bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sensorimotor Locus of the Buildup Activity in Monkey Lateral Intraparietal Area Neurons
Authors: Park Joonkoo , Zhang Jun
Published: February 2010

A study in 2002 using a random-dot motion-discrimination paradigm showed that an information accumulation model with a threshold-crossing mechanism can account for activity of the lateral intraparietal area (LIP) neurons. Here, mathematical techniques were applied to the same dataset to quantitatively address the sensory versus motor representation of the neuronal activity during the time course of a trial. A technique based on Signal Detection Theory was applied to provide indices to quantify how neuronal firing activity is responsible for encoding the stimulus or selecting the response at the behavioral level. Additionally, a statistical model based on Poisson regression was used to provide an orthogonal decomposition of the neural activity into stimulus, response, and stimulus-response mapping components. The temporal dynamics of the sensorimotor locus of the LIP activity indicated that there is no stimulus-response mapping-specific neuronal firing activity throughout a trial; the neural activity toward the saccadic onset reflects the development of the motor representation, and the neural activity in the beginning of a trial contains little, if any, information about the sensory representation. Sensorimotor analysis on individual neurons also showed that the neuronal activation, as a population, represent pending saccadic direction and carry little information about the direction of the motion stimulus.
Glutamatergic Antagonism in the NTS Decreases Post-Inspiratory Drive and Changes Phrenic and Sympathetic Coupling During Chemoreflex Activation
Authors: Costa-Silva João H. , Zoccal Daniel B. , Machado Benedito H.
Published: February 2010

For a better understanding of the processing at the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) level of the autonomic and respiratory responses to peripheral chemoreceptor activation, herein we evaluated the role of glutamatergic neurotransmission in the intermediate (iNTS) and caudal NTS (cNTS) on baseline respiratory parameters and on chemoreflex-evoked responses using the in situ working heart-brain stem preparation (WHBP). The activities of phrenic (PND), cervical vagus (cVNA), and thoracic sympathetic (tSNA) nerves were recorded before and after bilateral microinjections of kynurenic acid (Kyn, 5 nmol/20 nl) into iNTS, cNTS, or both simultaneously. In WHBP, baseline sympathetic discharge markedly correlated with phrenic bursts (inspiration). However, most of sympathoexcitation elicited by chemoreflex activation occurred during expiration. Kyn microinjected into iNTS or into cNTS decreased the postinspiratory component of cVNA and increased the duration and frequency of PND. Kyn into iNTS produced no changes in sympathoexcitatory and tachypneic responses to peripheral chemoreflex activation, whereas into cNTS, a reduction of the sympathoexcitation, but not of the tachypnea, was observed. The pattern of phrenic and sympathetic coupling during the chemoreflex activation was an inspiratory-related rather than an expiratory-related sympathoexcitation. Kyn simultaneously into iNTS and cNTS produced a greater decrease in postinspiratory component of cVNA and increase in frequency and duration of PND and abolished the respiratory and autonomic responses to chemoreflex activation. The data show that glutamatergic neurotransmission in the iNTS and cNTS plays a tonic role on the baseline respiratory rhythm, contributes to the postinspiratory activity, and is essential to expiratory-related sympathoexcitation observed during chemoreflex activation.
Augmented Sodium Currents Contribute to the Enhanced Excitability of Small Diameter Capsaicin-Sensitive Sensory Neurons Isolated FromNf1+/− Mice
Authors: Wang Yue , Duan J.-H. , Hingtgen C. M. , Nicol G. D.
Published: February 2010

Neurofibromin, the product of the Nf1 gene, is a guanosine triphosphatase activating protein (GAP) for p21ras (Ras) that accelerates conversion of active Ras-GTP to inactive Ras-GDP. Sensory neurons with reduced levels of neurofibromin likely have augmented Ras-GTP activity. We reported previously that sensory neurons isolated from a mouse model with a heterozygous mutation of the Nf1 gene ( Nf1+/−) exhibited greater excitability compared with wild-type mice. To determine the mechanism giving rise to the augmented excitability, differences in specific membrane currents were examined. Consistent with the enhanced excitability of Nf1+/− neurons, peak current densities of both tetrodotoxin-resistant sodium current (TTX-R INa) and TTX-sensitive (TTX-S) INawere significantly larger in Nf1+/− than in wild-type neurons. Although the voltages for half-maximal activation ( V0.5) were not different, there was a significant depolarizing shift in the V0.5for steady-state inactivation of both TTX-R and TTX-S INain Nf1+/− neurons. In addition, levels of persistent INawere significantly larger in Nf1+/− neurons. Neither delayed rectifier nor A-type potassium currents were altered in Nf1+/− neurons. These results demonstrate that enhanced production of action potentials in Nf1+/− neurons results, in part, from larger current densities and a depolarized voltage dependence of steady-state inactivation for INathat potentially leads to a greater availability of sodium channels at voltages near the firing threshold for the action potential.
Multiple Patterns and Components of Persistent Inward Current With Serotonergic Modulation in Locomotor Activity–Related Neurons in Cfos-EGFP Mice
Authors: Dai Yue , Jordan Larry M.
Published: February 2010

Using CFos-EGFP transgenic mice (P6–P12), we targeted persistent inward current (PIC) in the spinal interneurons activated by locomotion. Following a locomotor task, whole cell patch-clamp recordings were obtained from ventral EGFP+ neurons in spinal cord slices (200–250 μm from T13–L4). PIC was recorded by a family of 10 s voltage bi-ramps starting from −70 mV with 30 mV steps. PIC could be classified as ascending and descending forms based on the rising and falling phases of the bi-ramps. Multiple patterns of PIC with various hystereses were found in EGFP+ neurons. A novel form of PIC, single PIC crossing both phases of the bi-ramps, was described in this study. PIC was found in 82% of EGFP+ neurons ( n = 129) with no significant difference in laminar distribution. PIC activated at −56.7 ± 8 mV with an amplitude of 85.3 ± 59 pA and time constant of 657.0 ± 272 ms ( n = 63). PIC in lamina VIII neurons activated significantly lower (−60.2 ± 7 mV) than in lamina VII (−54.8 ± 6 mV) and lamina X (−55.8 ± 9 mV) neurons. PIC could be differentiated as calcium dependent (Ca-PIC) by bath application of 1–5 μM TTX or sodium dependent (Na-PIC) by administration of 20–30 μM dihydropyridine. Ca-PIC activated at −40.2 ± 19 mV ( n = 49), whereas Na-PIC activated at −46.8 ± 16 mV ( n = 17). Composite-, Ca-, and Na-PICs were significantly different in activation but not amplitude and time constant. Bath application of 5-HT (10–30 μM) enhanced PIC ( n = 32) by hyperpolarizing onset (4.2 ± 6 mV) and increasing amplitude (16%). 5-HT–increased amplitude seemed to be significantly larger in lamina VII neurons (32%) than VIII (6%) and X (14%) neurons. 5-HT enhancement of Ca-PIC ( n = 6) and Na-PICs ( n = 4) was also observed in EGFP+ neurons. This study unveiled unique properties of PICs in EGFP+ neurons. The lamina-related PIC activation and variable effects of 5-HT on PIC amplitude provides insight into the ionic basis on which locomotion could be generated.
Simple Diagnostic Tests for Subungual Pigmentation
Authors: Poudyal Shardul , Elpern David J.
Published: February 2010

Subungual pigmentation can have benign and malignant etiologies. A common and important differential diagnosis is between subungual hematoma and subungual acrolentiginous melanoma. We have introduced Dr. Eckert Haneke's technique and our Hydrogen Peroxide modification for distinguishing these entities clinically. Dr. Haneke's technique uses the hemocult reaction to detect hematoma from the specimen, while our modification uses Hydrogen Peroxide to clear the hematoma and make the decision clinically. Both are minimally invasive techniques which can be performed without pain. Often these procedures spare the patient an unnecessary tissue biopsy with its morbidity and discomfort. Importantly, they reassure the patient that he or she has a benign disorder.
Effectiveness of Vehicle Weight Estimation from Bridge Weigh-in-Motion
Authors: Deesomsuk Teerachai , Pinkaew Tospol
Published: February 2010

The effectiveness of vehicle weight estimations from bridge weigh-in-motion system is studied. The measured bending moments of the instrumented bridge under a passage of vehicle are numerically simulated and are used as the input for the vehicle weight estimations. Two weight estimation methods assuming constant magnitudes and time-varying magnitudes of vehicle axle loads are investigated. The appropriate number of bridge elements and sampling frequency are considered. The effectiveness in term of the estimation accuracy is evaluated and compared under various parameters of vehicle-bridge system. The effects of vehicle speed, vehicle configuration, vehicle weight and bridge surface roughness on the accuracy of the estimated vehicle weights are intensively investigated. Based on the obtained results, vehicle speed, surface roughness level and measurement error seem to have stronger effects on the weight estimation accuracy than other parameters. In general, both methods can provide quite accurate weight estimation of the vehicle. Comparing between them, although the weight estimation method assuming constant magnitudes of axle loads is faster, the method assuming time-varying magnitudes of axle loads can provide axle load histories and exhibits more accurate weight estimations of the vehicle for almost of the considered cases.
Structure of Copper(II) Complexes with 2‐[2‐Hydroxy‐Phenil]‐4,4‐Diphenyl‐1,2‐Dihydro‐4H‐3,1‐Benzoxazine in Chloroform
Authors: Bolotin S. N. , Isaeva E. L. , Shamsutdinova M. H. , Pushkareva K. S. , Bukov N. N.
Published: February 2010

Electronic spectra of copper(II) complexes CuL2andCu2L2Ac2 (L‐2‐[2‐hydroxy‐phenil]‐4,4‐diphenyl‐1,2‐dihydro‐4H‐3,1‐benzoxazine, Ac –CH3COO−) (L) in chloroform are studied. It
is shown that complex Cul2 has rhombic bipyramid polyhedron and complex Cu2L2Ac2 has tetragonal pyramidal polyhedron of copper ion. Results of definition of geometry for
complexes in solution correlate with structure of solid complexes.
A Review of Penile Cancer
Authors: Rando Sous A. , Pérez-Utrilla Pérez M. , Aguilera Bazán A. , Tabernero Gomez A. , Cisneros Ledo J. , De la Peña Barthel J.
Published: February 2010

Cancer of the penis is a rare tumour in Europe and mainly affects the elderly patient population. The aim of this paper was to analyse and study the characteristics of this tumour, in our patient population.Materials and Methods.A retrospective study was conducted on penile tumours diagnosed and treated in the Urology Department of the Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, in the last ten years.Results.A total of 34 patients were diagnosed and treated. The mean age at presentation was 71.27 years. The mean time between symptoms and the first consultation was 12.54 months with a median of 6 months. The most common form of presentation was balanoposthitis (32%) and the most common site in our series was the glans. Partial penectomy was performed in 22 cases, total amputation in 8, and local excision in 3.Discussion.Carcinoma of the penis is a pathology which mostly affects elderly patients; in our series, the highest incidence was observed in patients in the group aged 75–84 years. The most common histological type was epidermoid carcinoma in its various forms of presentation. We recorded a mortality of 23%.Conclusion.Penile carcinoma is a rare pathology which affects elderly persons and is diagnosed late.
A Randomised Controlled Experimental Study on the Influence of Patient Age on Medical Decisions in Respect to the Diagnosis and Treatment of Depression in the Elderly
Authors: Linden Michael , Kurtz Guido
Published: February 2010

Background. Elderly patients are often treated differently than younger patients, even when suffering from the same disorder.Objective. The study examines the influence of “patient age” on the perception of symptoms and conclusions of physicians in respect to diagnosis and treatment.Methods. In a randomised controlled experimental study on medical decision-making, 121 general practitioners were given two case vignettes which contained all the criteria for major depression according to ICD-10, but differed in respect to the age of the patient (39 or 81). Reaction time, diagnostic conclusions and therapeutic recommendations were assessed by computer.Results. Depression and anxiety were significantly seen as more probable in the young cases and dementia and physical illness in the old. In young age, psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy and referral to a specialist or inpatient treatment were significantly more recommended than in old age, for whom supportive counselling was significantly more recommended. The time needed for a decision was significantly longer in the older patients.Conclusion. Ageing stereotypes can also form medical illness concepts and have a significant influence on diagnostic and therapeutic decisions.
Double Ionization of Unsaturated Hydrocarbons Interacting with High-Power Femtosecond Laser Pulses
Authors: Sharifi S. M. , Talebpour A. , Chin S. L.
Published: February 2010

The nonsequential double ionization of four unsaturated organic molecules, C5NH5, C3H6, C2H4, and C2H2 interacting with strong Ti: Sapphire laser pulses are reported. Despite differences in the molecular geometry, the degree of ionization suppression and the fraction of molecules that undergo non-sequential double ionization were similar for all of these molecules.
Dynamical Systems Analysis of a Five‐Dimensional Trophic Food Web Model in the Southern Oceans
Authors: Hadley Scott A. , Forbes Lawrence K.
Published: February 2010

A theoretical model developed by Stone describing a three‐level trophic system in the Ocean is analysed. The system consists of two distinct predator‐prey networks, linked by competition for nutrients at the lowest level. There is also an interaction at the level of the two preys, in the sense that the presence of one is advantageous to the other when nutrients are low. It is shown that spontaneous oscillations in population numbers are possible, and that they result from a Hopf bifurcation. The limit cycles are analysed using Floquet theory and are found to change from stable to unstable as a solution branch is traversed.
Cancer Vaccine by Fusions of Dendritic and Cancer Cells
Authors: Koido Shigeo , Hara Eiichi , Homma Sadamu , Namiki Yoshihisa , Ohkusa Toshifumi , Gong Jianlin , Tajiri Hisao
Published: February 2010

Dendritic cells (DCs) are potent antigen-presenting cells and play a central role in the initiation and regulation of primary immune responses. Therefore, their use for the active immunotherapy against cancers has been studied with considerable interest. The fusion of DCs with whole tumor cells represents in many ways an ideal approach to deliver, process, and subsequently present a broad array of tumor-associated antigens, including those yet to be unidentified, in the context of DCs-derived costimulatory molecules. DCs/tumor fusion vaccine stimulates potent antitumor immunity in the animal tumor models. In the human studies, T cells stimulated by DC/tumor fusion cells are effective in lysis of tumor cells that are used as the fusion partner. In the clinical trials, clinical and immunological responses were observed in patients with advanced stage of malignant tumors after being vaccinated with DC/tumor fusion cells, although the antitumor effect is not as vigorous as in the animal tumor models. This review summarizes recent advances in concepts and techniques that are providing new impulses to DCs/tumor fusions-based cancer vaccination.
Switched Systems Reduction Framework Based on Convex Combination of Generalized Gramians
Authors: Shaker Hamid Reza , Wisniewski Rafael
Published: February 2010

A general method for model‐order reduction of switched linear dynamical systems is presented. The proposed technique uses convex generalized gramian which is a convex combination of the generalized gramians. It is shown that different classical reduction methods can be developed into the generalized gramian framework for model reduction of linear systems and further for the reduction of switched systems by construction of the convex generalized gramian. Balanced reduction within specified frequency bound is taken as an example which is developed within this framework. In order to avoid numerical instability and also to increase the numerical efficiency, convex generalized gramian‐based Petrov‐Galerkin projection is constructed instead of the similarity transform approach for reduction. It is proven that the method preserves the stability of the original switched system at least for stabilizing switching signal and it is also less conservative than the method which is based on the common generalized gramian. Some discussions on the coefficient of the vertices of the convex variables are presented. The performance of the proposed method is illustrated by numerical examples.
High-Dose Glycine Treatment of Refractory Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and Body Dysmorphic Disorder in a 5-Year Period
Authors: Cleveland W. Louis , DeLaPaz Robert L. , Fawwaz Rashid A. , Challop Roger S.
Published: February 2010

This paper describes an individual who was diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) at age 17 when education was discontinued. By age 19, he was housebound without social contacts except for parents. Adequate trials of three selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, two with atypical neuroleptics, were ineffective. Major exacerbations following ear infections involving Group A -hemolytic streptococcus at ages 19 and 20 led to intravenous immune globulin therapy, which was also ineffective. At age 22, another severe exacerbation followed antibiotic treatment forH. pylori.This led to a hypothesis that postulates deficient signal transduction by the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR). Treatment with glycine, an NMDAR coagonist, over 5 years led to robust reduction of OCD/BDD signs and symptoms except for partial relapses during treatment cessation. Education and social life were resumed and evidence suggests improved cognition. Our findings motivate further study of glycine treatment of OCD and BDD.
Quantum Computing in Decoherence‐Free Subspace Constructed by Triangulation
Authors: Bi Qiao , Guo Liu , Ruda H. E.
Published: February 2010

A formalism for quantum computing in decoherence‐free subspaces is presented. The constructed subspaces are partial triangulated to an index related to environment. The quantum states in the subspaces are just projected states which are ruled by a subdynamic kinetic equation. These projected states can be used to perform ideal quantum logical operations without decoherence.
Ghrelin's Roles in Stress, Mood, and Anxiety Regulation
Authors: Chuang Jen-Chieh , Zigman Jeffrey M.
Published: February 2010

Several studies suggest that the peptide hormone ghrelin mediates some of the usual behavioral responses to acute and chronic stress. Circulating ghrelin levels have been found to rise following stress. It has been proposed that this elevated ghrelin helps animals cope with stress by generating antidepressant-like behavioral adaptations, although another study suggests that decreasing CNS ghrelin expression has antidepressant-like effects. Ghrelin also seems to have effects on anxiety, although these have been shown to be alternatively anxiogenic or anxiolytic. The current review discusses our current understanding of ghrelin's roles in stress, mood, and anxiety.
Hypoxia‐Inducible Factor‐1 as a Therapeutic Target in Endometrial Cancer Management
Authors: Seeber Laura M. S. , Zweemer Ronald P. , Verheijen René H. M. , van Diest Paul J.
Published: February 2010

In the Western world, endometrial cancer (EC) is the most common malignant tumor of the female genital tract. Solid tumors like EC outgrow their vasculature resulting in hypoxia. Tumor hypoxia is important because it renders an aggressive phenotype and leads to radio‐ and chemo‐therapy resistance. Hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α) plays an essential role in the adaptive cellular response to hypoxia and is associated with poor clinical outcome in EC. Therefore, HIF‐1 could be an attractive therapeutic target. Selective HIF‐1 inhibitors have not been identified. A number of nonselective inhibitors which target signaling pathways upstream or downstream HIF‐1 are known to decrease HIF‐1α protein levels. In clinical trials for the treatment of advanced and/or recurrent EC are the topoisomerase I inhibitor Topotecan, mTOR‐inhibitor Rapamycin, and angiogenesis inhibitor Bevacizumab. Preliminary data shows encouraging results for these agents. Further work is needed to identify selective HIF‐1 inhibitors and to translate these into clinical trials.
Cost Reductive Laparoendoscopic Single Site Surgery Endotrainer and Animal Lab Training—Our Methodology
Authors: Ramalingam Manickam , Senthil Kallappan , Murugesan Anandan , Pai M. G.
Published: February 2010

Laparoendoscopic single site surgery (LESS) is a new avenue in laparoscopic urology. The main advantage is the enhanced cosmetic benefits of single hidden scar. Lately many papers are being published on various procedures done by LESS. Like conventional laparoscopy, this approach is likely to be used more widely and hence exposure to this field is essential. However, formal training in this technique is not widely available. Expensive ports and nonavailability of endotrainer may be the factors deterring the training. We have modified the standard laparoscopic endotrainer with improvised ports, to make it suitable for single port laparoscopic training. For the animal lab training improvised ports and low cost instruments were used. Thus the overall cost of the training in LESS was reduced, and better confidence levels were achieved prior to human applications.
Ensemble Fractional Sensitivity: A Quantitative Approach to Neuron Selection for Decoding Motor Tasks
Authors: Singhal Girish , Aggarwal Vikram , Acharya Soumyadipta , Aguayo Jose , He Jiping , Thakor Nitish
Published: February 2010

A robust method to help identify the population of neurons used for decoding motor tasks is developed. We use sensitivity analysis to develop a new metric for quantifying the relative contribution of a neuron towards the decoded output, called “fractional sensitivity.” Previous model-based approaches for neuron ranking have been shown to largely depend on the collection of training data. We suggest the use of anensembleof models that are trained on random subsets of trials to rank neurons. For this work, we tested a decoding algorithm on neuronal data recorded from two male rhesus monkeys while they performed a reach to grasp a bar at three orientations (45∘,90∘, or135∘). An ensemble approach led to a statistically significant increase of 5% in decoding accuracy and 25% increase in identification accuracy of simulated noisy neurons, when compared to a single model. Furthermore, ranking neurons based on the ensemble fractional sensitivities resulted in decoding accuracies 10%–20% greater than when randomly selecting neurons or ranking based on firing rates alone. By systematically reducing the size of the input space, we determine the optimal number of neurons needed for decoding the motor output. This selection approach has practical benefits for other BMI applications where limited number of electrodes and training datasets are available, but high decoding accuracies are desirable.
Fractional Differential Equations in Terms of Comparison Results and Lyapunov Stability with Initial Time Difference
Authors: Yakar Coşkun
Published: February 2010

The qualitative behavior of a perturbed fractional‐order differential equation with Caputo′s derivative that differs in initial position and initial time with respect to the unperturbed fractional‐order differential equation with Caputo′s derivative has been investigated. We compare the classical notion of stability to the notion of initial time difference stability for fractional‐order differential equations in Caputo′s sense. We present a comparison result which again gives the null solution a central role in the comparison fractional‐order differential equation when establishing initial time difference stability of the perturbed fractional‐order differential equation with respect to the unperturbed fractional‐order differential equation.
Fixed Point Theorem of Half-Continuous Mappings on Topological Vector Spaces
Authors: Termwuttipong Imchit , Kaewtem Thanatkrit
Published: February 2010

Some fixed point theorems of half-continuous mappings which are possibly discontinuous defined on topological vector spaces are presented. The results generalize the work of Philippe Bich (2006) and several well-known results.
Inhibition by Anandamide of 6-Hydroxydopamine-Induced Cell Death in PC12 Cells
Authors: Mnich Katarzyna , Finn David P. , Dowd Eilis , Gorman Adrienne M.
Published: February 2010

6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) is a selective neurotoxin that is widely used to investigate cell death and protective strategies in models of Parkinson's disease. Here, we investigated the effects of the endogenous cannabinoid, anandamide, on 6-OHDA-induced toxicity in rat adrenal phaeochromocytoma PC12 cells. Morphological analysis and caspase-3 activity assay revealed that anandamide inhibited 6-OHDA-induced apoptosis. The protection was not affected by antagonists of either cannabinoid receptors (CB1orCB2) or the vanilloid receptor TRPV1. Anandamide-dependent protection was reduced by pretreatment with LY294002 (inhibitor of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, PI3K) and unaffected by U0126 (inhibitor of extracellularly-regulated kinase). Interestingly, phosphorylation of c-Jun-NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) in cells exposed to 6-OHDA was strongly reduced by anandamide pre-treatment. Furthermore, 6-OHDA induced c-Jun activation and increased Bim expression, both of which were inhibited by anandamide. Together, these data demonstrate antiapoptotic effects of anandamide and also suggest a role for activation of PI3K and inhibition of JNK signalling in anandamide-mediated protection against 6-OHDA.
A Novel Technique of Uterine Manipulation in Laparoscopic Pelvic Oncosurgical Procedures: “The Uterine Hitch Technique”
Authors: Puntambekar S. P. , Patil A. M. , Rayate N. V. , Puntambekar S. S. , Sathe R. M. , Kulkarni M. A.
Published: February 2010

Aim. To describe a new technique of uterine manipulation in laparoscopic management of pelvic cancers.Material and Methods. We used a novel uterine hitch technique in 23 patients from May 2008 to October 2008. These patients underwent pelvic oncologic surgery including laparoscopic radical hysterectomy (n=7), laparoscopic anterior resection (n=4), laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection (n=3), laparoscopic posterior exenteration (n=4), or laparoscopic anterior exenteration (n=5). The uterus was hitched to the anterior abdominal.wall by either a single suture in the fundus or by sutures through the round ligaments.Results. The uterine hitch technique was successfully accomplished in all procedures. It was performed in less than 5 minutes in all cases. It obviated the need for vaginal manipulation. An extra port for retraction could be avoided. There were no intraoperative complications.Conclusion. A practical, cheap and reproducible method for uterine manipulation, during pelvic oncologic surgery is described. It improves the stability of the uterus and also obviates the need for keeping an additional assistant for vaginal manipulation in any of the procedures.
Realistic and Spherical Head Modeling for EEG Forward Problem Solution: A Comparative Cortex-Based Analysis
Authors: Vatta Federica , Meneghini Fabio , Esposito Fabrizio , Mininel Stefano , Di Salle Francesco
Published: February 2010

The accuracy of forward models for electroencephalography (EEG) partly depends on head tissues geometry and strongly affects the reliability of the source reconstruction process, but it is not yet clear which brain regions are more sensitive to the choice of different model geometry. In this paper we compare different spherical and realistic head modeling techniques in estimating EEG forward solutions from current dipole sources distributed on a standard cortical space reconstructed from Montreal Neurological Institute (MNI) MRI data. Computer simulations are presented for three different four-shell head models, two with realistic geometry, either surface-based (BEM) or volume-based (FDM), and the corresponding sensor-fitted spherical-shaped model. Point Spread Function (PSF) and Lead Field (LF) cross-correlation analyses were performed for 26 symmetric dipole sources to quantitatively assess models' accuracy in EEG source reconstruction. Realistic geometry turns out to be a relevant factor of improvement, particularly important when considering sources placed in the temporal or in the occipital cortex.
Subquery Allocation Problem and Heuristics for Secret Sharing Distributed Database System
Authors: Miyamoto Toshiyuki , Ikemura Takeshi
Published: February 2010

We discuss query optimization in a secure distributed database system, called the Secret Sharing Distributed DataBase System (SSDDBS). We have to consider not only subquery allocations to distributed servers and data transfer on the network but also decoding distributed shared data. At first, we formulated the subquery allocation problem as a constraints satisfaction problem. Since the subquery allocation problem is NP-complete in general, it is not easy to obtain the optimal solution in practical time. Secondly, we proposed aheuristic evaluationfunction for the best-first search. We constructed an optimization model on an available optimization software, and evaluated the proposed method. The results showed that feasible solutions could be obtained by using the proposed method in practical time, and that quality of the obtained solutions was good.
A Simplified Preputial Covering Technique to Correct Buried Penis
Authors: Wang Ta-Min , Chen Hsiao-Wen , Chiang Yang-Jen , Chu Sheng-Hsien , Liu Kuan-Lin , Wang Hsu-Han
Published: February 2010

Objective: We report on refinements of a technique for preputial covering to prevent complications of redundant prepuce, possibly caused by inadequate surgery for buried penis. Patients and Methods: From July 2006 to July 2008, 20 consecutive patients (mean age 4.3 years) underwent surgery for buried penis. The surgical techniques consisted of complete unfurling of the penile shaft, fixation of the penile base skin to Buck’s fascia and 1 pedicle flap for skin coverage. Our method for preputial covering is novel in that we create a unique 1-flap covering for the ventral skin defect. Patients were monitored postoperatively at 2 weeks, 1 month and 3 months. Results: All patients had good or excellent outcomes, with fewer postoperative complications. Two patients developed subcutaneous hematomas that resolved in 2 weeks with conservative treatment. The mean increase in length of penile projection after surgery was 1.7 cm, a statistically significant difference. All patients had good cosmetic results, with increased visualization of the penile shaft. Conclusions: The preputial covering technique we devised avoided postoperative bulky prepuce caused by residual redundant prepuce. Repeat surgery was also unnecessary for our patients. Furthermore, parents judged the cosmetic results as excellent.
Experience with Various Types of Orthotopic Neobladder in Japanese Men: Long-Term Follow-Up
Authors: Miyake Hideaki , Furukawa Junya , Takenaka Atsushi , Inoue Taka-aki , Yamanaka Nozomu , Fujisawa Masato
Published: February 2010

Introduction: The objective of this study was to review the long-term outcomes of orthotopic neobladder (NB) creation. Materials and Methods: This study included 235 Japanese men who underwent NB reconstruction after radical cystectomy and were followed for at least 3 years. The types of NB used in this series were Studer, Reddy, Hautmann and Mainz NB in 136, 51, 32 and 16, respectively. Results: Early and late complications occurred in 70 and 33 men, respectively. Of the 235 men, 210 could void spontaneously, and day- and nighttime continence were achieved in 189 and 149, respectively. The mean maximal flow rate, voided volume and post-void residual were 15.9 ml/s, 209.6 and 38.0 ml, respectively. SF-36 survey for postoperative quality of life showed no significant differences in 7 of the 8 scale scores between the 235 men and an age-matched control population in Japan. The 5-year overall and cancer-specific survival rates were 71.2 and 75.7%, respectively. There were no significant differences in any parameters examined among the four groups except for post-void residual, which was significantly smaller in the Reddy group than in the other three groups. Conclusion: The orthotopic NB could generally provide satisfactory outcomes on long-term follow-up, irrespective of the types of NB.
Role of Patient-Physician Dialogue in Selecting the Type of Urinary Diversion
Authors: Katkoori Devendar , Manoharan Murugesan , Araki Motoo , Soloway Mark S.
Published: February 2010

Introduction: We analyze patient-physician dialogue prior to radical cystectomy (RC) when choosing the type of urinary diversion (UD). Methods: 132 patients operated by one surgical team between 2003 and 2005 were included. Physician’s recommendation, patient’s decision and UD (neobladder (NB) or ileal conduit (IC)) performed were analyzed. Patients were grouped based on age, considering that age is often a limiting factor for NB. Results: When offered either NB or IC, 85% (49/58) in group I (<70 years) and 55% (12/22) in group II (≧70 years) elected NB. An IC was suggested for 16% (11/69) in group I and 65% (41/63) in group II. Six patients (2 in group I, 4 in group II) wanted a NB even though an IC was suggested. Conclusions: Counseling patients is important. When an IC was suggested, over 80% accepted this advice. When both were offered, younger patients usually elected a NB. Older patients preferred an IC.
Early and Late Graft Function after Laparoscopic Hand-Assisted Donor Nephrectomy for Living Kidney Transplantation: Comparison with Open Donor Nephrectomy
Authors: Hoda M.R. , Hamza A. , Greco F. , Wagner S. , Fischer K. , Fornara P.
Published: February 2010

Background and Purpose: Laparoscopic donor nephrectomy has become the procedure of choice for living kidney transplantation in many centers. We report on our experience with laparoscopic hand-assisted donor nephrectomy, in particular concerning graft function compared with open donor nephrectomy. Materials and Methods: Between 1995 and March 2007, 72 patients with end-stage renal disease have received kidney transplantation from living donors. Open living donor nephrectomy (ODN) was performed in 35 donors, whereas 37 donors had undergone laparoscopic hand-assisted nephrectomy (HALDN). Immediate graft function, serum creatinine and serum cystatin C 1 year after the transplantation were evaluated. Results: Median operative time was 138 min (113–180 min) in the HALDN group and 112 min (91–162 min) in the ODN group (p < 0.05). Warm ischemia time was 87 s (63–150 s) in the HALDN and 81 s (56–123 s) in the ODN groups, respectively (p = 0.13). Both the rate of primary graft function as well as kidney graft function parameters serum creatinine and serum cystatin C 1 year after transplantation showed no statistically significant difference between the two groups of patients. Conclusions: Laparoscopic hand-assisted donor nephrectomy is safe and has no negative impact on the transplanted graft function when compared with open donor nephrectomy.
Does G Force Increase the Incidence of Varicocele in Air Force Pilot Cadets?
Authors: Kousoulis Panagiotis , Skrepetis Konstadinos , Efthimiou Ioannis , Ferentinos Georgios , Diamantopoulos Ioannis , Papadopoulos Georgios
Published: February 2010

Objective: Air Force pilots are subjected to acceleration (G) forces with a known effect upon the vascular system. Specific training and anti-G maneuvers are used to counteract this effect, and allow pilots to operate at the limits of human endurance. The objective of the present study is to determine whether acceleration affects the incidence of varicocele. Subjects and Methods: The incidence of varicocele during training in 234 Air Force pilots was assessed. Height, weight, BMI and testicular volume were recorded for every participant. A group of 35 pilots with an absence of varicocele, randomly selected, acted as the control group. Results: Left-sided varicocele was confirmed in 23 (9.8%) pilots. Affected pilots tended to be taller (p = 0.073) and had a smaller mean left testicular volume (p < 0.001) than the control group. Eight cases (35%) were grade I, 10 (43%) were grade II, and 5 (22%) were grade III. For grades I and II, there was a trend for the testicular volume to decrease (p = 0.349 and 0.067, respectively). In grade III varicocele, this difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The incidence of varicocele in fighter pilots during training is not higher than in other groups of the same age. Affected individuals tend to be taller, with ipsilateral testicular hypotrophy.
Substitution Urethroplasty for Anterior Urethral Strictures: Buccal versus Lingual Mucosal Graft
Authors: Kumar Abhay , Das Suren K. , Trivedi Sameer , Dwivedi Udai S. , Singh Pratap B.
Published: February 2010

Aim: To compare the results of substitution urethroplasty and donor site morbidity between buccal mucosal graft (BMG) and lingual mucosal graft (LMG). Patients and Methods: Patients who underwent single-stage dorsal onlay free oral mucosal graft substitution urethroplasty by Barbagli’s technique between January 2004 and August 2008 were included in this study. Patients who underwent buccal (cheek, lip) mucosal graft urethroplasty were included in group I and those who underwent LMG urethroplasty (tongue) were included in group II. All patients underwent complete evaluation of the stricture including inspection of the oral cavity. Exclusion criteria were stricture length <3 cm and complex strictures which required a multistage procedure. Results: The results of urethroplasty were similar in both groups in terms of blood loss, duration of postoperative hospitalization, complications encountered at urethroplasty site, mean postoperative Qmax and mean postoperative AUA symptom score. Early slurring of speech complications was seen in group II, but not in group I. The long-term complications of persistent oral discomfort, perioral numbness and tightness of the mouth were seen only in group I. Conclusion: LMG urethroplasty is a good substitute for BMG urethroplasty with equally good results of urethroplasty with lower donor site morbidity.
Urodynamic Evaluation of Urinary Disturbances following Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Singhania Piyush , Andankar Mukund G. , Pathak Hemant R.
Published: February 2010

Objectives: To identify the incidence and the type of voiding dysfunction by doing urodynamic studies (UDS) in head injury patients. The purpose of this paper is to present our findings and promote research in this field. Patients and Methods: A prospective study was conducted recruiting patients sustaining head injuries with positive CT scan findings. Clinical and radiological evaluation was done. Patients then underwent standardized UDS. The urodynamic findings were correlated with outcome and analyzed. Results: Three out of 11 patients (27.3%) had unstable bladder with multiple involuntary contractions in the filling phase. All of them had significant contusions in the right frontal region and 2 of them had subarachnoid hemorrhage. All of these patients had normal proprioception, voluntary detrusor contractions and nil post-void residue. Two out of the 3 patients had catheter in situ and 1 patient had complaints of frequency and urgency. At 1 year of follow-up, all 3 patients had a normal voiding pattern and the upper tracts were normal on ultrasound in all patients. Conclusions: Voiding dysfunction is a significant problem in patients with head injury. Bladder hyperreflexia is seen in patients with injuries above the pontine micturition center. The voiding abnormality has good prognosis and resolves spontaneously. Treatment in the acute phase may require anticholinergics for a few months.
Quantitative Study of Mast Cells in Experimentally Induced Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Authors: Papadoukakis Stefanos , Kyroudi-Voulgari Aspasia , Truss Michael C. , Perea Despina , Mitropoulos Dionisios
Published: February 2010

Introduction: Mast cells are involved in a number of biological responses to exocrine and endocrine stimuli, by releasing growth factors and certain cytokines. The aim of this study was to evaluate their number and distribution in experimentally induced benign prostatic hyperplasia in rats. Materials and Methods: Adult Wistar rats (100 days old) were given citral transdermally for 1 month. Morphological characteristics and mast cell concentration were studied in proximal and distal zones after staining with hematoxylin-eosin and Giemsa, respectively. Results: Citral induced mild benign prostatic hyperplasia. Mast cell numbers were increased significantly in both the proximal (2.97 ± 0.52 vs. 1.4 ± 0.17, p = 0.004) and distal zone (2.8 ± 0.68 vs. 1.16 ± 0.11, p = 0.011). Conclusion: Transdermal citral application resulted in a significant increase of mast cell numbers in the stroma of the rat ventral prostate. Furthermore, these mast cells were larger, contained a significant number of intracytoplasmic granules and degranulated. This finding suggests a role for mast cells in the pathogenesis of benign prostatic hyperplasia.
The Worst Case: Giant Exulcerating Seminoma
Authors: Letsch Markus , Spahn Martin , Beissert Matthias , Topp Max S. , Gerharz Elmar W. , Riedmiller Hubertus
Published: February 2010

Ten years after his brother had been treated for seminoma, a 36-year-old male presented with a giant exulcerating mass involving the right testis and both inguinal regions. Subsequent biopsy revealed pure seminoma. Staging computed tomography (CT) showed bulky retroperitoneal and pelvic lymph node metastases. After seven courses of cisplatin-based chemotherapy, positron emission tomography suggested residual tumor in the right groin. The suspicious lesion and the right testis were resected showing no vital tumor tissue. Eight months after surgery there were no signs of disease progression at follow-up CT.
Acetylcholinesterase Variants in Alzheimer’s Disease: From Neuroprotection to Programmed Cell Death
Authors: Greenberg David S. , Toiber Debra , Berson Amit , Soreq Hermona
Published: February 2010

Background: In Alzheimer’s disease (AD), cholinergic neurons are particularly vulnerable for as yet unclear reasons. Here, we report that modified composition, localization and properties of alternative splice variants encoding the acetylcholine-hydrolyzing enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE) may be variably involved in disease progression or in systemic efforts to attenuate its progression. Objective: The purpose of this study was to explore the implications for AD of the cellular and biochemical properties of the various AChE proteins, differing in their N and C termini. Methods: We have used cell transfection with genetically engineered vectors as well as microinjection to overexpress specific AChE variants and explore the consequences to cellular well-being and survival. Additionally, we employed highly purified recombinant AChE-R and AChE-S to explore putative interactions with the AD β-amyloid peptide. Results: Our findings demonstrate distinct, and in certain cases inverse cell fate outcome under enforced expression of the human N- and C-terminally modified AChE variants, all of which have similar enzymatic activities. Conclusion: The N-terminal extension in conjunction with the primary helical C-terminal peptide of ‘tailed’ AChE-S facilitates, whereas the shorter, naturally unfolded C-terminus of the stress-induced AChE-R variant attenuates Alzheimer’s pathology.
Neuroprotective and Neurotoxic Phenotypes of Activated Microglia in Neonatal Mice with Respective MPTP- and Ethanol-Induced Brain Injury
Authors: Sawada Hirohide , Suzuki Hiromi , Nagatsu Toshiharu , Sawada Makoto
Published: February 2010

Activated microglia play important roles in the inflammatory process and progression in Parkinson’s disease. These cells produce various cytokines, nitric oxide, and neurotrophins, which are pleiotropic in their action, i.e., neuroprotective or neurotoxic. In an in vivo study on a mouse model with nigrostriatal lesions produced by the administration of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP), microglia activated by systemic lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were neurotoxic toward dopamine neurons in aged mice, but unexpectedly, neuroprotective in neonatal mice. In contrast to microglia in the MPTP model, LPS-activated microglia in neonatal mice in a model made by the stereotaxic injection of ethanol into the striatum were neurotoxic, and systemic LPS administration in the ethanol-injury model caused marked increases both in the volume of necrotic lesions and in the number of degenerative neurons in the striatum. Thus, activated microglia in the neonatal mouse brain play either a neuroprotective or neurotoxic role depending on the type of brain injury.
Misframed Proteins and Neurodegeneration: A Novel View on Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Diseases
Authors: Dennissen F.J.A. , Kholod N. , Steinbusch H.W.M. , Van Leeuwen F.W.
Published: February 2010

Sporadic forms of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases are the most frequent forms of their kind. Together with Huntington’s disease, they belong to the so called ‘conformational diseases’ as they share a common feature in the accumulation of insoluble protein deposits. In this review, we focus on the significance of the ubiquitin-proteasome system in conformational diseases and the possible consequences due to the accumulation of aberrant proteins. In all forms of Alzheimer’s and Huntington’s diseases, but not in Parkinson’s disease, we have shown the presence of misframed proteins such as misframed ubiquitin (UBB+1) of which we have determined the functional relevance in vitro and in vivo.Misframed proteins are the result of the inaccurate transcription of monotonic sequences in the genome and their subsequent translation. This process has been called ‘molecular misreading’. In the present review, we will discuss the present state of the art with regard to UBB+1 and amyloid precursor protein APP+1.