bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surface Modified Ultrathin Polyelectrolyte Nanoreservoir for Delivery of Proteins: Evaluation in Terms of Controlled Release and Biocompatibility
Authors: Gupta Girish Kumar , Jain Vikas , Mishra Prabhat Ranjan
Published: November 2008

The proposed ultrathin polyelectrolyte nanoreservoir (UPN) was fabricated in two combinations by alternate layering of polyelectrolytes poly (allylamine hydrochloride) along with sodium poly (styrene sulfonate) (PAH/PSS)5 and sodium alginate (PAH/SA)5 using porous calcium carbonate as a template using layer-by-layer adsorption technique with the subsequent template removal at low pH. We studied the possibility whether remnant intact nanoreservoir could be suited for encapsulation as well as delivery vehicle for protein such as bovine serum albumin as a model. To tune biocompatibility with biological cells the assembled surface was modified using pluronic (F-68) by adsorption and possible hydrophobic interaction. The prepared system was characterized for surface morphology, size and size distribution, surface charge, layer-by-layer growth due to sequential adsorption and surface modification. The experimental data obtained by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) provide evidence for the stepwise surface modification of the films. Further the system was investigated for payload efficiency of proteins, in-vitro release profile, integrity of proteins, cell adhesion and viability against biological cells (murine macrophages cell line J774.1). In both formulations polyelectrolyte composition lead to smooth and spherical nanomatrix, with payload of approx. 72±6% of proteins. Both the systems exhibited biphasic release profile with initial burst release followed by controlled release with overall release of 43.63±4.8% and 44±5.76% in 48h for formulation prepared by combination of (PAH/PSS)5 and (PAH/SA)5 respectively. There was a marked reduction in cell adhesion and improvement in viability upon surface modification. In a nutshell, the proposed system could successfully be used for the delivery of proteins and moreover the system can be tailored to impart desired properties at any stage of layering especially in terms of drug release and to retain the integrity of proteins.
Electric-field-controlled electron relaxation in lateral double quantum dots embedded in a suspended slab
Authors: Liao Y. Y. , Chuu D. S. , Jian S. R.
Published: November 2008

This study investigates phonon-induced electron relaxation in a lateral double quantum dot that is embedded in a suspended slab. Exact calculations are made in electric fields. The dependence of the relaxation rate on the parameters of the dots and the slabs is analyzed. Numerical results indicate that the relaxation rate depends strongly on the phonon character of the slab. Unlike in the bulk environment, phonon-subband quantization clearly influences the behavior. In particular, the relaxation rate can be greatly suppressed or enhanced by tuning the electric fields. This fact may be useful in manipulating the relaxation rate in lateral double quantum dots.
Kinetic hindrance during the surface oxidation of Cu(100)–c(10×2)-Ag
Authors: Lahtonen K. , Lampimäki M. , Hirsimäki M. , Valden M.
Published: November 2008

The influence of c(10×2)-Ag superstructure on the oxidation kinetics and oxygen adsorption-induced nanostructures on Cu(100) has been investigated as a function of O2 exposure at 373 K by employing scanning tunneling microscopy and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The oxygen adsorption-induced segregation of Cu through the Ag overlayer is found to trigger agglomeration of Ag and subsequent formation of ordered oval-shaped nanosize metallic Ag islands separated by Cu(100)–(2√2×√2)R45°-O surface phase. As oxygen exposure is further increased, all Ag is eventually covered by oxidized Cu. The presence of Ag delays the completion of the fully reconstructed (2√2×√2)R45°-O surface and the nucleation and growth of Cu2O islands by limiting Cu diffusion toward the surface. Once Cu2O grows into the bulk deeper than buried Ag, the oxidation kinetics follow that of the unalloyed clean Cu(100) surface. Similar kinds of Cu–O nanostructures are found on both clean Cu(100) and Cu(100)–c(10×2)-Ag surfaces. Details of the morphology of the Ag structures and kinetic control of the surface oxidation mechanism on Cu(100)–c(10×2)-Ag are discussed.
Ponderomotive electron acceleration by polarization-gated surface-enhanced optical fields
Authors: Lu Peifen , Wu Jian , Qi Hongxing , Zeng Heping
Published: November 2008

We study ponderomotive electron acceleration with polarization-gated surface-plasmon-resonance enhanced optical fields excited by two counter-incident femtosecond laser pulses. Such a polarization-gated excitation scheme creates an intense linearly polarized high-gradient evanescent field for electron acceleration. The maximum kinetic energy of the accelerated ultrafast electrons is doubled with a symmetric angular distribution about the normal of the metal surface as compared with the conventional one-pulse excitation scheme.
Propagation loss of terahertz surface plasmon polaritons on a periodically structured Ag surface
Authors: Wang Bowen , Liu Liu , He Sailing
Published: November 2008

We analyze the propagation of terahertz surface plasmon polaritons on a periodically structured Ag surface by using a full-vectorial finite-difference time-domain method. The impact of some structural parameters on the dispersion relation and the propagation loss is analyzed. As the groove width increases, the dispersion curves asymptotically reach lower frequency values at the Brillouin zone edge, while the relation between the propagation loss and the groove width is somewhat complicated. For a fixed air filling factor, the period of the structure has little influence on the asymptotic frequency but has a relatively large influence on the propagation loss. The effects of the groove depth and the shape of the groove corners are also studied. It is found that the propagation loss is mainly determined by the total area of the sidewalls of the grooves in a unit length. For a typical structure with a groove width of 2 μm, a groove depth of 10 μm, and a period of 10 μm, the propagation loss is less than 0.2 dB/10 μm below 5.67 THz, while it increases dramatically beyond this frequency.
Hopping conduction and low-frequency dielectric relaxation in 5mol% Mn doped (Pb,Sr)TiO3 films
Authors: Yang J. , Meng X. J. , Shen M. R. , Fang L. , Wang J. L. , Lin T. , Sun J. L. , Chu J. H.
Published: November 2008

The highly (00l)-oriented 5 mol % Mn doped Pb0.5Sr0.5TiO3 films with remarkable ferroelectric properties (2Pr=27.1 μC/cm2 and 2Ec=55.5 kV/cm) were fabricated on LaNiO3 coated silicon substrates by chemical solution deposition. The ac conductivity and the dielectric response of the films at various temperatures were studied. Hopping conduction accompanied by the dielectric relaxation at low frequencies was observed. The results can be correlated with the thermal-activated short range hopping of localized charge carriers through trap sites separated by potential barriers with different heights, i.e., localized electrons hopping between multivalence Mn sites (the activation energy of this hopping process is ∼0.4 eV), which is also established in terms of the correlated barrier hopping model.
Filtering by nonlinear systems
Authors: Campos Cantón E. , González Salas J. S. , Urías J.
Published: November 2008

Synchronization of nonlinear systems forced by external signals is formalized as the response of a nonlinear filter. Sufficient conditions for a nonlinear system to behave as a filter are given. Some examples of generalized chaos synchronization are shown to actually be special cases of nonlinear filtering.
Specific multiple-scattering process in acoustic cloak with multilayered homogeneous isotropic materials
Authors: Cheng Ying , Liu XiaoJun
Published: November 2008

It was qualitatively demonstrated through finite-element full-wave simulations that acoustic cloak can be constructed by using concentric multilayered structure with alternating homogeneous isotropic materials [Y. Cheng et al., Appl. Phys. Lett. 92, 151913 (2008)]. Here we present a sequential in-depth analysis of the proposed cloak by means of the multiple-scattering algorithms. Calculated pressure fields demonstrate that the cloak possesses low-reflection and wavefront-bending properties. The scattering patterns further characterize the directional cloaking performance in the far field, which is consistent with the pressure fields. The mechanism of the cloaking is ascribed to a specific multiple-scattering process determined by the microscopic material distribution and structural details of the cloak. We also discuss the behavior of the multilayered cloak as a function of wavelength.
Chaotic characteristics of corona discharges in atmospheric air
Authors: Tan Xiangyu , Zhang Qiaogen , Wang Xiuhuan , Sun Fu , Zha Wei , Jia Zhijie
Published: November 2008

A point-plane electrode system in atmospheric air is established to investigate the mechanism of the corona discharge. By using this system, the current pulses of the corona discharges under the 50 Hz ac voltage are measured using partial discharge (PD) measurement instrument and constitute the point-plane voltage-current (V-I) characteristic equation together with the voltage. Then, this paper constructs the nonlinear circuit model and differential equations of the system in an attempt to give the underlying dynamic mechanism based on the nonlinear V-I characteristics of the point-plane corona discharges. The results show that the chaotic phenomenon is found in the corona circuit by the experimental study and nonlinear dynamic analysis. The basic dynamic characteristics, including the Lyapunov exponent, the existence of the strange attractors, and the equilibrium points, are also found and analyzed in the development process of the corona circuit. Moreover, the time series of the corona current pulses obtained in the experiment is used to demonstrate the chaotic characteristics of the corona current based on the nonlinear dynamic circuit theory and the experimental basis. It is pointed out that the corona phenomenon is not a purely stochastic phenomenon but a short term deterministic chaotic activity.
A positron trap and beam apparatus for atomic and molecular scattering experiments
Authors: Sullivan J. P. , Jones A. , Caradonna P. , Makochekanwa C. , Buckman S. J.
Published: November 2008

An instrument has been designed and constructed to provide new insights into fundamental, low energy positron scattering processes. The design is based on the Surko trap system and produces a pulsed positron beam with an energy resolution of as good as 54 meV. The design and operation of the apparatus is explained, while the first experimental results from this apparatus have been demonstrated in recent publications.
Temperature dependent photoluminescence from ZnO nanowires and nanosheets on brass substrate
Authors: Gu Xiuquan , Huo Kaifu , Qian Guixiang , Fu Jijiang , Chu Paul K.
Published: November 2008

The temperature-dependent optical properties of ZnO nanosheets and nanowires fabricated on conductive brass substrates with different surface-to-volume ratios and morphologies are investigated. The near band edge and deep-level emission mechanisms are studied. The blueshifted donor bound exciton D 0X peak and enhanced deep-level emission in the low-temperature photoluminescence spectrum of the nanosheets are due to the large surface-to-volume ratios. Although D 0X is the dominant emission from both the nanowires and nanosheets at low temperature, the room-temperature spectra are dominated by D 0X (nanowires) and first order longitudinal optical phonon replica of free exciton (nanosheets). The decay in the D 0X peak intensity stems from the thermal dissociation of D 0X to free exciton.
An interpolation formula for the ion flux to a small particle in collisional plasmas
Authors: Khrapak S. A. , Morfill G. E.
Published: November 2008

Ion collisionality is known to be a major factor which determines the magnitude of the surface (floating) potential of an individual particle immersed in a plasma. In this paper a simple interpolation formula for the ion flux collected by such a particle in the entire range of ion collisionality is proposed. The dependency of the floating potential on ion collisionality calculated using this formula as well as using other analytic approximations developed recently are compared. The reliability of different approaches is discussed.
Why so strong for the lotus leaf?
Authors: Guo Zhiguang , Liu Weimin , Su Bao-Lian
Published: November 2008

The authors discussed the potential reasons why the lotus leaf is so strong by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results showed that the good mechanical properties of lotus leaf should be attributed to its architecture, such as paralleled microtubes structure, umbrellalike structure, and hierarchically layered hexagon structure. The important observation from this work is that the surface of the rear face of the lotus leaf seems to be constituted by the layers of hexagons whose hierarchical pilling up of size decreases as we go deeper from surface. This is a typical fractal-like phenomenon.
Pseudoferroelectricity: A possible scenario for doped ZnO
Authors: Tagantsev Alexander K.
Published: November 2008

A phenomenological Landau-theory model, where a crystal on cooling from a state with polar symmetry exhibits a maximum of dielectric permittivity and polarization-field hysteresis loops, is offered. The model is equivalent to that of a true ferroelectric in a weak external dc bias. Permittivity maximum occurs as a result of crossing the Widom line. In the model, the role of the external bias plays an intrinsic internal bias originating from a weak polarity of the high temperature state of the material. The results obtained show that the ferroelectriclike phenomena reported for doped ZnO are compatible with a Landau-theory description.
Competition from below for light and nutrients shifts productivity among tropical species
Authors: Ewel John J. , Mazzarino María Julia
Published: November 2008

Chance events such as seed dispersal determine the potential composition of plant communities, but the eventual assemblage is determined in large part by subsequent interactions among species. Postcolonization sorting also affects the ultimate composition of communities assembled by people for restoration, horticulture, or conservation. Thus, knowledge of the mechanisms controlling interspecific interactions in plant communities is important for explaining patterns observed in nature and predicting success or failure of utilitarian combinations. Relationships among species, especially those from studies of biological diversity and ecosystem functioning, are largely based on studies of short-lived, temperate-zone plants. Extrapolation to perennial plants in the humid tropics is risky because functional relationships among large-stature species change with time. Shifts in competitive relationships among 3 life forms—trees, palms, and perennial herbs—occurred during 13 yr in experimental tropical ecosystems. In 2 cases the novel competitive mechanism responsible for the shift was reduction in crown volume, and therefore light-capturing capability, of overtopping deciduous trees by intrusive growth from below a palm. In a third case, complementary resource use developed between 2 evergreen life forms (overstory tree and palm), probably because of differential nutrient acquisition. Species-level traits and adequate time for shifts in interspecific relationships to emerge are crucial for predicting community trajectories.
Breaking the habit: a retrospective analysis of desistance factors among formerly problematic heroin users
Authors: BEST DAVID W. , GHUFRAN SAFEENA , DAY ED , RAY RAJASHREE , LOARING JESSICA
Published: November 2008

Introduction and Aims. The aim of this study was to examine heroin careers among former users to assess desistance factors and explanations for sustained abstinence. Design and Methods. The study surveyed 107 former problematic heroin users who have achieved long‐term abstinence about their experiences of achieving and sustaining abstinence. The cohort was recruited opportunistically from three sources, drawing heavily on former users working in the addictions field. Results. On average, the group had heroin careers lasting for just under 10 years, punctuated by an average of 2.6 treatment episodes and 3.1 periods of abstinence, and had been heroin abstinent for an average of 10 years at the time of completing the survey. The most commonly expressed reason for finally achieving abstinence was ‘tired of the lifestyle followed by reasons relating to psychological health. In contrast, when asked to explain how abstinence was sustained, clients quoted both social network factors (moving away from drug‐using friends and support from non‐using friends) and practical factors (accommodation and employment) as well as religious or spiritual factors. Treatment was not mentioned widely either in achieving or sustaining abstinence, in contrast to 12‐Step, which was endorsed widely. Discussion and Conclusions. The study supports a careers perspective for examining heroin careers and indicates that, while achieving abstinence is possible for chronic opiate users, the path to sustained abstinence is complex and often reliant upon external support systems.
Effect of zoledronic acid on oral fibroblasts and epithelial cells: a potential mechanism of bisphosphonate‐associated osteonecrosis
Authors: Scheper Mark A. , Badros Ashraf , Chaisuparat Risa , Cullen Kevin J. , Meiller Timothy F.
Published: November 2008

Osteonecrosis of the jaw secondary to bisphosphonate infusion (zoledronic acid‐ZA) is assumed to be a bone disease. This study investigated the effects of ZA on soft tissues using oral mucosal cells as an in vitro model of soft tissue cell death in the pathogenesis of bone necrosis. Human gingival fibroblast and keratinocyte cell lines were exposed to different concentrations of ZA (0·25–3 μmol/l), using 1 μmol/l as the expected baseline concentration. A dose–response effect on apoptosis and cell proliferation [Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated dUTP‐Biotin End Labelling and Annexin V or Coulter counter and 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐5‐(3‐carboxymethoxyphenyl)‐2‐(4‐sulfophenyl)‐2H‐tetrazolium), respectively] was observed with increasing ZA concentrations; both reversed using siRNA against caspase 3 or 9. Gene expression analysis using RT2 Profiler polymerase chain reaction Arrays demonstrated the differential expression of multiple genes involved in apoptosis including those that encode TNF, BCL‐2, Caspase, IAP, TRAF and Death Domain families. Western blot analysis confirmed the presence of activated forms of caspase 3 and 9 and underexpression of survivin protein expression. This study demonstrated that low concentrations of ZA rapidly and directly affected the oral mucosal tissues though the induction of a gene‐regulated apoptotic process. These findings support the potential for soft tissue injury as an initiating/potentiating event for osteonecrosis.
Immunoglobulin E antibodies enhance pulmonary inflammation induced by inhalation of a chemical hapten
Authors: Mathias C. B. , Freyschmidt E‐J. , Oettgen H. C.
Published: November 2008

Background
Occupational exposure to chemicals is an important cause of asthma. Recent studies indicate that IgE antibodies enhance sensitization to chemicals in the skin.

Objective
We investigated whether IgE might similarly promote the development of airway inflammation following inhalation of a contact sensitizer.

Methods
A model of chemical‐induced asthma is described in which introduction of the low‐molecular‐weight compound, trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid (TNBS), via the respiratory tract was used for both sensitization and challenge. The role of IgE antibodies in the immune response to inhaled TNBS in this model was assessed by comparing the responses of wild‐type (WT) and IgE‐deficient (IgE−/−) mice on the BALB/c background. Reconstitution of circulating IgE levels by intravenous injection of IgE antibodies into IgE−/− mice before sensitization was performed to confirm the role of IgE in any differences observed between the responses of WT and IgE−/− mice.

Results
Intranasal challenge of TNBS‐sensitized (but not sham‐sensitized control mice) induced intense pulmonary inflammation. Macrophages, eosinophils and lymphocytes, including T, B, natural killer and natural killer T cells, were recruited to the airway and the animals displayed bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) to methacholine. Serum levels of murine mast cell protease‐1 (mMCP‐1) were elevated suggesting mast cell activation. In contrast, the development of airway inflammation, recruitment of lymphocytes, induction of BHR and production of mMCP‐1 were all significantly attenuated in IgE‐deficient mice. Reconstitution of IgE−/− mice with IgE (of unrelated antigen specificity) before sensitization partially restored these features of asthma.

Conclusion
Our data indicate that IgE antibodies non‐specifically enhance the development of airway inflammation induced by exposure to chemical antigens.
IL‐10 gene polymorphism, but not TGF‐β1 gene polymorphisms, is associated with food allergy in a Japanese population
Authors: Campos Alberto Eduardo Jose , Shimojo Naoki , Suzuki Yoichi , Mashimo Yoichi , Arima Takayasu , Matsuura Tomoko , Inoue Yuzaburo , Yamaide Akiko , Tomiita Minako , Fujii Katsunori , Hata Akira , Kohno Yoichi
Published: November 2008

The regulatory IL‐10 and TGF‐β1 cytokine gene polymorphisms have been associated with allergic diseases in different populations, like Caucasian, Chinese and Indians. We investigated the association between the polymorphisms IL‐10 A−1082G, C−819T, C−627A and TGF‐β1 T+869C, G+915C, C−509T and food allergy in Japanese children. One hundred and eleven children with food allergy and 115 atopic control children without food allergy were recruited. DNA samples from these subjects were genotyped by using PCR. The odds ratio of IL‐10 −1082 AA genotype was 2.5 (95% CI, 1.0–6.4) for food allergy risk when compared with atopic control subjects (p = 0.03). There were no significative differences in the frequency of TGF‐β1 gene polymorphisms between both groups. Our results indicate that IL‐10 A−1082G gene polymorphism is associated with food allergy susceptibility in atopic Japanese children.
Allergies to fruits and vegetables
Authors: Fernández‐Rivas Montserrat , Benito Cristina , González‐Mancebo Eloína , Dolores Alonso Díaz de Durana M.
Published: November 2008

Allergic reactions to fruits and vegetables are frequently observed in older children and adolescents. They can result from a primary sensitization to food allergens or from a primary sensitization to inhalant allergens such as pollens or latex. In the case of fruit allergies, the stability of the allergens involved is crucial to the sensitization pathway and in the clinical presentation of the food allergy. Two patients allergic to fruits are presented and discussed in the light of the allergens involved. Patient 1 was a 14 yr‐old girl with a grass and olive pollen allergy who developed oropharyngeal symptoms typical of the oral allergy syndrome (OAS) with multiple fruits from taxonomically unrelated families, and who was sensitized to profilin. Patient 2 was an 8 yr‐old girl, with no pollen allergies, who developed systemic reactions to peach and apple, and who was sensitized to non‐specific lipid transfer proteins (LTP). Profilins are labile allergens present in pollens and foods, and sensitization occurs through the respiratory route to pollen profilin. The cross‐reactive IgE antibodies generated can elicit local reactions in the oropharyngeal mucosa (OAS) when exposed to fruit profilins. In contrast, LTPs are a family of stable allergens that resist thermal treatment and enzymatic digestion, and can thus behave as true food allergens inducing primary (non‐pollen related) sensitizations and triggering systemic reactions. These two cases represent two distinct patterns of sensitization and clinical expression of fruit allergies that are determined by the panallergens involved (LTPs and profilins) and their intrinsic physicochemical properties. Additionally, these two cases also show the improved diagnostic value of Component Resolved Diagnosis, and strengthen its utility in the routine diagnosis and management of patients.
Awareness of risk factors for coronary heart disease following interventional cardiology procedures: A key concern for nursing practice
Authors: Fernandez Ritin S , Salamonson Yenna , Griffiths Rhonda , Juergens Craig , Davidson Patricia
Published: November 2008

Cardiovascular risk factor modification to prevent progression of coronary heart disease is important for patients following percutaneous coronary intervention. The aims of this study were to assess patient's awareness of modifiable cardiac risk factors and examine if patients with modifiable risk factors were more likely to identify these risk as amenable to change. Awareness of risk factors was measured using the Indiana Cardiac Rehabilitation Knowledge Questionnaire in a cohort of prospective, consecutive participants post percutaneous coronary intervention. Completed questionnaires were received from 75% of the participants. The majority were able to identify high cholesterol (87%), smoking (83%) and hypertension (82%) as modifiable risk factors. Less than half (46%) of the respondents identified diabetes as a modifiable risk factor. Only a third of participants recognized all six modifiable risk factors. A large proportion of patients who were smokers, or who had high cholesterol or hypertension, identified these as risk factors. A third of people with documented diabetes did not recognize this condition as a risk factor for heart disease. The findings have important implications for nursing practice in terms of directing educational efforts for the modification of risk factors for coronary heart disease.
Adaptation and validation of the Iranian version of Angina Pectoris characteristics questionnaire
Authors: Najafi‐Ghezeljeh Tahereh , Ekman Inger , Nikravesh Mansoureh Yadavar , Emami Azita
Published: November 2008

Research aimed at evaluating Angina Pectoris (AP) symptoms in patients with Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) requires a comprehensive assessment tool applicable to this population. Because no single existing measure assessed the full range of symptom characteristics important to our study, we combined two measures (the modified Rose Questionnaire (MRQ), and the Short Form‐McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF‐MPQ) and added one item to examine specific aspects of AP symptoms (Accompanying Symptom Checklist). The purposes of this study are: (i) to describe the process of translating the SF‐MPQ, MRQ and accompanying symptom checklist from English to the Farsi language; and (ii) to evaluate substantial psychometric works (content and construct validity) for the entire instrument and each part of it (SF‐MPQ, MRQ and accompanying symptom checklist). A cross‐cultural adaptation of the instrument was carried out before developing the final version of it. To these ends, one hundred and 10 CHD patients with AP were assessed by this hybrid measure in an initial study. An analysis of the results indicated that a content valid instrument had been developed. There was a significantly high correlation between scores in the SF‐MPQ and there were associations between items in the MRQ. The Iranian version of AP characteristics questionnaire is valid; it is capable of describing characteristics of AP symptoms. However, the reliability of the instrument needs to be assessed through further research.
Near misses: Paradoxical realities in everyday clinical practice
Authors: Jeffs Lianne , Affonso Dyanne D , MacMillan Kathleen
Published: November 2008

This qualitative study was conducted to define and describe what constitutes and contributes to near miss occurrences in the health‐care system and what is needed to ensure safer processes of care. Nine health‐care organizations (13 sites total) including six academic health sciences centres (acute care, mental health and geriatric) and three community hospitals participated in this study. The final sample consisted of 37 focus groups (86 in the nursing staff only; 62 in the pharmacy staff only; and 99 in the mixed nursing and pharmacy focus groups respectively) and 120 interviews involving 144 health‐care consumers. Data were collected using focus groups (health‐care professionals) and key informant interviews (health‐care consumers). A multi‐level content analyses schema (transcription, coding, categorizing, internal consistency, thematic analysis and community validation) was used. Six themes emerged from the multi‐level content analyses that combined focus group (health‐care professionals) and key informant interview (health‐care consumers) data. These themes are discussed under the three original research questions with supporting data derived from codes and categories. Study findings implicate changes for the health‐care landscape relative to system, health policy, professional development and quality improvement.
Feasibility of endoscopic papillectomy in early stage ampulla of Vater cancer
Authors: Woo Sang Myung , Ryu Ji Kon , Lee Sang Hyub , Lee Woo Jin , Hwang Jin Hyok , Yoo Ji Won , Park Joo Kyung , Kang Gyeong Hoon , Kim Yong‐Tae , Yoon Yong Bum
Published: November 2008

Background and Aim:  Although endoscopic papillectomy has been attempted in early stage ampullary cancer (pTis, T1), its curative role and indications remain uncertain. The present study was designed to assess the factors that predict malignancy and lymph node metastasis and to suggest potential indications for endoscopic papillectomy by analyzing clinicopathological data.

Methods:  We performed a retrospective analysis of clinical and histopathological data of 216 patients with ampullary cancer between 1991 and 2006.

Results:  No tumor in pTis stage had metastasized to lymph nodes and only 9% of tumors in pT1 had metastasized. Tumor size (P = 0.018), depth of invasion (P = 0.021) and venous invasion (P = 0.014) were found to be significantly related to lymph node metastasis. Cases with early stage ampullary cancer of less than 2 cm with a well‐differentiated histology and no angiolymphatic invasion (n = 13) showed no lymph node metastasis and no recurrence during a median follow up of 35.9 months.

Conclusion:  Endoscopic papillectomy can be adopted as a viable alternative to surgery in patients with early stage ampullary cancer of less than 2 cm in size and with a well‐differentiated histology. When a resected specimen has a well‐differentiated histology, and there is no resection margin involvement and no angiolymphatic invasion, our findings indicate that subsequent radical surgery is unnecessary.
Treatment of patients with gastric variceal hemorrhage: Endoscopic N‐butyl‐2‐cyanoacrylate injection versus balloon‐occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration
Authors: Hong Cheul Ho , Kim Hong Joo , Park Jung Ho , Park Dong Il , Cho Yong Kyun , Sohn Chong Il , Jeon Woo Kyu , Kim Byung Ik , Hong Hyun Pyo , Shin Jun Ho
Published: November 2008

Background and Aim:  Our study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic results of endoscopic N‐butyl‐2‐cyanoacrylate injection (EBC) and balloon‐occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (BRTO) in patients with gastric variceal hemorrhage (GVH) and/or high‐risk gastric varices (GV).

Methods:  Twenty‐seven patients with GVH and/or high‐risk GV (≥ 5 mm in diameter, those with red spots, and a Child–Pugh grading of B or C liver cirrhosis) who were treated with either EBC or BRTO from April 2005 to December 2007 were included in our study.

Results:  EBC or BRTO was initially used for the treatment of GVH in 14 and 13 patients, respectively. Technical success was achieved in all 14 patients (100%) initially treated with EBC, and 10 of 13 patients (76.9%) initially treated with BRTO. Significant rebleeding occurred in 10 patients (71.4%) of the EBC group, and two patients (15.4%) of BRTO group (P < 0.01). Five of six patients (83.3%) treated with rescue BRTO due to rebleeding after initial EBC achieved technical success, and all six patients who were treated with rescue BRTO had no rebleeding during the median follow up of 17 (range: 2–37) months. The cumulative survival rate of the EBC with the BRTO rescue group/BRTO group was significantly higher than the EBC group.

Conclusion:  The therapeutic efficacies of EBC and BRTO for the treatment of active GVH and/or high‐risk GV appeared to be similar. However, EBC might be associated with a higher rebleeding rate than BRTO. BRTO could be an effective rescue treatment for patients with GVH after initial treatment of EBC.
A perceptual representation in the frontal eye field during covert visual search that is more reliable than the behavioral report
Authors: Trageser Jason C. , Monosov Ilya E. , Zhou Yifeng , Thompson Kirk G.
Published: November 2008

Neuronal activity in the frontal eye field (FEF) identifies locations of behaviorally important objects for guiding attention and eye movements. We recorded neural activity in the FEF of monkeys trained to manually turn a lever towards the location of a pop‐out target of a visual search array without shifting gaze. We examined whether the reliability of the neural representation of the salient target location predicted the monkeys’ accuracy of reporting target location. We found that FEF neurons reliably encoded the location of the target stimulus not only on correct trials but also on error trials. The representation of target location in FEF persisted until the manual behavioral report but did not increase in magnitude. This result suggests that, in the absence of an eye movement report, FEF encodes the perceptual information necessary to perform the task but does not accumulate this sensory evidence towards a perceptual decision threshold. These results provide physiological evidence that, under certain circumstances, accurate perceptual representations do not always lead to accurate behavioral reports and that variability in processes outside of perception must be considered to account for the variability in perceptual choice behavior.
AMPA and metabotropic glutamate receptors cooperatively generate inspiratory‐like depolarization in mouse respiratory neuronsin vitro
Authors: Pace Ryland W. , Del Negro Christopher A.
Published: November 2008

Excitatory transmission mediated by AMPA receptors is critical for respiratory rhythm generation. However, the role of AMPA receptors has not been fully explored. Here we tested the functional role of AMPA receptors in inspiratory neurons of the neonatal mouse preBötzinger complex (preBötC) using anin vitroslice model that retains active respiratory function. Immediately before and during inspiration, preBötC neurons displayed envelopes of depolarization, dubbed inspiratory drive potentials, that required AMPA receptors but largely depended on the Ca2+‐activated non‐specific cation current (ICAN). We showed that AMPA receptor‐mediated depolarization opened voltage‐gated Ca2+channels to directly evokeICAN. Inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate receptor‐mediated intracellular Ca2+release also evokedICAN. Inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate receptors acted downstream of group I metabotropic glutamate receptor activity but, here too, AMPA receptor‐mediated Ca2+influx was essential to trigger the metabotropic glutamate receptor contribution to inspiratory drive potential generation. This study helps to elucidate the role of excitatory transmission in respiratory rhythm generationin vitro. AMPA receptors in preBötC neurons initiate convergent signaling pathways that evoke post‐synapticICAN, which underlies inspiratory drive potentials. The coupling of AMPA receptors withICANsuggests that latent burst‐generating intrinsic conductances are recruited by excitatory synaptic interactions among preBötC neurons in the context of respiratory network activityin vitro, exemplifying a rhythmogenic mechanism based on emergent properties of the network.
The characterization of Tasmanian devilSarcophilius harrisiipelage fibres and their associated lipids
Authors: Church J. S. , Evans D. J. , Woodhead A. L.
Published: November 2008

The Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilius harrisii) is the largest living marsupial carnivore left on Earth. In this paper we report the results of the first thorough characterization of the keratin fibres comprising the Tasmanian devil pelage. The fibre's morphology, structure, composition and surface have been investigated. The results have been compared with those of a number of other mammalian species including carnivores and herbivores. The fibres structure was found to be consistent with that expected for a keratin fibre. From the results of the bound lipid analysis it can be concluded that the Tasmanian devil is a typical mammal in which the 21‐carbon atom anteiso branched fatty acid is the predominant bound fatty acid. This is consistent with the Tasmanian devil's position in the mammalian phylogenetic tree. The amino acid analysis places the devil in line with other carnivores. The high cystine and proline content may correlate with the Tasmanian devil's diet which is rich in muscle and collagen proteins.
COMPLICATIONS FOLLOWING URETERO‐ILEOSTOMY IN CHILDHOOD AND THE USE OF CUTANEOUS URETEROSTOMY IN ADVANCED LESIONS1
Authors: Johnston J. H. , Rickham P. P.
Published: November 2008

The complications following uretero‐ileostomy in a series of thirty‐one children are described‐with special reference to the occurrence of post‐operative hyperchloræmic acidosis.

The indications for cutaneous ureterostomy in patients with advanced obstructive lesions of the urinary tract are discussed and four cases treated by this method are described in some detail.
THE USE AND FUNCTION OF THE ARTIFICIAL KIDNEY1
Authors: Parsons F. M. , McCracken B. H.
Published: November 2008

1. The results obtained in 129 dialyses on eighty‐five patients are presented.

2. Modifications to the Kolff‐Brigham artificial kidney to increase flow rate and dialysing surface area are described.

3. Some details of the properties of cellophane as a dialysing membrane are given.

4. The effect of flow rate, dialysing surface area, and diffusion gradient on clearance rates are presented.

5. Preliminary dialysis of the citrated blood in the machine is suggested.
RETROPERITONEAL VASCULITIS WITH PERIVASCULAR FIBROSIS
Authors: Kay R. G.
Published: November 2008

A florid case of retroperitoneal fibrosis with severe vascular as well as urinary complications is described.

The ætiology is discussed and from a study of the available literature it is concluded that the basic disorder is a vasculitis with similarities to polyarteritis nodosa or the necrotising arteritis of Wegener.

Widespread general effects, notably obscure pain, anorexia, and weight loss may precede, by months or years, the more overt ureteric obstructive manifestations: joint symptoms, pericarditis, and respiratory infection may also occur.

Obstruction of the inferior vena cava and arterial insufficiency may develop.

A raised sedimentation rate is an index of activity. Serum protein changes are non‐specific. Anaemia may be an early manifestation.

There is evidence that the connective tissue changes may be widespread and even involve the mediastinum.

There is a tendency towards eventual self‐limitation of the disease.

Ureterolysis is an efficient method for treatment of the functional obstruction of the ureters and steroid therapy may be of help.
Carcinoma of the Bladder complicating Cyclophosphamide Therapy
Authors: ANSELL I. D. , CASTRO J. E.
Published: November 2008

Two patients with cyclophosphamide induced cystitis and co‐existent bladder tumour are described. Possible mechanisms for these associated diseases are discussed and the difficulty of diagnosing bladder tumour in patients with haemorrhagic cystitis is stressed.
IgG Catabolism in Anephric Patients
Authors: SOUHAMI R. L. , BAKER L. R. I. , PLATT H. S. , FELDMAN T.
Published: November 2008

The catabolism of purified human 125I labelled IgG has been studied in patients with chronic renal failure, both nephrectomised and non‐nephrectomised, on intermittent haemodialysis.

In all patients the T1/2 of IgG was the same as in normal controls, and using chromatographic separation on Sephadex G200, there was no evidence of alteration of molecular size as a result of dialysis.

The results do not support the notion that the kidney is an important site of IgG catabolism in humans.
Nephroscopy1
Authors: CLARK PHILIP
Published: November 2008

Nephroscopy is a simple and valuable procedure, which may be used to differentiate between stones within the calyces of the kidney and calcification in the pyramids and to locate stones and stone fragments.

The ordinary infant panendoscope is a suitable instrument to use.
Ileal Urinary Diversion in Patients with Renal Transplants
Authors: CASTRO J. E. , MUSTAPHA N. , MEE A. D. , SHACKMAN R.
Published: November 2008

Ileal urinary diversion has been carried out on 8 occasions in 7/215 kidney transplant patients. In 6 instances the diversion was required either because the bladder had previously been removed or there was gross abnormality of the outflow tract: in 2 it was successfully employed to deal with difficult post‐transplantation urinary fistulae.

4 patients died: 3 within 2 months and 1 at 9 months after the operation.

Infection, with organisms indistinguishable from those cultured from the ileal loop, was a common complication and, although there were other significant factors which contributed to the mortality, retrospective consideration suggests that energetic prophylactic antibacterial therapy should be instituted when kidney transplantation with ileal urinary diversion is undertaken.
Urinary Tract Infection following Trans‐rectal Biopsy of the Prostate
Authors: FAWCETT D. P. , EYKYN SUSANNAH , BULTITUDE M. I.
Published: November 2008

An unacceptably high incidence of urinary tract infection was found in a retrospective survey of patients undergoing trans‐rectal biopsy of the prostate.

The incidence was considerably greater than that found in a prospective survey of bladder endoscopy alone.

It is suggested that preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis might be worthwhile in this situation.
Stone Screening and Follow‐up are Necessary?
Authors: WILLIAMS G. , CHISHOLM G. D.
Published: November 2008

In a series of 120 patients with renal stones 60% were found to have a treatable metabolic abnormality. Idiopathic hypercalciuria and the incomplete form of renal tubular acidosis were the two most common abnormalities. Both conditions in the untreated form were associated with an unacceptably high stone recurrence rate and incidence of change. In view of this, follow‐up is considered essential and if medical treatment is to be offered this should be in the form of a controlled clinical trial.
Hyperthermic Perfusion of the Distended Urinary Bladder in the Management of Recurrent Transitional Cell Carcinoma
Authors: LUDGATE C. M. , McLEAN N. , CARSWELL G. F. , NEWSAM J. E. , PETTIGREW R. T. , TULLOCH W. SELBY
Published: November 2008

The clinical and histological changes following hyperthermic perfusion of the distended urinary bladder have been studied in 13 patients with transitional cell carcinoma, persistent after radical radiotherapy. Continuous epidural anaesthesia was necessary to achieve a constant state of bladder relaxation during irrigation of the distended bladder.

This form of hyperthermic perfusion of the bladder was effective in arresting uncontrollable haemorrhage from bladder tumours and may be of value in the treatment of this complication.

Perfusion at an outflow temperature of 44°C for 4 hours caused tumour necrosis. It was, however, associated with damage to the vasculature of the bladder and frequency of micturition which persisted after mucosal recovery. Perfusion at 43 °C also caused tumour necrosis and the after effects were less severe.
200 Infertile Males: Correlation of Chromosome, Histological, Endocrine and Clinical Studies
Authors: HENDRY W. F. , POLANI P. E. , PUGH R. C. B. , SOMMERVILLE I. F. , WALLACE D. M.
Published: November 2008

Somatic and meiotic chromosomes have been studied prospectively in 200 subfertile males. The results have been correlated with clinical, seminal and endocrinological features, with histological findings in testicular biopsies and with response to conventional treatment.

Somatic chromosome abnormalities were found in 3·5% of cases and variants of the Y chromosome were found in 10·5 %. Definite abnormalities in meiotic chromosomes were observed in 20% of these patients, including supernumerary chromosomes, low chiasma frequency and asynapsis, and translocations. Many of these abnormalities occurred as mosaics, presumably a result of meiotic mutation. In 4 cases, a previously unrecognised abnormality in pachynemas has been defined. Absence of meiosis was found in 12% of cases, which correlated well with the histological findings of germinal cell aplasia and elevated urinary FSH levels.

It is concluded from this preliminary analysis that abnormalities in meiosis may account for the decreased spermatogenesis and poor response to treatment in at least 20% of subfertile men. However, these abnormalities do not constitute a contra‐indication to treatment as normal pregnancies can still be produced, in a few cases albeit, sometimes requiring monitoring.
In VitroStudies of Subcalyceal Upper Urinary Tract Muscle in Multicalyceal Kidneys
Authors: LONGRIGG N.
Published: November 2008

Isolated preparations of porcine renal pelvis and ureter were investigated by an isometric technique.

The majority of pelvis muscle preparations exhibited spontaneous activity as did those taken from the upper two‐thirds of the ureter, whilst lower‐third ureteral specimens remained inactive.

By the use of some autonomic drug agonists and antagonists the presence of β‐adrenoceptors and muscarinic receptors was demonstrated at all sites. Evidence of β‐adrenoceptor activity was noted in pelvis muscle and also in preparations from the upper two‐thirds of the ureter.

Results of electrical stimulation experiments with similar preparations were shown to be against the concept of any effective innervation of these receptor sites.

These findings are compared with earlier studies on the calyx of the same animal, and are discussed in relation to the possibility of the calyx acting as a primary pacemaker site for the upper urinary tract in animals with multicalyceal kidneys.
Conservative Management of Renal Tuberculosis
Authors: HORNE N. W. , TULLOCH W. SELBY
Published: November 2008

The conservative management of 60 patients suffering from renal tuberculosis is reported. Following chemotherapy, bacteriological conversion to negative was obtained in all patients. 2 patients (3·3 %) relapsed due to failure to take adequate treatment.

Evidence of ureteric obstruction was obtained in 30 patients (50%)—23 at the time of diagnosis, 6 during treatment and 1 at the time of relapse. Following corticosteroid treatment relief of obstruction was obtained in 72%.

Nephrectomy was carried out in 4 patients (6·7 %) but in only 1 of these was the operation carried out for reasons which we now consider valid.
The Diagnosis of Renal Pseudotumours
Authors: CARTY A. T. , SHORT M. D. , O'CONNELL M. E. A.
Published: November 2008

The radiological features of 13 cases of renal pseudotumour due to infolding of the columns of Bertin are presented. 5 of these patients (38 %) had partial duplication of the renal pelvis. Pseudo—tumours show as space‐occupying lesions at urography. At angiography they show a clearly defined nephrogram but no abnormal vessels, no pooling of contrast medium and no early venous filling.

Radio‐isotope scans on 4 cases of pseudotumour showed uptake at the site of the pseudotumour in contrast to cysts and carcinomas which are known to show diminished uptake.