD9, CD63, and CD81 levels by small interfering RNA demonstrated that CD81 is required for bacterial internalization, identifying for the first time a role for a member of the tetraspanin family in the entry of
Listeria
into target cells. Moreover, depletion of CD81 inhibits the recruitment of PI4KIIα but not that of the Met receptor to the bacterial entry site, suggesting that CD81 may act as a membrane organizer required for the integrity of signaling events occurring at
Listeria
entry sites.
CD44 Deficiency Is Associated with EnhancedEscherichia coli-Induced Proinflammatory Cytokine and Chemokine Release by Peritoneal Macrophages
Authors: van der Windt Gerritje J. W. , van ′t Veer Cornelis , Florquin Sandrine , van der Poll Tom
Published: November 2009

CD44 is involved in several immune responses, such as cellular adhesion, migration, proliferation, and activation. Peritonitis is an important cause of sepsis, andEscherichia coliis one of the major pathogens involved therein. We sought to determine the role of CD44 in the host response toE. coli-induced abdominal sepsis and to assess the function of CD44 in the activation of primary peritoneal macrophages byE. colior lipopolysaccharide (LPS) purified from this bacterium by using wild-type (WT) and CD44 knockout (KO) mice. CD44 KO mice already demonstrated enhanced CXC chemokine levels in peritoneal lavage fluid at 6 h after infection, whereas tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 levels were elevated at 20 h postinfection. In line with this, CD44 KO mouse peritoneal macrophages released more TNF-α and macrophage inflammatory protein 2 (MIP-2) than did WT cells upon stimulation withE. colior LPS in the presence of autologous serum. In contrast, plasma TNF-α levels were lower in CD44 KO mice and CD44 KO blood leukocytes secreted similar amounts of TNF-α and MIP-2 uponex vivoincubation withE. colior LPS. The proinflammatory phenotype of CD44 KO macrophages was not associated with an altered expression of inhibitors of Toll-like receptor signaling, whereas it could be partially reversed by addition of WT serum. CD44 deficiency did not impact on leukocyte recruitment into the peritoneal cavity or organ failure. These data suggest that CD44 differentially influences cytokine and chemokine release by different leukocyte subsets.
RATIONALLY ℵα-COMPLETE COMMUTATIVE RINGS OF QUOTIENTS
Authors: LAGRANGE JOHN D.
Published: November 2009

If {Ri}i ∈ I is a family of rings, then it is well-known that Q(Ri) = Q(Q(Ri)) and Q(∏i∈I Ri) = ∏i∈I Q(Ri), where Q(R) denotes the maximal ring of quotients of R. This paper contains an investigation of how these results generalize to the rings of quotients Qα(R) defined by ideals generated by dense subsets of cardinality less than ℵα. The special case of von Neumann regular rings is studied. Furthermore, a generalization of a theorem regarding orthogonal completions is established. Illustrative example are presented.
RATIONAL RINGS RELATED TO WEAKLY TRANSITIVE TORSION-FREE ABELIAN GROUPS
Authors: MEEHAN CHRIS , STRÜNGMANN LUTZ
Published: November 2009

We study subgroups R of the rational numbers ℚ having the property that for every pair of integers m, n such that gcd(m, n) = 1 and gcd(m, p) = gcd(n, p) = 1 whenever p is in the spectrum of R there is a unit u of R and an element r ∈ R such that un + rm = 1. These rings are closely related to weakly transitive separable groups. We prove that the property is dependent on the spectrum of the rational group in question and that the spectrum may be very complicated.
Ex vivo Gene Electrotransfer to the Endothelium of Organ Cultured Human Corneas
Authors: He Zhiguo , Pipparelli Aurélien , Manissolle Chloé , Acquart Sophie , Garraud Olivier , Gain Philippe , Thuret Gilles
Published: November 2009

Aims: To describe an innovative device that allows gene electrotransfer to human corneal endothelial cells (EC) during storage in organ culture. Methods: Customized electrodes without endothelial contact were developed. Two plasmids containing the cytomegalovirus promoter and reporter genes [enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) or beta-galactosidase (β-gal)] were electroporated in 2 series of human corneas with eight 1-Hz 100-ms pulses of 125 mA square current. Controls were exposed to naked DNA without electric pulses. eGFP-transduced corneas were used to determine the transgene expression kinetics, whereas β-gal measured transfection efficiency using image analysis tools. Overall, endothelial toxicity was determined by: (1) cytotoxicity tests using triple staining with Hoechst 33342, ethidium homodimer III, and calcein AM, 3 h and 3 and 14 days after electroporation on the series of 15 eGFP-transfected paired corneas; (2) anti-ZO-1 staining to assess tight junctions’ integrity. Results: All electroporated corneas carried transfected ECs, whereas the controls carried none. eGFP expression was observed 3 h after electrotransfer, and was then present from days 1 to 28. Transfection efficiency determined on 63 corneas transfected with β-gal ranged from 0.1 to 54% of the transfected ECs (mean ± SD: 7 ± 11%, median: 2.9%) with significant reproducibility for paired corneas from the same donor. Electroporation produced low early EC death. Anti ZO-1 staining revealed no dramatic change in EC mosaic continuity, neither 1 and 3 nor 28 days after electroporation. Conclusions: Gene electrotransfer to the endothelium of organ-cultured human corneas with custom-designed electrodes allows rapid and easy EC transfection. However, further optimization is required to ensure reproducible results.
Das Carcinoma erysipelatodes
Authors: Zala L. , Jenni C.
Published: November 2009

Carcinoma erysipelatodes (inflammatory metastatic carcinoma) is a rare metastatic carcinoma in the skin. It is usually associated with breast carcinoma, and the prognosis is short-termed. It closely resembles an acute infection, such as erysipelas or cellulitis. 2 patients with this syndrome are presented. One of them had carcinoma of portio uteri. The clinical appearance and the histological pathognomony are described, and a review of the literature is given.
Deficit of Cell-Mediated Immunity, Chromosomal Alterations and Defective DNA Repair in a Case of Dyskeratosis Congenita
Authors: Giannetti A. , Seidenari S.
Published: November 2009

A case of dyskeratosis congenita with depressed responsiveness to policlonal mitogens (PHA, Con-A, PKM) and negative skin tests (PPD, SK-SD, Candidin, Trichophytin) is reported. Chromatid breaks and reduction of the capacity of DNA repair were also present. The findings are discussed in relationship to the prognosis of dyskeratosis congenita.
The Retinoic Acid Derivative Ro 11-1430 (Tasmademi®) in Patients with Acne vulgaris not Tolerating Retinoic Acid
Authors: Christiansen Jørgen , Gadborg Ejnar , Hattel Thais , Justesen Ole , Ludvigsen Knud , Møllenbach Kirsten , Nørholm Asger , Reymann Flemming , Schmidt Henning
Published: November 2009

In a double-blind randomized comparative multicenter trial, consisting of 29 patients with acne vulgaris who were unable to tolerate daily applications of retinoic acid, the retinoic acid derivative Ro 11–1430 (0.1% vanishing cream) was compared in a 6–8 weeks topical treatment with vanishing cream alone (placebo). Regarding efficacy, for most criteria measured the response was always better with Ro 11–1430 than with placebo, although the differences were not always statistically significant for several reasons, one probably being the small number of patients in the trial. Regarding tolerance, both treatments were satisfactory. Ro 11–1430 and placebo did not differ significantly regarding frequency and severity of erythema, desquamation and burning. These results suggest that treatment with Ro 11–1430 should be considered in acne patients who are unable to use retinoic acid due to severe local reactions.
If the Fetus Can Vocalize, How Can We Detect It?
Authors: Ishii Takemochi , Horiguchi Sadao , Kato Tadaaki , Waturi Naoshi , Hirose Michitaka , Hirota Kohichi
Published: November 2009

In this paper, a method to detect the vocal activities of the fetus is reported. An estimation of the intensity and frequency of the voice was made on the assumption that the fetus can vocalize. Based upon these results, experiments to detect the voice were made. From the analysis of the results, it was made clear that the voice seemed to be buried in the noise and difficult to detect.
Developmental Change of Sucking Response to Taste in Infants
Authors: Maekawa Kihei , Sano Megumi , Nakae Yohichiro
Published: November 2009

Seventy-one full-term normal newborns were studied at the age of 5–7 days. A 0.1% tartrate or a 0.25% saline solution was given to each infant after 1–2 min of breast or bottle feeding and then the same solutions were once more given to the same subjects. Sucking rhythm was recorded and the infants’ behavioral reactions were observed by examiners and analyzed on videotape. There were individual differences in the newborn’s response to taste. Infants showed a similar response tendency to tartric acid and saline solution, when given on two different occasions, respectively. But generally they reacted more strongly to saline than to tartrate. Next, sucking response to taste was studied in 20 infants once a month from birth until 5 months old. Five of them had severe brain damage and the other 15 infants were normal. The methods used were the same as those described in part 1. All 5 infants with severe brain damage initially showed a strong reaction and then a decrease of reaction. Fourteen normal infants were followed until 5 months of age: 12 of them showed a decrease of reaction between 1 and 5 months. Most of them showed decrement between 3 and 5 months. From our results, sucking response to taste in the newborns is assumed to be a subcortical reflex and not a cortically recognizable one. It might be called a primitive sucking response, which gradually decreases like any other primitive reflex does.
Diagnostische Probleme beim gleichzeitigen Auftreten von bullösen Dermatosen und Lupus erythematodes visceralis
Authors: Meyer A. , Jenni Ch. , Krebs A.
Published: November 2009

This report describes a patient, whom we observed for 3 years, exhibiting a coincidence of dermatitis herpetiformis Duhring and systemic Lupus erythematosus. The difficulties involved in demarcating bullous lupus erythematosus from the more rare association of bullous pemphigoid or dermatitis herpetiformis with systemic lupus erythematosus are discussed in connection with differential, histological, direct and indirect immunofluorescence diagnostic aids.
Über einen Fall von Keratosis follicularis spinulosa decalvans
Authors: Šalamon T. , Gvozdenović B.
Published: November 2009

The case of a 2-year-old boy with keratosis follicularis spinulosa decalvans is described. One of his sisters had keratosis follicularis of the upper arms, forearms, thighs and legs as well as blepharoconjunctivitis chronica catarrhalis bilateralis and was considered as forme fruste of the anomaly. His mother had sparse eyebrows. The mode of inheritance and the Lyon hypothesis are discussed.
Within-Day Variation in Spatial Memory Deficit Induced by Scopolamine
Authors: Fujitaka Hiroki , Okada Akiko , Masuoka Takayoshi , Kamei Chiaki
Published: November 2009

We studied the effect of scopolamine on radial maze performance during both light and dark periods in sham and suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN)-lesioned rats. Scopolamine dose-dependently caused a significant increase in the number of total, reference memory and working memory errors during both light and dark periods. The extent of memory deficit induced by scopolamine in the light period was significantly higher than in the dark period. The difference in the scopolamine effect between light and dark periods disappeared completely after SCN lesioning. These results clearly indicate that within-day variation in the effect of scopolamine was controlled by circadian rhythm.
Polymorphism rs4934 of SERPINA3 and Sporadic Intracranial Aneurysms in the Chinese Population
Authors: Liu Wei , Zhu Yufang , Ge Mingxu , Pang Qi , Yu Yanbing
Published: November 2009

Background: Serine protease inhibitor member 3 of clade A (SERPINA3) has been shown as a risk factor for aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage in a Polish population. In the present study, the authors investigated the correlation between the rs4934 polymorphism of SERPINA3 and sporadic intracranial aneurysms in Chinese patients. Methods: The rs4934 polymorphism of SERPINA3 was identified by PCR and Taqman MGB probe analysis in genomic DNA from 275 patients with sporadic intracranial aneurysms (mean age 50.83 ± 10.78 years) and 361 control participants (mean age 53.21 ± 10.81 years). Differences in allelic and genotypic frequencies between the patient and control groups were evaluated with the χ2 test. Results: No significant difference was found in either the genotype distribution or allelic frequencies of SERPINA3 between patients and controls. Conclusions: The rs4934 polymorphism of SERPINA3 is not associated with sporadic intracranial aneurysms among individuals of Chinese Han ethnicity.
Hypothalamic Ghrelin Suppresses Pulsatile Secretion of Luteinizing Hormone via β-Endorphin in Ovariectomized Rats
Authors: Ogata Rie , Matsuzaki Toshiya , Iwasa Takeshi , Kiyokawa Machiko , Tanaka Naoko , Kuwahara Akira , Yasui Toshiyuki , Irahara Minoru
Published: November 2009

Objectives: Ghrelin, an endogenous growth hormone secretagogue, is a known accelerator of feeding behavior and suppresses pulsatile secretion of luteinizing hormone (LH) in ovariectomized rats. However, the mechanisms underlying this action remain unclear. We examined the effects of naloxone (NAL), a specific opioid antagonist, on the suppression of pulsatile LH secretion by ghrelin to determine whether β-endorphin (β-END) is involved in this suppressive effect. Methods: Ghrelin was administered intracerebroventricularly, and NAL was injected intravenously in ovariectomized rats; then, serum LH concentrations were measured by radioimmunoassay in blood samples drawn every 6 min for 2 h to analyze pulsatile secretion. Results: Administration of ghrelin significantly reduced mean LH concentration and pulse frequency. Coadministration of NAL with ghrelin significantly restored mean LH concentration and pulse frequency. Conclusion: Suppressive effect of intracerebroventricular injection of ghrelin on pulsatile LH secretion was mediated by β-END, suggesting that hypothalamic ghrelin suppressed pulsatile gonadotropin-releasing hormone secretion via β-END in female rats.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Intracranial Immature Teratoma
Authors: Huang Xiang , Zhang Rong , Zhou Liang-Fu
Published: November 2009

Objective: The purpose of this paper is toexplore the clinical features, treatment and prognosis of intracranial immature teratomas. Methods: The clinical data, serum levels of tumor markers, treatment regimens and prognosis of 15 patients with intracranial immature teratomas were reviewed retrospectively. Results: In patients whose plasma α-fetoprotein (AFP) and β-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-HCG) were determined, AFP and β-HCG were elevated in 57.1 and 16.7% of the cases, respectively. All patients received surgical treatment. The tumor was totally removed in 12 cases, subtotally in 2, and partially in 1 case. After surgery, of the 15 patients, 9 received radiotherapy, 4 gamma knife surgery and 7 chemotherapy. Thirteen patients were followed up. Compared to the common 5-year survival rate of 40%, in patients who received gamma knife surgery, the 5-year survival rate after surgery was 100%, which is better than the 5-year survival rate of patients who did not receive gamma knife surgery (p = 0.0049). Postoperative radiotherapy and chemical therapy had no significant impact on the 5-year survival rate (p > 0.05). Conclusions: The prognosis of intracranial immature teratomas is poor. The detection of their clinical manifestation, the analysis of imaging features and the serum levels of tumor markers are helpful in diagnosing intracranial teratomas. The total removal of the tumor is important to cure the disease. We did not see a difference in outcome between patients who received postoperative chemotherapy or radiotherapy and those who did not. Regular follow-up MRI examinations are necessary so that the conditions of the patients can be closely monitored. If a patient has residual or recurrent tumor after surgery, gamma knife surgery can be effective.
Heart Rate Predicts Outcomes in an Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator Population
Authors: Ahmadi-Kashani Mastaneh , Kessler David J. , Day John , Bunch T. Jared , Stolen Kira Q. , Brown Scott , Sbaity Salam , Olshansky Brian
Published: November 2009

Background—

Elevated heart rate (HR) is associated with adverse cardiovascular events and total mortality in the general population and in individuals with heart disease. Our hypothesis was that mean HR predicts total mortality and heart failure hospitalization in patients undergoing implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) implantation.

Methods and Results—

The Inhibition of Unnecessary RV Pacing With AV Search Hysteresis in ICDs (INTRINSIC RV) trial included 1530 patients undergoing ICD implantation. After implantation of a dual-chamber ICD, patients were followed for a mean of 10.4 months. The mean HR for 1436 patients over the follow-up period was determined from device histograms. Patients were grouped into strata by mean HR, and the relationship between the primary end point and mean HR was analyzed with Mantel-Haenszel ordinal χ
2
tests. Higher intrinsic (unpaced) HR was associated with greater risk of achieving the primary end point of death or heart failure hospitalization (
P
<0.001). Of patients with a mean HR <75 bpm, 5.8% died or were hospitalized for heart failure, whereas 20.9% with a mean HR >90 bpm achieved the same end point, a 3.6-fold difference (
P
<0.0001). In a multivariate model with the use of Cox regression, HR was a significant predictor with a hazard ratio of 1.34 (
P
=0.0001; 95% confidence interval, 1.19 to 1.50), as were age, New York Heart Association functional class, and percent right ventricular pacing, but it was independent of gender and β-blocker dosing. When considered as continuous or discrete variables grouped by 5-bpm increments, HR remained a significant predictor.

Conclusions—

In this ICD population, the mean intrinsic HR was strongly associated with outcomes.

Clinical Trial Registration—

http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Identifier: NCT00148967.
Prognostic Significance of Delayed-Enhancement Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Cheong Benjamin Y.C. , Muthupillai Raja , Wilson James M. , Sung Angela , Huber Steffen , Amin Samir , Elayda MacArthur A. , Lee Vei-Vei , Flamm Scott D.
Published: November 2009

Background—

Left ventricular ejection fraction is a powerful independent predictor of survival in cardiac patients, especially those with coronary artery disease. Delayed-enhancement magnetic resonance imaging (DE-MRI) can accurately identify irreversible myocardial injury with high spatial and contrast resolution. To date, relatively limited data are available on the prognostic value of DE-MRI, so we sought to determine whether DE-MRI findings independently predict survival.

Methods and Results—

The medical records of 857 consecutive patients who had complete cine and DE-MRI evaluation at a tertiary care center were reviewed regardless of whether the patients had coronary artery disease. The presence and extent of myocardial scar were evaluated qualitatively by a single experienced observer. The primary, composite end point was all-cause mortality or cardiac transplantation. Survival data were obtained from the Social Security Death Index. The median follow-up was 4.4 years; 252 patients (29%) reached one of the end points. Independent predictors of mortality or transplantation included congestive heart failure, ejection fraction, and age (
P
<0.0001 for each), as well as scar index (hazard ratio, 1.26; 95% confidence interval, 1.02 to 1.55;
P
=0.033). Similarly, in subsets of patients with or without coronary artery disease, scar index also independently predicted mortality or transplantation (hazard ratio, 1.33; 95% confidence interval, 1.05 to 1.68;
P
=0.018; and hazard ratio, 5.65; 95% confidence interval, 1.74 to 18.3;
P
=0.004, respectively). Cox regression analysis showed worse outcome in patients with any DE in addition to depressed left ventricular ejection fraction (<50%).

Conclusion—

The degree of DE detected by DE-MRI appears to strongly predict all-cause mortality or cardiac transplantation after adjustment for traditional, well-known prognosticators.
A Common Variant at 9p21 Is Associated With Sudden and Arrhythmic Cardiac Death
Authors: Newton-Cheh Christopher , Cook Nancy R. , VanDenburgh Martin , Rimm Eric B. , Ridker Paul M. , Albert Christine M.
Published: November 2009

Background—

Although a heritable basis for sudden cardiac death (SCD) is suggested by the impact of family history on SCD risk, common genetic determinants have been difficult to identify. We hypothesized that a common variant at chromosome 9p21 related to myocardial infarction would influence SCD risk.

Methods and Results—

This was a prospective, nested, case-control analysis among individuals of European ancestry enrolled in 6 prospective cohort studies. Study subjects were followed up for development of SCD, and genotypes for rs10757274 were determined for 492 sudden and/or arrhythmic deaths and 1460 controls matched for age, sex, cohort, history of cardiovascular disease, and follow-up time. Conditional logistic regression with fixed-effects meta-analysis assuming an additive model was used to test for associations. When individual study results were combined in the meta-analysis, each increasing copy of the G allele at rs10757274 conferred a significantly elevated age-adjusted odds ratio for SCD of 1.21 (95% confidence interval, 1.04 to 1.40;
P
=0.01). Controlling for cardiovascular and lifestyle risk factors strengthened these relationships (odds ratio, 1.29 per G-allele copy; 95% confidence interval, 1.09 to 1.53;
P
=0.003). These results were not materially altered in sensitivity analyses limited to definite SCD, in models that further controlled for the development of interim cardiovascular disease, or when the highly correlated variant rs2383207 was tested.

Conclusions—

The major allele of a single-nucleotide polymorphism previously associated with increased risk of coronary artery disease events is associated with increased risk of SCD in individuals of European ancestry. Study of the mechanism underlying this association may improve our understanding of lethal cardiovascular disease.
Outcomes of Patients With Acute Type A Aortic Intramural Hematoma
Authors: Song Jae-Kwan , Yim Ji Hye , Ahn Jung-Min , Kim Dae-Hee , Kang Joon-Won , Lee Taek Yeon , Song Jong-Min , Choo Suk Jung , Kang Duk-Hyun , Chung Cheol Hyun , Lee Jae Won , Lim Tae-Hwan
Published: November 2009

Background—

The proper treatment option for patients with type A intramural hematoma (IMH), a variant form of classic aortic dissection (AD), remains controversial. We assessed the outcome of our institutional policy of urgent surgery for unstable patients and initial medical treatment for stable patients with surgery in cases with complications.

Methods and Results—

Among 357 consecutive patients with type A acute aortic syndrome, 101 (28.3%) had IMH and 256 had AD. Urgent operations were performed in 224 patients with AD (87.5%) and 16 with unstable IMH (15.8%;
P
<0.001). The remaining 85 stable IMH patients received initial medical treatment, and adverse clinical events developed in 31 patients (36.5%) within 6 months, which included development of AD (n=25), delayed surgery (n=25), or death (n=6). Initial aorta diameter and hematoma thickness were independent predictors for development of these events, and the best cutoff values were 55 and 16 mm, respectively. The overall hospital mortality was lower in IMH patients than in AD patients (7.9% [8/101] versus 17.2% [44/256];
P
=0.0296) and was comparable to that of surgically treated AD patients (7.9% versus 10.7% [24/224];
P
=0.56). The 1-, 2-, and 3-year survival rates of IMH patients were 87.6±3.6%, 84.9±3.7%, and 83.1±4.1%, respectively. There was no statistical difference of overall survival rates between patients with IMH and surgically treated AD patients (
P
=0.787).

Conclusions—

The clinical outcome of IMH patients receiving treatment by our policy was comparable to that of surgically treated AD patients. However, adverse clinical events were not uncommon with medical treatment alone, and initial aorta diameter and hematoma thickness may identify patients who might benefit from urgent surgery.
Induction of Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases Is Proportional to the Amount of Pressure Overload
Authors: Esposito Giovanni , Perrino Cinzia , Schiattarella Gabriele Giacomo , Belardo Lorena , di Pietro Elisa , Franzone Anna , Capretti Giuliana , Gargiulo Giuseppe , Pironti Gianluigi , Cannavo Alessandro , Sannino Anna , Izzo Raffaele , Chiariello Massimo
Published: November 2009

Pressure overload has been shown to induce mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and reactivate the atrial natriuretic factor in the heart. To test the sensitivity of these signals to pressure overload, we assayed the activity of MAPKs extracellular signal–regulated kinase, c-Jun N-terminal kinase 1, and p38 in protein lysates from the left ventricle (LV) or white blood cells (WBC) isolated from aortic banded mice with varying levels of pressure overload. In separated mice we measured atrial natriuretic factor mRNA levels by Northern blotting. As expected, a significant induction of atrial natriuretic factor mRNA levels was observed after aortic banding, and it significantly correlated with the
trans
-stenotic systolic pressure gradient but not with the LV weight:body weight ratio. In contrast, a significant correlation with systolic pressure gradient or LV weight:body weight ratio was observed for all of the MAPK activity detected in LV samples or WBCs. Importantly, LV activation of MAPKs significantly correlated with their activation in WBCs from the same animal. To test whether MAPK activation in WBCs might reflect uncontrolled blood pressure levels in humans, we assayed extracellular signal–regulated kinase, c-Jun N-terminal kinase 1, and p38 activation in WBCs isolated from normotensive volunteers, hypertensive patients with controlled blood pressure values, or hypertensive patients with uncontrolled blood pressure values. Interestingly, in hypertensive patients with controlled blood pressure values, LV mass and extracellular signal–regulated kinase phosphorylation were significantly reduced compared with those in hypertensive patients with uncontrolled blood pressure values. These results suggest that MAPKs are sensors of pressure overload and that extracellular signal–regulated kinase activation in WBCs might be used as a novel surrogate biomarker of uncontrolled human hypertension.
Evidence for Sympathetic Origins of Hypertension in Juvenile Offspring of Obese Rats
Authors: Samuelsson Anne-Maj , Morris Abigail , Igosheva Natalia , Kirk Shona L. , Pombo Joaquim M.C. , Coen Clive W. , Poston Lucilla , Taylor Paul D.
Published: November 2009

Maternal obesity in rodents is associated with increased adiposity, impaired glucose tolerance, and hypertension in adult offspring. In this study we investigated the influence of maternal obesity in the rat on blood pressure and blood pressure regulatory pathways in juvenile and adult offspring. Obesity was induced before pregnancy in female Sprague-Dawley rats by feeding a highly palatable energy-dense diet. In juvenile animals (30 days of age), before the onset of obesity and hyperleptinemia, basal nighttime mean arterial pressure was significantly raised in the offspring of obese dams (OffOb) relative to offspring of controls (OffCon; mean arterial pressure, males: OffOb, 121.8±0.6 mm Hg versus OffCon, 115.0±0.5 mm Hg, n=6,
P
<0.01; females: OffOb, 125.4±0.4 mm Hg versus OffCon, 114.4±0.5 mm Hg, n=6,
P
<0.001), as was the mean arterial pressure response to restraint stress (
P
<0.01). The pressor response to a leptin challenge was enhanced in OffOb rats (Δmean arterial pressure: OffOb, 9.7±0.8 mm Hg versus OffCon, 5.3±1.3 mm Hg; n=8;
P
<0.05). Renal tissue norepinephrine content (
P
<0.001) and renin expression (
P
<0.05) were markedly raised. Analysis of heart rate variability revealed an increased low:high frequency ratio in OffOb versus OffCon rats (
P
<0.05). At 90 days, hypertension in OffOb rats persisted and was abolished by α1- and β-adrenergic blockade, and cardiovascular responses to phenylephrine or sodium nitroprusside indicated altered baroreceptor function. The exaggerated pressor response to leptin in OffOb rats was maintained. Hypertension in the offspring of obese rats may arise from persistent sympathoexcitatory hyperresponsiveness acquired in early stages of development.