bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development and characterization of microsatellite markers for Polygonum cespitosum (Polygonaceae)
Authors: Matesanz Silvia , Sultan Sonia E. , Jones Kenneth L. , Hagen Cris , Lance Stacey L. 
Published: June 2011

• Premise of the study: We isolated and characterized microsatellite markers in Polygonum cespitosum Blume, an herbaceous annual plant species introduced into North America from Asia that has recently become invasive.• Methods and Results: A total of 12 polymorphic and 3 monomorphic loci were screened in 1–2 individuals from each of 20 populations from the introduced and native range, for a total of 24 samples. The number of alleles per locus in the polymorphic loci ranged from 3 to 9, and expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.156 to 0.838.• Conclusions: These new loci will provide tools for examining genetic relatedness among introduced and native populations of this and other related species.
A Fast Local Level Set Method for Inverse Gravimetry
Authors: Isakov Victor , Leung Shingyu , Qian Jianliang 
Published: June 2011

AbstractWe propose a fast local level set method for the inverse problem of gravimetry. The theoretical foundation for our approach is based on the following uniqueness result: if an open set D is star-shaped or x3-convex with respect to its center of gravity, then its exterior potential uniquely determines the open set D. To achieve this purpose constructively, the first challenge is how to parametrize this open set D as its boundary may have a variety of possible shapes. To describe those different shapes we propose to use a level-set function to parametrize the unknown boundary of this open set. The second challenge is how to deal with the issue of partial data as gravimetric measurements are only made on a part of a given reference domain Ω. To overcome this difficulty we propose a linear numerical continuation approach based on the single layer representation to find potentials on the boundary of some artificial domain containing the unknown set D. The third challenge is how to speed up the level set inversion process. Based on some features of the underlying inverse gravimetry problem such as the potential density being constant inside the unknown domain, we propose a novel numerical approach which is able to take advantage of these features so that the computational speed is accelerated by an order of magnitude. We carry out numerical experiments for both two- and three-dimensional cases to demonstrate the effectiveness of the new algorithm.
A Hybrid Algorithm of Event-Driven and Time-Driven Methods for Simulations of Granular Flows
Authors: Huang Jun , Nydal Ole Jørgen 
Published: June 2011

AbstractThe classical discrete element approach (DEM) based on Newtonian dynamics can be divided into two major groups, event-driven methods (EDM) and time-driven methods (TDM). Generally speaking, TDM simulations are suited for cases with high volume fractions where there are collisions between multiple objects. EDM simulations are suited for cases with low volume fractions from the viewpoint of CPU time. A method combining EDM and TDM called Hybrid Algorithm of event-driven and time-driven methods (HAET) is presented in this paper. The HAET method employs TDM for the areas with high volume fractions and EDM for the remaining areas with low volume fractions. It can decrease the CPU time for simulating granular flows with strongly non-uniform volume fractions. In addition, a modified EDM algorithm using a constant time as the lower time step limit is presented. Finally, an example is presented to demonstrate the hybrid algorithm.
A Charge Preserving Scheme for the Numerical Resolution of the Vlasov-Ampère Equations
Authors: Crouseilles Nicolas , Respaud Thomas 
Published: June 2011

AbstractIn this report, a charge preserving numerical resolution of the 1D Vlasov-Ampère equation is achieved, with a forward Semi-Lagrangian method introduced in [10]. The Vlasov equation belongs to the kinetic way of simulating plasmas evolution, and is coupled with the Poisson’s equation, or equivalently under charge conservation, the Ampère’s one, which self-consistently rules the electric field evolution. In order to ensure having proper physical solutions, it is necessary that the scheme preserves charge numerically. B-spline deposition will be used for the interpolation step. The solving of the characteristics will be made with a Runge-Kutta 2 method and with a Cauchy-Kovalevsky procedure.
Computational Fluid Dynamics Simulation of a-v Fistulas: From MRI and Ultrasound Scans to Numeric Evaluation of Hemodynamics
Authors: Niemann Anders Koustrup , Thrysoe Samuel , Nygaard Jens Vinge , Hasenkam John Michael , Petersen Steffen Ellebaek 
Published: June 2011

Purpose A-v anastomosis entails dramatic changes in hemodynamic conditions, which may lead to major alterations to the vessels involved; primarily dilatations and devastating stenoses. Wall shear stress is thought to play a key role in the remodeling of the vessels exposed to abnormal levels and oscillating wall shear stress. In this study we sought to develop a framework suitable for thorough in vivo analyses of wall shear stress and vessel morphology of a-v fistulas in patients. Methods Using ultrasound and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) transverse image stacks from six patient a-v fistulas were obtained. From the image stacks three-dimensional geometries of the patient fistulas were created using dedicated segmentation software. Geometries of three a-v fistulas were imported into Finite Element software in order to perform fluid flow simulations of blood flows and frictional forces on the vessel walls in the a-v fistulas. Boundary conditions for the simulations were obtained using both a MRI Phase Contrast and an Ultrasound Doppler technique. Results The segmentation of the six fistulas of very different age and morphology (two end-to-side and four side-to-side) showed the ability of the approach to create geometries of various fistula morphologies. Simulations of the three fistulas showed an instant picture of the present status of the exposure to different levels of wall shear stress and the morphological status in the vessel remodeling process. Conclusion The study demonstrated the capability of the CFD framework to analyze patient a-v fistulas on a regular basis using both MRI and ultrasound-based approaches.
Adaptive control of a class of nonlinear systems with its application to a synchronization problem
Authors: Liu Lu 
Published: June 2011

AbstractIn this paper, we first consider an adaptive stabilization problem for a class of uncertain nonlinear systems with both dynamic and static uncertainties. A sufficient condition on the convergence of the estimated parameter to the true parameter is also given. Then we show that the synchronization problem for the Chua's circuit and an uncertain harmonic system can be converted into the adaptive stabilization problem under consideration. Finally, an adaptive feedback control law is designed such that, the output of the Chua's circuit can asymptotically synchronize, in the presence of large parameter variations, with the output of the uncertain harmonic system.Copyright © 2011 John Wiley and Sons Asia Pte Ltd and Chinese Automatic Control Society
Identity in university students: The role of parental and romantic attachment☆
Authors: Ávila Marisa , Cabral Joana , Matos Paula Mena 
Published: June 2011

ABSTRACTIn this study with 236 Portuguese university students, we examined two competing models for understanding identity. In the first model, the direct independent effects of parental and romantic attachment on identity were tested. The second model examined the mediating role of romantic attachment representations in the link between parental attachment and identity. The participants completed measures of parental and romantic attachment at the beginning of the freshman year (Wave 1), and a measure of identity development 18 months later (Wave 2). Structural equation modeling for the independent model indicated that identity is exclusively predicted by romantic attachment at this life stage, and not by parental attachment. Regarding the second model, our mediational hypothesis was supported, since the association between parental attachment and identity was totally mediated by romantic attachment representations. Both models presented adequate indices of adjustment, and provided a complementary understanding of the differential role that romantic relations play in contributing to explaining identity development.
Endoneurial pathology of the needlestick‐nerve‐injury model of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, including rats with and without pain behaviors
Authors: Klein M.M. , Lee J.W. , Siegel S.M. , Downs H.M. , Oaklander A.L. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractCurrent rodent models of neuropathic pain produce pain hypersensitivity in almost all lesioned animals and not all identified experimental effects are pain specific. 18G needlestick‐nerve‐injury (NNI) to one tibial nerve of outbred Sprague–Dawley rats models the phenotype of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), a post‐traumatic neuropathic pain syndrome, leaving roughly half of NNI rats with hyperalgesia. We compared endoneurial data from these divergent endophenotypes searching for pathological changes specifically associated with pain‐behaviors. Tibial, sural, and common sciatic nerves from 12 NNI rats plus 10 nerves from sham‐operated controls were removed 14 days post‐surgery for morphometric analysis. PGP9.5+ unmyelinated‐fibers were quantitated in plantar hindpaw skin. Distal tibial nerves of NNI rats had endoneurial edema, 30% fewer axons, twice as many mast cells, and thicker blood‐vessel walls than uninjured tibial nerves. However the only significant difference between nerves from hyperalgesic versus non‐hyperalgesic NNI rats was greater endoneurial edema in hyperalgesic rats (p < 0.01). We also discovered significant axonal losses in uninjured ipsilateral sural nerves of NNI rats, demonstrating spread of neuropathy to nearby nerves formerly thought spared. Tibial and sural nerves contralateral to NNI had significant changes in endoneurial blood‐vessels. Similar pathological changes have been identified in CRPS‐I patients. The current findings suggest that severity of endoneurial vasculopathy and inflammation may correlate better with neuropathic pain behaviors than degree of axonal loss. Spread of pathological changes to nearby ipsilateral and contralateral nerves might potentially contribute to extraterritorial pain in CRPS.
The Ts65Dn mouse model of Down syndrome shows reduced expression of the Bcl‐XL antiapoptotic protein in the hippocampus not accompanied by changes in molecular or cellular markers of cell death
Authors: Rueda Noemí , Flórez Jesús , Martínez‐Cué Carmen 
Published: June 2011

AbstractThe Ts65Dn (TS) mouse, the most widely used model of Down syndrome (DS), has a partial trisomy of a segment of chromosome 16 that is homologous to the distal part of human chromosome 21. This mouse shares many phenotypic characteristics with people with DS including neuromorphological, neurochemical, and cognitive disturbances. Both TS and DS brains show earlier aging and neurodegeneration. Since fibroblast cultures from TS mice and human DS hippocampal regions show increased apoptotic cell death it has been suggested that alterations in cerebral apoptosis might be implicated in the cognitive deficits found in TS mice and in people with DS. In the present study we have evaluated brain expression levels of several proapoptotic and antiapoptotic proteins from the mitochondrial (Bcl‐2, Bcl‐XL, Bax and Bad) and the extrinsic (Fas‐R and Fas‐L) apoptotic pathways as well as the final executioner caspase‐3, in the cortex and hippocampus of TS mice. No significant alterations in the expression levels of the proapoptotic Bad and Bax or the antiapoptotic Bcl‐2 proteins in the cortex or hippocampus were found in TS mice. However, TS mice showed downregulation of Bcl‐XL in the hippocampus. In the extrinsic pathway we found unchanged levels of Fas‐L in both structures and also in the expression levels of Fas‐R in the hippocampus. Although Bcl‐XL downregulation suggests that the hippocampus of TS mice is less protected against programmed cell death, we did not find any evidence for increased apoptosis in TS mice since neither TUNEL‐positive cells nor active caspase‐3 expression were found in cortex or hippocampus of TS or CO mice.
EST-Based Identification of Genes Expressed in Skeletal Muscle of the Mandarin Fish (Siniperca Chuatsi)
Authors: Ding Feng , Chu Wuying , Cui Peng , Tao Meng , Zhou Ruixue , Zhao Falan , Hu Songnian , Zhang Jianshe 
Published: June 2011

Abstract
To enrich the genomic information of the commercially important fish species, we obtained 5,063 high-quality expressed sequence tags (ESTs) from the muscle cDNA database of the mandarin fish (Siniperca chuatsi). Clustering analysis yielded 1,625 unique sequences including 443 contigs (from 3,881 EST sequences) and 1,182 singletons. BLASTX searches showed that 959 unique sequences shared homology to proteins in the NCBI non-redundant database. A total of 740 unique sequences were functionally annotated using Gene Ontology. The 1,625 unique sequences were assigned to Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes reference pathways, and the results indicated that transcripts participating in nucleotide metabolism and amino acid metabolism are relatively abundant in S. chuatsi. Meanwhile, we identified 15 genes to be abundantly expressed in muscle of the mandarin fish. These genes are involved in muscle structural formation and regulation of muscle differentiation and development. The most remarkable gene in S. chuatsi is nuclease diphosphate kinase B, which is represented by 449 EST sequences accounting for 8.86% of the total EST sequences. Our work provides a transcript profile expressed in the white muscle of the mandarin fish, laying down a foundation in better understanding of fish genomics.
Deep Tissue Fluorescent Imaging in Scattering Specimens Using Confocal Microscopy
Authors: Clendenon Sherry G. , Young Pamela A. , Ferkowicz Michael , Phillips Carrie , Dunn Kenneth W. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractIn scattering specimens, multiphoton excitation and nondescanned detection improve imaging depth by a factor of 2 or more over confocal microscopy; however, imaging depth is still limited by scattering. We applied the concept of clearing to deep tissue imaging of highly scattering specimens. Clearing is a remarkably effective approach to improving image quality at depth using either confocal or multiphoton microscopy. Tissue clearing appears to eliminate the need for multiphoton excitation for deep tissue imaging.
Radiation and thermal effects on polymeric immobilization devices used in patients submitted to radiotherapy
Authors: Pereira-Loch C. , Benavides R. , Lima M. Fogliato S. , Huerta B.M. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractImmobilization devices in radiotherapy are made of a soft plastic easy to mould when immersed in hot water. Same item is usually used for 6 patients (according to protocol), but at Hospital Sao Jose (HSJ) they have been showing some deformation during the re-utilization process. The latter is the reason for this research where devices were treated with 6 thermal conditions, 6 irradiation procedures and the joint effect of both treatments. DSC, TGA and WAXD indicated devices are made of polycaprolactone (PCL), but no signs of degradation, except a slight variation in crystalinity; however, mechanical properties by means of Young’s modulus steadily increase its values through number of treatments up to a 20%. Activation energy (Ea) obtained by multi-ramps of TGA-Arrhenius evaluated for the most treated samples (6th treatment) indicates that temperature facilitates degradation while irradiation and joint treatments enhance the stability of PCL, apparently by crosslinking.
Natural time analysis of critical phenomena
Authors: Varotsos Panayiotis , Sarlis Nicholas V. , Skordas Efthimios S. , Uyeda Seiya , Kamogawa Masashi 
Published: June 2011

A quantity exists by which one can identify the approach of a dynamical system to the state of criticality, which is hard to identify otherwise. This quantity is the variance

of natural time
χ
, where

and
p

k

is the normalized energy released during the
k
th event of which the natural time is defined as
χ

k

=
k
/
N
and
N
stands for the total number of events. Then we show that
κ
1
becomes equal to 0.070 at the critical state for a variety of dynamical systems. This holds for criticality models such as 2D Ising and the Bak–Tang–Wiesenfeld sandpile, which is the standard example of self-organized criticality. This condition of
κ
1
= 0.070 holds for experimental results of critical phenomena such as growth of rice piles, seismic electric signals, and the subsequent seismicity before the associated main shock.
Effect of supplementing Rhodes grass hay (Chloris gayana) with Berchemia discolor or Zizyphus mucronata on the performance of growing goats in Kenya
Authors: Osuga I. M. , Abdulrazak S. A. , Muleke C. I. , Fujihara T. 
Published: June 2011

SummaryTwenty growing Small East African goats were used to determine the effects of feeding sun‐dried leaves of the browse forages Berchemia discolor and Zizyphus mucronata as supplements to low‐quality basal diet, Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana) hay, on voluntary feed intake (VFI), digestibility and growth performance. The grass hay and maize bran were used as a control. The dried leaves were then included at the rates of 15% and 30% of the dry matter intake (DMI). Berchemia discolor had the highest crude protein (CP) content of 195.5 g/kg DM, while Z. mucronata had CP content of 169.5 g/kg DM. The grass hay had the lowest CP content of 50.9 g/kg DM. The browse forages had low fibre content [Neutral detergent fibre (NDF); 257.9–369.5 g/kg DM], while the grass hay had high fibre content (NDF; 713.1 g/kg DM). Goats in the groups supplemented with either of the browse forages had higher total DMI, nitrogen (N) intake and retention and live‐weight gains than those in the control diet group. The digestibility of DM and organic matter (OM) was not affected by supplementation, but the CP digestibility increased with supplementation. The use of the browse forages as supplements for goats fed on poor‐quality basal diets would enhance the performance of the animals.
Practical Tips for Sexual Counseling and Psychotherapy in Premature Ejaculation
Authors: Rowland David , Cooper Stewart 
Published: June 2011

ABSTRACT

Introduction
A number of milestones in the treatment of premature ejaculation (PE) have occurred over the past five decades, including the development of various behavioral and cognitive techniques as well as pharmacotherapies that modify neurophysiological processes involved in ejaculation. Nevertheless, the notion that sexual responses such as PE are influenced by physiological, psychobehavioral, cultural, and relationship factors is as valid now as it was 50 years ago, and therefore, interventions should consider all such domains in the development of effective treatment strategies.

Aim
Provide an overview of which patients with PE are suitable to receive psychosexual treatment and the psychological approaches for managing this disorder.

Methods
Review of the literature.

Main Outcome Measure
Psychosexual treatments that integrate behavioral, psychological, and relationship functioning.

Results
PE is typically a couple's problem and, therefore, psychotherapy is best when the partner is involved. Before embarking on psychotherapy, the clinician should obtain a medical history pertaining to sexual-, psychological-, and relationship-related factors, so that the treatment strategy can be tailored to the needs of the individual. General strategies underpinning integrative, “process-oriented” elements of psychotherapy most relevant to PE are: developing the therapist–patient relationship; expressing empathy, genuineness, and positive regard; motivational interviewing, i.e., developing motivation to change; developing discrepancy; working through resistance; identifying PE-related affect, cognitions, and behaviors (including interaction with partners); and supporting self-efficacy. The four main domains that encompass psychotherapy techniques specific to the treatment of PE are: behavioral; cognitive; affective; and relational. Sustained positive outcomes in PE may be obtained using a combination treatment strategy that addresses all elements of PE, including psychological and biological factors.

Conclusions
Psychosexual treatments may help the patient with PE and his partner to address their sexual problems and improve their overall relationship. The effects of psychosexual therapy may be augmented by combining this intervention with pharmacotherapy.
Clinical features and risk factors of extrahepatic seeding after percutaneous radiofrequency ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Shirai Kiyokazu , Tamai Hideyuki , Shingaki Naoki , Mori Yoshiyuki , Moribata Kosaku , Enomoto Shotaro , Deguchi Hisanobu , Ueda Kazuki , Maekita Takao , Inoue Izumi , Iguchi Mikitaka , Yanaoka Kimihiko , Oka Masashi , Ichinose Masao 
Published: June 2011

Aim:  To clarify the clinical features of and risk factors for extrahepatic seeding, a major complication following radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).Methods:  Our prospective database of 351 nodules in 257 patients with HCC who had undergone RFA between April 2001 and April 2008 was reviewed. The following variables were assessed to identify the risk factors for extrahepatic seeding: age, sex, viral markers, Child–Pugh class, tumor size, number of tumors, RFA indication (tumor size ≤3 cm, number of tumors ≤3), tumor biopsy prior to RFA, degree of histological differentiation, tumor markers, tumor location, number of sessions, and combined transcatheter arterial chemoembolization.Results:  The median follow‐up period was 36.5 months, during which the rate of seeding after was 5.1% and the 5‐year cumulative seeding rate was 8.4%. The survival rate after neoplastic seeding was 21% at 5 years. Univariate analysis of the risk factors for neoplastic seeding showed significant differences in tumor size, RFA indication, subcapsular lesion, number of sessions, tumor biopsy prior to RFA, and des‐gamma‐carboxy prothrombin value. However, multivariate analysis showed that the only independent risk factor was RFA indication.Conclusions:  The prognosis of patients with neoplastic seeding was poor. In particular, RFA performed for HCC not satisfying the RFA indication showed a high risk of seeding, and careful consideration should be given to the optimal treatment method and avoiding direct puncture of subcapsular tumors.