bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tele-Operated Laboratories for Online Production Engineering Education - Platform for E-Learning and Telemetric Experimentation (PeTEX)
Authors: Terkowsky Claudius , Pleul Christian , Jahnke Isa , Tekkaya A. Erman
Published: September 2011

The development of tele-operated experimentation and its provision to distance learners opens new dimensions for experience-based scientific and engineering education, particularly where experiments are the core elements of teaching and learning. The finalized EU-funded project PeTEXâ??Platform for e-Learning and Telemetric Experimentation has developed a prototype of an e-learning platform based on the learning and content management system Moodle for the design and implementation of educational and training applications in the field of production engineering. The principle goal of this project was to establish individual and group oriented learning for different target groups like students and professional workers within a platform-system capable to serve a multi-lingual learning community. Hence, an educational model was designed which integrates the tele-operated experimentation platform with teaching content and learning activities in order to support a successful learning walkthrough for different target groups.
A VISIR Lab Server for the iLab Shared Architecture
Authors: Garbi Zutin Danilo
Published: September 2011

This paper describes the work done at the Carinthia University of Applied Sciences towards integrating VISIR-based labs on the iLab architecture. The Virtual Systems in Reality (VISIR) project is carried out by the Blekinge Institute of Technology, Sweden and features a platform for performing experiments in different domains.
Sirtuin 1 Promotes Th2 Responses and Airway Allergy by Repressing Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor-γ Activity in Dendritic Cells
Authors: Legutko Agnieszka , Marichal Thomas , Fiévez Laurence , Bedoret Denis , Mayer Alice , de Vries Hilda , Klotz Luisa , Drion Pierre-Vincent , Heirman Carlo , Cataldo Didier , Louis Renaud , Thielemans Kris , Andris Fabienne , Leo Oberdan , Lekeux Pierre , Desmet Christophe J. , Bureau Fabrice
Published: September 2011

Sirtuins are a unique class of NAD+-dependent deacetylases that regulate diverse biological functions such as aging, metabolism, and stress resistance. Recently, it has been shown that sirtuins may have anti-inflammatory activities by inhibiting proinflammatory transcription factors such as NF-κB. In contrast, we report in this study that pharmacological inhibition of sirtuins dampens adaptive Th2 responses and subsequent allergic inflammation by interfering with lung dendritic cell (DC) function in a mouse model of airway allergy. Using genetic engineering, we demonstrate that sirtuin 1 represses the activity of the nuclear receptor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ in DCs, thereby favoring their maturation toward a pro-Th2 phenotype. This study reveals a previously unappreciated function of sirtuin 1 in the regulation of DC function and Th2 responses, thus shedding new light on our current knowledge on the regulation of inflammatory processes by sirtuins.
Invariant NKT Cell Defects in Vitamin D Receptor Knockout Mice Prevents Experimental Lung Inflammation
Authors: Yu Sanhong , Zhao Jun , Cantorna Margherita T.
Published: September 2011

Vitamin D receptor (VDR) deficiency (knockout [KO]) results in a failure of mice to generate an airway hyperreactivity (AHR) response on both the BALB/c and C57BL/6 background. The cause of the failed AHR response is the defective population of invariant NKT (iNKT) cells in the VDR KO mice because wild-type (WT) iNKT cells rescued the AHR response. VDR KO mice had significantly fewer iNKT cells and normal numbers of T cells in the spleen compared with WT mice. In BALB/c VDR KO mice, the reduced frequencies of iNKT cells were not apparent in the liver or thymus. VDR KO and WT Th2 cells produced similar levels of IFN-γ and IL-5. On the BALB/c background, Th2 cells from VDR KO mice produced less IL-13, whereas on the C57BL/6 background, Th2 cells from VDR KO mice produced less IL-4. Conversely, VDR KO iNKT cells were defective for the production of multiple cytokines (BALB/c: IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13; C57BL/6: IL-4 and IL-17). Despite relatively normal Th2 responses, BALB/c and C57BL/6 VDR KO mice failed to develop AHR responses. The defect in iNKT cells as a result of the VDR KO was more important than the highly susceptible Th2 background of the BALB/c mice. Defective iNKT cell responses in the absence of the VDR result in the failure to generate AHR responses in the lung. The implication of these mechanistic findings for human asthma requires further investigation.
EBI2 Operates Independently of but in Cooperation with CXCR5 and CCR7 To Direct B Cell Migration and Organization in Follicles and the Germinal Center
Authors: Gatto Dominique , Wood Katherine , Brink Robert
Published: September 2011

Migration of B cells within lymphoid follicles is controlled by the chemokine receptors CXCR5 and CCR7 and the G-protein-coupled receptor EBI2 (GPR183). Whereas CXCR5 and CCR7 are known to mediate migration toward their respective chemokine ligands, it is unclear whether EBI2 acts by modulating these processes or by directly mediating chemotaxis toward its own spatially restricted ligand. It is also unknown how signals from these three receptors are integrated to control B cell localization. To answer these questions, we generated compound knockout mice deficient in expression of EBI2, CXCR5, or CCR7. Analysis of these mice revealed that EBI2 mediates B cell migration toward the outer areas of follicles and to bridging channels of the spleen independent of both CXCR5 and CCR7. Migratory signals delivered by EBI2 were shown to control B cell organization within the spleen and to be particularly important for positioning activated B cells in the early stages of Ab responses. An additional minor role for EBI2 was identified in the organization and affinity maturation of B cells in germinal centers. Thus, EBI2-mediated chemotaxis provides a third dimension to B cell migration that balances and integrates with the inputs from CXCR5 and CCR7 to determine B cell positioning.
B Cell Depletion Enhances T Regulatory Cell Activity Essential in the Suppression of Arthritis
Authors: Hamel Keith M. , Cao Yanxia , Ashaye Susan , Wang Yumei , Dunn Robert , Kehry Marilyn R. , Glant Tibor T. , Finnegan Alison
Published: September 2011

The efficacy of B cell-depletion therapy in rheumatoid arthritis has driven interest in understanding the mechanism. Because the decrease in autoantibodies in rheumatoid arthritis does not necessarily correlate with clinical outcome, other mechanisms may be operative. We previously reported that in proteoglycan-induced arthritis (PGIA), B cell-depletion inhibits autoreactive T cell responses. Recent studies in B cell-depletion therapy also indicate a role for B cells in suppressing regulatory mechanisms. In this study, we demonstrate that B cells inhibited both the expansion and function of T regulatory (Treg) cells in PGIA. Using an anti-CD20 mAb, we depleted B cells from mice with PGIA and assessed the Treg cell population. Compared to control Ab-treated mice, Treg cell percentages were elevated in B cell-depleted mice, with a higher proportion of CD4+ T cells expressing Foxp3 and CD25. On a per-cell basis, CD4+CD25+ cells from B cell-depleted mice expressed increased amounts of Foxp3 and were significantly more suppressive than those from control Ab-treated mice. The depletion of Treg cells with an anti-CD25 mAb concurrent with B cell-depletion therapy restored the severity of PGIA to levels equal to untreated mice. Although titers of autoantibodies did not recover to untreated levels, CD4+ T cell recall responses to the immunizing Ag returned as measured by T cell proliferation and cytokine production. Thus, B cells have the capacity to regulate inflammatory responses by enhancing effector T cells along with suppressing Treg cells.
Using PubMed in radiology: Ten useful tips for radiologists
Authors: Sriganesh Vasumathi
Published: September 2011

PubMed contains a bibliography of articles published in around 4800 journals. It combines MEDLINE and OLDMEDLINE (articles from 1960, going back till the 1940s). PubMed is updated on a daily basis; to include both published and ahead of print references. As a radiologist, one can use PubMed to track several journals, track topics, search for specific topics, verify incomplete or incorrect references, store one′s own publications, and save selected references; one can also create filters depending on one′s own search needs for some regular topics. This article provides some key background knowledge on searching PubMed and also describes some features that are often left unexplored. The PubMed site has undergone many changes in the last few years and this article will update users on the current features.
CT features, mimics and atypical presentations of gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST)
Authors: Sripathi Smiti , Rajagopal KV , Srivastava Rajendra Kumar , Ayachit Anurag
Published: September 2011

The term stromal tumor was coined in 1983 by Clark and Mazur for smooth muscle neoplasm of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) are nonepithelial tumors arising from the interstitial cells of Cajal, which express KIT protein-CD117 on immunohistochemistry. GIST can arise anywhere in the GIT, including the mesentery, omentum, and retroperitoneum.
Novel positron emission tomography radiotracers in brain tumor imaging
Authors: D′Souza Maria Mathew , Sharma Rajnish , Tripathi Madhavi , Panwar Puja , Jaimini Abhinav , Mondal Anupam
Published: September 2011

Although [18F] 2-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (FDG) is the most widely used radiopharmaceutical the world over, it is not the ideal tracer for brain imaging, owing to its high physiological cortical uptake and lack of specificity. This has paved the way for the introduction of several novel radiotracers, each with their own inherent strengths and limitations. We present the insights gained from the use of these radiotracers at our institution.
System for off‐line feedrate optimization and neural force control in end milling
Authors: Zuperl Uros , Cus Franci
Published: September 2011

Based on hybrid process modeling, off‐line optimization and neural control scheme (NCS), the combined system for off‐line optimization and adaptive adjustment of cutting parameters is built. This is an adaptive control system controlling the cutting force by digital adaptation of cutting parameters. In this way, it compensates all disturbances during the cutting process, prevents excessive tool wear, and maintains a high chip removal rate. It is the combination of these methods that yields accurate force control. The basic control principle is based on the NCS consisting of two neural identifiers of the process dynamics and feedback controller. An overall procedure of hybrid modeling of cutting process, used for working out the computer numerical control (CNC) milling simulator has been prepared. CNC simulator is used to evaluate the controller design before conducting experimental tests. Numerous simulations and experiments have been conducted to confirm the efficiency of this control architecture. The experimental results show that not only does the end‐milling system with the design controller have high robustness and global stability, but also the machining efficiency of the end milling system with the proposed controller is 27% higher than for traditional CNC milling system. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Application of chlorinated waste rubber as a flame retardant of low density polyethylene
Authors: Tan Kui‐Long , Chen Xiao‐Sui , Yan Bao‐Shi , Lu Ying‐Zhou , Li Chun‐Xi
Published: September 2011

For the reuse of the abundant waste rubber (WR), chlorinated waste rubber (Cl‐WR) was prepared by a water‐based chlorination method using chlorine gas as the chlorinating reagent. The resultant Cl‐WR was used as a flame retardant of low density polyethylene (LDPE) matrix. The properties of WR and Cl‐WR were characterized by thermogravimetric (TG) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer. The results indicated that the Cl‐WR with a 42% chlorine content had a higher char residue than WR. The limiting oxygen index (LOI) value can be increased up to 27.2 and the flame retardancy reached to the maximum (V‐0) grade for the LDPE/Cl‐WR‐Sb blends with mass ratios of Cl‐WR/LDPE and Cl‐WR/Sb2O3 being 80/100 and 1.5/1, respectively. The improvement of the flame retardancy and thermal properties of the LDPE/Cl‐WR‐Sb blends were attributed to the char formation and synergistic effect between Cl‐WR and Sb2O3 in a high temperature region, although the mechanical properties of the said blend decreased in comparison with that of the neat LDPE. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Nationwide study of the treatment of common bile duct stones in Sweden between 1965 and 2009
Authors: Strömberg C , Nilsson M
Published: September 2011

Background

Treatment of common bile duct stones has changed. Open surgery has gradually been replaced by endoscopic and laparoscopic procedures. The aims of this study were to see how common bile duct stones have been treated in Sweden, to establish whether there were differences in morbidity and mortality between these approaches, and to identify factors influencing mortality.

Methods

All persons undergoing inpatient common bile duct exploration or endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) during 1965–2009 in the Swedish Hospital Discharge Registry, but without a diagnosis of malignancy in the Swedish Cancer Registry, were included. The outcome death was identified by cross-linkage to the Causes of Death Registry. Registry data on possible risk factors for mortality were collected.

Results

A total of 126 885 procedures were performed in 110 119 patients. Open surgery was initially the only available method, but during the 1990s ERCP became predominant. Later, laparoscopic bile duct clearance became an established but uncommon method. A 90-day mortality rate of 0·2 per cent after open surgery, 0·8 per cent after ERCP, 0 per cent after laparoscopic exploration and 0·7 per cent after combined procedures was recorded. After adjustment for confounding, there was no difference in mortality between open surgery and ERCP. Biliary reintervention within 90 days was identified as a risk factor for death, whereas a concomitant diagnosis of pancreatitis reduced the risk.

Conclusion

The laparoscopic technique had the lowest mortality and morbidity rates. After adjustment for confounding factors, there was no difference in mortality after open surgery and ERCP. The favourable outcome for laparoscopy may have been due to selection bias, owing to treatment of younger, healthier subjects with less severe disease.
Cycloalkane and Alicyclic Heterocycle Complexation by New Switchable Resorcin[4]arene‐Based Container Molecules: NMR and ITC Binding Studies
Authors: Hornung Jens , Fankhauser Daniel , Shirtcliff Laura D. , Praetorius Antonia , Schweizer W. Bernd , Diederich François
Published: September 2011

The synthesis and structural characterization of novel, “molecular basket”‐type bridged cavitands is reported. The resorcin[4]arene‐based container molecules feature well‐defined cavities that bind a wide variety of cycloalkanes and alicyclic heterocycles. Association constants (Ka) of the 1:1 inclusion complexes were determined by both 1H NMR and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC). The obtained Ka values in mesitylene ranged from 1.7×102 M−1 for cycloheptane up to 1.7×107 M−1 for morpholine. Host–guest complexation by the molecular baskets is generally driven by dispersion interactions, CH⋅⋅⋅π interactions of the guests with the aromatic walls of the cavity, and optimal cavity filling. Correlations between NMR‐based structural data and binding affinities support that the complexed heterocyclic guests undergo additional polar CO⋅⋅⋅CO, NH⋅⋅⋅π, and S⋅⋅⋅π interactions. The first crystal structure of a cavitand‐based molecular basket is reported, providing precise information on the geometry and volume of the inner cavity in the solid state. Molecular dynamic (MD) simulations provided information on the size and conformational preorganization of the cavity in the presence of encapsulated guests. The strongest binding of heterocyclic guests, engaging in polar interactions with the host, was observed at a cavity filling volume of 63 ± 9 %.
Bulky and Modular 3,3′‐Bipyrazoles as Ligands: Synthesis, Characterization, and Catalytic Activity of Pd Complexes
Authors: Spallek Markus J. , Stockinger Skrollan , Goddard Richard , Rominger Frank , Trapp Oliver
Published: September 2011

In the present study, the properties of a new bidentateN,N′‐chelating ligand class that bears an electron‐excessive 3,3′‐bipyrazole core have been investigated. The ligands are easily accessible in a three‐step procedure by condensation with diethyl oxalate followed by tandem condensation with hydrazine hydrate and finally by aryl‐ or alkylation exclusively at theN‐1,1′‐pyrazole positions to furnish overall eleven new ligands with different electronic properties. After structural analysis of the ligands, their coordination to palladium, copper, and cobalt has been studied. These ligands coordinate the 2,2′‐pyrazolyl nitrogen atoms in a bidentate fashion to the metals to realize complexes with an (L)MX2motif. We present two crystal structures of Pd and Cu complexes, which to the best of our knowledge represent the first d8and d92,2′‐bipyrazole compounds coordinated through bidentate complexation. Initial catalytic experiments have been performed with palladium complexes with three bipyrazole ligands of this new class; the palladium‐catalyzed copper‐free Wacker oxidation of different alkenes showed superior activity compared to 2,2′‐bipyridines. We attribute this to a higher redox potential of the 3,3′‐bipyrazoles, which are ― besides electronic effects ― also strongly influenced by steric effects. These might be enforced by the extended ligand backbone, the choice of the wingtip substitution, and the smaller coordination cavity within the N2,N2′atoms compared to 2,2′‐bipyridine ligands.
Redox Mechanisms of Nodularin and Chemically Degraded Nodularin
Authors: Santos Paulina V. F. , Lopes Ilanna C. , Diculescu Victor C. , de Araújo Mário César U. , Oliveira‐Brett Ana Maria
Published: September 2011

The electrochemical behaviour of Nodularin (NOD), a hepatotoxic cyclic pentapeptide, was studied at a glassy carbon electrode. NOD electrochemical oxidation is an irreversible, pH‐independent process, involving the transfer of one electron. Upon incubation in different pH electrolytes, chemical degradation of NOD was electrochemically detected by the appearance of a new oxidation peak. The chemically degraded NOD (cdNOD), undergoes an irreversible, pH‐dependent oxidation, and its redox products are reversibly oxidised. The charge transfer properties of cdNOD as well as of its redox metabolites were investigated. Mechanisms for NOD oxidation, NOD chemical degradation and oxidation of cdNOD and its metabolites were proposed.
Evidence for a motor somatotopy in the cerebellar dentate nucleus—An FMRI study in humans
Authors: Küper Michael , Thürling Markus , Stefanescu Roxana , Maderwald Stefan , Roths Johannes , Elles Hans G. , Ladd Mark E. , Diedrichsen Jörn , Timmann Dagmar
Published: September 2011

Previous anatomical studies in monkeys have shown that forelimb motor representation is located caudal to hindlimb representation within the dorso‐rostral dentate nucleus. Here we investigate human dentate nucleus motor somatotopy by means of ultra‐highfield (7 T) functional magnetic brain imaging (fMRI). Twenty five young healthy males participated in the study. Simple finger and foot movement tasks were performed to identify dentate nucleus motor areas. Recently developed normalization procedures for group analyses were used for the cerebellar cortex and the cerebellar dentate nucleus. Cortical activations were in good accordance with the known somatotopy of the human cerebellar cortex. Dentate nucleus activations following motor tasks were found in particular in the ipsilateral dorso‐rostral nucleus. Activations were also present in other parts of the nucleus including the contralateral side, and there was some overlap between the body part representations. Within the ipsilateral dorso‐rostral dentate, finger activations were located caudally compared to foot movement‐related activations in fMRI group analysis. Likewise, the centre of gravity (COG) for the finger activation was more caudal than the COG of the foot activation across participants. A multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) on the x, y, and z coordinates of the COG indicated that this difference was significant (P = 0.043). These results indicate that in humans, the lower and upper limbs are arranged rostro‐caudally in the dorsal aspect of the dentate nucleus, which is consistent with studies in non‐human primates. Hum Brain Mapp, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Ninety days of repeated gavage administration of Rhodiola imbricata extract in rats
Authors: Tulsawani Rajkumar , Meena Dharmendra Kumar , Shukla Hem , Sharma Priyanka , Meena Ram Niwas , Gupta Vanita , Kumar Ratan , Divekar Harish Madan , Sawhney Ramesh Chand
Published: September 2011

Rhodiola imbricata is a high‐altitude plant, possesses adaptogenic, immunomodulatory, anti‐oxidant and cytoprotective activity, and is widely used in traditional medicine. The present study was designed to ascertain the safety of aqueous extract of R. imbricata root when administered by gavage to rats for 90 days. Four groups of animals, each consisting of 15 males and 15 females, were administered 0, 100, 250 or 500 mg kg−1 extract, in a single dose per day. The experimental rats when administered 100 mg kg−1 of extract did not show any significant change in their body weight gain, organ/body weight ratio, or histological, hematological and biochemical variables studied. However, at higher doses of 250 and 500 mg kg−1 extract, an increase in the body weight of rats of both the sexes was apparent without any change in their organ/body weight ratio. Furthermore, a noteworthy increase in plasma glucose and protein levels was recorded at both the higher doses, which were restored to normal after a 2‐week withdrawal of treatment. Based on the findings of this study, the no observed effect level was 100 mg kg−1 body weight per day of aqueous root extract of R. imbricata in rats administered subchronically. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Combination of retinal pigment epithelium cell‐conditioned medium and photoreceptor outer segments stimulate mesenchymal stem cell differentiation toward a functional retinal pigment epithelium cell phenotype
Authors: Huang Chen , Zhang Jing , Ao Mingxin , Li Ying , Zhang Chun , Xu Yonggen , Li Xuemin , Wang Wei
Published: September 2011

Recent studies have suggested that bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) are capable of retinal tissue‐specific differentiation but not retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cell‐specific differentiation. Photoreceptor outer segments (POS) contribute to RPE development and maturation. However, there has been no standard culture system that fosters the differentiation of BMMSCs into mature RPE cells in vitro. In this study, we investigated if the soluble factors from RPE cells and POS could differentiate BMMSCs into cells having a phenotype characteristic of RPE cells. Rat BMMSCs were separately co‐cultured with RPE cells, or they were exposed to either control medium, RPE cell‐conditioned medium (RPECM), POS, or a combination of RPECM and POS (RPECM‐POS). After 7 days, the cells were analyzed for morphology and the expression of RPE markers (cytokeratin 8, CRALBP, and RPE65) to assess the RPE differentiation. Significantly higher pigment accumulation and increased protein expression of the three markers were seen in cells cultured in RPECM‐POS than in other treated cultures. Furthermore, the RPECM‐POS‐treated cultures displayed ultrastructural features typical of RPE cells, expressed RPE cell functional proteins, and had the capability to phagocytose POS. Together, theses results suggest the combination of RPECM and POS stimulate BMMSCs differentiation toward a functional RPE phenotype. Our results provide the foundation for a new route to RPE regenerative therapy involving BMMSCs. Future work isolating the active agent in RPECM and POS would be useful in therapies for RPE diseases or in developing appropriately pre‐differentiated BMMSCs for tissue‐engineered RPE reconstruction. J. Cell. Biochem. 113: 590–598, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Influence of dietary supplementation with dextrin or oligofructose on the hepatic redox balance in rats
Authors: Kozmus Carina E. P. , Moura Eduardo , Serrão Maria P. , Real Helena , Guimarães João T. , Guedes‐de‐Pinho Paula , Duarte Barbara P. , Marques Franklim , Martins Maria João , Vieira‐Coelho Maria A.
Published: September 2011

We assessed the impact of oligofructose (OFS) and dextrin (DEX) as diet supplements on hepatic redox state. Rats were fed either a 10% OFS or a 10% DEX supplemented diet for 9 wk. In the DEX diet group, the levels of hepatic protein carbonylation were decreased by 63%. Total glutathione and reduced glutathione (GSH) contents were reduced in the OFS and DEX diet groups by around 20%. DEX supplementation significantly reduced oxidized glutathione (GSSG) levels resulting in a 33% increase in the GSH/GSSG ratio. The activity of the hepatic antioxidant enzymes was not changed by either OFS or DEX supplementation. OFS supplementation caused a decrease in serum levels of triglycerides (36%), cholesterol (24%), HDL (16%) and LDL (17%). DEX supplementation only reduced triglycerides (32%) and urea (22%). Both diets increased serum levels of acetate by fivefold and propionate by twofold, but DEX diet decreased butyrate levels by 75%. Due to their different composition/structure these two dietary fibers affected metabolism in different ways. Diet supplementation with 10% DEX can potentially improve host health, by protecting the liver from protein carbonylation and by improving GSH/GSSG ratio and diet supplementation with 10% OFS can improve the lipid profile.
Growth hormone treatment enhances the functional recovery of sciatic nerves after transection and repair
Authors: Devesa Pablo , Gelabert Miguel , Gonźlez‐Mosquera Tamara , Gallego Rosalía , Luis Relova JosÉ , Devesa Jesús , Arce Víctor M.
Published: September 2011

Introduction: Although nerves can spontaneously regenerate in the peripheral nervous system without treatment, functional recovery is generally poor, and thus there is a need for strategies to improve nerve regeneration. Methods: The left sciatic nerve of adult rats was transected and immediately repaired by epineurial sutures. Rats were then assigned to one of two experimental groups treated with either growth hormone (GH) or saline for 8 weeks. Sciatic nerve regeneration was estimated by histological evaluation, nerve conduction tests, and rotarod and treadmill performance. Results: GH‐treated rats showed increased cellularity at the lesion site together with more abundant immunoreactive axons and Schwann cells. Compound muscle action potential (CMAP) amplitude was also higher in these animals, and CMAP latency was significantly lower. Treadmill performance increased in rats receiving GH. Conclusion: GH enhanced the functional recovery of the damaged nerves, thus supporting the use of GH treatment, alone or combined with other therapeutic approaches, in promoting nerve repair. Muscle Nerve, 2012
A Bioarchaeological Investigation into the Human Remains Discovered in the Chloorkop Area, South Africa
Authors: Meyer A. , Keough N. , Nienaber C. W. , Steyn M.
Published: September 2011

In November 2008, human skeletal remains were discovered during construction works undertaken by Carlop Properties in the Chloorkop industrial area, Kempton Park, Gauteng. The Forensic Anthropology Unit of the University of Pretoria, Forensic Anthropology Research Centre (FARC) was notified, and rescue excavations of both the exposed and the undisturbed remains were undertaken. The skeletonised remains of at least 18 individuals were recovered and sent to the Department of Anatomy at the University of Pretoria for standard anthropological analysis. The identity and the time period of these human remains are unknown, and during social consultation, no relatives could be identified. Excavations revealed a formal burial pattern, which suggests a formal cemetery, probably associated with a historic institution. All individuals were buried in wooden coffins in an extended, supine position. The remains consist of both adult and juvenile remains. Some of the remains were found in a commingled state because of disturbance caused by construction work. The minimum number of individuals was determined by the visual pair matching of skeletal elements on the basis of similarities observed in bone morphology, age and sex, trauma and pathology and taphonomic alterations. Bioarchaeological techniques were used, and the following results were obtained. Of the 18 individuals, at least 15 were identified to be males, one possibly female and two juveniles. At least five of the adult male individuals presented with cut marks associated with standard autopsy procedures. No reference to the individuals' identity or to the context of the cemetery within the historical span of the Chloorkop area has been located. However, the burial pattern observed, as well as the demographic profile and pathology observed on the skeletal remains, suggests that these individuals could be linked to the Klipfontein Organic Products Factory (ca 1941s–1970s), which employed many migrant labourers, most to whom lived in compounds on the factory premises. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optical properties of coiled carbon nanotubes: A simple model
Authors: Milošević Ivanka , Popović Zoran , Dmitrović Saša , Damnjanović Milan
Published: September 2011

Experimental evidence of regularly coiled carbon nanotubes have been reported in 1994. They are predicted to have excellent electro‐magnetic properties, although their structure, formation mechanism and theoretical aspects are still subjects of scientific discussions. We propose model of hexagonal, helically coiled single wall carbon nanotubes, and determine their line group symmetry. Further, we calculate electronic band structure and optical conductivity of the various configurations of coiled nanotubes by means of fully symmetry adopted density functional tight binding implemented into the POLSym code. Comparison of conducting and optical properties of coiled and straight armchair carbon nanotubes is shown.
State‐feedback stabilization for a class of stochastic time‐delay nonlinear systems
Authors: Chen Weisheng , Wu Jian , Jiao L.C.
Published: September 2011

This paper investigates the problem of state‐feedback stabilization for a class of lower‐triangular stochastic time‐delay nonlinear systems without controllable linearization. By extending the adding‐a‐power‐integrator technique to the stochastic time‐delay systems, a state‐feedback controller is explicitly constructed such that the origin of closed‐loop system is globally asymptotically stable in probability. The main design difficulty is to deal with the uncontrollable linearization and the nonsmooth system perturbation, which, under some appropriate assumptions, can be solved by using the adding‐a‐power‐integrator technique. Two simulation examples are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the control algorithm proposed in this paper.Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantized filtering for Markovian jump LPV systems with intermittent measurements
Authors: Yao Xiuming , Wu Ligang , Zheng Wei Xing
Published: September 2011

This paper investigates the problem of quantized filtering for a class of discrete‐time linear parameter‐varying systems with Markovian switching under data missing. The measured output of the plant is quantized by a logarithmic mode‐independent quantizer. The data missing phenomenon is modeled by a stochastic variable. The purpose of the problem addressed is to design a full‐order filter such that the filtering error dynamics is stochastically stable and the prescribed noise attenuation level in the sense can be achieved. Sufficient conditions are derived for the existence of such filters in terms of parameterized linear matrix inequalities. Then the corresponding filter synthesis problem is transformed into a convex optimization problem that can be efficiently solved by using standard software packages. A simulation example is utilized to demonstrate the usefulness of the developed theoretical results. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Employment of Differential Scanning Calorimetry in Detecting Lard Adulteration in Virgin Coconut Oil
Authors: Mansor T. S. T. , Che Man Y. B. , Shuhaimi M.
Published: September 2011

Lard (LD) has been commonly used as an adulterant in fats and oils. The similar physical characteristic of virgin coconut oil (VCO) to LD makes LD a desirable adulterant in VCO. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) provides unique thermal profiling for each oil and can be used to detect LD adulteration in VCO. In the heating thermogram of the mixture, there was one major endothermic peak (peak A) with a smaller shoulder peak embedded in the major peak that gradually smoothed out to the major peak as the LD% increased. In the cooling thermogram, there were one minor peak (peak B) and two major exothermic peaks, peak C which increased as LD% increased and peak D which decreased in size as the LD% increased. From Stepwise Multiple Linear regression (SMLR) analysis, two independent variables were found to be able to predict LD% adulteration in VCO with R2 (adjusted) of 95.82. The SMLR equation of LD% adulteration in VCO is 293.1 − 11.36 (TeA) − 2.17 (TrD); where TeA is the endset of peak A and TrD is the range of thermal transition for peak D. These parameters can serve as a good measurement index in detecting LD adulteration in VCO.
A Systematic Literature Review of Outcome Measures for Upper Extremity Function Using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health as Reference
Authors: Velstra Inge‐Marie , Ballert Carolina Saskia , Cieza Alarcos
Published: September 2011

Objective

To provide information regarding the (1) responsiveness and reliability of different outcome measures used with persons who have impairments in upper extremity function and (2) their content validity based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF).

Data Sources

MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and EMBASE databases were systematically searched for studies on outcome measures used to evaluate upper extremity function; only studies written in English and published between July 1997 and July 2010 were considered.

Study Selection

One investigator reviewed titles and abstracts of the identified studies to determine whether the studies met predefined eligibility criteria (eg, study design, age <18 years). Another investigator did the same for 70% of the studies.

Data Extraction

All types of outcome measures in the included studies were extracted, and the information retrieved from these outcome measures was linked to the ICF by 2 independent investigators who used standardized linking rules. In addition, studies reporting the clinical responsiveness, interrater reliability, and test‐retest reliability of the outcome measures were identified.

Data Synthesis

From among the 894 studies that were included in this review, 17 most frequently used outcome measures in the different study populations were identified. Five were patient‐reported outcome measures and 12 were clinical outcome measures. The outcome measures show large variability with regard to the areas of functioning and disability addressed. Reliability and responsiveness data are missing for a few outcome measures or for certain populations for which they have been used.

Conclusion

This systematic review provides an overview of the outcome measures used to address functioning and disability as they are related to the upper extremity. The results of this study may help clinicians and researchers select the most appropriate outcome measure for their clinical population or research question according to ICF‐based content validity, and additional information on the reliability and responsiveness of the measures is provided. Our findings also can provide directions for further research.
Paleoclimatic and archeological implications of Pleistocene and Holocene environments in Azraq, Jordan
Authors: Jones Matthew D. , Richter Tobias
Published: September 2011

Wetlands are a key archive for paleoclimatic and archeological work, particularly in arid regions, as they provide a focus for human occupation and preserve environmental information. The sedimentary record from 'Ayn Qasiyya, a spring site on the edge of the Azraq Qa, provides a well-dated sequence through the last glacial–interglacial transition (LGIT) allowing environmental changes in the present-day Jordanian desert to be investigated robustly through this time period for the first time. Results show that the wettest period at the site preceded the last glacial maximum, which itself was characterised by marsh formation and a significant Early Epipaleolithic occupation. A sedimentary hiatus between 16 and 10.5 ka suggests a period of drought in the region although seasonal rains and surface waters still allowed seasonal occupation of the Azraq region. Archeological evidence suggests that conditions had improved by the Late Epipaleolithic, about the time of the North Atlantic Younger Dryas. The changes between wet and dry conditions at the site show similarities to patterns in the eastern Mediterranean and in Arabia suggesting the Jordan interior was influenced by changes in both these regions through the LGIT climatic transition.
Wall shear stress in accelerating turbulent pipe flow
Authors: He S. , Ariyaratne C. , Vardy A. E.
Published: September 2011

An experimental study of wall shear stress in an accelerating flow of water in a pipe ramping between two steady turbulent flows has been undertaken in a large-scale experimental facility. Ensemble averaged mean and r.m.s. of the turbulent fluctuations of wall shear stresses have been derived from hot-film measurements from many repeated runs. The initial Reynolds number and the acceleration rate were varied systematically to give values of a non-dimensional acceleration parameter $k$ ranging from 0.16 to 14. The wall shear stress has been shown to follow a three-stage development. Stage 1 is associated with a period of minimal turbulence response; the measured turbulent wall shear stress remains largely unchanged except for a very slow increase which is readily associated with the stretching of existing turbulent eddies as a result of flow acceleration. In this condition of nearly ‘frozen’ turbulence, the unsteady wall shear stress is driven primarily by flow inertia, initially increasing rapidly and overshooting the pseudo-steady value, but then increasing more slowly and eventually falling below the pseudo-steady value. This variation is predicted by an analytical expression derived from a laminar flow formulation. The start of Stage 2 is marked by the generation of new turbulence causing both the mean and turbulent wall shear stress to increase rapidly, although there is a clear offset between the responses of these two quantities. The turbulent wall shear, reflecting local turbulent activities near the wall, responds first and the mean wall shear, reflecting conditions across the entire flow field, responds somewhat later. In Stage 3, the wall shear stress exhibits a quasi-steady variation. The duration of the initial period of nearly frozen turbulence response close to the wall increases with decreasing initial Reynolds number and with increasing acceleration. The latter is in contrast to the response of turbulence in the core of the flow, which previous measurements have shown to be independent of the rate of acceleration.
CONCORDANCE BETWEEN PARTNERS IN DESIRED WAITING TIME TO BIRTH FOR NEWLYWEDS IN INDIA
Authors: SINGH ABHISHEK , BECKER STAN
Published: September 2011

Examining waiting time to birth among newlywed couples is likely to provide insights into the desire for spacing births among newlywed husbands and wives. Data from the Indian National Family Health Survey of 2005–06 are used to examine the desired waiting time (DWT) to birth among newlywed couples. The dependent variable is spousal concordance on desired waiting times. Overall 65% of couples have concordant desired waiting times. Among discordant couples, wives were more likely to want to wait longer than their husbands. Couples from richer wealth quintiles were more likely than couples from the poorest quintile to have concordant desired waiting times. Muslims were less likely than Hindus to have concordant desires. There is a need for spacing contraceptive methods among newlyweds in India. This may have implications for the Indian Family Planning Programme, which to date has largely focused on sterilization. Programmes need to include newlywed husbands to promote use of spacing methods.
Gender, genius and rock and roll in‘Roy Orbison and Friends: A Black and White Night’
Authors: Laver Mark
Published: September 2011

To a considerable extent, the mythology of rock and roll rebellion is predicated upon a similarly mythologised male sexual potency that Simon Frith and Angeld McRobbie have characterised as ‘aggressive, dominating, and boastful, … [constantly seeking] to remind the audience of [its] prowess, [its] control’ (Frith and McRobbie 1990, p. 319). In this article, I look to Roy Orbison – a musician who was a key figure in the genesis of rock and roll, but who nevertheless subverts this phallocentric meta-narrative. Focusing on the 1987 concert film,Roy Orbison and Friends: A Black and White Night, I argue that Orbison's staid performance style, unusual voice and unconventional songwriting as evidenced (and amplified) by that film trouble the purportedly monolithic rock and roll masculinity, and the concomitant mythology of rebellion. At the same time, however, I propose that even as normative masculinity appears to be destabilised, a close reading of the film reveals that the performance situates Orbison within a different masculinist discourse: the 19th-century Romantic discourse of masculine genius that continues to inflect 21st century notions about artists and art music. Thus, inBlack and White Night, normative and non-normative masculinities are thoroughly imbricated, each simultaneously destabilising and reaffirming the other.
‘Brains, means, lyrical ammunition’: hip-hop and socio-racial agency among African Students in Kharkiv, Ukraine
Authors: Helbig Adriana
Published: September 2011

In the last decade, multi-racial hip-hop scenes in Kharkiv, a predominantly Russian-speaking eastern Ukrainian city close to the Russian border, have fostered the development of socially-conscious hip-hop among African students. Drawing on musical elements from their respective home countries, the US and local hip-hop traditions, African male youths use Ukrainian-, Russian- and English-language lyrics to express concerns about socio-economic status, personal struggle and racial inclusion. This study analyses how African musicians use hip-hop as a social means through which to fight the escalating violence against dark-skinned foreigners and migrants. It draws on ethnographic data to identify several ways in which African-performed hip-hop has influenced contemporary public opinions regarding ‘black’ identity in eastern Ukraine.
A girl with extremely refractory Kawasaki disease: an instructive case with unusual course and outcome
Authors: Lydia Kossiva , Evangelos Karanassios , George Papadopoulos , Kyriaki Karavanaki
Published: September 2011

Kawasaki disease constitutes an acute febrile vasculitis of unknown aetiology. It is considered the most common cause of acquired cardiac failure in children. Although standard treatment comprises intravenous immunoglobulin and aspirin, some children exhibit refractory disease, necessitating the use of alternative therapies such as corticosteroids and anti-tumour necrosis factor-alpha. For these cases, few controlled data are available. This report focuses on an extremely refractory classical Kawasaki disease with coronary artery aneurysms and ongoing inflammation. We discuss the therapeutic approaches and the potential pitfalls undertaken, which led to an unfavourable clinical outcome.
Capillary leak leading to shock in Kawasaki disease without myocardial dysfunction
Authors: Natterer Julia , Perez Marie-Hélène , Di Bernardo Stefano
Published: September 2011

Kawasaki disease is an acute vasculitis of childhood. Its clinical presentation is well known, and coronary artery aneurysms are classical complications. Shock and pleural or pericardiac effusion are rare presentations of the disease. In intensive care units, the disease may be mistaken for septic shock or toxic shock syndrome. Owing to the fact that immunoglobulin therapy improves the course of the disease, especially if given early, and thus the diagnosis should not be delayed.
Time-Based Prospective Memory in Schoolchildren
Authors: Voigt Babett , Aberle Ingo , Schönfeld Judith , Kliegel Matthias
Published: September 2011

The present study examined age differences in time-based prospective memory (TBPM) in primary school age children and tested the role of self-initiated memory retrieval and strategic time monitoring (TM) as possible developmental mechanisms. Fifty-four children were recruited from local primary schools (27 younger children, mean age = 7.2 ± 0.55 years, and 27 older children, mean age = 9.61 ± 0.71 years). The task was a driving game scenario in which children had to drive a vehicle (ongoing task) and to remember to refuel before the vehicle runs out of gas (TBPM task, i.e., the fuel gauge served as child-appropriate time equivalent). Fuel gauge was either displayed permanently (low level of self-initiation) or could only be viewed on demand by hitting a button (high level of self-initiation). The results revealed age-dependent TBPM differences with better performance in older children. In contrast, level of self-initiated memory retrieval did not affect TBPM performance. However, strategies of TM influenced TBPM, as more frequent time checking was related to better performance. Patterns of time checking frequency differed according to children’s age and course of the game, suggesting difficulties in maintaining initial strategic TM in younger children. Taken together, the study revealed ongoing development of TBPM across primary school age. Observed age differences seemed to be associated with the ability to maintain strategic monitoring.