bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of hirame rhabdovirus growth by RNA aptamers
Authors: Hwang S D , Midorikawa N , Punnarak P , Kikuchi Y , Kondo H , Hirono I , Aoki T
Published: September 2012

RNA aptamers are artificial nucleic acids that specifically bind to a wide variety of targets. They are an effective tool for pharmaceutical research and development of antiviral agents. Here, we describe four Hirame rhabdovirus (HIRRV)‐RNA aptamers (H1, H2, H3 and H4) that we obtained from an in vitro process called the systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX). The HIRRV‐RNA aptamers specifically bind to HIRRV. Hirame natural embryo (HINAE) cells treated with virus and the RNA aptamer showed a decrease in appearance of cytopathic effect when compared with control (treated only with virus). Rhodovulum sulfidophilum was transformed with genes for the RNA aptamers, and the aptamers were detected in the culture medium, indicating that they were secreted from the cells. Thus, the recombinant R. sulfidophilum might be a powerful tool for the prevention of HIRRV in aquaculture.
Integration of natural data within a numerical model of ablative subduction: a possible interpretation for the Alpine dynamics of the Austroalpine crust
Authors: RODA M. , SPALLA M. I. , MAROTTA A. M.
Published: September 2012

A numerical modelling approach is used to validate the physical and geological reliability of the ablative subduction mechanism during Alpine convergence in order to interpret the tectonic and metamorphic evolution of an inner portion of the Alpine belt: the Austroalpine Domain. The model predictions and the natural data for the Austroalpine of the Western Alps agree very well in terms of P–T peak conditions, relative chronology of peak and exhumation events, P–T–t paths, thermal gradients and the tectonic evolution of the continental rocks. These findings suggest that a pre‐collisional evolution of this domain, with the burial of the continental rocks (induced by ablative subduction of the overriding Adria plate) and their exhumation (driven by an upwelling flow generated in a hydrated mantle wedge) could be a valid mechanism that reproduces the actual tectono‐metamorphic configuration of this part of the Alps. There is less agreement between the model predictions and the natural data for the Austroalpine of the Central‐Eastern Alps. Based on the natural data available in the literature, a critical discussion of the other proposed mechanisms is presented, and additional geological factors that should be considered within the numerical model are suggested to improve the fitting to the numerical results; these factors include variations in the continental and/or oceanic thickness, variation of the subduction rate and/or slab dip, the initial thermal state of the passive margin, the occurrence of continental collision and an oblique convergence.
Orthodontic miniscrew failure rate and root proximity, insertion angle, bone contact length, and bone density
Authors: Watanabe H. , Deguchi T. , Hasegawa M. , Ito M. , Kim S. , Takano‐Yamamoto T.
Published: September 2012

Watanabe H., Deguchi T., Hasegawa M., Ito M., Kim S., Takano‐Yamamoto T.  Orthodontic miniscrew failure rate and root proximity, insertion angle, bone contact length, and bone density  Orthod Craniofac Res 2013; 16:44–55. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S

Structured Abstract

Objectives –  To test the hypothesis that there is no significant correlation between miniscrew failure rate and root proximity, insertion angle, bone contact length, and bone density.

Setting and Sample Population –  This study included 107 patients in whom 190 miniscrews had been placed from April 2008 to October 2009 in Tohoku University Hospital (Sendai, Japan).

Materials and Methods –  Cone beam computed tomography scans (CBCT) and periapical radiographs were taken before and after miniscrew placement. Differences in root proximity, screw insertion angle, bone contact length, and bone density were statistically compared; comparisons were also made between the CBCT images and periapical radiographs.

Results –  A significantly higher success rate was observed in the maxilla than in the mandible. The distance between the miniscrew and the root surface was significantly smaller in the failure group. There were no significant differences in the insertion angle, bone contact length, or bone density between the success group and the failure group. The concordance rate between the periapical dental radiographs and CBCT images was 46.5%.

Conclusion –  While bone contact length, miniscrew angle, and bone density did not exert major effects on miniscrew failure, root proximity was the factor that most affected miniscrew failure, especially for miniscrews placed in the mandible. CBCT was superior to periapical dental X‐rays for evaluating the proximity of miniscrews to the root. Correction of the X‐ray attenuation coefficient value was necessary for measuring bone density using CBCT.
Human standing is modified by an unconscious integration of congruent sensory and motor signals
Authors: Luu Billy L. , Inglis J. Timothy , Huryn Thomas P. , Van der Loos H. F. Machiel , Croft Elizabeth A. , Blouin Jean‐Sébastien
Published: September 2012

Key points

Electrical vestibular stimulation delivered at the mastoid processes evokes a reflex response in the appendicular muscles only when they are actively involved in keeping the unsupported head and body balanced.

We show that the vestibular‐evoked muscle response was present during a task that simulated the control of standing where sensory feedback was congruent with the motor‐generated expectation to balance the body, and absent when sensory feedback did not match.

The present results indicate that the task dependency of the vestibular‐evoked muscle response relies on congruent sensory and motor signals, and that this is organised in the absence of a conscious perception of postural control.

These findings help us understand how our brain combines sensory and motor signals to provide an internal representation of standing balance that can be used to assess whether a perturbation poses a postural threat.

Abstract  We investigate whether the muscle response evoked by an electrically induced vestibular perturbation during standing is related to congruent sensory and motor signals. A robotic platform that simulated the mechanics of a standing person was used to manipulate the relationship between the action of the calf muscles and the movement of the body. Subjects braced on top of the platform with the ankles sway referenced to its motion were required to balance its simulated body‐like load by modulating ankle plantar‐flexor torque. Here, afferent signals of body motion were congruent with the motor command to the calf muscles to balance the body. Stochastic vestibular stimulation (±4 mA, 0–25 Hz) applied during this task evoked a biphasic response in both soleus muscles that was similar to the response observed during standing for all subjects. When the body was rotated through the same motion experienced during the balancing task, a small muscle response was observed in only the right soleus and in only half of the subjects. However, the timing and shape of this response did not resemble the vestibular‐evoked response obtained during standing. When the balancing task was interspersed with periods of computer‐controlled platform rotations that emulated the balancing motion so that subjects thought that they were constantly balancing the platform, coherence between the input vestibular stimulus and soleus electromyogram activity decreased significantly (P < 0.05) during the period when plantar‐flexor activity did not affect the motion of the body. The decrease in coherence occurred at 175 ms after the transition to computer‐controlled motion, which subjects did not detect until after 2247 ms (Confidence Interval 1801, 2693), and then only half of the time. Our results indicate that the response to an electrically induced vestibular perturbation is organised in the absence of conscious perception when sensory feedback is congruent with the underlying motor behaviour.
Effects of Orientation and Position of the Combustor-Turbine Interface on the Cooling of a Vane Endwall
Authors: Thrift A. A. , Thole K. A. , Hada S.
Published: September 2012

First stage, nozzle guide vanes and accompanying endwalls are extensively cooled by the use of film cooling through discrete holes and leakage flow from the combustor-turbine interface gap. While there are cooling benefits from the interface gap, it is generally not considered as part of the cooling scheme. This paper reports on the effects of the position and orientation of a two-dimensional slot on the cooling performance of a nozzle guide vane endwall. In addition to surface thermal measurements, time-resolved, digital particle image velocimetry (TRDPIV) measurements were performed at the vane stagnation plane. Two slot orientations, 90 deg and 45 deg, and three streamwise positions were studied. Effectiveness results indicate a significant increase in area averaged effectiveness for the 45 deg slot relative to the 90 deg orientation. Flowfield measurements show dramatic differences in the horseshoe vortex formation.
Effect of Aggressive Inlet Swirl on Heat Transfer and Aerodynamics in an Unshrouded Transonic HP Turbine
Authors: Qureshi Imran , Beretta Arrigo , Chana Kam , Povey Thomas
Published: September 2012

Swirling flows are now widely being used in modern gas turbine combustors to improve the combustion characteristics, flame stability, and reduce emissions. Residual swirl at the combustor exit will affect the performance of the downstream high-pressure (HP) turbine. In order to perform a detailed investigation of the effect of swirl on a full-scale HP turbine stage, a combustor swirl simulator has been designed and commissioned in the Oxford Turbine Research Facility (OTRF), previously located at QinetiQ, Farnborough UK, as the Turbine Test Facility (TTF). The swirl simulator is capable of generating engine-representative combustor exit swirl distributions at the turbine inlet, with yaw and pitch angles of up to ± 40 deg. The turbine test facility is an engine scale, short duration, rotating transonic turbine facility, which simulates the engine representative M, Re, Tu, nondimensional speed, and gas-to-wall temperature ratio at the turbine inlet. The test turbine is a highly loaded unshrouded design (the MT1 turbine). This paper presents time-averaged experimental heat transfer measurements performed on the rotor casing surface, and on the rotor blade surface at 10%, 50%, and 90% span. Time-averaged rotor casing static pressure measurements are also presented. Experimental measurements with and without inlet swirl are compared. The measurements are discussed with the aid of three-dimensional steady and unsteady CFD simulations of the turbine stage. Numerical simulations were conducted using the Rolls-Royce in-house code HYDRA, with and without inlet swirl.
Influence of Unsteady Wake With Trailing Edge Coolant Ejection on Turbine Blade Film Cooling
Authors: Li Shiou-Jiuan , Rallabandi Akhilesh P. , Han Je-Chin
Published: September 2012

Detailed film cooling effectiveness distributions along a modeled turbine rotor blade under the combined effects of an upstream trailing edge unsteady wake with coolant ejection are presented using the pressure sensitive paint (PSP) mass transfer analogy method. The experiment is conducted in a low speed wind tunnel facility with a five blade linear cascade. The exit Reynolds number based on the axial chord is 370,000. Unsteady wakes and trailing edge coolant jets are produced by a spoked wheel-type wake generator with hollow rods equipped with several coolant ejections from holes. The coolant-to-mainstream density ratios for both the blade and trailing edge coolant ejection range from 1.5 to 2.0 for simulating realistic engine conditions. Blade blowing ratio studies are 0.5 and 1.0 on the suction surface and 1.0 and 2.0 on the pressure surface. The trailing edge jet blowing ratio and Strouhal numbers are 1.0 and 0.12, respectively. The results show that the unsteady wake reduces the overall film cooling effectiveness. However, the unsteady wake with trailing edge coolant ejection enhances the overall effectiveness. The results also show that the overall filming cooling effectiveness increases by using heavier coolant for trailing edge ejection and for blade surface film cooling.
Modeling of Impact in Multibody Systems: An Overview
Authors: Khulief Y. A.
Published: September 2012

This paper appraises the current status of research devoted to the problem of modeling impact in multibody systems. The paper presents a focused, yet coherent overview of the problem of modeling impulsive motions initiated by impacts in multibody systems in light of the reported literature, while highlighting the key research accomplishments, unresolved problems, and pending challenges. The paper begins with a brief overview of the mechanics of contact in two-body collisions, and then proceeds to review different approaches for modeling the dynamics of impact in rigid multibody mechanical systems and multibody systems of interconnected rigid and flexible bodies. The review concludes by shedding light on some pertinent computational considerations.
Active Flow Control Concepts on a Highly Loaded Subsonic Compressor Cascade: Résumé of Experimental and Numerical Results
Authors: Gmelin Christoph , Zander Vincent , Hecklau Martin , Thiele Frank , Nitsche Wolfgang , Huppertz André , Swoboda Marius
Published: September 2012

This paper presents experimental and numerical results for a highly loaded, low speed, linear compressor cascade with active flow control. Three active flow control concepts employing steady jets, pulsed jets, and zero mass flow jets (synthetic jets) are investigated at two different forcing locations: at the end walls and the blade suction side. Investigations are performed at the design incidence for jet-to-inlet velocity ratios of approximately 0.7 to 3.0 and two different Reynolds numbers. Detailed flow field data are collected using a five-hole pressure probe, pressure tabs on the blade surfaces, and time-resolved particle image velocimetry. Unsteady Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes simulations are performed for a wide range of flow control parameters. The experimental and numerical results are used to understand the interaction between the jet and the passage flow. Variation of jet amplitude, forcing frequency and blowing angle of the different control concepts at both locations allows determination of beneficial control parameters and offers a comparison between similar control approaches. This paper combines the advantages of an expensive yet reliable experiment and a fast but limited numerical simulation. Excellent agreement in control effectiveness is found between experiment and simulation.
The Fractional Linear Systems of Equations Within an Operational Approach
Authors: Baleanu Dumitru , Saadatmandi Abbas , Kadem Abdelouahab , Dehghan Mehdi
Published: September 2012

Fractional calculus is a rapidly going area from both experimental and theoretical points of view. As a result new methods and techniques should be developed in order to deal with new types of fractional differential equations. In this paper the operational matrix of fractional derivative together with the τ method are used to solve the linear systems of fractional differential equations. The results of this method are shown by solving three illustrative examples. By comparing the obtained results with the analytic solutions and with the ones provided by three standard methods for solving the fractional differential equations we conclude that our method gave comparable results.
Surface Stress Effect on the Pull-In Instability of Hydrostatically and Electrostatically Actuated Rectangular Nanoplates With Various Edge Supports
Authors: Ansari R. , Gholami R. , Faghih Shojaei M. , Mohammadi V. , Darabi M. A.
Published: September 2012

This paper is aimed to investigate the size-dependent pull-in behavior of hydrostatically and electrostatically actuated rectangular nanoplates including surface stress effects based on a modified continuum model. To this end, based on the Gurtin–Murdoch theory and Hamilton's principle, the governing equation and corresponding boundary conditions of an actuated nanoplate are derived; the step-by-step linearization scheme and the differential quadrature (GDQ) method are used to discretize the governing equation and associated boundary conditions. The effects of the thickness of the nanoplate, surface elastic modulus and residual surface stress on the pull-in instability of the nanoplate are investigated. Plates made of two different materials including aluminum (Al) and silicon (Si) are selected to explain the variation of the pull-in voltage and pressure with respect to plate thickness.
Modeling of a Thermal-Electrical-Mechanical Coupled Field Contact
Authors: Hennessy R. P. , McGruer N. E. , Adams G. G.
Published: September 2012

This paper presents a finite element approach for modeling a thermal-electrical-mechanical coupled-field contact comprised of an elastic hemisphere pressed against an elastic half-space. The goal of this investigation is to develop a fundamental understanding of the behavior of this multiphysics contact, with a particular interest on the contact area through which current flows. The results from the model illustrate a distinct difference in contact behavior between force control and displacement control in the presence of an applied electrical potential/current. It is shown that, while Hertz contact theory can be used to accurately predict the behavior of the contact under force control, a new relationship is established to accurately predict the behavior of the contact under displacement control.
Power Analysis of Epicyclic Transmissions Based on Constraints
Authors: Chen Chao
Published: September 2012

Epicyclic gear transmissions have many applications. The internal power flow of epicyclic systems is highly related to the power loss of the system. A systematic method and generic formulas based on kinematic constraints are derived to conduct the power flow analysis, by means of Lagrange multipliers and newly introduced selection matrices. The method and formulas can be readily applied to complicated epicyclic systems. The graphic representation of the power flow of two examples verifies the balance of the power flow and virtual power flow. In the example of the Dual-E powertrain for hybrid electrical vehicles, an estimation of the total efficiency is derived. The pattern of contour maps of the total efficiency indicates the operational ranges of the powertrain with relatively low power losses.
Confined, Milliscale Unsteady Laminar Impinging Slot Jets: Effects of Slot Width on Surface Stagnation Point Nusselt Numbers
Authors: Hee Lee Dae , Ryeol Bae Jong , Ryu Mira , Ligrani Phil
Published: September 2012

The effects of slot width for confined, laminar impinging slot jets of millimeter-scale are considered, including experimental measurements of spatially resolved distributions of local Nusselt numbers measured on a constant heat flux surface. The effects of Reynolds number, nozzle-to-plate distance, and dimensional slot width on the local Nusselt number are investigated for slot nozzle width B values of 0.5 mm, 1.0 mm, and 1.5 mm. Reynolds numbers Re range from 120 to 200, nozzle-to-plate distances H/B vary from 0.75 to 12.5, and the nozzle aspect ratio y/B is 50. Observed are different stagnation point Nusselt number Nuo variations with Re, H/B, and B, where the onset of unsteadiness, and the intermittent flapping motion of the jet column are both associated with important variations to local, stagnation region Nusselt numbers Nuo, as experimental configuration and condition change. The variations of these stagnation-point Nusselt numbers associated with these two modes of unsteadiness are characterized by correlations which provide the dependence upon Reynolds number and normalized nozzle-to-plate distance ratio, H/B, for different dimensional values of B. Also presented are stagnation region Nusselt number variations, for steady, impingement jets at values of H/B less than 4.6–7.8. These are characterized by three separate regimes of behavior, each of which shows significantly different Nuo dependence upon Re, H/B, and B.
Adhesive Contact of Elastic-Plastic Layered Media: Effective Tabor Parameter and Mode of Surface Separation
Authors: Song Z. , Komvopoulos K.
Published: September 2012

Adhesive contact of a rigid sphere with a layered medium consisting of a stiff elastic layer perfectly bonded to an elastic-plastic substrate is examined in the context of finite element simulations. Surface adhesion is modeled by nonlinear spring elements obeying a force-displacement relation governed by the Lennard–Jones potential. Adhesive contact is interpreted in terms of the layer thickness, effective Tabor parameter (a function of the layer thickness and Tabor parameters corresponding to layer and substrate material properties), maximum surface separation, layer-to-substrate elastic modulus ratio, and plasticity parameter (a characteristic adhesive stress expressed as the ratio of the work of adhesion to the surface equilibrium distance, divided by the yield strength of the substrate). It is shown that surface separation (detachment) during unloading is not encountered at the instant of maximum adhesion (pull-off) force, but as the layered medium is stretched by the rigid sphere, when abrupt surface separation (jump-out) occurs under a smaller force (surface separation force). Ductile- and brittle-like modes of surface detachment, characterized by the formation of a neck between the rigid sphere and the layered medium and a residual impression on the unloaded layered medium, respectively, are interpreted for a wide range of plasticity parameter and maximum surface separation. Numerical results illustrate the effects of layer thickness, bulk and surface material properties, and maximum surface separation (interaction distance) on the pull-off and surface separation forces, jump-in and jump-out contact instabilities, and evolution of substrate plasticity during loading and unloading. Simulations of cyclic adhesive contact demonstrate that incremental plasticity (ratcheting) in the substrate is the most likely steady-state deformation mechanism under repetitive adhesive contact conditions.
Emerging technologies for image guidance and device navigation in interventional radiology
Authors: Kagadis George C. , Katsanos Konstantinos , Karnabatidis Dimitris , Loudos George , Nikiforidis George C. , Hendee William R.
Published: September 2012

Recent developments in image‐guidance and device navigation, along with emerging robotic technologies, are rapidly transforming the landscape of interventional radiology (IR). Future state‐of‐the‐art IR procedures may include real‐time three‐dimensional imaging that is capable of visualizing the target organ, interventional tools, and surrounding anatomy with high spatial and temporal resolution. Remote device actuation is becoming a reality with the introduction of novel magnetic‐field enabled instruments and remote robotic steering systems. Robots offer several degrees of freedom and unprecedented accuracy, stability, and dexterity during device navigation, propulsion, and actuation. Optimization of tracking and navigation of interventional tools inside the human body will be critical in converting IR suites into the minimally invasive operating theaters of the future with increased safety and unsurpassed therapeutic efficacy. In the not too distant future, individual image guidance modalities and device tracking methods could merge into autonomous, multimodality, multiparametric platforms that offer real‐time data of anatomy, morphology, function, and metabolism along with on‐the‐fly computational modeling and remote robotic actuation. The authors provide a concise overview of the latest developments in image guidance and device navigation, while critically envisioning what the future might hold for 2020 IR procedures.
Allosteric Regulation of Nucleotidyl Cyclases: An Emerging Pharmacological Target
Authors: Seifert Roland , Beste Kerstin Y.
Published: September 2012

Targeting allosteric rather than catalytic sites of nucleotidyl cyclases could result in isoform specificity.
Modulating the Clock
Authors: Ray L. Bryan
Published: September 2012

A small molecule binds to a core protein in the circadian clock and slows down time.
Stalking a Second Messenger in Eukaryotes
Authors: Wong Wei
Published: September 2012

A signaling molecule thought to be confined to prokaryotes promotes stalk formation in food-deprived
Dictyostelium
.
Is NO a Cause for Depression?
Authors: Gough Nancy R.
Published: September 2012

In mice, a difference in nitric oxide concentration in the hippocampus between males and females appears to influence affective behavior.
A G Protein Blocks the Chilling Effect
Authors: Foley John F.
Published: September 2012

Activation of an ion channel that responds to cold temperature is inhibited by the direct association of a G protein α subunit.
Inappropriate use of neurally adjusted ventilator assist
Authors: Iodice Francesca , Testa Giuseppina , Amodeo Antonio , Cogo Paola
Published: September 2012

Neurally adjusted ventilator assist (NAVA) is a ventilator mode based on providing assistance to the patient in proportion to the electrical activity of the diaphragm. NAVA may improve patient–ventilator interactions. We describe a very complex case of a child with a permanent ventricular assist device where we attempted to use NAVA during the weaning process and then realised that it was impossible to use.
Superior vena cava syndrome as a presentation of metastatic prostate cancer
Authors: Yun Hyun Don , Ershler William B
Published: September 2012

Superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome is an uncommon complication of malignant disease caused by the obstruction of venous blood flow in the SVC. When present, a diagnosis of lung cancer or lymphoma will be made in approximately 95% of cases. Although other malignant diseases are occasionally associated with SVC, its occurrence in patients with prostate cancer is rare. We present a case of a patient presenting with SVC obstruction who was subsequently diagnosed with prostate adenocarcinoma. The patient has been successfully treated with GnRH agonist. This case reflects the importance of a full clinical assessment and pathological confirmation of suspected tumour prior to treatment.
Unusual basal ganglia lesions in a diabetic uraemic patient proven to be demyelination: first pathological observation
Authors: Tajima Yasutaka , Mito Yasunori , Yanai Mituru , Fukazawa Yu-ichiro
Published: September 2012

A 64-year-old man suffering from diabetes mellitus and chronic renal failure was admitted to our hospital because of consciousness disturbance and parkinsonism. Cranial MRI showed very characteristic features involving the bilateral basal ganglia. Subsequent postmortem examinations demonstrated demyelination in the affected areas. These myelin destruction patterns were quite similar to those of central pontine myelinolysis. However, rapid correction of hyponatraemia was ruled out in this patient. Therefore, a new demyelinating brain disease associated with diabetes mellitus and chronic renal failure was suggested.
Severe pneumonitis after fire eating
Authors: Franzen Daniel , Kohler Malcolm
Published: September 2012

A 38-year-old, previously healthy fire eater presented with severe pneumonitis after incidental aspiration of an unquantifiable amount of petroleum. The chest CT revealed extensive pulmonary consolidations, and the laboratory results showed massively elevated inflammatory markers. An intravenous antibiotic treatment was started and, after improvement of symptoms and inflammatory markers, continued orally for a total of 3 weeks, despite negative results of blood cultures and urinary pneumococcal and legionella antigen tests. The patient's symptoms subsided completely, and a CT scan 10 weeks after the accident showed complete resolution of the lung consolidations. Aspiration of petroleum is associated with a severe inflammatory response of the lung, but if bacterial superinfection can be prevented with early antibiotic treatment, even a severe presentation of a fire eater's lung usually follows a benign course with complete recovery.
Intravitreal dobesilate in the treatment of choroidal neovascularisation associated with age-related macular degeneration: report of two cases: Figure 1
Authors: Cuevas Pedro , Outeiriño Luis , Azanza Carlos , Giménez-Gallego Guillermo
Published: September 2012

This case report presents the effectiveness of intravitreal administration of dobesilate, a synthetic fibroblast growth factor inhibitor, in two patients showing neovascular age-related macular degeneration of the classic, and of the occult choroidal neovascularisation types, respectively. Our study demonstrates that the treatment induces the regression of both forms of this pathology, as assessed by spectral optical coherence tomography. Improvement of the lesions was accompanied of visual acuity improvement.
A novel treatment of central serous chorioretinopathy with topical anti-inflammatory therapy
Authors: Chong Chee-Foong , Yang David , Pham Thuan Q , Liu Henry
Published: September 2012

A 45-year-old Caucasian female with diagnosis of central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) did not improve on conventional observational approach. She was not willing to proceed with photocoagulation or photodynamic therapy. An unconventional approach of topical anti-inflammatory (ketorolac, dexamethasone and hydrocortisone) preparation was prescribed. The course of her CSCR responded well on this unconventional treatment, but relapsed on cessation or tapering of treatment. After 18 weeks of treatment with a gradual taper, her condition resolved. The present case highlights an alternative but unconventional treatment of CSCR with prolonged use of anti-inflammatories.
Gluteal muscle activity and patellofemoral pain syndrome: a systematic review
Authors: Barton Christian J , Lack Simon , Malliaras Peter , Morrissey Dylan
Published: September 2012

Objective

There is growing evidence to support the association of gluteal muscle strength deficits in individuals with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) and the effectiveness of gluteal strengthening when treating PFPS. In additiona, an impressive body of work evaluating gluteal electromyography (EMG) has recently emerged, further supporting the importance of gluteal muscle function in PFPS. This systematic review synthesises these EMG findings in order to better understand the role of gluteal muscle activity in the aetiology, presentation and management of PFPS.

Methods

MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Knowledge and Google Scholar databases were searched in September 2011 for prospective and case–control studies evaluating the association of gluteal EMG with PFPS. Two independent reviewers assessed each paper for inclusion and quality. Means and SDs were extracted from each included study to allow effect size calculations and comparison of results.

Results

Ten case–control, but no prospective studies were identified. Moderate-to-strong evidence indicates gluteus medius (GMed) activity is delayed and of shorter duration during stair negotiation in PFPS sufferers. In addition, limited evidence indicates GMed activity is delayed and of shorter duration during running, and gluteus maximus (GMax) activity is increased during stair descent.

Conclusions

Delayed and shorter duration of GMed EMG may indicate impaired ability to control frontal and transverse plane hip motion. Further research evaluating the value of gluteal muscle activity screening in identifying individuals most likely to develop PFPS, and the effectiveness of interventions targeting changes to gluteal muscle activation patterns is needed.
Role of the veterinary nurse: test your knowledge
Authors: Shield Christine
Published: September 2012

Veterinary practise encompasses a wide range of procedures, from simple vaccinations and blood testing through to anaesthesia and complex surgery. An article in the January 2012 issue of In Practice (vol 34, pp 52‐53) set out the procedures that can be legally delegated to veterinary nurses within the practice under Schedule 3 of the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966. The quiz below gives you a chance to test your knowledge on which members of the practice team are legally permitted to perform which tasks. Answers are on pages 492‐493.
Abdominal radiography in small animals
Authors: Warren‐Smith Chris , Lamb Chris
Published: September 2012

Increasingly widespread use of ultrasonography has led to a decline in the use of abdominal radiography in small animal practice; however, radiography remains an efficient and useful technique for examining a patient's abdomen. This article reviews the role of radiography in the diagnosis of some common conditions affecting the gastrointestinal and urinary tracts and the peritoneal cavity in small animals.
What if it was your dog?
Authors: McCulloch Steven
Published: September 2012

You have a client with a difficult decision to make about the treatment of their pet dog. They turn to you and ask: ‘What would you do if it was your dog?’ Some practitioners believe this question can help move the management of the case forwards. Others, for various reasons, are reluctant to answer it directly. What is the best way to respond?
Comments on the dilemma in the July/August issue: ‘Homeopathic vaccine’
Authors: Lumeij J. T.
Published: September 2012

The dilemma in the July issue concerned a dog owner who presented a litter of 15‐week‐old puppies, all of which had collapsed with severe diarrhoea, and you suspected parvovirus was the cause. The puppies had previously been taken to a neighbouring practice where they were vaccinated using a homeopathic nosode vaccine. The client had now come to you because of a subsequent loss of faith in the other surgeon (In Practice, June 2012, volume 34, pages 366‐367). Discussing legal and ethical elements, Martin Whiting commented that the concepts of evidence‐based medicine and informed consent were central to this scenario. The first veterinary surgeon was unlikely to have been acting outside the RCVS Code of Professional Conduct, provided that the client was fully informed of the risks and benefits of homeopathic and conventional vaccinations, they acted within their area of competence (including training in homeopathy) and did not compromise the welfare of the animal. However, evidence‐based medicine should remain the foundation of veterinary work and some found it hard to reconcile the use of remedies with unknown efficacies, mechanisms and side‐effects over conventional therapies where these factors were known or demonstrable. The risk to animal welfare was unknown when details of homeopathic remedies were unspecified, and this could compromise the vet's ability to inform the client sufficiently, as required for consent. It also diminished the vet's ability to robustly defend the therapeutic choice. Only with evidence could competency be measured and protocols audited to ensure that the profession's endeavours to safeguard the welfare of animals was realised.
Organic dairy farming 2. Management and control of disease
Authors: Hayton Alastair
Published: September 2012

Cows do not know they are being organically managed and, contrary to many new organic farmers' expectations, the same diseases and problems that occur on conventional farms will also exist on organic ones. However, there are differences between the two systems in the prevalence of these diseases and the measures used to control them. This article reviews these differences in respect of the major disease areas. An article in the July/August issue (In Practice, volume 34, pp 412 – 416) reviewed the structure and overall veterinary approach to the organic dairy sector.
Peripartum problems in mares 2. Postpartum problems
Authors: Crabtree James
Published: September 2012

Complications in the early postpartum period are a common and challenging problem for the equine clinician and are a cause of considerable distress to owners. This article reviews some of the specific problems encountered in the postpartum mare. The ability to diagnose and successfully treat the conditions discussed assumes a detailed knowledge of the anatomy and features of a normal postpartum mare as well as competence in the necessary diagnostic procedures. A previous article in the July/August issue (In Practice, volume 34, pp 400 – 410) reviewed prepartum problems in mares.
Reappraisal of immunohistochemical profiling of special histological types of breast carcinomas: a study of 121 cases of eight different subtypes
Authors: Alvarenga César Augusto , Paravidino Paula Itagyba , Alvarenga Marcelo , Gomes Madalena , Dufloth Rozany , Zeferino Luiz Carlos , Vassallo José , Schmitt Fernando C
Published: September 2012

Histological special types (HST) account for about 25% of breast cancers, and correspond to at least 17 pathological entities. However, their molecular characteristics remain to be determined. The purpose of the present study is to apply the recently used immunohistochemical profiling of HST breast carcinomas (BC), as a surrogate for the molecular subtyping, what could be relevant for therapeutic purposes. One hundred and twenty-one cases were included. Immunohistochemical study was performed on paraffin sections, including markers for oestrogen, progesterone and androgen receptors, keratin 5, HER2/neu, epithelial growth factor receptor, p63 protein, P-cadherin, and Ki-67. Tubular (16 cases), mucinous (27) and papillary (9) types were all categorised as luminal-like A and B. The medullary (21) and metaplastic (10) types corresponded largely to the basal-like tumours (85.7% and 90%, respectively). Cases of the micropapillary type (8) were luminal A (3/8), luminal B (4/8) and HER2 overexpressing (1/8), whereas the apocrine carcinomas (24) presented a heterogeneous profile. The proliferation rate (Ki-67) varied among the types, being the medullary carcinoma subtype with higher proliferation. Comparing the current data with those based on molecular studies, there was good agreement in the classification of the tubular, mucinous and papillary types. Only a partial concordance was achieved for the other types, which may be due to sampling, and to the relatively low frequency of such cases. The present work supports the clinical usage of immunohistochemistry as a surrogate to molecular classification of special types of BC.
Cortactin is associated with tumour progression and poor prognosis in prostate cancer and SIRT2 other than HADC6 may work as facilitator in situ
Authors: Hou Huilian , Chen Wei , Zhao Le , Zuo Qinqin , Zhang Guanjun , Zhang Xuebin , Wang Hongyan , Gong Huilin , Li Xiaofeng , Wang Min , Wang Yili , Li Xu
Published: September 2012

Objective

Cortactin acts as a prominent substrate of histone deacetylases (HDACs) and plays important roles in tumour progression in several human cancers. However, the clinical significance of its expression in human prostate cancer (PCa) has not been determined. We aimed to identify the potential role of cortactin expression in tumour progression and prognosis in PCa and the association with HDACs.

Methods

256 foci with distinctive lesions in 110 prostate specimens were collected to identify the status of among cortactin, SIRT2, histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) by immunohistochemistry and its relationship with clinicopathological and follow-up data were analysed.

Results

The results showed that cortactin expression was significantly higher (79.1%), and SIRT2 expression was lower (37.3%) in PCa foci, when it was compared with high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia foci and benign foci, respectively. HDAC6 expression was low and had no statistical significance in PCa. High intensity of cortactin staining was significantly and independently associated with a high prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level, high Gleason score, clinical stage progression and shortened survival time in patients with PCa. High intensity of SIRT2 staining was significantly and independently associated with a high PSA level, old age, high Gleason score and clinical stage progression. Multivariable Cox regression analysis showed cortactin expression was a significant prognostic factor for survival of patients with PCa (β, 0.736; 95% CI 1.371 to 3.181; p=0.001).

Conclusions

The results suggested that cortactin seems to be a satisfactory marker to predict tumour progression and survival in cases of PCa. And it may be SIRT2 rather than HADAC6 is responsible for tumour occurrence and the progression of PCa.
Management of myelofibrosis: a survey of current practice in the United Kingdom
Authors: Qureshi Moosa Rashid , MacLean Cathy , McMullin Mary Frances , Harrison Claire
Published: September 2012

Aims

To investigate the experience of clinicians in the management of patients with myelofibrosis, current treatment options and their utility.

Methods

We used an internet-based survey

Results

Of 105 respondents (mostly consultants), 79% identified bothersome symptoms as the most common issue to be addressed, while for 19%, lack of efficacy of treatment fell into this category. The survey found that a wide variety of treatments are employed but with poor perceived efficacy.

Conclusions

This is the first UK based assessment of management of myelofibrosis. Perspectives may evolve with the inception of novel therapeutics in this field , but clinical guidelines for effective management currently recommend a wide variety of agents and suggest a limited likely success rate.
MINIMAL MARKER: AN ALGORITHM AND COMPUTER PROGRAM FOR THE IDENTIFICATION OF MINIMAL SETS OF DISCRIMINATING DNA MARKERS FOR EFFICIENT VARIETY IDENTIFICATION
Authors: FUJII HIROSHI , OGATA TATSUSHI , SHIMADA TAKEHIKO , ENDO TOMOKO , IKETANI HIROYUKI , SHIMIZU TOKUROU , YAMAMOTO TOSHIYA , OMURA MITSUO
Published: September 2012

DNA markers are frequently used to analyze crop varieties, with the coded marker data summarized in a computer-generated table. Such summary tables often provide extraneous data about individual crop genotypes, needlessly complicating and prolonging DNA-based differentiation between crop varieties. At present, it is difficult to identify minimal marker sets — the smallest sets that can distinguish between all crop varieties listed in a marker-summary table — due to the absence of algorithms capable of such characterization. Here, we describe the development of just such an algorithm and MinimalMarker, its accompanying Perl-based computer program. MinimalMarker has been validated in variety identification of fruit trees using published datasets and is available for use with both dominant and co-dominant markers, regardless of the number of alleles, including SSR markers with numeric notation. We expect that this program will prove useful not only to genomics researchers but also to government agencies that use DNA markers to support a variety of food-inspection and -labeling regulations.
PHASE-DRIVEN INTERACTION OF WIDELY SEPARATED NONLINEAR SCHRÖDINGER SOLITONS
Authors: HOLMER JUSTIN , LIN QUANHUI
Published: September 2012

We show that, for the one-dimensional cubic NLS equation, widely separated equal amplitude in-phase solitons attract and opposite-phase solitons repel. Our result gives an exact description of the evolution of the two solitons valid until the solitons have moved a distance comparable to the logarithm of the initial separation. Our method does not use the inverse scattering theory and should be applicable to nonintegrable equations with local nonlinearities that support solitons with exponentially decaying tails. The result is presented as a special case of a general framework which also addresses, for example, the dynamics of single solitons subject to external forces.
EFFECT OF SOIL CONDITIONS ON UPLIFT OF UNDERGROUND STRUCTURES IN LIQUEFIED SOIL
Authors: CHIAN SIAU CHEN , MADABHUSHI SANTANA PHANI GOPAL
Published: September 2012

In an earthquake, underground structures located in liquefiable soil deposits are susceptible to floatation following an earthquake event due to their lower unit weight relative to the surrounding saturated soil. Such uplift response of the buoyant structure is influenced by the soil it is buried in. In the case of a liquefiable soil deposit, the soil can lose its shear strength significantly in the event of an earthquake. If the soil liquefies fully, the buoyant structure can float towards the soil surface. However, a partly liquefied soil deposit retains some of its initial shear strength and resists the uplift. This paper discusses the different soil conditions and their influence on the uplift response of buoyant structures.
A STRONG MOTION MODEL OF THE 2004 GREAT SUMATRA EARTHQUAKE: SIMULATION USING A MODIFIED SEMI EMPIRICAL METHOD
Authors: JOSHI A. , KUMARI PUSHPA , SHARMA M. L. , GHOSH A. K. , AGARWAL M. K. , RAVIKIRAN A.
Published: September 2012

This paper presents a simplified technique to simulate strong ground motion from a finite source of an earthquake. The simplified technique is based on modifications made in the semi empirical technique given by Midorikawa [1993] and later modified by Joshi and Midorikawa [2004]. Modifications in this technique have been made to consider the effect of radiation pattern and seismic moment of the target earthquake. The coastal region of Sumatra Island was struck by a great earthquake of magnitude 9.0 (Mw) on 26th December, 2004. This earthquake is known for its release of high amount of energy and the devastating Tsunami. This earthquake was recorded at several broadband stations including a nearest broadband station located in Indonesia. The source of this earthquake is modeled by a finite rectangular rupture plane. Various locations of nucleation point and different values of rupture velocity have been tested before finalizing the rupture responsible for this earthquake. Iterative modeling and comparison of simulated and observed record due to final model suggests that the rupture initiated at the western end of the rupture plane at a depth of 38 km and started propagating in all direction with a rupture velocity of 3.0 km/s. The final model has been used to simulate record at MDRS and VISK stations located at the coastal region of India and simulated records are compared with observed records at these stations. The comparisons confirm the suitability of final model for predicting strong ground motion and the efficacy of the approach in modeling great earthquake. Strong ground motion has been simulated for the Sumatra earthquake of 26th December, 2004 at various hypothetical stations surrounding the final model of rupture plane. The distribution of peak ground acceleration in the near source region has been computed from simulated record at these stations. The isoacceleration contours shows that high peak acceleration zones of the order of > 2 g are observed in the source zone of this earthquake which gradually decreases with distance. Using the parameters of final model of the Sumatra earthquake a great hypothetical earthquake at northern segment of Andaman ridge has been modeled and records have been simulated at Port Blair (POR) station located in the Andaman Island, India. The simulated records shows that peak ground acceleration of the order of 1.4 g can be observed at POR station due to a hypothetical earthquake in the Andaman Island suggesting high seismic hazard in this region.