bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mucosal large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the head and neck regions in Japanese patients: a distinct clinicopathological entity
Authors: Kusafuka Kimihide , Abe Masato , Iida Yoshiyuki , Onitsuka Tetsuro , Fuke Tomohito , Asano Rei , Kamijo Tomoyuki , Nakajima Takashi
Published: June 2012

Backgrounds

Large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC) is well-known as a lung cancer subtype. This study assessed the prevalence of head and neck mucosal LCNEC (M-LCNEC).

Methods

M-LCNEC was studied clinically, histologically and immunohistochemically.

Results

Of 814 surgically resected cases of mucosal head and neck carcinoma, only eight cases (0.98%; all men, mean age 64.6 years) were rediagnosed as M-LCNEC. They occurred in the oropharynx (n=3), larynx (n=4) and hypopharynx (n=1). Seven of the cases had regional lymph node metastases and four resulted in death. Histologically, M-LCNEC had a sheet-like trabacular organoid growth pattern of relatively large basaloid cells in which central necrosis, rosette formation, peripheral palisading and high mitotic figures were evident. M-LCNEC was immunopositive for two or three neuroendocrine markers (CD56, chromogranin-A and synaptophysin). All cases showed high proliferative activity.

Conclusion

M-LCNEC in the head and neck regions is a distinct histopathological entity whose positivity for neuroendocrine markers makes its diagnosis important. As about half of the patients died of the disease, M-LCNEC has a relatively poor prognosis.
Transient cranial neuropathies as sequelae of Onyx embolization of arteriovenous shunt lesions near the skull base: possible axonotmetic traction injuries
Authors: Nyberg Eric MacKenzie , Chaudry M Imran , Turk Aquilla S , Turner Raymond D
Published: June 2012

Introduction

Transarterial embolization with Onyx is a relatively safe and increasingly common method of treating cranial dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVF) and arteriovenous malformations (AVM). Cranial neuropathy resulting from this procedure has been reported.

Case reports

Three case histories are presented in two patients treated for a DAVF and an AVM near the skull base with heavily parasitized supply from external carotid artery branches. Transarterial embolization resulted in transient cranial neuropathies including two cases of lower facial nerve palsy and one case of trigeminal nerve mandibular segment (V3) neuralgia which resolved spontaneously over a few months. Treatment of the DAVF and AVM was otherwise successful.

Discussion

The most common cranial neuropathies following transarterial Onyx embolization procedures are facial nerve palsy and V3 neuralgia. The middle meningeal and internal maxillary arteries are common conduits used in dural-based and facial arteriovenous shunt lesions and are in proximity to the facial nerve and maxillary segment of the trigeminal nerve as they exit the skull base. Based on their relative frequency and anatomic proximity, it is surmised that these facial neuropathies are traction-type injuries related to microcatheter extraction from the Onyx cast.

Conclusions

Cranial neuropathies, specifically facial nerve palsy and V3 neuralgia, following transarterial Onyx embolizations are probably axonotmetic traction injuries related to microcatheter extraction. These appear to be self-limiting and resolve over a few months.
Development of progressive failure in sensitive clay slopes
Authors: Quinn P.E. , Diederichs M.S. , Rowe R.K. , Hutchinson D.J.
Published: June 2012

The development of progressive failure in sensitive clay slopes is analysed using principles from fracture mechanics, where failure stress depends on a material property (toughness) and length of an existing weakness, unlike traditional soil mechanics where failure stress is generally assumed to be only a function of material strength. An existing weakness, or partially developed failure surface, can propagate due to sudden loads, as might be induced by seasonal erosion cycles, small local landslides at a river bank or earthquake shaking. The paper examines the growth of the failure surface over time due to such loads. The analysis shows that a large landslide in sensitive clay can occur after a number of seasonal erosion cycles with no obvious trigger. It also shows that a larger load due to either a small landslide or earthquake can cause a developing failure surface to propagate freely toward general collapse. Large landslides in sensitive clay are often preceded by a smaller landslide at the river bank, but can be triggered by large earthquakes or may occur for no obvious reason. The agreement between predictions and real behaviour suggests that the model for progressive failure of large landslides in sensitive clay deserves further consideration.
Estimation of ground settlement beneath foundations due to shrinkage of clayey soils
Authors: Jahangir Emad , Deck Olivier , Masrouri Farimah
Published: June 2012

The shrinkage and swelling of clayey soils is a natural hazard, which may significantly affect buildings. Foundation settlement caused by this geohazard for buildings constructed on expansive soils undergoing a drought period was studied. A soil–structure interaction model is proposed. The hydromechanical coupling is taken into account by using the state surface approach. Settlement is evaluated according to building stiffness, ground hydromechanical properties, surface suction variation, suction profile, and foundation depth. The uncertainties are considered by using the Monte Carlo approach, and an application has been performed for the average settlement assessment of a group of buildings. This paper outlines the significant dependency of the final settlement on the building stiffness. It highlights the benefits of rigid buildings and deeper foundations to reduce vulnerability to this geohazard.
REVERSIBILITY CONDITIONS FOR QUANTUM OPERATIONS
Authors: JENČOVÁ ANNA
Published: June 2012

We give a list of equivalent conditions for reversibility of the adjoint of a unital Schwarz map, with respect to a set of quantum states. A large class of such conditions is given by preservation of distinguishability measures: F-divergences, L1-distance, quantum Chernoff and Hoeffding distances. Here we summarize and extend the known results. Moreover, we prove a number of conditions in terms of the properties of a quantum Radon–Nikodym derivative and factorization of states in the given set. Finally, we show that reversibility is equivalent to preservation of a large class of quantum Fisher informations and χ2-divergences.
Flexible and Stretchable Electronics for Biointegrated Devices
Authors: Kim Dae-Hyeong , Ghaffari Roozbeh , Lu Nanshu , Rogers John A.
Published: June 2012

Advances in materials, mechanics, and manufacturing now allow construction of high-quality electronics and optoelectronics in forms that can readily integrate with the soft, curvilinear, and time-dynamic surfaces of the human body. The resulting capabilities create new opportunities for studying disease states, improving surgical procedures, monitoring health/wellness, establishing human-machine interfaces, and performing other functions. This review summarizes these technologies and illustrates their use in forms integrated with the brain, the heart, and the skin.
Mucosal Vaccine Design and Delivery
Authors: Woodrow Kim A. , Bennett Kaila M. , Lo David D.
Published: June 2012

Mucosal surfaces are a major portal of entry for many human pathogens that are the cause of infectious diseases worldwide. Vaccines capable of eliciting mucosal immune responses can fortify defenses at mucosal front lines and protect against infection. However, most licensed vaccines are administered parenterally and fail to elicit protective mucosal immunity. Immunization by mucosal routes may be more effective at inducing protective immunity against mucosal pathogens at their sites of entry. Recent advances in our understanding of mucosal immunity and identification of correlates of protective immunity against specific mucosal pathogens have renewed interest in the development of mucosal vaccines. Efforts have focused on efficient delivery of vaccine antigens to mucosal sites that facilitate uptake by local antigen-presenting cells to generate protective mucosal immune responses. Discovery of safe and effective mucosal adjuvants are also being sought to enhance the magnitude and quality of the protective immune response.
X-Ray Tomography Applied to the Characterization of Highly Porous Materials
Authors: Maire Eric
Published: June 2012

This article reviews studies in which X-ray tomography has been used to characterize the cellular microstructure or the deformation mechanisms of highly porous materials. The technique is suitable for imaging these materials with much detail. Such images can also be used to quantify the micro-structure (wall thickness and cell size distribution and tortuosity of the porous network). Finally, the methods available to produce finite element meshes from the three-dimensional images are presented and discussed in light of one example.
Second-Generation High-Temperature Superconductor Wires for the Electric Power Grid
Authors: Malozemoff A.P.
Published: June 2012

Superconductors offer major advantages for the electric power grid, including high current and power capacity, high efficiency arising from the lossless current flow, and a unique current-limiting functionality arising from a superconductor-to-resistive transition. These advantages can be brought to bear on equipment such as underground power cables, fault current limiters, rotating machinery, transformers, and energy storage. The first round of significant commercial-scale superconductor power-equipment demonstrations, carried out during the past decade, relied on a first-generation high-temperature superconductor (HTS) wire. However, during the past few years, with the recent commercial availability of high-performance second-generation HTS wires, power-equipment demonstrations have increasingly been carried out with these new wires, which bring important advantages. The foundation is being laid for commercial expansion of this important technology into the power grid.
Primary Visual Cortex: Awareness and Blindsight
Authors: Leopold David A.
Published: June 2012

The primary visual cortex (V1) is the principal telencephalic recipient of visual input in humans and monkeys. It is unique among cortical areas in that its destruction results in chronic blindness. However, certain patients with V1 damage, though lacking visual awareness, exhibit visually guided behavior: blindsight. This phenomenon, together with evidence from electrophysiological, neuroimaging, and psychophysical experiments, has led to speculation that V1 activity has a special or direct role in generating conscious perception. To explore this issue, this article reviews experiments that have used two powerful paradigms—stimulus-induced perceptual suppression and chronic V1 ablation—each of which disrupts the ability to perceive salient visual stimuli. Focus is placed on recent neurophysiological, behavioral, and functional imaging studies from the nonhuman primate that shed light on V1's role in conscious awareness. In addition, anatomical pathways that relay visual information to the cortex during normal vision and in blindsight are reviewed. Although the critical role of V1 in primate vision follows naturally from its position as a bottleneck of visual signals, little evidence supports its direct contribution to visual awareness.
Population-Level Intervention Strategies and Examples for Obesity Prevention in Children
Authors: Foltz Jennifer L. , May Ashleigh L. , Belay Brook , Nihiser Allison J. , Dooyema Carrie A. , Blanck Heidi M.
Published: June 2012

With obesity affecting approximately 12.5 million American youth, population-level interventions are indicated to help support healthy behaviors. The purpose of this review is to provide a summary of population-level intervention strategies and specific intervention examples that illustrate ways to help prevent and control obesity in children through improving nutrition and physical activity behaviors. Information is summarized within the settings where children live, learn, and play (early care and education, school, community, health care, home). Intervention strategies are activities or changes intended to promote healthful behaviors in children. They were identified from (a) systematic reviews; (b) evidence- and expert consensus–based recommendations, guidelines, or standards from nongovernmental or federal agencies; and finally (c) peer-reviewed synthesis reviews. Intervention examples illustrate how at least one of the strategies was used in a particular setting. To identify interventions examples, we considered (a) peer-reviewed literature as well as (b) additional sources with research-tested and practice-based initiatives. Researchers and practitioners may use this review as they set priorities and promote integration across settings and to find research- and practice-tested intervention examples that can be replicated in their communities for childhood obesity prevention.
Visfatin/NAMPT: A Multifaceted Molecule with Diverse Roles in Physiology and Pathophysiology
Authors: Dahl Tuva B. , Holm Sverre , Aukrust Pål , Halvorsen Bente
Published: June 2012

Visfatin/NAMPT (nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase) is a protein with several suggested functions. Although the first discovery of this molecule as a pre-B-cell colony-enhancing factor suggested primarily a cytokine function, its rediscovery as the key enzyme in nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide generation has considerably widened its potential biological activities. Although originally thought to be produced in adipose tissue (i.e., adipocytes and infiltrating macrophages), its production seems to involve other cells and tissues such as skeletal muscle, liver, immune cells, cardiomyocytes, and the brain. Visfatin/NAMPT has both intracellular and extracellular effects influencing several signaling pathways. Its broad spectrum of effects is mirrored by its potential involvement in a wide range of disorders including human immunodeficiency virus infection, septicemia, myocardial failure, atherosclerosis, metabolic disorders, inflammatory diseases, malignancies, and neurodegenerative disorders and aging. Moreover, studies on visfatin/NAMPT in atherosclerotic disorders suggest a rather complex role of this molecule in pathophysiology, potentially mediating both adaptive and maladaptive responses.
Network Effects and Social Inequality
Authors: DiMaggio Paul , Garip Filiz
Published: June 2012

Students of social inequality have noted the presence of mechanisms militating toward cumulative advantage and increasing inequality. Social scientists have established that individuals' choices are influenced by those of their network peers in many social domains. We suggest that the ubiquity of network effects and tendencies toward cumulative advantage are related. Inequality is exacerbated when effects of individual differences are multiplied by social networks: when persons must decide whether to adopt beneficial practices; when network externalities, social learning, or normative pressures influence adoption decisions; and when networks are homophilous with respect to individual characteristics that predict such decisions. We review evidence from literatures on network effects on technology, labor markets, education, demography, and health; identify several mechanisms through which networks may generate higher levels of inequality than one would expect based on differences in initial endowments alone; consider cases in which network effects may ameliorate inequality; and describe research priorities.
Prenatal inflammation exacerbates hyperoxia-induced functional and structural changes in adult mice
Authors: Velten Markus , Britt Rodney D. , Heyob Kathryn M. , Welty Stephen E. , Eiberger Britta , Tipple Trent E. , Rogers Lynette K.
Published: June 2012

Maternally derived inflammatory mediators, such as IL-6 and IL-8, contribute to preterm delivery, low birth weight, and respiratory insufficiency, which are routinely treated with oxygen. Premature infants are at risk for developing adult-onset cardiac, metabolic, and pulmonary diseases. Long-term pulmonary consequences of perinatal inflammation are unclear. We tested the hypothesis that a hostile perinatal environment induces profibrotic pathways resulting in pulmonary fibrosis, including persistently altered lung structure and function. Pregnant C3H/HeN mice injected with LPS or saline on embryonic day 16. Offspring were placed in room air (RA) or 85% O2 for 14 days and then returned to RA. Pulmonary function tests, microCTs, molecular and histological analyses were performed between embryonic day 18 and 8 wk. Alveolarization was most compromised in LPS/O2-exposed offspring. Collagen staining and protein levels were increased, and static compliance was decreased only in LPS/O2-exposed mice. Three-dimensional microCT reconstruction and quantification revealed increased tissue densities only in LPS/O2 mice. Diffuse interstitial fibrosis was associated with decreased micro-RNA-29, increased transforming growth factor-β expression, and phosphorylation of Smad2 during embryonic or early fetal lung development. Systemic maternal LPS administration in combination with neonatal hyperoxic exposure induces activation of profibrotic pathways, impaired alveolarization, and diminished lung function that are associated with prenatal and postnatal suppression of miR-29 expression.
mRNA stability as a function of striated muscle oxidative capacity
Authors: D'souza Donna , Lai Ruanne Y. J. , Shuen Michael , Hood David A.
Published: June 2012

A change in mRNA stability alters the abundance of mRNA available for translation and is emerging as a critical pathway influencing gene expression. Variations in the stability of functional and regulatory mitochondrial proteins may contribute to the divergent mitochondrial densities observed in striated muscle. Thus we hypothesized that the stability of mRNAs encoding for regulatory nuclear and mitochondrial transcription factors would be inversely proportional to muscle oxidative capacity and would be facilitated by the activity of RNA binding proteins (RBPs). The stability of mitochondrial transcription factor A (Tfam), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1α (PGC-1α), and nuclear respiratory factor 2α (NRF-2α) mRNA was assessed in striated muscles with distinct oxidative capacities using in vitro decay assays. All three mitochondrial regulators were rapidly degraded in cardiac and slow-twitch red (STR) muscle, resulting in a ∼60–65% lower ( P < 0.05) mRNA half-life ( t1/2) compared with fast-twitch white (FTW) fibers. This accelerated rate of Tfam mRNA decay was matched by a 2.5-fold increase in Tfam transcription in slow- compared with fast-twitch muscle ( P = 0.05). Protein expression of four unique RBPs [AU-rich binding factor 1 (AUF1), human antigen R (HuR), KH-homology splicing regulatory protein (KSRP), and CUG binding protein 1 (CUGBP1)] believed to modulate mRNA stability was elevated in cardiac and STR muscles ( P < 0.05) and was moderately associated with the decay of Tfam, PGC-1α, and NRF-2α mRNA. Variable rates of transcript degradation were apparent when comparing all transcripts within the same muscle type. Thus the distribution of RBPs appears to follow a fiber-type specific pattern and subsequently functions to alter the stability of specific mitochondrial regulators in a transcript- and tissue-specific fashion.
A new model of the distal convoluted tubule
Authors: Ko Benjamin , Mistry Abinash C. , Hanson Lauren , Mallick Rickta , Cooke Leslie L. , Hack Bradley K. , Cunningham Patrick , Hoover Robert S.
Published: June 2012

The Na+-Cl−cotransporter (NCC) in the distal convoluted tubule (DCT) of the kidney is a key determinant of Na+balance. Disturbances in NCC function are characterized by disordered volume and blood pressure regulation. However, many details concerning the mechanisms of NCC regulation remain controversial or undefined. This is partially due to the lack of a mammalian cell model of the DCT that is amenable to functional assessment of NCC activity. Previously reported investigations of NCC regulation in mammalian cells have either not attempted measurements of NCC function or have required perturbation of the critical without a lysine kinase (WNK)/STE20/SPS-1-related proline/alanine-rich kinase regulatory pathway before functional assessment. Here, we present a new mammalian model of the DCT, the mouse DCT15 (mDCT15) cell line. These cells display native NCC function as measured by thiazide-sensitive, Cl−-dependent22Na+uptake and allow for the separate assessment of NCC surface expression and activity. Knockdown by short interfering RNA confirmed that this function was dependent on NCC protein. Similar to the mammalian DCT, these cells express many of the known regulators of NCC and display significant baseline activity and dimerization of NCC. As described in previous models, NCC activity is inhibited by appropriate concentrations of thiazides, and phorbol esters strongly suppress function. Importantly, they display release of WNK4 inhibition of NCC by small hairpin RNA knockdown. We feel that this new model represents a critical tool for the study of NCC physiology. The work that can be accomplished in such a system represents a significant step forward toward unraveling the complex regulation of NCC.
Prolonged latency to CNS-O2toxicity induced by heat acclimation in rats is associated with increased antioxidative defenses and metabolic energy preservation
Authors: Eynan Mirit , Ertracht Offir , Gancz Hanan , Kashi Yechezkel , Arieli Yehuda
Published: June 2012

We have previously shown that heat acclimation provides protection against central nervous system oxygen toxicity (CNS-OT). This was well correlated with increased levels of heat shock protein 72 (HSP72). We now examine other antioxidative defenses against CNS-OT that are correlated with heat acclimation. Two groups of male Sprague-Dawley rats were used. The heat-acclimated group (HA) was exposed for 4 wk to 32°C, and the control group (C) was maintained at 24°C. At the end of the acclimation period, rats were exposed to oxygen at 608 kPa. EEG was recorded continuously until appearance of the first electrical discharge. Brain samples were taken from each group after exposure to pressure. Levels of the antioxidant enzymes CuZnSOD, MnSOD, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase, as well as levels of HSP72, were quantified by Western blot. Comparative proteome analysis of the brains of HA and C rats was carried out using two-dimensional electrophoresis and mass spectrometry to define protein spot alterations. Levels of HSP72 and CuZnSOD were higher in HA rats. Levels of the other antioxidant enzymes were not affected significantly by heat acclimation. Differences in the levels of four protein spots identified as α-synuclein, valosin-containing protein, adenylate kinase 1 (AK1), and the mitochondrial H+-ATP synthase α subunit were found between HA and C rats. We conclude that elevation of HSP72, CuZnSOD, AK1, and the mitochondrial H+-ATP synthase α subunit and possible phosphorylation of α-synuclein—all proteins involved in oxidative stress or energy conservation—might contribute to the prolongation of latency to CNS-OT induced by heat acclimation.
Reduced hexokinase II impairs muscle function 2 wk after ischemia-reperfusion through increased cell necrosis and fibrosis
Authors: Smeele Kirsten M. , Eerbeek Otto , Schaart Gert , Koeman Anneke , Bezemer Rick , Nelson Jessica K. , Ince Can , Nederlof Rianne , Boek Maxim , Laakso Markku , de Haan Arnold , Drost Maarten R. , Hollmann Markus W. , Zuurbier Coert J.
Published: June 2012

We previously demonstrated that hexokinase (HK) II plays a key role in the pathophysiology of ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury of the heart (Smeele et al. Circ Res 108: 1165–1169, 2011; Wu et al. Circ Res 108: 60–69, 2011). However, it is unknown whether HKII also plays a key role in I/R injury and healing thereafter in skeletal muscle, and if so, through which mechanisms. We used male wild-type (WT) and heterozygous HKII knockout mice (HKII+/−) and performed in vivo unilateral skeletal muscle I/R, executed by 90 min hindlimb occlusion using orthodontic rubber bands followed by 1 h, 1 day, or 14 days reperfusion. The contralateral (CON) limb was used as internal control. No difference was observed in muscle glycogen turnover between genotypes at 1 h reperfusion. At 1 day reperfusion, the model resulted in 36% initial cell necrosis in WT gastrocnemius medialis (GM) muscle that was doubled (76% cell necrosis) in the HKII+/−mice. I/R-induced apoptosis (29%) was similar between genotypes. HKII reduction eliminated I/R-induced mitochondrial Bax translocation and oxidative stress at 1 day reperfusion. At 14 days recovery, the tetanic force deficit of the reperfused GM (relative to control GM) was 35% for WT, which was doubled (70%) in HKII+/−mice, mirroring the initial damage observed for these muscles. I/R increased muscle fatigue resistance equally in GM of both genotypes. The number of regenerating fibers in WT muscle (17%) was also approximately doubled in HKII+/−I/R muscle (44%), thus again mirroring the increased cell death in HKII+/−mice at day 1 and suggesting that HKII does not significantly affect muscle regeneration capacity. Reduced HKII was also associated with doubling of I/R-induced fibrosis. In conclusion, reduced muscle HKII protein content results in impaired muscle functionality during recovery from I/R. The impaired recovery seems to be mainly a result of a greater susceptibility of HKII+/−mice to the initial I/R-induced necrosis (not apoptosis), and not a HKII-related deficiency in muscle regeneration.
Cholinergic-mediated response enhancement in barrel cortex layer V pyramidal neurons
Authors: Nuñez Angel , Domínguez Soledad , Buño Washington , Fernández de Sevilla David
Published: June 2012

Neocortical cholinergic activity plays a fundamental role in sensory processing and cognitive functions, but the underlying cellular mechanisms are largely unknown. We analyzed the effects of acetylcholine (ACh) on synaptic transmission and cell excitability in rat “barrel cortex” layer V (L5) pyramidal neurons in vitro. ACh through nicotinic and M1 muscarinic receptors enhanced excitatory postsynaptic currents and through nicotinic and M2 muscarinic receptors reduced inhibitory postsynaptic currents. These effects increased excitability and contributed to the generation of Ca2+ spikes and bursts of action potentials (APs) when inputs in basal dendrites were stimulated. Ca2+ spikes were mediated by activation of NMDA receptors (NMDARs) and L-type voltage-gated Ca2+ channels. Additionally, we demonstrate in vivo that basal forebrain stimulation induced an atropine-sensitive increase of L5 AP responses evoked by vibrissa deflection, an effect mainly due to the enhancement of an NMDAR component. Therefore, ACh modified the excitatory/inhibitory balance and switched L5 pyramidal neurons to a bursting mode that caused a potent and sustained response enhancement with possible fundamental consequences for the function of the barrel cortex.
Psychological Issues in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: An Overview
Authors: Sajadinejad M. S. , Asgari K. , Molavi H. , Kalantari M. , Adibi P.
Published: June 2012

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) including Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic and disabling disease with unknown etiology. There have been some controversies regarding the role of psychological factors in the course of IBD. The purpose of this paper is to review that role. First the evidence on role of stress is reviewed focusing on perceived stress and patients’ beliefs about it in triggering or exacerbating the course of IBD. The possible mechanisms by which stress could be translated into IBD symptoms, including changes in motor, sensory and secretory gastrointestinal function, increase intestinal permeability, and changes in the immune system are, then reviewed. The role of patients’ concerns about psychological distress and their adjustment to disease, poor coping strategies, and some personality traits that are commonly associated with these diseases are introduced. The prevalence rate, the timing of onset, and the impact of anxiety and depression on health-related quality of life are then reviewed. Finally issues about illness behavior and the necessity of integrating psychological interventions with conventional treatment protocols are explained.
A Viscous Fluid Flow through a Thin Channel with Mixed Rigid‐Elastic Boundary: Variational and Asymptotic Analysis
Authors: Fares R. , Panasenko G. P. , Stavre R.
Published: June 2012

We study the nonsteady Stokes flow in a thin tube structure composed by two thin rectangles with lateral elastic boundaries which are connected by a domain with rigid boundaries. After a variational approach of the problem which gives us existence, uniqueness, regularity results, and some a priori estimates, we construct an asymptotic solution. The existence of a junction region between the two rectangles imposes to consider, as part of the asymptotic solution, some boundary layer correctors that correspond to this region. We present and solve the problems for all the terms of the asymptotic expansion. For two different cases, we describe the order of steps of the algorithm of solving the problem and we construct the main term of the asymptotic expansion. By means of the a priori estimates, we justify our asymptotic construction, by obtaining a small error between the exact and the asymptotic solutions.
Bladder Cancer Immunotherapy: BCG and Beyond
Authors: Askeland Eric J. , Newton Mark R. , O’Donnell Michael A. , Luo Yi
Published: June 2012

Mycobacterium bovisbacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) has become the predominant conservative treatment for nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer. Its mechanism of action continues to be defined but has been shown to involve a T helper type 1 (Th1) immunomodulatory response. While BCG treatment is the current standard of care, a significant proportion of patients fails or do not tolerate treatment. Therefore, many efforts have been made to identify other intravesical and immunomodulating therapeutics to use alone or in conjunction with BCG. This paper reviews the progress of basic science and clinical experience with several immunotherapeutic agents including IFN-α, IL-2, IL-12, and IL-10.
A Fixed Point Approach to the Stability of a Cauchy‐Jensen Functional Equation
Authors: Bae Jae-Hyeong , Park Won-Gil
Published: June 2012

We find out the general solution of a generalized Cauchy‐Jensen functional equation and prove its stability. In fact, we investigate the existence of a Cauchy‐Jensen mapping related to the generalized Cauchy‐Jensen functional equation and prove its uniqueness. In the last section of this paper, we treat a fixed point approach to the stability of the Cauchy‐Jensen functional equation.
Is There a Role for Neoadjuvant Targeted Therapy to Downsize Primary Tumors for Organ Sparing Strategies in Renal Cell Carcinoma?
Authors: Bex A. , Kroon B. K. , de Bruijn R.
Published: June 2012

With an increasing number of small renal masses being diagnosed organ-preserving treatment strategies such as nephron-sparing surgery (NSS) or radiofrequency and cryoablation are gaining importance. There is evidence that preserving renal function reduces the risk of death of any cause, cardiovascular events, and hospitalization. Some patients have unfavourable tumor locations or large tumors unsuitable for NSS or ablation which is a clinical problem especially in those with imperative indications to preserve renal function. These patients may benefit from downsizing primary tumors by targeted therapy. This paper provides an overview of the current evidence, safety, controversies, and ongoing trials.
Assessing Cerebrovascular Reactivity in Carotid Steno-Occlusive Disease Using MRI BOLD and ASL Techniques
Authors: Leoni Renata F. , Mazzetto-Betti Kelley C. , Silva Afonso C. , dos Santos Antonio C. , de Araujo Draulio B. , Leite João P. , Pontes-Neto Octavio M.
Published: June 2012

Impaired cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR), a predictive factor of imminent stroke, has been shown to be associated with carotid steno-occlusive disease. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques, such as blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) and arterial spin labeling (ASL), have emerged as promising noninvasive tools to evaluate altered CVR with whole-brain coverage, when combined with a vasoactive stimulus, such as respiratory task or injection of acetazolamide. Under normal cerebrovascular conditions, CVR has been shown to be globally and homogenously distributed between hemispheres, but with differences among cerebral regions. Such differences can be explained by anatomical specificities and different biochemical mechanisms responsible for vascular regulation. In patients with carotid steno-occlusive disease, studies have shown that MRI techniques can detect impaired CVR in brain tissue supplied by the affected artery. Moreover, resulting CVR estimations have been well correlated to those obtained with more established techniques, indicating that BOLD and ASL are robust and reliable methods to assess CVR in patients with cerebrovascular diseases. Therefore, the present paper aims to review recent studies which use BOLD and ASL to evaluate CVR, in healthy individuals and in patients with carotid steno-occlusive disease, providing a source of information regarding the obtained results and the methodological difficulties.
Design of a 32-Channel EEG System for Brain Control Interface Applications
Authors: Wang Ching-Sung
Published: June 2012

This study integrates the hardware circuit design and the development support of the software interface to achieve a 32-channel EEG system for BCI applications. Since the EEG signals of human bodies are generally very weak, in addition to preventing noise interference, it also requires avoiding the waveform distortion as well as waveform offset and so on; therefore, the design of a preamplifier with high common-mode rejection ratio and high signal-to-noise ratio is very important. Moreover, the friction between the electrode pads and the skin as well as the design of dual power supply will generate DC bias which affects the measurement signals. For this reason, this study specially designs an improved single-power AC-coupled circuit, which effectively reduces the DC bias and improves the error caused by the effects of part errors. At the same time, the digital way is applied to design the adjustable amplification and filter function, which can design for different EEG frequency bands. For the analog circuit, a frequency band will be taken out through the filtering circuit and then the digital filtering design will be used to adjust the extracted frequency band for the target frequency band, combining with MATLAB to design man-machine interface for displaying brain wave. Finally the measured signals are compared to the traditional 32-channel EEG signals. In addition to meeting the IFCN standards, the system design also conducted measurement verification in the standard EEG isolation room in order to demonstrate the accuracy and reliability of this system design.
Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering of Bacteria in Microwells Constructed from Silver Nanoparticles
Authors: Çulha Mustafa , Yazıcı M. Müge , Kahraman Mehmet , Şahin Fikrettin , Kocagöz Sesin
Published: June 2012

Whole bacterial cell characterization is critically important for fast bacterial identification. Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is proven to be powerful technique to serve such a goal. In this study, the characterization of whole bacterial cells in the microwells constructed from colloidal silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) with “convective-assembly” method is reported. The proper size of the microwells for the model bacteria,Escherichia coliandStaphylococcus cohnii, is determined to be 1.2 μm from their electron microscopy images. A minimum dilution factor of 20 is necessary for the bacterial samples collected from growth media to diminish the bacterial aggregation to place the bacterial cells into the microwells. The constructed microwell structures are tested for their bacterial SERS performance and compared to the SERS spectra obtained from the samples prepared with a simple mixing of bacteria and AgNPs for the same bacteria. The results indicate that microwell structures not only improve the spectral quality but also increase the reproducibility of the SERS spectra.
Dynamic Change of Intestinal Duplication in an Adult Patient: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Shah Abhishek , Du Jimin , Sun Yutian , Cao Dianbo
Published: June 2012

Intestinal duplication in an adult is an uncommon congenital abnormality because only minority of cases present in adulthood. More than 80% of cases occur before the age of two years as an acute abdomen, bowel obstruction or other complications associated with it. Duplication has two types, either cystic or tubular. Here, we report a case of an adult who was diagnosed preoperatively on CT scan as tubular intestinal duplication. CT images showed change in the morphology of the cystic mass after one week of antibiotics administration. On histopathological analysis, the resected duplicated segment had esophageal epithelium in addition to the intestinal gland. So far, we found no report describing CT findings of dynamic change of ileal duplication in the English literatures.
Small RNA Expression Profiling by High-Throughput Sequencing: Implications of Enzymatic Manipulation
Authors: Zhuang Fanglei , Fuchs Ryan T. , Robb G. Brett
Published: June 2012

Eukaryotic regulatory small RNAs (sRNAs) play significant roles in many fundamental cellular processes. As such, they have emerged as useful biomarkers for diseases and cell differentiation states. sRNA-based biomarkers outperform traditional messenger RNA-based biomarkers by testing fewer targets with greater accuracy and providing earlier detection for disease states. Therefore, expression profiling of sRNAs is fundamentally important to further advance the understanding of biological processes, as well as diagnosis and treatment of diseases. High-throughput sequencing (HTS) is a powerful approach for both sRNA discovery and expression profiling. Here, we discuss the general considerations for sRNA-based HTS profiling methods from RNA preparation to sequencing library construction, with a focus on the causes of systematic error. By examining the enzymatic manipulation steps of sRNA expression profiling, this paper aims to demystify current HTS-based sRNA profiling approaches and to aid researchers in the informed design and interpretation of profiling experiments.
Nanotechnology Role for the Production of Clean Fuel E-85 and Petrochemical Raw Materials
Authors: Basily Iskander K. , Shafik Amira L. , Sarhan Ali A. , Mohamed Mona B.
Published: June 2012

There have been a number of substantive technical changes that can be described as revolutionary process and evolutionary process. One of these approaches is the use of nanotechnology in the two-stage pyrolysis of petroleum residues of the heavy distillates separated from the Arabian crude oil. Two-stage catalytic pyrolysis technique proved to be an excellent method for the production of unsaturated hydrocarbons (which easily can be converted to alcohol, by addition of H2O, for the production of E-85, i.e., clean fuel) regardless the type of feed stocks used. Basically, the catalysts are arranged into three large groups; amorphous and crystalline alumino-silicates, alkaline or alkaline earth alumino compounds, and different metal oxides on different catalyst carriers such as Zeolites. The high yield of ethylene (30–40%) brought by different catalysts at temperatures of 700–750°C appear to justify the intensive research work in this field.
Biliary Cystadenomas: A Case for Complete Resection
Authors: Ahanatha Pillai Sastha , Velayutham Vimalraj , Perumal Senthilkumar , Ulagendra Perumal Srinivasan , Lakshmanan Anand , Ramaswami Sukumar , Ramasamy Ravi , Sathyanesan Jeswanth , Palaniappan Ravichandran , Rajagopal Surendran
Published: June 2012

Introduction and Objective. Biliary cystadenoma is a rare benign neoplasm of the liver with less than 200 cases being reported allover the world. We report a series of 13 cases highlighting the radiological findings and problems related to its management. Materials and Methods. Records of thirteen patients who underwent surgery for biliary cystadenomas, between March 2006 and October 2011, were reviewed retrospectively. Results. Majority of the patients were females (11 out of 13), with a median age of 46 (23–65) years. The most frequent symptom was abdominal pain (92%). Seven patients had presented with history of previous surgery for liver lesions. Five patients had presented with recurrence after partial resection for a suspected hydatid cyst and two after surgery for presumed simple liver cyst. Ten of the 13 patients had complete resection of the cyst with enucleation in 3 patients, 2 of whom in addition required T-tube drainage of the bile duct. There has been no recurrence during the follow-up period ranging from 3 months to 5 years. Conclusion. Biliary cystadenoma must be differentiated from other benign cysts. Hepatic resection or cyst enucleation is the recommended treatment option.
Constraints on a Vacuum Energy from Both SNIa and CMB Temperature Observations
Authors: Nakamura Riou , Thushari E. P. Berni Ann , Ikeda Mikio , Hashimoto Masa-Aki
Published: June 2012

We investigate the cosmic thermal evolution with a vacuum energy which decays into photon at the low redshift. We assume that the vacuum energy is a function of the scale factor that increases toward the early universe. We put on the constraints using recent observations of both type Ia supernovae (SNIa) by Union-2 compilation and the cosmic microwave background (CMB) temperature at the range of the redshift0.01<z<3. From SNIa, we find that the effects of a decaying vacuum energy on the cosmic expansion rate should be very small but could be possible forz<1.5. On the other hand, we obtain the severe constraints for parameters from the CMB temperature observations. Although the temperature can be still lower than the case of the standard cosmological model, it should only affect the thermal evolution at the early epoch.
HIV-1 Reverse Transcriptase Still Remains a New Drug Target: Structure, Function, Classical Inhibitors, and New Inhibitors with Innovative Mechanisms of Actions
Authors: Esposito Francesca , Corona Angela , Tramontano Enzo
Published: June 2012

During the retrotranscription process, characteristic of all retroviruses, the viral ssRNA genome is converted into integration-competent dsDNA. This process is accomplished by the virus-coded reverse transcriptase (RT) protein, which is a primary target in the current treatments for HIV-1 infection. In particular, in the approved therapeutic regimens two classes of drugs target RT, namely, nucleoside RT inhibitors (NRTIs) and nonnucleoside RT inhibitors (NNRTIs). Both classes inhibit the RT-associated polymerase activity: the NRTIs compete with the natural dNTP substrate and act as chain terminators, while the NNRTIs bind to an allosteric pocket and inhibit polymerization noncompetitively. In addition to these two classes, other RT inhibitors (RTIs) that target RT by distinct mechanisms have been identified and are currently under development. These include translocation-defective RTIs, delayed chain terminators RTIs, lethal mutagenesis RTIs, dinucleotide tetraphosphates, nucleotide-competing RTIs, pyrophosphate analogs, RT-associated RNase H function inhibitors, and dual activities inhibitors. This paper describes the HIV-1 RT function and molecular structure, illustrates the currently approved RTIs, and focuses on the mechanisms of action of the newer classes of RTIs.
A Novelk-out-of-nOblivious Transfer Protocol from Bilinear Pairing
Authors: Chou Jue-Sam
Published: June 2012

Oblivious transfer (OT) protocols mainly contain three categories: 1-out-of-2 OT, 1-out-of-nOT, andk-out-of-nOT. In most cases, they are treated as cryptographic primitives and are usually executed without consideration of possible attacks that might frequently occur in an open network, such as an impersonation, replaying, or man-in-the-middle attack. Therefore, when used in certain applications, such as mental poker games and fair contract signings, some extra mechanisms must be combined to ensure the security of the protocol. However, after a combination, we found that very few of the resulting schemes are efficient enough in terms of communicational cost, which is a significant concern for generic commercial transactions. Therefore, we propose a novelk-out-of-noblivious transfer protocol based on bilinear pairing, which not only satisfies the requirements of ak-out-of-nOT protocol, but also provides mutual authentication to resist malicious attacks. Meanwhile, it is efficient in terms of communication cost.
Nθ‐Ward Continuity
Authors: Cakalli Huseyin
Published: June 2012

A function f is continuous if and only if f preserves convergent sequences; that is, (f(αn)) is a convergent sequence whenever (αn) is convergent. The concept of Nθ‐ward continuity is defined in the sense that a function f is Nθ‐ward continuous if it preserves Nθ‐quasi‐Cauchy sequences; that is, (f(αn)) is an Nθ‐quasi‐Cauchy sequence whenever (αn) is Nθ‐quasi‐Cauchy. A sequence (αk) of points in R, the set of real numbers, is Nθ‐quasi‐Cauchy if , where Δαk = αk+1 − αk, Ir = (kr−1, kr], and θ = (kr) is a lacunary sequence, that is, an increasing sequence of positive integers such that k0 = 0 and hr : kr − kr−1 → ∞. A new type compactness, namely, Nθ‐ward compactness, is also, defined and some new results related to this kind of compactness are obtained.
A Review of Deterministic Optimization Methods in Engineering and Management
Authors: Lin Ming-Hua , Tsai Jung-Fa , Yu Chian-Son
Published: June 2012

With the increasing reliance on modeling optimization problems in practical applications, a number of theoretical and algorithmic contributions of optimization have been proposed. The approaches developed for treating optimization problems can be classified into deterministic and heuristic. This paper aims to introduce recent advances in deterministic methods for solving signomial programming problems and mixed‐integer nonlinear programming problems. A number of important applications in engineering and management are also reviewed to reveal the usefulness of the optimization methods.
Generalized Carleson Measure Spaces and Their Applications
Authors: Lin Chin-Cheng , Wang Kunchuan
Published: June 2012

We introduce the generalized Carleson measure spaces CM that extend BMO. Using Frazier and Jawerth′s φ‐transform and sequence spaces, we show that, for α ∈ ℝ and 0 < p ≤ 1, the duals of homogeneous Triebel‐Lizorkin spaces for 1 < q < ∞ and 0 < q ≤ 1 are CM and CM (for any r ∈ ℝ), respectively. As applications, we give the necessary and sufficient conditions for the boundedness of wavelet multipliers and paraproduct operators acting on homogeneous Triebel‐Lizorkin spaces.
The Indigo Molecule Revisited Again: Assessment of the Minnesota Family of Density Functionals for the Prediction of Its Maximum Absorption Wavelengths in Various Solvents
Authors: Cervantes-Navarro Francisco , Glossman-Mitnik Daniel
Published: June 2012

The Minnesota family of density functionals (M05, M05‐2X, M06, M06L, M06‐2X, and M06‐HF) were evaluated for the calculation of the UV‐Vis spectra of the indigo molecule in solvents of different polarities using time‐dependent density functional theory (TD‐DFT) and the polarized continuum model (PCM). The maximum absorption wavelengths predicted for each functional were compared with the known experimental results.