bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pattern‐information fMRI: New questions which it opens up and challenges which face it
Authors: Raizada Rajeev D. S. , Kriegeskorte Nikolaus
Published: February 2010

Recent years have seen a strong growth of interest in multivariate approaches for analysing brain activity patterns. The primary goal of these approaches is to reveal the information represented in neuronal population codes. Here, we review how these methods have been used to relate neural activity patterns both to stimulus input and to behavioural output and how they might help to explain individual differences in behavioural performance. We examine the neuroscientific interpretation of different types of pattern‐information analysis and highlight current challenges and promising future directions for this emerging field. The open challenges that we discuss are as follows: inferring the causal role of pattern information, seeking diagnostic power for functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) at the level of individuals, determining whether observed patterns have real functional significance, finding the structure underlying high‐dimensional activation spaces and relating one person's neural patterns to another's. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Imaging Syst Technol, 20, 31–41, 2010
Independent regulation of short and long forms of latent TGF‐β binding protein (LTBP)‐4 in cultured fibroblasts and human tissues
Authors: Kantola Anna K. , Ryynänen Merja J. , Lhota Filip , Keski‐Oja Jorma , Koli Katri
Published: February 2010

Transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β is secreted and targeted into the extracellular matrix (ECM) in association with one of the latent TGF‐β binding proteins (LTBPs). Activation of these latent complexes is an important regulatory step in TGF‐β signaling. LTBPs target the growth factor into the ECM and expose it to activating mechanisms. Disruption of LTBP‐4 gene causes severe developmental abnormalities in both humans and mice. Transcripts for two N‐terminally distinct LTBP‐4 variants, LTBP‐4S (short) and ‐4L (long), have been identified. In the current work, we have characterized differences in the expression, processing, and ECM targeting of these LTBP‐4 variants. Heart and skeletal muscle displayed expression of both variants, while liver expressed mainly LTBP‐4L and lung as well as small intestine LTBP‐4S. This tissue‐specific expression pattern was found to originate from control of transcription by two independent promoters. Furthermore, LTBP‐4S and ‐4L proteins were secreted and processed differently. During secretion, LTBP‐4L was complexed with TGF‐β1, whereas the majority of LTBP‐4S was secreted in a free form. In addition, LTBP‐4S was incorporated into the ECM, while full‐length LTBP‐4L was not readily detectable in the ECM. These data suggest that LTBP‐4 functions are modified by tissue‐specific expression of the two N‐terminally distinct variants, which in addition exhibit significant differences in cellular processing and targeting, that is, this provides a basis for understanding molecular diversity in LTBP‐4 structure and function. J. Cell. Physiol. 223:727–736, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) agonist FGF1 and the neural cell adhesion molecule‐derived peptide FGL activate FGFR substrate 2α differently
Authors: Chen Yongshuo , Li Shizhong , Berezin Vladimir , Bock Elisabeth
Published: February 2010

Activation of fibroblast growth factor (FGF) receptors (FGFRs) both by FGFs and by the neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) is crucial in the development and function of the nervous system. We found that FGFR substrate 2α (FRS2α), Src homologous and collagen A (ShcA), and phospholipase‐Cγ (PLCγ) were all required for neurite outgrowth from cerebellar granule neurons (CGNs) induced by FGF1 and FGL (an NCAM‐derived peptide agonist of FGFR1). Like FGF1, FGL induced tyrosine phosphorylation of FGFR1, FRS2α, ShcA, and PLCγ in a time‐ and dose‐dependent manner. However, the activation of FRS2α by FGL was significantly lower than the activation by FGF1, indicating a differential signaling profile induced by NCAM compared with the cognate growth factor. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Two laccase isoforms of the basidiomycete Cerrena unicolor VKMF‐3196. Induction, isolation and properties
Authors: Lisova Zoya Alexandrovna , Lisov Alexander Viktorovich , Leontievsky Alexey Arkadievich
Published: February 2010

The laccase induction in submerged culture of basidiomycete Cerrena unicolor VKM F‐3196 was investigated. Cu2+ at concentration 0.1 mM was an optimum inducer of C. unicolor laccase. Two isoforms of laccase, namely LacC1 and LacC2, were isolated and characterized. The isoforms were shown to have different physical‐chemical and catalytic properties. On the basis of the MALDI TOF MS analysis of tryptic cleavage products of both the proteins and N‐terminal amino‐acid sequences analysis two isoforms of laccase (LacC1 and LacC2) were classified as products of two different genes. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Raman microscopy of prehistoric rock paintings from the Hoz de Vicente, Minglanilla, Cuenca, Spain
Authors: Hernanz Antonio , Ruiz‐López Juan F. , Gavira‐Vallejo José M. , Martin Santiago , Gavrilenko Egor
Published: February 2010

The third painted panel of the Hoz de Vicente rock shelter (Minglanilla, Cuenca, Spain) contains a series of prehistoric pictographs which were studied by Raman microscopy. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X‐ray microanalysis (EDX) and petrographic polarised light microscopy were used as auxiliary techniques. The results obtained indicate that well‐crystallised haematite (α‐Fe2O3) of grain size less than 1 µm was used as red pigment. However, amorphous carbon, probably vegetable charcoal or soot, was used as the black pigment. A patina of whewellite and weddellite covers the areas of the painting panel with pictographs. The microstratigraphic study of a schematic figure revealed that the layer of pigment is sandwiched between layers of these hydrated forms of calcium oxalate produced by the activity of fungi and lichens. These products have also been detected in the layer of pigment. These findings will enable obtaining limiting radiocarbon14C accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) dates for the corresponding pictorial events. On the other hand, crystallisation of gypsum in the external layers of the panel is related to the deterioration observed in the flaking areas. Gypsum and clayish minerals appear as the main components of an ochre‐coloured accretion covering several parts of the panel. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Incident circularly polarized Raman optical activity spectrometer based on circularity conversion method
Authors: Yamamoto Shigeki , Watarai Hitoshi
Published: February 2010

A simple incident circular polarization Raman optical activity (ICP ROA) spectrometer was constructed by applying the method of circularity conversion. The circular polarization of the incident laser light was modulated between right and left by the insertion of a half‐wave plate and not by using a Pockels cell which is usually used in ICP ROA instruments. On the basis of the concept of the virtual enantiomer (Hug, W. Applied Spectroscopy, 2003, 57, 1), circularity converters were inserted in the optical train, which could effectively compensate the systematic offset. The new instrument successfully attained photon shot‐noise‐limited conditions for all bands except for the very strongly polarized Raman band. The ROA spectra of some standard chiral samples were measured to demonstrate the performance of the spectrometer. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Frontotemporal dementia: Pathology of gait?
Authors: Allali Gilles , Dubois Bruno , Assal Frederic , Lallart Elise , de Souza Leonardo C. , Bertoux Maxime , Annweiler Cédric , Herrmann Francois R. , Levy Richard , Beauchet Olivier
Published: February 2010

The main diagnostic criteria of the behavioural variant of frontotemporal degeneration (bvFTD) include neurobehavioral and dysexecutive syndromes, but not specific gait characteristics although strong relationship between gait and prefrontal functions are increasingly recognized. Accordingly, we tested the hypothesis that patients with bvFTD would have more gait changes than older healthy controls and demented patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Sixty subjects were included in the study: 19 with bvFTD, 19 with AD and 22 healthy controls. Mean values and coefficients of variation (CV) of stride time while just walking (i.e., single tasking) and while walking with backward counting (i.e., dual tasking) were measured using the SMTEC®‐footswitch system. Stride time, mean value, and CV were significantly increased in both patient groups compared with healthy controls during single task or walking alone (P < 0.001) and during dual tasking (P < 0.001). After adjusting for age, Mini‐mental examination, psychoactive drugs, gender, and history of previous fall, only the patients with bvFTD group was associated with an increase of CV of stride time during single walking (P < 0.001) and dual tasking (P < 0.001). These data suggest that gait instability during single and dual tasking could represent a supportive argument for bvFTD. In clinical practice, such a diagnosis should be at least considered in any demented patient with gait instability. © 2010 Movement Disorder Society
In Pursuit of Fully Flexible Protein‐Ligand Docking: Modeling the Bilateral Mechanism of Binding
Authors: Henzler Angela M. , Rarey Matthias
Published: February 2010

Modern structure‐based drug design aims at accounting for the intrinsic flexibility of therapeutic relevant targets. Over the last few years a considerable amount of docking approaches that encounter this challenging problem has emerged. Here we provide the readership with an overview of established methods for fully flexible protein‐ligand docking and current developments in the field. All methods are based on one of two fundamental models which describe the dynamic behavior of proteins upon ligand binding. Methods for ensemble docking (ED) model the protein conformational change before the ligand is placed, whereas induced‐fit docking (IFD) optimizes the protein structure afterwards. A third category of docking approaches is formed by recent approaches that follow both concepts. This categorization allows to comprehensively discover strengths and weaknesses of the individual processes and to extract information for their applicability in real world docking scenarios.
Assessment of therapeutic response of locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) monitored using sequential magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (MRSI)
Authors: Danishad Karikanni Kalathil A. , Sharma Uma , Sah Rani G. , Seenu Vurthaluru , Parshad Rajinder , Jagannathan Naranamangalam R.
Published: February 2010

The potential of total choline (tCho) signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) (ChoSNR) and tumor volume in the assessment of tumor response in locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) patients (n = 30) undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) was investigated using magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) and conventional MRI at 1.5 T. Experiments were carried out sequentially at four time‐points: prior to therapy and after I, II and III NACT and ChoSNR, and the tumor volume was measured. The MR response was compared with the clinical response. Sequential data of 25 patients were retrospectively analyzed by classifying them as clinical responders and non‐responders. In 14 responders, the pre‐therapy ChoSNR was 7.8 ± 5.1. In 10/14 responders, no choline was observed after III NACT while in the remaining four patients the ChoSNR was reduced to 3.6 ± 1.1 (p < 0.05). Non‐responders showed no statistically significant change in ChoSNR. After III NACT, the tumor volume reduced by 84.0 ± 14.8% in responders. Using receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis, cut‐off values of 53% for ChoSNR and 47.5% for volume were obtained to differentiate responders from non‐responders. The sensitivity to detect responders from non‐responders using ChoSNR was 85.7% with 91% specificity while 100% sensitivity was observed for volume but with reduced specificity of 73%. Our results indicate that ChoSNR may serve as a useful parameter to predict tumor response to NACT with higher specificity compared to volume, suggesting its potential in effective treatment management. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
DTI at long diffusion time improves fiber tracking
Authors: Rane Swati , Nair Govind , Duong Timothy Q.
Published: February 2010

While diffusion‐tensor‐imaging tractography provides remarkable in vivo anatomical connectivity of the central nervous system, the majority of DTI studies to date are predominantly limited to tracking large white‐matter fibers. This study investigated DTI tractography using long diffusion time (tdiff) to improve tracking of thinner fibers in fixed rhesus monkey brains. Stimulated Echo Acquisition Mode (STEAM) sequence on a 3T Siemens TRIO was modified to include a diffusion module. DTI was acquired using STEAM with tdiff of 48 and 192 ms with matched signal‐to‐noise ratios (SNR). Comparisons were also made with the conventional double‐spin echo (DSE) at a short tdiff of 45 ms. Not only did the fractional anisotropy increase significantly with the use of long diffusion time, but directional entropy measures indicated that there was an increased coherence amongst neighboring tensors. Further, the magnitude of the major eigenvector was larger at the tdiff = 192 ms as compared to the short tdiff. Probabilistic connectivity maps at long tdiff showed larger areas of connectivity with the use of long diffusion time, which traversed deeper into areas of low anisotropy. With tractography, it was found that the length of the fibers, increased by almost 10% in the callosal fibers that branch into the paracentral gyrus, the precentral gyrus and the post central gyrus. A similar increase of about 20% was observed in the fibers of the internal capsule. These findings offer encouraging data that DTI at long diffusion time could improve tract tracing of small fibers in areas of low fractional anisotropy (FA), such as at the interfaces of white matter and grey matter. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Data management and functional annotation of the Korean reference plasma proteome
Authors: Jeong Seul‐Ki , Lee Eun‐Young , Cho Jin‐Young , Lee Hyoung‐Joo , Jeong An‐Sung , Cho Sang Yun , Paik Young‐Ki
Published: February 2010

As human plasma is clinically valuable, reference data from healthy donors can be a useful source for serological biomarker studies. To make a reliable protein catalog of the Korean plasma proteome, various experimental methods, such as 1‐D HPLC, 2‐D LC, and narrow ranged 2‐DE prior to MALDI‐TOF and LC‐MS/MS, were used to identify unique plasma proteins in this population. To compile candidates with high confidence, two different search engines were used to select proteins with a false discovery rate of less than or equal to 1%. From this rigorous selection process, we initially identified 494 distinct Korean plasma proteins. After multilevel stepwise filtrations with stringent, identification parameters were applied to acquire plasma protein list with the maximum confidence; a total 185 distinct plasma proteins were identified and integrated into our Korean human plasma proteome project database along with several bioinformatics analysis results, including gene ontology, biological pathways, tissue expression, and disease association. This is the first publicly available single ethnic group‐specific plasma proteome database (http://proteomix.org/khppp/).
Computational study of the cooperative effects of nitrogen and silicon atoms on the singlet–triplet energy spacing in 1,3‐diradicals and the reactivity of their singlet states
Authors: Nakamura Takeshi , Gagliardi Laura , Abe Manabu
Published: February 2010

Quantum chemical calculations were performed to investigate the cooperative effect of the nitrogen and silicon atoms on the singlet–triplet energy spacing and the reactivity of the singlet state in 1,2‐diazacyclopentane‐3,5‐diyls and 1,2‐diaza‐4‐silacyclopentane‐3,5‐diyls. The largest singlet–triplet energy gap (${\rm }\Delta E_{{\rm ST}}^{\rm c}$ = −36.1 kcal/mol) found so far in localized 1,3‐diradicals was in the C2v symmetry of 4,4‐difluoro‐1,2‐diaza‐4‐silacyclopentane‐3,5‐diyl at the UB3LYP/6‐31G(d) level of theory. The cooperative effect was also found in the energy differences of singlet diradicals with the corresponding ring‐closing compounds, bicyclo[2.1.0]pentane derivatives. The singlet state of the 1,2‐diaza‐4‐silacyclopentane‐3,5‐diyls was calculated to be energetically more stable than the ring‐closing compound. The notable finding on the stability of the singlet diradicals may be attributed to the resonance structures that specifically stabilize the singlet state of diradicals. The computational studies predict that the singlet 1,2‐diaza‐4‐silacyclopentane‐3,5‐diyl is a persistent molecule under conditions without intermolecular‐trapping reagents. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dehydropericyclic routes to reactive intermediates
Authors: Johnson Richard P.
Published: February 2010

Dehydropericyclic reactions are conceptually derived from pericyclic reactions by systematic removal of hydrogen atom pairs. Whereas pericyclic reactions usually involve kinetically stable reactants and products, dehydropericyclic reactions often result from or generate strained reactive intermediates. Nevertheless, such reactions are scattered widely through the chemical literature. The dehydropericyclic concept provides a straightforward approach for inventing new chemical reactions, especially routes to reactive intermediates, and for fitting other known processes into a broader framework. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Addition of SiF4 to standard SiH4+H2 plasma: an effective way to reduce oxygen contamination in μc‐Si:H films
Authors: Abramov Alexey , Cabarrocas Pere Roca i
Published: February 2010

The effect of adding of silicon tetrafluoride (SiF4) to silane (SiH4) hydrogen gas mixture on the properties of highly crystallized microcrystalline silicon (μc‐Si:H) films was studied. We found that the addition of a small amount of SiF4, with a ratio to SiH4 not exceeding 1/10, has almost no effect on deposition rate and does not affect the structure of the μc‐Si:H films, but strongly reduces oxygen incorporation into the films. Reduction of oxygen content to values below 1019 cm‐3 results in intrinsic character of the films with ratio of photo to dark conductivity about 103 in whole studied range of deposition temperatures from 175 to 250 °C in contrast to films, deposited without SiF4 addition, which show strong decrease of photosensitivity with increase of deposition temperature above 200 °C (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Structure and optical properties in the amorphous to crystalline transition in AgSbSe2 thin films
Authors: Hamam M. , El‐Gendy Y. A. , Selim M. S. , Teleb N. H. , Salem A. M.
Published: February 2010

Nearly stoichiometric thin films of the ternary AgSbSe2 compound have been deposited at room temperature by conventional thermal evaporation of the presynthesized material onto glass substrate. The X‐ray and electron diffraction studies revealed that the as‐deposited films are amorphous in nature, while an amorphous‐to‐crystalline phase transition could be obtained by thermal annealing at 373 K. The elemental chemical composition of as‐deposited films was confirmed using the energy dispersive X‐ray analysis. The transmission and reflection spectra of as‐deposited and annealed films at annealing different temperatures were recorded at normal light incidence in the wavelength range 600‐2500 nm. The refractive index and optical band gap have been calculated for the investigated films. The dispersion parameters, (Eo, Ed) static refractive index ns (0), static dielectric constant, ϵs and the carrier concentration to the effective mass ratio, N/m* have been calculated. An analysis of the optical absorption spectra revealed a non direct optical transition characterizing the as‐deposited films and those annealed at 343 and 374 K while; direct and indirect optical transitions characterized the films annealed at 398 K. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Characterization of microcrystalline Si films deposited at low temperatures with high rates by atmospheric‐pressure plasma CVD
Authors: Ouchi K. , Tabuchi K. , Ohmi H. , Kakiuchi H. , Yasutake K.
Published: February 2010

Low‐temperature and high‐rate depositions of hydrogenated microcrystalline silicon (μc ‐Si:H) films are investigated using stable plasma excited at atmospheric pressure (AP) by supplying 150‐MHz very high‐frequency (VHF) power. VHF power density, H2/SiH4 ratio and plasma gap are varied as parameters under a fixed substrate temperature (Tsub) of 220 ΩC. Increasing VHF power density and H2/SiH4 ratio is primarily important for the sufficient decomposition of source gas molecules, improving both deposition rate and film property. In addition, the plasma gap is found to be another crucial parameter in the deposition process using AP‐VHF plasma. Numerical analyses on the temperature distribution around the plasma region have revealed that the steady‐state surface temperature of the glass substrate becomes approximately 100 ΩC higher than the back surface temperature (Tsub), which is caused by the moderate surface heating effect of the AP‐VHF plasma. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Plasma emission diagnostics during fast deposition of microcrystalline silicon thin films in matrix distributed electron cyclotron resonance plasma CVD system
Authors: Ram Sanjay K. , Kroely Laurent , Kasouit Samir , Bulkin Pavel , Cabarrocas Pere Roca i
Published: February 2010

The structural and optoelectronic properties of undoped hydrogenated microcrystalline silicon (μ c‐Si:H) films deposited in a matrix distributed electron cyclotron resonance (MDECR) plasma CVD system using pure silane were studied as a function of microwave power (PMW) and gas pressure (Pgas). The analysis of the silane plasma optical emission spectra (OES) shows the effect of the deposition conditions on the plasma chemistry and resulting film microstructure as studied by spectroscopic ellipsometry and atomic force microscopy. The use of the PMW and Pgas as tunable parameters to achieve μ c‐Si:H films with desired microstructure is discussed. Intrinsic μ c‐Si:H films with good phototransport properties were realized at high deposition rate. Our study shows the usefulness of OES as a fast diagnostic tool for controlling and optimizing the μ c‐Si:H deposition process in MDECR reactor. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Functional and Clinical Results of Transanal Endoscopic Microsurgery Combined with Endoscopic Posterior Mesorectum Resection for the Treatment of Patients with T1 Rectal Cancer
Authors: Walega Piotr , Kenig Jakub , Richter Piotr , Nowak Wojciech
Published: February 2010

Background

Rectum‐sparing transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) is a well‐established treatment for T1 carcinomas of the rectum. However, it is associated with an increased rate of local recurrence compared with extended resection. In most cases, this failure is linked to the presence of clinically nondetectable metastases in the regional lymph nodes. Endoscopic posterior mesorectal resection (EPMR) makes it possible to remove the relevant lymphatic drainage of the lower third of the rectum in the minimally invasive way, which can help with adequate tumor staging. The study evaluated the influence of combined TEM and EPMR treatment on the anorectal functions of this group of patients.

Methods

Six consecutive patients (3 women and 3 men; mean age, 71.3 years) with T1 cancer of the rectum were operated on using TEM in combination with EPMR as a two‐stage procedure between 2007 and 2009.

Results

After a median follow‐up of 19 (range, 8–30) months, none of our patients complained of symptoms of incontinence during the postoperative period apart from one woman with gas incontinence, who was diagnosed preoperatively. There was no statistically significant difference in BAP, SAP, HPZL, or in fecal continence control assessed using the Fecal Incontinence Severity Index before and 1, 3, and 6 months after the procedure. We observed one case of intraoperative complication (perforation) and one case of minor postoperative complication (hematoma formation). There was no evidence of locoregional recurrence.

Conclusions

EPMR in combination with TEM seems to be safe, feasible, and with no impact on the basic anorectal functions.
Does Radial Styloid Abnormality in de Quervain's Disease Affect the Outcome of Management?
Authors: Suresh S. S. , Zaki Hosam , Ali Atif
Published: February 2010

Radiological changes have been described in de Quervain's disease of the wrist. The author analyzed the clinical data of 114 patients who reported to the orthopedic clinic of a Regional Referral Hospital for a period of 4 years [2003 to 2007]. Radiographs of the wrist were available for 39 cases, of which 14 [35.89%] were found abnormal. Two patients with abnormal radiographs [14.28%] required surgery where as 7 out of 25 [28%] with normal radiographs were managed surgically. Radial styloid abnormality was not found statistically significant [ p<0.05], and the outcome of management was irrespective of the changes in the radial styloid.
Diagnostic efficacy of surgeon‐performed ultrasound‐guided fine needle aspiration: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Robitschek Jon , Straub Mary , Wirtz Eric , Klem Christopher , Sniezek Joseph
Published: February 2010

Objective

To evaluate the clinical efficacy of surgeon‐performed, office‐based head and neck ultrasound in facilitating diagnostic fine needle aspiration (FNA) of lesions in the head and neck.

Study Design

A randomized controlled trial of ultrasound‐guided FNA versus traditional palpation‐guided technique for palpable masses in the head and neck.

Setting

An office‐based study performed in a military academic medical center.

Subjects and Methods

Eighty‐one adults older than 18 years of age with a palpable head and neck mass (less than 3 cm in largest diameter) were randomized to ultrasound‐guided or traditional palpation‐guided FNA of a head and neck mass. Measured variables and outcomes for the study included tissue adequacy rates, tissue type, and operator variability.

Results

Following three passes using either palpation or ultrasound guidance, a comparative tissue adequacy rate of 84 percent for ultrasound guidance versus 58 percent for standard palpation was established (P < 0.014). With regard to tissue type, a statistically significant comparative diagnostic advantage for ultrasound guidance was observed in thyroid tissue while remaining statistically insignificant for lymphatic and salivary tissues. No statistical significance was found when comparing the ability of otolaryngology residents versus attending otolaryngologists to obtain ultrasound‐guided diagnostic samples.

Conclusion

Office‐based surgeon‐performed ultrasound‐guided FNA of palpable lesions in the head and neck yields a statistically significant higher diagnostic rate compared to standard palpation technique. Our institutional experience supports the utility of surgeon‐performed ultrasound as a core competency in clinical practice.
Outcomes of laser thermal therapy for recurrent head and neck cancer
Authors: Sercarz Joel A. , Bublik Michael , Joo Jayne , Paiva Paulo B. , Areco Kelsy N. , Brandalise Maria Helena , Loh Christopher , Masterman‐Smith Michael , Paiva Marcos B.
Published: February 2010

Objective

To review the outcomes of a phase II study using laser‐induced thermal therapy (LITT) as a palliative treatment for 106 patients with recurrent head and neck tumors.

Study Design

Retrospective study.

Setting

Tertiary hospital in the United States.

Subjects and Methods

The primary endpoints were tumor response and survival. Prognostic values were assessed by the Kaplan‐Meier method.

Results

The best results were seen in oral cavity tumors, in which mean survival was 29.1 months, as compared to neck tumors (mean 14.4 ± 6.9 months; range 7.5‐20.7 months; with a 95% confidence interval). Further analysis showed that clinical factors such as gender, smoking, and alcohol use were not indicators of poor prognosis, whereas neck disease and tumor stage at first treatment were relevant factors.

Conclusion

In this study, 40 out of 106 patients treated by LITT remained alive at the end of our follow‐up, and a complete response was seen in 24 (22.6%) patients. The highest response rate was seen in oral cavity tumors, which suggests that tumor location at this site may be a predictor of favorable outcome with LITT.
Percutaneous cochlear implant drilling via customized frames: An in vitro study
Authors: Balachandran Ramya , Mitchell Jason E. , Blachon Grégoire , Noble Jack H. , Dawant Benoit M. , Fitzpatrick J. Michael , Labadie Robert F.
Published: February 2010

Objective

Percutaneous cochlear implantation (PCI) surgery uses patient‐specific customized microstereotactic frames to achieve a single drill‐pass from the lateral skull to the cochlea, avoiding vital anatomy. We demonstrate the use of a specific microstereotactic frame, called a “microtable,” to perform PCI surgery on cadaveric temporal bone specimens.

Study Design

Feasibility study using cadaveric temporal bones.

Subjects and Methods

PCI drilling was performed on six cadaveric temporal bone specimens. The main steps involved were 1) placing three bone‐implanted markers surrounding the ear, 2) obtaining a CT scan, 3) planning a safe surgical path to the cochlea avoiding vital anatomy, 4) constructing a microstereotactic frame to constrain the drill to the planned path, and 5) affixing the frame to the markers and using it to drill to the cochlea. The specimens were CT scanned after drilling to show the achieved path. Deviation of the drilled path from the desired path was computed, and the closest distance of the mid‐axis of the drilled path from critical structures was measured.

Results

In all six specimens, we drilled successfully to the cochlea, preserving the facial nerve and ossicles. In four of six specimens, the chorda tympani was preserved, and in two of six specimens, it was sacrificed. The mean ± standard deviation error at the target was found to be 0.31 ± 0.10 mm. The closest distances of the mid‐axis of the drilled path to structures were 1.28 ± 0.17 mm to the facial nerve, 1.31 ± 0.36 mm to the chorda tympani, and 1.59 ± 0.43 mm to the ossicles.

Conclusion

In a cadaveric model, PCI drilling is safe and effective.
Assessment of self‐selection bias in a pediatric unilateral hearing loss study
Authors: Lieu Judith E.C. , Dewan Karuna
Published: February 2010

Objective

To examine the differences between participants and nonparticipants in a study of children with unilateral hearing loss that might contribute to selection bias.

Study Design

Case‐control study.

Setting

Academic pediatric otolaryngology practice.

Subjects and Methods

Comparison of clinical and sociodemographic characteristics between the 81 participants and 78 nonparticipants with unilateral hearing loss in a case‐control study.

Results

Compared with nonparticipants, the study participants were younger but were diagnosed at an older age. Participants were more likely to have been diagnosed through a primary care screen and have normal ear anatomy, and less likely to have an attributed etiology for their unilateral hearing loss or tried assistive hearing devices. No other significant demographic, socioeconomic, or clinical differences were identified.

Conclusion

Self‐selection bias may jeopardize both internal and external validity of study results and should be evaluated whenever possible. Methods to minimize self‐selection bias should be considered and implemented during the planning stages of clinical studies.
Deviations from Put-Call Parity and Stock Return Predictability
Authors: Cremers Martijn , Weinbaum David
Published: February 2010

Deviations from put-call parity contain information about future stock returns. Using the difference in implied volatility between pairs of call and put options to measure these deviations, we find that stocks with relatively expensive calls outperform stocks with relatively expensive puts by 50 basis points per week. We find both positive abnormal performance in stocks with relatively expensive calls and negative abnormal performance in stocks with relatively expensive puts, which cannot be explained by short sale constraints. Rebate rates from the stock lending market directly confirm that our findings are not driven by stocks that are hard to borrow. The degree of predictability is larger when option liquidity is high and stock liquidity low, while there is little predictability when the opposite is true. Controlling for size, option prices are more likely to deviate from strict put-call parity when underlying stocks face more information risk. The degree of predictability decreases over the sample period. Our results are consistent with mispricing during the earlier years of the study, with a gradual reduction of the mispricing over time.
Transcriptional targets of Drosophila JAK/STAT pathway signalling as effectors of haematopoietic tumour formation
Authors: Bina Samira , Wright Victoria M , Fisher Katherine H , Milo Marta , Zeidler Martin P
Published: February 2010

Although many signal transduction pathways have been implicated in the development of human disease, the identification of pathway targets and the biological processes that mediate disease progression remains challenging. One such disease‐related pathway is the Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) cascade whose constitutive misactivation by the JAK2 V617F mutation underlies most human myeloproliferative disorders. Here, we use transcript profiling of Drosophila haemocyte‐like cells to identify JAK/STAT target genes, combined with an in vivo model for JAK‐induced blood cell overproliferation, to identify the main effectors required for haematopoietic tumour development. The identified human homologues of the Drosophila effectors were tested for potential V617F‐mediated transcriptional regulation in human HeLa cells and compared with small interfering RNA‐derived data, quantify their role in regulating the proliferation of cancer‐derived cell lines. Such an inter‐species approach is an effective way to identify factors with conserved functions that might be central to human disease.
From discovering to understanding
Authors: Dahm Ralf
Published: February 2010

Friedrich Miescher, the Swiss scientist who discovered DNA in 1869, already understood a surprising amount about its function. Sadly, as Ralf Dahm explains, he fell short of grasping the role of DNA in heredity because he was held back by established theories of the time.
Availability and accessibility of evidence-based information resources provided by medical libraries in Australia
Authors: Ritchie Ann , Sowter Beth
Published: February 2010

This article reports on the results of an exploratory survey of the availability andaccessibility of evidence-based information resources provided by medical libraries inAustralia. Although barriers impede access to evidence-based information for hospitalclinicians, the survey revealed that Medline and Cinahl are available in over 90% offacilities. In most cases they are widely accessible via internal networks and the Internet.The Cochrane Library is available in 69% of cases. The Internet is widely accessible andmost libraries provide access to some full-text, electronic journals. Strategies for overcomingrestrictions and integrating information resources with clinical workflow are being pursued.State, regional and national public and private consortia are developing agreementsutilising on-line technology. These could produce cost savings and more equitable accessto a greater range of evidence-based resources.
Antenatal transfer of rural women: the NSW Inpatient Statistics Collection compare with an audit of hospital records?
Authors: Roberts Christine , Algert Charles
Published: February 2010

The aim of this study was to determine whether the NSW Inpatient Statistics Collection (ISC), a census of hospitaladmissions, could be used to estimate the magnitude of, and reasons for, antenatal transfer of rural women. Data fromthe ISC were compared with results of a clinical audit of all antenatal admissions of rural women to perinatal centresin NSW during 1997-1998. While the overall number of perinatal centre admissions identified by the ISC and theaudit were similar, the ISC identified only about 70% of antenatal transfers. Rural hospitals identified 12% ofwomen as indigenous compared with 9% at perinatal centres. The ISC showed 28% of rural women admissions and42% of transfers were for threatened preterm labour compared with 21% and 30% respectively from the audit.
Home phototherapy for neonatal jaundice - technology and team work meeting consumer and service need
Authors: Lousie Jackson Claire , Tudehope David , Willis Leone
Published: February 2010

32 babies with uncomplicated physiological jaundice received home phototherapy from a hospital /community team in southern Brisbane. All babies showed acceptable reductions in their serumbilirubin on home therapy, and none required hospital re-admission for phototherapy. Their familieswere highly satisfied with the home program, and recorded high levels of confidence in their therapeuticresponsibilities. Community providers were able to deliver a high quality 24-hour service, integratedwith appropriate neonatology support. The cost of delivering the home program was significantly lessthan a comparable hospital stay.
Organisational governance structures in allied health services:A decade of change
Authors: Boyce Rosalie A
Published: February 2010

A ten year review of developments in the organisation and management of allied health services in Australian acutecare public hospitals reveals a steady transformation away from a medically managed universal model towards morecomplex and contested models of governance. This article revisits early observations about the reorganisation of alliedhealth services and presents more recent research findings to guide managerial decision-making about restructuringthe diverse disciplines that constitute allied health. A new organisational model "integrated decentralisation" ispresented as an approach to managing allied health services which accommodates multiple stakeholder demands inthe context of New Public Management (NPM) related reforms. The focus on the institutional level is complementedby examining developments in the profile and activity of allied health at the regional, state and national levels topresent a more comprehensive picture of change over the decade of the 1990s.
Thoughts on barriers and enablers for incorporating ordinary theorising into the community participation in health debate
Authors: MacDougall Colin
Published: February 2010

The primary health care approach (World Health Organisation 1978) nominates community participation as one of its underpinning principles. Similarly, a socio-environmental model of health promotion encourages people to participate in health development and foster collective action for health (Labonte 1992). People can only participate fully in decisions about research, services and programs that influence their health if their voices are heard and taken into account.
Community Health Services in China: the experience of Tianjin City
Authors: Yaping Dong
Published: February 2010

China's excellent community health system was seriously damaged during the early years of economic reform after1982, and its reconstitution has become a major policy goal of the government since 1996. This article provides abrief overview of experiences in implementing the policy of community health care in a large Chinese city, Tianjin. Ioutline the policy setting and describe Tianjin's experiences. Some initial benefits of the new system are summarisedand the difficulties and barriers are noted. I conclude with some suggestions for further improvement.
Uptake of health assessments, care plans and case conferences by general practitioners through the Enhanced Primary Care program between November 1999 and October 2001
Authors: Wilkinson David , McElroy Heather , Beilby Justin , Mott Kathy , Price Kay , Morey Sure , Best John
Published: February 2010

We aimed to describe the uptake of the Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) item numbers listed on the Medicare Benefits Schedule for health assessment (HA), care plan (CP) and case conference (CC) between November 1999 (when these items first became available) and October 2001. We used data provided by the Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing. General practitioners rendered 371,409 EPC services in all. Most services were HA (225,353;61%), most of the remainder were CP (134,688;36%), and CC comprised the rest (11,368;3%). The number of HA done increased steadily and has stabilised at around 13,000 HA per month. Most CP done (80%) were in the community and with the GP preparing the plan. From a slow start, the number of CP done increased rapidly in 2001 to about 15,000 per month. There has been a slow and steady increase in the number of CC done each month, reaching 8-900 per month. Uptake of the EPC item numbers in the first two years of their availability has been rapid and has reached substantial levels, especially for HA and CP. The uptake of CC has been slower.
Private health insurance uptake and the impact on normal birth and costs: a hypothetical model
Authors: Se Homer Caroline
Published: February 2010

Recent Australian government policy has encouraged large numbers of women of childbearing age to enter private health insurance. This paper describes how increased uptake of private health insurance may impact on the rate of normal birth, caesarean section and the costs of providing maternity care in low risk primiparous women in New South Wales. A hypothetical model was developed using data from the NSW Midwives Data Collection. Costs were calculated usingdata established from previous research in NSW (Homer et al 2001). It suggests that, as the proportion of low risk primiparous women with private health insurance increases, the rate of normal birth may decrease with a subsequent increase in rate of caesarean section. As the rate of caesarean section rises, the cost of providing intrapartum and postpartum care may also increase. I argue that increased rates of private health insurance membership have the potential to increase the rate of caesarean section and the cost of providing maternity care to low risk women. It is evident that government policy can impact on the outcome of maternity care in Australia in ways that might not have been predicted. Paradoxically, the care ofhealthy childbearing women may cost the Australian government more to provide in the future.
Gynaecological day surgery and quality of care
Authors: Markovic Milica , Bandypadhyay Mridula , Vu Trang , Lenore Manderson nad
Published: February 2010

The aim of the study was to explore the experiences of Australian public and private patients undergoing gynaecological day surgery in a public hospital. A telephone survey was conducted with 315 women within two days of hospital discharge. The findings indicate that patients generally favour the "in and out" experience of day surgery, with some reservations. Prior to hospital admission, private patients were less likely to have access to multiple sources of information as well as information that they found easy to understand. Alternative means of supporting women recovering from day surgery may be needed for those whose family members and/or friends cannot provide sufficient support following discharge. This study contributes to discussion on setting objective standards to evaluate the health system in the field of day surgery.
Managing access block
Authors: Cameron Peter , Scown Paul , Campbell Donald
Published: February 2010

There is pessimism regarding the ability of the Acute Health Sector to manage access block for emergency and elective patients. Melbourne Health suffered an acute bed crisis in 2001 resulting in record ambulance diversions and emergency department (ED) delays. We conducted an observational study to reduce access block for emergency patients whilst maintaining elective throughput at Melbourne Health. This involved a clinician-led taskforce using previously proven principles for organisational change to implement 51 actions to improve patient access over a three-month period. The primary outcome measures were ambulance diversion, emergency patients waiting more than 12 hours for an inpatient bed, elective throughput and theatre cancellations. Despite a reduction in multi-day bed numbers all primary objectives were met, ambulance diversion decreased to minimal levels, 12-hour waits decreased by 40%and elective throughput was maintained. Theatre cancellations were also minimised. We conclude that access block can be improved by clinician-led implementation of proven process improvements over a short time frame. The ability to sustain change over the longer term requires further study.
Hospital funding and services in Queensland
Authors: Surrao Suzanne , Taylor Geri , Turner Anne , Donald Ken
Published: February 2010

The Queensland health sector has been characterised as unique. The population has traditionally relied on the public sector to provide necessary hospital and other health services across the vast distances that make up the state, although there is a strong non-government sector also. More recently, and over the last 5-6 years stability and drive at themanagement level in the public sector has supported reform and progress, consistent with the national agenda. The Queensland reputation of cost efficiency and effectiveness in service delivery and outputs to meet national standards continues as this Chapter demonstrates.
Clinical issues in aged care: Managing the interface between acute, subacute, community and residential care
Authors: Flicker Leon
Published: February 2010

Although there is considerable evidence for the use of geriatric assessment and rehabilitation in many clinical settings, there exists relatively poor access in various regions of Australia. There has been considerable growth of community support services to assist in personal care of older people. Unfortunately, a lack of uniform assessment has hindered prioritization of clients,with the resultant need,and delivery, of post-acute hospital care services.In addition, there has been considerable progress in the clinical management of the age dependent disabling problems,such as dementia, osteoporosis, incontinence and falls, but the appropriate mix of funding between primary, secondary and tertiary interventions has not been determined. The health care needs of older people in residential care have been totally neglected, placing the sector at considerable risk. There need to be a fundamental rethink in managing the interface between acute, subacute,community and residential care.