bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nasal endoscopy in children with suspected allergic rhinitis
Authors: Ameli Franco , Brocchetti Fabio , Tosca Maria Angela , Signori Alessio , Ciprandi Giorgio
Published: September 2011

Objectives/Hypothesis:

Ear, nose, and throat assessment may be frequently requested for children with allergic rhinitis (AR). Nasal endoscopy allows a thorough evaluation of the nose. The aim of the study was to investigate whether there are endoscopic signs predictive for AR diagnosis in a cohort of children with suspected AR.

Study Design:

Cohort of observational study.

Methods:

There were 176 children (99 males; mean age, 7.5 years) studied. Clinical visit, nasal endoscopy, and skin prick test were performed in all patients. Nasal endoscopic signs were pale turbinates, middle turbinate contact, and inferior turbinate contact. The AR diagnosis was made when nasal symptom history was concordant with sensitization.

Results:

AR was diagnosed in 141 children. Inferior and middle turbinate contact were reliable predictive factors for AR (odds ratio 5.38 and 3.42, respectively), whereas pale turbinates did not predict it.

Conclusions:

This study suggests that nasal endoscopy may reveal signs predictive for AR diagnosis in children.
Endoscopic transvestibular paramandibular exploration of the infratemporal fossa and parapharyngeal space: A minimally invasive approach to the middle cranial base
Authors: Chan Jason Y. K. , Li Ryan J. , Lim Michael , Hinojosa Alfredo Quinones , Boahene Kofi D.
Published: September 2011

Objectives/Hypothesis:

To describe a novel transvestibular endoscopic approach for the exposure, exploration, and resection of lesions in the infratemporal fossa (ITF) and parapharyngeal space (PPS).

Study Design:

Surgical technique and clinical feasibilty of a novel approach to the middle cranial base.

Methods:

The transvestibular endoscopic approach was applied to four patients with lesions involving the ITF and PPS. Through a vertical oral mucosal incision along the ascending ramus of the mandible, an optical corridor to the ITF and PPS was created and maintained with the aid of a Hardy speculum. The contents of the ITF and PPS were explored with the aid of a 0‐degree 4‐mm rigid endoscope.

Results:

Four patients underwent exploration of their right‐sided ITF and PPS. The approach provided exposure and access from the middle cranial base at the level of the foramen ovale to the mid‐PPS. Branches of the trigeminal nerve in the ITF were safely explored and preserved. Exposure and visualization of the internal maxillary artery and branches were achieved. Of the four patients, two underwent resection of a primary and a recurrent pleomorphic adenoma, one had chronic pain relief from a large synovial chondromatosis, and one had debulking of a recurrent mucoepidermoid carcinoma. The only complications were self‐limiting hypoesthesia of the lip in one patient and transient dysphagia in another patient.

Conclusions:

The transvestibular endoscopic approach to the ITF and PPS offers direct and minimally invasive access to select lesions within this region. Further use of this approach will allow us to determine its potential and limitations.
Neck mass due to pedicle ossification after oromandibular reconstruction
Authors: DeConde Adam S. , Vira Darshni , Blackwell Keith E. , Moriarty John M. , Sercarz Joel A. , Nabili Vishad
Published: September 2011

Objectives/Hypothesis:

To determine the radiographic incidence of heterotopic ossification and the clinical incidence of neck masses secondary to heterotopic ossification in a series of patients who underwent fibula free flap oromandibular reconstruction.

Study Design:

Retrospective review at a university medical center.

Methods:

Patient database of 520 consecutive fibula free flaps from 1995 to 2010 was reviewed to identify patients who had postoperative computed tomography (CT) scans of the neck to further investigate the radiologic presence of heterotopic ossification. Patient chart review was also performed to identify patients who had clinical evidence of neck masses consistent with heterotopic ossification.

Results:

Of the 66 patients who had postoperative CT scans available for radiologic assessment, 43 (65%) showed heterotopic ossification of the fibula periosteum. Clinically, 14 of 520 patients (2.6%) presented with firm, level I or II neck masses that proved to be secondary to heterotopic ossification.

Conclusions:

Development of a firm neck mass after treatment of head and neck cancer often indicates recurrent tumor. Heterotopic ossification has not been previously reported as a potential etiology of neck masses after fibula free flap oromandibular reconstruction in the head and neck surgery literature. The radiographic incidence of this phenomenon is high, and the clinical incidence of neck masses secondary to heterotopic ossification is low. Heterotopic ossification can be distinguished from recurrent tumor on the basis of physical examination, radiographic assessment, and/or fine‐needle aspiration biopsy. Awareness of heterotopic ossification should be included in the differential diagnosis of patients with a neck mass who have undergone fibula free flap reconstructions.
Predictors of the Feasibility of Primary Endoscopic Management of Biliary Strictures After Adult Living Donor Liver Transplantation
Authors: Lee Yun Young , Gwak Geum-Youn , Lee Kwang Hyuck , Lee Jong Kyun , Lee Kyu Taek , David Kwon Choon Hyuck , Joh Jae-Won , Lee Suk-Koo
Published: September 2011

Biliary strictures are a major cause of morbidity and mortality for liver transplant recipients. The endoscopic management of biliary strictures is not well established after living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) in comparison with deceased donor liver transplantation. The aims of this study were to assess the initial success rate of primary endoscopic treatment of biliary strictures after LDLT and to identify predictors of the feasibility of endoscopic management. One hundred thirty-seven adult patients who underwent LDLT and were confirmed to have biliary strictures by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) were enrolled. The biliary strictures were primarily managed endoscopically with internal drainage or nasobiliary catheterization. The initial success rate for the primary endoscopic management of biliary strictures after LDLT was 46.7% (64 of 137 patients), and the feasibility of endoscopic management was associated with the stricture-to-ERCP interval (the interval between the development of the total bilirubin, aspartate aminotransferase, or alanine aminotransferase level to >2 times the upper limit of normal and the performance of ERCP) as well as cholangiographic findings (eg, the stricture morphology and the tip shape of the distal duct). In conclusion, when biliary strictures are noticed after LDLT, prompt endoscopic interventions may improve the initial success rate of primary endoscopic management. In addition, the feasibility of primary endoscopic management can be predicted by the cholangiographic findings, which may help with the choice of the therapeutic modality. Liver Transpl, 2011. © 2011 AASLD.
Stochastic representation for anisotropic permeability tensor random fields
Authors: Guilleminot Johann , Soize Christian , Ghanem Roger G.
Published: September 2011

In this paper, we introduce a novel stochastic model for the permeability tensor associated with stationary random porous media. In the light of recent works on mesoscale modeling of permeability, we first discuss the physical interpretation of the permeability tensor randomness. Subsequently, we propose a nonparametric prior probabilistic model for non‐Gaussian permeability tensor random fields, making use of the information theory and a maximum entropy procedure, and provide a physical interpretation of the model parameters. Finally, we demonstrate the capability of the considered class of random fields to generate higher levels of statistical fluctuations for selected stochastic principal permeabilities. This unique flexibility offered by the parameterization of the model opens up many new possibilities for both forward simulations (e.g. for uncertainty propagation in predictive simulations) and stochastic inverse problem solving. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Leader–member exchange in nonprofit sport organizations
Authors: Bang Hyejin
Published: September 2011

Numerous human resource studies examining the relationship between leaders and followers have found that employees' high levels of leader–member exchange (LMX) are associated with higher job satisfaction and a greater intention to stay with their organizations. Considering the nature of voluntary work in nonprofit sport organizations, leader–member relations may be one of the most important factors influencing volunteer workers' commitment. This study examines the influences of LMX dimensions (Affect, Loyalty, Contribution, and Professional Respect) of volunteer leaders and followers on job satisfaction and assesses the influences of LMX dimensions and job satisfaction of volunteer leaders and followers on intention to stay with their organizations. The findings imply a strong value in positive reciprocal relationships between leaders and followers for enhancing job satisfaction and retention.
An exploratory survey of professional accountants' perceptions of interpersonal communication in organisations
Authors: Maubane Pat , van Rheede van Oudtshoorn GP
Published: September 2011

This survey explored the perceptions of South African professional accountants regarding the phenomenon interpersonal communication within their day‐to‐day experiences within their organisational settings and the perceived role of interpersonal communication in organisations. The literature on the concepts interpersonal communication, organisational communication and perception as elements of communication theory and the findings of the survey revealed that (1) interpersonal communication, as a relational process, assumes the middle ground between its transactional and relational nature. The social relational model describes interpersonal communication from a social point of view, whereas accountants refer to its relational nature only on a professional basis or when it concerns business; (2) accountants do not necessarily define themselves in terms of human communication but rather on the work that they do, and as such, whenever accountants are dealt with or addressed on their relations in the work place, their work should be the point of departure; and (3) interpersonal communication is perceived to have an important role not only in enhancing the human element in the profession but also as a primary basis of individuals' professional and personal identity. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tetralogy of Fallot: prediction of outcome in the mid‐second trimester of pregnancy
Authors: Escribano D. , Herraiz I. , Granados MA. , Arbues J. , Mendoza A. , Galindo A.
Published: September 2011

Objective

To evaluate the usefulness of fetal echocardiography in the mid‐second trimester in predicting postnatal outcome of tetralogy of Fallot (ToF), focusing on the need for early intervention (EI) and surgery type: pulmonary valve‐sparing surgery (PVSS) versus placement of transannular patch (TAP).

Methods

Assessment of cardiac morphological and functional parameters in 23 live‐born fetuses with isolated ToF was performed at 19 to 22 and 34 to 38 weeks. Comparisons were made between outcome groups (EI vs non‐EI and PVSS vs TAP). EI was considered as requirement either of palliative procedure or corrective surgery before three months.

Results

Overall survival was 96%. EI was required in 32% of cases and TAP in 50%. At 19 to 22 weeks, a pulmonary valve peak systolic velocity (PVPSV) ≥87.5 cm/s predicted EI with 100% sensitivity and 93.3% specificity (p < 0.01). At 34 to 38 weeks, the size of the pulmonary valve, pulmonary valve/aortic valve and main pulmonary artery/ascending aorta were significantly different, but the PVPSV again yielded the best performance: all cases undergoing EI and/or TAP were selected using cut‐off of ≥144.5 cm/s.

Conclusion

The postnatal outcome of fetuses with ToF may be established using PVPSV from the mid‐second trimester. This may be useful in providing the most appropriate perinatal management and accurate parental counselling. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Third‐generation EUCLIDES concentrator results
Authors: Vivar Marta , Antón Ignacio , Pachón Dolores , Sala Gabriel
Published: September 2011

This paper presents salient results from the third‐generation EUCLIDES linear photovoltaic concentrator, which was developed within the framework of the IDEOCONTE European project. There were two broad objectives for this project: firstly, to review and resolve the difficulties associated with previous prototypes (the Madrid prototype and the Tenerife plant), where the lack of qualification standards and quality control were identified as significant causes of failure under real‐world operation; and secondly, to optimise and commercialise the functionally effective components. During the development period, research activities focussed on cell encapsulation, the reliability of the system components, and the monitoring of field performance across three different test sites. The third‐generation EUCLIDES concentrator system has achieved an overall efficiency of 10%, which is similar to the efficiencies of previous EUCLIDES systems. The main third‐generation improvements relate to the industrialisation and improved reliability of single element system component. The expected system cost, for an annual production of 2 MW, is €3.70/Wp. However, the maximum allowable projected system cost under the Spanish feed‐in‐tariff of 2010 is €3.00/Wp. This will be very difficult to achieve with the current system efficiency. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Distribution and frequency of VKORC1 sequence variants conferring resistance to anticoagulants inMus musculus
Authors: Pelz Hans‐Joachim , Rost Simone , Müller Elisabeth , Esther Alexandra , Ulrich Rainer G , Müller Clemens R
Published: September 2011

BACKGROUND:Emerging resistance to anticoagulant rodenticides may significantly impair house mouse (Mus musculusL.) control. As in humans and rats, sequence variants in the gene vitamin K epoxide reductase complex subunit 1 (VKORC1) of house mice are strongly implicated in the responses of mice to anticoagulants. This study gives a first overview of the distribution and frequency of such potentially resistance‐conferring sequence variants in house mice, based on tissue samples from 30 populations in Germany, Switzerland and the Azores.

RESULTS:Except for one population from south Germany, sequence variants were found in individuals from all locations sampled (29 out of 30 sites surveyed), with less than 10% of the individuals matching the wild‐type genotype. The most frequent and widespread amino acid substitutions were Leu128Ser, Tyr139Cys and a group of linked sequence changes (Arg12Trp/Ala26Ser/Ala48Thr/Arg61Leu). Where these substitutions occurred as the sole variant, the proportion of homozygous individuals was 72–83%.

CONCLUSIONS:An evaluation of published data revealed that the three most frequently found sequence variants are associated with a substantial loss of rodenticide efficacy of first‐generation anticoagulants (e.g. warfarin, coumatetralyl), as well as the second‐generation compound bromadiolone and most probably also difenacoum. Knowledge of the distribution and frequency of resistance‐conferring sequence variants will stimulate their further functional characterisation and facilitate the choice of effective active substances for house mouse control. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Diamond electrolyte solution gate FETs for DNA and protein sensors using DNA/RNA aptamers
Authors: Kawarada H. , Ruslinda A. R.
Published: September 2011

For DNA and protein detection, we have analyzed DNA/RNA immobilized biosensors based on diamond field effect transistors (FETs), where several types of atomic or molecule termination have been realized on their surfaces. Amine termination and carboxyl termination necessary for biomolecule immobilization can be formed directly on the diamond surfaces resulting in the immobilization of short DNA/RNA within 5 nm from the surface. Owing to the high areal capacitance of a liquid electric double layer capacitor and a solid channel capacitor, the change in the surface charge caused by the hybridization of DNA/RNA and the protein binding to DNA/RNA aptamers can be efficiently detected. The charge of surface termination groups such as ${\rm NH}_{{\rm 3}}^{{\rm + }} $, O−, COO− affects the suppression of nonspecific binding. The detection of biomolecules such as one‐base mismatch of DNA and proteins that is unaffected by nonspecific binding can be realized as a result.
Comparative study of bulk and interface transport in disordered fullerene films
Authors: Pivrikas Almantas , Ullah Mujeeb , Simbrunner Clemens , Sitter Helmut , Neugebauer Helmut , Sariciftci N. Serdar
Published: September 2011

The characterization of the charge carrier transport in disordered fullerene films, grown by physical vapor deposition, is important for organic electronics in order to improve carrier mobility and understand transport processes. In this contribution, the electron mobility in the bulk of the fullerene film and at the interface with dielectrics are compared. The bulk mobility is measured in diode structures using the Charge Extraction by Linearly Increasing Voltage (CELIV) technique, which allows a simultaneous study of the electric field, concentration and temperature dependence. The interface mobility is determined using organic field effect transistor (OFET) geometry. The electron mobility values are lower and the dependence on carrier density, field and temperature is stronger in diodes compared to OFETs. In both structures different temperature dependence of the mobility on the carrier concentration and on the electric field is obtained. The dependence shows Meyer–Neldel rule (MN‐rule) behavior with similar MN temperatures and MN energies. Activation energy for electron transport plotted as a function of the square root of electric field is linear (Gill's law behavior), in accordance with Poole–Frenkel‐type charge carrier transport.
The effect of alkaline doped catalysts on the CVD synthesis of carbon nanotubes
Authors: Nemeth Krisztian , Nemeth Zoltan , Fejes Dora , Reti Balazs , Balogh Zoltan , Hernadi Klara
Published: September 2011

The aim of this work was to develop new doped catalysts for chemical vapour deposition (CVD) synthesis in order to increase the quantity and quality of carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Doping compounds such as CsBr, CsCl, KBr and KCl were used to reach higher carbon deposit and carbon yield. The amount of the dopant alkali compounds varied from 1 to 5%. As prepared CNTs were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman microscopy. Results revealed that both carbon yield and deposit could be increased over doped catalysts.
Surface structure and field emission properties of few‐layer graphene flakes
Authors: Kleshch V. I. , Vasilyeva E. A. , Lyashenko S. A. , Obronov I. V. , Tyurnina A. V. , Obraztsov A. N.
Published: September 2011

Correlations between field emission properties and surface structure of few‐layer graphene (FLG) flakes have been examined. Films consisting of flakes oriented perpendicularly to a flat Si substrate were obtained by the direct current plasma enhanced chemical vapour deposition method. FLG flakes had thickness of 5–10 nm and width and height of 1–3 µm. The field emission characteristics of the films were studied depending on the surface modifications produced by thermal oxidation and ion bombardment processes. It was found that thermal oxidation in the air at temperatures near 650 °C produced a big amount of 100 nm through‐hole defects in the lateral sides of the flakes. Nevertheless, the field emission properties after oxidation had not changed. At the same time, electron emission in the harsh ion bombardment conditions led to the strong degradation of the field emission properties. However, no considerable changes in the morphology and composition of the films were revealed. Using structural analysis of the FLG flakes performed by transmission and scanning electron microscopy and Raman technique, the possible mechanisms responsible for the observed field emission changes are discussed.
Effect of glutaraldehyde fixation on bacterial cells observed by atomic force microscopy
Authors: Liu Bao You , Zhang Guang Min , Li Xue Ling , Chen Heng
Published: September 2011

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is a promising microscopy technique that can provide high‐resolution images of bacterial cells without fixation. Three species of bacteria, Xanthomonas campestris, Pseudomonas syringae, and Bacillus subtilis, were used in this study. AFM images were obtained from unfixed and glutaraldehyde‐fixed cells, and cell height was measured. The mean height of bacterial cells prepared by fixation was higher than that of those prepared by nonfixation. However, the height changes were different between Gram‐negative and Gram‐positive bacteria: the mean height of two fixed Gram‐negative bacteria, X. campestris and P. syringae, increased by 112.31 and 84.08%, respectively, whereas Gram‐positive bacterium, B. subtilis, increased only by 38.79%. The results above indicated that glutaraldehyde fixation could affect the measured height of cells imaged by AFM; further more, the effect of glutaraldehyde fixation on the measured height of Gram‐negative bacterial cells imaged by AFM seemed much more than on that of Gram‐positive bacterial cells. SCANNING 34: 6–11, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Science choices in Norwegian upper secondary school: What matters?
Authors: Bøe Maria Vetleseter
Published: September 2011

There is international concern about young people's participation in science. This study investigated the relevant importance of various issues in 1628 Norwegian upper secondary students' choices of postcompulsory subject combinations: natural science and mathematics (henceforth Science) or languages, social science and economics (henceforth HumSoc). Questionnaire items based on the Eccles et al. model of achievement‐related choices were grouped into six constructs by factor analysis: expectation of success, interest‐enjoyment value, self‐realization value, fit to personal beliefs value, utility value for university admission, and relative cost. Interest‐enjoyment and fit to personal beliefs were somewhat less important to Science students than to HumSoc students, especially to girls taking Science. Utility value for university admission was much more important to Science than to HumSoc students, and more important to Science girls than to Science boys. Costs in terms of time and effort were much more important to HumSoc than to Science students. The findings indicate that students choose Science both for identity reasons, such as interests, self‐realization and fit to personal beliefs, and for strategic utility reasons. Some of the students, especially the girls, appear to have placed more weight on utility than on their interests. Implications for participation in postcompulsory science are discussed. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Sci Ed 96:1–20, 2012
Gene Expression Profiling of Neural Stem Cells and Identification of Regulators of Neural Differentiation During Cortical Development
Authors: Ohtsuka Toshiyuki , Shimojo Hiromi , Matsunaga Mitsuhiro , Watanabe Naoki , Kometani Kohei , Minato Nagahiro , Kageyama Ryoichiro
Published: September 2011

During mammalian brain development, neural stem cells transform from neuroepithelial cells to radial glial cells and finally remain as astrocyte-like cells in the postnatal and adult brain. Neuroepithelial cells divide symmetrically and expand the neural stem cell pool; after the onset of neurogenesis, radial glial cells sequentially produce deep layer neurons and then superficial layer neurons by asymmetric, self-renewing divisions during cortical development. Thereafter, gliogenesis supersedes neurogenesis, while a subset of neural stem cells retain their stemness and lurk in the postnatal and adult brain. Thus, neural stem cells undergo alterations in morphology and the capacity to proliferate or give rise to various types of neural cells in a temporally regulated manner. To shed light on the temporal alterations of embryonic neural stem cells, we sorted the green fluorescent protein-positive cells from the dorsolateral telencephalon (neocortical region) of pHes1-d2EGFP transgenic mouse embryos at different developmental stages and performed gene expression profiling. Among dozens of transcription factors differentially expressed by cells in the ventricular zone during the course of development, several of them exhibited the activity to inhibit neuronal differentiation when overexpressed. Furthermore, knockdown of Tcf3 or Klf15 led to accelerated neuronal differentiation of neural stem cells in the developing cortex, and neurospheres originated from Klf15 knockdown cells mostly lacked neurogenic activities and only retained gliogenic activities. These results suggest that Tcf3 and Klf15 play critical roles in the maintenance of neural stem cells at early and late embryonic stages, respectively.
Catalytic migratory oxidative coupling of nitrones through an outer‐sphere C(sp3)‐H activation process
Authors: Hashizume Shogo , Oisaki Kounosuke , Kanai Motomu
Published: September 2011

Outer‐sphere redox catalysis is key to efficient C‐H activation, which has attracted increased interest in organic chemistry. In this account, we describe a CuI‐catalyzed oxidative coupling between nitrones and various ethers or amines as an example. Predictable site‐selective C‐C bond formation was achieved through activation of the C‐H bonds in each coupling partner and the migration of a C‐N double bond. Mechanistic studies strongly suggested that the reaction proceeded via an oxonium/iminium cation species as the key intermediate. The mechanistic information allows for future extension of outer‐sphere redox catalysis. DOI 10.1002/tcr.201100024
Aging—RNA in development and disease
Authors: Cookson Mark R.
Published: September 2011

Given that RNA is involved in virtually all biological processes, it is perhaps not surprising that several RNA‐binding proteins are associated with aging and with different age‐related disorders. Other articles in this volume will discuss some specific examples of diseases where RNA plays a role that are also associated with aging, such as cancer and inflammation, so here I will discuss some general aspects of how RNA changes with the aging process. I will also discuss some specific examples of RNA‐binding proteins that are associated with age‐dependent neurological diseases as these provide an interesting framework to examine how lifetime mutations might lead to a late onset disease, although the answers to these questions are still not well understood.WIREs RNA2012, 3:133–143. doi: 10.1002/wrna.109

This article is categorized under:

RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease

RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Development
A Suite of Microsatellite Markers Optimized for Amplification of DNA From Addax (Addax nasomaculatus) Blood Preserved on FTA Cards
Authors: Heim Brett C. , Ivy Jamie A. , Latch Emily K.
Published: September 2011

The addax (Addax nasomaculatus) is a critically endangered antelope that is currently maintained in zoos through regional, conservation breeding programs. As for many captive species, incomplete pedigree data currently impedes the ability of addax breeding programs to confidently manage the genetics of captive populations and to select appropriate animals for reintroduction. Molecular markers are often used to improve pedigree resolution, thereby improving the long‐term effectiveness of genetic management. When developing a suite of molecular markers, it is important to consider the source of DNA, as the utility of markers may vary across DNA sources. In this study, we optimized a suite of microsatellite markers for use in genotyping captive addax blood samples collected on FTA cards. We amplified 66 microsatellite loci previously described in other Artiodactyls. Sixteen markers amplified a single product in addax, but only 5 of these were found to be polymorphic in a sample of 37 addax sampled from a captive herd at Fossil Rim Wildlife Center in the US. The suite of microsatellite markers developed in this study provides a new tool for the genetic management of captive addax, and demonstrates that FTA cards can be a useful means of sample storage, provided appropriate loci are used in downstream analyses. Zoo Biol 31:98;–106, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Inflammatory pseudotumors mimicking intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma of the liver; IgG4‐positivity and its clinical significance
Authors: Ahn Keun Soo , Kang Koo Jeong , Kim Yong Hoon , Lim Tae Jin , Jung Hye Ra , Kang Yu Na , Kwon Jung Hyeok
Published: September 2011

Background

Inflammatory pseudotumor (IPT) of the liver is a benign condition with a good prognosis. However, it is difficult to distinguish clinical and radiological findings of IPT from those of malignancies. The aims of this study are to determine the clinical, radiological, and pathological characteristics, particularly relating to the role of the autoimmune mechanism in the development of inflammatory pseudotumours (IPTs) of the liver, and to suggest appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic strategy.

Study design

The clinical, diagnostic, and pathological characteristics including IgG4 immunohistochemical stain and follow‐up data of 22 IPT patients were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

The patients were 16 men and 6 women with a mean age of 59 years. Fifteen patients (68.2%) had associated biliary diseases. Of the 16 patients treated conservatively, the masses completely resolved in 10 patients, and reduced in size in 5 patients within the first 6 months. The remaining 6 patients were treated by surgical resection. IgG4 staining of 17 tissue samples from 22 patients were negative, most of the infiltrate being of fibrohistiocytic type, whereas 4 of 5 lymphoplasmacytic cells of dominant tumors show positive staining of IgG4. Although IgG4‐related sclerosing cholangitis was mostly of lymphoplasmacytic type, other histological and clinical characteristics were similar in both types of IPTs.

Conclusions

IPTs of the liver can be diagnosed based on radiological and pathological findings by needle biopsy. Although the lymphoplasmacytic type of IPTs seems to correspond to IgG4‐related disease, as assessed by IgG4 immunohistochemical stain, its clinical significance is unknown. Although most IPTs can be resolved with conservative therapy, surgical resection should be considered in cases of uncertain biopsy result, presumed malignant lesion, combination with other pathology, or lack of response to conservative management.
Screening, cultivation, and biocatalytic performance of Rhodococcus boritolerans FW815 with strong 2,2-dimethylcyclopropanecarbonitrile hydratase activity
Authors: Wang Ya-Jun , Liu Zhi-Qiang , Zheng Ren-Chao , Xue Ya-Ping , Zheng Yu-Guo
Published: September 2011

In this work, a mild, efficient bioconversion of 2,2-dimethylcyclopropanecarbonitrile (DMCPCN) to 2,2-dimethylcyclopropanecarboxamide (DMCPCA) in distilled water system was developed. The isolate FW815 was screened using the enrichment culture technique, displaying strong DMCPCN hydratase activity, and was identified as Rhodococcus boritolerans based on morphological, physiological, biochemical tests and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Cultivation outcomes indicated that R. boritolerans FW815 was a neutrophile, with a growth optimum of 28–32°C; its DMCPCN hydratase belonged to the Fe-type family, and was most active at 38–42°C, pH 7.0, with maximal activity of 4.51 × 104 U g−1 DCW. R. boritolerans FW815 was found to be DMCPCA amidase-negative, eliminating the contamination of dimethylcyclopropanecarboxylic acid. Moreover, it displayed high activity and acceptable reusability in the non-buffered distilled water system, comparable to those in pH 7.0 phosphate buffer (50.0 mmol l−1).
Characterization of Candida sp. NY7122, a novel pentose-fermenting soil yeast
Authors: Watanabe Itsuki , Ando Akira , Nakamura Toshihide
Published: September 2011

Yeasts that ferment both hexose and pentose are important for cost-effective ethanol production. We found that the soil yeast strain NY7122 isolated from a blueberry field in Tsukuba (East Japan) could ferment both hexose and pentose (d-xylose and l-arabinose). NY7122 was closely related to Candida subhashii on the basis of the results of molecular identification using the sequence in the D1/D2 domains of 26S rDNA and 5.8S-internal transcribed spacer region. NY7122 produced at least 7.40 and 3.86 g l−1 ethanol from 20 g l−1  d-xylose and l-arabinose within 24 h. NY7122 could produce ethanol from pentose and hexose sugars at 37°C. The highest ethanol productivity of NY7122 was achieved under a low pH condition (pH 3.5). Fermentation of mixed sugars (50 g l−1 glucose, 20 g l−1  d-xylose, and 10 g l−1  l-arabinose) resulted in a maximum ethanol concentration of 27.3 g l−1 for the NY7122 strain versus 25.1 g l−1 for Scheffersomyces stipitis. This is the first study to report that Candida sp. NY7122 from a soil environment could produce ethanol from both d-xylose and l-arabinose.
Picture of all Solutions of Successive 2-Block Maxbet Problems
Authors: Choulakian Vartan
Published: September 2011

The Maxbet method is a generalized principal components analysis of a data set, where the group structure of the variables is taken into account. Similarly, 3-block[12,13] partial Maxdiff method is a generalization of covariance analysis, where only the covariances between blocks (1, 2) and (1, 3) are taken into account. The aim of this paper is to give the global maximum for the 2-block Maxbet and 3-block[12,13] partial Maxdiff problems by picking the best solution from the complete solution set for the multivariate eigenvalue problem involved. To do this, we generalize the characteristic polynomial of a matrix to a system of two characteristic polynomials, and provide the complete solution set of the latter via Sylvester resultants. Examples are provided.
LC‐PUFA Biosynthesis in Rainbow Trout is Substrate Limited: Use of the Whole Body Fatty Acid Balance Method and Different 18:3n‐3/18:2n‐6 Ratios
Authors: Thanuthong T. , Francis D. S. , Senadheera S. P. S. D. , Jones P. L. , Turchini G. M.
Published: September 2011

Five experimental diets with constant total C18 PUFA and varying 18:3n‐3/18:2n‐6 ratios were fed to rainbow trout over an entire production cycle. The whole‐body fatty acid balance method demonstrated a clear trend of progressively reduced fatty acid bioconversion activity along the n‐3 and n‐6 pathways, up to the production of 20:5n‐3 and 20:4n‐6, respectively. This suggests that the pathway exhibits a “funnel like” progression of activity rather than the existence of a single rate limiting step. The production of 22:5n‐3 and 22:6n‐3 was more active than that of 20:5n‐3. However, despite this trend in reduced apparent in vivo net enzyme activity, the efficiency of the various bioconversion steps (measured as % of bioconverted substrate) confirmed an opposing trend. A 3.2‐fold higher Δ‐6 desaturase affinity towards 18:3n‐3 over 18:2n‐6 and an 8‐fold greater Δ‐5 desaturase affinity towards 20:4n‐3 over 20:3n‐6 were recorded. The main results of the study were that (1) rainbow trout are quite efficient at bioconverting 18:3n‐3 to 22:6n‐3, and (2) the LC‐PUFA biosynthetic pathway is substrate limited. Fillet n‐3 LC‐PUFA concentrations increased with the increasing dietary supply of 18:3n‐3. Despite an almost identical dietary supply of n‐3 LC‐PUFA, originating from the fish meal fraction of the diets, the fillets of trout fed the diet richest in 18:3n‐3 were 2‐fold higher in n‐3 LC‐PUFA than fish fed low 18:3n‐3 diets. Nevertheless, fillets of trout fed a fish oil control diet contained more than double the amount of n‐3 LC‐PUFA compared to fish fed the diets richest in 18:3n‐3.
Supplementation of DHA‐Rich Microalgal Oil or Fish Oil During the Suckling Period in Mildly n‐3 Fatty Acid‐Deficient Rat Pups
Authors: Kimura Fumiko , Ito Shiho , Endo Yasushi , Doisaki Nobushige , Koriyama Tsuyoshi , Miyazawa Teruo , Fujimoto Kenshiro
Published: September 2011

Long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC‐PUFA), particularly arachidonic acid (ARA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are considered critical for the development of infants and are commonly supplemented in infant formulae. In this study, two common sources of n‐3 LC‐PUFA, fish oil (FO) and DHA‐rich microalgal oil (DMO), were fed to rat pups of mildly n‐3 PUFA‐deficient dams to compare changes in LC‐PUFA of tissue phospholipids. The milk from dams fed a n‐3 PUFA‐deficient diet contained less n‐3 LC‐PUFA than that of dams fed a control diet (AIN‐93G). The pups' were given orally 1 mg/g weight of either FO or DMO for 17 days between the ages of 5 and 21 days, the pups were weaned, and sacrificed 1 week later for analysis of fatty acid compositions of brain, heart, kidney, spleen, and thymus phospholipids. Although both FO and DMO brought about a recovery in the tissue DHA levels compared to those of the control group (pups from AIN‐93G‐fed dams), DMO was more effective at restoring tissue LC‐PUFA status because it was richer in DHA than FO. FO had a slightly lower PUFA level than that required to bring the LC‐PUFA status completely to normal levels in this experiment, and EPA did not accumulate in tissues under the conditions tested here. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of ingesting either FO or DMO in the pre‐weaning period for improving mild n‐3 PUFA deficiency.
PAHs, PCBs, PBDEs and Pesticides in Cold‐Pressed Vegetable Oils
Authors: Roszko M. , Szterk A. , Szymczyk K. , Waszkiewicz‐Robak B.
Published: September 2011

The aim of this study was to investigate levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (marker and dioxin‐like congeners), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (EPA 15 + 1), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (14 predominant congeners) and pesticides (74 compounds) in various cold‐pressed vegetable oils. Poppy seed oil, rapeseed oil, sesame seed oil, pumpkinseed oil, hempseed oil, linaire oil, borage oil and evening star oil were investigated. Results of this study revealed that concentrations of PCBs, PBDEs and PAHs were low in majority of the investigated samples. However, high concentrations of organophosphorus insecticides were found. Chlorpyrifos methyl and pirimiphos methyl were the pesticide residues most commonly found in the studied oils. Concentration of 15 + 1 EPA PAHs was within the 17.85–37.16 μg kg−1 range, concentration of (marker) PCBs varied from 127 to 24,882 pg g−1, dioxin‐like TEQ values were below 0.1 pg TEQ g−1. Concentration of PBDEs was below LOQ in most cases.
Identification of video subsequence using bipartite graph matching
Authors: Guimarães Silvio Jamil Ferzoli , do Patrocínio Zenilton Kleber Gonçalves
Published: September 2011

Subsequence identification consists of identifying real positions of a specific video clip in a video stream together with the operations that may be used to transform the former into a subsequence from the latter. To cope with this problem, we propose a new approach, considering a bipartite graph matching to measure video clip similarity with a target video stream which has not been preprocessed.

The main contributions of our work are the application of a simple and efficient distance to solve the subsequence identification problem along with the definition of a hit function that identifies precisely which operations were used in query transformation. Experimental results demonstrate that our method performances achieve 90% recall with 93% precision, though it is done without preprocessing of the target video.
Integrating a relaxation response‐based curriculum into a public high school in Massachusetts
Authors: Foret Megan M. , Scult Matthew , Wilcher Marilyn , Chudnofsky Rana , Malloy Laura , Hasheminejad Nicole , Park Elyse R.
Published: September 2011

Academic and societal pressures result in U.S. high school students feeling stressed. Stress management and relaxation interventions may help students increase resiliency to stress and overall well‐being. The objectives of this study were to examine the feasibility (enrollment, participation and acceptability) and potential effectiveness (changes in perceived stress, anxiety, self‐esteem, health‐promoting behaviors, and locus of control) of a relaxation response (RR)‐based curriculum integrated into the school day for high school students. The curriculum included didactic instruction, relaxation exercises, positive psychology, and cognitive restructuring. The intervention group showed significantly greater improvements in levels of perceived stress, state anxiety, and health‐promoting behaviors when compared to the wait list control group. The intervention appeared most useful for girls in the intervention group. The results suggest that several modifications may increase the feasibility of using this potentially effective intervention in high schools.
Direct numerical simulation of hypersonic turbulent boundary layers. Part 4. Effect of high enthalpy
Authors: Duan L. , Martín M. P.
Published: September 2011

In this paper we present direct numerical simulations (DNS) of hypersonic turbulent boundary layers to study high-enthalpy effects. We study high- and low-enthalpy conditions, which are representative of those in hypersonic flight and ground-based facilities, respectively. We find that high-enthalpy boundary layers closely resemble those at low enthalpy. Many of the scaling relations for low-enthalpy flows, such as van-Driest transformation for the mean velocity, Morkovin’s scaling and the modified strong Reynolds analogy hold or can be generalized for high-enthalpy flows by removing the calorically perfect-gas assumption. We propose a generalized form of the modified Crocco relation, which relates the mean temperature and mean velocity across a wide range of conditions, including non-adiabatic cold walls and real gas effects. The DNS data predict Reynolds analogy factors in the range of those found in experimental data at low-enthalpy conditions. The gradient transport model approximately holds with turbulent Prandtl number and turbulent Schmidt number of order unity. Direct compressibility effects remain small and insignificant for all enthalpy cases. High-enthalpy effects have no sizable influence on turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) budgets or on the turbulence structure.
Experimental study of the turbulent boundary layer in acceleration-skewed oscillatory flow
Authors: van der A Dominic A. , O’Donoghue Tom , Davies Alan G. , Ribberink Jan S.
Published: September 2011

Experiments have been conducted in a large oscillatory flow tunnel to investigate the effects of acceleration skewness on oscillatory boundary layer flow over fixed beds. As well as enabling experimental investigation of the effects of acceleration skewness, the new experiments add substantially to the relatively few existing detailed experimental datasets for oscillatory boundary layer flow conditions that correspond to full-scale sea wave conditions. Two types of bed roughness and a range of high-Reynolds-number, $\mathit{Re}\ensuremath{\sim} O(1{0}^{6} )$, oscillatory flow conditions, varying from sinusoidal to highly acceleration-skewed, are considered. Results show the structure of the intra-wave velocity profile, the time-averaged residual flow and boundary layer thickness for varying degrees of acceleration skewness, $\ensuremath{\beta} $. Turbulence intensity measurements from particle image velocimetry (PIV) and laser Doppler anemometry (LDA) show very good agreement. Turbulence intensity and Reynolds stress increase as the flow accelerates after flow reversal, are maximum at around maximum free-stream velocity and decay as the flow decelerates. The intra-wave turbulence depends strongly on $\ensuremath{\beta} $ but period-averaged turbulent quantities are largely independent of $\ensuremath{\beta} $. There is generally good agreement between bed shear stress estimates obtained using the log-law and using the momentum integral equation, and flow acceleration skewness leads to high bed shear stress asymmetry between flow half-cycles. Turbulent Reynolds stress is much less than the shear stress obtained from the momentum integral; analysis of the stress contributors shows that significant phase-averaged vertical velocities exist near the bed throughout the flow cycle, which lead to an additional shear stress, $\ensuremath{-} \rho \tilde {u} \tilde {w} $; near the bed this stress is at least as large as the turbulent Reynolds stress.
Paving the way for transgenic schistosomes
Authors: BECKMANN S. , GREVELDING C. G.
Published: September 2011

In parasitological research, significant progress has been made with respect to genomics and transcriptomics but transgenic systems for functional gene analyses are mainly restricted to the protozoan field. Gene insertion and knockout strategies can be applied to parasitic protozoa as well as gene silencing by RNA interference (RNAi). By contrast, research on parasitic helminthes still lags behind. Along with the major advances in genome and transcriptome analyses e.g. for schistosomes, methods for the functional characterization of genes of interest are still in their initial phase and have to be elaborated now, at the beginning of the post-genomic era. In this review we will summarize attempts made in the last decade regarding the establishment of protocols to transiently and stably transform or transfect schistosomes. Besides approaches using particle bombardment, electroporation or virus-based infection strateies to introduce DNA constructs into adult and larval schistosome stages to express reporter genes, first approaches have also been made in establishing protocols based on soaking, lipofection, and/or electroporation for RNA interference to silence gene activity. Although in these cases remarkable progress can be seen, the schistosome community eagerly awaits major breakthroughs especially with respect to stable transformation, but also for silencing or knock-down strategies for every schistosome gene of interest.
Feasibility and effectiveness of supplementation with locally available foods in prevention of child malnutrition in Kenya
Authors: Tomedi Angelo , Rohan-Minjares Felisha , McCalmont Kate , Ashton Rebecca , Opiyo Rose , Mwanthi Mutuku
Published: September 2011

Objective

To establish the operational feasibility and effectiveness of using locally available foods to prevent malnutrition and improve child growth in Kenyan children.

Design

Quasi-experimental design with an intervention group of children in all villages in one region and a non-intervention group of children in all villages in an adjacent region. The intervention was the distribution of a monthly food ration for the index child, a separate family ration, and group education on appropriate complementary feeding and hygiene.

Setting

Rural villages in the arid lands of eastern Kenya with a high prevalence of child malnutrition.

Subjects

All children in the target villages aged 6–20 months with weight-for-length Z-score (WHZ) greater than −2 at baseline.

Results

Children in the intervention and non-intervention groups had similar baseline anthropometric measures. The caregivers in the intervention group confirmed that the intended amounts of food supplements were received and child nutrient intake improved. During the 7-month intervention period there were significant group differences in pre–post Z-score changes between the intervention and non-intervention groups for weight-for-age (0·82, P < 0·001) and weight-for-height (1·19, P < 0·001), but not for height-for-age (−0·20, P = 0·09), after adjusting for multiple covariates. Compared with the non-intervention group, the intervention group had a lower prevalence of wasting (0 % v. 8·9 %, P = 0·0002) and underweight (6·3 % v. 23·0 %, P < 0·0001). Infectious morbidity was similar in both groups.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that the distribution of locally available foods is operationally feasible and improves child weight gain and decreases acute malnutrition in Kenyan children.