bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sample size planning for composite reliability coefficients: Accuracy in parameter estimation via narrow confidence intervals
Authors: Terry Leann , Kelley Ken
Published: October 2011

Composite measures play an important role in psychology and related disciplines. Composite measures almost always have error. Correspondingly, it is important to understand the reliability of the scores from any particular composite measure. However, the point estimates of the reliability of composite measures are fallible and thus all such point estimates should be accompanied by a confidence interval. When confidence intervals are wide, there is much uncertainty in the population value of the reliability coefficient. Given the importance of reporting confidence intervals for estimates of reliability, coupled with the undesirability of wide confidence intervals, we develop methods that allow researchers to plan sample size in order to obtain narrow confidence intervals for population reliability coefficients. We first discuss composite reliability coefficients and then provide a discussion on confidence interval formation for the corresponding population value. Using the accuracy in parameter estimation approach, we develop two methods to obtain accurate estimates of reliability by planning sample size. The first method provides a way to plan sample size so that the expected confidence interval width for the population reliability coefficient is sufficiently narrow. The second method ensures that the confidence interval width will be sufficiently narrow with some desired degree of assurance (e.g., 99% assurance that the 95% confidence interval for the population reliability coefficient will be less than W units wide). The effectiveness of our methods was verified with Monte Carlo simulation studies. We demonstrate how to easily implement the methods with easy‐to‐use and freely available software.
Crack Growth Under High-Cycle Thermal Fatigue Loading: Effects of Stress Gradient and Relaxation in a Crack Network
Authors: Kamaya Masayuki
Published: October 2011

High-cycle thermal fatigue is a critical problem in nuclear power plants. To prevent crack initiation, Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers has issued a guideline for design, although growth analysis was not included. In this study, the feasibility of incorporating crack growth analysis into the design and integrity evaluation was investigated. Two characteristics of thermal fatigue loading were considered. The first was the effect of stress gradient in the depth direction. It was shown that the steep stress gradient near the surface significantly reduced the stress intensity factor (SIF) of deep cracks. Assuming that crack growth was arrested by small SIF values, it was judged possible to leave certain detected cracks unrepaired. Otherwise, the cracks should be removed regardless of their size. The other characteristic was the displacement controlled boundary condition. Through finite element analyses, it was revealed that the displacement controlled boundary condition reduced the SIF, and the magnitude of its reduction depended on the crack depth and boundary length. It was concluded that, under thermal fatigue loading, the cracks that were detected in the in-service inspection had already been arrested if they did not penetrate the wall thickness. It is effective to consider the crack arrest scenario for design and integrity assessment of cracked components under high-cycle thermal fatigue loading.
Practical Robust Design Optimization Using Evolutionary Algorithms
Authors: Saha Amit , Ray Tapabrata
Published: October 2011

Robust design optimization (RDO) seeks to find optimal designs which are less sensitive to the uncontrollable variations that are often inherent to the design process. Studies using Evolutionary Algorithms (EAs) for RDO are not too many. In this work, we propose enhancements to an EA based robust optimization procedure with explicit function evaluation saving strategies. The proposed algorithm, IDEAR, takes into account a specified expected uncertainty in the design variables and then imposes the desired robustness criteria during the optimization process to converge to robust optimal solution(s). We pick up a number of Bi-objective engineering design problems from the standard literature and study them in the proposed robust optimization framework to demonstrate the enhanced performance. A cross-validation study is performed to analyze whether the solutions obtained are truly robust and also make some observations on how robust optimal solutions differ from the performance maximizing solutions in the design space. We perform a rigorous analysis of the key features of IDEAR to illustrate its functioning. The proposed function evaluation saving strategies are generic and their applications are worth exploring in other areas of computational design optimization.
Contact Mechanisms of Transfer Layered Surface During Sliding Wear of Amorphous Carbon Film
Authors: Fan X. , Diao D. F.
Published: October 2011

The contact mechanisms of a transfer layered surface during sliding wear of a Si3N4 ball against the amorphous carbon film were investigated. In this study, amorphous carbon films were deposited by electron cyclotron resonance plasma sputtering technique. The dependence of friction coefficient and wear life of the films on transfer layer was tested with pin-on-disk tribometer. Wear tracks and the transfer layered surfaces at different friction coefficient stages were observed with scanning electron microscope and measured with energy dispersive spectrometer In order to clarify the contact mechanisms of a transfer layered surface, three contact models of initial high friction coefficient stage without transfer layer (state I), transfer layer forming stage with friction coefficient decreasing (state II), and transfer layered surface stable sliding stage with low friction coefficient (state III) were proposed, and the contact stresses (normal stress, shear stress, von Mises stress) of the three contact states were calculated by using finite element analysis. The results demonstrated that a transfer layer formed at the contact interface and gradually decreased the maximum contact stresses, which contributed to the long wear life of amorphous carbon films.
The effect of errors in segmented attenuation maps on PET quantification
Authors: Keereman Vincent , Van Holen Roel , Mollet Pieter , Vandenberghe Stefaan
Published: October 2011

Purpose:

Accurate attenuation correction is important for PET quantification. Often, a segmented attenuation map is used, especially in MRI‐based attenuation correction. As deriving the attenuation map from MRI images is difficult, different errors can be present in the segmented attenuation map. The goal of this paper is to determine the effect of these errors on quantification.

Methods:

The authors simulated the digital XCAT phantom using the GATE Monte Carlo simulation framework and a model of the Philips Gemini TF. A whole body scan was simulated, spanning an axial field of view of 70 cm. A total of fifteen lesions were placed in the lung, liver, spine, colon, prostate, and femur. The acquired data were reconstructed with a reference attenuation map and with different attenuation maps that were modified to reflect common segmentation errors. The quantitative difference between reconstructed images was evaluated.

Results:

Segmentation into five tissue classes, namely cortical bone, spongeous bone, soft tissue, lung, and air yielded errors below 5%. Large errors were caused by ignoring lung tissue (up to 45%) or cortical bone (up to 17%). The interpatient variability of lung attenuation coefficients can lead to errors of 10% and more. Up to 20% tissue misclassification from bone to soft tissue yielded errors below 5%. The same applies for up to 10% misclassification from lung to air.

Conclusions:

When using a segmented attenuation map, at least five different tissue types should be considered: cortical bone, spongeous bone, soft tissue, lung, and air. Furthermore, the interpatient variability of lung attenuation coefficients should be taken into account. Limited misclassification from bone to soft tissue and from lung to air is acceptable, as these do not lead to relevant errors.
Smoke Ring Physics
Authors: Huggins Elisha
Published: October 2011

The behavior of smoke rings, tornados, and quantized vortex rings in superfluid helium has many features in common. These features can be described by the same mathematics we use when introducing Ampère's law in an introductory physics course. We discuss these common features.
Wiimote Experiments: 3-D Inclined Plane Problem for Reinforcing the Vector Concept
Authors: Kawam Alae , Kouh Minjoon
Published: October 2011

In an introductory physics course where students first learn about vectors, they oftentimes struggle with the concept of vector addition and decomposition. For example, the classic physics problem involving a mass on an inclined plane requires the decomposition of the force of gravity into two directions that are parallel and perpendicular to the ramp. It takes time and effort for the students to become proficient with such a vector decomposition process. Here, we present simple lab experiments to help students learn and practice the vector concepts, by working with a familiar low-cost accelerometer, the Wii Remote (“Wiimote”).
Challenges in Using Analogies
Authors: Lin Shih-Yin , Singh Chandralekha
Published: October 2011

Learning physics requires understanding the applicability of fundamental principles in a variety of contexts that share deep features.1–7 One way to help students learn physics is via analogical reasoning. Students can be taught to make an analogy between situations that are more familiar or easier to understand and another situation where the same physics principle is involved but that is more difficult to handle. Here, we examine introductory physics students' ability to use analogies in solving problems involving Newton's second law. Students enrolled in an algebra-based introductory physics course were given a solved problem involving tension in a rope and were then asked to solve another problem for which the physics is very similar but involved a frictional force. They were asked to point out the similarities between the two problems and then use the analogy to solve the friction problem.
ARRESTINg Obesity
Authors: Cheng Mickie
Published: October 2011

A new arrestin family–signaling protein regulates obesity and energy expenditure in mice and humans by a gender-sensitive mechanism.
The Coxiella burnetii Dot/Icm System Creates a Comfortable Home through Lysosomal Renovation
Authors: Newton Hayley J. , Roy Craig R.
Published: October 2011

Understanding the molecular pathogenesis of
Coxiella burnetii
, the causative agent of human Q fever, has historically been hindered by the technical difficulties of genetically manipulating obligate intracellular bacteria. The recent development of culture conditions suitable for axenic propagation of
C. burnetii
has paved the way for the application of a range of genetic techniques to address key questions within the field. Recent studies using mutational analysis have revealed that the
C. burnetii
Dot/Icm type 4 secretion system (T4SS) is an important virulence determinant that is essential for renovation of a lysosome into a mature
Coxiella
-containing vacuole (CCV) permissive of intracellular replication. Interestingly, a mutant of
C. burnetii
deficient in Dot/Icm function was found to be capable of replicating within the parasitophorous vacuole created by
Leishmania amazonensis
, which indicates that
C. burnetii
replication is not dependent on the cohort of Dot/Icm effector proteins
per se
but rather that the collective actions of effectors are required to create the specialized niche supportive of replication. Thus, a role for the Dot/Icm T4SS during the intracellular life cycle of
C. burnetii
has been more clearly defined by these studies, which demonstrate that advances in genetic analysis should allow future studies to focus on the intricacies of Dot/Icm effector functions that facilitate development of the unique CCV.
SKEW CATEGORY ALGEBRAS ASSOCIATED WITH PARTIALLY DEFINED DYNAMICAL SYSTEMS
Authors: LUNDSTRÖM PATRIK , ÖINERT JOHAN
Published: October 2011

We introduce partially defined dynamical systems defined on a topological space. To each such system we associate a functor s from a category G to Topop and show that it defines what we call a skew category algebra A ⋊σ G. We study the connection between topological freeness of s and, on the one hand, ideal properties of A ⋊σ G and, on the other hand, maximal commutativity of A in A ⋊σ G. In particular, we show that if G is a groupoid and for each e ∈ ob (G) the group of all morphisms e → e is countable and the topological space s(e) is Tychonoff and Baire. Then the following assertions are equivalent: (i) s is topologically free; (ii) A has the ideal intersection property, i.e. if I is a nonzero ideal of A ⋊σ G, then I ∩ A ≠ {0}; (iii) the ring A is a maximal abelian complex subalgebra of A ⋊σ G. Thereby, we generalize a result by Svensson, Silvestrov and de Jeu from the additive group of integers to a large class of groupoids.
ON THE TRANSITION SEMIGROUPS OF CENTRALLY LABELED RAUZY GRAPHS
Authors: ALMEIDA JORGE , COSTA ALFREDO
Published: October 2011

Rauzy graphs of subshifts are endowed with an automaton structure. For Sturmian subshifts, it is shown that its transition semigroup is the syntactic semigroup of the language recognized by the automaton. An inverse limit of the partial semigroups of nonzero regular elements of their transition semigroups is described. If the subshift is minimal, then this inverse limit is isomorphic, as a partial semigroup, to the [Formula: see text]-class associated to it in the free pro-aperiodic semigroup.
PROTON DRIPLINE IN A NEW FORMULA FOR NUCLEAR BINDING ENERGY
Authors: LAHIRI CHIRASHREE , GANGOPADHYAY G.
Published: October 2011

The location of the proton dripline in a new phenomenological mass formula is calculated. Predictions of different mass formulas for the dripline are compared. The implications of the new mass formula for rapid proton nucleosynthesis beyond56Ni are discussed. It is seen that the new formula indicates that masses up to A = 80 are easily synthesized in a typical X-ray burst.
ACCURACY OF THE MULTIPOLE EXPANSION OF DENSITY DISTRIBUTION IN THE PRESENCE OF OCTUPOLE DEFORMATION
Authors: ISMAIL M. , BOTROS M. M. , WHEIDA A. A.
Published: October 2011

The accuracy of multipole expansion of density distribution for deformed nuclei is tested. The interaction potential for a deformed-spherical pair of nuclei was calculated using the folding model derived from zero-range nucleon–nucleon (NN) interaction. We considered two spherical projectiles Ca 40 and Pb 208 scattered on U 238 deformed target nucleus. The error in the heavy ion (HI) potential resulting from using a truncated multipole density expansion is evaluated for each case in the presence of octupole deformation δ3 besides quadrupole δ2. We are interested in the value of error for R ≥ RT (touching distance). We found that for values of |δ3|≤0.1 the error at R = RT reaches reasonable values when six terms expansion is used. For |δ3| = 0.2, we calculated the Coulomb barrier parameters using realistic NN force and found that the large error present in six terms for zero range force decreases strongly to less than 1% when the zero range is added to finite range forces and Coulomb interaction to form the Coulomb barrier. It is noted that the negative value of octupole deformation parameters δ3 = -0.1 produce error at orientation angle θ equal in value to that produced at angle (180°-θ) for the positive values δ3 = 0.1. We also found that the error decreases as the mass number of the projectile nucleus increases.
MOBILE PHONE AS PERVASIVE ELECTRONIC MEDIA TO RECORD AND EVALUATE HUMAN GAIT BEHAVIOR
Authors: WANG QIAN , YU YANG , LV YONGQIANG , LIU JING
Published: October 2011

Gait recognition has been of great importance for disease diagnosis, rehabilitation assessment, as well as personal identification. Conventional gait analysis generally has to rely heavily on complex, expensive data acquisition and computing apparatus. To significantly simplify the evaluation process the mobile phone, which is one of the most indispensable electronic media in human daily life, was adopted as a pervasive tool for gait study, by using its digital imaging recording and analysis function. The basic procedure to record and quantify the video of human gait was illustrated and demonstrated through conceptual experiments. Potential applications were discussed. Some fundamental and practical issues raised in such flexible technology were pointed out. This method is expected to be widely used in future human analysis.
DESIGN OF MICROPHYSIOMETER BASED ON MULTIPARAMETER CELL-BASED BIOSENSORS FOR QUICK DRUG ANALYSIS
Authors: HU NING , HA DA , WU CHENGXIONG , CHENG GONG , YU HUI , WANG TIANXING , WU JIEYING , CAI HUA , LIU QINGJUN , WANG PING
Published: October 2011

Cellular metabolism arouses the changes of substance in extracellular physiological micro-environment, and the metabolic level reflects the physiological state of cells. This paper developed a novel microphysiometer automatic analysis instrument based on multiparameter cell-based biosensors for quick drug analysis. This study included the multiparameter cell-based biosensors, cell culture chamber, drug auto-injection detection and analysis. The analysis instrument was capable of real-time detection for the acidic product and other chemical parameters generated by the cellular metabolism in the micro-volume. Finally, the paper employs human breast cancer cell line MCF-7 and drug experiments to verify the performance of microphysiometer, and study effects of different drugs on cell metabolism. Further, the research explores drug analysis method of the multiparameter microphysiometer. The results showed that the cell-based microphysiometer system provides a utility platform for rapid, long-term and automatic cell physiological environment detection and drug analysis.
The miR-200 family regulates TGF-β1-induced renal tubular epithelial to mesenchymal transition through Smad pathway by targeting ZEB1 and ZEB2 expression
Authors: Xiong Mingxia , Jiang Lei , Zhou Yang , Qiu Wenjing , Fang Li , Tan Rouyun , Wen Ping , Yang Junwei
Published: October 2011

Most chronic kidney injuries inevitably progress to irreversible renal fibrosis. Tubular epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is recognized to play pivotal roles in the process of renal fibrosis. However, a comprehensive understanding of the pathogenesis of renal scar formation and progression remains an urgent task for renal researchers. The endogenously produced microRNAs (miRNAs), proved to play important roles in gene regulation, probably regulate most genes involved in EMT. In this study, we applied microarray analysis to investigate the expression profiles of miRNA in murine interstitial fibrotic kidneys induced by unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). It was found that miR-200a and miR-141, two members of the miR-200 family, were downregulated at the early phase of UUO. In TGF-β1-induced tubular EMT in vitro, it was also found that the members of the miR-200 family were downregulated in a Smad signaling-dependent manner. It was demonstrated that the miR-200 family was responsible for protecting tubular epithelial cells from mesenchymal transition by target suppression of zinc finger E-box-binding homeobox (ZEB) 1 and ZEB2, which are E-cadherin transcriptional repressors. The results suggest that downregulation of the miR-200 family initiates the dedifferentiation of renal tubules and progression of renal fibrosis, which might provide important targets for novel therapeutic strategies.
Ups and Downs of Guided Vessel Sprouting: The Role of Polarity
Authors: Lee Christina Y. , Bautch Victoria L.
Published: October 2011

Blood vessel networks expand to meet oxygen demands via sprouting angiogenesis. This process is heterogeneous but not random; as sprouts form and extend, neighboring endothelial cells do not sprout but divide. Sprouting is regulated by local sprout guidance cues produced by the vessels themselves, as well as extrinsic cues. Endothelial cells in developing vessels orient in several axes to establish migratory polarity, apical-basolateral polarity, and planar cell polarity. Although little is known about how polarity axes are set up or maintained, they are important for vessel formation and function. This review focuses on the current knowledge of how blood vessel sprouting is regulated and guided, the role of endothelial cell polarity in forming vessels, and how these processes affect vessel function and are potentially perturbed in pathologies with vascular components.
Why is Chromosome Segregation Error in Oocytes Increased With Maternal Aging?
Authors: Wang Zhen-Bo , Schatten Heide , Sun Qing-Yuan
Published: October 2011

It is well documented that female fertility is decreased with advanced maternal age due to chromosome abnormality in oocytes. Increased chromosome missegregation is mainly caused by centromeric cohesion reduction. Other factors such as weakened homologous recombination, improper spindle organization, spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) malfunction, chromatin epigenetic changes, and extra-oocyte factors may also cause chromosome errors.
Connexins: Key Mediators of Endocrine Function
Authors: Bosco Domenico , Haefliger Jacques-Antoine , Meda Paolo
Published: October 2011

The appearance of multicellular organisms imposed the development of several mechanisms for cell-to-cell communication, whereby different types of cells coordinate their function. Some of these mechanisms depend on the intercellular diffusion of signal molecules in the extracellular spaces, whereas others require cell-to-cell contact. Among the latter mechanisms, those provided by the proteins of the connexin family are widespread in most tissues. Connexin signaling is achieved via direct exchanges of cytosolic molecules between adjacent cells at gap junctions, for cell-to-cell coupling, and possibly also involves the formation of membrane “hemi-channels,” for the extracellular release of cytosolic signals, direct interactions between connexins and other cell proteins, and coordinated influence on the expression of multiple genes. Connexin signaling appears to be an obligatory attribute of all multicellular exocrine and endocrine glands. Specifically, the experimental evidence we review here points to a direct participation of the Cx36 isoform in the function of the insulin-producing β-cells of the endocrine pancreas, and of the Cx40 isoform in the function of the renin-producing juxtaglomerular epithelioid cells of the kidney cortex.
Knowledge of Hepatitis B Vaccine among Operating Room Personnel in Nigeria and Their Vaccination Status
Authors: Kesieme Emeka B. , Uwakwe Kenechi , Irekpita Eshiobo , Dongo Andrew , Bwala Kefas John , Alegbeleye Bamidele J.
Published: October 2011

Background. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a well recognised occupational health hazard preventable by vaccination. Objectives. To determine the knowledge of operating room personnel (ORP) in Nigeria about the Hepatitis B vaccine, their perception of Hepatitis B vaccination and vaccination status against HBV. Methods. Four university hospitals were selected by simple random sampling. A structured questionnaire was administered to 228 ORP after obtaining consent. Result. Only 26.8% of ORP were vaccinated against HBV. The primary reason for not being vaccinated or for defaulting from vaccination was lack of time. Differences in age, sex, duration of practice and respondent's institution between vaccinated and unvaccinated ORP were not significant (P>0.05). The majority (86.8%) had the awareness of the existence of Hepatitis B vaccine. 83.8% of respondents believed that the vaccine should be given to the ORP as part of work place safety measures. The majority were aware of the modes of transmission of HBV infection. 78.9% of respondents believed that Hepatitis B vaccine is safe and 81.1% would recommend it to another staff.
Conclusion. Despite a good knowledge about HBV infection and vaccine, most of ORP are still not vaccinated. Hepatitis B vaccination should be a prerequisite for working in the theatre, hence putting surgical patients at reduced risk.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Multiseptate Gallbladder with Recurrent Abdominal Pain
Authors: Karaca Turgut , Yoldas Omer , Bilgin Bulent Caglar , Bilgin Selma , Evcik Ender , Ozen Saadet
Published: October 2011

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is usually performed for gallstones or polyp of the gallbladder. Multiseptate gallbladder is a rare congenital malformation. Although several asymptomatic cases have been described, patient usually present with right upper abdominal pain. We present a 29-year-old female patient with multiseptate gallbladder, cholecystectomy was performed, and her abdominal pain and gastrointestinal complaints have resolved.
Recurrent PET FDG Uptake after Sequential Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy for DLBCL of the Tibia: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Miles Edward F. , Balsamo Luke , Turton David B. , Graf William
Published: October 2011

The aim of this paper is to report on the challenges associated with identifying disease recurrence following combined modality therapy (CMT) for primary lymphoma of the tibia in which an intramedullary nail has been placed. A patient with primary bone lymphoma (PBL) was treated with CMT (chemotherapy and radiation therapy). After a complete response, he has been followed for eighteen months by physical exam and radiographic imaging. Despite persistent increased tracer accumulation at the original site, he has no proven recurrence. Literature review showed a small number of retrospective, single institution reviews detailing clinical experience and expected outcome in patients treated with PBL limited to one bony site of disease. PBL presents a treatment challenge, particularly when a weight-bearing long bone is diffusely involved and followup is complicated after placement of stabilizing hardware. Close coordination of the oncology team and diagnostic radiology is required to ensure optimal outcome.
A General System of Euler–Lagrange‐Type Quadratic Functional Equations in Menger Probabilistic Non‐Archimedean 2‐Normed Spaces
Authors: Gordji M. Eshaghi , Ghaemi M. B. , Cho Y. J. , Majani H.
Published: October 2011

We prove the generalized Hyers‐Ulam‐Rassias stability of a general system of Euler‐Lagrange‐type quadratic functional equations in non‐Archimedean 2‐normed spaces and Menger probabilistic non‐Archimedean‐normed spaces.
Dietary Shiitake Mushroom (Lentinus edodes) Prevents Fat Deposition and Lowers Triglyceride in Rats Fed a High-Fat Diet
Authors: Handayani D. , Chen J. , Meyer B. J. , Huang X. F.
Published: October 2011

High-fat diet (HFD) induces obesity. This study examined the effects of Shiitake mushroom on the prevention of alterations of plasma lipid profiles, fat deposition, energy efficiency, and body fat index induced by HFD. Rats were given a low, medium, and high (7, 20, 60 g/kg = LD-M, MD-M, HD-M) Shiitake mushroom powder in their high-fat (50% in kcal) diets for 6 weeks. The results showed that the rats on the HD-M diet had the lowest body weight gain compared to MD-M and LD-M groups (P<0.05). The total fat deposition was significantly lower (−35%,P<0.05) in rats fed an HD-M diet than that of HFD group. Interestingly, plasma triacylglycerol (TAG) level was significantly lower (−55%,P<0.05) in rats on HD-M than HFD. This study also revealed the existence of negative correlations between the amount of Shiitake mushroom supplementation and body weight gain, plasma TAG, and total fat masses.
Canadian Pregnancy Outcomes in Rheumatoid Arthritis and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Barnabe Cheryl , Faris Peter D. , Quan Hude
Published: October 2011

Objective. To describe obstetrical and neonatal outcomes in Canadian women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).Methods. An administrative database of hospitalizations for neonatal delivery (1998–2009) from Calgary, Alberta was searched to identify women with RA (38 pregnancies) or SLE (95 pregnancies), and women from the general population matched on maternal age and year of delivery (150 and 375 pregnancies, resp.). Conditional logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios (OR) for maternal and neonatal outcomes, adjusting for parity.Results. Women with SLE had increased odds for preeclampsia or eclampsia (SLE OR 2.16 (95% CI 1.10–4.21;P=0.024); RA OR 2.33 (95% CI 0.76–7.14;P=0.138)). Women with SLE had increased odds for cesarean section after adjustment for dysfunctional labour, instrumentation and previous cesarean section (OR 3.47 (95% CI 1.67–7.22;P<0.001)). Neonates born to women with SLE had increased odds of prematurity (SLE OR 6.17 (95% CI 3.28–11.58;P<0.001); RA OR 2.66 (95% CI 0.90–7.84;P=0.076)) and of SGA (SLE OR 2.54 (95% CI 1.42–4.55;P=0.002); RA OR 2.18 (95% CI 0.84–5.66;P=0.108)) after adjusting for maternal hypertension. There was no excess risk of congenital defects in neonates.Conclusions. There is increased obstetrical and neonatal morbidity in Canadian women with RA or SLE.
Clinical Utility of Serum Autoantibodies Detected by Protein Microarray in Melanoma
Authors: Sabel Michael S. , Liu Yashu , Griffith Kent A. , He Jintang , Xie Xaiolei , Lubman David M.
Published: October 2011

Better prognostic and predictive markers in melanoma are needed to select patients for therapy. We utilized a dual-lectin affinity chromatography and a natural protein microarray-based analysis to select a subproteome of target glycoproteins to profile serum antibodies against melanoma associated antigens that may predict nodal positivity. We identified 5 melanoma-associated antigens using this microarray coupled to mass spectrometry; GRP75, GRP94, ASAH1, CTSD and LDHB. We evaluated their predictive value for nodal status adjusting for age, gender, Breslow thickness, mitotic rate and ulceration using standard logistic regression. After adjustment, ASAH1, CTSD and LDHB were significantly negatively associated with nodal status (P = 0.0008) and GRP94 was significantly positively associated (P = 0.014). Our best multivariate model for nodal positivity included Breslow thickness, presence of serum anti-ASAH1, anti-LDHB or anti-CTSD, and presence of serum anti-GRP94, with an area under the ROC curve of 0.869. If validated, these results show promise for selecting clinically node negative patients for SLN biopsy. In addition, there is strong potential for glycoprotein microarray to screen serum autoantibodies that may identify patients at high risk of distant metastases or those likely or unlikely to respond to treatment, and these proteins may serve as targets for intervention.
Quantitative Reappraisal of the Helmholtz-Guyton Resonance Theory of Frequency Tuning in the Cochlea
Authors: Babbs Charles F.
Published: October 2011

To explore the fundamental biomechanics of sound frequency transduction in the cochlea, a two-dimensional analytical model of the basilar membrane was constructed from first principles. Quantitative analysis showed that axial forces along the membrane are negligible, condensing the problem to a set of ordered one-dimensional models in the radial dimension, for which all parameters can be specified from experimental data. Solutions of the radial models for asymmetrical boundary conditions produce realistic deformation patterns. The resulting second-order differential equations, based on the original concepts of Helmholtz and Guyton, and including viscoelastic restoring forces, predict a frequency map and amplitudes of deflections that are consistent with classical observations. They also predict the effects of an observation hole drilled in the surrounding bone, the effects of curvature of the cochlear spiral, as well as apparent traveling waves under a variety of experimental conditions. A quantitative rendition of the classical Helmholtz-Guyton model captures the essence of cochlear mechanics and unifies the competing resonance and traveling wave theories.
Laparoscopic Diagnosis of Incarcerated “Spigelian Hernia”: Report of a Case and Review of the Literature
Authors: Zachariah Sanoop Koshy , Jose Priya
Published: October 2011

Spigelian hernias are rare hernias, representing only about 1-2% of all abdominal hernias. An accurate preoperative diagnosis of this condition is often difficult because the physical presence of these hernias is often not demonstrable owing to its peculiar anatomic location. Many patients with Spigelian hernias, therefore, may have no obvious findings on clinical examination. The diagnosis is even trickier in obese patients wherein the hernia sac may lie in an intraparietal plane, masked by the abdominal subcutaneous fat. Here we describe a case of incarcerated Spigelian hernia where clinical and radiological findings were inconsistent and the accurate diagnosis was made by laparoscopy and was followed by a laparoscopic-assisted repair using an open anterior approach with an onlay mesh. We therefore feel that laparoscopy can be a useful tool for confirming the diagnosis and also for performing a definitive repair in doubtful cases of Spigelian hernias.
Height of Right and Left Ethmoid Roofs: Aspects of Laterality in 644 Patients
Authors: Reiß Michael , Reiß Gilfe
Published: October 2011

Objective. The goal of the study was to determine the asymmetric distribution of the height of the ethmoid roof (fovea ethmoidalis).Method. We retrospectively reviewed 644 coronal sinus computer tomography (CT) scans. The height of the ethmoid roof was examined for possible lateral differences between the right and left sides.Results. In 221 CT scans (31%), there was an asymmetry between the height of the fovea ethmoidalis on the right and left side. Of these 221, 160 (72.4%) were lower on the right side, whereas 61 (27.6%) were lower on the left. The height of the ethmoid roof of the remaining 433 patients (66%) was symmetric. There were statistically significantly more asymmetric cases in men than in women (38% versus 29%).Conclusions. The present paper underlines the asymmetry, variability of the ethmoid roof, and the possible practical implications arising from that fact. The asymmetry of the roof of one side presents an additional point of consideration for careful preoperative and perioperative review of paranasal sinus CT scans in patients undergoing endonasal sinus surgery.
Unusual Presentation of Gastric Perforation by Foreign Body: A Case Report
Authors: Rao V. S. R. , Sarkar R. , Turner Richard , Wedgwood K. R.
Published: October 2011

Perforation of the gastrointestinal tract by ingested foreign body is rare. The majority of patients do not recall ingestion of the foreign body, and dietary foreign bodies are most commonly involved. We present an interesting case where the offending foreign body gave rise to a diagnostic dilemma masquerading as a pancreatic mass. A high index of suspicion is indicated especially when dealing with atypical presentation and nonspecific symptoms as highlighted in this case.
Tuberous Sclerosis Complex Associated with Papillary Serous Carcinoma of the Peritoneum, Lymphangioleiomyomatosis, and Angiomyolipoma
Authors: Wakamiya Tomihiro , Sugita Yasuo , Hashiguchi Mariko , Iwasaka Tsuyoshi , Tokunaga Osamu
Published: October 2011

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is associated with benign and malignant tumors, including lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) and angiomyolipoma (AML). We herein describe the TSC case of a 50-year-old woman having a papillary serous carcinoma of the peritoneum (PSCP), LAM, and AML. On microscopic examination, the PSCP cells showed a cuboidal to columnar shape, proliferated into the papillae, and infiltrated into the peritoneal cavity and anterior thoracic wall. On immunohistochemical evaluation, the tumor cells were positive for epithelial membrane antigen, human epidermal cytokeratins, and progesterone receptor, but negative for calretinin, carcinoembryonic antigen, MCF-7 cell line (Ber-EP4), and estrogen receptor.
Report of a Rare Case of Gorham-Stout Disease of Both Shoulders: Bisphosphonate Treatment and Shoulder Replacement
Authors: Garbers Eike , Reuther Falk , Delling Gunther
Published: October 2011

Massive osteolysis known as Gorham-Stout disease is a rare idiopathic disorder typically affecting long bones in a unifocal pattern. Angiomatosis is strongly connected to the osteolysis. Weather angiomatosis is the cause or the result of osteolysis is subject of intense discussion (Kawasaki et al. (2003), Möller et al. (1999), Radhakrishnan and Rockson (2008)). There are about 200 cases described since 1955. Our patient is a 77-year-old female patient with osteolyses of both shoulders involving the proximal humerus, lateral clavicle, and the glenoid. Under bisphosphonate therapy, the progressive osteolysis stopped on the right side and showed progression on the left. With the patient complaining about severe rest pain and impaired function, we performed surgical reconstruction by implantation of total shoulder prosthesis three months after onset of symptoms. Our case shows a possibility of primary and early surgical reconstruction with good clinical outcome.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the External Auditory Canal: A Case Report
Authors: Boamah Harry , Knight Glenn , Taylor Joseph , Palka Kevin , Ballard Billy
Published: October 2011

Squamous cell carcinoma of the temporal bone and external auditory canal is a rare tumor with a reported incidence of between 1 to 6 cases per million population per year. Because squamous cell carcinoma of the temporal bone and auditory canal is so rare, developing an adequate tumor staging system and treatment has been difficult. We present a case of squamous cell carcinoma of the external auditory canal in 65-year-old Hispanic female who presented with a 6-month history of right ear pain, 3-month history of serosanguineous right ear drainage, and symptoms of facial paralysis. Due to the extensive spread of her tumor into the middle ear at the time of diagnosis, her tumor was deemed unresectable and she received palliative chemotherapy and radiation therapy and was sent to Alice Hospice and died several weeks later.
Evaluation of “One Body, One Life”: A Community-Based Family Intervention for the Prevention of Obesity in Children
Authors: Towey Marsha , Harrell Ruth , Lee Berni
Published: October 2011

Service evaluation of a community-based healthy lifestyle programme, designed for families aimed at preventing obesity. Physiological and behaviour measures were recorded at the beginning and end of the programme. Out of a total of 454 participants, 358 (79%) completed. From these completers 293 (64%) were analysed as there was sufficient data. The use of “high visibility recruitment” led to 77% of completers being from Coventry's two most deprived population quintiles. Ethnic minorities were also well represented. There were statistically significant self-reported behaviour changes, with improvements in fruit and vegetables eaten and decrease in consumption of crisps, snacks, and take away foods. There were also significant increases in physical activity. There were small but statistically significant improvements in BMI/BMI percentile for adults and children who started the programme overweight/obese. These results demonstrate the programmes' effectiveness in enabling behaviour change, and attracting participants from deprived communities.
3D Imaging in Unilateral Primary Pulmonary Hypoplasia in an Adult: A Case Report
Authors: Georgescu Aristida , Nuta Crinu , Bondari Simona
Published: October 2011

Unilateral primary pulmonary hypoplasia is rare in adulthood (UPHA); it is characterized by a decreased number of bronchial segmentation and decreased/absent alveolar air space. Classical chest X-ray may be confusing, and the biological tests are unspecific. We present a case of UPHA in a 60-year-old female, smoker, with 3 term normal deliveries, who presented with late recurrent pneumonias and bronchiectasis-type symptomathology, arterial hypertension, and obesity. Chest X-rays revealed opacity in the left lower pulmonary zone, an apparent hypoaerated upper left lobe and left deviation of the mediastinum. Preoperatory multidetector computer tomography (MDCT) presented a small retrocardiac left lung with 5-6 bronchial segmentation range and cystic appearance. After pneumonectomy the gross specimen showed a small lung with multiple bronchiectasis and small cysts, lined by hyperplasic epithelium, surrounded by stromal fibrosclerosis. We concluded that this UPHA occurred in the 4–7 embryonic weeks, and the 3D MDCT reconstructions offered the best noninvasive diagnosis.
Altered Mental Status and a Not-So-Benign Rash
Authors: Bodhit Aakash N. , Stead Latha Ganti
Published: October 2011

Introduction. The authors are presenting a case of Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP) that presented with complaints of altered mental status and found to have petechiae.Case Presentation. An 81-year-old female patient presented to the Emergency Department (ED) of a tertiary care hospital with chief complains of dizziness, slurred speech, and weakness. She was found to have lower extremity petechiae on physical examination. On blood exam, she had thrombocytopenia, and her peripheral blood smear showed schistocytes. Her renal function was also impaired. The CT scan of head was without any abnormality. She was finally diagnosed as having TTP and transferred to ICU but ultimately passed away.Conclusion. TTP is a rare syndrome with preventable mortality if diagnosed early and managed appropriately with plasmapheresis. The Emergency Department physicians should be aware of the presenting symptoms and signs of TTP.
On Alzer and Qiu′s Conjecture for Complete Elliptic Integral and Inverse Hyperbolic Tangent Function
Authors: Chu Yu-Ming , Wang Miao-Kun , Qiu Ye-Fang
Published: October 2011

We prove that the double inequality (π/2)((π/2)(
holds for all r ∈ (0, 1) with the best possible constants α* = 0 and β* = 1/4, which answer to an open problem proposed by Alzer and Qiu. Here, 𝒦(r) is the complete elliptic integrals of the first kind, and arth is the inverse hyperbolic tangent function.
Using General Anesthesia plus Muscle Relaxant in a Patient with Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type IV: A Case Report
Authors: Liu Xiu-Fen , Wang Dong-Xin , Ma Daqing
Published: October 2011

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a rare genetic disease characterized by degeneration of spinal cord motor neurons, which results in hypotonia and muscle weakness. Patients with type IV SMA often have onset of weakness from adulthood. Anesthetic management is often difficult in these patients as a result of muscle weakness and hypersensitivity to neuromuscular blocking agents as shown by (Lunn and Wang; 2008, Simic; 2008, and Cifuentes-Diaz et al.; 2002). Herein we report a case of anesthetic management of a patient with SMA type IV for mammectomy and review some other cases of SMA patients receiving different kinds of anesthesia.
Effect of Rotation and Magnetic Field through Porous Medium on Peristaltic Transport of a Jeffrey Fluid in Tube
Authors: Mahmoud S. R.
Published: October 2011

This paper is concerned with the analysis of peristaltic motion of a Jeffrey fluid in a tube with sinusoidal wave travelling down its wall. The effect of rotation, porous medium, and magnetic field on peristaltic transport of a Jeffrey fluid in tube is studied. The fluid is electrically conducting in the presence of rotation and a uniform magnetic field. An analytic solution is carried out for long wavelength, axial pressure gradient, and low Reynolds number considerations. The results for pressure rise and frictional force per wavelength were obtained, evaluated numerically, and discussed briefly.
The Role ofChlamydia trachomatisPolymorphic Membrane Proteins in Inflammation and Sequelae among Women with Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Authors: Taylor Brandie D. , Darville Toni , Tan Chun , Bavoil Patrik M. , Ness Roberta B. , Haggerty Catherine L.
Published: October 2011

Chlamydia trachomatispolymorphic membrane proteins (Pmps) may increase genital tract inflammation and play a role in virulence. Antibody levels for PmpA, PmpD, and PmpI, measured in densitometric units, were assessed among a pilot sample of 40C. trachomatis-infected women with mild-to-moderate clinical PID. Women who expressed antibodies to PmpA were less likely to achieve pregnancy (40.0% versus 85.7%; ) and less likely to have a live birth (0.0% versus 80.0%; ) compared to women who did not express antibody to PmpA. Women who expressed antibodies to PmpI were more likely to have upper genital tract infection (61.5% versus 20.0%; ). However, seropositivity to PmpI and PmpD did not modify the risk of reproductive sequelae or inflammation. Seropositivity to chlamydial PmpA may represent a biomarker of increased risk of sequelae secondary to infection withC. trachomatis.
Lipoprotein Lipase as a Candidate Target for Cancer Prevention/Therapy
Authors: Takasu Shinji , Mutoh Michihiro , Takahashi Mami , Nakagama Hitoshi
Published: October 2011

Epidemiological studies have shown that serum triglyceride (TG) levels are linked with risk of development of cancer, including colorectal and pancreatic cancers, and their precancerous lesions. Thus, it is assumed that serum TG plays an important role in carcinogenesis, and the key enzyme lipoprotein lipase (LPL), which catalyzes the hydrolysis of plasma TG, may therefore be involved. Dysregulation of LPL has been reported to contribute to many human diseases, such as atherosclerosis, chylomicronaemia, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. Recently, it has been reported thatLPLgene deficiency, such as due to chromosome 8p22 loss,LPLgene polymorphism, and epigenetic changes in its promoter region gene, increases cancer risk, especially in the prostate. In animal experiments, high serum TG levels seem to promote sporadic/carcinogen-induced genesis of colorectal and pancreatic cancers. Interestingly, tumor suppressive effects of LPL inducers, such as PPAR ligands, NO-1886, and indomethacin, have been demonstrated in animal models. Moreover, recent evidence that LPL plays important roles in inflammation and obesity implies that it is an appropriate general target for chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic agents.
Depressive Symptoms and 24-Hour Ambulatory Blood Pressure in Africans: The SABPA Study
Authors: Hamer Mark , Frasure-Smith Nancy , Lespérance François , Harvey Brian H. , Malan Nico T. , Malan Leoné
Published: October 2011

Disturbances in circadian rhythm might play a central role in the neurobiology of depression. We examined the association between depressive symptoms and 24-hour ambulatory BP in a sample of 405 (197 black and 208 Caucasian) urbanized African teachers aged 25 to 60 yrs (mean 44.6 ± 9.6 yrs). Depressive symptoms were assessed using the self-administered 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). After adjusting for age, sex, and ethnicity, participants with severe depressive symptoms (PHQ-9 ≥ 15) had higher odds of hypertension defined from ambulatory BP and/or use of antihypertensive medication (odds ratio = 2.19, 95% CI, 1.00–4.90) in comparison to participants with no symptoms. Compared to Caucasians with no depressive symptoms, those with severe symptoms had blunted nocturnal systolic BP drop of 4.7 mmHg (95% CI, −0.5 to 10.0,P=0.07). In summary, depressive symptoms were associated with the circadian BP profile in black and Caucasian Africans.
Finding a Balance: How Diverse Dosage Compensation Strategies Modify Histone H4 to Regulate Transcription
Authors: Wells Michael B. , Csankovszki Györgyi , Custer Laura M.
Published: October 2011

Dosage compensation balances gene expression levels between the sex chromosomes and autosomes and sex-chromosome-linked gene expression levels between the sexes. Different dosage compensation strategies evolved in different lineages, but all involve changes in chromatin. This paper discusses our current understanding of how modifications of the histone H4 tail, particularly changes in levels of H4 lysine 16 acetylation and H4 lysine 20 methylation, can be used in different contexts to either modulate gene expression levels twofold or to completely inhibit transcription.