bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Childhood Unintentional Injuries: Need for a Community-Based Home Injury Risk Assessments in Pakistan
Authors: Hyder Adnan A. , Chandran Aruna , Khan Uzma Rahim , Zia Nukhba , Huang Cheng-Ming , de Ramirez Sarah Stewart , Razzak Junaid
Published: April 2012

Background. A substantial proportion of the annual 875,000 childhood unintentional injury deaths occur in the home. Very few printed tools are available in South Asia for disseminating home injury prevention information.Methods. Three tools were planned: an injury hazard assessment tool appropriate for a developing country setting, an educational pamphlet highlighting strategies for reducing home injury hazards, and an in-home safety tutorial program to be delivered by a trained community health worker.Results. The three tools were successfully developed. Two intervention neighborhoods in Karachi, Pakistan, were mapped. The tools were pretested in this local setting and are now ready for pilot testing in an intervention study.Conclusion. Planning for an innovative, community-based pilot study takes considerable time and effort in a low-income setting like Pakistan. The primary outcome of the pre-testing phase of the study was the development of three important tools geared for low-income housing communities in Pakistan.
Transient Natural Convection in Porous Square Cavity Heated and Cooled on Adjacent Walls
Authors: Selamat M. S. , Hashim I. , Hasan M. K.
Published: April 2012

Transient natural convection in a square cavity filled with a porous medium is studied numerically. The cavity is assumed heated from one vertical wall and cooled at the top, while the other walls are kept adiabatic. The governing equations are solved numerically by a finite difference method. The effects of Rayleigh number on the initial transient state up to the steady state are investigated for Rayleigh number ranging from 10 to 2 × 102. The evolutions of flow patterns and temperature distributions were presented for Rayleigh numbers, Ra = 102 and 103. It is observed that the time taken to reach the steady state is longer for low Rayleigh number and shorter for high Rayleigh number.
Clot Formation in the Sipunculid WormThemiste petricola: A Haemostatic and Immune Cellular Response
Authors: Lombardo Tomás , Blanco Guillermo A.
Published: April 2012

Clot formation in the sipunculidThemiste petricola, a coelomate nonsegmented marine worm without a circulatory system, is a cellular response that creates a haemostatic mass upon activation with sea water. The mass with sealing properties is brought about by homotypic aggregation of granular leukocytes present in the coelomic fluid that undergo a rapid process of fusion and cell death forming a homogenous clot or mass. The clot structure appears to be stabilized by abundant F-actin that creates a fibrous scaffold retaining cell-derived components. Since preservation of fluid within the coelom is vital for the worm, clotting contributes to rapidly seal the body wall and entrap pathogens upon injury, creating a matrix where wound healing can take place in a second stage. During formation of the clot, microbes or small particles are entrapped. Phagocytosis of self and non-self particles shed from the clot occurs at the clot neighbourhood, demonstrating that clotting is the initial phase of a well-orchestrated dual haemostatic and immune cellular response.
Robotic Surgery in Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery: A Review
Authors: Oliveira Caio M. , Nguyen Hiep T. , Ferraz Alberto R. , Watters Karen , Rosman Brian , Rahbar Reza
Published: April 2012

Recent advancements in robotics technology have allowed more complex surgical procedures to be performed using minimally invasive approaches. In this article, we reviewed the role of robotic assistance in Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery. We highlight the advantages of robot-assisted surgery and its clinical application in this field.
Chronic Postoperative Endophthalmitis: A Review of Clinical Characteristics, Microbiology, Treatment Strategies, and Outcomes
Authors: Maalouf Fadi , Abdulaal Marwan , Hamam Rola N.
Published: April 2012

Chronic postoperative endophthalmitis (CPE) is a delayed infectious intraocular inflammation process that occurs more than six weeks after ocular surgery and frequently masquerades as autoimmune uveitis. These cases are at risk of delayed diagnosis and erroneous long-term treatment with corticosteroids. This paper aims to review the epidemiology, microbiology, clinical characteristics, diagnosis, management strategies, and outcome of chronic postoperative endophthalmitis. The incidence of CPE is still uncommon, and multiple pathogens have been reported with varying frequencies. Review of the literature reveals that CPE cases have a high incidence of visual impairment and recurrence rate might be decreased with aggressive surgical approach.
Solving Nonlinear Partial Differential Equations by the sn‐ns Method
Authors: Salas Alvaro H.
Published: April 2012

We present the application of the sn‐ns method to solve nonlinear partial differential equations. We show that the well‐known tanh‐coth method is a particular case of the sn‐ns method.
Comparison of Algebraic Multigrid Preconditioners for Solving Helmholtz Equations
Authors: Chen Dandan , Huang Ting-Zhu , Li Liang
Published: April 2012

An algebraic multigrid (AMG) with aggregation technique to coarsen is applied to construct a better preconditioner for solving Helmholtz equations in this paper. The solution process consists of constructing the preconditioner by AMG and solving the preconditioned Helmholtz problems by Krylov subspace methods. In the setup process of AMG, we employ the double pairwise aggregation (DPA) scheme firstly proposed by Y. Notay (2006) as the coarsening method. We compare it with the smoothed aggregation algebraic multigrid and meanwhile show shifted Laplacian preconditioners. According to numerical results, we find that DPA algorithm is a good choice in AMG for Helmholtz equations in reducing time and memory. Spectral estimation of system preconditioned by the three methods and the influence of second‐order and fourth‐order accurate discretizations on
the three techniques are also considered.
Capacity Analysis of Distributed Antenna Systems with Multiple Receive Antennas over MIMO Fading Channel
Authors: Yu Xiangbin , Liu Xiaoshuai , Xin Yuyu , Chen Ming , Rui Yun
Published: April 2012

The downlink performance and capacity of distributed antenna systems (DASs) with multiple receive antennas are investigated in multi-input multi-output (MIMO) fading and multicell environment. Based on the moment generating function and performance analysis, an exact closed-form expression of DAS ergodic capacity is derived, and it includes the existing capacity expression as a special case. Moreover, a simple closed-form approximate expression of ergodic capacity is also derived by using the Taylor series, and it has the performance result close to the exact expression. Besides, the outage capacity of DAS is analyzed, and an exact closed-form expression of outage capacity probability is derived. All these expressions can provide good theoretical performance evaluation for DAS. Simulation results corroborate our theoretical analysis.
1-Hour OGTT Plasma Glucose as a Marker of Progressive Deterioration of Insulin Secretion and Action in Pregnant Women
Authors: Ghio Alessandra , Seghieri Giuseppe , Lencioni Cristina , Anichini Roberto , Bertolotto Alessandra , De Bellis Alessandra , Resi Veronica , Lacaria Emilia , Del Prato Stefano , Di Cianni Graziano
Published: April 2012

Considering old GDM diagnostic criteria, alterations in insulin secretion and action are present in women with GDM as well as in women with one abnormal value (OAV) during OGTT. Our aim is to assess if changes in insulin action and secretion during pregnancy are related to 1-hour plasma glucose concentration during OGTT. We evaluated 3 h/100 g OGTT in 4,053 pregnant women, dividing our population on the basis of 20 mg/dL increment of plasma glucose concentration at 1 h OGTT generating 5 groups (<120 mg/dL,n=661; 120–139 mg/dL,n=710; 140–159 mg/dL,n=912; 160–179 mg/dL,n=885; and ≥180 mg/dL,n=996). We calculated incremental area under glucose (AUCgluc) and insulin curves (AUCins), indexes of insulin secretion (HOMA-B), and insulin sensitivity (HOMA-R), AUCins/AUCgluc. AUCglucand AUCinsprogressively increased according to 1-hour plasma glucose concentrations (bothP<0.0001for trend). HOMA-B progressively declined (P<0.001), and HOMA-R progressively increased across the five groups. AUCins/AUCglucdecreased in a linear manner across the 5 groups (P<0.001). Analysing the groups with 1-hour value <180 mg/dL, defects in insulin secretion (HOMA-B: −29.7%) and sensitivity (HOMA-R: +15%) indexes were still apparent (allP<0.001). Progressive increase in 1-hour OGTT is associated with deterioration of glucose tolerance and alterations in indexes of insulin action and secretion.
Performance Evaluation of Data Compression Systems Applied to Satellite Imagery
Authors: Faria Lilian N. , Fonseca Leila M. G. , Costa Max H. M.
Published: April 2012

Onboard image compression systems reduce the data storage and downlink bandwidth requirements in space missions. This paper presents an overview and evaluation of some compression algorithms suitable for remote sensing applications. Prediction‐based compression systems, such as DPCM and JPEG‐LS, and transform‐based compression systems, such as CCSDS‐IDC and JPEG‐XR, were tested over twenty multispectral (5‐band) images from CCD optical sensor of the CBERS‐2B satellite. Performance evaluation of these algorithms was conducted using both quantitative rate‐distortion measurements and subjective image quality analysis. The PSNR, MSSIM, and compression ratio results plotted in charts and the SSIM maps are used for comparison of quantitative performance. Broadly speaking, the lossless JPEG‐LS outperforms other lossless compression schemes, and, for lossy compression, JPEG‐XR can provide lower bit rate and better tradeoff between compression ratio and image quality.
Data Matrix Code Location Based on Finder Pattern Detection and Bar Code Border Fitting
Authors: Huang Qiang , Chen Wen-Sheng , Huang Xiao-Yan , Zhu Ying-Ying
Published: April 2012

The 2‐D bar code possesses large capacity of data, strong ability for error correction, and high safety, which boosts the 2‐D bar code recognition technology being widely used and developed fast. This paper presents a novel algorithm for locating data matrix code based on finder pattern detection and bar code border fitting. The proposed method mainly involves three stages. It first extracts candidate regions that may contain a data matrix code by morphological processing and then locates the data matrix code roughly by detecting “L” finder pattern and the dashed border on the candidate regions. Finally, the lines fitted with the border points are used as the borders of data matrix code. A number of data matrix code images with complexity background are selected for evaluations. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithm exhibits better performance under complex background and other undesirable conditions.
Application of On-Board Evolutionary Algorithms to Underwater Robots to Optimally Replan Missions with Energy Constraints
Authors: Seto M. L.
Published: April 2012

The objective is to show that on-board mission replanning for an AUV sensor coverage mission, based on available energy, enhances mission success. Autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) are tasked to increasingly long deployments, consequently energy management issues are timely and relevant. Energy shortages can occur if the AUV unexpectedly travels against stronger currents, is not trimmed for the local water salinity has to get back on course, and so forth. An on-board knowledge-based agent, based on a genetic algorithm, was designed and validated to replan a near-optimal AUV survey mission. It considers the measured AUV energy consumption, attitudes, speed over ground, and known response to proposed missions through on-line dynamics and control predictions. For the case studied, the replanned mission improves the survey area coverage by a factor of 2 for an energy budget, that is, a factor of 2 less than planned. The contribution is a novel on-board cognitive capability in the form of an agent that monitors the energy and intelligently replans missions based on energy considerations with evolutionary methods.
PEDF in Diabetic Retinopathy: A Protective Effect of Oxidative Stress
Authors: Zhu Xiao-feng , Zou Hai-dong
Published: April 2012

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a major cause of blindness in working age adults, and oxidative stress plays a vital role in the pathogenesis of DR. Pigment-epithelium-derived factor (PEDF), a multifunctional protein, has shown to inhibit the development of DR by accumulating evidence. This paper highlights the current understanding of probable mechanism about how PEDF blocks the deterioration of DR through its antioxidative properties and application prospects of PEDF as a novel therapeutic target in DR. Gene therapy of PEDF is becoming more and more acceptable and will widely be applied to the actual treatment in the near future.
Role of Leukotrienes on Protozoan and Helminth Infections
Authors: Rogerio Alexandre P. , Anibal Fernanda F.
Published: April 2012

Leukotrienes (LTs), formed by the 5-lipoxygenase-(5-LO-) catalyzed oxidation of arachidonic acid, are lipid mediators that have potent proinflammatory activities. Pharmacologic or genetic inhibition of 5-LO biosynthesis in animals is associated with increased mortality and impaired clearance of bacteria, fungi, and parasites. LTs play a role in the control of helminth and protozoan infections by modulating the immune system and/or through direct cytotoxicity to parasites; however, LTs may also be associated with pathogenesis, such as in cerebral malaria and schistosomal granuloma. Interestingly, some proteins from the saliva of insect vectors that transmit protozoans and secreted protein from helminth could bind LTs and may consequently modulate the course of infection or pathogenesis. In addition, the decreased production of LTs in immunocompromised individuals might modulate the pathophysiology of helminth and protozoan infections. Herein, in this paper, we showed the immunomodulatory and pathogenic roles of LTs during the helminth and protozoan infections.
Nonnegativity Preserving Interpolation by C1 Bivariate Rational Spline Surface
Authors: Peng Xingxuan , Li Zhihong , Sun Qian
Published: April 2012

This paper is concerned with the nonnegativity preserving interpolation of data on rectangular grids. The function is a kind of bivariate rational interpolation spline with parameters, which is C1 in the whole interpolation region. Sufficient conditions are derived on coefficients in the rational spline to ensure that the surfaces are always nonnegative if the original data are nonnegative. The gradients at the data sites are modified if necessary to ensure that the nonnegativity conditions are fulfilled. Some numerical examples are illustrated in the end of this paper.
Response of a Predatory Insect,Chrysopa sinica, toward the Volatiles of Persimmon Trees Infested with the Herbivore, Japanese Wax Scale
Authors: Zhang Yanfeng , Xie Yingping , Xue Jiaoliang , Yang Xingen , Gong Sha
Published: April 2012

A predatory insect,Chrysopa sinicaTiedet (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae), and its taxis behavior were investigated in a tritrophic system that included a herbivore,Ceroplastes japonicusGreen (Hemiptera: Coccidae), and a host plant, persimmon tree,Diospyros kakiL. (Ebenaceae). The results showed that this predator was attracted to the volatile compounds of persimmon trees that were infested withC. japonicus; however, the attraction varied with the growth season of the trees and the development stage of the wax scale. The strongest attraction occurred in the autumn and not in the late spring or summer. For the four time periods considered throughout the day, the most significant attraction rates were found at midnight and the early afternoon. The results indicated that the transformation of the chemical compositions of the volatiles of the persimmon tree might drive the taxis response of the predator in the three studied seasons. We mainly found differences in terpenoid emissions and propose that these compounds play a key part in the observed differences in attractiveness.
An Evaluation of MAPIA in Michigan as an Ante-Mortem Supplemental Test for Use in Suspect Tuberculosis Cattle
Authors: Fitzgerald Scott D. , Grodi Heather A. , Kaneene John B.
Published: April 2012

The objective of this study was to make use of bovine tuberculosis suspect cattle from the state of Michigan to validate a multiantigen print immunoassay for use on sera to serve as an improved supplementary ante-mortem test to increase specificity of current tuberculosis testing methods. Over a 27-month period, 234 sera were collected and tested by MAPIA method, which was evaluated using four different interpretation criteria. These results were subsequently compared to final mycobacterial culture and PCR results obtained by the National Veterinary Services Laboratories, Ames, IA, which served as the true indicator of the cattle’s tuberculosis infection status. This study indicates that an interpretation criterion which includes 3 or more positive reactions to the 11 different mycobacteria antigens utilized provided both an acceptable sensitivity (69.39%) and a high specificity (90.27%). This MAPIA technique shows potential for eventual application as a supplementary ante-mortem tuberculosis serologic test following one of the various current or soon-to-be-approved whole herd screening assays as part of a tuberculosis eradication program.
Accessing 3D Location of Standing Pelvis: Relative Position of Sacral Plateau and Acetabular Cavities versus Pelvis
Authors: Berthonnaud E. , Hilmi R. , Dimnet J.
Published: April 2012

The goal of this paper is to access to pelvis position and morphology in standing posture and to determine the relative locations of their articular surfaces. This is obtained from coupling biplanar radiography and bone modeling. The technique involves different successive steps. Punctual landmarks are first reconstructed, in space, from their projected images, identified on two orthogonal standing X-rays. Geometric models, of global pelvis and articular surfaces, are determined from punctual landmarks. The global pelvis is represented as a triangle of summits: the two femoral head centers and the sacral plateau center. The two acetabular cavities are modeled as hemispheres. The anterior sacral plateau edge is represented by an hemi-ellipsis. The modeled articular surfaces are projected on each X-ray. Their optimal location is obtained when the projected contours of their models best fit real outlines identified from landmark images. Linear and angular parameters characterizing the position of global pelvis and articular surfaces are calculated from the corresponding sets of axis. Relative positions of sacral plateau, and acetabular cavities, are then calculated. Two hundred standing pelvis, of subjects and scoliotic patients, have been studied. Examples are presented. They focus upon pelvis orientations, relative positions of articular surfaces, and pelvis asymmetries.
Surface Wave Multipath Signals in Near-Field Microwave Imaging
Authors: Meaney Paul M. , Shubitidze Fridon , Fanning Margaret W. , Kmiec Maciej , Epstein Neil R. , Paulsen Keith D.
Published: April 2012

Microwave imaging techniques are prone to signal corruption from unwanted multipath signals. Near-field systems are especially vulnerable because signals can scatter and reflect from structural objects within or on the boundary of the imaging zone. These issues are further exacerbated when surface waves are generated with the potential of propagating along the transmitting and receiving antenna feed lines and other low-loss paths. In this paper, we analyze the contributions of multi-path signals arising from surface wave effects. Specifically, experiments were conducted with a near-field microwave imaging array positioned at variable heights from the floor of a coupling fluid tank. Antenna arrays with different feed line lengths in the fluid were also evaluated. The results show that surface waves corrupt the received signals over the longest transmission distances across the measurement array. However, the surface wave effects can be eliminated provided the feed line lengths are sufficiently long independently of the distance of the transmitting/receiving antenna tips from the imaging tank floor. Theoretical predictions confirm the experimental observations.
Manganese-Nanoparticles Substitutions on the Vanadium Sites of Bi-Sr-Vanadate Aurivillius Ceramics
Authors: Elsabawy Khaled M. , Abou-Sekkina M. M. , El-Maghraby A. , Asker M. A.
Published: April 2012

The aurivillius phase of Mn-substituted samples with general formula where and 0.6 mole were prepared by solid-state reaction technique and ceramics procedures. The X-ray structural measurement analysis confirmed the formation of single-phase-layered hexagonal structure which is observed in all samples. The thermal stability and phase change of the green powders were studied by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential thermal analysis (DTA). SEM revealed that the average grain size increases with increasing Mn content. The infrared absorption spectra recorded a series of vibrational modes within the range of 400–1600 cm−1 were investigated. The present work also studied the effect of Mn-doping concentration interactions on both DC-electrical conductivity and ESR spectra.
Syk/Src Pathway-Targeted Inhibition of Skin Inflammatory Responses by Carnosic Acid
Authors: Oh Jueun , Yu Tao , Choi Soo Jeong , Yang Yanyan , Baek Heung Soo , An Soon Ae , Kwon Lee Kyoung , Kim Jinsol , Rho Ho Sik , Shin Song Seok , Choi Wahn Soo , Hong Sungyoul , Cho Jae Youl
Published: April 2012

Carnosic acid (CA) is a diterpene compound exhibiting antioxidative, anticancer, anti-angiogenic, anti-inflammatory, anti-metabolic disorder, and hepatoprotective and neuroprotective activities. In this study, the effect of CA on various skin inflammatory responses and its inhibitory mechanism were examined. CA strongly suppressed the production of IL-6, IL-8, and MCP-1 from keratinocyte HaCaT cells stimulated with sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and retinoic acid (RA). In addition, CA blocked the release of nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and prostaglandin E2(PGE2) from RAW264.7 cells activated by the toll-like receptor (TLR)-2 ligands, Gram-positive bacterium-derived peptidoglycan (PGN) and pam3CSK, and the TLR4 ligand, Gram-negative bacterium-derived lipopolysaccharide (LPS). CA arrested the growth of dermatitis-inducing Gram-positive and Gram-negative microorganisms suchPropionibacterium acnes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, andStaphylococcus aureus. CA also blocked the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor (NF)-κB and its upstream signaling including Syk/Src, phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), Akt, inhibitor of κBα (IκBα) kinase (IKK), and IκBα for NF-κB activation. Kinase assays revealed that Syk could be direct enzymatic target of CA in its anti-inflammatory action. Therefore, our data strongly suggest the potential of CA as an anti-inflammatory drug against skin inflammatory responses with Src/NF-κB inhibitory properties.
Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy: A Review
Authors: Saulle Michael , Greenwald Brian D.
Published: April 2012

Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that is a long-term consequence of single or repetitive closed head injuries for which there is no treatment and no definitive pre-mortem diagnosis. It has been closely tied to athletes who participate in contact sports like boxing, American football, soccer, professional wrestling and hockey. Risk factors include head trauma, presence of ApoE3 or ApoE4 allele, military service, and old age. It is histologically identified by the presence of tau-immunoreactive NFTs and NTs with some cases having a TDP-43 proteinopathy or beta-amyloid plaques. It has an insidious clinical presentation that begins with cognitive and emotional disturbances and can progress to Parkinsonian symptoms. The exact mechanism for CTE has not been precisely defined however, research suggest it is due to an ongoing metabolic and immunologic cascade called immunoexcitiotoxicity. Prevention and education are currently the most compelling way to combat CTE and will be an emphasis of both physicians and athletes. Further research is needed to aid in pre-mortem diagnosis, therapies, and support for individuals and their families living with CTE.
How Physically Active Are People with Stroke in Physiotherapy Sessions Aimed at Improving Motor Function? A Systematic Review
Authors: Kaur Gurpreet , English Coralie , Hillier Susan
Published: April 2012

Background. Targeted physical activity drives functional recovery after stroke. This review aimed to determine the amount of time stroke survivors spend physically active during physiotherapy sessions.Summary of Review. A systematic search was conducted to identify published studies that investigated the use of time by people with stroke during physiotherapy sessions. Seven studies were included; six observational and one randomised controlled trial. People with stroke were found to be physically active for an average of 60 percent of their physiotherapy session duration. The most common activities practiced in a physiotherapy session were walking, sitting, and standing with a mean (SD) practice time of 8.7 (4.3), 4.5 (4.0), and 8.3 (2.6) minutes, respectively.Conclusion. People with stroke were found to spend less than two-thirds of their physiotherapy sessions duration engaged in physical activity. In light of dosage studies, practice time may be insufficient to drive optimal motor recovery.
Eddy Current Transducer Dedicated for Sigma Phase Evaluation in Duplex Stainless Steel
Authors: Psuj Grzegorz , Chady Tomasz , Camerini Cesar Giron
Published: April 2012

The paper describes a new transducer dedicated for evaluation of a duplex stainless steel (DSS). Different phases which exist in DSS have influence on mechanical as well as on electrical properties. Therefore, an eddy current transducer was utilized. In order to achieve high sensitivity, a differential type of the transducer was selected. The performance of the transducer was verified by utilizing the samples which had a different amount of sigma phase.
Bone Loss after Allogeneic Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: A Pilot Study on the Use of Zoledronic Acid
Authors: Hausmann Andreas , Hill Wolfgang , Stemmler Hans Joachim , Ledderose Georg , Baur-Melnyk Andrea , Fritsch Susanne , Ullmann Johanna , Kolb Hans-Jochem , Geiger Sandra , Tischer Johanna
Published: April 2012

Purpose. Bone loss is a common phenomenon following allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). The study aimed on tolerance and efficacy of zoledronic acid (ZA) in patients after allo-HSCT.Methods.40 patients’ with osteoporosis or osteopenia were recruited on this phase II study. ZA was given at a dose of 4 mg IV every 3 months for 2 years (yrs). BMD was determined by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (LS lumbar spine, FH femur hip). Patients were evaluated for deoxypyridinoline (Dpd) and calcium excretion by longitudinal measurements.Results. 36 patients who had received at least 3 doses of ZA were evaluable. 26 patients had at least two BMD measurements since baseline (BMD group). Among these patients, BMD increased from0.97±0.15to1.10±0.18 g/cm² (LS baseline—2 yrs,Δ+11.6±6.0%,P<0.001) and from0.82±0.10to0.91±0.10 g/cm²(FH baseline—2 yrs,Δ+7.5±7.0%,P<0.001). Factors associated with an increase in BMD were younger age, female donor sex, and immunosuppression with CSA/MTX.Conclusion. ZA was generally well tolerated; it increases BMD and reduces Dpd excretion significantly in patients with bone loss after allo-HSCT.
Improving the Advantages of Single Port in Right Hemicolectomy: Analysis of the Results of Pure Transumbilical Approach with Intracorporeal Anastomosis
Authors: Morales-Conde Salvador , Barranco Antonio , Socas María , Méndez Cristina , Alarcón Isaias , Cañete Jesús , Padillo Francisco J.
Published: April 2012

Background. Single-port laparoscopic surgery has recently emerged as a method to improve patient recovery and cosmetic benefits of laparoscopic surgery. The evolution of our technique has led us to move from a periumbilical incision to a transumbilical one, avoiding the use of drain and maintaining a pure single-port approach with intracorporeal anastomosis in order to maintain the incision as smaller as possible.Method. We report a prospective clinical analysis of our first 38 patients. Oncological surgical steps were followed as during the standard laparoscopic approach, performing the anastomosis intracorporeally in all cases.Results. Mean age of 68,39 years old and an average BMI of 27,88%. (range 19,81–41,5). Most lesions were adenocarcinoma (65,8%), while the remaining were polyps (31,5%) and one a mucocele of the appendix. We moved from a periumbilical incision, initial 14 cases, into a transumbilical one, (medium size of the incision 3,25 cm). Average surgical time was 117,42 minutes. Drains was only used in our first 3 cases. Mean hospital stay was 5,2 days, (86,5% stayed less than 5 days). Total morbidity was 13%. Histological exams of the specimens showed that the oncological criteria were preserved.Conclusions. Single-port right hemicolectomy with intracorporeal anastomosis is feasible and safe. The advantages of a total intracorporeal anastomosis include that there is no need to enlarge the umbilical incision and avoid traction of the pedicle of the mesenterium of the transverse colon during the extracorporeal anastomosis. A transumbilical incision offers better cosmetic results, and the use of drains can be avoided, which increase, patient’s satisfaction.
Fabrication of Monolithic Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell Using Ionic Liquid Electrolyte
Authors: Ito Seigo , Takahashi Kaoru
Published: April 2012

To improve the durability of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs), monolithic DSCs with ionic liquid electrolyte were studied. Deposited by screen printing, a carbon layer was successfully fabricated that did not crack or peel when annealing was employed beforehand. Optimized electrodes exhibited photovoltaic characteristics of 0.608 V open-circuit voltage, 6.90 cm−2 mA short-circuit current, and 0.491 fill factor, yielding 2.06% power conversion efficiency. The monolithic DSC using ionic liquid electrolyte was thermally durable and operated stably for 1000 h at 80°C.
Parallel Ecological Speciation in Plants?
Authors: Ostevik Katherine L. , Moyers Brook T. , Owens Gregory L. , Rieseberg Loren H.
Published: April 2012

Populations that have independently evolved reproductive isolation from their ancestors while remaining reproductively cohesive have undergone parallel speciation. A specific type of parallel speciation, known as parallel ecological speciation, is one of several forms of evidence for ecology's role in speciation. In this paper we search the literature for candidate examples of parallel ecological speciation in plants. We use four explicit criteria (independence, isolation, compatibility, and selection) to judge the strength of evidence for each potential case. We find that evidence for parallel ecological speciation in plants is unexpectedly scarce, especially relative to the many well-characterized systems in animals. This does not imply that ecological speciation is uncommon in plants. It only implies that evidence from parallel ecological speciation is rare. Potential explanations for the lack of convincing examples include a lack of rigorous testing and the possibility that plants are less prone to parallel ecological speciation than animals.
Rectal Metastases from Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Cedrés S. , Mulet-Margalef N. , Montero M. A. , Martinez P. , Martínez A. , Felip E.
Published: April 2012

Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) represents 85% of lung cancer. The most frequent sites of distant metastasis are the liver, adrenal glands, bones and brain. Gastrointestinal metastases are uncommon and rectal metastases are extremely rare. Here we report a case of squamous cell carcinoma of the lung with rectal metastases.
Experiences of Siblings of Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Angell Maureen E. , Meadan Hedda , Stoner Julia B.
Published: April 2012

The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of siblings of individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and identify their self-reported support needs. We conducted in-person semi-structured interviews with 12 siblings aged 7 to 15 of children aged 6 to 15 with ASDs. Employing a qualitative collective case study research method, we conducted cross-case analyses to address our research questions. Three major themes emerged: (a) descriptions of the sibling subsystem (b) cohesion between and among the siblings, and (c) adaptability of the participant siblings to having family members with ASDs. Discussion of these findings and recommendations for future research contributes to the existing literature on siblings of children with disabilities.
Surface-Treated versus Untreated Large-Bore Catheters as Vascular Access in Hemodialysis and Apheresis Treatments
Authors: Bambauer Rolf , Schiel Ralf , Bambauer Carolin , Latza Reinhard
Published: April 2012

Background. Catheter-related infections, thrombosis, and stenosis are among the most frequent complications associated with catheters, which are inserted in vessels. Surface treatment processes of the outer surface, such as ion-beam-assisted deposition, can be used to mitigate such complications.Methods. This retrospective study (1992–2007) evaluated silver-coated (54 patients) and noncoated (105 patients) implanted large-bore catheters used for extracorporeal detoxification. The catheters were inserted into the internal jugular or subclavian veins. After removal, the catheters were cultured for bacterial colonization using standard microbiologic assays. They also were examined using scanning electron microscope.Results. The silver coated catheters showed a tendency towards longer in situ time. The microbiologic examinations of the catheter tips were in both catheter types high positive, but not significant.Conclusion. The silver-coated catheters showed no significantly reduction in infection rate by evaluation of all collected data in this retrospective study. There was no association between both catheters in significantly reducing savings in treatment costs and in reducing patient discomfort. Other new developed catheter materials such as the microdomain-structured inner and outer surface are considered more biocompatible because they mimic the structure of natural biological surface.
Human Nuclease/Helicase DNA2 Alleviates Replication Stress by Promoting DNA End Resection
Authors: Peng Guang , Dai Hui , Zhang Wei , Hsieh Hui-Ju , Pan Mei-Ren , Park Yun-Yong , Tsai Robert Yu-Lin , Bedrosian Isabelle , Lee Ju-Seog , Ira Grzegorz , Lin Shiaw-Yih
Published: April 2012

In precancerous and cancerous lesions, excessive growth signals resulting from activation of oncogenes or loss of tumor suppressor genes lead to intensive replication stress, which is recognized by a high level of replication-associated DNA double-strand breaks (DSB). However, the molecular mechanism by which cells alleviate excessive replication stress remains unclear. In this study, we report that the human nuclease/helicase DNA2 facilitates homologous recombination to repair replication-associated DNA DSBs, thereby providing cells with survival advantages under conditions of replication stress. The nuclease activity of DNA2 was required for DSB end resection, which allowed subsequent recruitment of RPA and RAD51 to repair DSBs and restart replication. More importantly, DNA2 expression was significantly increased in human cancers and its expression correlated with patient outcome. Our findings therefore indicate that enhanced activity of DSB resection likely constitutes one mechanism whereby precancerous and cancerous cells might alleviate replication stress. Cancer Res; 72(11); 2802–13. ©2012 AACR.
Reduced Methylation of the Thromboxane Synthase Gene Is Correlated With Its Increased Vascular Expression in Preeclampsia
Authors: Mousa Ahmad A. , Strauss Jerome F. , Walsh Scott W.
Published: April 2012

Preeclampsia is characterized by increased thromboxane and decreased prostacyclin levels, which predate symptoms, and can explain some of the clinical manifestations of preeclampsia, including hypertension and thrombosis. In this study, we examined DNA methylation of the promoter region of the thromboxane synthase gene (
TBXAS1
) and the expression of thromboxane synthase in systemic blood vessels of normal pregnant and preeclamptic women. Thromboxane synthase is responsible for the synthesis of thromboxane A
2
, a potent vasoconstrictor and activator of platelets. We also examined the effect of experimentally induced DNA hypomethylation on the expression of thromboxane synthase in a neutrophil-like cell line (HL-60 cells) and in cultured vascular smooth muscle and endothelial cells. We found that DNA methylation of the
TBXAS1
promoter was decreased and thromboxane synthase expression was increased in omental arteries of preeclamptic women as compared with normal pregnant women. Increased thromboxane synthase expression was observed in vascular smooth muscles cells, endothelial cells, and infiltrating neutrophils. Experimentally induced DNA hypomethylation only increased expression of thromboxane synthase in the neutrophil-like cell line, whereas tumor necrosis factor-α, a neutrophil product, increased its expression in cultured vascular smooth muscle cells. Our study suggests that epigenetic mechanisms and release of tumor necrosis factor-α by infiltrating neutrophils could contribute to the increased expression of thromboxane synthase in maternal systemic blood vessels, contributing to the hypertension and coagulation abnormalities associated with preeclampsia.
TASK-3 Channel Deletion in Mice Recapitulates Low-Renin Essential Hypertension
Authors: Guagliardo Nick A. , Yao Junlan , Hu Changlong , Schertz Elaine M. , Tyson David A. , Carey Robert M. , Bayliss Douglas A. , Barrett Paula Q.
Published: April 2012

Idiopathic primary hyperaldosteronism (IHA) and low-renin essential hypertension (LREH) are common forms of hypertension, characterized by an elevated aldosterone-renin ratio and hypersensitivity to angiotensin II. They are suggested to be 2 states within a disease spectrum that progresses from LREH to IHA as the control of aldosterone production by the renin-angiotensin system is weakened. The mechanism(s) that drives this progression remains unknown. Deletion of Twik-related acid-sensitive K
+
channels (TASK) subunits, TASK-1 and TASK-3, in mice (T1T3KO) produces a model of human IHA. Here, we determine the effect of deleting only TASK-3 (T3KO) on the control of aldosterone production and blood pressure. We find that T3KO mice recapitulate key characteristics of human LREH, salt-sensitive hypertension, mild overproduction of aldosterone, decreased plasma-renin concentration with elevated aldosterone:renin ratio, hypersensitivity to endogenous and exogenous angiotensin II, and failure to suppress aldosterone production with dietary sodium loading. The relative differences in levels of aldosterone output and aldosterone:renin ratio and in autonomy of aldosterone production between T1T3KO and T3KO mice are reminiscent of differences in human hypertensive patients with LREH and IHA. Our studies establish a model of LREH and suggest that loss of TASK channel activity may be one mechanism that advances the syndrome of low renin hypertension.
Adipocytes Produce Aldosterone Through Calcineurin-Dependent Signaling Pathways
Authors: Briones Ana M. , Nguyen Dinh Cat Aurelie , Callera Glaucia E. , Yogi Alvaro , Burger Dylan , He Ying , Corrêa Jose W. , Gagnon Anne Marie , Gomez-Sanchez Celso E. , Gomez-Sanchez Elise P. , Sorisky Alexander , Ooi Teik Chye , Ruzicka Marcel , Burns Kevin D. , Touyz Rhian M.
Published: April 2012

We reported aldosterone as a novel adipocyte-derived factor that regulates vascular function. We aimed to investigate molecular mechanisms, signaling pathways, and functional significance of adipocyte-derived aldosterone and to test whether adipocyte-derived aldosterone is increased in diabetes mellitus–associated obesity, which contributes to vascular dysfunction. Studies were performed in the 3T3-L1 adipocyte cell line and mature adipocytes isolated from human and mouse (C57BL/6J) adipose tissue. Mesenteric arteries with and without perivascular fat and mature adipocytes were obtained from obese diabetic db/db and control db/+ mice. Aldosterone synthase (CYP11B2; mRNA and protein) was detected in 3T3-L1 and mature adipocytes, which secrete aldosterone basally and in response to angiotensin II (Ang II). In 3T3-L1 adipocytes, Ang II stimulation increased aldosterone secretion and CYP11B2 expression. Ang II effects were blunted by an Ang II type 1 receptor antagonist (candesartan) and inhibitors of calcineurin (cyclosporine A and FK506) and nuclear factor of activated T-cells (VIVIT). FAD286 (aldosterone synthase inhibitor) blunted adipocyte differentiation. In candesartan-treated db/db mice (1 mg/kg per day, 4 weeks) increased plasma aldosterone, CYP11B2 expression, and aldosterone secretion were reduced. Acetylcholine-induced relaxation in db/db mesenteric arteries containing perivascular fat was improved by eplerenone (mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist) without effect in db/+ mice. Adipocytes possess aldosterone synthase and produce aldosterone in an Ang II/Ang II type 1 receptor/calcineurin/nuclear factor of activated T-cells–dependent manner. Functionally adipocyte-derived aldosterone regulates adipocyte differentiation and vascular function in an autocrine and paracrine manner, respectively. These novel findings identify adipocytes as a putative link between aldosterone and vascular dysfunction in diabetes mellitus–associated obesity.
Trading on Preconceptions: Why World War I Was Not a Failure of Economic Interdependence
Authors: Gartzke Erik , Lupu Yonatan
Published: April 2012

World War I is generally viewed by both advocates and critics of commercial liberal theory as the quintessential example of a failure of economic integration to maintain peace. Yet this consensus relies on both methodologically flawed inference and an incomplete accounting of the antecedents to the war. Crucially, World War I began in a weakly integrated portion of Europe with which highly integrated powers were entangled through the alliance system. Crises among the highly interdependent European powers in the decades leading up to the war were generally resolved without bloodshed. Among the less interdependent powers in Eastern Europe, however, crises regularly escalated to militarized violence. Moreover, the crises leading to the war created increased incentives for the integrated powers to strengthen commitments to their less interdependent partners. In attempting to make these alliances more credible, Western powers shifted foreign policy discretion to the very states that lacked strong economic disincentives to fight. Had globalization pervaded Eastern Europe, or if the rest of Europe had been less locked into events in the east, Europe might have avoided a “Great War.”
Euripides’ Suppliant Women, Theseus and Athenocentrism
Authors: Morwood James
Published: April 2012

Abstract

In Euripides’Suppliant Women, Theseus at first rejects Adrastos’ supplication to recover the bodies of the Argive dead. Later he changes his mind. This article discusses the initial failure of the supplication, both examining the failings in Adrastos’ appeal and suggesting that a strong case can be made for Theseus’ rejection: neither he nor Athens would have suffered from gods or from men had he stood by it. Why then did he have the change of heart that the play clearly approves? The article links his rejection with a narrow nationalism evinced in his response to the exogamous marriages Adrastos had contracted for his daughters. His attitude looks back to Perikles’ marriage law of 451 BC and reflects the chauvinism that it brought in its wake. Theseus must unlearn this limited mind-set and become a truly Panhellenic hero. The article traces how this in fact happens in the course of the play, above all through the developing relationship between Theseus and Adrastos. His jingoism and isolationism melt away, though in herex machinaappearance Athena undermines the great-heartedness that both kings have displayed. Despite that, the play ends affirmatively, endorsing the theme of the inadequacy of a narrow Athenocentrism.
Influence of Tylenchorhynchus ewingi on growth of loblolly pine seedlings, and host suitability of legumes and small grains
Authors: Fraedrich Stephen W. , Cram Michelle M. , Handoo Zafar A. , Zarnoch Stanley J.
Published: April 2012

Tylenchorhynchus ewingi, a stunt nematode, causes severe injury to slash pine seedlings and has been recently associated with stunting and chlorosis of loblolly pine seedlings at some forest tree nurseries in southern USA. Experiments confirmed that loblolly pine is a host for T. ewingi, and that the nematode is capable of causing severe damage to root systems. Initial population densities as low as 60 nematodes (100 cm3 soil)−1 were sufficient to damage the root systems of loblolly pine seedlings. Populations of T. ewingi increased on pine from two- to 16-fold, depending on the initial population density. Evaluations of various cover crops used in southern forest tree nurseries indicated that legumes, rye and several varieties of sorghum were excellent hosts for T. ewingi. Other small grains such as ryegrass, oats and wheat were poorer hosts. A cultivar of pearl millet was a non-host for T. ewingi, and a cultivar of brown top millet appeared to be either a very poor host or a non-host. Nurseries that have seedling production losses caused by T. ewingi should consider rotating with non-host cover crops such as pearl millet or leaving fields fallow as part of their pest management programme.
Description of Ruehmaphelenchus digitulus sp. n. (Nematoda: Aphelenchoididae) found in packaging wood from Taiwan
Authors: Gu Jianfeng , Wang Jiangling
Published: April 2012

Ruehmaphelenchus digitulus sp. n., isolated from coniferous packaging wood from Taiwan, is described and figured. The new species is characterised by a relatively stout body with a = 28.0 (23.7-31.3) and 27.0 (22.9-32.7) for male and female, respectively, three lines in the lateral field, spicules relatively small (chord = 17.0-19.2 μm; arc = 13.8-16.6 μm) with weakly developed condylus and rostrum, bursa absent, vulva positioned at ca 80% of body length, vulva flap absent, vulval lips slightly protruding, post-uterine branch extending slightly over half of vulva to anus distance, and tail conoid, ca 2-3 anal body diam. long, with terminal process 7-10 μm long. The new species is the fourth known for the genus. It can be distinguished from R. martinii, R. asiaticus and R. thailandae mainly by the different shape and size of the spicules and the different shape and length of the female tail terminus. The separate species status is also supported by ITS-RFLP pattern and molecular phylogenetic analysis based on partial SSU ITS1/2 and partial LSU sequences.